Monday, January 26, 2009
Is this really how it is?
Giles and Milli, Here is the Link.
http://www.hulu.com/watch/53458/saturday-night-live-aladdin
Here's the Youtube version of it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pV3pt1d9CA
Its been snipped but I think you will get the gist.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Lost Love?
Was it fate when we first met?
Looking wide eyed, surprised
As we bumped into each other
Was it destiny when we met again?
Our eyes recognizing our faces
Through the window as our trains passed by
If it was,
What would we call that time after wards,
When our eyes met and our hands touched
Steadying each other for a moment
We said, "Excuse me" and passed each other by.
Looking wide eyed, surprised
As we bumped into each other
Was it destiny when we met again?
Our eyes recognizing our faces
Through the window as our trains passed by
If it was,
What would we call that time after wards,
When our eyes met and our hands touched
Steadying each other for a moment
We said, "Excuse me" and passed each other by.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
President Obama's Inaugural speech
Obama's Inaugural Speech, was I impressed? Yes, I was but I am reluctant to admit to it completely. A part of me is holding back and saying "lets see what happens in the next four years". It is One of those Rare moments in History. Its the same way I felt when I saw, K. R Narayanan, became the First Dalit in India to take the office of President in 1997. I knew that was a Big moment in the History of India, something that may never happen again. I was thrilled, it was a matter of pride for me. I was proud of my country and its people, even though I am not a Dalit. It made my day when I realized that he refused to be the Quiet President that most Indian Presidents are.
Here is the complete Transcript of the Speech
It appealed to me because it was so grounded in character and when he spoke it(of course he did practice it) there was conviction. It didnt spew of false hope. There was that “Yes, we live in tough times but we can make it”. It smacked of Hope, of Confidence, of wanting to stick with Integrity. I do hope his deepest wish for this Nation comes to Fruition. I really hope that the Change that the American People are hoping for happens, and that the change is for the Good of all Humanity. He didn’t blame one or the other for all the Economic bungling, but said it was a collective failure. He didn't call any other Nation "an axis of evil" nor did he call out a specific Religious Group for terrorism.. I liked that. I like it when people don't call names.
I loved these parts of his speech -
"Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint."
That part shows his understanding that Power is not something to be played around with. It gives out a whiff of his wisdom that Power comes with Heavy Responsibility. That Power cant be held on to without the others allowing you to have it and that to have it, you need a large dose of Benevolence.
"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. "
This paragraph is a reflection of my feeling. When I came to the USA a decade ago, I realized that this country was able to prosper to the degree it has only because each of the people who came from different parts of the world contributed their strengths. Each of those people had to really struggle to make it. And since the society wasn't homogenous, each had to be willing to trust the other in spite of their differences. Other parts of the world there was always a sense of grounded Identity within their own clans or peoples which lead to the thought that they can get away with infighting between clans. There was a sense of power in numbers. While here in the US. there were people from every Nation of the world and none in a Majority, so they were given no choice but to trust. In India, we are in large numbers and mostly end up swearing allegiance with our caste lines, religious lines or languages lines. When there was a sense of Power in India it happened when the different people willingly worked together, which Happens often but not Often enough for me to feel very Impressed(Maybe I am being hard on my own Nation cause I feel it has more potential than it is right now showing)
"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."
The above shows he understands that the world is not made of just nations where the US has its Interests economically or strategically, but that it consists of all those little seemingly insignificant Nations. Being Self-Centered isnt bad in itself but taken to extremes it leads to a skewed view of reality, a frog in the well or a tunnel vision syndrome. He also seems to understand frugality and sensible use of all resources in our world. I wonder how that will translate in the way he runs this new government.
All in all, I loved that sense of Confidence that emanated from the speech. It gave most people a sense of grounding, of Hope which I think is a good deal... now We need to Wait and see how it plays out.
Wishing this country, that I have come to know and appreciate in a way different than My own, Success in their Noblest Dreams.
Here is the complete Transcript of the Speech
It appealed to me because it was so grounded in character and when he spoke it(of course he did practice it) there was conviction. It didnt spew of false hope. There was that “Yes, we live in tough times but we can make it”. It smacked of Hope, of Confidence, of wanting to stick with Integrity. I do hope his deepest wish for this Nation comes to Fruition. I really hope that the Change that the American People are hoping for happens, and that the change is for the Good of all Humanity. He didn’t blame one or the other for all the Economic bungling, but said it was a collective failure. He didn't call any other Nation "an axis of evil" nor did he call out a specific Religious Group for terrorism.. I liked that. I like it when people don't call names.
I loved these parts of his speech -
"Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint."
That part shows his understanding that Power is not something to be played around with. It gives out a whiff of his wisdom that Power comes with Heavy Responsibility. That Power cant be held on to without the others allowing you to have it and that to have it, you need a large dose of Benevolence.
"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. "
This paragraph is a reflection of my feeling. When I came to the USA a decade ago, I realized that this country was able to prosper to the degree it has only because each of the people who came from different parts of the world contributed their strengths. Each of those people had to really struggle to make it. And since the society wasn't homogenous, each had to be willing to trust the other in spite of their differences. Other parts of the world there was always a sense of grounded Identity within their own clans or peoples which lead to the thought that they can get away with infighting between clans. There was a sense of power in numbers. While here in the US. there were people from every Nation of the world and none in a Majority, so they were given no choice but to trust. In India, we are in large numbers and mostly end up swearing allegiance with our caste lines, religious lines or languages lines. When there was a sense of Power in India it happened when the different people willingly worked together, which Happens often but not Often enough for me to feel very Impressed(Maybe I am being hard on my own Nation cause I feel it has more potential than it is right now showing)
"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."
The above shows he understands that the world is not made of just nations where the US has its Interests economically or strategically, but that it consists of all those little seemingly insignificant Nations. Being Self-Centered isnt bad in itself but taken to extremes it leads to a skewed view of reality, a frog in the well or a tunnel vision syndrome. He also seems to understand frugality and sensible use of all resources in our world. I wonder how that will translate in the way he runs this new government.
All in all, I loved that sense of Confidence that emanated from the speech. It gave most people a sense of grounding, of Hope which I think is a good deal... now We need to Wait and see how it plays out.
Wishing this country, that I have come to know and appreciate in a way different than My own, Success in their Noblest Dreams.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Ten Thought Tuesday
1. Its Lohri, the festival to mark the movement of the Sun in its Northward journey and I am supposed to be cooking sweet for the celebration this evening but here I am. In Northern India its celebrated today, while in the South its celebrated tomorrow as Makara Sankranthi.
2. My youngest maternal uncle is ill and in the ICU. I got mail two days ago and I called last night to find out how he was, doesnt look very good. This is the uncle who I care about most. He used to sing me lullaby's and tell me long stories whenever he came to visit us, when I was young. I dont know what to tell my cousin.
3. My mother's a little better so am grateful for small blessings.
4. I need to get out of having my head in India and the rest of me HERE. Need to concentrate on the HERE.
5. Last night we watched the movie "Outsourced", it was really hilarious. Enjoyed viewing India from a Westerner's perspective. I loved the fact that the director John Jeffcoat paid attention to details and it was his first movie. Of course, there was a little masala added with romance, but all in all I would recommend the movie.
6. I am STILL reading East of Eden, now, its becoming an obsession. I also got the book by the Incoming US president "Dreams from my Father" I dont know when I am going to start on that.
7. I have been having a tough time waking in the morning...Guess, I need to get to bed earlier. Is 11 pm too late? hmmm.
8. On 23rd, is the Naming Ceremony of my nephew from my mother's side.
9. School is closed on Monday, on account of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Hmm.. need to have some plan to keep the kids busy.
10. I need to stop reading news, most days there is nothing positive enough to read early in the morning and in my case, set the tone for the day(oh my, arent I moody?)
2. My youngest maternal uncle is ill and in the ICU. I got mail two days ago and I called last night to find out how he was, doesnt look very good. This is the uncle who I care about most. He used to sing me lullaby's and tell me long stories whenever he came to visit us, when I was young. I dont know what to tell my cousin.
3. My mother's a little better so am grateful for small blessings.
4. I need to get out of having my head in India and the rest of me HERE. Need to concentrate on the HERE.
5. Last night we watched the movie "Outsourced", it was really hilarious. Enjoyed viewing India from a Westerner's perspective. I loved the fact that the director John Jeffcoat paid attention to details and it was his first movie. Of course, there was a little masala added with romance, but all in all I would recommend the movie.
6. I am STILL reading East of Eden, now, its becoming an obsession. I also got the book by the Incoming US president "Dreams from my Father" I dont know when I am going to start on that.
7. I have been having a tough time waking in the morning...Guess, I need to get to bed earlier. Is 11 pm too late? hmmm.
8. On 23rd, is the Naming Ceremony of my nephew from my mother's side.
9. School is closed on Monday, on account of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Hmm.. need to have some plan to keep the kids busy.
10. I need to stop reading news, most days there is nothing positive enough to read early in the morning and in my case, set the tone for the day(oh my, arent I moody?)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Reflections
When I stand before you
I see in you -
what I love
what I hate
the sensitivity
the numbness
my cruelty
my compassion
my tears
my laughter
a me that is young,
a me that is Old,
a me totally ignorant
a me relatively wise
Holding both within
A Scale, I am
Sometimes up
Sometimes down
I cherish them all
But Most cherished
Is those perfect moments
In complete Balance.
For a tour of Poetry Posse, stroll through here.
I see in you -
what I love
what I hate
the sensitivity
the numbness
my cruelty
my compassion
my tears
my laughter
a me that is young,
a me that is Old,
a me totally ignorant
a me relatively wise
Holding both within
A Scale, I am
Sometimes up
Sometimes down
I cherish them all
But Most cherished
Is those perfect moments
In complete Balance.
For a tour of Poetry Posse, stroll through here.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Ten Thought Tuesday
Ok, going to make an attempt at finding the scattered thoughts.
1. Should I have lunch? Its that time but I am not hungry.
2. Its the second day of school after winter break, I like the silent house.
3. I should get on that treadmill but I am feeling lazy.
4. I thought I wouldnt read anything about Gaza today cause I was saturated with too much info but Thank you Giles(giggling) and Artimisa
5. I finally wrote something for Poetry Wednesday, thanks to children having school.
6. Its my brother's birthday, I hope they had the Food they would have prepared on my behalf too.
7. I have a list of chores to get done, I need my genie.
8. Parts of our state has flood warnings, I am grateful its not our part of the city.
9. East of Eden is a BIIIGGG book, and its staring at me to get me to finish it.
10. Should I read or should I finish the chores? To do or not to do... hmmmm
1. Should I have lunch? Its that time but I am not hungry.
2. Its the second day of school after winter break, I like the silent house.
3. I should get on that treadmill but I am feeling lazy.
4. I thought I wouldnt read anything about Gaza today cause I was saturated with too much info but Thank you Giles(giggling) and Artimisa
5. I finally wrote something for Poetry Wednesday, thanks to children having school.
6. Its my brother's birthday, I hope they had the Food they would have prepared on my behalf too.
7. I have a list of chores to get done, I need my genie.
8. Parts of our state has flood warnings, I am grateful its not our part of the city.
9. East of Eden is a BIIIGGG book, and its staring at me to get me to finish it.
10. Should I read or should I finish the chores? To do or not to do... hmmmm
Poetry Wednesday - This, I believe
Along the steep climbs
And the deep falls
Within us something stirs
A knowing-we will be alright
A glimmer of hope
We hang on or rise from
That edge, that cave
To become More
More of what we could be
More than our illusory dreams
In the season of Ripening
Time stands in Applause
For our Resilience,
This, I believe.
Each, a speck
In infinite space
Twinkling at the other
From a Distance
In rare moments
We touch each other
Giving myself to you
Receiving you unto me
Completely transformed
Basking in a Glow
We stand Before the other
Time, silently bows
Seeing our Truth
This, I believe.
The Old one smiles
Ready to leave
Words suspended in silence
Love envelopes beloved
A faint knowing remains
In those left behind
We hold the old one
In our eyes, our soul
Now and forever
They speak through us
In our hopeless moments
Time, flows in timelessness
For our eternal spirit
This, I believe.
K P Rashmi - January 2009
Poetry Wednesday- Stroll through here
And the deep falls
Within us something stirs
A knowing-we will be alright
A glimmer of hope
We hang on or rise from
That edge, that cave
To become More
More of what we could be
More than our illusory dreams
In the season of Ripening
Time stands in Applause
For our Resilience,
This, I believe.
Each, a speck
In infinite space
Twinkling at the other
From a Distance
In rare moments
We touch each other
Giving myself to you
Receiving you unto me
Completely transformed
Basking in a Glow
We stand Before the other
Time, silently bows
Seeing our Truth
This, I believe.
The Old one smiles
Ready to leave
Words suspended in silence
Love envelopes beloved
A faint knowing remains
In those left behind
We hold the old one
In our eyes, our soul
Now and forever
They speak through us
In our hopeless moments
Time, flows in timelessness
For our eternal spirit
This, I believe.
K P Rashmi - January 2009
Poetry Wednesday- Stroll through here
We are right! : Joke
Good morning/evening folks,
Here's something to make you all laugh. No, I wouldnt have done what she did... I just let the grass grow and let the home owner's association make the complaint to my husband. :). I really believe in not interrupting the Natural Process. (yes, I am a Lady *gigglin*)
When our lawn mower broke and wouldn’t run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed. But, somehow I always had something else to take care of first, the truck, the car, playing golf - always something more important to me.
Finally she thought of a clever way to make her point. When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass, busily snipping away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a minute, and when I came out again I handed her a toothbrush.
I said, ‘When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.’
The doctors say I will walk again, but I will always have a limp.
Moral to this story: Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is the husband.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
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