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 ?