Monday, December 30, 2013

Ye Mera Deewanapan Hai

Shailendra…

Dil se tujhko bedili hai, mujh ko hai dil ka guroor
Tu yeh maane ke na maane, log maanenge zaroor

Ye mera deewanapan hai, ya mohabbat ka suroor
Tu na pehchaane to hai ye teri nazron ka kusoor

Ye mera deewanapan hai...

Dil ko teri hi tamanna, dil ko hai tujhse hi pyar
Chaahe tu aaye na aaye hum karenge intezaar

Ye mera deewanapan hai...

Aise veerane mein ek din, ghut ke mar jaayenge hum
Jitna ji chaahe pukaro phir nahin aayenge hum

Ye mera deewanapan hai...

High Court Judge Believe Sex Ed Spoils Children

"

"Introduction of sex education in high schools (adult education programme), launched in 2005-06, has only spoiled the minds of children in the impressionable age. Parents have a responsibility to bring children back on the right track," Justice L Narasimha Reddy said.

Justice Reddy, also the Chairman of the High Court Legal Services Committee, further said the collapse of the joint family system has created a sense of insecurity for children.
He was speaking at a sensitisation programme for stake-holders on the "Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012".

Link

I am guessing people got tired of blaming Satellite Channels, Bollywood, Music Videos, Internet etc.

It's imperative that Justice Reddy explains what he thinks is the meaning of 'Sex Education'. Once we have that explanation, I am sure there won't be a need for any further discussion on his statement.

… Jahaalat ki bhi hadh hoti hai!

Friday, December 27, 2013

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Err… Ok.

HD video, I understand. HD audio (for songs and the tele), I understand. HD telephone calls… hmmm. No. THAT I do not understand.

Had the exact same reaction when ages ago we got the upgraded IP phones (with HD audio / calls).

*Wonders why anyone thought this was needed in the first place.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Ridiculous!

"

Khatoon's husband Rakesh filed a petition seeking to produce her before the court, contending that her father had illegally detained her in their house as she had married outside her faith.

On November 27 last year, Khatoon was produced before the high court to ascertain the claims made by Rakesh. However, she denied having married Rakesh, saying the documents, including the marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages, photographs showing the solemnization of the marriage and a conversion certificate, were fabricated.

The bench then ordered Delhi Police's crime branch to hold a preliminary inquiry. Later Khatoon retracted her initial statement and gave an "unqualified apology" for lying under oath. The couple was married April 9, 2012.

Attempting to justify herself, Khatoon claimed that Rakesh flashed the information about their marriage to her parents without intimating her and she came under tremendous social pressure. Khatoon submitted that she had not made the false statements "intentionally," but was in a state of trauma and under pressure from parents and relatives to deny the marriage.

The teacher had sought leniency, saying she was appearing in court for the first time and was not well versed with the law.

Link

As ridiculous as that is, Khatoon isn't the only one mocking the judiciary. The division bench of Justices Kailash Gambhir and Indermeet Kaur too mocked the judicial process.

The woman was cited for contempt of court (lying under oath and all) and then ordered to pay INR 2,000 and… PRAY AT RAJGHAT for a week !?! Not even a night in the holding cell?? Perhaps even the HC is now terrified of women.

Violating Privacy

Friday, December 20, 2013

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Morgan Freeman Mistaken For Mandela… Only In India

"

The billboard was erected on the side of a road in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu as part of memorials across India and the world to Mandela, who died on December 5.

But Freeman's face loomed large in the billboard over small images of rights icons Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi.

Link

Apna ghar to sambhalta nahin… Sigh. Jab har cheez mein taang adaaoge to aisa hi hoga.

Dikhaawon pe mat jaao, apni akal ladaao… Saale chutiye.

Just 3 Minutes Of Your Time… To Understand The Other Side Of The Argument

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Baiqaraar Kar Ke Hume Yu Na Jaayiye…

Shakeel Badayuni…

Baiqaraar kar ke hume yu na jaayiye, aapko humari kasam laut aayiye

Dekhiye woh kaali-kaali badliyaan, zulf ki ghataa churaa na le kahin
Chori-chori aake shokh bijliyaan, aapki adaa churaa na le kahin
Yu kadam akele naa aage badhayiye, aapko humari kasam laut aayiye

Dekhiye gulab ki woh daaliyaan, badh ke choom le na aap ke kadam
Khoye-khoye bhanwre bhi hain baagh mein, koi aapko bana na le sanam
Behki-behki nazaron se khud ko bachaiye, aapko humari kasam laut aayiye

Zindagi ke raste ajeeb hain, inn mein iss tarah chalaa na kijiye
Khair hai issi mein aapki huzoor, apna koi sathi dhund lijiye
Sunke dil ki baat yun na muskuraiye, aapko humari kasam laut aayiye

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Five Little Pigs – Agatha Christie

Murder Mystery.

Poirot investigates a murder… 16 years after it was committed.

Engaging enough.

Friday, December 13, 2013

The Blacklist

Done with the first 10 episodes. Interesting. Definitely watchable.

New episodes start from 13-01-14.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

6 Year Old Accused Of Sexual Harassment!

"

A 6-year-old boy near Colorado Springs, Colorado, was suspended from school for kissing a girl on the hand. You read that correctly.

"It was during class," first-grader Hunter Yelton said in an interview with CNN affiliate KRDO. "We were doing reading group, and I leaned over and kissed her on the hand. That's what happened."

Not only did Hunter's peck get him suspended from school, but the school accused him of sexual harassment, KRDO reported.

Link

If this isn't overkill, then what is?! This is NOT how you educate the young to be respectful (of women or authority). In fact, if the kid remembers this as he gets older - there just might be another shooting incident. You can then blame the guns for it (rolls eyes).

Guess Mr. Farooq Abdullah had a valid point after all [Link]!

Left to some people, they would perhaps prefer that the entire male population was gassed to death.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Monday, December 9, 2013

Common Sense

- Always maintain distance with the hired help.

- There are a lot of things about the hired help that you don't need to know:

  • B'day / Anniversary.
  • Names of his/her children / siblings.
  • Details about the extended family and regular updates on his/her household.

- There are a lot of things about YOU that the hired help MUST NEVER know:

  • Where you keep your important documents.
  • How you structure your finances.
  • Details about your Assets / Income / Savings.
  • Your problems with your extended family.

- When the hired help is telling you about the other households, s/he isn't bonding with you! S/he is simply gossiping. S/he will be doing the same once out of your house. Be sensible with what you say about others.

- The hired help is HIRED to HELP. They are NOT family and must not be treated as such. You MUST pay them on time. You SHOULD be reasonable with the work load. That's all. There are no further obligations.

- When you have assigned a task, see to it that the help completes it. Of course you should be reasonable when it comes to assigning tasks, but there is no reason why one should accept sloppy work.

- The hired help can watch the tele on their own time. Not on yours. Definitely NOT when they are expected to work.

- Pay them extra if you feel they have done a good job. Be generous with the tips.

- Of course, they can have tea / b'fast / lunch while they are working. But there is no need for you to SERVE it to them or INSIST that they have it. DEFINITELY NO REASON to invite them to share space on the dining table with you!

Satya 2

Simple story, told reasonably well. Not a bad film, but could have been better.

Aradhana Gupta – Nice find!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Farooq Abdullah

I am not a supporter of his politics.

I just feel that the statement was hyped up by the media with the sole intent of creating a controversy. In my view, Farooq Abdullah hasn't said anything wrong. In fact, I would go ahead and say that he simply voiced out what a lot of men today are thinking.

Here is the video. His comment starts around the 00:35 time marker.

If a woman were to say, she is afraid of being alone in a lift (or a bus or a car) with a man... (given all the news reports and increasing abuse incidents) - She is expressing her concern. It is a legitimate concern. Nothing controversial about it. Men aren't going to jump up and down claiming that they were offended by the statement.

The same applies for men too. Believe it or not, men too have their concerns and fears. Farooq Abdullah was simply stating those fears. No controversy here.

Then the guy decides it is best to apologise for 'hurting' the idiotic general public. Even for the apology - the media is looking for masala. Trying to corner the man. He makes another attempt to explain himself… this time though, losing his cool (understandable).

Friday, December 6, 2013

Best way to recover – Return to a normal routine as soon as possible!

Now… would be of immense help if someone could explain this logic to the people busy taking care of the recovering individual.

My New Ride – The Silver Slade (Crtsy: Surya)

2014 Escalade… The Silver Slade. Better pictures will be put up later.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Anna… Hunger Strike… Yawnnnn

"

New Delhi:  Anna Hazare, 76, will begin an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday to demand that Parliament urgently clear the anti-corruption Lokpal Bill.

"I have written to the Prime Minister saying that his government gave me false assurances," said Anna at a press conference in Delhi today.

Link

Uncleji! Har doosre din shurru ho jaate ho, kuchch karte to ho nahin. Please uncleji… ek baar mar ke to dikhaao. Please.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Err…. You knew him personally? Give it a rest. Nautanki.

  • 40 is young, agreed. But definitely NOT TOO Young!
  • Struggling to come to terms? Why?

It's not like he was a victim of some form of violent / brutal crime or something. Don't get me wrong - That doesn't make his death any less tragic. I am just saying, unless you knew the guy personally, there is no reason to spam the social network with your draamebaazi.

I don't know how people can drum up all these emotions. I too get emotional but only when it involves someone close to me. I need to know the person to feel for the person. Other than that, I can only be polite and offer my condolences.

What brings up rage or causes a 'struggle to come to terms' is when it involves a brutal crime or something along those lines.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Man Impersonates Cop To Get Donut Discount

"

Dunkin’ Donuts worker Michelle Hoeltk told cops that Barry was a regular customer who had been 'abusing his discount by coming in on the weekends with his family and demanding the discount,' The Smoking Gun reported.

She added that Dunkin Donuts managers decided to 'no longer offer him the discount because of his abuse.'

Barry has been charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and improper exhibition of a firearm. He was booked into the Pasco County jail, from which he was released last night after posting $5150 bond.

Link

Hmmm… If you are going to break laws… at least do it for something worthwhile.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The Monk - Matthew Lewis

The book was written way back in 1796 (that would explain the language) and it was completed in just 10 weeks. Not entirely sure how the book would have been received back in the day, but I found the story extremely believable (Surprisingly, even the parts about sorcery and conjuring).

The characters have been beautifully defined through out the book. The sub-plots seamlessly weave into the story, forming a rather disturbing combination of religion and superstition. At times the book seems crude… vulgar… even obscene! That said, it still doesn't seem out of place. Perhaps because of the language.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Hate it when people make a big deal of a pointless occasion. I mean… seriously! What's the point? What's so special? You need some specific dates to make people feel special?

At times, there might be compulsions. At times, one might just need an excuse to present a gift and the occasion presents such an opportunity. Understandable. But these are personal. It is between the individuals concerned and only between them! If the person giving the gift wants to share, it is different. If the person receiving the gift wants to share, they will share on their own. None of this merits / warrants the attention from general public or your friends or your circle!

'What gift? What you got? What she gave? What he gave?' Abbey maadar chodon… apna kaam karo! Khud ki life itniiiii boring hai that you feel the need to peek into other's lives??!

Pathetic!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Many people spend time studying the properties of animals or herbs; how much more important it would be to study those of people, with whom we must live or die!

- Baltasar Gracian

Monday, October 28, 2013

Beneath The Bleeding – Val McDermid

Just got done with this crime novel. Well paced. Enjoyed reading this one.

Will be reading more from the series in a few days. Surya was kind enough to locate the complete series and share it with me (Thanks). Although I doubt she will enjoy reading this herself.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

10.2 - No Google Search In Extended Search Options - Solved

Thanks Surya

In case you find the Google Search option missing in Extended Search settings, here is the fix:

  • Settings > Security and Privacy > Parental Controls.
  • Switch Parental Controls On and then Off.
  • You should now have the Search Engine options in Extended Search settings.

How Parental Controls are linked to Extended Search settings… no clue. But this seems to fix it.

No Signs Of Intelligent Life

Friday, October 25, 2013

OS 10.2

Just updated to 10.2. No issues with the update (a few users complained about lost contacts etc… I can't seem to understand how that could happen, given that this is an extremely simple process. Curious to know what went wrong).

What I like:

  • Interactive Lock Screen Notifications - Super convenient. Earlier, the Lock Screen would only show the number of messages (4 emails, 2 missed calls, 10 BBMs etc). With Interactive Lock Screen Notifications, you can tap on said notifications and get the details (From, Subject, Message) without having to unlock the phone.
  • Toast Notifications - Not just being notified of an incoming message (email/Text/BBM), but whatever screen or app you may be on - you now see the message as well - without leaving your present screen (I am guessing if it is a long message, then only a preview would show, but so far worked fine for BBM's and Text messages). Oh… and you can even reply from the Toast Notification itself (without having to leave your present screen).
  • Visual Theme - Finally the option to choose between Dark Theme / Light Theme.

There was a bit of an issue with getting message previews for BBM working properly (Toast Notifications). Easy fix:

  • Settings > Notifications.
  • Scroll to BBM.
  • Instant Previews – Set to Off.
  • Exit Settings.
  • Settings > Notifications.
  • Scroll to BBM.
  • Instant Previews – Set to On.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

TOI / TNN And Stuti Agarwal Should Be Sued

Link

Crappy reporting aside, this is just wrong. TNN and Stuti Agarwal should not be allowed to get away with printing such filth. Pathetic reporting.

This is supposed to be a news website! It is NOT your personal blog.

I find this offensive… and I don't even like the show… let alone any of the contestants!

Truce In Washington

It’s Not About Me, It’s All About India: Manasi Moghe

"

"It's a very big responsibility and I have spent every single moment since my crowning, preparing for it. I was never as busy as I am now. From 7 in the morning to 10 at night, all I do is prepare for the pageant. It's not about me anymore, it's only about India. I have to bring the crown home," she says

Link

[Sarcasm]

Right!

You know why I smoke? So the tobacco farmers have jobs and can send their kids to school. Yes. That's why I smoke. It's not about me anymore. It's only about those kids!

[/Sarcasm]

Kuchch baaten stage par hi achchi lagti hain. Please zyaada bakwaas na karen.

Seema Sinha (TOI) Gives Us Another Blinding Glimpse Of The Obvious

Link

[Sarcasm]

Trust, Communication, Forgiveness, Giving Space, Friendship…. Who would have figured that these revolutionary / novel concepts are instrumental in maintaining a healthy relationship! Ufff. What an enlightening article! Deep! Profound! Groundbreaking Journalism!

Crappy Reporting

"

There are different ways to promote a film and superstar Aamir Khan, known for innovation, plans to pitch for 'Dhoom 3' by using the music of the movie as his caller tune.

Link

So the guy likes the music… decides to put it up as his caller tune… how is this supposed to be a PROMOTION campaign? I mean, unless Aamir or TOI decide to publish Aamir's cell number (so people can call up and listen to the music and perhaps have a talk with Aamir or whoever is holding the bloody handset).

Zabardasti 'news' banaa dete ho. Kabhi to akal se kaam liya karo!

iPhone Underwear !?!

Thanks BVG

Wtf!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Zinda Hoon Iss Tarah Ki Gham-E-Zindagi Nahin

Behzad Lucknawi…

Zinda hoon iss tarah ki gham-e-zindagi nahin 
Jalta hua diya hoon magar roshni nahin

Wo muddaten hui hain kisi se juda hue 
Lekin ye dil ki aag abhi tak bujhi nahin

Aane ko aa chukaa thaa kinaara bhi saamne 
Khud uss ke paas meri hi nayyaa gai nahin

Hoton ke paas aaye hansi , kya majaal hai 
Dil ka muaamalaa hai koi dillagi nahin

Ye chaand ye havaa ye fiza, sab hai maand maand 
Jo tu nahin to in mein koi dil-kashi nahin

Monday, October 21, 2013

Sharp Objects - Gillian Flynn

Page-turner. A very disturbing book / story.

This was a good read, but after reading this and Gone Girl, I feel that Gillian Flynn should get a psychological evaluation (may be more than one). Here is one mind - I feel to be more scary and messed up than my own (not a compliment).

Friday, October 18, 2013

Sadhu Dreams Of Buried Gold… UP Government Sends ASI Team To Start Digging

"

The excavation is triggered by a local sadhu or sage who says he dreamt that 1000 tonnes of gold are buried under the ruins of a palace

Yogi Swami Shobhan Sarkar says the gold he dreamt of belonged to a nineteenth-century ruler, Rao Ram Bux Singh. He wrote to the Reserve Bank of India, suggesting that the government use the treasure to help India recover from its economic slowdown.

The Archaeological Survey of India has sent a team of archaeologists to the village of Daundia Khera in Uttar Pradesh. They plan to dig two 100-square-metre blocks beside the palace.

Link

*Rolls eyes. Bangs Head Against The Wall

And I have this recurring dream that the public - in general - and public officials - in specific – have somehow managed to grow a brain and are now capable of exhibiting a certain basic level of intelligence.

Well… one can always dream.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Back Up Plan

Kuwait Censor

Censoring Archie comics…

I do wish they would use something other than a marker pen… here is why:

  • Hardly effective (picture above).
  • Ruins the text printed on the next page (highlighted in the picture below)!


Whoever is responsible for this censorship is rather liberal with the use of the 'Censor Pen'… but s/he isn't consistent or thorough.

  • The picture above highlights the liberal (and at times unnecessary) use of the 'Censor Pen'.
  • The picture below is from the same volume… and … well it's self explanatory.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Bollywood – Just Keeps Getting Worse

Ye lyrics hain!? Ye Choreography hai?! Karan Johar - doob ke mar jaa!

Seriously, how bad does it have to get before someone finally puts a stop to this?!

Pathetic!

Uff… Zaalim!

Speechless…

Saturday, October 12, 2013

CaseCollage

"

CaseCollage for iPhone 5c provides an interactive way to add personality and design for the new 5c case. Use the case holes as frames for your artwork, friends, and interests. Merely create and print for endless custom cases.

Link

A bit disturbing to know that someone would spend time coming up with a pointless app like this. Even MORE disturbing to know that people are actually using such a pointless app!

If you also have some time to waste, here is the video:

Satyagrah

Nautanki…

It was bad enough that we had to put up with Anna - and his chamchaas – hijacking the digital media. Took a while, but thankfully it came to an end (seriously, that was just bad television and horrible reporting). I don't think there was any need to repeat the drama on the cinema screen.

Just like Anna's 'movement', this film is - Crap. Waste of time. Pointless. Idiotic…

Friday, October 11, 2013

Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn

Not what I was expecting. Definitely a good read. It took a few chapters before this turned into an amazing page-turner (for me).

Felt a lot of different… <emotions / feelings / degrees of rage>, while reading this book (can't call it 'emotions'… just a feeling). Will be reading this one again.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

The Silent Wife - A.S.A. Harrison

It wasn't too bad to read, but I did find it rather girly. The plot is predictable (in my view), yet manages to maintain reasonable interest. Not really a thriller or a page-turner.

I was a bit disappointed with Jodi's character. Not nearly as intelligent as I had anticipated (the character is a qualified and practicing psychiatrist). She comes across as fragile / needy as opposed to intelligent and headstrong. At times she even comes across as incapable and err… for lack of a better word - stupid.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Archives