To Play or Not that is the Question...

As kids, for our hide and seek, dog and the bone and ludo were the games we used to play. When we grew up we matured, all these games seemed juvenile. But in a little corner of our hearts there existed a small child, which was seen by the multinational electronics firm Sony, and invented PlayStation.

The Play Station came to be known as the video game for the adults, not because it had something explicit, but the graphics and sounds thrilled the little kid in the adults. I would call myself a victim of the PlayStation, because year after year they came with the new versions which always had improved graphics, visuals and sounds. Games like Assassin's Creed and FIFA world cup have been the all time favourite. Seeing it from the other point of view, even though its fun, spending almost Rs. 20,000/- on a video game, seems like a waste.
Having said that, now that I have it, why not make good use of it!

I am a Blackberry Girl!

The most exciting news of the day is Blackberry Playbook getting launched. Surprising as most people would find it, I being a girl is a complete gadget freak! And in my opinion, Blackberry was the most amazing thing that happened to mankind and technology. Who would have thought that one could have the access to your mails and chat, on the move. My favourite feature is the Blackberry Messenger, its like having friends right next to you even if they are sitting in another continent. 


The tablet by Blackberry will compete against the I- Pad by Apple. The most impressive feature being a 1-GHz dual-core Cortex A9 processor with a gigabyte of RAM with apparently either 32-Gbytes or 64GB of storage.
Another interesting feature is that in case you do not possess a Wi-Fi connection, the internet on the playbook can be accessed through the Blackberry Plan on your mobile phone. I'm loving the sound of this gadget. 


Its expected to hit the markets around first quarter of 2011. Am I eager? Yes! Yes! and Yes!

Eating in Style!

Gucci, Versace, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, the one thing that connects them all together is Luxury. They all are roofed under DLF Emporio in New Delhi, the one stop shop for luxury. So why should the luxury stop at clothing, footwear and accessories?  Seven years after  Morimoto entered Indian market, the famous Japanese restaurant and competitor to Morimoto, Megu is venturing into India. 

It would be correct to comment that Wasabi by Morimoto set the moods and the palate for the Indians towards not just Japanese cuisine, but added a dash of finesse to dining. The once Executive Chef for Nobu,  Chef Masaharu Morimoto made his name to fame with his own chain of restaurants called Morimoto in Tokyo, New York and Philadelphia and partnered with Taj Hotels to enter the Indian market. Years later, after Contemporary Japanese became the talk of the town in the metro cities, there were rumours of Nobu planning to tie up with Leela Hotels and open up in Delhi. But talks broke down, because Nobu does not open where a Morimoto exists. Fierce competition, I must say. 

The CEO of Food Scope America, Mr. Hiro Nishida talks about his expansion plans in Moscow, Doha, India ( Delhi and Mumbai) after the two restaurants in US and one in Tokyo. They have tied up with Leela Hotels India to bring the restaurant in the two cities. The fact of the matter here is that Indians are understanding the concept of a Michelin Star Chef's  and they want to let their palates explore new flavours, even if it come a little too pricey! I believe they do know how to differentiate their Hamachi from Kampachi.

Kampai to it shall we?

Misquoted

This comic strip, I came across in The Times of India today, reminds me of a plot from a famous Bollywood film called 'Jane Bhi Do Yaroo'. The film talks about corrupt politicians and businessman, and their scandals and blaming the photo journalists for their laxity. Hilarious comedy, like this is, the Great Indian Comedy Circus.

Happy and Gay

When we were school kids, the line in a poem ' Happy and Gay' meant cheery: bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer; "a cheery hello"; "a gay sunny room"; "a sunny smile" . Interestingly today, if the word GAY  gets uttered in front of any of the family member, you have committed a sin. The word defines 'relating to sexual attraction or activity among members of the same sex.' 


Being the citizens of a country, we are granted various rights, so choosing the sexual orientation, is that not a RIGHT? The concept of homosexuality has existed since ages back, the problem that are so called free society has is with acceptance. The fact that the homosexuals openly admit and talk about their sexual preference is something that bothers the world. Fascinating fact in today's society is that still many people believe that homosexuality is a disease or a state of mind, which will be cured if they marry the opposite sex. Funny isn't it? Ruining the life of two people and families, over a stupid belief.

Recently I managed to grab the screening of a documentary film called 'Jerusalem is proud to present' which talks about the gay and lesbian rights movement in Jerusalem. The most amusing thing I observed is, all across the world, people involve religion in almost everything, and abuse it. Like for instance here, they claim that the gays and lesbians are polluting the holy city of Jerusalem, by having their existence there. I say, it is shallow mentality.

So the article on the front page of Delhi Times today talks about this actor Yuvraj Parasher who got disowned by his family for playing the role of a homosexual on screen. And just in case you  are wondering, he is not gay in real life, just in reel life. How strong are the bonds of families, and how firm is our acceptance to the sexual orientation is clearly proven.

All I would say is, people grow up, really!

The Thought of It

The Sunday Times, my favorite newspaper, gives me the summary for the entire week. Its my dose on the gossip, bollywood, business and pretty much everything. The Editorial column, specially gives me a peep in the head of various known writers and thinkers in India. So this time an article by M J Akbar caught my attention.

So where the world is busy criticizing the Commonwealth preparations, this gentleman is looking at the positive side of the picture. He talks about how its benefiting India, because during the games, people will be at home, so no traffic, the roads are painted and polished so all in all the tourist visiting will be seeing the brightest side of Delhi.
I love the thought ,after all we are god loving positive thinking people who always see the glass half full, yes always!
I do agree, but back of the head I also remember, that this could have been many folds better, if only it wasn't of the CIA ( Corrupt Incompetent Arrogant) politicians, as Mr. Akbar puts it.
The positivity in me, I must add, is still there!

Murder he wrote...

The nation has been hit by tragedies! A goods train speeding at 70kmph through the Dooars, go slow area, hit seven elephants and silenced them to death. This has been the highest number of elephants being killed in a single railway accident. Reading this news bought tears to my eyes. Its extremely sad that these animals who cannot speak for themselves have nobody to speak for them, or have the voice of people who only portray to speak for them. Interesting fact is that we humans, as we progress and develop mankind, we completely ignore the contribution of such animals in our lives. The railway obviously refuses to take up any responsibility, merely claiming it as an accident. Killing seven big elephants cannot be overlooked as a honest mistake. 

Its shameful that animals like elephants or tigers, which are the pride of our nation need campaign's like ' Save the tiger' to save them from extinction. The humanity has been lost, somewhere in the technological succession of nations. Selfishness has slowly crept in our hearts, where this is no space for anyone else. On a more holistic level, i guess its not just the animals, we kill much more everyday, basic humanity. 

Two steps ahead or four backward?

The much awaited verdict of the Janambhoomi in Ayodhya due on September 24th, 2010, has now been deferred to September 29, 2010. This time we were sure it would give out the verdict, weren't we? The latest bridge collapse, just added the much needed icing on the recipe of disaster. My apologies Mr. Kant, the Incredible India is not seeming so incredible now. Post the the bridge collapse and the complaints of the foreign nationals on the accommodation, the world media has thrashed India and its preparations.

The core issue here is, not how we hope things to happen, but how the corruption in each sector of the country has increased and that one good thing pulls it up other five bad push it down. Now after such hard hitting issues does anyone remember that Bhopanna bought laurels to the country, the answer most likely is NO. So when I discussed the same incident with a friend, she said ' Ratieka why don't you join politics?' The sad thing is that most of the people still think that we only contribute to the country being in politics. I beg to differ, I hold an opinion and choose to voice it also. I contribute everyday, do you?

Matter of Opinion

Our dear Bollywood star Sallu Bhai ( Salman Khan) is in news yet again, sadly for the wrong reasons! So Sallu-ji your recent release "Dabangg" was super hit with the masses with a collection of over `15 Crore on the first day. I guess the excitement caused the recent slip of tongue, at an interview for a Pakistani channel. " Too much hype has been created around 26/11 attacks because elite people were involved" comment can be called a classic case of a foot in mouth situation for Salman Khan.

Mr. Khan, with all due respect to you, expressing your opinion is a right has been given by government of India to all its citizens. But, a person of such stature has to be very careful while expressing them at the right forum, since being an icon it leaves a lasting impact on people. My favorite minister Sashi Tharoor had to face verbal bashing and finally had to resign from his position, owing to his ' cattle class' comment on Twitter. Its sad enough that you had to voice such an opinion on Pakistani National television, irony is we are still struggling over the nationality of Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab. This version of Chulbul Pandey didn't really strike the right chord with the ministers and citizens. You owe an apology to them.

While watching the news I came across the interview of Shiv Sena Chief Raj Thackeray. I was throughly amused when he said " I support Salman, its impossible he would say something like that". On one hand Raj Thackeray claims to teach a lesson to the terrorist who have crippled Mumbai and on the other hand he supports Salman when he says that the issue was 'Over hyped'. My apologies, but I never understood the logical explanations by Shiv Sena, not today, not when they draped sari on Kareena Kapoor's Kurbaan poster and not on ' Maharashtra is for Marathis' issue. Its just supporting illogical issues and trying to prove that they exist. Besides, if the same comment would have been made by someone like Amitabh Bachan, Raj Thackeray would have personally asked for a written apology. But hey, its his friend, Sallu.

So well, Mr. Khan and Mr. Thackeray please watch what you support and the opinions that you lend your voice to. So Sallu are you still humming 'Oops I did it again...'

Multi-cultural

WORK & WORSHIP: Asif takes time off at a workshop in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, to offer namaz at the close of the fasting period of Ramzan. Both Ganesh Chaturthi and Eid-ul-Fitr fall on Saturday

Would you call it an irony? I would call it INDIA. So bending the rules, this time I picked up a picture on the front page of the newspaper. On Saturday, Ganesh Chatruthi festival of the Hindus was shared with the most important festival for the Muslims, Eid-ul-Fitr. Interesting, how this picture has the Ganpatiji smiling at Asif offering Namaz. I have nothing to critique on the editor's work. This picture made my day. So shall we still expect some friction on September 25, 2010? I surly hope not!

Stress Management

I happen to come across this cartoon strip in the Sunday Times. Isn't it a slap on our mentality and attitudes? There is immense pressure on this generation of children. Unless you get a 99% , your standing is nowhere. In trying show other's down by the means of our children, we completely burden and ruin their childhood. So are we ready to sacrifice their dreams for our selfish motives or will we give their dreams a chance. The quote sums it up perfectly for me.

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study.  Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life.  ~Henry L. Doherty

Mockery: Of the government, by the media, for the country!

Finally after lazing over it for so long I got myself to watch Peepli Live, the much talked about film produced by Amir Khan and his better half. The storyline of the film revolves around the farmer suicide in Maharashtra when they saw no escape from debts. The interesting thing in the film is that it was a hit on the box office without having superstars in the star cast. In today's world this is the genre of film that can awaken the country.

In today's extremely commercialized world, there are still people and villages who blessed with electricity for barely few hours of the day. And here we sit in the city criticize the authorities if we have to sit with out air conditioning for just 30 minutes. This one scene in the movie caught my attention where one of the politicians gifts Natha ( lead character ) a television for committing suicide. Look at the irony, the town does not have electricity to beat the heat, will the television run on goodwill? So is right to electricity for the creme da la creme of the society? It reminds me of the incident narrated by a friend, she was in Khan Market, most poshest colony in Delhi where they were removing cemented tiles and replacing them with red stone. And she thought to herself, there are people who walk miles to get to a road and here they are taking out absolutely perfect tiles to make it look even better!


As media students, in the moral conduct, we are taught to state the facts sans any prejudice or biases. So why is that we get into the rat race of running after the TRP's of the channel rather than stating the facts? To get a 'different from others' news this one character in the film goes on to shooting the feces of an alleged dead man. I was flabbergasted at such a scene, so is this the role of media?

All I ask is, we the people, when are we going to have our rang de basanti  moment. When will we get up from the slumber and work for our nation? Or are we happy being a part of Microsoft and NASA and losing our identities as citizens of INDIA..

The choice is most certainly yours.