Why buying gift cards is not such a good idea anymore ?

Do you give and receive a lot of gift cards ?? If yes, then you better get used taking the risk they come with...

When the store gift cards were first introduced, it seemed like such a great idea.. !! It is a great idea for the most part..if you know the receiver will want to buy something from that store.

But, these days with the economic melt downs, you dont know when the stores are going out of business/declaring bankruptcy.. ! If you dont follow up with all the news, and find out a little late, you may be surprised to know that the $50 gift card that you were saving to use at a mega sale.. wouldnt be accepted any more..

A New Beginning...

With so much media focus on the elections ... there is no way anyone would have missed the election news... I have been following the reports pretty closely.. for the past 2 yrs almost..and yesterday.. finally.. it came to an end. My belief in "nothing is inevitable"..."everything is possible".. in the land of opportunity and hope.. has been renewed.. !! Not only will these elections go into the history books.. about the many firsts involved in it.. but it also showed that the people of the country can ...in one voice.. say what they feel....through their fundamental right to vote...

I tried to stay away from blogging about the "sensitive issues"... on this blog.. for quite sometime now and found myself in short of words to say.. It almost seems like all I have to say these days.. is about topics that are deemed as "sensitive".. But, then I thought, the whole purpose of why I started blogging was to share my thoughts with the world.. and if I am holding back on the real important things.. then there is no point.. ! So, today I decided to move my self-imposed blogging boundaries a little farther.. and let loose..

Change has been pending in America..for a while now.. and no matter which candidate was chosen to be the 44th president, change seems inevitable. Its what kind of change, that we want and how we make it happen..are the things that divide us.. But, everyone agrees.. that change.. is needed.. a change..

Where the goodness of the people and greatness of the country is still alive and thriving..
Where the world looks up for leadership..that can unite..not divide..
Where it is still the land of hope and opportunity for everyone in the world..
Where this great country is viewed as a friend, philosopher and guide.. not a bully..
Where the leaders understand war is the absolute last resort ..if nothing else works..
Where family values and moral ethics are strong and unshakeable..
Where people dont worry about their jobs being secure and providing for the family
Where people dont have to think twice about visiting a doctor when they are sick
Where kids can go to school and expect to get top-class education that would make them very competitive in the current global market
Where hard work is appreciated and rewarded...
Where people can live their lives peacefully without fear of crime or terror
Where everyone realizes the need to conserve the diminishing.. invaluable natural resources
Where people are able to buy and sell homes.. without panic..
Where people of different religions, national origins, colors, culture..coexist as people of one country as fellow human beings
Where personal freedoms of different sorts are valuable.. and cherished by individuals..not abused or misused
and the list goes on and on...

Its a new beginning.... On a brand new morning.. of hope and opportunity that the people of the world are longing for.. !! The one that our new president-elect promises...You can tell from my tone, that I am especially feeling patriotic/sentimental today ... and I am eager to see the change everyone has been talking about these past couple of years.. Lets see what is in store.. and how the change will come about..and lets all be a part of it..

నువ్వే నా శ్వాస

నువ్వే... నా శ్వాస...
మనసున నీకై.. అభిలాష...
బ్రతుకైన నీతోనే ...
చితికైన నీతోనే...
వెతికేది నే నిన్నేనని..
చెప్పాలని...... చిన్ని ఆశ..

ఓ ప్రియతమా ఊఁ ప్రియతమా....

నువ్వే... నా శ్వాస
మనసున నీకై.. అభిలాష

ఓఓఓఓఒ....
తారననమ్ తనన తననం..
తరననం తనన తననం..
తరననం తనన తననం..
పువ్వుల్లో పరిమలాలన్ని పరిచయమే చేసావు
తరాల్లో మెరుపులన్ని దోసిలి లో నింపావు
మబ్బుల్లో చినుకులన్ని మనసులోన కురిపిమ్చావు
నవ్వుల్లో నవలోకాన్ని నా ముందే నిలిపినావు గా
నీ జ్ఞాపకాలన్నీ ...ఏ జన్మలోనైనా..
నే మరవలేనని.. నీ తో చెప్పాలని..చిన్ని ఆశ..

ఓ ప్రియతమా ఓ ప్రియతమా....
నువ్వే... నా శ్వాస
మనసున నీకై.. అభిలాష


సూర్యునితో పంపుతున్న.. అనురాగపు కిరణాన్ని
గాలులతో పంపుతున్న ..ఆరాధన రాగాన్ని
ఎరులతో పంపుతున్న.. ఆరాటపు ప్రవాహాన్ని
దారుతులతో పంపెస్తున్న..అలుపెరుగని హృదయ లయలన్ని
ఏ చోట నువ్వున్న...... నీ కొరకు చూస్తున్న.....
నా ప్రేమ సందేశం విని వస్తావని....చిన్ని ఆశ..

ఓ ప్రియతమా ఓ ప్రియతమా....

देखा तेरी मस्ती..

देखा तेरी मस्ती नीगाहों में
नशा है अदा है मोहब्बत है हो
आजा तुझे बाहों में ले लू मैं
रूप यह गज़ब है क़यामत है
धड़कने तेज़ हो जाने दो॥
प्यार में होश खो जाने दो॥

यह हुस्न और यह मस्तियाँ
छाने लगी है मदहोशियाँ
उफ़ दो दिलों के साज़ पर
गाने लगी हैं खामोशियाँ
अपनी जुल्फों की खुशबू उड़ा
और मुझको दीवाना बना

रुसुवायीयों से डरता है मन
अच्छा नही दीवानापन्
तू ने मुझे यूँ चूलिया
कांप उठा मेरा बदन
यूँ न देखो मुझे ओ सनम
डगमगाने लगे हैं कदम

सुन ये समां कहता है क्या
रुसुवायीयों का डर भूल जा
दिल को सनम समझा ज़रा
यूँ न मेरे नज़दीक आ
आँख झुकने लगी है मेरी॥
सुनके ये बातें जादू भरी॥

देखा है मस्ती निगाहों की
शौक ये गज़ब की शरारत की॥

One more farewell...

Farewell... as per wikipedia - "is a wish of happiness or welfare at parting, especially a permanent departure"..

Well, thats just only a part meaning.. ! There is the other big part of sadness because the permanent departure means you will not see the person(s) as often as you could now.. (I am optimistic of meeting all my friends at some point in life.. inspite of the farewell. .So, I'd like to think I'll see them less often.. !!) So, you are sad you cannot do all the things you did together while you were in closer proximity.. I thought I was done with farewells when I left college.. ! But how naive I was to think so.. ! I am not done making friends after college...so how can there be no farewells ? There will be the bitter-sweet emotions associated with it always.. as long as I keep making friends.. hmm... ! Even though I kind of know it theoritically, somehow everytime I have to say goodbye to someone... I have to go through the same thought process.. .from square 1.

Today, I'll be bidding a farewell.. to another dear friend..! We laughed, danced..fought..played.. watched movies.. shared feelings..and even baked a cake together :)) I would miss having her around..And hope the best for her always.. ! Like with all my other friends that I had to say farewell to.. I hope to see her sometime again in future... ! And ...in spite of the physical distance that keeps us apart.. she will always be near and dear to my heart.. !

Movagagh Bashi Azizam ! (Goodbye Dear Friend ! In persian.. my friend 's native language)

Old friends.. New Intros..

Today, I was going through an email account I hardly use and found a message from an old friend. And I happened to notice that he has his own domain now. I went to the site and checked it out. The first thing that striked me is the template theme and I smiled to myself. Then I quickly scrolled through the content and found a few articles about music, reviews, tributes and ramblings... There is a lot that seems interesting.. and lots I have opinions about.. and like to comment on. So, for now I just linked to his site here and posted this article.

Now the interesting part - though I haven't been blogging as much, and haven't been in regular contact with my friends, our blogs seem to have many similarities.. Guess why we became friends in the first place.. :) I'll have to look up on more of my friends' blogs.. :) Its like getting re-introduced to them again.. through the blogosphere.. !

Activities for Summer

Here is my activities list for this summer :

1. Go camping on a weekend (some place close by)
2. Picnic in a local park (just an afternoon thing)
3. Barbecue & Dinner party (early meeting around 4 pm ..upto midnight on saturday night)
4. Visit the zoo
5. Visit the park
6. Go to the pool
7. Fly kites
8. Fruit picking
9. Vegetable Gardening
10. Take advantage of all the free events/activities on weekends

e.g:Hot air balloon festival, Pumpkin Picking, Fruit Picking etc..,

diivaane ho ke ham

One of the most wonderfully sung.. and written romantic songs..of Sonu ! I cant explain enough in words.. ! His voice is just made for songs like this.. I think..

Album : Jaan
Singer: Sonu Nigam

diivaane ho ke ham milne lage sanam
jab se jude hain silsile
aankhon se rut kar niindhe chaliigaayii
na jaane kaise gul khile
na jaane kaise pyaar huaa
na jaane kaise ikaraar huaa
ke apnii baat ban gayii

dhadakataa hai dil tumhaare liye
eye husne jaan zaraa sochiye..
ye kyaa dillagii.. ye kyaa hai sitham..
aaye abhii abhii chal diye..
mitenge kaise yah faasale...

diivaane ho ke ham milne lage sanam
jab se jude hain silsile
aankhon se rut kar niindhe chaliigaayii
na jaane kaise gul khile

mukaddar meraa savar jaane do
dil jo kahe vo kar jaane do
merii baahon mein chale aao tum
had se mujhe guzar jaane do
ke aao lagaaloon tum ko gale

diivaane ho ke ham milne lage sanam
jab se jude hain silsile
aankhon se rut kar niindhe chaliigaayii
na jaane kaise gul khile
na jaane kaise pyaar huaa
na jaane kaise ikaraar huaa
ke apnii baat ban gayii...
he laa laa la la..

O My Friend...

Over the weekend, we had a surprise farewell party for one of our close friends who is moving back to India for good.. ! And some of us sang the song from Happy Days (O My Friend) .. brought tears into all our eyes... became very sentimental and emotional.. Even some of the guys had watery eyes.. though they didn't really cry.. like us mortal gals :) Its kind of a mixed feelings..occasion.. we were happy.. they were able to make the hard decision that many of us wish to make.. but are afraid of doing it ! on the other hand we would miss them here..

Looks like there is no way to NOT MISS anyone.. in life these days.. ! First move to a new place in search of opportunities..and better life.. while we are here, miss our family in India.. then as time goes on, somehow we don't see it as being better anymore..we start to question as to why we are where we are..and think about going back.. and when we do go back to where we came from, we miss the life here. Some people are bold enough to realize and make a decision to transition early, some take more time.. ! And then there are another group of people who never moved anywhere else, and they itch for change.. ! whatever people do, nothing is ever satisfactory..to anyone.. Why do we impose such things upon ourselves.. ?

चलते चलते मेरे ये गीत याद रखना कभी अलविदा न कहना ... कभी अलविदा न कहना॥

Happy Days ..

Its a telugu movie.. based on some college going students.. how they become friends.. some lovers.. and how they spend their college life together..! There isnt one familiar face in the movie.. ! But.. who cares ! It is well made movie by Sekhar Kammula. I have really liked all of his movies so far.. Will watch out for more..
The songs of the movie are very good.. situational.. and pleasant.."O My Friend" especially... makes me all psenti.. each and everytime I listen to it.. Some images of a few dear friends.. flash in front of my eyes.. !

After a long long time.. I saw something .. I could actually identify with.. ! The college days were indeed the Happiest Days of my life.. The only thing that was somewhat important was to make good grades ! Nothing else... to bother.. No worries.. No responsibilites.. Just friends.. fun and.. happiness.. How much fun it was... !! I wish I knew that then.. ! Not until the final semester.. did I realize what happenned in the past 4 years was something to remember.. and cherish forever.. !

All you college-goers out there.. enjoy life and friends .. while you can.. ! Life will get in the way.. pretty soon..

2 Interesting Websites

I truly believe the thing people say - "A single picture conveys a thousand words"... I think pictures do speak a lot more that words fall short of.. and many times in much easier and simple way.. ! I doubt many people would counter that.. Anyway.. then isnt there an easy way for people to learn a 1000 new words.. by just looking at a picture ?? Well.. apparently there is..
http://visual.merriam-webster.com/
Here's what they say about it :
The Visual Dictionary Online is an interactive dictionary with an innovative approach.
From the image to the word and its definition, the Visual Dictionary Online is an all-in-one reference. Search the themes to quickly locate words, or find the meaning of a word by viewing the image it represents. What’s more, the Visual Dictionary Online helps you learn English in a visual and accessible way. The Visual Dictionary Online is ideal for teachers, parents, translators and students of all skill levels. Explore the Visual Dictionary Online and enrich your mind. Perfect for home, school or work. Discover a visual world of information! Pretty cool haan ? I think so anyway.. !

Then for the first time I found something interesting from the "Ads" on a website.. Apparently you could invent new things and share them with people ... get patents.. and do it all online.. Ofcourse you have to have a good idea to begin with.. hmm.. the creative side of me got extremely curious and I went on to check it out.. ! The first think I did was to check out the stuff that was posted on there already.. some sample ideas/inventions..people are coming up with.. and first i thought it was all not so great ideas.. like the air filter thing that you insert into your mouth immediately after you inhale ..it supposedly purifies all the air before it goes into your lung.. probably does.. But I do like to talk while i breath and that doesnt seem too convenient.. hmm.. Then I found another one that I thought was great.. coz I thought about that many times.. about saving water while washing dishes or brushing teeth.. feeling lazy to turn it on and off many people do let the water run.. and its such a waste.. So, someone proposed a foot pedal that acts like the faucet.. that controls the water flow.. Neat idea ! Then i found something else and something else.. and they all seem to help to do something better.. or conserve resources ... Its a good read... when you find some time.. either to instigate laughter or to trigger a thought.. Check it out.. http://www.inventnow.org/

Charity Concert - Mano & Usha

Went to a short "For Charity" Concert over the weekend with a couple of friends... The program was scheduled to start at 7:00 PM. But for "unknown technical reasons", it started around 8:30PM. And while Mano was singing the Song #2 of the day, the microphones went mute ! Terrible.. ! And then they had some issues again and again.. this went on for about a half hour. Finally, around 9:00 PM.. things started to work ! Thank Goodness.. We were expecting to be home by about 9:30 PM.. but that didnt seem a possibility. Anyway.. since the singing finally got started we sat through..

They sang some of my favorite Telugu songs of all time and that was fun. Since it was a very small intimate setting, we got to speak to the singers and take pictures with them. Mano was energetic.. and Usha was very simple and down to earth. She kept running into backstage immediately after every song and we wondered what was going on. Later we realized there was a 10 month old waiting for mommy to stop singing and come back to hold him....

Despite these initial hiccups, it was a great concert.I'd like to do more of this in future..

तेरा मेरा रिश्ता

तेरा यकीन क्यों
मैंने किया नही
तुझसे रहा क्यों जुदा
मुझ पे ये ज़िंदगी
करती रही सितम
तूने ही दी है पनाह
तेरा मेरा रिश्ता पुराना
तेरा मेरा रिश्ता पुराना
तेरा मेरा रिश्ता पुराना

यह क्या तड़प है
है यह कैसी सज़ा
तू क्यों मुझे याद आगया
बेचैन दिन मेरे
बेचैन रातें हैं
क्या मैं करूं कुछ बता

यह मेरे पाऊँ ही
ख़ुद मेरी बेडियाँ हैं
मुझ से तू मुझे छुडा
तेरा मेरा रिश्ता पुराना

क्या मुझमें है
शख्स वह कह रहा
आ अब मैं दू क़र्ज़ तेरा चुका
आंखें है नम मेरी
साँसें चुभन मेरी
दिल के वीराने में
मेरे फ़साने में
तू ही तूही तो हर दम रहा
तेरा मेरा रिश्ता पुराना
तेरा मेरा रिश्ता पुराना
तेरा मेरा रिश्ता पुराना

All time favorite (Hindi) love songs ..

Yeah.. there are many such lists on many websites. But, this is mine :)
Here are my all time favorite love songs in Hindi (in no particular order. its so hard to pick 1 most favorite song you know.. considering the list i have here.. ;))

Golden Oldies
---------------
Hamen Tumse Pyaar Kitna (Kudrat)
O Mere Dil Ke Chain (Mera Jeevan Saathi)
Dil Aaj Shaair Hai (Gambler)
Tere Bina Zindagi Se (Aandhi)
Aap jaisa koi (Qurbani)
Oh Saathi Re (Muqaddar Ka Sikander)
Jaane Kaise Kab Kahan (Shakti)
Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein (Kabhi Kabhi)
Likhe Jo Khath Tujhe (Kanyadaan)
Jaayiye Aap Kahan Jaayenge (Mere Sanam)
Tum Bin Jaaon Kahan(Pyar Ka Mausam)
Gum hai Kisi ke Pyar Mein(Rampur Ka Lakshman)
Baahon mein chale aa aao (Anamika)
Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si (Anamika)
Churaliya hai tumne jo (Yaadon Ki Baarat)
Dil Aaj Shaayar Hai (Gambler)
Dil Ke Jharoke Mein (Brahmachari)
Dil Kya Kare (Julie)
Aap Ki Nazaron Ne Samjha (Anpad)
Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (Mughal-E-Azam)
Sau baar janam lenge (Ustaadon ke Ustaad)
Yeh Zindagi Useeki Hai (Anarkali)
Jo Wada Kiya Woh (Taj Mahal)

From the more recent times:
-----------------------------
In Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein(Jodhaa Akbar)
Tere Bin (Bas Ek Pal)
Tere Liye (Veer Zaara)
Do Pal (Veer Zaara)
Silsila yeh chaahat ka (Devdas)
Sau Dard (Jaanemann)
Chupke Se (Saathiya)
Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai (Jism)
Suraj Hua Maddham (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham)
Zara Zara (Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein)
Kabhi Shaam Dhale To (Sur)
Koi Fariyaad (Tum Bin)
Pyar Tune Kya Kiya (Pyar Tune Kya Kiya)
Aap Ke Pyar Mein (Raaz)
Kismat se tum (Pukar)
Tum Mile (Criminal)
Yeh Haseen Vaadiyan(Roja)
Is Pyar Se Meri Taraf (Chamatkar)
Kissa Hum Likhenge (Doli Sajaake Rakhna)
Are re Are yeh kya hua (Dil To Pagal Hai)
Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge)
Ho gaya hai tujhko (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge)
Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai (Hum Aapke Hain Kaun)
Akele Hain To Kya (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak)
Aate Jaate Haste Gaate(Maine Pyar Kiya)
Pehla Nasha (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander)
Dheere Dheere Se(Aashiqui)
Bheegi Bheegi si ye (Gangster)

Lesser Known Favorites (Old, new.. everything)
-------------------------
Taarein hain Baraathi (Viraasat)
Tere dar par sanam (Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi)
Kaash Tum Mujhse (Aatish)
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut (Naaraaz)
Kehta Hai Pal Pal (Major Saab)
Jab Koi Baat Bigad(Jurm)
Honton Se Choolo Tum(Prem Geet)
Tumse Milke (Parinda)
Chupke Chupke Raat Din (Nikaah)
Akhiyon Ke Jharokon Se (Akhiyon Ke Jharokon Se)
Kitne Bhi Tu Karle Sitam (Sanam Teri Kasam)
Chehra Hai Ya chaand(Saagar)
Wada Karo Nahin Chodoge (Aa Gale Lag Ja)
Tu Tu Hai Wahi (Yeh Wada Raha)
Dekha Teri Mast Nigaahon mein (Khiladi)


.... and the list continues..

ARE ...

I'd rather be a could-be
if I cannot be an are;
because a could-be is a maybe
who is reaching for a star.

I'd rather be a has-been
than a might-have-been, by far;
for a might have-been has never been,
but a has was once an are

Value vs Effort / Cost

This seems to be a question I have to answer in most things I do these days.. Whether its at work, or buying something or even blogging.. ! How much value does this generate ? Is it worth it ? This question is popping up more in my head these days.. Have I become .....hmmm too calculative ? Or is it just that life is full of such decisions for everyone ?!

Music - Passion.. Love..Obsession.. ?

If u love something u eat, u eat more of it until ur stomach is full ... u wear a dress u love many many times.. what do u do when u love a song.. listen to it over and over right ?! I have been listening to the same piece of music over and over from the past 3 days.. No i am not bored.. infact I have a really strong desire to do something with it. I have no idea what ! Music instigates emotions in your heart and soul that give u such pleasure... that cannot be explained in words... one has to feel to understand what I am trying to say here...

So, have you ever fallen in love with a piece of music so much so that how much ever you listen to it ... you are not satisfied ? Has it ever happenned to you ? It has happenned to me many times. I donno if I am just passionate..hopelessly emotional.. or just plain crazy.. ?? I wonder ! Whatever I am, I do know this : Music has the power to influence people's minds in ways unimaginable.

Jodhaa Akbar

Yes, I am back from my vacation. And while I was in India, I got to watch the Ashutosh Gowariker's movie "Jodhaa Akbar" with my family.

I wasnt sure about how Hrithik would fit in the period movie after his sauve and stylish .. totally contemporary Dhoom2. I think he is a good actor, so I was positive it will be decent. But after I watched the movie, I am in dearth of words to talk about how wonderful his portrayal of Jalaaluddin Mohammad Akbar was. Too good. Cant imagine anyone else in the role of Akbar who would have done it better than him in this movie. I have never seen a picture of Akbar.. I am not sure if there is one. When i thought of Akbar, the face of Prithviraj Kapoor in Anarkali came into my mind before. But after Jodhaa Akbar, I'd like to think Akbar was more like Hrithik ;) And, for the first time ever I actually liked Aishwarya Rai in a movie. So, thats a first ! She looked very pretty and played the role of Jodhaa really well. Ashutosh deserves a lot of praise in conceiving the characters of Akbar and Jodha ... the way we see in the movie...the choice of actors and how he brought out the best in them for the context. The chemistry between them is great.

Music is pretty good. The background score is superb. Kind of reminded me of the background score of the chinese movie "Hero" but does have a uniquely indian flavor most times that makes it well suited to this movie. All songs are really good. The urdu dialogues were so well written and the delivery and timing by Hrithik was superb. There are many good ones.. my most favorite one being the one where he accepts her 2 conditions for marriage. "....उनकी शर्ते इन्शिया अल्लाह लफ्ज़ बा लफ्ज़ पूरी होंगी॥ " Again the dialogue by itself would have been incomplete without the accompanying background music..creating a sense of relief and appreciation through music and without words.. !

All the love scenes and the music accompanying them are very sweet and well executed. My favorite song is the "In lamhon ke daman mein" in sonu's lovely voice. And my most favorite sequence happens during the Mann Mohana song.. when Hrithik is at the Diwan-E-Aam and Aish starts to sing, he is just magically drawn to her, mesmerized... and lost in the melody of her voice/song.. Hrithik/Jalaal walks through the various doors in a daze.. curious and eager to see Aish/Jodhaa..And then he sees her unveiled for the very first time.. and is awestruck.. ! "Love at first sight " should I say.. Wow.. I just loved that scene.. :) The background score by AR Rehman is brilliant in this whole sequence...its like a sweet longing... with a classical touch.. Just thinking about it gives me goose bumps.. ! Cant explain in words anymore.. ! You must see it and feel it. The same score is used initially in the song when the bride's party travels to the venue of the marriage and she is travelling in the palanquin.

Anyway.. I am eagerly waiting for the DVD. It will be something I will watch many times in future I am sure. Overall its a nice movie. I donno how accurate it is as per the historical records.. But I really dont care at this point. Its a well-made sweet romantic movie.. and is definitely worth watching...

मन मोहना - जोधा अक्बर

जोधा अक्बर
बेला शिंदे
जावेद अख्तर
ऐश्वर्या राई , हृथिक रोशन

मन मोहना.... मन मोहना....
कान्हा सुनो ना...आ आ ....
तूम बिन पाऊँ कैसे चैन
तर्सून तुम्हे दिन रैन

छोडके अपनी काशी मथुरा
छोडके अपनी काशी मथुरा
आके बसाओ मोरे नैन
तुम बिन पाऊँ कैसे चैन... कान्हा....
तर्सून तुम्ही को दिन रैन....

इक पल उजयारा आए
इक पल अंधियारा छाए
मन क्यों ना घबराए
कैसे ना घबराए
मन जो कोई द्वारा अपने राह में पाये...
कौन दिशा जाए....
तुम बिन कौन समझाये..
तुम बिन कौन समझाये...

रास राचयारा ब्रिन्दावन के गोकुल के बासी
राधा तुम बिन है दासी दर्शन को है पयासी
शाम सलोने नंद लाला कृष्ण बनवारी...
तुमरी चब है न्यारी....
मैं तो तन मन हारी...
मैं तो तन मन हारी

मन मोहना...
मन मोहना...
मन मोहना...
मन मोहना...
कान्हा सुनो ना
तूम बिन पाऊँ कैसे चैन
तर्सून तुम्ही को दिन रैन

जीवन एक नदिया है
लहरों लहरों बहती जाए
इस में मन की नयया
डूबे कभी थार जाए
तुम ना की बय्याँ हो तो
कोई that कैसे पाये
मझदार बहलाए
तो तुमरी शरण आए
हम तुमरी शरण आए

मैं हूँ तुम्हारी
है मेरा ये जीवन
तुम को ही देखूं मैं
देखुन to yeh दर्पण

बंसी बन जाऊंगी
इन होतों की होजाऊँ गी
इन सपनों से जल कर
है मेरा मन आँगन
है मेरा .....

Vacation

I am off on a 3 week vacation.. will post again after I am back.. Meanwhile, have a happy February !

जनता कार

Nostalgia

I was browsing for something.. and stumbled upon the picture of a face that seemed vaguely familiar.. Wondered who that was and when I started reading, it was the picture of a once famous singer. But as soon as i read the name, it brought back memories from a long time ago. From the time I can ever remember, her very famous album was at my home. And I always listened to it as a kid. It was one of my most favorites... still is ! I wondered why i hadnt heard more about the artist. I started reading more in hopes of getting more music from the artist.. but... it was all in vain... Too bad she is no more alive to make music.. !

But in her short life she made some really good music that fans like me adore. In my mind, her voice and her songs ... will always be remembered.. and her name... Nazia Hassan.. will be something that will bring happy sad feelings into my heart..

P.S: "Aap Jaisa Koi " - from the movie Qurbani .. yes the old one.. thats her voice..

Commitment

Today I tried to join one of the blog clubs that seemed of interest to me and within a few minutes, I received an email from the moderator. Asking me if I am truly committed to posting relevant stuff. That I could read without joining the club but I have to be committed to post about relevant topics in order to be a member.

The first thought that came to my mind. Good. This thing is well moderated, so I dont have to read stuff thats not supposed to be there.. then I thought, ok.. am I really committed to this ? Then I thought.. wow.. they do really care about maintaining the substance of the group...after this final thought, my mind was clear of all doubts.. now I am quite interested to be a part of something that is truly important for everyone in it. And that sounds like fun.. right ? So, I replied in an affirmative.

But considering my busy schedule and my excuses to sometimes put off blogging, I added in a disclaimer.. :) ... if at any point i am not able to keep up, you can remove my membership and I wont mind .. ..Well I do like to do justice to something that I have committed for..

Now.. what about that tech-blog thats becoming an untouched.. old.. antique piece. .. hmm...

New way to exercise ?

Played the Nintendo Wii sports for the first time over the weekend.. and I have to accept .. man that was cool ! I tried out the Tennis, Boxing, Bowling and Golf. Tennis was fun. Bowling got boring quickly, Golf seems a little tough..for a complete beginner and Boxing.. Woah.. !! My upper body muscles are still sore from it.. ! No.. I did not lose.. :) Got quite a good workout apparently.. ! I am wondering if this should be a new exciting daily exercise for many people like myself.. who never seem to be able to gather enough enthusiasm to drag oneself to the gym !

Also, now that the Wii involves a good bit of physical activity, letting it come into my house seems somewhat ok. But the addictive factor still holds ... ! I am sure thats never going to change..

Happy Sankranthi/Pongal

This is the first festival after the international new year that kicks off the festival season in India. Sankranthi is the harvest festival that is celebrated in many regions of India, though called by a different name in each place. You can read more about it here. Growing up back in India, festivals always meant new clothes, lots of food and a fun day for everyone.. ! Sometimes holidays from school too :) Festivals still mean the same now, food is the main part of it. Though, most times its not a holiday now, and I have to do all the cooking instead of mom :)

Focussed on Food !

Exciting things going on at my food blog :) I am in the cooking spree .. and hence that blog is where I hang out more. I have added many special searches and a new exciting recipe I experimented successfully last night ! My intention is to put something interesting for everyone.. Have lot more plans for it.. but I am happy with what it came to be now..
Hopefully, i will work on it more. "Tech Talk" is way dusted.. Gotto clean it up.. !! Wonder if I should really keep it around.

Anyway, check out the Yummy Things section !

Whats up with this whole size 0 business?

That its for invisible people ? Or that their waist is so small its almost non-existent ?! The concept is just way too unrealistic. Though, I have to accept there are many people who do wear size 0. The whole idea of being as thin as u can be to almost the level that u are a size nothing.. is just crazy. ..

what are your thoughts about this ?

Tare zameen par

Let me first say this. I am not a big movie watcher. I usually get interested in a specific movie only if I have heard great reviews from lots of people. So, its very rare that I watch any random movie. After having said this, the past weekend was one of those rare occassions, when i wanted to watch some movie.

My husband picked up a couple and mentioned Aamir Khan was one of them. From my past experience with Aamir movies, I figured it may be something interesting. So, I decided to watch the movie "Tare Zameen Par " (means Stars on Earth) ... I had no idea about the movie at all. Like I said.. I rarely keep track of such things. But, to my pleasant surprise, I really loved it. Very touching and very different from the usual masala movies. If you have not watched it yet, I recommend that you watch it before you read any further. I am going to talk about the story..

The movie is centered around a 9 year old boy who is very different from his peers and gets into trouble wherever he goes. Not able to do well at school, his father is always angry at him for not being like his older brother who is a topper in all the academic subjects, and also in sports and everything else. The movie is a look into the little boy's mind, how he sees things differently.. He is always subject to ridicule and punishments for being "careless" and "lazy"... until one day an art teacher understands what is going on with him. He works with the boy and turns him around in a way that everyone is proud of him.

OK, the main story line, ...of an underdog becoming the superstar..is not new.. and is your typical feel-good movie ... that never goes out of style in any country of the world.. ! So, whats special about this one.. ? I think, this movie is thought provoking while it tries to tackle issues surrounding parent-child relationships in today's competitive world. About how ambitious parents burden the little shoulders with high expectations.. and when the children dont meet expectations ..how their parents react and how rejected the kids feel., and how the parents fail to understand what it is like to be a young kid with no acceptance.. How people in general fail to see the positive side of special needs children.. OK.. lots of "hows".. This subject is not completely new either but rarely do we bollywood movie watchers get such a chance :) All the actors did a great job.. and the movie has been well-made. Music is relevant to the subject and not "intruding"... For a directorial debut, I think Aamir Khan was superb. Lets see what else is in store from this talented bollywood artist. Overall its a must-see movie for anyone who is interested in seeing something different ... especially all parents.. !

Another New Year,, Another New Beginning

Wish you a very happy, successful and wonderful 2008.. and also all the years ahead.. !

Many new things start with the new year.. Its an opportunity to open new doors.. and take new routes.. not that other days are not .. :) There is never a bad day to do a good thing.. But, somehow the whole concept seems to make people think of doing things differently.

To begin with, I received the first email about new year resolutions from our manager .. about the goals he has in mind for the team, then a friend of mine who has a hard time keeping in touch with people, decided he was gonna call everyone this year and wish and communicate more frequently...

I usually dont make any "resolutions" as such. But, I can think of something that can be one.. I will try to be less creative with excuses for not doing some things, and try to do them :) This will be resolution every year until I get all those things accomplished..

Do you make resolutions ? What are they ?