This is what started it. This is what Paes said and this is how Bhupathi retorted. I feel sad that our greatest modern sporting heroes had to end their partnership on such an ugly,distasteful note. If there were Doordarshan Sports Personality of the decade - surely these two would get it. Its one thing to be top of the world in Cricket played at the highest level by approximately 200 men and another to be the best in tennis against about 1500 or more players!!
Being in the UK only snooker,cricket and the premiership are covered by the media or shown on TV, which of course just means that I have missed the entire Asian games this year. Not that it means anything, with India only winning 10 golds and finishing after Iran and Kazakhstan. Also,hockey was a disaster and the only saving grace was tennis and shooting. Of course, the IOA messed up again and their faux pas with Jaspal Rana has to be the funniest cock up in the history of Indian sport.
Sunday, December 17
Cricket
Am watching the cricket.
Brilliant. I am really happy I decided to come to college early in the morning to watch some cricket. Its been a long time since I woke up early to watch cricket. I did this for the 2003 India- Australia series. We had the Aussie and Indian Rhodies getting together in the
Plan for today :
Buy Secret Santa gift
Get things ready to send off stuff tomorrow – GMC,USMLE and Fogarty application.
Write discussion for paper.
Wash clothes
Blackwells First AID
I went to someone’s place for dinner yesterday. I met her rather strangely. JVZS was exploring a romantic liaison with the lady and invited her around for my experimental idli dinner. The idli was half steamed – and disgusting. I couldn’t eat it and the entire dinner went downhill from there. Anyway, we kept in touch and yesterday was payback dinner which was far better than anything I could have cooked. We ended up watching X factor finals which was won by Leona. 17 year old from East London with an incredible voice, terribly shy and a lack of personality -
Is this ridiculous? I consider myself a level-headed character, unexcitable and yet I am really into this test match and rooting for
Saturday, December 9
Ranting about adolescent humour!!
Should we laugh at the ICMR's latest study about Indian penis' being too small for international condoms to be effective. The article was the most widely read and emailed on the BBC website. I wonder why? Of course, it was brought to my attention and I was made fun of. No doubt, millions of young Indian males across the world are being teased and mocked. I somehow, couldn't see the funny side of it.Well,truthfully I could and couldn't ...
Perhaps its just me getting prudish and prickly at my manliness being punctured. Perhaps its the medic and scientist in me. Whatever the reason, I noticed two things.
1. This is probably the most important project the ICMR has undertaken for a long time. Think about it for a bit and you might realise this study may help prevent a huge number of STD's in India.
2.While being jeered I suddenly realised how difficult it is to get people in India to talk about sex, sexual health and anatomy normally. What my friend found the funniest was that 1200 men volunteered to have their penis' measured. Well, how else did they expect to answer the problem? Also, the first reaction to the story was comedy - not once did people think of the science and research involved. Can you imagine if educated people can only take this to be a source of entertainment and ridicule, how difficult it must be to talk about such items in a rural, conservative traditional environment?
Maybe it is age and maybe my hurt ego that I have got so wound up about it, but here is our apex Medical body trying to make a contribution and if I may hazard, a damn important one. Consider that our only chance to halt the HIV epidemic is sexual education and condoms, what is so funny?
I also blame the BBC for potraying this study and its results so poorly. Here is a similar issue in the UK and the NHS. The BBC writes the article in a very different way and it doesn't come off so bad. The difference is that in the UK people might go to their GP and talk about split and loose condoms - of course, thats never going to happen in India.
Anyway, you get the point- Kudos to ICMR for pushing and finishing this study. It would never get into the NEJM as an original article but if nothing else - perhaps the IgNobel prize??
Perhaps its just me getting prudish and prickly at my manliness being punctured. Perhaps its the medic and scientist in me. Whatever the reason, I noticed two things.
1. This is probably the most important project the ICMR has undertaken for a long time. Think about it for a bit and you might realise this study may help prevent a huge number of STD's in India.
2.While being jeered I suddenly realised how difficult it is to get people in India to talk about sex, sexual health and anatomy normally. What my friend found the funniest was that 1200 men volunteered to have their penis' measured. Well, how else did they expect to answer the problem? Also, the first reaction to the story was comedy - not once did people think of the science and research involved. Can you imagine if educated people can only take this to be a source of entertainment and ridicule, how difficult it must be to talk about such items in a rural, conservative traditional environment?
Maybe it is age and maybe my hurt ego that I have got so wound up about it, but here is our apex Medical body trying to make a contribution and if I may hazard, a damn important one. Consider that our only chance to halt the HIV epidemic is sexual education and condoms, what is so funny?
I also blame the BBC for potraying this study and its results so poorly. Here is a similar issue in the UK and the NHS. The BBC writes the article in a very different way and it doesn't come off so bad. The difference is that in the UK people might go to their GP and talk about split and loose condoms - of course, thats never going to happen in India.
Anyway, you get the point- Kudos to ICMR for pushing and finishing this study. It would never get into the NEJM as an original article but if nothing else - perhaps the IgNobel prize??
modelling q
Following testing of blood for HCV, the number of new infections has dropped remarkably. The problem is chronic HCV and the question is can we bring down incidence of any disease low enough that it no longer is a problem? isnt that eradication and similar things are happening with HIV in South Africa. The prevalence of the disease is stabilised because the number of deaths equals the number of new infections.
Can we model how much we need to decrease infection to prevent a disease being a public health problem?
Can we model how much we need to decrease infection to prevent a disease being a public health problem?
Sunday, November 19
Paul Simon live on BBC & borat
Its cool. I am sitting on the bed after a day of ICS and FACSing listening to Paul Simon live on the BBC. Its brilliant.
Also, needed a break from work so decided to pen my random thoughts down.
So, while in dark room today I saw a few clips of Borat on www. youtube.com. I remember seeing the trailer when I went to watch Talladega Nights and thought it to be horribly rude, loud and obnoxious. So, I never contemplated watching it..until today. I saw some clips from his previous episodes and there were bits which were funny. Others weren't.
Most of his jokes are puerile and sexual. He seems to keep making fun of people's discomfort with discussing sex or sexual activities in public. I am not a prude or anything, but I dont think there is anything wrong with not discussing sex in public.
Now, despite the fact that we all know he is over-the-top comedy, very slap stick and intended to potray a western stereotype of Central Asian culture, I find his insistent disparaging of women slightly unnerving.
Some of his stuff is just funny. There is a very funny bit, where he visits a dating agency in America. Its incredibly funny not because of him , but the lady running the agency. There is such a naivety and righteousness about the woman who is trying to inculcate this barbarian about western woman and western values, that makes this entire scene comic.
At one point, he talks about "crushing a cheating woman". The woman answers," I am sorry but if you keep saying that you wont fit our agency criterion. American women wont date someone who keeps saying that". As if, domestic violence and infedility crimes dont occur in the West.
Anyway, what I still kept thinking was what is the limit in offensive comedy and is there a limit we shouldn't or couldn't cross. At what point does comedy turn into invidious behaviour? More importantly, should society ban such undesirable humour?
In my opinion and after much thought, I cant think of any reason to ban any form of expression. I think its a personal choice as to whether you wish to see such forms of entertainment. The fact that things like Jerry Springer and Borat, Ali G are popular indicate that there is a market for this kind of comedy. If people did not watch or enjoy these people, they would not be on TV or popular. In balance, its probably important that expression of these forms of satire are allowed. Can you imagine Jerry Seinfield as our only form of humour?
so, although I would never pay money or even accept money to watch Borat except for curiosity values, I also accept that some people like it and for them its worth the money. So why should I care?
Ok back to writing tutorial reports.
Also, needed a break from work so decided to pen my random thoughts down.
So, while in dark room today I saw a few clips of Borat on www. youtube.com. I remember seeing the trailer when I went to watch Talladega Nights and thought it to be horribly rude, loud and obnoxious. So, I never contemplated watching it..until today. I saw some clips from his previous episodes and there were bits which were funny. Others weren't.
Most of his jokes are puerile and sexual. He seems to keep making fun of people's discomfort with discussing sex or sexual activities in public. I am not a prude or anything, but I dont think there is anything wrong with not discussing sex in public.
Now, despite the fact that we all know he is over-the-top comedy, very slap stick and intended to potray a western stereotype of Central Asian culture, I find his insistent disparaging of women slightly unnerving.
Some of his stuff is just funny. There is a very funny bit, where he visits a dating agency in America. Its incredibly funny not because of him , but the lady running the agency. There is such a naivety and righteousness about the woman who is trying to inculcate this barbarian about western woman and western values, that makes this entire scene comic.
At one point, he talks about "crushing a cheating woman". The woman answers," I am sorry but if you keep saying that you wont fit our agency criterion. American women wont date someone who keeps saying that". As if, domestic violence and infedility crimes dont occur in the West.
Anyway, what I still kept thinking was what is the limit in offensive comedy and is there a limit we shouldn't or couldn't cross. At what point does comedy turn into invidious behaviour? More importantly, should society ban such undesirable humour?
In my opinion and after much thought, I cant think of any reason to ban any form of expression. I think its a personal choice as to whether you wish to see such forms of entertainment. The fact that things like Jerry Springer and Borat, Ali G are popular indicate that there is a market for this kind of comedy. If people did not watch or enjoy these people, they would not be on TV or popular. In balance, its probably important that expression of these forms of satire are allowed. Can you imagine Jerry Seinfield as our only form of humour?
so, although I would never pay money or even accept money to watch Borat except for curiosity values, I also accept that some people like it and for them its worth the money. So why should I care?
Ok back to writing tutorial reports.
Sunday, September 3
Why watch tennis?
Agassi - my hero has just ended his career losing to Benjamin Becker in the third round of the US Open.
Why watch tennis? I couldn't watch the whole match because of some idiot watching Discovery channel, so I had to be content with US Open Radio.
I wish I was there.... End of an era..no more Sampras,Agassi, Ivanisevic, Rafter.
Tennis as I knew it is over... I cant get myself to cheer anyone in tennis. No heros left, no more idols. The only person I liked on a tennis court has now left it.
Why watch tennis? I couldn't watch the whole match because of some idiot watching Discovery channel, so I had to be content with US Open Radio.
I wish I was there.... End of an era..no more Sampras,Agassi, Ivanisevic, Rafter.
Tennis as I knew it is over... I cant get myself to cheer anyone in tennis. No heros left, no more idols. The only person I liked on a tennis court has now left it.
Sunday, August 6
Marathon Update - 86 DAYS TO GO!!
This is the route I ran today. I have been doing 40 minute runs with my lab colleagues over the last week and today was supposed to be the 80 minute run, but I couldn't run for that long. It was too hot and I was very tired. This is the route I ran. Approximately 9 kilometers and it took me 50 minutes with two walking breaks of about 200 metres. Its only the second time that I have run for so long alone and it really gets boring. My bigget problem was boredom and the urge to quit and walk the rest of the way.
My various strategies for combating this malaise included paranoia-like imagination of my colleagues running along side me, staring at the tarmac to singing songs being played on the radio!! It was difficult especially I suspect because of the heat. I dont know whether running for 20 minutes on Saturday made a significant dent in my reserves.
Can I do it? Must book my flight to Dublin. But, once I do that..there is no turning back. ON today's evidence there is little chance that I am going to be able to run for four and a half hours.
My various strategies for combating this malaise included paranoia-like imagination of my colleagues running along side me, staring at the tarmac to singing songs being played on the radio!! It was difficult especially I suspect because of the heat. I dont know whether running for 20 minutes on Saturday made a significant dent in my reserves.
Can I do it? Must book my flight to Dublin. But, once I do that..there is no turning back. ON today's evidence there is little chance that I am going to be able to run for four and a half hours.
Sunday, July 23
This is my gory eye, now much easier to view. This is day 4 post-injury. Eye is less swollen, and the now noticeable feature is the lovely colouring of the eye. Purple with just the beginning of a hint of black. Many questions were asked. People's impressions of me are much varied. It ranges from "fighting is not good for you" to "I can't ever imagine you getting a black eye"!
Saturday, July 22
Dennis Bergkamp retires
Its the end of an era! Dennis Bergkamp retires from Arsenal. He has had such an amazing record its amazing. I remember Bergkamp as this master of the football. He was so much like Henry is now for Arsenal,a talisman, a one-touch wonder with speed and vision.
The reason why he stands out in my memory is thanks to Rupert Murdoch. He began broadcasting Premiership football in India and I remember following names like Bergkamp, Beckham, Davids, Overmars. The great players of my generation. When I was growing up these were the players we emulated in our football matches!!
Anyway, Bergkamp always captured my imagination. Just his passing, his channels, he could cut a defence in two in a second. I loved Arsenal only because of him. Anyway, I cant feel the same of the club without Bergkamp.
The end of an era!! Goodbye and Goodluck.
The reason why he stands out in my memory is thanks to Rupert Murdoch. He began broadcasting Premiership football in India and I remember following names like Bergkamp, Beckham, Davids, Overmars. The great players of my generation. When I was growing up these were the players we emulated in our football matches!!
Anyway, Bergkamp always captured my imagination. Just his passing, his channels, he could cut a defence in two in a second. I loved Arsenal only because of him. Anyway, I cant feel the same of the club without Bergkamp.
The end of an era!! Goodbye and Goodluck.
Wednesday, July 19
Knee-jerk reaction by bloggers
The Little One and I discussed the blogblock at length. BBC has now covered the story about Govt banning certain blogs in India.
I think we were both in agreement that surely the bloggers' reaction was irrational and unjust. If you read through some of these posts from different blogs, it almost seems like the Govt brought all the bloggers into jail. Some of these blogs, Ultrabrown , Sepia Mutiny,Desi Pundit
and the new forum against the bloggers on Wikipedia try to act as information points but also rage at the GoI for taking this step.
I sympathise with their rant against the incompetency of the ISP's and the general ineptitude of our cyber police. Outlook ran this article and Indian Express this one detailing the websites banned and the disorder and confusion in trying to do this. It rightly identifies that the Govt had planned only to ban certain websites and blogs which they believed either incited communal hatred or were used by terrorists to communicate. The article then records the miscommunication within the government and its bodies in detailing and carrying out this order. To most rational, level-minded people this is a clear case of beureaucratic mismanagment not a case of dictatorial repression as everyone seems to suggest.
I feel aggrieved that a community as educated and important cant see the logic in the governments action. Here we have a community of bloggers moaning about the lack of government response to the attack, and when the government decides to do something sensible to prevent the possible communal repercussions of this attack, they criticise and file petitions to demand their freedom of speech.
Guys, lets have perspective. I really wish the terrorists did communicate by blogs and orchestrate their next attack through a website just to shut up this stupid response by bloggers.
The worse problem is that there is such righteous outrage at the incident that not too many people are willing to stand up and criticise the blogging community for their over-reaction.
To end, if the GoI is so incompetent then surely the bloggers are bright enough to find a way to blog and get around the problem. Email people, phone calls...The WORLD did turn without the Internet!!!
I think we were both in agreement that surely the bloggers' reaction was irrational and unjust. If you read through some of these posts from different blogs, it almost seems like the Govt brought all the bloggers into jail. Some of these blogs, Ultrabrown , Sepia Mutiny,Desi Pundit
and the new forum against the bloggers on Wikipedia try to act as information points but also rage at the GoI for taking this step.
I sympathise with their rant against the incompetency of the ISP's and the general ineptitude of our cyber police. Outlook ran this article and Indian Express this one detailing the websites banned and the disorder and confusion in trying to do this. It rightly identifies that the Govt had planned only to ban certain websites and blogs which they believed either incited communal hatred or were used by terrorists to communicate. The article then records the miscommunication within the government and its bodies in detailing and carrying out this order. To most rational, level-minded people this is a clear case of beureaucratic mismanagment not a case of dictatorial repression as everyone seems to suggest.
I feel aggrieved that a community as educated and important cant see the logic in the governments action. Here we have a community of bloggers moaning about the lack of government response to the attack, and when the government decides to do something sensible to prevent the possible communal repercussions of this attack, they criticise and file petitions to demand their freedom of speech.
Guys, lets have perspective. I really wish the terrorists did communicate by blogs and orchestrate their next attack through a website just to shut up this stupid response by bloggers.
The worse problem is that there is such righteous outrage at the incident that not too many people are willing to stand up and criticise the blogging community for their over-reaction.
To end, if the GoI is so incompetent then surely the bloggers are bright enough to find a way to blog and get around the problem. Email people, phone calls...The WORLD did turn without the Internet!!!
Tuesday, July 18
Stevie Wonder incarnation. I do look blind dont I? I have never bought sun glasses before in my life. Walked into boots and didn't know what to do. So, started looking at whatever would cover my eye. Also, please remember my choice was made with only one good eye!! So, all criticisms must be made keeping this in mind
I am depressed by the Middle East
I am not a political guy. Dont really have very rigid political views and usually very consciously try to form opinions based on facts rather than any particular political predisposition.
However, the news from Lebanon is just making me more and more depressed. When the Prime Minister is powerless to do anything to stop this carnage then what are citizens expected to do?
I am reading the Independent covering this issue and every time I read an article, a growing sense of helplessness and frustration suffuses me. How can the World sit back and allow this blatant extermination of a people? This is not a simple retaliation to the capture of three soldiers, this is cold,calculated WAR. Our world leaders sitting in St.Petersburg are unmoved by the pictures and scenes broadcast everyday, they do not feel the pain of broken country, they cant even hear the pleas and cries of citizens bombed everyday or even the country's leader beseeching countries to stop this heartless massacre.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Hizbollah must be stopped and punished. Mumbai blasts only seek to reinforce the terrible havoc such organisations can cause, but are the Israelis any worse? To kill 100 civilians ruthlessly without any remorse stinks of hatred and pure vengenance not justice. This is a show of power and might. Would the Israelis dare attack Iran or Syria? This is the rape of a nation and we are sitting back and allowing it to happen. Its disgusting. I am sick to the core. How I wish I could go up and slap the Israeli PM in the face and scream at him to stop it.
How does anyone stop this? What does it require to stop this mayhem? Why isn't the UN(our peacekeeper) stop it? George Bush, who was so outraged the the condition of people in Iraq that he thought it needed to stop has so far not even said a word to bring an end to this inhuman situation in lebanon. Can you imagine India being plundered like this? How would we feel? Is it all right for Israel to play the bully?
Its not right... and thats what needs to be corrected. If we allow this then the world is run by the strong and the weaker countries will never have a chance to survive. N. Korea - I agree with what you are doing. Iran- keep it up. For if they didn't by now, they would be suffering Lebanon's fate. This is the message being sent out by the G8 leaders today.
Shame on everyone who sits by and lets this happen. For years from now, we will look back on this WAR and remember it as the day humanity lost its soul.
However, the news from Lebanon is just making me more and more depressed. When the Prime Minister is powerless to do anything to stop this carnage then what are citizens expected to do?
I am reading the Independent covering this issue and every time I read an article, a growing sense of helplessness and frustration suffuses me. How can the World sit back and allow this blatant extermination of a people? This is not a simple retaliation to the capture of three soldiers, this is cold,calculated WAR. Our world leaders sitting in St.Petersburg are unmoved by the pictures and scenes broadcast everyday, they do not feel the pain of broken country, they cant even hear the pleas and cries of citizens bombed everyday or even the country's leader beseeching countries to stop this heartless massacre.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Hizbollah must be stopped and punished. Mumbai blasts only seek to reinforce the terrible havoc such organisations can cause, but are the Israelis any worse? To kill 100 civilians ruthlessly without any remorse stinks of hatred and pure vengenance not justice. This is a show of power and might. Would the Israelis dare attack Iran or Syria? This is the rape of a nation and we are sitting back and allowing it to happen. Its disgusting. I am sick to the core. How I wish I could go up and slap the Israeli PM in the face and scream at him to stop it.
How does anyone stop this? What does it require to stop this mayhem? Why isn't the UN(our peacekeeper) stop it? George Bush, who was so outraged the the condition of people in Iraq that he thought it needed to stop has so far not even said a word to bring an end to this inhuman situation in lebanon. Can you imagine India being plundered like this? How would we feel? Is it all right for Israel to play the bully?
Its not right... and thats what needs to be corrected. If we allow this then the world is run by the strong and the weaker countries will never have a chance to survive. N. Korea - I agree with what you are doing. Iran- keep it up. For if they didn't by now, they would be suffering Lebanon's fate. This is the message being sent out by the G8 leaders today.
Shame on everyone who sits by and lets this happen. For years from now, we will look back on this WAR and remember it as the day humanity lost its soul.
Monday, July 17
Rhodes XI vs Commonwealth XI - the result
I am well. I took a ball in my face yesterday while captaining the Rhodes XI against the Commonwealth Scholars. Coming in 3 down my first two balls against a quick leggie where played away. Next over I faced him, my third ball, his first of the over. Slightly overpitched and it was dispatched over midwicket for a huge six. Right from the meat of the bat.
Next ball, I knew he was going to pitch it short and I had pre-meditated a pull. There were only three overs left, so it was all or nothing. Ball bounced much higher than expected, it was a topspinner. I was into my shot, got the top edge and bang into my right eye. I knew it was bad.
There was this throbbing pain and I started walking off with my hand over my eye and both eyes closed.
All I heard were people's voices.
Cathering King," Don't worry. He's a doctor".
Karlee (canadian Rhodies),"And how does that help him?".
Fortunately, there were two more medics there. Both Rhodies who washed the wound and temporarily staunched the bleeding.
Catherine took me to the Hospital, where being a doctor provided me with some advantage in getting to the top of the queue. I had to persuade the doctor that to allow me to go quickly as I had to organise a BBQ later at Linacre.
I can see except for the swelling in my eye and some pain. Shall blog daily photos of the eye even if you dont want to see it!!
Next ball, I knew he was going to pitch it short and I had pre-meditated a pull. There were only three overs left, so it was all or nothing. Ball bounced much higher than expected, it was a topspinner. I was into my shot, got the top edge and bang into my right eye. I knew it was bad.
There was this throbbing pain and I started walking off with my hand over my eye and both eyes closed.
All I heard were people's voices.
Cathering King," Don't worry. He's a doctor".
Karlee (canadian Rhodies),"And how does that help him?".
Fortunately, there were two more medics there. Both Rhodies who washed the wound and temporarily staunched the bleeding.
Catherine took me to the Hospital, where being a doctor provided me with some advantage in getting to the top of the queue. I had to persuade the doctor that to allow me to go quickly as I had to organise a BBQ later at Linacre.
I can see except for the swelling in my eye and some pain. Shall blog daily photos of the eye even if you dont want to see it!!
Saturday, July 15
Marathon Update - 106 DAYS TO GO!!
My Dublin Marathon is on the 29th of October and I have 106 days to go. I am following a training regime for 15 weeks advanced by Runners World to run a sub 4:30 marathon.
Today I have finished week 1 of the regime and had to run for 60 mins. I was barely able to run 50 minutes and that was using a run/walk method of running. I have no idea how I am going to run for 4 and a half hours. It was so hot that my feet were burning up. It reminds me of playing tennis in Delhi on the clay courts of MSVV, with temperatures close to 40 degrees.
When I start running my calf muslces hurt and so do my knees (thats because its the only time in their life they have had to carry a 68 kg weight) but slowly I no longer feel any pain. The real problem today was my stitch. I cant remember the last time I ran long enough to get a stitch, so in some ways I was pleased. I deal with a stitch by walking, having small sips of water and then running very slowly.
The only thing I can say is that my stamina has definitely improved. I can run for half an hour without any pain or trouble. What I do need is a watch, one of those cheap ones you get on the streets in India. The digital ones with a plastic black strap, casio make and having two buttons on the side. One to change the display to the stopwatch and the other to the date.
I shall hopefully blog everyday that I do run and keep you informed of my training progress.
Today I have finished week 1 of the regime and had to run for 60 mins. I was barely able to run 50 minutes and that was using a run/walk method of running. I have no idea how I am going to run for 4 and a half hours. It was so hot that my feet were burning up. It reminds me of playing tennis in Delhi on the clay courts of MSVV, with temperatures close to 40 degrees.
When I start running my calf muslces hurt and so do my knees (thats because its the only time in their life they have had to carry a 68 kg weight) but slowly I no longer feel any pain. The real problem today was my stitch. I cant remember the last time I ran long enough to get a stitch, so in some ways I was pleased. I deal with a stitch by walking, having small sips of water and then running very slowly.
The only thing I can say is that my stamina has definitely improved. I can run for half an hour without any pain or trouble. What I do need is a watch, one of those cheap ones you get on the streets in India. The digital ones with a plastic black strap, casio make and having two buttons on the side. One to change the display to the stopwatch and the other to the date.
I shall hopefully blog everyday that I do run and keep you informed of my training progress.
Don't watch Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest even if someone paid you to watch it. Its crap. Just spent the last few hours watching a movie without any plot, story line or memorable dialogue. THE WORST PART of the movie is that its a BLOODY Prequel to the next one. The movie ends with the start of the next one.....I mean there is no end in the movie, no climax, no finale after the two hour special effect extravaganza.
The hint of a plot disappears when Jack Sparrow disappears into this huge squid's digestive tract and while we all await his return at the climax, all we get is the beginning of the next movie. It really annoys me when producers do that.... Hmmppffff...miffed,drinking coffee and watching Thai kickboxing....how do I vent my frustration at Jerry Bruckheimer??
The hint of a plot disappears when Jack Sparrow disappears into this huge squid's digestive tract and while we all await his return at the climax, all we get is the beginning of the next movie. It really annoys me when producers do that.... Hmmppffff...miffed,drinking coffee and watching Thai kickboxing....how do I vent my frustration at Jerry Bruckheimer??
Italian clubs are relegated - thank god!
I am really glad that the Italian teams that indulged in match fixing have been relegated. Juventus have always been accussed of match-fixing although no one has been able to prove it. Just being such a huge presence in Italy allows them to manipulate referees and schedulers. AC Milan backed by owner Silvio Berlusconi also use similar pressure tactics.
My only fear is that the severity of the punishments meted out to the clubs are so severe that the two biggest clubs in Italy will no longer play in Europe, reducing the glamour and popularity of Italian football. Can you imagine Champions league without AC Milan and Juve, without Kaka, Adriano, Del Piero, Cannavaro? All these stars who made their name in the World Cup will not be seen in the champions league.
What a loss! What a Champions League this will be with Inter, Roma, Chievo and Palermo representing the Italian League.When was the last time we heard of Chievo? Anyone outside Italy know any player from the club?
All I can say is how sad for a club of Juventus' history and stature have to face the shame of being relegated to Serie B for two years. Just like cricket, I think Italian football will take some time to recover from this blow. The only saving grace being them having won the World Cup and also football's popularity world-wide (unlike cricket's) will help football recover from this incident.
My only fear is that the severity of the punishments meted out to the clubs are so severe that the two biggest clubs in Italy will no longer play in Europe, reducing the glamour and popularity of Italian football. Can you imagine Champions league without AC Milan and Juve, without Kaka, Adriano, Del Piero, Cannavaro? All these stars who made their name in the World Cup will not be seen in the champions league.
What a loss! What a Champions League this will be with Inter, Roma, Chievo and Palermo representing the Italian League.When was the last time we heard of Chievo? Anyone outside Italy know any player from the club?
All I can say is how sad for a club of Juventus' history and stature have to face the shame of being relegated to Serie B for two years. Just like cricket, I think Italian football will take some time to recover from this blow. The only saving grace being them having won the World Cup and also football's popularity world-wide (unlike cricket's) will help football recover from this incident.
Friday, July 14
CONNOTEA
I have just discovered Connotea. The Nature Publishing group free online reference manager. Its much like using endnote or some other refernce manager except that it is open to all. So, when I reference an article, I can tag it and then anyone accessing articles with this particular tag shall find all articles referenced with those tags including mine. Its mainly meant for researchers who can reference articles published in most journals but you can also reference news articles.
Its quite useful for me as it means that instead of sending myself emails of abstracts, I can place them on this library which I can access from anywhere. Its great also because I can find similar articles referenced by others.
Also, most importantly..... I am getting cooler!!!! Techno ..Cool..!!!!
Its quite useful for me as it means that instead of sending myself emails of abstracts, I can place them on this library which I can access from anywhere. Its great also because I can find similar articles referenced by others.
Also, most importantly..... I am getting cooler!!!! Techno ..Cool..!!!!
Wednesday, July 12
Send all the terrorists to Vanuatu!!
Pack them all off to the Happiest Place in the World. Some random study conducted by an economic study group identified Vanuatu in the South APcific as the Happiest Place in the World based on consumption levels, happiness and life expectancy.
Why oh Why
Its a sad sad day when bombs are planted on mumbai trains! Why oh Why? Of all the places to hurt, not the trains.
Not the lifeline of the city. Its said people spend a third of their life sleeping. In Mumbai, we spend a third of our life on the train.
That place where nothing can go wrong, where as children I was safe to travel. Its a place where mumbai is united in the single aim to reach on time. Like Suketu Mehta wrote, hands stream out of the train in an attempt to catch others and bring them into the fold. Everyone helps everyone on the train. Lifelong friendships are made, crossword clubs, bhajan socities are formed.
You cant hurt us there. Its not right!!
In all this, I thank all the blogs that have covered mumbai at this time. Its the only time I have spent my evening reading people's blogs. A big thank you to blogs Dilip D'souza's factual acount of what is happening on the streets, Ultrabrown and others I have read to get an idea about what is happening. Its really so difficult for me to feel anything especially when no one I know is hurt.
Mumbai help are doing a great job by contacting people and getting them in touch with survivors and family members. Thanks and please send out the link to others.
God, I am depressed now. Why am I not there, helping people out. Why oh Why?
Other blogs I am reading:
http://www.desipundit.com/
http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/
http://pajamasmedia.com/2006/07/mumbai_blasts.php - reported on all the news stories
I am on the other side of the world, readin about CAR receptors, adenoviruses and Integrins -- what the $%&% am I wasting my time here??
Not the lifeline of the city. Its said people spend a third of their life sleeping. In Mumbai, we spend a third of our life on the train.
That place where nothing can go wrong, where as children I was safe to travel. Its a place where mumbai is united in the single aim to reach on time. Like Suketu Mehta wrote, hands stream out of the train in an attempt to catch others and bring them into the fold. Everyone helps everyone on the train. Lifelong friendships are made, crossword clubs, bhajan socities are formed.
You cant hurt us there. Its not right!!
In all this, I thank all the blogs that have covered mumbai at this time. Its the only time I have spent my evening reading people's blogs. A big thank you to blogs Dilip D'souza's factual acount of what is happening on the streets, Ultrabrown and others I have read to get an idea about what is happening. Its really so difficult for me to feel anything especially when no one I know is hurt.
Mumbai help are doing a great job by contacting people and getting them in touch with survivors and family members. Thanks and please send out the link to others.
God, I am depressed now. Why am I not there, helping people out. Why oh Why?
Other blogs I am reading:
http://www.desipundit.com/
http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/
http://pajamasmedia.com/2006/07/mumbai_blasts.php - reported on all the news stories
I am on the other side of the world, readin about CAR receptors, adenoviruses and Integrins -- what the $%&% am I wasting my time here??
Sunday, July 9
Bluetooth - techno junkie
I used Bluetooth today from my phone. Its quite cool technology. I then visited their website
which explained the entire technology to me. The fact that we can have a completely wireless home NOW rather than the future (as I keep thinking) makes it even more exciting. I must thank GM for showing me how to use it. I took a photo from my phone and sent it to his computer. Its quite a cool photo as well. Shall blog it later.
Unfortunately for me my computer, R32 does not have the technology. Its really cool. I am slowly beginning to understand what is actually happening around me. I need to wake up from the Middle ages and learn more about the connected world I live in. My next computer is going to have bluetooth.
You can actually have a whole house that is cable free and wireless, now only if someone figured out how to send power through ether. Where is Edison when you need him!!
which explained the entire technology to me. The fact that we can have a completely wireless home NOW rather than the future (as I keep thinking) makes it even more exciting. I must thank GM for showing me how to use it. I took a photo from my phone and sent it to his computer. Its quite a cool photo as well. Shall blog it later.
Unfortunately for me my computer, R32 does not have the technology. Its really cool. I am slowly beginning to understand what is actually happening around me. I need to wake up from the Middle ages and learn more about the connected world I live in. My next computer is going to have bluetooth.
You can actually have a whole house that is cable free and wireless, now only if someone figured out how to send power through ether. Where is Edison when you need him!!
Friday, July 7
Science blogs
Nature has just published the 50 most popular science blogs. I never knew that so many academics actually blogged. Its quite interesting that they decided to rate blogs maintained by academics separately from other writers. The way they measured and rated these blogs is obviously questionable and open to interpretation.
They looked at how many at the technorati ratings of the blog. Technorati rates a blog depending on how many times the blog is linked by other sites in the last six months. Obviously, if your blog is around or longer then it is linked more. also, it does mean that if your blog isn't linked but is read avidly by non-techno-savvy- bloggers (like me) then it doesn't get ranked.
Its quite interesting to see how many people blog and it seems to become an important part of your CV especially if you apply for publishing jobs. Hublog, written by Alf Eaton, now a nature publishing group employee has a science blog which might have won first prize but is no longer a scientist and therefore doesn't qualify in this rating.
Anyway, I am amazed at the number of people blogging. I somehow always saw a blog as space to put your thoughts down and let friends know about interesting things and your activites, but its only now struck me how people are using it to dissipate information. Amazing!! I dont think I would read a lot of blogs like Hublog because of how technical it is but some of the other blogs on the list are easy reading.
I also noticed that the top blogs all have short posts usually linking up to something. Its not like the author has given his or her opinion or even commented on the article they are linking to, which in my opinion is as good as just posting a list of interesting articles numbered 1 - 10 without anything else.
My interest in a blog is always more when I get some idea of what the person is thinking about. Is it a good article or bad, why? Anyway, today I have also discovered technorati!!!
They looked at how many at the technorati ratings of the blog. Technorati rates a blog depending on how many times the blog is linked by other sites in the last six months. Obviously, if your blog is around or longer then it is linked more. also, it does mean that if your blog isn't linked but is read avidly by non-techno-savvy- bloggers (like me) then it doesn't get ranked.
Its quite interesting to see how many people blog and it seems to become an important part of your CV especially if you apply for publishing jobs. Hublog, written by Alf Eaton, now a nature publishing group employee has a science blog which might have won first prize but is no longer a scientist and therefore doesn't qualify in this rating.
Anyway, I am amazed at the number of people blogging. I somehow always saw a blog as space to put your thoughts down and let friends know about interesting things and your activites, but its only now struck me how people are using it to dissipate information. Amazing!! I dont think I would read a lot of blogs like Hublog because of how technical it is but some of the other blogs on the list are easy reading.
I also noticed that the top blogs all have short posts usually linking up to something. Its not like the author has given his or her opinion or even commented on the article they are linking to, which in my opinion is as good as just posting a list of interesting articles numbered 1 - 10 without anything else.
My interest in a blog is always more when I get some idea of what the person is thinking about. Is it a good article or bad, why? Anyway, today I have also discovered technorati!!!
My first phone download
I undertook my first ever purcahse through my mobile. I downloaded Street Soccer 2 onto my phone for GBP2.99!! Wow!! I am now slowly becoming a techno junkie...(facebook, mobile phone downloads, what next?)
irony
Its sadly ironical that while my mother is lying exhausted and sick on a hospital bed in Bombay with severe falciparum malaria, here I am 8000 miles away trying to find a vaccine for it. What a waste of time!!!
I am horribly frustrated at my abject helplessness in the situation. Its the only time in three years that I despair at not being a doctor anymore. I cant do anything, I barely know what treatment should be given, I have to read a textbook to remember the side-effects of drugs and the best treatment regime...whats the point of this PhD???
I live in the Ivory-towers of academic science shamefully elevated and distanced from reality, powerless to remedy or assist my own family; worse to be brought down from these lofted heights by the bite of the very parasite that I seek to eradicate!
I am horribly frustrated at my abject helplessness in the situation. Its the only time in three years that I despair at not being a doctor anymore. I cant do anything, I barely know what treatment should be given, I have to read a textbook to remember the side-effects of drugs and the best treatment regime...whats the point of this PhD???
I live in the Ivory-towers of academic science shamefully elevated and distanced from reality, powerless to remedy or assist my own family; worse to be brought down from these lofted heights by the bite of the very parasite that I seek to eradicate!
Friday, June 30
work stuff
It remains to be determined whether the presence of CD8+T cells in the liver is ther esult of their migration to the infected hepatocytes or of programmed trafficking to non-lymphoid organs.
Q? Is the dif between dif Ads due to the increased no of cells in the liver? look at diff chemokine surface markers.
Q? Is the dif between dif Ads due to the increased no of cells in the liver? look at diff chemokine surface markers.
I have just joined facebook, the great new online social network. The BBC wrote this article on it and I think that more than the article, reader's comments are more interesting. Its great to see some readers actually protest against this.
I got a message from my friend congratulating me(and himself) on being his 100th friend. Since when have we become so insecure in our relationships that we began to count our friends!!!!
Thank God I can count the number of friends I have on my hand. I probably have exactly 3 friends who despite knowing how stupid, annoying, kiddish I am would still be happy to call me their friend.
Is it really great to have 73 friends on facebook? Does my life become better because I am suddenly connected to 14,074 people by being part of the Oxford University Network? Do I have to write posts on Facebook for me to remain friends with someone or keep myself in their memory?
What happened to the good old fashioned meeting on the playground or a quick coffee or even better meeting after 5 years in the middle of nowhere? I fear for a world where people value each other on whether or not they belong to an online social network!!
Sorry for the rant..but it really does annoy me when people are amazed by the fact that you are not on FACEBOOK! Welcome to the new "face" of peer pressure...its no longer smoking or drugs or playing football but FACEBOOK!!
I got a message from my friend congratulating me(and himself) on being his 100th friend. Since when have we become so insecure in our relationships that we began to count our friends!!!!
Thank God I can count the number of friends I have on my hand. I probably have exactly 3 friends who despite knowing how stupid, annoying, kiddish I am would still be happy to call me their friend.
Is it really great to have 73 friends on facebook? Does my life become better because I am suddenly connected to 14,074 people by being part of the Oxford University Network? Do I have to write posts on Facebook for me to remain friends with someone or keep myself in their memory?
What happened to the good old fashioned meeting on the playground or a quick coffee or even better meeting after 5 years in the middle of nowhere? I fear for a world where people value each other on whether or not they belong to an online social network!!
Sorry for the rant..but it really does annoy me when people are amazed by the fact that you are not on FACEBOOK! Welcome to the new "face" of peer pressure...its no longer smoking or drugs or playing football but FACEBOOK!!
I decided I shall only blog on three kinds of posts. One, about sports. Two, about science. Three, about my feelings on the world at large. I then realised that should usually cover everything I do in a day.
My day normally starts off with me waking up early( anything between 7am and 9am), having a quick bath(or not) and then heading off to the lab. I reach the lab and depending on the amount of work (or how I feel) I either start work immediately or I log myself onto a computer, make myself a cup of tea and check mail. Having finished checking my meagre correspondence (usually consisting of spam mails, AANet saver, CNN breaking news or Africans offering me a million bucks if I send them my bank account details) I then go to these three websites:
1. BBC Sport
2. Cricinfo
3. Rediff
Having scanned the latest in the world of sport and my life, I then think about whether I want to reply to the few mails I have received. Most of the time I don't but on the rare occassion where I feel I need to prove my efficiency I reply to these mails in not more than three lines.( Thats all the writing I can do on one cup of tea in the morning).
Then back into the lab and finish lab and go home to watch mindless British TV or porter in college.
Thats my day for you and therefore if I were to blog about my day it could only consist of three things!!
My day normally starts off with me waking up early( anything between 7am and 9am), having a quick bath(or not) and then heading off to the lab. I reach the lab and depending on the amount of work (or how I feel) I either start work immediately or I log myself onto a computer, make myself a cup of tea and check mail. Having finished checking my meagre correspondence (usually consisting of spam mails, AANet saver, CNN breaking news or Africans offering me a million bucks if I send them my bank account details) I then go to these three websites:
1. BBC Sport
2. Cricinfo
3. Rediff
Having scanned the latest in the world of sport and my life, I then think about whether I want to reply to the few mails I have received. Most of the time I don't but on the rare occassion where I feel I need to prove my efficiency I reply to these mails in not more than three lines.( Thats all the writing I can do on one cup of tea in the morning).
Then back into the lab and finish lab and go home to watch mindless British TV or porter in college.
Thats my day for you and therefore if I were to blog about my day it could only consist of three things!!
I got myself a very apt mug from my trip to Edinburgh. There were a series of mugs with Scottish words and their dictionary meanings printed on them. I got myself one emblazoned with "Skiver" - a person who keeps putting things off. I am very good at this and acclaim myself to be among the best. My achievements in this area include:
1. Putting off getting a Schengen visa to visit Berlin thus incurring the wrath of girlfriend, mother's resigned sigh and last minute shenanigans involving impressing the Austrian embassy to issue me a Schengen to visit Vienna when I had no intention of doing so!
2. Cancelling my Vodofone contract that I have had since September 2003. I had planned to write them a letter giving them 30 days notice on the 30th of September 2004. June 25th 2006 and I have only now got around to it because I have been offered a new contract.
3. I was supposed to write to RM, Mother, Solomon Girl but have been postponing it since January this year.
4. My "greatest" skiving achievements are in the field of birthday cards. When I was at MGIMS I would buy cards and inscribe in them for friends but never post them because I could not be bothered to go to the post office and buy stamps.
My other mug from Glasgow is broken and has to be discarded. Linacre is having a great party on Sunday. Its an exchange BBQ where you bring all your useless stuff and exchange it with other people or give it to charity. Its a great idea which actually makes spring cleaning that little bit more fun.
1. Putting off getting a Schengen visa to visit Berlin thus incurring the wrath of girlfriend, mother's resigned sigh and last minute shenanigans involving impressing the Austrian embassy to issue me a Schengen to visit Vienna when I had no intention of doing so!
2. Cancelling my Vodofone contract that I have had since September 2003. I had planned to write them a letter giving them 30 days notice on the 30th of September 2004. June 25th 2006 and I have only now got around to it because I have been offered a new contract.
3. I was supposed to write to RM, Mother, Solomon Girl but have been postponing it since January this year.
4. My "greatest" skiving achievements are in the field of birthday cards. When I was at MGIMS I would buy cards and inscribe in them for friends but never post them because I could not be bothered to go to the post office and buy stamps.
My other mug from Glasgow is broken and has to be discarded. Linacre is having a great party on Sunday. Its an exchange BBQ where you bring all your useless stuff and exchange it with other people or give it to charity. Its a great idea which actually makes spring cleaning that little bit more fun.
Sunday, April 30
Cricket season begins
My cricket season started today, Sunday 23rd April. I was playing for the University Club against St.Johns in a friendly. The match was to be played at St.Johns which being the richest college in Oxford flaunts it by having a mechanical roller!
The groundsman is paid as well as a post-doc and is highly respected for preparing sporting pitches. The ground is situated North of Oxford up Banbury Road and is among the prettiest grounds in Oxford. The ground is right in the center of a residential area and surrounded by these rows of red brick houses. The pavilion is old and not very large. The ground is manicured,with a fast outfield and very large. The green ground in the foreground of the red brick houses(each costing in excess of 500,000) makes a lovely sight.
The obscene thing about the ground though was that one boundary was incredibly shorter than the other. The pitch was a good pitch,firm and had good carry. However, it was the first game and we were playing in April so I don't think we were playing on the main track. The pitch was bowed from end to end which meant that from the pavilion end the pitch rose a couple of inches, which meant that the ball sat up quite well. However from the other end you were bowling down a slope much like Lords and left a very small length on the pitch from which the ball had carry but anything short of that and the ball kept very low.
The weather - no cricket match can ever be played or planned without looking at the weather forecast. Saturday was a gorgeous day and I thought it was the first day of summer. Unfortunately, Sunday dawned wet and gray. I portered in the morning and by 1.30 it was dry and the sun was bashfully peeking out from among the dark clouds. However, just as I was going to head off for a 2pm start the drizzle began as if just to spite us. I dawdled before heading off to play.
With overcast skies and a bowling attack replete with swing bowlers Martin Booth decided to take the field. The ground was wet,with pools of water on the field. Anyway, I am not going to write a match report simply because its usually done and I shall link to it.
The great thing about the game was the fact that the home team had organised this fantastic tea. There were sandwiches, biscuits, tea,squash,jaffa cakes,crisps - a great spread and it was much required after 40 hours of squatting behind the wicket in a constant drizzle and slippery outfield. St.Johns piled on 200 or so for 6. I kept reasonably well. A couple of byes,one missed catch,one catch!
I went in 2 down,exhausted.My first stroke was a four followed a streaky couple,a big six and a single. Scored 19 and was setting myself up for a big score against a weak attack. Then the expected happened. They gave the ball to a pie-chucker geeky kid whose first ball bounced four times outside the pitch before reaching the keeper. Then in the only ball of the over which he bowled on the stumps, I tried to run it down to thirdman and missed it completely. Bowled Mr.&*$)*#$ 19!
Anyway, we won. I felt stupid and annoyed. End of story. Looking forward to my next match on Thursday for Linacre against Oriel and then the weekend match against Pakistan.
I am very excited about playing Cricket this season. I have worked on my batting in the nets and am actually looking forward to having a decent season. I have a strange feeling that with my heightened anticipation and excitement, I am going to have a disastrous season compared to last year.
Next report to follow soon.
The groundsman is paid as well as a post-doc and is highly respected for preparing sporting pitches. The ground is situated North of Oxford up Banbury Road and is among the prettiest grounds in Oxford. The ground is right in the center of a residential area and surrounded by these rows of red brick houses. The pavilion is old and not very large. The ground is manicured,with a fast outfield and very large. The green ground in the foreground of the red brick houses(each costing in excess of 500,000) makes a lovely sight.
The obscene thing about the ground though was that one boundary was incredibly shorter than the other. The pitch was a good pitch,firm and had good carry. However, it was the first game and we were playing in April so I don't think we were playing on the main track. The pitch was bowed from end to end which meant that from the pavilion end the pitch rose a couple of inches, which meant that the ball sat up quite well. However from the other end you were bowling down a slope much like Lords and left a very small length on the pitch from which the ball had carry but anything short of that and the ball kept very low.
The weather - no cricket match can ever be played or planned without looking at the weather forecast. Saturday was a gorgeous day and I thought it was the first day of summer. Unfortunately, Sunday dawned wet and gray. I portered in the morning and by 1.30 it was dry and the sun was bashfully peeking out from among the dark clouds. However, just as I was going to head off for a 2pm start the drizzle began as if just to spite us. I dawdled before heading off to play.
With overcast skies and a bowling attack replete with swing bowlers Martin Booth decided to take the field. The ground was wet,with pools of water on the field. Anyway, I am not going to write a match report simply because its usually done and I shall link to it.
The great thing about the game was the fact that the home team had organised this fantastic tea. There were sandwiches, biscuits, tea,squash,jaffa cakes,crisps - a great spread and it was much required after 40 hours of squatting behind the wicket in a constant drizzle and slippery outfield. St.Johns piled on 200 or so for 6. I kept reasonably well. A couple of byes,one missed catch,one catch!
I went in 2 down,exhausted.My first stroke was a four followed a streaky couple,a big six and a single. Scored 19 and was setting myself up for a big score against a weak attack. Then the expected happened. They gave the ball to a pie-chucker geeky kid whose first ball bounced four times outside the pitch before reaching the keeper. Then in the only ball of the over which he bowled on the stumps, I tried to run it down to thirdman and missed it completely. Bowled Mr.&*$)*#$ 19!
Anyway, we won. I felt stupid and annoyed. End of story. Looking forward to my next match on Thursday for Linacre against Oriel and then the weekend match against Pakistan.
I am very excited about playing Cricket this season. I have worked on my batting in the nets and am actually looking forward to having a decent season. I have a strange feeling that with my heightened anticipation and excitement, I am going to have a disastrous season compared to last year.
Next report to follow soon.
Sunday, March 19
Intolerance?
So, I havent blogged about the muslim cartoon controversy because of two reasons:
1. not much time
2. I havent got my head around it.
So, I am writing this in attempt to clear my head.prepare yourself for total rambling.
Firstly, I asked myself are the cartoons offensive?
I believe they are. These are my reasons:
1. They stereotype muslims as terrorists, and associate Islam and the prophet as instruments of terror.
It would be like drawing Christ torturing Iraqi civilians and keeping them locked up in prisons indefinitely because people who have committed these acts(Guantanamo Bay) are Christians.
2. I spoke to a friend of mine who is a extremely devout muslim and he explained why muslims across the world got so agitated. Muslims do caricature themselves and do make fun of their own community. They have Hodja jokes and even have comedy shows like Shazia Mirza who do make fun of their own religion and community. But, as my friend pointed out all muslims draw a line. They supposedly never make fun of their prophets. They hold thier prophets in the highest esteem and they believe that it is the greatest sin to idolise their prophets. So, in this case where the prophet was drawn it was insensitive of some other religion.
So, my argument here is not that the Danish newspaper did not have the right to print these cartoons but that they printed something that was deeply offensive and dangerously blasphemous in another's religion.
Interestingly, the one cartoon which I think succinctly describes the reason for the publication and commission of the cartoons has been overlooked. It shows a terrified artist drawing a bearded face with Mohammed written looking nervously over his shoulder.
Now, I suspect this cartoon would have presented the world with a clear view of the issue and the reasons for drawing such cartoons.
If you do wish to get a brief overview of the history of the event have a look here.
I got a brief overview from my Danish labmate. The story goes something like this:
Danish children's author wants someone to illustrate his book on Muhammed. He cant find anyone because of artists scared of extremist muslims. Danish newspaper publishes cartoons to show that Denmark has moderate muslims who will not undertake or condone such threats. End of story..beginning of madness.
1. not much time
2. I havent got my head around it.
So, I am writing this in attempt to clear my head.prepare yourself for total rambling.
Firstly, I asked myself are the cartoons offensive?
I believe they are. These are my reasons:
1. They stereotype muslims as terrorists, and associate Islam and the prophet as instruments of terror.
It would be like drawing Christ torturing Iraqi civilians and keeping them locked up in prisons indefinitely because people who have committed these acts(Guantanamo Bay) are Christians.
2. I spoke to a friend of mine who is a extremely devout muslim and he explained why muslims across the world got so agitated. Muslims do caricature themselves and do make fun of their own community. They have Hodja jokes and even have comedy shows like Shazia Mirza who do make fun of their own religion and community. But, as my friend pointed out all muslims draw a line. They supposedly never make fun of their prophets. They hold thier prophets in the highest esteem and they believe that it is the greatest sin to idolise their prophets. So, in this case where the prophet was drawn it was insensitive of some other religion.
So, my argument here is not that the Danish newspaper did not have the right to print these cartoons but that they printed something that was deeply offensive and dangerously blasphemous in another's religion.
Interestingly, the one cartoon which I think succinctly describes the reason for the publication and commission of the cartoons has been overlooked. It shows a terrified artist drawing a bearded face with Mohammed written looking nervously over his shoulder.
Now, I suspect this cartoon would have presented the world with a clear view of the issue and the reasons for drawing such cartoons.
If you do wish to get a brief overview of the history of the event have a look here.
I got a brief overview from my Danish labmate. The story goes something like this:
Danish children's author wants someone to illustrate his book on Muhammed. He cant find anyone because of artists scared of extremist muslims. Danish newspaper publishes cartoons to show that Denmark has moderate muslims who will not undertake or condone such threats. End of story..beginning of madness.
Tuesday, January 31
Clumsy Dude!
I am a really clumsy fellow. Ask my brother who refuses to give me a watch or a pair of glasses to wear. As he quite rightly points out my rate of destruction/loss is about 2 watches or spectacles/year. In a now usual occurrence I lost my new pair of glasses on the Austrian Airlines flight from Mumbai to Vienna. It was a very pleasant flight and I was able to sleep for a long time which probably accounts for it slipping off without my notice.
Anyway, my clumsiness has always made me incredibly cautious when I am in museums and OT's. So, when I read about this I can only shake my head and sympathise. I cant imagine the reaction of the curators,they must be furious and helpless. I am sure breakages in museums must have happened in the past, but its just the first time that I have come across a report.
This happening in England I can just imagine the conversation
Curator : " Gosh! Are you all right, sir"?
Man : ( embarassed) "Yes,yes...I dont know how it happened. I am so sorry"
Curator :(clipped tones)"I hope you are not hurt,sir. Its rather dangerous when one does not tie their shoelaces. I always make sure to tie mine"
Man: "yes,yes. I cant imagine how it happened.Oh, I feel awful. Is there anything I can do"?
Curator: "No thank you,sir.I only hope that you have not injured yourself. Its not very often that we get a Qing vase,so I dont suppose we can do much about it. Please make your way to the front of the museum where we have a first aid kit".
Anyway, my clumsiness has always made me incredibly cautious when I am in museums and OT's. So, when I read about this I can only shake my head and sympathise. I cant imagine the reaction of the curators,they must be furious and helpless. I am sure breakages in museums must have happened in the past, but its just the first time that I have come across a report.
This happening in England I can just imagine the conversation
Curator : " Gosh! Are you all right, sir"?
Man : ( embarassed) "Yes,yes...I dont know how it happened. I am so sorry"
Curator :(clipped tones)"I hope you are not hurt,sir. Its rather dangerous when one does not tie their shoelaces. I always make sure to tie mine"
Man: "yes,yes. I cant imagine how it happened.Oh, I feel awful. Is there anything I can do"?
Curator: "No thank you,sir.I only hope that you have not injured yourself. Its not very often that we get a Qing vase,so I dont suppose we can do much about it. Please make your way to the front of the museum where we have a first aid kit".
Thursday, January 26
Academic Apartheid
This notice issued by the Maharashtra HC is a very important subject and I am really glad that the judiciary has taken note of the issue.
Every year schools across the country divide their students depending on their academic abilities(see examination marks,not mensa quizzes). I first noticed this in Delhi. Delhi Public School(DPS) RK puram had 18 sections in their class XII from class A - R or something insane like that. Of course, you got into division A only if you secured really high marks in your class X exams. Then you are among the privileged bunch of kids who the school believes is destined to greater things,namely competitive Class XII final board exam marks.
I have always felt that it changes the pysche of a child quite drastically especially when he is 15 years old. I am not against competition in school. In fact I think it should be encouraged, fair competition is important. It binds students together and pushes them towards becoming better.
But, if I had a very close friend who suddenly moved up the academic ladder and got shifted into another section because teachers beleived that he is a better student than me, I might(at age 15) get some serious inferiority complexes. Of course, I am pretty sure that our friendship would go through some pretty rocky times.
These special "ability" section of kids get extra coaching to make them perform better and bring accolades to the school. This is serious discrimination. Why should anyone get more or less of the facilites that they pay for simply because they appear to be more intelligent? I have always thought it is a really unfair system and it needed to be impressed on school authorities that it should not be allowed.
I am really glad that someone has brought this to the notice of the relevant authorities and I can only hope that this judgement from the bombay HC echoes across the country.
"Education is one of the few things a person is willing to pay for and not get"
Every year schools across the country divide their students depending on their academic abilities(see examination marks,not mensa quizzes). I first noticed this in Delhi. Delhi Public School(DPS) RK puram had 18 sections in their class XII from class A - R or something insane like that. Of course, you got into division A only if you secured really high marks in your class X exams. Then you are among the privileged bunch of kids who the school believes is destined to greater things,namely competitive Class XII final board exam marks.
I have always felt that it changes the pysche of a child quite drastically especially when he is 15 years old. I am not against competition in school. In fact I think it should be encouraged, fair competition is important. It binds students together and pushes them towards becoming better.
But, if I had a very close friend who suddenly moved up the academic ladder and got shifted into another section because teachers beleived that he is a better student than me, I might(at age 15) get some serious inferiority complexes. Of course, I am pretty sure that our friendship would go through some pretty rocky times.
These special "ability" section of kids get extra coaching to make them perform better and bring accolades to the school. This is serious discrimination. Why should anyone get more or less of the facilites that they pay for simply because they appear to be more intelligent? I have always thought it is a really unfair system and it needed to be impressed on school authorities that it should not be allowed.
I am really glad that someone has brought this to the notice of the relevant authorities and I can only hope that this judgement from the bombay HC echoes across the country.
"Education is one of the few things a person is willing to pay for and not get"
Wednesday, January 25
New Malaria Drug recommendations
WHO has announced the halt to monotherapy with Artemisinin derivatives and issued guidelines to pharma companies to market only Artemisinin combination therapies (ACT's). This is because of the increasing worry of drug-resistant parasites in South-East asia and Africa,although artemisinin is the only anti-malarial drug to which resistance has not been reported.
I think this is probably a good move by the WHO however, it has its own problems.
One is the perennial issue with the UN agency. It can only issue guidelines but cannot enforce drug companies to stop the production of monotherapy drugs.
Second, you cannot issue directives today and expect companies to stop their manufacture tomorrow.It would not be commercially viable for the company and therefore would only lead to resistance on the part of the companies.
Thirdly, you must first attempt to educate health professionals about these guidelines. Provide evidence to support your view and thus exert pressure on the pharma companies using their customers. In India today if you were to be treated at a private clinic in a rural district you might get monotherpay simply because your doctor does not have information about such guidelines. WHO must try and remember that it is a health organisation and it must include all health professionals in their efforts to solve problems. Monotherapy with Artemisinin is also about 8 times cheaper than using ACTs and therefore its eradication will require external funding close to $300-$500 million.
This is an important step in fighting malaria but like any leader,WHO must beware leaving its friends too far behind.
You do not lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership
I think this is probably a good move by the WHO however, it has its own problems.
One is the perennial issue with the UN agency. It can only issue guidelines but cannot enforce drug companies to stop the production of monotherapy drugs.
Second, you cannot issue directives today and expect companies to stop their manufacture tomorrow.It would not be commercially viable for the company and therefore would only lead to resistance on the part of the companies.
Thirdly, you must first attempt to educate health professionals about these guidelines. Provide evidence to support your view and thus exert pressure on the pharma companies using their customers. In India today if you were to be treated at a private clinic in a rural district you might get monotherpay simply because your doctor does not have information about such guidelines. WHO must try and remember that it is a health organisation and it must include all health professionals in their efforts to solve problems. Monotherapy with Artemisinin is also about 8 times cheaper than using ACTs and therefore its eradication will require external funding close to $300-$500 million.
This is an important step in fighting malaria but like any leader,WHO must beware leaving its friends too far behind.
You do not lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership
Re: [Tootles] 1/25/2006 03:43:09 AM
Dear Buchu,
I think you are quite right regarding the model we follow and the lengths news media today will stretch to be able to run any story. In my opinion thought the turning point in the state of affairs in our journalistic history was the introduction of 24 hour news channels.
If you watch DD national, their reporting of news is restricted to half an hour a day which allows them to focus on important issues with tickers running snippets of other news headlines. However, when you are forced to produce news for 24 hours, there is only a limited amount of relevant, important events that occur in a day and therefore the need to look for alternative stories. Therefore, in the vein of Gustav Graves(Die Another Day)you either create your own news or manufature news out of any event. News is a funny word. Anything can be news. To me, you having icecream with your friends is news but is it really important for me to broadcast it nationally? Similarly, Akshay Kumar walking into Crossroads to buy a Tanishq diamond for his fiancee might be news, but is it of any importance to anyone other than the individuals concerned? I am not saying that covering self-immolations, protests or even NGO events are unimportant but to spend a chunk or your programme live in Renaissance(club in Mumbai) is not really news!
I also attribute another reason for this indifference and the general drop in standard of both print and visual media. Mushrooming of news channels has lead to a huge demand for personnel and this demand is not being met by trained or specialised individuals and I think this is why we are bombarded with such sub-standard presentation and ungrammatical language in our news day in and day out.
Sorry for the rant, but you have to see it to believe the kind of rubbish that is being printed and broadcast everyday. I pick up HT and TOI and by and large I only use it to pass my time while drinking my morning coffee. I would prefer an asterix comic to TOI anyday!
I think you are quite right regarding the model we follow and the lengths news media today will stretch to be able to run any story. In my opinion thought the turning point in the state of affairs in our journalistic history was the introduction of 24 hour news channels.
If you watch DD national, their reporting of news is restricted to half an hour a day which allows them to focus on important issues with tickers running snippets of other news headlines. However, when you are forced to produce news for 24 hours, there is only a limited amount of relevant, important events that occur in a day and therefore the need to look for alternative stories. Therefore, in the vein of Gustav Graves(Die Another Day)you either create your own news or manufature news out of any event. News is a funny word. Anything can be news. To me, you having icecream with your friends is news but is it really important for me to broadcast it nationally? Similarly, Akshay Kumar walking into Crossroads to buy a Tanishq diamond for his fiancee might be news, but is it of any importance to anyone other than the individuals concerned? I am not saying that covering self-immolations, protests or even NGO events are unimportant but to spend a chunk or your programme live in Renaissance(club in Mumbai) is not really news!
I also attribute another reason for this indifference and the general drop in standard of both print and visual media. Mushrooming of news channels has lead to a huge demand for personnel and this demand is not being met by trained or specialised individuals and I think this is why we are bombarded with such sub-standard presentation and ungrammatical language in our news day in and day out.
Sorry for the rant, but you have to see it to believe the kind of rubbish that is being printed and broadcast everyday. I pick up HT and TOI and by and large I only use it to pass my time while drinking my morning coffee. I would prefer an asterix comic to TOI anyday!
On 1/25/06, Buchu <noreply-comment@blogger.com> wrote:
i can't agree more.
the whole thing sounds graphic and awful.
but apart from the individual features of this case, do u think that in the new post 90s liberalized india, with the growth spurt of TV channels, channels will basically do ANYTHING (not unlike american tv that is) to secure viewers. i know i'm setting up a strawman here- the western style media...but there is a part of me that thinks that this is symptomatic of a post 1990s india. maybe i'm wrong...
--
Posted by Buchu to Tootles at 1/25/2006 03:43:09 AM
Journalistic voyuerism
I usually dont react to all the injustices happening around India everyday. I realise that living in India and especially Mumbai you develop a veil of indifference to these acts and atrocities. Its only when I left the country and now have come back do I notice and observe these issues.Even then, I usually only vent my anger and frustration with friends.
However, I was very distressed to observe this news report. Last night, every single news channel in India( and there are a lot of them) carried this story under various names. "Silent Spectators" was a very apt title for this report.It concerned a Congress party worker in Patiala who immolated himself to protest against his shop being seized and closed down. The pictures were very graphic and the TV crew present were able to film the whole scene, about 30 seconds worth of footage from the point he set himself aflame,the few unsuccessful attempts by individuals to douse the flame to him being taken away by the police to a hospital.Every single news channel ran this story, every one of them.
However, the story was introduced with the caption, "Man sets himself aflame and police constable watches". Now, I do not disagree with the message being sent here. The police and passersby were completely indifferent to the entire scene, BUT(and this is what incensed me the most) WHAT WERE THE JOURNALISTS DOING? Are you so desperate for a story that you cant even prevent and save a life? How dare you blame people for being indifferent when you are guilty of doing exactly the same thing? Is filming the story of a desperate man resorting to suicide more important than saving his life? If you see the footage you will understand what I mean - the film crews manoeuvres themselves to be able to get the best shot. There is a man ablaze with his relatives screaming for water,crying for help and all you can do is film it to show on prime time TV? What would you do next, film a rape scene to prove that it is a reality? The man in question has been charged with attempt to commit suicide, why isn't everyone else present there charged with assisting his suicide attempt?
Are we reducing ourselves to such base levels of sensationalistic journalism that we cant make out the trees for the woods? Woe be it the the trees burn and no one cares for then soon the woods will no longer exist!
I must admit I am ashamed of what is happening to TV journalism in India today. I can only hope that there is some outcry against this incident.
However, I was very distressed to observe this news report. Last night, every single news channel in India( and there are a lot of them) carried this story under various names. "Silent Spectators" was a very apt title for this report.It concerned a Congress party worker in Patiala who immolated himself to protest against his shop being seized and closed down. The pictures were very graphic and the TV crew present were able to film the whole scene, about 30 seconds worth of footage from the point he set himself aflame,the few unsuccessful attempts by individuals to douse the flame to him being taken away by the police to a hospital.Every single news channel ran this story, every one of them.
However, the story was introduced with the caption, "Man sets himself aflame and police constable watches". Now, I do not disagree with the message being sent here. The police and passersby were completely indifferent to the entire scene, BUT(and this is what incensed me the most) WHAT WERE THE JOURNALISTS DOING? Are you so desperate for a story that you cant even prevent and save a life? How dare you blame people for being indifferent when you are guilty of doing exactly the same thing? Is filming the story of a desperate man resorting to suicide more important than saving his life? If you see the footage you will understand what I mean - the film crews manoeuvres themselves to be able to get the best shot. There is a man ablaze with his relatives screaming for water,crying for help and all you can do is film it to show on prime time TV? What would you do next, film a rape scene to prove that it is a reality? The man in question has been charged with attempt to commit suicide, why isn't everyone else present there charged with assisting his suicide attempt?
Are we reducing ourselves to such base levels of sensationalistic journalism that we cant make out the trees for the woods? Woe be it the the trees burn and no one cares for then soon the woods will no longer exist!
I must admit I am ashamed of what is happening to TV journalism in India today. I can only hope that there is some outcry against this incident.
Monday, January 23
Cricket
Dhoni is our new man! He seems to love the subcontinental pitches. Anywhere the bounce is true and he can swing through the line, he just jumps at the chance.
Tendulkar walked although he wasn't out technically. The slow-mos showed that Tendu's glove was off the bat when the ball should have snicked it. So, although he was technically not out, I am pretty sure that Simon Taufel wouldn't have picked it up.
This of course followed a really stupid shot by Yuvraj which I am sure would be enough reason for Calcuttans to start clamouring for Mr. Ganguly's inclusion in the next test. Tendulkar BTW ran Dravid out just when Dravid looked like he was going to go on to score a big hundered.
Anyway, enter Dhoni and Pathan - our new blood.Pathan is a lovely batsman who plays textbook strokes. His trademark has to be his cover drive.He plays it without the imperiousness of ert-while Ganguly or the flamboyance of Kambli but reminds me of the grace of Gower.
Dhoni on the other hand often reminds me of Symonds! He looks rather primal- like a medieval warrior especially with his helmet on. He usually bludgeons the ball to all parts of the field and plays the test match like an ODI. Sometimes he does play some the textbook drives but usually just swings the bat through the line of the ball. Its the first time I have watched him bat and I must admit I am very impressed with him. He took the advantage away from Pakistan by scoring really quickly. I suspect while Tendulkar was around he was asked to stay put but the moment Irfan came in he really opened his shoulders.
3 massive sixes silenced the crowd and the Pakistan team taunts.
They have avoided the follow -on and Dhoni has got his century!! Yes!!
Enough cricket chat..signing off on the note that Federer has the first set and seems like he is going to win in straight sets against Tommy Haas. Haas was supposed to give him a good fight but although the points are very competitive and the level of tennis is really high, Haas cant seem to be able to convert the break points. I wish he does win or at least pus Federer to the limit. With everyone else out in the draw, there doesn't seem to be anyone to challenge Federer. Score there is 6-3,3-0 Federer.
Hingis is on the warpath. Thrashed Stosur. Women is more interesting because everyone in the top 10 are at a similar level. Women's tennis will be well served to do away with the first week of any grandslam.
Tendulkar walked although he wasn't out technically. The slow-mos showed that Tendu's glove was off the bat when the ball should have snicked it. So, although he was technically not out, I am pretty sure that Simon Taufel wouldn't have picked it up.
This of course followed a really stupid shot by Yuvraj which I am sure would be enough reason for Calcuttans to start clamouring for Mr. Ganguly's inclusion in the next test. Tendulkar BTW ran Dravid out just when Dravid looked like he was going to go on to score a big hundered.
Anyway, enter Dhoni and Pathan - our new blood.Pathan is a lovely batsman who plays textbook strokes. His trademark has to be his cover drive.He plays it without the imperiousness of ert-while Ganguly or the flamboyance of Kambli but reminds me of the grace of Gower.
Dhoni on the other hand often reminds me of Symonds! He looks rather primal- like a medieval warrior especially with his helmet on. He usually bludgeons the ball to all parts of the field and plays the test match like an ODI. Sometimes he does play some the textbook drives but usually just swings the bat through the line of the ball. Its the first time I have watched him bat and I must admit I am very impressed with him. He took the advantage away from Pakistan by scoring really quickly. I suspect while Tendulkar was around he was asked to stay put but the moment Irfan came in he really opened his shoulders.
3 massive sixes silenced the crowd and the Pakistan team taunts.
They have avoided the follow -on and Dhoni has got his century!! Yes!!
Enough cricket chat..signing off on the note that Federer has the first set and seems like he is going to win in straight sets against Tommy Haas. Haas was supposed to give him a good fight but although the points are very competitive and the level of tennis is really high, Haas cant seem to be able to convert the break points. I wish he does win or at least pus Federer to the limit. With everyone else out in the draw, there doesn't seem to be anyone to challenge Federer. Score there is 6-3,3-0 Federer.
Hingis is on the warpath. Thrashed Stosur. Women is more interesting because everyone in the top 10 are at a similar level. Women's tennis will be well served to do away with the first week of any grandslam.
Sunday, January 22
22/1/06 - Sunday. A perfect Mumbai day
My day is ending on a great note. I am sitting in the drawing room watching TV ( the movie without a Clue),using the wireless network we set up earlier in the week after spending the perfect mumbai day.
The morning began with a sumptuous south Indian brunch. We had invited old neighbours for lunch. They are gujarati and love my mom's south indian cooking.So we had a great brunch - masala dosa, rava idli, sambhar, coconut chutney, coconut rice, curd rice(my neighbours favourite) and fantastic mouth-watering hot jalebis from Jalebi Center.
Of course, the drone of the Indo-Pak cricket match was constantly in the background. Everyone in my family watches the boring cricket including my grandparents. My grandad gets really angry when we change the channel to watch other sporting events. Today being an exceptionally good day for sport - India-Pak with Afridi going mad, SL thrashing Aus and the Aussie Open had some great upsets. Roddick out to Baghdatis. Roddick did not really play very well at all. It seemed like that he did not have enough confidence to go for his shots. With his forehand he was attempting to rally and keep the point going against Baghdatis. It was amazing how players play so poorly when low on confidence. Ivan Ljubcic is the exact opposite - there isn't any other player on the tour who is on a bigger high. He has won the Paris Masters, Davis Cup and then the Chennai Open before coming to the Aussie open. He beat Tomas Johannsen in straight sets as easily as Federer would beat leander Paes!
Coming back to cricket in my house, things havent changed since the last 10 years.We still eat and watch cricket and once in a while you will find a serious conversation being interrupted with "oohs" and "aahs" and exclamations like "great shot" or"class". Even today, when I return to Wallace I feel like I am 10 years old.
So, after gorging ourselves on some great food and decent cricket,brother dear and I decided to go for a walk to the Flea Market in Ballard Estate as part of the Mumbai festival.So,I bought a churchgate return for Rs.8/- (there was a time when it was Rs.4/-) and for old times sake ran down the footbridge to catch a local that was just coming in. We reached churchgate and walked towards Flora Fountain and Akbarally's. Dear Brother who is now attached to senior consul needs white shirts. So, Akbarally's it was! For some reason I always remember Akbarally's with softie icecreams. I had the distinct impression that there used to be a machine in the store, but it seems I was wrong.
Post crash course in cotton varities by bored floor staff we settled on a shirt and left to walk past Horniman circle and towards Alexandria Gate and Ballard estate in seaerch of the Flea Market. It was to be open from 2pm to 3am.
While looking for the market, we found Ballard Bunder, right opposite the Port Trust building and the War memorial. Its a lovely place with a reasonable well presented history of Mumbai.Its great to see the map of Bombay before reclaimation started. If you want to have a look at the gaping hole that existed right in the heart of present Mumbai this site has a few maps. Anyway, it was lit and looked very nice. In my 20 years of living in Mumbai I have never seen it. I wrote a long comment in their guestbook suggesting that they showcase it better during the rest of the year. We then found two nice parsi ladies who were also out on a Sunday evening in search of the elusive flea market. They informed us that the BMC hadn't got permission to have the market. Of course, no one bothered to inform the rest of the world.
Similarly, INS Vikrant was the scene for a wine-tasting event and we thought we might pop in and have a look. However, again Mumbai Times failed to m mention in their write-up about it that it was by invitation only.
Anyway after this rather pointless walk we decided to head towards regal to explore the idea of watching a movie. With our choice restricted to a slightly scary and dubious "Things to do before I reach 30" and a depressing "15 Park Avenue" we ventured instead to the food festival on the pavement opposite V&A museum.
D introduced me to American Corn(Makhai/Bhutta) in Delhi and I introduced it to dear Bro. He liked it and which made us bolder as we decided to walk down marine drive from Churchgate to Chowpatty. It was a long walk and although we thought of sustenance in the form of Croissant, I was reluctant to spend 30 bucks on a really bad chocolate croissant.
Past Gaylords, rustoms and pizzeria we reached marine drive. Walking along marine drive brought back memories. Marine drive hasn't changed at all. Sunday evening is still the time when everyone comes out to meet friends. Its a free sitting place and their are very few of those left in Mumbai.
We then took a train from marine lines to charni road and then spent 15 minutes trying to cross the street because my comrade-in-arms refused to use the footbridge. So,we waited for 10 minutes for the lights to turn red and then crossed right in the middle of the road.
Chowpatty - that for which Mumbai is most famous.Bhel puri on Chowpatty - the ultimate tourist thing. So we had some bhel puri from Bhim Singhs thella. Its definitely not recommended. Instead I would recommend Badshah's stall,especially for his pani puris.To top of the day, we had mango kulfi from Kulfi center opposite.
Now,if you are lucky enough to come to Mumbai and not find me here, this is one place to which I would definitely recommend a visit.
Dont leave Mumbai without having some of this guys kulfi. Its mind-blowing yaar!!
Then the train ride back and with a satisfied sigh slipped into my sleeping bag(the sleeping bag is another story - as soon as my brother realised that I will spending the majority of my time in the UK, he decided to do away with the second bed in the room to accommodate his guitar equipment. I ask you, is this the way you treat your brother???)
The morning began with a sumptuous south Indian brunch. We had invited old neighbours for lunch. They are gujarati and love my mom's south indian cooking.So we had a great brunch - masala dosa, rava idli, sambhar, coconut chutney, coconut rice, curd rice(my neighbours favourite) and fantastic mouth-watering hot jalebis from Jalebi Center.
Of course, the drone of the Indo-Pak cricket match was constantly in the background. Everyone in my family watches the boring cricket including my grandparents. My grandad gets really angry when we change the channel to watch other sporting events. Today being an exceptionally good day for sport - India-Pak with Afridi going mad, SL thrashing Aus and the Aussie Open had some great upsets. Roddick out to Baghdatis. Roddick did not really play very well at all. It seemed like that he did not have enough confidence to go for his shots. With his forehand he was attempting to rally and keep the point going against Baghdatis. It was amazing how players play so poorly when low on confidence. Ivan Ljubcic is the exact opposite - there isn't any other player on the tour who is on a bigger high. He has won the Paris Masters, Davis Cup and then the Chennai Open before coming to the Aussie open. He beat Tomas Johannsen in straight sets as easily as Federer would beat leander Paes!
Coming back to cricket in my house, things havent changed since the last 10 years.We still eat and watch cricket and once in a while you will find a serious conversation being interrupted with "oohs" and "aahs" and exclamations like "great shot" or"class". Even today, when I return to Wallace I feel like I am 10 years old.
So, after gorging ourselves on some great food and decent cricket,brother dear and I decided to go for a walk to the Flea Market in Ballard Estate as part of the Mumbai festival.So,I bought a churchgate return for Rs.8/- (there was a time when it was Rs.4/-) and for old times sake ran down the footbridge to catch a local that was just coming in. We reached churchgate and walked towards Flora Fountain and Akbarally's. Dear Brother who is now attached to senior consul needs white shirts. So, Akbarally's it was! For some reason I always remember Akbarally's with softie icecreams. I had the distinct impression that there used to be a machine in the store, but it seems I was wrong.
Post crash course in cotton varities by bored floor staff we settled on a shirt and left to walk past Horniman circle and towards Alexandria Gate and Ballard estate in seaerch of the Flea Market. It was to be open from 2pm to 3am.
While looking for the market, we found Ballard Bunder, right opposite the Port Trust building and the War memorial. Its a lovely place with a reasonable well presented history of Mumbai.Its great to see the map of Bombay before reclaimation started. If you want to have a look at the gaping hole that existed right in the heart of present Mumbai this site has a few maps. Anyway, it was lit and looked very nice. In my 20 years of living in Mumbai I have never seen it. I wrote a long comment in their guestbook suggesting that they showcase it better during the rest of the year. We then found two nice parsi ladies who were also out on a Sunday evening in search of the elusive flea market. They informed us that the BMC hadn't got permission to have the market. Of course, no one bothered to inform the rest of the world.
Similarly, INS Vikrant was the scene for a wine-tasting event and we thought we might pop in and have a look. However, again Mumbai Times failed to m mention in their write-up about it that it was by invitation only.
Anyway after this rather pointless walk we decided to head towards regal to explore the idea of watching a movie. With our choice restricted to a slightly scary and dubious "Things to do before I reach 30" and a depressing "15 Park Avenue" we ventured instead to the food festival on the pavement opposite V&A museum.
D introduced me to American Corn(Makhai/Bhutta) in Delhi and I introduced it to dear Bro. He liked it and which made us bolder as we decided to walk down marine drive from Churchgate to Chowpatty. It was a long walk and although we thought of sustenance in the form of Croissant, I was reluctant to spend 30 bucks on a really bad chocolate croissant.
Past Gaylords, rustoms and pizzeria we reached marine drive. Walking along marine drive brought back memories. Marine drive hasn't changed at all. Sunday evening is still the time when everyone comes out to meet friends. Its a free sitting place and their are very few of those left in Mumbai.
We then took a train from marine lines to charni road and then spent 15 minutes trying to cross the street because my comrade-in-arms refused to use the footbridge. So,we waited for 10 minutes for the lights to turn red and then crossed right in the middle of the road.
Chowpatty - that for which Mumbai is most famous.Bhel puri on Chowpatty - the ultimate tourist thing. So we had some bhel puri from Bhim Singhs thella. Its definitely not recommended. Instead I would recommend Badshah's stall,especially for his pani puris.To top of the day, we had mango kulfi from Kulfi center opposite.
Now,if you are lucky enough to come to Mumbai and not find me here, this is one place to which I would definitely recommend a visit.
Dont leave Mumbai without having some of this guys kulfi. Its mind-blowing yaar!!
Then the train ride back and with a satisfied sigh slipped into my sleeping bag(the sleeping bag is another story - as soon as my brother realised that I will spending the majority of my time in the UK, he decided to do away with the second bed in the room to accommodate his guitar equipment. I ask you, is this the way you treat your brother???)
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