Hi All,
I am back after quite a hiatus. I was watching skeptically the circus going in a faraway land called Copenhagen and as if God had implemented my thoughts, the conference ended with no solid result to show. After all the attention and hype this conference received, we certainly deserved better, much better.
We had expected some sort of a legally binding agreement which would mitigate climate change and incentivise migration to greener technologies. Something that would put the brakes on development that damaged the environment irreversibly. Something that would scorn on usurping resources without any consideration for sustainability. But that something never came. If the leaked draft is to be believed, it is never going to come either.
So at the end of Copen[Hope]Hagen, what we have is loads of world leaders who had a gala time at the expense of taxpayer's money and worst still emitted tonnes of pollutants during their stay. [Limousine rentals companies were on a roll during the conference period, so much so that some had brought in cars from other cities.]
As I suspected Copenhagen became an exercise of geo political influence, convenient acronyms[BASIC...Brazil, SA, India and China!] and wasted time. Rich countries intentionally flaunting their wealth, the powerful arm twisting their meek counterparts and the poor hoping to grab whatever is thrown at them.
So this is what I saying. Let’s have more of these useless conferences. Let’s keep fighting among ourselves. Let’s come up with some arcane law which exists only on paper. Lets have more of these silly acronyms[How about RACE, Romania, Afghanistan, Canada, Egypt]. Let’s ignore the fact that we all share the same environment. Let’s keep polluting our environment and consuming natural resources as if there was no tomorrow. Let’s put the onus of fighting climate change on our children, who will pass it on to their kids. [Hey there are just following our diligent footsteps!]
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Kingdom...a compelling watch
Hi All,
I had watched the movie 'The Kingdom' on TV a couple of weeks back and since then I have been itching to write a review/post about it. The movie started close to midnight and went on well past 1 am. The fact that I was glued to the idiot box all that time and didn’t even dare to switch channels, lest I miss a few seconds of the film, should be sufficient to convey the intensity of the movie.
'The Kingdom' is based on a semi fictional plot on the bombings of the residential quarters of foreign workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The blast leaves the many dead and several more injured. The America Diaspora is devastated and furious. It doesn’t help that the atrocity was carried out by men masquerading as Saudi policemen. The monarchy, understanding the gravity of the situation, promises action but at the same time utilizes ambiguous laws to prevent American sleuths from investigating this carnage.
But remember this is an American movie and the Americans always win...:). So in comes the FBI with all their men [and women] and their gear only to find that the maximum role they will be allowed to play will be that of mute spectators to the whole spectacle. During a dinner with the Saudi prince, the FBI lead successfully persuades the prince to allow them to play a more proactive role. From this point onwards, the team realizes apart from the burden of collecting and deciphering evidence they also have become soft targets themselves.
The movie is action packed pretty much throughout the entire duration. The car chases are pretty exhilarating and will certainly ensure adrenalin courses through your body the same way blood does. Exchanges with terrorists are decent enough to satiate the goriness quotient of any typical Hollywood movie.
The film doesn’t leave you wanting from the emotional aspect as well. The scene where a father narrates to the visiting FBI team on how his son was trying to put back his mother jaws using a band-aids tugs your heart and touches the sorrowful aspect of terrorism. For a moment you are able to relate this to the loss of innocent lives as 26/11 unfolded. The film also smacks the conservative attitude of the monarchy through the example of a female character being denied invitation from the prince due to her gender.
The movie ends with promise of more revenge from both the sides. I would certainly recommend this movie any weekend watch.
P.S. I have taken the liberty to describe a good portion of the film in this post as it was released 2 years back and hence any description would not amount to a 'spoiler'.
I had watched the movie 'The Kingdom' on TV a couple of weeks back and since then I have been itching to write a review/post about it. The movie started close to midnight and went on well past 1 am. The fact that I was glued to the idiot box all that time and didn’t even dare to switch channels, lest I miss a few seconds of the film, should be sufficient to convey the intensity of the movie.
'The Kingdom' is based on a semi fictional plot on the bombings of the residential quarters of foreign workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The blast leaves the many dead and several more injured. The America Diaspora is devastated and furious. It doesn’t help that the atrocity was carried out by men masquerading as Saudi policemen. The monarchy, understanding the gravity of the situation, promises action but at the same time utilizes ambiguous laws to prevent American sleuths from investigating this carnage.
But remember this is an American movie and the Americans always win...:). So in comes the FBI with all their men [and women] and their gear only to find that the maximum role they will be allowed to play will be that of mute spectators to the whole spectacle. During a dinner with the Saudi prince, the FBI lead successfully persuades the prince to allow them to play a more proactive role. From this point onwards, the team realizes apart from the burden of collecting and deciphering evidence they also have become soft targets themselves.
The movie is action packed pretty much throughout the entire duration. The car chases are pretty exhilarating and will certainly ensure adrenalin courses through your body the same way blood does. Exchanges with terrorists are decent enough to satiate the goriness quotient of any typical Hollywood movie.
The film doesn’t leave you wanting from the emotional aspect as well. The scene where a father narrates to the visiting FBI team on how his son was trying to put back his mother jaws using a band-aids tugs your heart and touches the sorrowful aspect of terrorism. For a moment you are able to relate this to the loss of innocent lives as 26/11 unfolded. The film also smacks the conservative attitude of the monarchy through the example of a female character being denied invitation from the prince due to her gender.
The movie ends with promise of more revenge from both the sides. I would certainly recommend this movie any weekend watch.
P.S. I have taken the liberty to describe a good portion of the film in this post as it was released 2 years back and hence any description would not amount to a 'spoiler'.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
My 2 cents worth on ‘2 States’
Hi All,
I recently finished reading Chetan Bhagat’s [CB] latest book ‘2 States’ and boy it has been one good read. Chetan in his typical style has rendered yet another book in first person narrative. This genre of writing is usually considered not as interesting as third person narratives. But Chetan has repeatedly proven us wrong.
The book is by and large a realistic account of what lovers have to go through in India (Though I am not one myself, I have enough friends who vouch by this book). So I really liked the realistic tone of this book. Many conversations between key characters are very much stuck to the ground and showed how typical Indian family conversations would be.
CB has taken the liberty of dramatic license and exaggerated the gimmickry performed by the lovers to convince their other half’s parents but still he has been careful enough to keep it within conceivable reach of imagination. From taking tuitions for his lover’s brother to preparing business proposals for her father, our hero seems to be doing everything and anything to win over the bride’s family. His lover proves she is no lesser when she ensures the smooth function of her lover’s cousin sister’s marriage.
But many arguments among key characters are not taken to their logical conclusion. CB has ,intentionally i believe, shied away emotional outbursts of older characters which you would normally expect given the gravity of the situation the characters find themselves in. Probably he has done this keeping in mind commercial considerations, after all he is writing for a young audience and we dont want to read about oldies crying and screaming at each other.
Overall, a good book to read and ponder over.
I recently finished reading Chetan Bhagat’s [CB] latest book ‘2 States’ and boy it has been one good read. Chetan in his typical style has rendered yet another book in first person narrative. This genre of writing is usually considered not as interesting as third person narratives. But Chetan has repeatedly proven us wrong.
The book is by and large a realistic account of what lovers have to go through in India (Though I am not one myself, I have enough friends who vouch by this book). So I really liked the realistic tone of this book. Many conversations between key characters are very much stuck to the ground and showed how typical Indian family conversations would be.
CB has taken the liberty of dramatic license and exaggerated the gimmickry performed by the lovers to convince their other half’s parents but still he has been careful enough to keep it within conceivable reach of imagination. From taking tuitions for his lover’s brother to preparing business proposals for her father, our hero seems to be doing everything and anything to win over the bride’s family. His lover proves she is no lesser when she ensures the smooth function of her lover’s cousin sister’s marriage.
But many arguments among key characters are not taken to their logical conclusion. CB has ,intentionally i believe, shied away emotional outbursts of older characters which you would normally expect given the gravity of the situation the characters find themselves in. Probably he has done this keeping in mind commercial considerations, after all he is writing for a young audience and we dont want to read about oldies crying and screaming at each other.
Overall, a good book to read and ponder over.
Friday, November 6, 2009
There is no I in TEAM
Hi All,
Last night's ODI match against Australia was just electrifying to say the least. We saw fortunes fluctuate within a span of few overs which again reminded us that the ODI format of the game can entertain us just as equally as the slam - bam T20. (I am digressing here.) It was a run feast for the spectators and they lapped it up in typical Indian style; by drowning out the stadium with their sonorous chanting.
We also witnessed the master blaster Sachin in one of his best displays of batting prowess and genius. The end result was disappointing nevertheless but there are lessons to be carried away from this outing.
The most prominent lesson we can learn is that there is no 'I' in team. A team needs each and every member to fire on all cylinders. Yesterday Sachin was in his elements, scoring boundaries at will and running sensibly between the wickets. But it takes 2 hands to clap and likewise it takes a team effort to overcome a humongous total of 350. While Sachin was making every possible effort to take India to the finish line, his own compatriots were sabotaging him in every way possible. The famed Indian top order collapsed like a flimsy cardboard structure. Wicket after wicket fell and we were almost half down before Sachin could find a reliable partner in Raina. So it's clear, even a great like Sachin can't win matches single handedly. We need the whole team to give their best.
Another take away for the Indian team....Temperament is important in crunch scenarios like the one yesterday. The nerves started showing when Raina got out. Jadeja was trying to scamper across for every delivery when there was clearly no run in it. It came as no surprise that he was run out, mostly due to his own undoing. As if we have had not enough of run outs, the nerves showed up at the fag end of the match with an unnecessary 2nd run which eventually led to India's demise. The match was still winnable even with just one wicket in hand but lack of temperament did us in.
Alas, the jinx still stands....whenever Sachin gets a ton India tends to lose...:(
P.S. It took a couple of hours for me to digest India's loss yesterday esp. after seeing such a magnificent batting display. This post is dedicated to the world's best batsman, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar
Last night's ODI match against Australia was just electrifying to say the least. We saw fortunes fluctuate within a span of few overs which again reminded us that the ODI format of the game can entertain us just as equally as the slam - bam T20. (I am digressing here.) It was a run feast for the spectators and they lapped it up in typical Indian style; by drowning out the stadium with their sonorous chanting.
We also witnessed the master blaster Sachin in one of his best displays of batting prowess and genius. The end result was disappointing nevertheless but there are lessons to be carried away from this outing.
The most prominent lesson we can learn is that there is no 'I' in team. A team needs each and every member to fire on all cylinders. Yesterday Sachin was in his elements, scoring boundaries at will and running sensibly between the wickets. But it takes 2 hands to clap and likewise it takes a team effort to overcome a humongous total of 350. While Sachin was making every possible effort to take India to the finish line, his own compatriots were sabotaging him in every way possible. The famed Indian top order collapsed like a flimsy cardboard structure. Wicket after wicket fell and we were almost half down before Sachin could find a reliable partner in Raina. So it's clear, even a great like Sachin can't win matches single handedly. We need the whole team to give their best.
Another take away for the Indian team....Temperament is important in crunch scenarios like the one yesterday. The nerves started showing when Raina got out. Jadeja was trying to scamper across for every delivery when there was clearly no run in it. It came as no surprise that he was run out, mostly due to his own undoing. As if we have had not enough of run outs, the nerves showed up at the fag end of the match with an unnecessary 2nd run which eventually led to India's demise. The match was still winnable even with just one wicket in hand but lack of temperament did us in.
Alas, the jinx still stands....whenever Sachin gets a ton India tends to lose...:(
P.S. It took a couple of hours for me to digest India's loss yesterday esp. after seeing such a magnificent batting display. This post is dedicated to the world's best batsman, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The cult of James Bond movies
Hi All,
I recently read an article about the demise of an actor who played the villain character in Dr No. That triggered me to start thinking about how even villain characters played in James Bond films become so famous...( I know some of you might be tempted to argue with me that villain characters can be equally popular but let’s leave that argument for some other day)
James Bond movies have become a cult in the big screen space in modern times. At many times they were considered mile stones for the entertainment industry. They showcased to the world what the future held for the audience. From the gadgetry to the swanky sea side villas, JB movies really transported the viewers to another world. It was the vicarious thrill of watching Mr. Bond shoot down the baddies and romp around with damsels which captivated the attention of the common man.
The ever increasing arsenal at Bond's hands created an aura of anticipation among the viewers in every consequent film and more importantly sustain interest in the series. This demand was to a large extent quenched by the producers of the movies. But in recent times, this trend is being reversed. Bond is increasingly being shown as a character with deep emotional connections with his companions and the emphasis on his gadgetry seems to have been given a miss.
We all grew up watching James Bond as the ultra high tech guy with great guns [pun unintended...:)] and driving swanky cars in dangerous curves[again pun unintended]. The latest JB movies had an element of absence in them. Or at least that’s me. How do you guys feel about this latest trend?
I recently read an article about the demise of an actor who played the villain character in Dr No. That triggered me to start thinking about how even villain characters played in James Bond films become so famous...( I know some of you might be tempted to argue with me that villain characters can be equally popular but let’s leave that argument for some other day)
James Bond movies have become a cult in the big screen space in modern times. At many times they were considered mile stones for the entertainment industry. They showcased to the world what the future held for the audience. From the gadgetry to the swanky sea side villas, JB movies really transported the viewers to another world. It was the vicarious thrill of watching Mr. Bond shoot down the baddies and romp around with damsels which captivated the attention of the common man.
The ever increasing arsenal at Bond's hands created an aura of anticipation among the viewers in every consequent film and more importantly sustain interest in the series. This demand was to a large extent quenched by the producers of the movies. But in recent times, this trend is being reversed. Bond is increasingly being shown as a character with deep emotional connections with his companions and the emphasis on his gadgetry seems to have been given a miss.
We all grew up watching James Bond as the ultra high tech guy with great guns [pun unintended...:)] and driving swanky cars in dangerous curves[again pun unintended]. The latest JB movies had an element of absence in them. Or at least that’s me. How do you guys feel about this latest trend?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
China: Is the dragon just breathing fire?
Hi All,
China’s recent protest to Indian PM’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh (AP) sparked off a flurry of diplomatic activity in New Delhi. The Chinese ambassador was summoned to clarify his government’s stand and to understand India’s position on the issue. Indian ministers also wasted no time in asserting that AP was an ‘integral and inalienable’ part of India.
In light of this incident and various others that have happened, I just wonder what is China’s ultimate aim in claiming territory that is clearly not hers. It also puzzles me where does this atrocious claim lie in the ‘peaceful rise’ strategy that China is purportedly following.
A few nagging questions remain…
1. Is this claim a ploy to keep India ‘under check’?
2. Is it advisable to maintain relations with people who threaten your own existence?
3. With the military option being ruled out by our own armed forces chiefs, what other alternatives do we have?
We should try to find answers to the above questions; the faster the better!
China’s recent protest to Indian PM’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh (AP) sparked off a flurry of diplomatic activity in New Delhi. The Chinese ambassador was summoned to clarify his government’s stand and to understand India’s position on the issue. Indian ministers also wasted no time in asserting that AP was an ‘integral and inalienable’ part of India.
In light of this incident and various others that have happened, I just wonder what is China’s ultimate aim in claiming territory that is clearly not hers. It also puzzles me where does this atrocious claim lie in the ‘peaceful rise’ strategy that China is purportedly following.
A few nagging questions remain…
1. Is this claim a ploy to keep India ‘under check’?
2. Is it advisable to maintain relations with people who threaten your own existence?
3. With the military option being ruled out by our own armed forces chiefs, what other alternatives do we have?
We should try to find answers to the above questions; the faster the better!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Are we being PENNY WISE and POUND FOOLISH?
Hi All,
The government's recent directive to all its ministers to shed luxury and lead an austere life jolted most ministers out of their comfort zones. Some gave defiant interviews while others just twittered away. But when the message was reinforced, one by one fell into place. Suddenly, being austere became the latest fad. Minister after minister 'voluntarily' gave up all of his luxuries. Flying economy became the order of the day and taking Re 1 salary was just something that was ordinary. Now for those of you who haven’t been watching the news and wondering where this is all happening guess what. It’s all happening right here in India. [No I am not kidding...:)]
As comforting as it might sound, the government's latest directive may not really make any difference. I read an article on CNN IBN today which showed in numbers that a Key Figure is just saving Rs10000 by flying economy. Considerably nothing! I would say this directive is mere tokenism; to avoid the wrath of the people at a time of severe drought and mind boggling rise in prices.
It would be wiser to indulge in real cost cutting measures like weeding out government schemes that stink of wasteful expenditure. Removing subsidies from quarters that don’t require it will help as well. Government ads in newspapers every time a power station or a bridge is christened are a gross waste of taxpayer money and have to be stopped if the government wishes to give its latest directive any real credibility.
So what do you people think of the government's latest austerity drive. Is it just mere tokenism or something concrete?
The government's recent directive to all its ministers to shed luxury and lead an austere life jolted most ministers out of their comfort zones. Some gave defiant interviews while others just twittered away. But when the message was reinforced, one by one fell into place. Suddenly, being austere became the latest fad. Minister after minister 'voluntarily' gave up all of his luxuries. Flying economy became the order of the day and taking Re 1 salary was just something that was ordinary. Now for those of you who haven’t been watching the news and wondering where this is all happening guess what. It’s all happening right here in India. [No I am not kidding...:)]
As comforting as it might sound, the government's latest directive may not really make any difference. I read an article on CNN IBN today which showed in numbers that a Key Figure is just saving Rs10000 by flying economy. Considerably nothing! I would say this directive is mere tokenism; to avoid the wrath of the people at a time of severe drought and mind boggling rise in prices.
It would be wiser to indulge in real cost cutting measures like weeding out government schemes that stink of wasteful expenditure. Removing subsidies from quarters that don’t require it will help as well. Government ads in newspapers every time a power station or a bridge is christened are a gross waste of taxpayer money and have to be stopped if the government wishes to give its latest directive any real credibility.
So what do you people think of the government's latest austerity drive. Is it just mere tokenism or something concrete?
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