creative world

The Old Woman - a Bad Omen

2009-07-05T22:21:00.000+05:30

They all regarded the old woman as a parasite. The poor destitute woman had no other family, friend or home and no where else to go. The years had told upon her health and energy. She could drag herself from the varanda to her little cot inside the living room and then back to the varandha. And this was what she always did.
No one could reckon how she became connected to the Mishra family, no one really seem to care. She was just there with them from the beginning. Some said she had nursed the motherless Raghu and reared him to his youth. Raghu Mishra's father had kept her in his house as a sort of a glorified maidservant. After his father's death Raghu felt inclined to her as he did and he had most conviniently chosen to forget that she had nurtured him during his infancy.
His callousness set a pattern for the rest of the family to follow. Sarla his wife muttered curses after curses at the poor woman and called on all the gods and godesses to come to her rescue by bringning death to the old woman."Ah", she yelled that food for nothing has spilled betel juice on my clean varanda. How many times have i told you to sit in the backyard", she went away muttering and grumbling and came back with a broom and a pail of water to clean the mess. "Just look at the number of paan (betel leaf) she has the whole day, who can supply and fulfil her queenly desires"? "Look what you have done daughter-in-law" saying this she exhibited her wet sari. In our days we never used to treat our mother in law like this." "Oh my god , you misearble creature don't call me by that name again. I am not your daughter-in-law, isnt it enough that i have bear your presence and hear your crow like voice everyday", and muttering her customary oaths, she went into the kitchen.The old lady accustomed to all this, moved from the place to a dry place and chewed the paan, this time careful not to spit.
The only vice the old woman allowed herself was gluttony. She had an unappeasing appeatite for the good things of life. Many a times her kind neighbour would bring her to her house and she could eat her fill. Another pleasure she indulged in was to play with Bindo, Raghu's five year old daughter. Both would sit in the varenda in the evenings with the old woman narrating folk stories and songs in her hoarse voice. Little Bindoo was enchanted by all this and would say 'grandma please one more song, only one"."No more songs until you promise........and she muttered something in her ear. "okay', Bindu said getting up to oblige the old woman with the bribe. she went indoors and as quietly as possible came out with some ripe mangoes from the kitchen.She ate one and gave the rest to her grandma who began eating hungrily. Sarla's shrewd eyes had caught this motion. " What you miserable creature, you are up to your old tricks again, chee chee, teaching my innocent one to steal? "At your age arent you ashamed". Saying this she rushed into the house with Bindu. The poor widow began to cry bitterly. Little Bindu felt helpless and took refuge with her books.
It was Bindu's birthday, all the guests had arrived , the priest was ready with the puja. Sarla was busy and Bindo laughed and chatted with the guests flaunting her new dress. Everyone bubbled with mirth. All except the old woman. Where was she? No one seemed to bother about her. Sarla had locked her up in a little room since the morning .In such an auspicious occasion like this she thought it was best that the old lady remained out of her way and bring no ill luck to Bindu. The room had only one window facing the kitchen. As the aroma of the savoury dishes wafted towards her, saliva trickled down her toothless mouth and she found her hunger uncontrollable. It was agonising and wicked, she thought, to leave her like this and engage in merrymaking.
She tried to open the door but it was closed, her thumps on the door were to no avail. She dragged herself to the open window, hunger had blinded her sense of propotion and decorum. Just like a little animal, she climbed up to open the upperdoor bolt, which was not within the reach of her hands.She then tried very hard to get a clear view of the delicious dishes from the window sill. It was amazing to see how much strength she had gathered into her weak frame. Bindo meanwhile wandered about the house for her grandma and then suddenly she heard a loud , hoarse cry.
It was only then they noticed the scene before their eyes when Sarla opened the door. It was too late. The old woman had slipped . She now lay in a heap on the floor at their feet, moaning and groaning. She clasped both her hands as if asking them for forgiveness. Nobody understood her actions or nobody really cared. Gradually the moaning ceased. Everything was still. The guests shifted sensing that the party had ended. Sarla clutched her little Bindo and wailed " its a bad omen , its a bad omen for my home".

Visit to Kapilas - 1351 Grandsteps of Godliness and Goodness

2009-07-05T22:16:00.002+05:30

There is no village in India that has not a rich legendry history of its own to boast of. Some god or godlike here has passed by the village-Rama might have rested under this peepal tree, Sita might have dried her cloths after her bath on this yellow stone, or some Mahatma might have slept by the village gate or gave his sermons siiting on flat rock slab under that banyan tree.
Each village has a story to tell. 'Sitanka Antudisala' in Kapilas is famous beacause people believe it was here that Sita had stayed and brought up young Luv and Kush. Kapilas is the heavenly abode of Kailashpati, Parvati and Lord Narayana. It is said that Pratap Rudra Dev, the 15th century king of Kalinga (now Orissa, a state in India) built the temple almost 600 years ago.

Kapilas is almost picturesquely perfect.The whole place seems to be enclosed by the towering mountains. As one walks up some 1351 grand steps leading to the interior of the Shiva temple which cut through the mountains, one can notice that at several places there are little streams flowing lazily through the mountain folds. In some places there streams gush out with great force. The hills are densely forested and in which resides a tribe of monkeys. It was the holy month of 'Kartika' that we had visited the place. As it was an auspicious day, many pligrims had come to have a darshan of Lord Shiva known as 'Chandrasekhara' here. our village achieves special significance on the Shiv ratri day when devotees come here to offer their humble prayers and light the holy lamp on top of the mountain. Besides the Shiva temple there is the Parvati mandir where resides the beautiful and bounteous mother Parvati. To the locals it is she who protects them through famine and disease, death, and despair. As the pundit offered the puja, we closed our eyes and prayed with him, "Parvati, great goddess, protect us!O benign one!"

Climbing another 150 steps or so, we saw the beautiful idol of Narayana. The priest serving the lord described him as the master of the threee worlds "dharti, patal and akash". High up the steps is the "Sitanka Antudisala". It is a not so impressive a place as one had thought of. To reach the place we had to climb uphill and it nearly took us half an hour to reach the place. They say it was here that Sita had given birth to Luv and Kush. The 'antudisala' is a natural cave hollowed out of the mountains side through deep erosion by wind and water. It is irony of fate that the sons of such a great king have been cradled on these bed of rocks. For nothing remains except some huge boulders that bear mute witness to their nativity.There we came across a medicant sittting cross legged on a flat rock slab as it it were a throne beside this ancient shrine.The branchs of the tress canopying the mountain course rustled and trembled with the agitation of the birds and monkeys settling for the day. Nothing disturbed him not even these menacing monkeys. I bowed low and tried to touch his feet."He will destroy is if we attempt to usurp his rights', saying this, he closed his eyes. It was better not to disturb him so i walked my way.We me few of these servants of godchanting holy hymns to themselves. A gentle peacefulness enveloped the whole atmosphere. this is their happy abode , beyond the realms of worldly cares.

At Kapilas the most lovely spot the resthouse os crouched on the side of the cliff, the varendha looking down into the main arena of the three shrines. The whole thing givs a look of a tiny island. For many Kapilas is their favourite picnic spot. The deer park, which is nearby provides amusement to both the young and the old. After climbing down the 1351 grand steps we came her to rest our tiring feet. As night approached , cart after cart groaned the narrow and dusty roads of Kapilas. They were also on their way home like us. We did hear the cart men singing through the hollow of the night as the carts passed into the morning that would rise over these silent mountains of Kapilas.

Bride Burning - From Holy Fire to Unholy Pyre

2009-07-05T22:14:00.001+05:30

Meena was burned to death by her sister in-law in collusion with Meena's mother in-law and husband. This happened when Meena's parents refused to meet the constant dowry demands. In her dying declaration, Meena indicated how she was mentally and physically tortured by her new family.Twenty two year old Vimala was burned to death after seven years of her marriage. Sudha was married to Laxman Kumar in Delhi. She was subjected mistreatment by her husband and in-laws since the very first month of her marriage for non-payment of 'sufficient' dowry. Sudha was burnt to death when she was eight months pregnant.
You must have read about thousands of bride burning cases like these as you go through the newspapers.There is no end to the crime against women. They are a blot on a society that claims to be progressive and unfettered by outworn traditions. Are Indian women destined to be wedded to the flames? The holy fire which witnesses the couple's first steps towards domesticity may easily turn into a vicious death trap.
Recent surveys in India have undoubtedly established the rising trend in bride buring deaths, a major form of dowry death. Although the system of giving dowry to a daughter is an age old institutions, the issue has suddenly acquired pernicious overtones in recent years. this problem of demand and supply continues to be an accepted social practice and there seems to be no end to this.
What happens to the girl when she is wedded to the 'paraya ghar'? As she steps into the house, she faces all sorts of cruel and inhuman torture and exploitation. There are those who protest and break free from this nuptial bond in sharp contrast to those who silently suffer harrassment and indignities for having brought insufficient dowry.The humiliation generally starts with criticism followed by familiar scenes- insults, abuses and demand for more money and finally she is beaten up and set on fire. today young brides and brides to be carry a vision in their minds of a daemonic women haing a kerosene tin in one hand and match box in the other hand and shrilling menacingly, ' marry without dowry and repent later' . This vision is enough to give her nightmares and nervous breakdown.
During the entire drama involving the bride and her mother in law where is the 'pati paremeshwar'? the saviour , the bread winner, the hero who had vowed to support his wife through the thick and thin of life. In some cases he is out of the scene and in some he has turned into a non-entity, hiding behind his mother's 'palu' or maybe he had risen like a beast of prey ready to thrust her into the pyre his mother has lit.
It is ironical that a country which worships women as godesses should treat her as a commodity to be consigned to the flames when she cannot fulfill the material greed of the family. It is also ironical that a women in her role as a wife and mother particularly as mother embodies all that our culture holds dear- sacrifice, endurance patience- can turn into a cold blooded scheming woman known as mother in law burning her son's wife alive. And when she is not doing something as macabre as this she is bullying her bahu through relentless ragging. Further it is bewildering that in india where many women today have attained positions of eminence and responsibility there are still those who are subjected to humiliations and torture.
Why do girls submit to these opressions? Why do they not realise that a divorce is better than marriage where money is the be all and end all of all relationships. Marriage is not the ultimate end in life but happiness certainly is.

The Rain and Me

2009-07-05T22:13:00.000+05:30

Pearls from heaven
He showers drop by drop
from endless clouds
Awakens my senses
stirs up life's many emotions
cleanses , purifies the soul
comforts my dry spirit
fills mind with
thoughts so sublime

The rain sings
unending songs of Love
hymns to Joy, Beauty
earthy music accompanying
Envelops nature
in all its glory
the sky , the earth, the seas combine
in harmony

I sing with the rain
the black moving clouds my hair
the wet earth my embryonic bed
radiant rainbow my bridal gown
Whistling wind, green fields, dewy flowers,
chirping birds, natures tiniest creatures form chorus
rendering the soft musical
'an ode to the rain'

The rain dances
steps so beautiful, gentle, yet so firm
Like Mother's love
it pierces the Earth
And seeps in, in, inner still
forms a pool, clear, white and refreshing

I dance with the rain
to its enchanting rhythm
Till my soul become
a gleaming mirror of my life
Where visible is the invisible
Rain there is in me so much
dry towers of my heart crumble
in its long embrace
Rain like honey dew bath
Each cell of my body renews

An Unbelievable Gift of Life

2009-07-05T22:10:00.001+05:30

We waited and waited and we were still waiting. It had been a long wait. We waited with hope in our heart and faith in the almighty. We waited with anticipation and the excitement. Waited when our silent prayers will be answered and God will bless us with a baby. If not our own - that doesn't matter anymore. After years of waiting at the infertility clinics, hospitals and adoption centres, we were desperately waiting for a baby to adopt us and not the other way round. Finally we got a call and here we were at the centre waiting for him. He arrived. I could see the nurse of the adoption centre walking in holding him close to her. We held our breath. I could feel my husband's hand reaching to touch mine, yes i needed that firm grip at this wonderful moment. The nurse smiled as she handed him over to us and said 'yes he is all yours'. Those sweet little words swept me off my feet.
He was all wrapped up in this soft white linen, he was barely a month old. He was so small, delicate, he was simply beautiful. A strange new love fulfilled my senses when i held him in my arms for the first time. I could feel my heart beating faster and growing larger to treasure this new found love. The emotional sweep that takes place under these circumstances is impossible to describe. The twinkling radiance in his eyes, the purity in his smile, the smell of innocence overwhelmed me. He seemed so special. It was as if i held a piece of our heart in my hands. He stared at me through those half - opened eyes. I had held babies before, but this tiny bundle in my arms was all ours and that made all the difference. There was joy and there were tears.One minute, we were a childless couple who longed for a baby, the next minute, we became proud parents to an unbelievable gift.
When we got home our family was all eagerly waiting at our house to greet us and meet the newest member of our family. He has made our house a home, made our family complete. Parenthood is a memorable phase in life and has changed us completely. We are now reliving our childhoods days once again with him. What a difference babies make in the our lives! Now our world seems to be revolve round our little one. We can't imagine a day in our lives without him. Though the peaceful sleepy nights are now a thing of the past, a few minute snooze next to him is heaven. We love to shop for his diapers, feeding bottles, baby food, clothes, toys. We now awaken each day to bright smiles and sparkling eyes, and we cherish those sweet babbles and sounds he makes all through the day. Everyday seems new and exciting with him. We are waiting to hear his first word, see his first tooth, see him crawl and take his first step. We are waiting to teach him everything he wants to know and prepare him to face the world and lead a happy and fulfilled life. Its a long road ahead and we have taken our first step.

Manoj Kumar Vs Om Shanti Om

2008-03-26T10:35:00.002+05:30

Om Shanti Om made a spoof on many senior and new age actors-Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Shabana Azmi,Rishi Kapoor,Subhash Ghai, Akshaye Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Sooraj Barjatiya, Dev Anand, Rajni kant. All of them took it in the right spirits and understood the humour behind this art of filmmaking, except the thespian Manoj Kumar.Not until yesterday he seemed to be hurt and his reaction to this -'a conspiracy to ridicule me', 'injured my soul', 'i feel insulted' ,'my wellwishers and fans are outraged'.He has left it to his lawyers to decide on the course of action.
Is it easy to take a joke?And if that joke you feel ridicules you or your image? How many of us can really take a joke in a lighter vein without getting hurt?Manoj Kumar is a very senior and serious actor of the 70s who has given us inspiring and patriotic movies.His reaction is a spontaneous reaction to the scene in the movie which brand him as'bumbling buffon' .The scene where the cops beat up his double was too much for him to accept. So naturally the actor voiced his displeasure at this satirical episode.The message was loud and clear from his side-Give me my due respect .Not only in real life but in reel life also.
Part of the film industry felt he was overreacting and advised him to take it as a complement, a tribute and understand the hidden humour behind this.The media sees it as a desperate attempt by Manoj Kumar to hog archlights and seek fame.The Om Shanti Om crew and cast were apologetic and said hurting anybody was the last thing in their minds.Some feel it is a publicity stunt.After all this i think many people who havent seen the movie will actually watch it to see what really happened with the onscreen 'manoj kumar', his young double.
I have noticed in many movies legendary actors like the late ashok kumar,sanjeev kapoor,raj kapoor are easy targets of ridicule.These movies either have duplicates,comedians or the main leads trying to make give a comic twist to movies by making mockery of their style and persona.Why speak of these legendary actors when we have duplicates of shah rukh khan ,salman khan, sanjay dutt and many others who do the same thing.But today the new age actors understand and have learnt to take it in their stride, to take the joke on them when portrayed in films or shows.
All's well that ends well. Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan conveyed their sincere apologies and the thespian should forget and forgive and let bygones be bygones and show the white flag.

Being Curvy and Chubby Is Not Bad Afterall

2008-03-26T10:33:00.000+05:30

Good News! I am happy are you too?
Two news items on Health and Beauty published in the Times of India made me happy ."Why being chubby is not a bad thing" and 'Curvy women are clever too'.They make really an interesting read for many women and men out there who are happy with the way they are.' Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder' and this vision of beauty changes every now and then with the new studies and research made by scientists.
"Why being chubby is not a bad thing"
Interesting isnt it.In this new modern age where the 'thin culture' dominates and rules with many teens , women and men. These finds or study of the researchers bring a sigh of relief too many 'chubby' women and men who do not embrace the so called culture or fall in the category of skinny people. We are healthy and we are beautiful.'Overweight people have the lowest mortality rate than skinny people', says the new study.Does it mean that 'heavy people or chubby people will live longer?It is unbelievable as we have always heard contradictory reports relating to this issue.The effects of being overweight are many and this makes us rush to the gyms,try low fat diets,tolerate the stares of the onlookers and their comments and try all possible methods to slim down. So this news comes as a surprise and is an eyeopener.So all chubby people out there you can be happy with yourself like i am.And the skinny ones you can put on a little weight.
'Curvy women are clever too'
This is a must read like the other one.Another study says that curvy women have brains and are smart.The study also adds that women who have an hourglass figure-large hips and small waist are intelligent and clever.Am i reading right ? so what they mean to say is that those fats around the hips are not bad after all.?The study states that these curvy women will have give birth to bright children!So women out there lend me your ears and get your curves right.And those skinny supermodels who give us a complex and threaten our confidence please read these articles and put on some weight if you want a 'smart tag' child.
And to all the scientists out there who come up with such wonderful and interesting research and studies keep up the research going and enlighten us more with your new findings.

Bollywood Smoking Debate

2008-03-12T11:02:00.001+05:30

Some bollywood celebrities must be in a utterly confused state of mind whether to smoke or not to smoke in public or in private ( you see their walls have eyes and ears too).Celebrities do not have it easy as their every move are watched, talked,criticised and debated.The common man in this case enjoys an upper hand, a freedom, as nobody notices them or slaps a case on them in that matter.For a second celebs must be wishing to be in the shoes of the common man at least for this reason - smoke leisurely without being seen and talked .
Common man who smoke do not come in the public glare and his actions may not be as big a issue.But when it comes to bollywood actors as shah rukh khan, aksheye khanna, vivek oberoi, saif ali khan.ajay degan their smoking antics offscreen and onscreen have court controversies.They are no ordinary men they are bollywood big shots idolised by many movie lovers.Celebrities in India are adulated,emulated.Every little thing they do offscreen or onscreen are subject to scrutiny.They have a mass following who love to adopt their styles and habits.Their choices influence the behaviour of their fans and common mass.when SRK took a puff during a cricket match his snap was taken and his actions at once hit headlines. It happened with akshey khannna who was seen with a cigerrete in hand while he walked the ramp recently.Vivek Oberio's smoking in movies did not go unnoticed.Saif 's smoking problems is not new.It becomes headlines and is flashed in all news channels and forums are set up to discuss their acts.They become easy targets.Some have left the habit while some struggle with it and some desperately trying to kick the habit and there are those who cannot give up the habit.
Does bollywood boost smoking habit? No we cannot pass the buck just like that. Granted that Celebritites have certain resposibilities towards the society.They are everywhere in ads, movies, functions and not to miss the public awareness campaigns for the interest of the public.The fact that we are also responsible for our own actions also hold true. Smoking is a habit injurious to health .For some it is their favourite past time. Its a habit even my husband also cannot do without like many others. As they say Old habits die hard .Whether its the celebs or the common man I hope this Smoking habit dies away its natural death.

Tall, Fair And Handsome

2008-03-12T10:58:00.001+05:30

Yes I was embarressed.I was feeling awafully embaressed of my husband.Why should'nt I be? He bought a men's fairness cream right in front of my nose! I felt all eyes in the store staring back at me.Do i know this man at all? No certainly not. Not after this.The store attendent went on and on about other similar products that have hit the market and my husband was checking all the popular brands out there.And I thought its only a lady's rights to be fair and lovely.As the saying applies for men-tall, dark and handsome and not tall fair and handsome.
It was embarressing to hear my husband asking the attendant about skin types and which brand he should pick up.What on earth are you doing?Please dont buy those creams.I love your dark rugged looks.To put my point across i made all gestures possible- gave him a cold stare, tugged his shirt. pinched him, shoved him lightly, but nothing worked, he turned a blind eye and my pleadings fell on deaf ears.
The other day my parents and family came for lunch and this little secret was discovered."Why does he need to put such creams? These creams are for girls", my father said. And everybody was busy inspecting the cream and giving their own comments."He wants to look fair after all these years, whats brewing dear, is everything allright",my mother added."Nothing mother, he says he is doing it for himself"," Its just a feel good factor and nothing else".From then onwards i make all possible efforts to hide the cream once my husband leaves home.Once he is at home the cream is back in its usual place.But nothing escapes the eye of the cleaning lady " what madam why does saheb keep the cream here and there".What can be more embaressing than this?
Fairness cream specially tailored for men-Eureka! what a breakthrough.They say it will give men a fresh and smooth look.My husband fell for it and i guess many other men also would have joined the bandwagon.Where is the Mills and Boons guy that we women dream of right from the time we reach our teens.Men too want to look beautiful and fair! Whats wrong with them? The rough and tough look which makes women go weak on our knees seems to be fading in the air.The new metrosexual look seems to be ruling the popular charts.When i see these ads promoting the fairness creams for men i fume and fret inside. I blame them for pushing my husband to think otherwise of his looks.Today he has bought a fairness cream, tomorrow he may wax his chest, go for a facial or grow his hair .Shah Rukh Khan endorsing a similar cream makes the matter worse.His presence makes the ads noticiable and give weight to rather silly ads.
Wether a man is fair or not does it matter? Men can get away with their looks or anything else in that matter.I have seen the most unhandsome looking men with the most beautiful looking women by their side.It is the women who have to go through the tags of being fair or dark from time immorial.Be it being noticed in the crowd, accepted by society or attract good marriage proposals-women face genuine problems if they are not 'fair' skinned.Men have been blessed enough.
As for fairness creams be it for men or women- they are here to stay.Do they really work?No iam glad . My husband today still has his rugged looks intact even after using them religiously, two times in a day as prescribed in the cover."Its a feel good thing "and i have nothing to say to that now.

A Pet Dog Named Mowgli

2008-03-12T10:56:00.000+05:30

We unanimously halied him as Mowgli, being rather impressed by the small screen depiction of the boy-in Rudyard Kipling famous novel Jungle Book. But if Mowgli was a man child at ease in the world of animals, our Mowgli is a small puppy, an animal at ease amidst the world of men. From the very first moment he responded with alarcrity to the name and it stuck to him as surely as a second skin.
Mowgli belongs to the pampered breed of Dachshunds. Dark as the midnight in his smooth coat.His long tail flailing and his snout delicately sniffing the cold air.He arrived one winter evening to disrupt our peaceful existence and to establish his princely rights in our domain. He just walked through the front door and we gazed with horror at his mole like appearance debating whether it belongs to some mysterious sort of species of the underworld rodent clan or really a puppy.As is in answer to our mental queries he wined and waged his tail, but his looks seemed to drip with contempt,"I am more human than any of you", was the telepathic message that came through to us, and from that very moment we stayed in some awe of him.
But not so the cats and there were plenty of them around. Black cats, tom cats, white cats, she cats, he cats, small cats and big cats,continually pried through windows, mewed loudly from rooftop, shuffled suspiciously under beds, eager to pounce on him tooth and claw and make off with him as a possible dessert.Perhaps they had not recieved the message, we recieved loud and clear.They still think of him as a rat, albeit an overgrown one.
Mowgli behaves as a human being in disguise and this we can well call his comic flaw.There is never a "Beware of the Dog" signboard hung on our gatepost. His territory is open to all tresspassers. His happiness knows no bounds when he hears footsteps at the door. Wearing his doggy heart on his four paws, he wants to be the first one to greet the guests in a traditional manner touching thier feets with his ice-cold nose.
Gone are the days when dogs were supposed to be faithful to their masters.Unlike other dogs who love to trot beside their loved ones, he tears ahead straining at his leash, dragging us to all nooks and corners of his happy hunting grounds. Where
human beings are concerned, his love knows no discrimination, for he gets too friendly with strangers thinking all men are alike and therefore to be trusted . Unlike other dogs, Mowgli loves soap and water. Right from the moment the buckets are filled with warm water, till he is brushed and scrubbed clean, he squeals with delight, a glad doggy song.
He loves being fondled and paying him no attention can be injurious to his health and to our happiness. The only thing he dreads is the loss of love of human beings he calls his own. We dare not turn a deaf ear to his demands.When Mowgli is in pain or ill, it is always to mother he goes for comfort, just like the rest of us. He loves his early morning cuppa with biscuits together with family members, insisting on a second serve by thumping his tail hard on the floor till he gets it. Mowgli's favourite place on earth is the drawing room. He demands a sofa especially reserved for him where he sits and watches the TV like we do.
All said and done Mowgli is not all sugar and spice and all that's nice. His sharp barks in an otherwise peaceful night are like poisons to our ears. Sleep vanishes and blood pressure goes racing up. But he has his way. If he has to spend a sleepless night he makes sure that we too stay up with him.
Walt Whitman has said"I think I could turn and live as the animals, they are so placid and self contained".
We have to take his remark with a pinch of salt. No doubt he did not have to live with a dog like Mowgli. "Dont give your heart to a dog to tear", but those of us who love dogs have long ago tossed this well meant advice to the winds along with the chewed up slippers.

NY Governor Eliot Spitzer Involvement in Prostitution Ring

2008-03-11T00:31:00.002+05:30

Eliot Spitzer New York Governor, a first-term Democrat and former state attorney general married with three children has told senior advisers that he had been involved in a prostitution ring. Spitzer officials wouldn't immediately comment on the story.

Beatles and Apple $400 Million Deal

2008-03-10T22:45:00.002+05:30

UK news outlets are reporting today that Sir Paul McCartney has reached a deal with Apple to offer the Beatles catalog on the iTunes Store. The deal worth $400 million, comes after months and months of speculation and relentless torrents of rumors.This is the real deal, and will lead to the most popular band of all time finally finding its way onto an online marketplace.

Download and Watch New and Old Classic Hollywood Movies Online Free

2008-03-10T22:38:00.002+05:30

Download and Watch New and Old Classic Hollywood Movies Online Free.

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India Fails to Qualify in Hockey for Beijing Olympics

2008-03-10T22:33:00.001+05:30

A heartbroken hockey fraternity today reacted in anger and demanded the ouster of Indian Hockey Federation President KPS Gill following the team's unprecedented failure to make the cut for the Beijing Olympics.India created a dubious history as they lost to England 2-0 to miss the bus for the quadrennial games for the first time in 80 years.

Rakhi Sawant Wants Mumbai Police To Act As Her Santa Claus

2008-03-10T22:27:00.002+05:30

Rakhi Sawant walked out of the Nach Baliye 3 sets when the winner of the dance reality show in Star Plus was announced.She and her boyfriend Abhishek Awasthi just refused to acknowledge their loss to Amir and Sanjida when this couple won hands down .The rakhi-abhishek duo were declared runners-up .Salman Khan the celebrity guest of the grand finale said they should have the sportmanship spirit and congratulate the winners and accept their defeat.But Rakhi being Rakhi Sawant just couldn't bear her defeat.Now we hear that she has called a press conference and voiced her displeasure against the channel and organisers of the show.She has requested the Mumbai Police to don the 'Santa' cap and act promptly to her complaint she filed at the Oshiwara police station.
According to her the Nach Baliye 3 reality dance show was rigged and she has called the voting system a 'software scandal'.She adds that the results were manipulated . In her own words "The voting lines had shut well before the deadline. Even the flyers and hoardings of the channel were in support of Aamir and Sanjeeda. This had alerted us that there was manipulation taking place in the camp," says Rakhi.She is emotionally very hurt, cheated and for her self respect she would like an investigation into the matter and let truth be out in the open.
Yes Rakhi sawant and her partner Abhishek did wow the audience with their breathtaking performances .They were certainly the best of the rest.They were professional dancers.Their hard work and surprise element did wonders in each and every episode-13 new form with 13 new images were evident in the thali dance, the diya dance,their classical and modern dances.Likewise Amir Ali and Sanjeeda Sheik also deserved to be in the finals. They withstood tough competitors like Rakhi and Abhishek and equally matched to their dance steps and forms . Now that this was a reality dance show and everything was not in the judges's hand it all depended on the sms send by the viewers.One cannot predict winners in this case, it can be anybody's game in the end.
Whereever Rakhi Sawant goes controversies seem to follow her like a faithful dog.She won the trophy for being the drama queen of the show.Her antics and drama were also seen in Big Boss, the last reality game show she participated.But Rakhi says her controversial walkout was not a publicity stunt as is viewed by many.She adds, "I also have a heart and emotions, there are some things beyond controversy and that is our self respect".

Busy Human Bodies

2008-03-09T19:24:00.004+05:30

The Human Species has turned into Busy Bodies.The Human Race as appropriately termed seem to be racing-whether we race with time or race against it, we are always on the run.The whole world seems to be moving at a break neck speed and men groaning under its pressure.A life bustling with activities has become commendable. Remaining busy or giving the impression that one has no time has become the measure of importance in the society.
I knew of a retired professor who could instill a sense of foreboding in prospective scholars who came to his chamber while he remained 'busy' inside.Politicians generally arrive late for public meetings because they were 'busy' in the affairs of the state.Teachers come late to their classes as they are also 'busy' in other activities, students are 'busy' in learning or exploring the extra- lessons life has in store, parents are 'busy' with home, office and children, who are also'busy' in their imaginary world and the list can go on endlessly.Nevertheless we moderns live a nerve racking life.Unlike Wordworth we are never inclined to think that "the world is too much with us, in giving and taking, we lay waste our powers, little we think of the world that's ours".
We are never wearied of our dear world with all its myriad activities.Life is short we argue and a lot remains to be done.How can we barter it away on inessentials.We never talk of sharing our percious time with our kith and kin, we simply don't have the time for ourselves as we are busy dating destiny, we have forfeited our humanity. We have left ourselves no opportunity to make ourselves pleasant to each other, to gossip over a cup of tea, to watch the flight of birds or to while away the time communing with nature.
Like dehumanised species, like cousins of the machines we operate. We are a lost race in search of a utopia that shall never come to us unless we look into ourselves.Being busy bodies has raised our blood pressure, cholestrol levels, increased sugar content in the blood and caused heart attacks.We rush to meet the deadlines and there seems to be no escape. What does it matter if we gain the world but lose or soul and self in the bargain? We have lost the Self.We have crushed it under the wheels of time.

Mother Lynne Spears and Her Celebrity Daughters Britney and Jamie

2008-03-09T19:20:00.003+05:30

Mother Lynne Spears and her daughters Britney Spears and Jamie Lynn Spears seem to be sailing on the same boat these days.The tide of life,its ebb and flow, the rise and fall is being experienced by the mother and her daughters.All spotlights seems to have frozen on the three of them.Cannot blame one for the others downfall. To each his own as they say.They are grownup individuals who are responsible for their own actions.

Britney Spears had it all.She rose to fame in an instant at a very early age and conquered the hearts of many with her grammy winning performance.She ruled the music industry for a long time with her chartbusters.She was a teen idol.What happened to her after that is really shocking.First she married childhood sweetheart Jason Alexander and then she married Kevin Federline. Why? Nobody knows why. Was it simply love or was she bored of her single status and wanted to try or experience something new.She had kids one after another.Why? Was it simply to avert the reports of her messy marriage or she wanted to try motherhood seriously.She divorced after 2 years citing irreconcilable differences, took refuge in drugs and alcohol.She received a heavy blow when she lost the custody battle of her children for her unexplained and bizzare behaviour.She simply fell from the height of fame,she disgraced herself. She did everything possible to rise and grab limelight but all in vain nothing seemed to work her way and she was inbetween the devil and the deep sea.Now we mention and categorsie her as a 'troubled singer' or 'beleaguered' pop star.She seems out of control.It is rumored that Britney Spears is planning to marry again to her "close friend and confidant" Sam Lufti.Why is she doing this?only she can answer that.Didnt she learn anything with her life events?We certainly did.
Move over Britney Spears for her 16 year old little sister Jamie Lynn Spears has arrived .Oh did i say 'little' i take my word back for the little sister is going to be a mother soon. "Always conscientious" as described by her mother Jamie has shocked her family and world with her pregnancy. She has now become hot topic of conversation, discussion and news.She is a television star best known for starring in the Nickelodeon television series 'Zoey 101'.She is now expecting her long time boyfriend 18 year old Casey Aldridge's child .She at first was 'shocked' as she says to this unexpected event in her life but now she seems to be pretty okay.But What follows after this -only God knows.Will marriage,motherhood, career, fame do her good or will it push her into the same fate as it did to britney.Isnt all this too much for her to handle at this age with a 'unwed teen mother' tag.
Where does that leave Mother Lynne Spears?She is the mother of three children with ex husband Jamie Spears.Her much publicised book on parenting skills "Pop culture mom'' has been put on hold indefinitely after her daughter Jamie announced her pregnancy.She has been called as the 'worse' mother by tabloids.She did reconcile with britney after their estrangement.She is a celebrity mother who raised her family in the glare of the media.She will be constanly under scrutiny when her celebrity daughters do anything ridiculous and strange.People and media will be judgemental of her.Her book which was set to release on Mother's day seems to be a far fetched dream for her now.At the present moment its her daughters who need her immediate attention,care and parental guidance. Its time to put her words in her book into real action and give it a meaning.

The Correct Bra Size

2007-09-12T12:39:00.001+05:30

Many a times when i visit a shooping mall or a lingerie shop to buy my inners, i still feel like a shy teenager buying the stuff for the first time. I feel tongue tied to inquire about the lingerie brands, fabric, styles and most importantly the correct size. Like others i also end up grabbing a package of 6 cotton briefs or a bra off the sales rack --most often without even trying it on. Or, if i go to a lingerie store offering a bra-fitting service - only to find out later that the fit just doesn't feel right, or doesn't look very good under clothing.

We should have on-hand beautiful, well-constructed lingerie that supports and enhances the body. You'd be surprised at the confidence you can feel when you're comfortable and when you know that the lingerie you're wearing next to your skin looks as good as the clothing you wear over it.

The hardest part of purchasing lingerie that fits well and looks good is knowing what to look for. There are so many choices in fabric, style and size to choose from today. Wearing the right bra size is just as important as choosing the right bra style. So, how long has it been since you've checked your bra size?

Many factors affect our bust measurements, such as pregnancy, exercise, birth control pills and weight fluctuations. Did you know the average woman wears six different bra sizes throughout her life? All things considered, it will be worth your while to grab a tape measure and check your size

If you own a bra that fits you well, that bra represents your correct bra size. That bra also represents a good brand for you. Every lingerie manufacturer has their unique take on fit. Like shoes, if you find a brand that fits and is comfortable, chances are their other styles will fit you as well. You should look to that brand first before venturing out to others.

A bra fitting expert showed me and my friends how to know your correct bra size and find yourself a comfortable brand.

It follows step by step

Get a soft measuring tape.

This is the only type of measuring tape that can be used for accurate measurements.

Step #2: Take off your bra.

The measurements you take will be much more accurate if your bra is off. Almost all women wear cup sizes that are too small which smashes the breasts down causing the measurement to seem smaller than they really are. If your breasts hang or sag, just try and get someone to help you so that you can prop your breasts up while measuring. If you really need to, just take the measurements with a bra on. The size will still be a lot closer than anything you have been wearing and the fit a whole lot better. And if you need help or feel the numbers are just not making sense, just take BOTH measurements, one with the bra on and one with the bra off and call us and we will help you determine the best size.

Step #3: Measure underneath your rib cage.

This measurement will help you determine your band size. So measure right underneath your breasts where a bra band would normally sit. Make sure that you keep the tape level all the way around and pull the two sided together until they meet and lie flat against your body. Do not pull it too tightly but it does need to be somewhat snug. Whatever number you get here, in almost all cases just needs to be rounded up to the nearest even number. So if the measurement is 33 than you would just round up to 34. Very easy. But there is one exception to this rule. If you measure 34 1/4 or even 34 ½, you should round down to 34 instead. The reason for this is simple. Bras lose elasticity every time you wear them so the fit will only get less and less supportive the longer you wear the bra. So when you first purchase a bra it needs to feel snug but not too tight on the LOOSEST hook. Then as the bra stretches from wear, you can move the hooks in tighter to maintain a higher level of support longer. If you buy a bra and need to wear it on the tightest hook from the start, you have nowhere to go but to buy a new one when it starts getting stretched out. For a bra to be supportive, you must wear the correct band size.

Step #4: Measure across the widest part of your bust line. (NEVER MEASURE UNDER YOUR ARM PITS AND UP OVER THE TOP OF YOUR BREASTS AND NEVER ADD INCHES.)

Just measure across your nipples at the widest part of your breasts. Nothing at all needs to be done to this number except rounding it up if the measurement falls between two numbers. So if you measure 41 ½ just round it to 42. That is it. Nothing else.Step # 5 Do a little math.Now take the number from step 4 and subtract the number from step 3. This then gives you a cup size to go along with the band size that was determined earlier. The band size we had earlier was 34 and for the above example the bust measurement was a 42. So you have 42-34 = 8.So you have a band size of 34 and an 8 inch difference for the cup size so your bra size is a 34H.

Each number represents a cup size as the chart below details.1 = A2 = B3 = C4 = D5 = DD(E)6 = F(DDD)7 = G8 = H9 = I10= Jetc. etc.

Now you have a size that will fit you so much better and support you so much better and make you look so much better than anything you have ever worn before.

Imprisoned Childhood

2007-09-11T14:49:00.001+05:30

Do you remember your own carefree childhood days?

How u enjoyed playing in the open, running after butterflies, plucking flowers, enjoying the fresh air and making mudcakes and castles. A lot of children used to gather from the neighbourhood and you all played simple games like hide and seek and catch me. How you and ur friends used to love being in the midst of nature and make the most of your freedom to play in the open.

I remember being overjoyed at the very thought of going to our ancestral house in the village. It was an occasion we used to look forward to- the open feilds, the soft breeze, the tall trees, the lucid lake, the carefree spirit of nature inviting us to embrace it in its full glory and bloom.

But what has happened to that carefree world, the world which brought them closer to nature?

Today children would rather be on their own.'Leave me alone' , they seem to be screaming. Computer games, bowling alleys, robotic toys, and the TV sets have an overpowering effect on their minds.Children today prefer gizmos to meeting friends.

They say playing in the open fosters children's imagination and dexterity and helps them reach important physical, cognitive, and emotional milestones and manage stress.

Parents should emphasize the benefits of playing in the open, encourage them to interact more with nature and play with "true toys" such as blocks and dolls, in which children fully use their imagination, over passive toys such as video games that require limited imagination.

Schools should create a play environment with a large variety of loose parts, which encourage creativity and discovery.It is rightly said that "Natural spaces and materials stimulate children’s limitless imaginations and serve as the medium of inventiveness and creativity,"

Even in cities dotted with parks, children don’t have that many chances to interact with nature. To counteract this problem, a growing number of planners and educators are creating wonderful new play areas where children can roll down green slopes and climb rocks sheltered by trees. These green playgrounds offer many advantages in a culture in which children — urban, suburban and even rural — are more likely to know the names of video-game characters than the names of the creatures and plants in their own neighborhoods.

The lives of children today are much different. Children today have few opportunities for free play and regular contact with the natural world. Their physical boundaries have shrunk due to a number of factors. A 'culture of fear' has parents afraid for their children's safety. Due to 'stranger danger', many children are no longer free to roam their neighborhoods or even their own yards unless accompanied by adults. Many working families can't supervise their children after school, giving rise to latchkey children who stay indoors or attend supervised after-school activities. Furthermore, children's lives have become structured and scheduled by adults, who hold the mistaken belief that this sport or that lesson will make their children more successful as adults .

The culture of childhood that played outside is gone and children's everyday life has shifted to the indoors . As a result, children's opportunity for direct and spontaneous contact with nature is a vanishing experience of childhood. One researcher has gone so far as to refer to this sudden shift in children's lives and their loss of free play in the outdoors as a 'childhood of imprisonment' (Francis 1991). Childhood and regular play in the natural world is no longer synonymous. Pyle (1993) calls this the 'extinction of experience', which breeds apathy towards environmental concerns.

Kellert (2002) says society today has become "so estranged from its natural origins, it has failed to recognize our species' basic dependence on nature as a condition of growth and development."

Reading Can Be Rewarding

2007-09-11T13:25:00.001+05:30

Is there anything that you can do to encourage your children to read?

It's helpful to know your child's reasons for not liking or wanting to read.

These reasons can help you decide what will work best in motivating your child to discover or rediscover how much fun reading can be.

Kids are busy. School, friends, sports, homework, television, and chores all compete for their time. Some children need your help in rearranging their schedules to make time for reading.
Under pressure, children may read only to please their parents rather than themselves, or they may turn around and refuse to read altogether

While there's nothing wrong with rewarding the child's reading efforts. Whenever possible, offer another book or magazine (your child's choice) along with words of praise. You can give other meaningful rewards on occasion, but offer them less and less frequently. In time, your child will experience reading as its own reward.

Often children don't appreciate how reading can be purposeful, or relevant to their lives. Parents can take it upon themselves to find reading materials on subjects that do matter to their kids.

Reading can be very rewarding. Cultivate the habit of reading.Not only children but we should also get inspired to read.It help us to penn down our thoughts and be a critic. When you read a book it not only helps you to frame views and opinions on a particular subject but also creates a positive thinking mind. It widens our horizon and the new words add weight to your vocabulary kit.

My father would always advice us to read in our free time . He used to say that reading can uplift your inner spirits and fill ur mind with sublime thoughts. Of couse he was a avid reader and still is.

So start the reading habit from today and also introduce ur child to the simple pleasures and joys of reading. But dont turn reading into a campaign.

A Song Of Love

2007-09-11T11:15:00.001+05:30

MY songs of love undending,

Mystical portrayals of life

of god within me

Hymns to joy, Beauty, love-

earthly music accompanying

I sing-

The clouds are my hair

The earth my embroynic bed

green fields my bridal gown

I dance

I dance and dance

Till my soul becomes

A gleaming mirror of Life

Where visible is the invisible

About Nothing

2007-09-11T10:51:00.001+05:30

The other day i came across an old friend of the family, a sort of universal 'Uncle' smoking leisurely on a bench in the park just opposite the secretariat building. He appeared to be peroccupied with the antics of the bee which true to its nature, flew from flower to flower.

"Hello Uncle", i said, what are you doing here? Uncle took along time to come out of his reverie and i had to touch him lightly to make him aware of my presence. Even then he seemed far away for as he tried to focus his attention on me."Oh its you", "Yes its me" i replied. "But what are you doing here all alone ? "Nothing" came the answer, still staring into the wide horizon. After a brief silence--"Nothing just thinking", he replied." Thinking about what uncle?", i asked. Still staring at the space he replied "About Nothing". I seemed to be getting nowhere with him and his nothingness. It was as though i was participating in one of those absurd plays like"Waiting for Godot", where nothing actually happens.

I later realized it was better to leave him in his tiny island of stillness where nothing existed except the self.

Look Before You Leap Into Marriage

2007-09-11T10:47:00.001+05:30

Two People enter into a marriage hardly knowing each other nor do they take the time to get to know one another before they begin a life long journey down a road that often leads to divorce. Things change and people change when the security of the commitment is tied together by a marriage certificate. People relax into their old habits which were carefully put away during the dating or lack of dating and instant relationship began.

Many couples today are young people who become infatuated with each other thinking they have found true love. Tender puppy love sets in and next thing you know they have found the experience of a sexual encounter. What, in most cases spurs them to hold on to what they think is love is the distain or disapproval of either of the parents. So they jump into a marriage when they are old enough because they want to prove mom and dad wrong. Or friends for that matter who have expressed a disliking to the partner their friend has chosen.

Loneliness is a great motivator for two people to jump into a relationship and/or marriage. With divorce rate percentages much higher than before especially in middle age couples, people react to attention and latch onto a person because of the void they now have in their lives. After months or years in a relationship or marriage and the comfort of a partner, many people find themselves very lonely. At the first sign of attention or affection they move quickly toward the comfortable feeling of another relationship so that the loneliness goes away. Unfortunately they again find themselves lonely because they married someone they did not really know and who they may not be compatible with.

Spice Up Your Marriage or Love Relationship

2007-09-11T10:43:00.000+05:30

Enduring love relationships or marriages demand some attention and tender love regularly so that they can stay growing, strong, and revitalized. If you believe long term and marriage relationships can stay alive if you don't feed them, you're wrong.

To keep the love you have alive, you've got to give the time to developing and growing that love, however it fits into the dynamic of your relationship.An aspect of long-term intimate and marriage relationships that often fades away after so many years of being together is physical attraction. Some couples discover that their love making grows routine and ordinary. They also could discover that they are so busy with kids, jobs or other activities that they simply don't have much time or energy for a lot of intimacy with each other. These couples let their physical relationship be shoved to the back burner and allow other responsibilities and activities to replace really being together.

Invigorating your marriage or love relationship starts with developing a connection between you, and that can be done in several ways. It takes devotion and commitment to creating this type of connection and a willingness to permit what's happened in the past remain in the past. This demands being honest and candid about what you feel, and will mean a fresh start in making love with each other. To invigorate passion and love, it might be a help to you to do activities that both of you used to enjoy with each other but don't do anymore. It might also mean trying something new and different with each other that would help you establish the feeling of togetherness and companionship like you felt before.

Creating more spice and deeper love in your long term relationship or marriage can be done, and much easier than you may think. Make a decision today that you desire and want to have a more rewarding relationship. Begin right now to allow more passion and love in your relationship and see how it starts to change, and for the better. Start right now to build what you want for life.

Legal Cover for Sex Workers

2007-09-11T10:23:00.000+05:30

If are really into intelligent tv watching then It is always inspiring to watch Barkha Dutt in action be it reporting live for NDTV or debating on variety of topics on the show We the People. The show voices peoples opinion on issues that touch our lives.
If u see a particular topic hitting the headlines frequently in a week, you can be sure it is going to be debated by her and her panelist every sunday.Through this show she brings national headlines into the drawing room of the comman man to be discussed and debated with some very excitable audience members, some very controversial panelists and in their midst is a very articulate and control host-Barkha Dutt.Since the time I’ve been watching, the show has discussed a variety of topics from the form of the Indian cricket team, to the inclusion of VandeMataram in school curriculums, to the depiction of modern day Indian marriages in movies (KANK), to the decriminalisation of homosexuality, to the relevance of women wearing a veil in this day and age.

The topic of discussion one sunday was the new law proposed for our so called sex workers. The legal experts term it as 'Decriminalising Prostitution'--legalising prostitution.

But what are we talking about here. To the laymen the topic will itself sound so ridiculous and absurd. How many parents would want their children to be employed as a sex worker. How many would allow its offices to flourish in our neighbourhood. Prostitution cannot be a profession in a civilized society.It will pave the way for social evil and more diseases. It will give men more freedom to stray and exploit women.It will ridicule the institution of marriage and make it more vulnerable to divorce. Many viewed this new law as a step to create, exploit and criminalise prostitution to cover its won hypocricy.
But if one would also look at the other side of the new law there is no denying that it will not only provide legal rights to the sex workers but lend dignity to prostitution by removing the social stigma attached to this oldest profession. The law should be strict to traffickers and empower the women who are in this business.Forced or free prostitution has been going on in our indian soiciety for years, we cannot stop it so its better its regulated and legalised. As my dear friend argued the other day if we can sell our brains to a company whats the harm in selling our bodies. All said and done the law should not undermine the life and work of the women as a parent, caregiver and sex worker. It should enable the sex worker to access their rights and legal services to fight any violence that they experience from the employers, the police, clients and co-workers.

my blog

2007-08-21T12:52:00.000+05:30

Hi, I am going to be posting a lot of creative things on this blog of mine! It will be ready soon. Do look out for this!