I was very fortunate to have an opportunity travelling by ST, (Maharashtra State Transport), in Maharashtra recently. I was amazed at how much was still the same.
I remember travelling by ST in the 70s and 80s. The rattling buses, always ready to serve you with the most joyful experience. ST was a window into the roller-coaster experience for us small-towners.
I was glad to see that it is still the same. The buses still rattle and struggle against the slopes on the roads. The buses have even managed to stink equally as badly as then. The consistency in the service quality is quite admirable and probably unmatched. The ST stands are still the same... littered with filth and dusty, mixed with the black smoke emitting from the wonderfully maintained buses.
The number of people using ST has dramatically increased though. The government has managed to keep the fares quite reasonable still.
However, I still find it hard to believe that it runs in a loss. Taking into account the fact that nothing has changed, neither the buses nor the bus stands, there should have been massive amounts of money left over from the fare charges because the number of customers has at least quadrupled.
Where does the money from the people and government subsidy, go? What a naive question to ask!
This blog has been inspired by the word uttered by Woody Allen in the movie Annie Hall. It refers to pretentiousness, I think. And we encounter it everyday... The "Heaviosity" that is. I thought that the name was perfect for media items that pretend to be one thing but really mean something else. I also tend to include certain items to simply voice my opinion about them. © Copyright. Swapnali T.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Now I know why I was confused as a child! :)
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/naxal-backed-tribals-kidnap-rajdhani-drivers-near-lalgarh/533971/
This news is the strangest thing I have read in a while. I used to want to read the newspaper as a child but news like these made it very confusing for my mind to process a contradictory item like this one.
Basic question: Why would a "People's" Committee Against Police Atrocities abduct 2 "people"? Isn't that a bit out of line? Doesn't anyone in the committee think of a simple like this? Aren't they committing atrocities themselves?
Simply bewildering.
This news is the strangest thing I have read in a while. I used to want to read the newspaper as a child but news like these made it very confusing for my mind to process a contradictory item like this one.
Basic question: Why would a "People's" Committee Against Police Atrocities abduct 2 "people"? Isn't that a bit out of line? Doesn't anyone in the committee think of a simple like this? Aren't they committing atrocities themselves?
Simply bewildering.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Capitalism/Socialism/Greed - A lay man's conundrum.
Recently watched the Michael Moore's - Capitalism - a love story.
All I have to say about this one is that it says what the American common people need to hear at this point in time. A classic example of juxta positioning various images to create a new meaning. It may be a whole bunch of stock images from Getty or a youtube video bought out at a measly cost.
I was shocked at the poor quality of some of the footage. Despite the quality of the documentary, was the message delivered? Was the point made?
Hmm... don't think so.
There were however some good questions raised: A question whether there is a third option to the two "isms". Or the point about why should tax payers money be used to bail out the auto/finance industry?
There was another interesting option presented about running a company like democracy. Vote on every issue. Majority wins.
I don't believe running a company like a democracy works unless everyone's skill level and competency is exactly the same. For example it might work in a setting where village women getogether to start a cottage industry - sowing or producing home made goodies.
However, to what extent can a democratic set up work in a field like IT where the competancy and varies from person to person. Why would a programmer who writes a particular program 1minute receive the same compensation as someone who takes 2 hours to write it?
Sounds unfair.
How do you then ensure fair wages? In capitalism there might be favouritism and some might receive unfair amounts of compensation which is kept confidential. In socialism the laziest of workers receives the same wage.
Profit sharing? this might work if the management is honest.. but how can one guarantee honesty? I have worked in 2 companies that had profit sharing and I didn't find enough fairness or transparency in "sharing" of the profit.
My husband and I were discussing the topic after the movie and we came to a conclusion that the movie was all about greed.
The greed for more money of the lay person to re-mortgage their homes using instruments that they couldn't understand. Why would you invest in something you don't understand? One reason: Greed.
The greed of the creators of the instruments who banked on the "illiteracy" of the public. The greed of the auto industry to use tax payer's money in the name of "general good".
This reminds me of another documentary I watched a few weeks ago : It was about the growing suburbs and a foreseen end to these. I was shocked to hear that the automobile industry lobbied against railway track and tram track (in North American cities) construction in the past. They had their "jacks" in the govt. and stopped govt. investment in public transport.
Think about how much we would have saved if there had been an infrastructure of trams and railways...
1. Save gas
2. Save traffic jams
3. Save time
4. Save parking spaces
5. Save highway maintenance costs
Again selfishness and greed. There has to be a better way. Can someone crack the code? Solve the puzzle?
All I have to say about this one is that it says what the American common people need to hear at this point in time. A classic example of juxta positioning various images to create a new meaning. It may be a whole bunch of stock images from Getty or a youtube video bought out at a measly cost.
I was shocked at the poor quality of some of the footage. Despite the quality of the documentary, was the message delivered? Was the point made?
Hmm... don't think so.
There were however some good questions raised: A question whether there is a third option to the two "isms". Or the point about why should tax payers money be used to bail out the auto/finance industry?
There was another interesting option presented about running a company like democracy. Vote on every issue. Majority wins.
I don't believe running a company like a democracy works unless everyone's skill level and competency is exactly the same. For example it might work in a setting where village women getogether to start a cottage industry - sowing or producing home made goodies.
However, to what extent can a democratic set up work in a field like IT where the competancy and varies from person to person. Why would a programmer who writes a particular program 1minute receive the same compensation as someone who takes 2 hours to write it?
Sounds unfair.
How do you then ensure fair wages? In capitalism there might be favouritism and some might receive unfair amounts of compensation which is kept confidential. In socialism the laziest of workers receives the same wage.
Profit sharing? this might work if the management is honest.. but how can one guarantee honesty? I have worked in 2 companies that had profit sharing and I didn't find enough fairness or transparency in "sharing" of the profit.
My husband and I were discussing the topic after the movie and we came to a conclusion that the movie was all about greed.
The greed for more money of the lay person to re-mortgage their homes using instruments that they couldn't understand. Why would you invest in something you don't understand? One reason: Greed.
The greed of the creators of the instruments who banked on the "illiteracy" of the public. The greed of the auto industry to use tax payer's money in the name of "general good".
This reminds me of another documentary I watched a few weeks ago : It was about the growing suburbs and a foreseen end to these. I was shocked to hear that the automobile industry lobbied against railway track and tram track (in North American cities) construction in the past. They had their "jacks" in the govt. and stopped govt. investment in public transport.
Think about how much we would have saved if there had been an infrastructure of trams and railways...
1. Save gas
2. Save traffic jams
3. Save time
4. Save parking spaces
5. Save highway maintenance costs
Again selfishness and greed. There has to be a better way. Can someone crack the code? Solve the puzzle?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Crop circles - Art or No Art :)
As I was researching for my story about how humans could be the ones who are aliens to the planet, I came accross the ever so intriguing phenomenon of crop circles. And not too late in the research I came accross this website created by the, oh so mysterious crop circle makers. Yes, that's right. They are works of art. (I recently saw a documentary on the National Geographic channel that did not cover this aspect of crop circles)
http://www.circlemakers.org/case_history.html
They even have a beginner's guide to making crop circles. Although, at some level, I am disappointed that no one from other planets is interested in meeting us.
Enjoy!
http://www.circlemakers.org/case_history.html
They even have a beginner's guide to making crop circles. Although, at some level, I am disappointed that no one from other planets is interested in meeting us.
Enjoy!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Art or No Art
Yesterday I visited the Queen West Art Crawl -- a street festival where artists from different disciplines exhibit their art-work and hope to sell some. This led me back to a thought that appears occasionally in my mind. What is art and why does something, that might appeal to me may not have the same effect on someone else and vice-versa?
I have been also mulling over the question of what is “abstract art”. There are some modern artists whose work produces an inexplicable effect and there are others whose work I hesitate to call “art”.
I once saw a documentary about a 5 year old prodigy who paints abstract art:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3701484.stm
The documentary clearly showed two schools of thought: Artists who go to great lengths and details for realistic painting and the other that find expression of a feeling through a bunch of what may seem like scribbles to an untrained eye (scribbles that even a 5 year old is capable of). (I am no “art guru”, hence the humility in the choice of words. :))
I was once visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) that has some interesting pieces and one of them was by Yoko Ono. I couldn’t understand it. It was a needle mounted on a glass pedestal. It was supposed to express anti-war or peace sentiment. I was confused.
There are things that pretend to be art and there are some that are clearly traditionally artistic. This led me to do some research in this subject and I came across a website for “fluxus” art. I like how they don’t hide behind the heaviosity. Please read:
http://www.artnotart.com/fluxus/
http://www.artnotart.com/fluxus/dhiggins-childshistory.html
Here are some abstracts that one may find debatable:
http://www.abstractmodernart.com/AA_Site/pages/misc/gallery.html
To summarize, I think all art is an expression or an impression of the artist’s mind. However, some seem to be planned, purposeful pieces and others seem more like accidents and yet others could be what they call “happy” accidents – they are accidents but they create a dramatic effect.
And some are nothing but scribbles pretending to be “art”.
These are my thought anyways. I would love a good debate over this and sort things out.
I have been also mulling over the question of what is “abstract art”. There are some modern artists whose work produces an inexplicable effect and there are others whose work I hesitate to call “art”.
I once saw a documentary about a 5 year old prodigy who paints abstract art:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3701484.stm
The documentary clearly showed two schools of thought: Artists who go to great lengths and details for realistic painting and the other that find expression of a feeling through a bunch of what may seem like scribbles to an untrained eye (scribbles that even a 5 year old is capable of). (I am no “art guru”, hence the humility in the choice of words. :))
I was once visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) that has some interesting pieces and one of them was by Yoko Ono. I couldn’t understand it. It was a needle mounted on a glass pedestal. It was supposed to express anti-war or peace sentiment. I was confused.
There are things that pretend to be art and there are some that are clearly traditionally artistic. This led me to do some research in this subject and I came across a website for “fluxus” art. I like how they don’t hide behind the heaviosity. Please read:
http://www.artnotart.com/fluxus/
http://www.artnotart.com/fluxus/dhiggins-childshistory.html
Here are some abstracts that one may find debatable:
http://www.abstractmodernart.com/AA_Site/pages/misc/gallery.html
To summarize, I think all art is an expression or an impression of the artist’s mind. However, some seem to be planned, purposeful pieces and others seem more like accidents and yet others could be what they call “happy” accidents – they are accidents but they create a dramatic effect.
And some are nothing but scribbles pretending to be “art”.
These are my thought anyways. I would love a good debate over this and sort things out.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Maybe WE are aliens!
I have been thinking about aliens and other galaxies and strange planets recently (District 9 may have been a reason).
And I wonder:
Would it be in fact that humans are the ones who are “alien” to this planet, we call Earth?
After all:
1. We are the only animals who can smile
2. We are the only animals who are intelligent enough to manufacture using earth’s resources
3. We are the only animals who can stand erect on our hind limbs.
4. We are the only beings on earth who cook food
5. We are the only beings on earth who drink milk of other animals.
6. And possibly many more differences.
The fact that humans have to struggle so hard to make the best use of available natural resources, to find the necessity to discover new ways of manufacture and to not care much about what we are doing to this planet, makes me think that may be this earth isn’t our home. Maybe we just dropped by to say hi and lost our ship and were forced to be a part of this planet.
The fact that all other animals seem to fair much better and without stress, makes me think that, that is the way it is supposed to be – all they have to worry about is food. Hunt it and eat it. And even their hunting is part of the ecological balance. We are the only animals that seem like outsiders.
Maybe on the planet we really belong all animals are intelligent and can smile and cook their food and fire is found naturally.Maybe all animals walk on their hind limbs and the products of intelligence of these animals together creates an ecological balance on that planet.
If you thought I were coming to some environmental message. I am not! :)
And I wonder:
Would it be in fact that humans are the ones who are “alien” to this planet, we call Earth?
After all:
1. We are the only animals who can smile
2. We are the only animals who are intelligent enough to manufacture using earth’s resources
3. We are the only animals who can stand erect on our hind limbs.
4. We are the only beings on earth who cook food
5. We are the only beings on earth who drink milk of other animals.
6. And possibly many more differences.
The fact that humans have to struggle so hard to make the best use of available natural resources, to find the necessity to discover new ways of manufacture and to not care much about what we are doing to this planet, makes me think that may be this earth isn’t our home. Maybe we just dropped by to say hi and lost our ship and were forced to be a part of this planet.
The fact that all other animals seem to fair much better and without stress, makes me think that, that is the way it is supposed to be – all they have to worry about is food. Hunt it and eat it. And even their hunting is part of the ecological balance. We are the only animals that seem like outsiders.
Maybe on the planet we really belong all animals are intelligent and can smile and cook their food and fire is found naturally.Maybe all animals walk on their hind limbs and the products of intelligence of these animals together creates an ecological balance on that planet.
If you thought I were coming to some environmental message. I am not! :)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Hindu Ritual - Geography
This time of the year somehow makes me question a lot of the rituals and age-old traditions.
As I was growing up and as my questions to every religious ritual were answered, I came to an understanding that Hindu rituals involve natural elements found in that particular location, as a way to express gratitude to nature. Our deities are mostly representations of that which is found in nature and deeper thought how this “srishti” came into being.
Therefore, in India today, although the philosophy of the religion basically stays the same the rites and rituals vary according what region you belong. Deities have been traditionally presented with veg or non-veg “prasadam” depending on the peculiarities and characteristics of the life-style of that particular region.
Although, I was always brought up to believe that there are various ways of understanding God, and rites and rituals is only one of them -- I urge the Hindus who live outside of India and who believe in rites and rituals to include the flora and fauna and vegetation from the country they now belong . This will mean that you are grateful to the natural resources of that particular country as well.
Example, in Canada we can use maple leaves and local fruits and even make sweets of maple syrup etc… In Canada we need to utter the names of rivers and lakes existing here rather than in India, because the whole world needs to be grateful to Canada for being the largest fresh water resource.
I would even go so far as to ask to change the festivals according to the relevant season/climate of that country. Because I have been told that we eat what we eat during the festivals is because that particular food is abundant in that region during that particular season and therefore healthy.
Increasing globalization calls of localization of Hindu ritual. :)
According to the Hindu view, revelations are not limited to any individual, time or place. Just as there have been revelations in the past, they can occur at present or in future also. (http://www.hindubooks.org/wehwk/chapter3/page1.htm)
Continuing the above thought, I think that the pandits need to add to the knowledge of Vedas rather than blindly following them. I appeal to the Sanskrit pandits to modify the shlokas in “fill in the blanks” sort of way, so that people from any country can see God in their local natural resources.
If they are already doing so, it has certainly not made its way to the common man.
As I was growing up and as my questions to every religious ritual were answered, I came to an understanding that Hindu rituals involve natural elements found in that particular location, as a way to express gratitude to nature. Our deities are mostly representations of that which is found in nature and deeper thought how this “srishti” came into being.
Therefore, in India today, although the philosophy of the religion basically stays the same the rites and rituals vary according what region you belong. Deities have been traditionally presented with veg or non-veg “prasadam” depending on the peculiarities and characteristics of the life-style of that particular region.
Although, I was always brought up to believe that there are various ways of understanding God, and rites and rituals is only one of them -- I urge the Hindus who live outside of India and who believe in rites and rituals to include the flora and fauna and vegetation from the country they now belong . This will mean that you are grateful to the natural resources of that particular country as well.
Example, in Canada we can use maple leaves and local fruits and even make sweets of maple syrup etc… In Canada we need to utter the names of rivers and lakes existing here rather than in India, because the whole world needs to be grateful to Canada for being the largest fresh water resource.
I would even go so far as to ask to change the festivals according to the relevant season/climate of that country. Because I have been told that we eat what we eat during the festivals is because that particular food is abundant in that region during that particular season and therefore healthy.
Increasing globalization calls of localization of Hindu ritual. :)
According to the Hindu view, revelations are not limited to any individual, time or place. Just as there have been revelations in the past, they can occur at present or in future also. (http://www.hindubooks.org/wehwk/chapter3/page1.htm)
Continuing the above thought, I think that the pandits need to add to the knowledge of Vedas rather than blindly following them. I appeal to the Sanskrit pandits to modify the shlokas in “fill in the blanks” sort of way, so that people from any country can see God in their local natural resources.
If they are already doing so, it has certainly not made its way to the common man.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Undercover Marketing
I heard a very interesting discussion about undercover marketing on TV the other day and couldn't help but think: I knew somehow that it existed but it was more on the lines of: "They must get paid for saying it... oh come on!.. really? nooo? who gets paid for saying things like that about a product! I am just getting ahead of myself."
But it seems to be a marketing strategy applied by many. It may be a colleague or a relative bragging about a product that they recently started using, or some people (actors) on the street talking about some cool new gadget.
An example of this type of marketing they showed on TV was:
A door man standing at the door with a whole bunch of boxes that appear to be delivered for some people in the building from a company. A man leaves the building early in the morning, greets the doorman and thinks: "Looks like a lot of people order from this company. I should give it a try."
Meanwhile the company has paid the doorman to stand there with those "empty" boxes.
I guess it is a harmless strategy of marketing if the product is good. But something to keep in mind regardless.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undercover_marketing
But it seems to be a marketing strategy applied by many. It may be a colleague or a relative bragging about a product that they recently started using, or some people (actors) on the street talking about some cool new gadget.
An example of this type of marketing they showed on TV was:
A door man standing at the door with a whole bunch of boxes that appear to be delivered for some people in the building from a company. A man leaves the building early in the morning, greets the doorman and thinks: "Looks like a lot of people order from this company. I should give it a try."
Meanwhile the company has paid the doorman to stand there with those "empty" boxes.
I guess it is a harmless strategy of marketing if the product is good. But something to keep in mind regardless.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undercover_marketing
Friday, July 17, 2009
Very excited about this
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS-City-Pune-PMC-proposes-to-supply-wet-garbage-up-to-75-km/articleshow/4786882.cms
I had been thinking about this idea for a while now. Probably the brain waves have somehow reached the authorities.
This is a wonderful thing and all puneites should participate in it. One person's garbage is another person's wealth!
I had been thinking about this idea for a while now. Probably the brain waves have somehow reached the authorities.
This is a wonderful thing and all puneites should participate in it. One person's garbage is another person's wealth!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Further to yesterday's discussion about curruption
Here is a quote about it from "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. I feel, to a major extent Indian politics of bribery can be attributed to this way of thinking.
... The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for people to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens?What's there in that for anyone? But pass the kind of laws that neither can be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted - an you create a nation of law breakers -- and then you cash on the guilt.
... The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for people to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens?What's there in that for anyone? But pass the kind of laws that neither can be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted - an you create a nation of law breakers -- and then you cash on the guilt.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Politics of Terrorism
Reading about these chain of events got me thinking:
http://www.rediff.com/news/dec/01mitra.htm --- Indira Gandhi covertly supports LTTE
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20060521_02 --- Rajiv Gandhi gets assassinated
http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/51/099.html --- US and Pakistan supported Islamic Extremists
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks --- 9/11
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/16/AR2009021601063.html --- Taliban in Pakistan
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pak-created-and-nurtured-terrorists-concedes-zardari/486672/ --- Zardari Acknowledges
http://www.guardianweekly.co.uk/?page=editorial&id=479&catID=1 ---
If corrupt officials can be translated as terrorists, a government that supports corruption terrorizes its people in subtle ways, so that people are afraid to protest.
In above kinds of terrorism, support to militants involves (generally speaking) a concentrated number of people and the main objective is to either attract attention or kill a target whether it results in killing of innocent civilians or not.
However, the terrorism of corruption seeps into the society through every nook and cranny to every single mind in the country.
It is a jolly good way to control a people! All you need is one case where a protestant was killed or simply given a hard time, and a whole society/generation grows up being afraid or terrorized. -- Corruption is a form of Terrorism
http://www.rediff.com/news/dec/01mitra.htm --- Indira Gandhi covertly supports LTTE
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20060521_02 --- Rajiv Gandhi gets assassinated
http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/51/099.html --- US and Pakistan supported Islamic Extremists
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks --- 9/11
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/16/AR2009021601063.html --- Taliban in Pakistan
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pak-created-and-nurtured-terrorists-concedes-zardari/486672/ --- Zardari Acknowledges
http://www.guardianweekly.co.uk/?page=editorial&id=479&catID=1 ---
If corrupt officials can be translated as terrorists, a government that supports corruption terrorizes its people in subtle ways, so that people are afraid to protest.
In above kinds of terrorism, support to militants involves (generally speaking) a concentrated number of people and the main objective is to either attract attention or kill a target whether it results in killing of innocent civilians or not.
However, the terrorism of corruption seeps into the society through every nook and cranny to every single mind in the country.
It is a jolly good way to control a people! All you need is one case where a protestant was killed or simply given a hard time, and a whole society/generation grows up being afraid or terrorized. -- Corruption is a form of Terrorism
Monday, July 6, 2009
A turn of events
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/sc-judge-apologises-for-taliban-remarks-on-muslims/485727/
I had commented on a news item on my blog of Monday, March 30, 2009. The link above, comes as a relief. Although it seems like the judge reluctantly apologized, I am happy for the student who is fighting for his constitutional rights.
The judge in this case has shown irresponsible behaviour and seems like is not qualified to give an unbiased opinion about anything. I am not sure why he is even allowed to be a judge.
I also like the fact that the newspaper is following up on the event and reporting it rather than just letting it slide into oblivion. This "following-up" of a news item, I find, is a rare quality found in the Indian Newspapers that I read.
I had commented on a news item on my blog of Monday, March 30, 2009. The link above, comes as a relief. Although it seems like the judge reluctantly apologized, I am happy for the student who is fighting for his constitutional rights.
The judge in this case has shown irresponsible behaviour and seems like is not qualified to give an unbiased opinion about anything. I am not sure why he is even allowed to be a judge.
I also like the fact that the newspaper is following up on the event and reporting it rather than just letting it slide into oblivion. This "following-up" of a news item, I find, is a rare quality found in the Indian Newspapers that I read.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
More unanswered questions.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Jobs/India-Inc-created-300000-jobs-in-US-Study/articleshow/4672503.cms
Please read the news in the link above. The news seems haphazard at best.
These are the questions that come to mind.
1. Which industry created most of these jobs?
2. Are these created jobs still in existence?
3. Have they been hit by the current recession?
4. How has creating these jobs added value to the American economy? - i.e. how necessary were these job creations - as many of you who work in corporations know that positions could easily get redundant in a corporate bureaucracy.
5. Will this justify the outsourcing of American jobs?
I tried looking for answers in other newspapers, but everyone - using their journalistic "expertise" - simply seems to be quoting this important news item from PTI verbatim.
Please read the news in the link above. The news seems haphazard at best.
These are the questions that come to mind.
1. Which industry created most of these jobs?
2. Are these created jobs still in existence?
3. Have they been hit by the current recession?
4. How has creating these jobs added value to the American economy? - i.e. how necessary were these job creations - as many of you who work in corporations know that positions could easily get redundant in a corporate bureaucracy.
5. Will this justify the outsourcing of American jobs?
I tried looking for answers in other newspapers, but everyone - using their journalistic "expertise" - simply seems to be quoting this important news item from PTI verbatim.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
The Modern Day Pop-In
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/06/10/pew.internet.fatigue/index.html
Remember the time when relatives and friends just popped in anytime during the day to check on you. Eventually, we started calling the pop-ins rude. We now started phoning the person to make sure they are ok with your visit and more importantly to find out whether they are home or not.
I remember a time when I was in India 13/14 years ago when I was fed up of all the socializing: The weddings, religious celebrations and family obligations (which increasingly during the teenage years seemed like nothing but painful obligations). However, I find myself craving the exact same things that I had once hated. Online interaction somehow does not satisfy the same craving as attending a relative’s wedding.
Human being is a social animal and can’t live without society. Although the method of socializing might have changed due to technology the craving for social interaction still stays the same. I feel now, with the internet, we are limited to socializing with people that are connected to the www. What about the rest of the gang?
The social networking sites can be seen as nothing but modern day pop-ins without too much intrusion. You may or may chose to return the greeting depending on whether or not you are “visible” to everyone on your chatting gadget.
Remember the time when relatives and friends just popped in anytime during the day to check on you. Eventually, we started calling the pop-ins rude. We now started phoning the person to make sure they are ok with your visit and more importantly to find out whether they are home or not.
I remember a time when I was in India 13/14 years ago when I was fed up of all the socializing: The weddings, religious celebrations and family obligations (which increasingly during the teenage years seemed like nothing but painful obligations). However, I find myself craving the exact same things that I had once hated. Online interaction somehow does not satisfy the same craving as attending a relative’s wedding.
Human being is a social animal and can’t live without society. Although the method of socializing might have changed due to technology the craving for social interaction still stays the same. I feel now, with the internet, we are limited to socializing with people that are connected to the www. What about the rest of the gang?
The social networking sites can be seen as nothing but modern day pop-ins without too much intrusion. You may or may chose to return the greeting depending on whether or not you are “visible” to everyone on your chatting gadget.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Waiting for Godot
I was in New York this past weekend. I have always wanted to see a Broadway show although most of the "big" shows make it to Toronto. This time I chose Waiting for Godot (Written by Samuel Beckett, Directed by Anthony Page). I had read the play before and seen its menial creation in Marathi. So, this time I was interested in watching a contemporary treatment to this classic play.
The Roundabout Theatre Company presented the tragicomedy with a focus on the comic aspect of it. Just as I believe that beauty is an essential part of art, I believe that entertainment is essential part of any type of creation especially performing arts.
I believe this version of the play achieved the most. The presentation seemed completely honest to the script without making it sound heavy and unnecessarily deep. I agree with the director that the script itself calls for humor. Humor in its most simple and factual form. To me the most profound and humorous line was in the end, "We'll hang ourselves tomorrow. Unless Godot comes". How many times have we felt like dying during a period of depression and never actually coming to doing it!
The play itself is of course genius because of the way it is written and like one of the actors said during the discussion that, it seems more and more true as you get older. It is not realistic, but it is true.
I loved the fact that it was treated exactly as the script demanded. If you have read the play, you will know that after a while you start thinking "What the... !" And you laugh at yourself and then you continue reading out of curiosity to find out who is Godot! That is the beauty of the creation.
Apparently when Samuel Beckett was asked who Godot was, he had answered, "If I knew it, I would have put it in the play", without hiding behind pretense or heaviosity! :) This was very clear in this creation because they have not tried to make anything more of it than already is. It was presented in a very factual, down-to-earth manner which I enjoyed.
Although the second act is the repetition of the first act it is the genius of the playwright that makes it not only bearable but also entertaining and in fact adds to the humor. The utter senselessness of our being that sometimes seems to be stuck in habitual and ritual chores, driven by hope, is what I saw in the play.
I would like to end this impression with the following lines, that I feel sum up the play well... "... you see the whole country of the system is juxtapositioned by the haemoglobin in the atmosphere because you are a sophisticated rhetorician intoxicated by the exuberance of your own verbosity.... " My Indian friends would remember this famous line in Amar, Akbar, Anthony. :)
The Roundabout Theatre Company presented the tragicomedy with a focus on the comic aspect of it. Just as I believe that beauty is an essential part of art, I believe that entertainment is essential part of any type of creation especially performing arts.
I believe this version of the play achieved the most. The presentation seemed completely honest to the script without making it sound heavy and unnecessarily deep. I agree with the director that the script itself calls for humor. Humor in its most simple and factual form. To me the most profound and humorous line was in the end, "We'll hang ourselves tomorrow. Unless Godot comes". How many times have we felt like dying during a period of depression and never actually coming to doing it!
The play itself is of course genius because of the way it is written and like one of the actors said during the discussion that, it seems more and more true as you get older. It is not realistic, but it is true.
I loved the fact that it was treated exactly as the script demanded. If you have read the play, you will know that after a while you start thinking "What the... !" And you laugh at yourself and then you continue reading out of curiosity to find out who is Godot! That is the beauty of the creation.
Apparently when Samuel Beckett was asked who Godot was, he had answered, "If I knew it, I would have put it in the play", without hiding behind pretense or heaviosity! :) This was very clear in this creation because they have not tried to make anything more of it than already is. It was presented in a very factual, down-to-earth manner which I enjoyed.
Although the second act is the repetition of the first act it is the genius of the playwright that makes it not only bearable but also entertaining and in fact adds to the humor. The utter senselessness of our being that sometimes seems to be stuck in habitual and ritual chores, driven by hope, is what I saw in the play.
I would like to end this impression with the following lines, that I feel sum up the play well... "... you see the whole country of the system is juxtapositioned by the haemoglobin in the atmosphere because you are a sophisticated rhetorician intoxicated by the exuberance of your own verbosity.... " My Indian friends would remember this famous line in Amar, Akbar, Anthony. :)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Crossing the Fine Line
Reference: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090507/entertainment/entertainment_germany_ethics_exhibition_people
I feel, there exists a fine line between what can be called art and what not. To me, anything that makes you want to throw up, cannot be art.
Although I can understand that to a scientist or a biologist or a medical student, an opened up real human body might be beautiful. However, I feel that kind of appreciation of beauty by a scientist must be accompanied by respect and reverence towards the creator etc... Otherwise it borders on perversion.
It seems as though something in these brains that create such “art” must be a tad askew!
I have always heard about Body Works – the exhibition by Gunther von Hagens – and every time I tried to make up my mind to go see it, simply out of curiosity, my mind has discouraged me to do so.
I am simply not into dead bodies, I guess.
I feel, there exists a fine line between what can be called art and what not. To me, anything that makes you want to throw up, cannot be art.
Although I can understand that to a scientist or a biologist or a medical student, an opened up real human body might be beautiful. However, I feel that kind of appreciation of beauty by a scientist must be accompanied by respect and reverence towards the creator etc... Otherwise it borders on perversion.
It seems as though something in these brains that create such “art” must be a tad askew!
I have always heard about Body Works – the exhibition by Gunther von Hagens – and every time I tried to make up my mind to go see it, simply out of curiosity, my mind has discouraged me to do so.
I am simply not into dead bodies, I guess.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Metro and BRT in Pune
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Pune/Activists-question-4-FSI-for-metro/articleshow/4487521.cms
This news item irritates me because, I feel the activists are opposing simply for the sake of it, without reasoning. And then, the plan hasn't even been approved yet! Stop opposition so, things move forward. I have been hearing about monorails and metros and what not for Pune for 10 years now. Doesn't anybody get the urgency behind these projects?
I can think of different uses for the FSI.
1. Parking - the city can make some money from these parking spots.
2. Parking
3. Parking
4. Washrooms
5. Washrooms
6. Washrooms
7. Food courts
8. Some basic shopping
This news item irritates me because, I feel the activists are opposing simply for the sake of it, without reasoning. And then, the plan hasn't even been approved yet! Stop opposition so, things move forward. I have been hearing about monorails and metros and what not for Pune for 10 years now. Doesn't anybody get the urgency behind these projects?
I can think of different uses for the FSI.
1. Parking - the city can make some money from these parking spots.
2. Parking
3. Parking
4. Washrooms
5. Washrooms
6. Washrooms
7. Food courts
8. Some basic shopping
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Autorickshaw Strike and My Mom
I remember a time when the rides in auto rickshaws in Pune were a pleasure. It seemed very easy... you just waved your hand and he would take you wherever you wanted to go. I even remember the time when there were those noisy two-seaters and when the change to a three-seater quieter rickshaw seemed like a luxury.
My mother has always been highly dependent on the rickshaw-wallas. She even claims that sometimes she is not even sure whether or not she told him where to take her and he seemed to have known where to drop her... I am sure, it was just a matter of the unerring habit she has formed over the years.
The rickshaw strike has affected her the most, because she does not drive. She was complaining about it the other day, to me. She said, she has to walk everywhere in the scorching heat, since her banks are only open during the day time.
Although I totally understand the frustration of the people dependent on the rickshaws, I feel that the illusive auto has lost its charm. The drivers have become increasingly rude and obnoxious. I don't understand why they hang around the so called official rickshaw stands if they don't want to do business.
One driver once complained to me because I had my grandparents with me and I had asked him to around the traffic light. He was complaining because it was a one way street and he would have to come all the way around the block to stand in the line of other rickshaws. I fought back by refusing to get off the rickshaw untill he had dropped us off where I had wanted him to. I was mad, because he expected the 80 year olds to walk all the way to save him a minor inconvenience. What a pain!
Somehow I feel a devilish pleasure, when I hear about their hardships due to strike and that they have to resort to shenanigans like giving rides to people on their bikes.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/auto-drivers-ply-cycles-scooters-to-cut-loss/454431/
My mother has always been highly dependent on the rickshaw-wallas. She even claims that sometimes she is not even sure whether or not she told him where to take her and he seemed to have known where to drop her... I am sure, it was just a matter of the unerring habit she has formed over the years.
The rickshaw strike has affected her the most, because she does not drive. She was complaining about it the other day, to me. She said, she has to walk everywhere in the scorching heat, since her banks are only open during the day time.
Although I totally understand the frustration of the people dependent on the rickshaws, I feel that the illusive auto has lost its charm. The drivers have become increasingly rude and obnoxious. I don't understand why they hang around the so called official rickshaw stands if they don't want to do business.
One driver once complained to me because I had my grandparents with me and I had asked him to around the traffic light. He was complaining because it was a one way street and he would have to come all the way around the block to stand in the line of other rickshaws. I fought back by refusing to get off the rickshaw untill he had dropped us off where I had wanted him to. I was mad, because he expected the 80 year olds to walk all the way to save him a minor inconvenience. What a pain!
Somehow I feel a devilish pleasure, when I hear about their hardships due to strike and that they have to resort to shenanigans like giving rides to people on their bikes.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/auto-drivers-ply-cycles-scooters-to-cut-loss/454431/
Monday, April 27, 2009
Ads or Aphrodisiacs
I have been noticing recently that increasing number of products advertised on TV can serve as aphrodisiacs. More and more products seem to be “sensual”. Yet it seems that couples are performing poorly in “those” terms as compared to a few decades ago according to a report I heard on the radio the other day.
I can understand promoting perfumes or clothes or even chocolates, in that way but yesterday I saw one for Italian frozen food! Who knew frozen food is sexy! What’s next? Anti-inflammatory? ;)
TV has been traditionally known to use sex as a selling point for advertising. However I see using sexuality to sell a product that is not related to the former as a mere lack of creativity.
I do appreciate a good Ad that gets the point across without resorting the good old, handy tool of sex. Please feel free to share some good links.
I can understand promoting perfumes or clothes or even chocolates, in that way but yesterday I saw one for Italian frozen food! Who knew frozen food is sexy! What’s next? Anti-inflammatory? ;)
TV has been traditionally known to use sex as a selling point for advertising. However I see using sexuality to sell a product that is not related to the former as a mere lack of creativity.
I do appreciate a good Ad that gets the point across without resorting the good old, handy tool of sex. Please feel free to share some good links.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Antibiotics and vaccinations
I have been reading and hearing about the Swine Flu virus, as I am sure everyone has. It has triggered some disturbing thoughts about future generations - of humans and bacteria and viruses :).
I am pretty sure, that the first penicillin was discovered with the best intentions however, this "habit" of using antibiotics when and where possible has multiplied ever since. Thanks to the Internet, we can now be more aware of the drugs that doctors prescribe rather than just blindly using them. Here are a couple of helpful websites that can help us make informed decisions about the use of antibiotics and vaccinations.
I think we need to always remember that pharmaceutical companies are here to make money just like any other business. This reminds me of a very good book I read a few years ago: Strong Medicine by Arthur Hailey.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antibiotics/FL00075
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiviral_drug
Wishing you all good health!
I am pretty sure, that the first penicillin was discovered with the best intentions however, this "habit" of using antibiotics when and where possible has multiplied ever since. Thanks to the Internet, we can now be more aware of the drugs that doctors prescribe rather than just blindly using them. Here are a couple of helpful websites that can help us make informed decisions about the use of antibiotics and vaccinations.
I think we need to always remember that pharmaceutical companies are here to make money just like any other business. This reminds me of a very good book I read a few years ago: Strong Medicine by Arthur Hailey.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antibiotics/FL00075
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiviral_drug
Wishing you all good health!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
It is Simply a Matter of Habit
The TV yesterday was full of stuff about Earth day. I am very inspired by the little things we can do and form a part of our daily routines.
Did you know that the Pacific ocean is a huge garbage dump and the garbage mainly consists of plastics? It almost made me cry to watch what we have done to our planet. It is time that all of us cleaned up our act whether or not we have contributed directly or indirectly to it.
I would like to share some things that I find are easily achievable through habit.
1. Avoid littering the streets - looks shabby and not environmentally friendly.
2. This I would like to stress especially to my American friends - Avoid using paper towels for everything. I have never seen so much use of paper towels in Canada as I have noticed in the houses of my American friends. Old T-shirts are great to soak up liquids and wipe counter tops or please go ahead and use the market-bought wiping cloths, but please avoid paper towels wherever possible. How could we so easily forget what our parents (especially those whose parents are in India) used, to do the same, is beyond my understanding.
3. Try using organic fertilizers for lawns.
4. Use faucet water filters instead of plastic bottles for drinking water
5. Use the good old cloth bags for shopping instead of loading your drawers and/or garbage and/or recycle bins with the dreaded plastic bags. It is the toughest to get used to.. but again it is a matter of forming the habit.
6. Car pool or friends in Pune can try to scooter pool whenever possible.
7. Go vegetarian at least once a week.
I hope that at least few of you understand the gravity of the issue at hand. Let us give a cleaner planet to our future generations. It is our responsibility.
Did you know that the Pacific ocean is a huge garbage dump and the garbage mainly consists of plastics? It almost made me cry to watch what we have done to our planet. It is time that all of us cleaned up our act whether or not we have contributed directly or indirectly to it.
I would like to share some things that I find are easily achievable through habit.
1. Avoid littering the streets - looks shabby and not environmentally friendly.
2. This I would like to stress especially to my American friends - Avoid using paper towels for everything. I have never seen so much use of paper towels in Canada as I have noticed in the houses of my American friends. Old T-shirts are great to soak up liquids and wipe counter tops or please go ahead and use the market-bought wiping cloths, but please avoid paper towels wherever possible. How could we so easily forget what our parents (especially those whose parents are in India) used, to do the same, is beyond my understanding.
3. Try using organic fertilizers for lawns.
4. Use faucet water filters instead of plastic bottles for drinking water
5. Use the good old cloth bags for shopping instead of loading your drawers and/or garbage and/or recycle bins with the dreaded plastic bags. It is the toughest to get used to.. but again it is a matter of forming the habit.
6. Car pool or friends in Pune can try to scooter pool whenever possible.
7. Go vegetarian at least once a week.
I hope that at least few of you understand the gravity of the issue at hand. Let us give a cleaner planet to our future generations. It is our responsibility.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Beware of Western Media
Yesterday I was watching a documentary about super human powers on the National Geographic channel on demand. It was a documentary about how different religious and ethical groups have certain beliefs about super human strength and power. It tried to show how some martial art teachers claim that they can make a person collapse by a simple touch, or by throwing “chi” at them in the form of a ball.
They also showed the Sufi mystics piercing sharp objects through body parts and still remain unharmed. Also included in this film were the Hindu sadhus and fortune tellers who fool the rural and scam the urban population for thousands of dollars.
However, subtly and what seemed to be, quite deliberately – if I may accuse so – missed, was another major religious deviation and that is the scam run by some Christian faith healers. God knows what they do to rural populations in under-developed parts of the world.
What I would like to point out is not the actual subject of the documentary but the brilliance with which western media seeps into our finer minds. They don’t even touch upon the subject of the most dominant religion in the western world. The documentary to me seemed, as though it was only picking on what lies to the east of Europe and America.
We as conscious and educated people need to look at the western media with a more than an “open” mind.
To my friends who are media professionals I don’t have to explain how much of an impact a simple act like “exclusion” of an unsuspecting religion can have.
They also showed the Sufi mystics piercing sharp objects through body parts and still remain unharmed. Also included in this film were the Hindu sadhus and fortune tellers who fool the rural and scam the urban population for thousands of dollars.
However, subtly and what seemed to be, quite deliberately – if I may accuse so – missed, was another major religious deviation and that is the scam run by some Christian faith healers. God knows what they do to rural populations in under-developed parts of the world.
What I would like to point out is not the actual subject of the documentary but the brilliance with which western media seeps into our finer minds. They don’t even touch upon the subject of the most dominant religion in the western world. The documentary to me seemed, as though it was only picking on what lies to the east of Europe and America.
We as conscious and educated people need to look at the western media with a more than an “open” mind.
To my friends who are media professionals I don’t have to explain how much of an impact a simple act like “exclusion” of an unsuspecting religion can have.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Stop kidding!
Recently I have seen a whole bunch of contradictions in the advertisement industry. One of them being: coke sponsoring The Heart Truth, an awareness campaign, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
What bothers me is not the fact that it is sponsoring something to do with health and heart but the fact that it is advertising its sponsorship.
Stop kidding us. We know that it is not a healthy drink, diet or not.
See, people who are not media aware tend to take these things seriously and might even think that it is good for their hearts.
So, just wanted to make the public aware that coke sponsoring health charities or any other big brand name doing so, doesn't mean the content of these big brands is healthy. It is just a mask for them to hide behind. Like an old collegue of mine would say: what a bunch of baloney! Whatever that means. :)
Read this for further information.
What bothers me is not the fact that it is sponsoring something to do with health and heart but the fact that it is advertising its sponsorship.
Stop kidding us. We know that it is not a healthy drink, diet or not.
See, people who are not media aware tend to take these things seriously and might even think that it is good for their hearts.
So, just wanted to make the public aware that coke sponsoring health charities or any other big brand name doing so, doesn't mean the content of these big brands is healthy. It is just a mask for them to hide behind. Like an old collegue of mine would say: what a bunch of baloney! Whatever that means. :)
Read this for further information.
http://www.emaxhealth.com/11/586.html
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Criminal Candidates
Indian law does not allow those awaiting trial to vote but there is no bar on people fighting elections from jail if not yet convicted. The Election Commission has ordered all candidates to clearly state in an affidavit the number of cases pending against them. Close to 40 per cent of Lok Sabha candidates belonging to the leading political parties in face criminal charges that range from assault, extortion, rioting, attempt to murder and defamation. At least 18 people facing serious criminal charges, including the alleged mastermind behind the leak of papers for entrance tests to management institutes, are contesting the parliamentary elections from Bihar. The High Court has said that candidates with criminal records and lodged in jail have no right to contest the elections. The fact that the voting rights of prisoners with a criminal background are suspended under election laws gives additional support to this new ruling.While some of the political parties appreciate and support the High Court's stand, there are a few others who prefer to be silent on this ruling. The Indian Election Commission has in recent years tried to tackle the problem of criminal politicians by making it harder for candidates with criminal records to stand for election. But the trouble is that the cases against many candidates have not been proved. In fact, it is hard to find a single case of a politician being sent to jail for corruption in independent India. In 1997, the Election Commission issued an order requiring candidates to submit affidavits about their convictions for any of the above criminal offences. However there was no provision in the election law to make this information available to the voter. The Law Commission gave voice to the growing feeling among voters that it was not enough to disqualify criminals found guilty by a court. In the last general elections , it's estimated that around 1,000 candidates who were alleged to have committed a wide range of crimes stood for election. These varied from murder, theft and rape to extortion and banditry.
http://www.indian-elections.com/national-issues/criminal-candidates.html
http://www.indian-elections.com/national-issues/criminal-candidates.html
Political Debate – Need of the hour
Since I have been living in Canada for the past 10/12 years, I have been observing the quiet political scene here, as compared to the loud and gaudy politics of India. I am not saying that politicians are well behaved or there is no mud slinging in the parliament.
What I am saying is that election times are seen as chance to choose, by the people rather than traffic jams, huge pandals and hoardings all over the place probably accompanied by loud music. The election commission does not ban processions or does not clearly ban the use of posters on public places and traffic signals. At least it is not mentioned on the following website.
There is a code of conduct that is followed. The signs for cadidates are of a prescribed size and are posted only at prescribed places. They do not cover traffic signals.
What is more interesting and worth copying (for once copy the good things of the west), is the fact that political leaders participate in debates on National TV.
I feel India should hold debates for all types of elections starting from municipal to the national. I am not sure if this type debate is part of Indian politics.
The debates should, of course, be mediated and people should judge the candidates based on their behaviour and answers during this debate.
I think we as Indians, should challenge the candidates more. Make them sweat over answers to the real questions that matter and watch out for the standard memorized solutions. Let them face unforeseen controversial questions.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sports
Sports - is a sensitive subject for me. Not because I play any kind of sport myself, but I feel offended by the thought that, despite such a huge population that India hosts, we are unable to produce, international quality sportsmen/women – obviously we are not talking cricket here.
I know that all of us have thought about this and felt bad about at one point or another, so, I am not making a brand new statement.
However, I think I can boil the widespread failure of our sports people, down to some very basic reasons and possible solutions.
- City folk are overburdened by competition starting at a very early age.
- Pollution probably contributes to the poor health of athletes and sportsmen from urban areas.
- I think village folk can make excellent athletes and sportsmen. Someone needs to invest in training them.
- Lack of dedication to a particular sport.
- Exercise and being fit, has somehow escaped the age-old routines of chores (eg. Taking a bath, doing pooja, eating breakfast etc…) followed by our people.
I strongly feel that people who are pouring loads of money in 20/20 should also concentrate some of their effort towards other sports like soccer, hockey, basketball or athletics.
I am sure that the simple glamour and charm of these rich tycoons, will attract people to watch those other games too.
I also feel that traditional sports like Kabaddi, Malkhamb, Kushti, need to get more media coverage. However, I can understand why these sports don't look glamorous. All they need to do is modify their outfits to portray a modern image.
Should I be optimistic about this?
Mission 10th pass takes off, traffic ‘culture’ bared
Posted on http://www.indianexpress.com/ on April 06
I am an optimistic person and I really hope Puneites cooperate.
The MissionThrough this mission, undertaken by STPM with the help of Pune Municipal Corporation and Pune traffic police, citizens will be urged to follow 10 basic traffic rules step by step, one at a time. The long-term campaign has the sole objective of improving the overall traffic scenario. At the end of the mission, SPTM hopes to discipline people and declare Pune as “10th Pass,” as far as following simple traffic rules is concerned. The Indian Express had published a report about this mission in December last year.
The 10 rules
* At red signal, stop before stop line, not on zebra stripes
* No free left turn at signals
* Follow one-way and no entry rules; no driving on wrong side while turning right
* No mobile usage while driving
* Don’t cut corners while turning right
* Honour zebra stripes even at places without signals
* Use blinkers/hand signals before turning
* Use headlights when it is dark; never use high beam in city
* Use correct lane for turning, beginning with signals* No parking on footpaths
Friday, April 3, 2009
If you put it that way!
Statistics for Pune
Source: http://hetv.org/india/top-rankings.htm
- In the last four decades, the population of the city has increased four times whereas the vehicle
population has increased 87 times and the road length has increased by only five times. - The vehicular composition indicates that 75% of the total vehicles are two-wheelers, followed by fourwheelersat 13% and three-wheelers at 6% of the total registered vehicles in the city.
- 53% of the work trips are performed by two-wheelers and bicycles.
- The existing public transportation system falls short while catering to the rising demand.
- Only 15% of the vehicle kilometers travelled in the city is accounted for by public transportation.
- Total number of recorded murders/homicides
- Highest square kilometers of irrigated land
- Cinema attendance
Source: http://hetv.org/india/top-rankings.htm
Where are Indian Scientists?
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Health--Science/articlelist/3908989.cms
I have noticed that most of the research published on websites belongs to foreign sources. I wonder why there isn't much research published from India. With a huge population and good education, I feel Indian research students and scientists need to do a better job at publishing.
I have noticed that most of the research published on websites belongs to foreign sources. I wonder why there isn't much research published from India. With a huge population and good education, I feel Indian research students and scientists need to do a better job at publishing.
Monday, March 30, 2009
I smell bias here: This news bothers me
SC rejects Muslim's plea to sport beard, says no 'Talibanisation of India'
As reported at: http://www.zeenews.com/nation/2009-03-30/519400news.html
The fact that the following school is a convent makes things more complicated. If it is a convent, then it is a school with a religious bias of Christianity. If you do care about your religion so much, you shouldn’t be in a Convent school.
However, if Sikh students in the school are allowed to wear a turban and beard, then the school also seems to have secular policies and in this case, the rule should apply to students of all religious backgrounds.
What if the Hindu Brahmin students in the school decided to go bald. Why wasn’t this example given by the judge. The Hindu Brahmin students probably do go bald after their “mundan”. Is that considered creating Hindu Fundamentalists – just like the judge equated growing a beard to creating Talibans.
Ideally, the school shouldn’t care about whether you grew a beard, or wore a burqa or sported a bald head. All it should care about whether or not the student is doing well in studies and whether he/she is maintaining good hygiene. That is if, the school claims to be secular. If it is a strictly Christian school, then those rules should apply to all students.
As reported at: http://www.zeenews.com/nation/2009-03-30/519400news.html
The fact that the following school is a convent makes things more complicated. If it is a convent, then it is a school with a religious bias of Christianity. If you do care about your religion so much, you shouldn’t be in a Convent school.
However, if Sikh students in the school are allowed to wear a turban and beard, then the school also seems to have secular policies and in this case, the rule should apply to students of all religious backgrounds.
What if the Hindu Brahmin students in the school decided to go bald. Why wasn’t this example given by the judge. The Hindu Brahmin students probably do go bald after their “mundan”. Is that considered creating Hindu Fundamentalists – just like the judge equated growing a beard to creating Talibans.
Ideally, the school shouldn’t care about whether you grew a beard, or wore a burqa or sported a bald head. All it should care about whether or not the student is doing well in studies and whether he/she is maintaining good hygiene. That is if, the school claims to be secular. If it is a strictly Christian school, then those rules should apply to all students.
Please read below for futher details.
NEW DELHI: Rejecting the plea of a Muslim student that he should be permitted to sport beard in his convent school, the Supreme Court on Monday observed secularism cannot be overstretched and that "Talibanisation" of the country cannot be permitted. "We don't want to have talibans in the country. Tommorow a girl student may come and say that she wants to wear a burqa, can we allow it," Justice Markandeya Katju speaking for a bench headed by Justice Raveendran observed. Asserting that he was a secularist to the core, Justice Katju however said religious beliefs cannot be overstretched. "I am secularist. We should strike a balance between rights and personal beliefs. We cannot overstretch secularism," the judge known for his incisive remarks said. Justice Katju passed the obsesrvation while dismsissing the petition of the student. Mohammad Salim of Nirmala Convent Higher Secondary School, a government-recognised minority institution in Madhya Pradesh, has sought quashing of the school regulation requiring students to be clean-shaven. Challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court verdict that had earlier dismissed his plea, Salim submitted that every citizen was entitled to follow his religious principles and that no one should restrain him from doing so in a secular country like India. Salim's counsel Justice (retd) B A Khan argued before the bench that sporting beard was an indispensable part of Islam. But Justice Katju was apparently not impressed with the argument and quipped "But you (Khan) don't sport a beard?" the judge asked the counsel. The apex court then said that a minority institution has its own set of rules and rights provided by Article 30 of the Constitution and the same cannot be breached by any person. "If there are rules you have to be. You can't say that I will not wear a uniform I will only a burqa," the bench observed. The court further said if the student was not interested in following the rules then he has the option of joining some other institution. "You can join some other institution if you do not want to observe the rules. But you can't ask the school to change the rules for you,"Justice Katju observed. Appearing for the student, senior advocate B A Khan said that Article 25 of the Constitution guaranteed protection to Salim to pursue his religious practice of keeping a beard and the regulation providing for shaving it off was violative of this provision. He said the act of the principal to force the student to leave the school for keeping a beard was against "his religious conscience, belief and custom of his family".
NEW DELHI: Rejecting the plea of a Muslim student that he should be permitted to sport beard in his convent school, the Supreme Court on Monday observed secularism cannot be overstretched and that "Talibanisation" of the country cannot be permitted. "We don't want to have talibans in the country. Tommorow a girl student may come and say that she wants to wear a burqa, can we allow it," Justice Markandeya Katju speaking for a bench headed by Justice Raveendran observed. Asserting that he was a secularist to the core, Justice Katju however said religious beliefs cannot be overstretched. "I am secularist. We should strike a balance between rights and personal beliefs. We cannot overstretch secularism," the judge known for his incisive remarks said. Justice Katju passed the obsesrvation while dismsissing the petition of the student. Mohammad Salim of Nirmala Convent Higher Secondary School, a government-recognised minority institution in Madhya Pradesh, has sought quashing of the school regulation requiring students to be clean-shaven. Challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court verdict that had earlier dismissed his plea, Salim submitted that every citizen was entitled to follow his religious principles and that no one should restrain him from doing so in a secular country like India. Salim's counsel Justice (retd) B A Khan argued before the bench that sporting beard was an indispensable part of Islam. But Justice Katju was apparently not impressed with the argument and quipped "But you (Khan) don't sport a beard?" the judge asked the counsel. The apex court then said that a minority institution has its own set of rules and rights provided by Article 30 of the Constitution and the same cannot be breached by any person. "If there are rules you have to be. You can't say that I will not wear a uniform I will only a burqa," the bench observed. The court further said if the student was not interested in following the rules then he has the option of joining some other institution. "You can join some other institution if you do not want to observe the rules. But you can't ask the school to change the rules for you,"Justice Katju observed. Appearing for the student, senior advocate B A Khan said that Article 25 of the Constitution guaranteed protection to Salim to pursue his religious practice of keeping a beard and the regulation providing for shaving it off was violative of this provision. He said the act of the principal to force the student to leave the school for keeping a beard was against "his religious conscience, belief and custom of his family".
Pointing out that Sikh community members were allowed to keep a beard and sport a turban, Salim alleged there was a clear discrimination on part of the school to force him to be clean shaven and this rule was violative of his fundamental rights.
Looking forward to health of India
As more and more Indians find the western life-style, chic and glamorous, it may not be the best choice you will make for your family. The sale of packaged and preserved foods has increased dramatically over the years.
Insistence on home-made food is looked down upon in some societies. We have to be always aware of the fact that we – as Indians – developed a lot of good “organic” habits over the centuries. The food culture and especially the food culture during the religious occasions is a good example of that. Our palette options have quite truly been healthy and modern western research has shown that time and again.
It is sad that we often tend to rely on the west giving us directions as to what is good and not good for you, health wise, when in fact we have a large body of knowledge already in existence in our culture.
http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/family-relationships/articles/parenting/tvo/4019
Here is a news item that might inspire you.
Insistence on home-made food is looked down upon in some societies. We have to be always aware of the fact that we – as Indians – developed a lot of good “organic” habits over the centuries. The food culture and especially the food culture during the religious occasions is a good example of that. Our palette options have quite truly been healthy and modern western research has shown that time and again.
It is sad that we often tend to rely on the west giving us directions as to what is good and not good for you, health wise, when in fact we have a large body of knowledge already in existence in our culture.
http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/family-relationships/articles/parenting/tvo/4019
Here is a news item that might inspire you.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Nano
Reported at timesofindia.com
I wish that all Rickshaws in Pune and Mumbai were replaced by Nanos with courteous drivers. The passenger will feel much safer. I hate rickshaws and arrogant rickshaw wallas in Pune.
MUMBAI: Bookings for Rs 1 lakh Nano car by the Tata Motors are pouring in from all parts of the country as the sole booking agent SBI on Tuesday said it has distributed lakhs of applications for the world's cheapest car. "We have distributed lakhs of applications for Nano across the country. We are getting a tremendous response from people for Nano," SBI Chairman O P Bhatt told reporters here. The lender has inked an exclusive agreement with Tata Motors for the management of the bookings of Nano through its pan-India network.
Around 1,350 branches of SBI in 850 cities would assist in the booking process of the Nano. Booking forms will be distributed and the filled-up application forms with the booking amount will be collected through SBI's branches. The bank will be marketing the application forms through its 11,111-plus branches. Customers will be provided end-to-end processing with a bouquet of retail products for the bookings. Apart from extending loans for Nano purchase, the refund to unsuccessful applicants will also be available at SBI branches, SBI said.
The sale of application forms and acceptance of booking amount at SBI branches will start from April 9 and will go on till April 25. SBI will be using its cash management product, SBI Fast, for the processing and has also set up a 24x7 helpline to facilitate the booking process, the release said. SBI loan product will enable applicants for booking the Nano by financing 100 per cent amount at a low down-payment amount starting from Rs 2,999, the release said. The Nano car loan can be availed up to a maximum period of seven years for 11.75-12 per cent interest rate, the release said.
I wish that all Rickshaws in Pune and Mumbai were replaced by Nanos with courteous drivers. The passenger will feel much safer. I hate rickshaws and arrogant rickshaw wallas in Pune.
MUMBAI: Bookings for Rs 1 lakh Nano car by the Tata Motors are pouring in from all parts of the country as the sole booking agent SBI on Tuesday said it has distributed lakhs of applications for the world's cheapest car. "We have distributed lakhs of applications for Nano across the country. We are getting a tremendous response from people for Nano," SBI Chairman O P Bhatt told reporters here. The lender has inked an exclusive agreement with Tata Motors for the management of the bookings of Nano through its pan-India network.
Around 1,350 branches of SBI in 850 cities would assist in the booking process of the Nano. Booking forms will be distributed and the filled-up application forms with the booking amount will be collected through SBI's branches. The bank will be marketing the application forms through its 11,111-plus branches. Customers will be provided end-to-end processing with a bouquet of retail products for the bookings. Apart from extending loans for Nano purchase, the refund to unsuccessful applicants will also be available at SBI branches, SBI said.
The sale of application forms and acceptance of booking amount at SBI branches will start from April 9 and will go on till April 25. SBI will be using its cash management product, SBI Fast, for the processing and has also set up a 24x7 helpline to facilitate the booking process, the release said. SBI loan product will enable applicants for booking the Nano by financing 100 per cent amount at a low down-payment amount starting from Rs 2,999, the release said. The Nano car loan can be availed up to a maximum period of seven years for 11.75-12 per cent interest rate, the release said.
Widespread Incompetence in Government
Reported at indianexpress.com
The question about such is news is not whether they are authentic or not or whether the party is responsible for what it’s candidate or member says or does. I think the real question goes back to the basics.
What do we really believe in as being “religious” or “anti-religious” The integrity and competence of our political leaders.
Competence is an important topic to discuss in matters of politics and running the country.
New Delhi: Distancing itself from Varun Gandhi's hate speeches, the BJP told the Election Commission that his remarks do not represent the views of the party even as it asked the poll panel to check the genuineness of the CD containing the comments.
"The Bharatiya Janata Party categorically states that it completely disagrees, disassociates and disapproves the contents of the CD as sent to us," party leader R Ramakrishna said in his single page reply to an EC notice.
Even assuming that a speech has been delivered by a member of the party, these contents do not represent the views of the party or its policies, it added.
Election Commission had issued a notice to BJP and Varun Gandhi, the party's candidate from Pilibhit, on the alleged anti-Muslim speeches made by him early this month.
However, the party avoided mentioning Varun as an official candidate in the reply. "Merely because a member of the party has expressed views contrary to what the party stands for, the party cannot be vested with any responsibility," the BJP said, adding ‘the party is also independently looking into the matter.’
While stating that BJP was unaware of the speech by Varun till its contents were telecast by news channels, the letter asked EC to check the authenticity of the CD.
New Pledge for School Children in India
Who am I? I am an Indian.
I will strive to be competent regardless of my caste, creed or religion and I will survive the competition with strength and intelligence I have developed.
I shall use my education to invent and discover in order to meet the everyday needs of my fellow Indians.
I will try each day to make this country a pollution free, pleasant place to live.
I will learn to respect difference of opinion, difference of colour, difference of caste, creed or religion. I shall respect the freedom of expression.
I shall respect all elders not simply for their age but also for their years of life experiences.
I shall always remember that almost 70% of India lives in villages where primary occupation is agriculture.
I will strive to be competent regardless of my caste, creed or religion and I will survive the competition with strength and intelligence I have developed.
I shall use my education to invent and discover in order to meet the everyday needs of my fellow Indians.
I will try each day to make this country a pollution free, pleasant place to live.
I will learn to respect difference of opinion, difference of colour, difference of caste, creed or religion. I shall respect the freedom of expression.
I shall respect all elders not simply for their age but also for their years of life experiences.
I shall always remember that almost 70% of India lives in villages where primary occupation is agriculture.
Friday, March 20, 2009
What are you calling for?
Reported at indianexpress.com
Call 1095 for Delhi traffic problems
New Delhi: For any traffic related problem in the capital call 1095.
"A four digit number has been allotted to Delhi traffic police and commuters can easily get in touch with the traffic police," Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S Dadwal told reporters. Dadwal said traffic police has become more vigilant and there was a sharp increase in prosecutions for traffic violations. Delhi Police has also started a motorcycle verification drive in the capital to put a check on stolen vehicles being used by criminals. "We have verified 34,977 motorcycles in the capital so far and have found several riders with fake registration. This will help in checking crimes in the capital," said Dadwal.
Wouldn’t we like to know more about how the number is going to work exactly.
What should we expect when we call the number?
When is the proper time to call the number?
Why should one call this number?
Call 1095 for Delhi traffic problems
New Delhi: For any traffic related problem in the capital call 1095.
"A four digit number has been allotted to Delhi traffic police and commuters can easily get in touch with the traffic police," Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S Dadwal told reporters. Dadwal said traffic police has become more vigilant and there was a sharp increase in prosecutions for traffic violations. Delhi Police has also started a motorcycle verification drive in the capital to put a check on stolen vehicles being used by criminals. "We have verified 34,977 motorcycles in the capital so far and have found several riders with fake registration. This will help in checking crimes in the capital," said Dadwal.
Wouldn’t we like to know more about how the number is going to work exactly.
What should we expect when we call the number?
When is the proper time to call the number?
Why should one call this number?
Unhealthy Indians?
Reported at indianexpress.com
Indian specialists are adept at conducting complex surgeries at par with international standards, as revealed by a recent study
As per a study conducted recently, Indian specialists have performed over 5,00,000 complex surgeries such as cardio-thoracic, neurological and cancer. The success attained in these surgeries is at a par with international standards. About 80 per cent of deaths related to cardiovascular diseases globally occur in low and middle-income nations, which cover most countries in Asia. India has come out as the best medical facility hub with one-tenth of the cost compared to Western countries.
Is this something to be really proud of? Or is the lifestyle in our country of questionable quality?
That the Indian heart health care sector has attained high success rate and is also credible is in the fact that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh underwent redo bypass heart surgery in the country, says Dr Ramakanta Panda, cardiothoracic surgeon with the Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai. Moreover, other VIPs like actors Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, and politicians like Atal Bihari Vajpayee have also preferred Indian hospitals and doctors.
So, our role models are not healthy!
Says Panda, the success of cardiac bypass in India is 98.7 per cent higher than in USA. In the Asian Heart Institute, over 70,000 patients were treated; one of the lowest surgical mortality rates in the world; over 8,000 cardiac surgeries performed; over 10,000 angioplasties, and over 4,000 interventional procedures; and zero deaths in redo bypass surgeries in the past two years.
Higher than USA? But what is the sccess rate in USA? It may be simply higher by a percentage point.
Cardiovascular disease is among the world's leading causes of death, and nearly 80 per cent deaths occur in India and China. The disease is becoming a major health problem in the country where life expectancy has increased with decrease in contagious diseases and infant mortality.
There is a clear progression towards degenerative and lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease as a result of current social and economic changes. A lack of patient-awareness and inadequate medical facility were other factors which contributed to a large number deaths in the past. Earlier it was perceived that cardiovascular diseases prevail more in urban cities. But recently, there has been an influx of patients coming from small town and villages, says Panda.
In the past few years, India has emerged as the first choice destination for cardiac surgery and health care, with rapidly expanding infrastructure and clinical expertise; the country is servicing health care needs of international patients, says Panda.
Please define “rapidly expanding infrastructure”.
International patients – from what countries?
What do international patients find different about India other than cost?
Indian specialists are adept at conducting complex surgeries at par with international standards, as revealed by a recent study
As per a study conducted recently, Indian specialists have performed over 5,00,000 complex surgeries such as cardio-thoracic, neurological and cancer. The success attained in these surgeries is at a par with international standards. About 80 per cent of deaths related to cardiovascular diseases globally occur in low and middle-income nations, which cover most countries in Asia. India has come out as the best medical facility hub with one-tenth of the cost compared to Western countries.
Is this something to be really proud of? Or is the lifestyle in our country of questionable quality?
That the Indian heart health care sector has attained high success rate and is also credible is in the fact that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh underwent redo bypass heart surgery in the country, says Dr Ramakanta Panda, cardiothoracic surgeon with the Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai. Moreover, other VIPs like actors Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, and politicians like Atal Bihari Vajpayee have also preferred Indian hospitals and doctors.
So, our role models are not healthy!
Says Panda, the success of cardiac bypass in India is 98.7 per cent higher than in USA. In the Asian Heart Institute, over 70,000 patients were treated; one of the lowest surgical mortality rates in the world; over 8,000 cardiac surgeries performed; over 10,000 angioplasties, and over 4,000 interventional procedures; and zero deaths in redo bypass surgeries in the past two years.
Higher than USA? But what is the sccess rate in USA? It may be simply higher by a percentage point.
Cardiovascular disease is among the world's leading causes of death, and nearly 80 per cent deaths occur in India and China. The disease is becoming a major health problem in the country where life expectancy has increased with decrease in contagious diseases and infant mortality.
There is a clear progression towards degenerative and lifestyle-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease as a result of current social and economic changes. A lack of patient-awareness and inadequate medical facility were other factors which contributed to a large number deaths in the past. Earlier it was perceived that cardiovascular diseases prevail more in urban cities. But recently, there has been an influx of patients coming from small town and villages, says Panda.
In the past few years, India has emerged as the first choice destination for cardiac surgery and health care, with rapidly expanding infrastructure and clinical expertise; the country is servicing health care needs of international patients, says Panda.
Please define “rapidly expanding infrastructure”.
International patients – from what countries?
What do international patients find different about India other than cost?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)