The Know-it-all-author

The IPL has attracted so many eyeballs over the past few weeks that the ladies have even decided to take a break honce upon a time. With SRK taking up the cadgels for the Pom pom girls, Maharastra is not too happy with it. They apparently claim that watching their exposed figures jumping up all the time doesn't give 'shobha' to our culture. One thing , camera for sure need to be placed at another angle. A very purpose effort of the cameramen have lead to this debate ,for the way they capture the movements are even more obscene than the tiny clothes the girls adorn. Anyways as they are never blamed for whatever reasons , there is absolutely no point in banning the girls from doing their job. If it's the fear of opening a world of pain for your child's eye then you might as well stop watching Sania play, Dhoom 2, Fear Factor, Roadies . Infact they should put a ban over Sidney Sheldon's books and for your own good, just sit at home and stare at each other. Coz whatever you wanna do ..be it going to night clubs, or a mall, or the beach, or the slums, or even watching cricket could currupt your mind in a zillion ways. It would be awesome to have a book named 'The World Of Pain -100000000000 ways of corrupting your mind'. Oh.. it would be great coz then we could read and understand what could harm us right? Oh-uh.. but we have a problem.. who are we going to ask to write? A Cricketer?..who has good experience in their link-ups with the glamour world... or actors? ..who have got into so many controversies that it would be a good chance for them to count the times? No-no maybe we should ask one of the ministers to write. After all they are the one who talked big like 'Womanhood is of sole importance in India.. and how can we tolerate such obscene stuff on woman? It's a shame for us and the women' and blah blah.. so since they have 'acheived' the 33% legislatures for us women .. who could be better than them? Keep pondering guys.. and do suggest me your 'wanted author' and to add on spice.. also write the reasons for choosing him/her. TIA

Lesson I learnt

After my music lessons I had to visit my relative's place where a lot of guests had gathered for no specific occassion. Since visiting their place was not there in my evening schedule, I dressed very simple as it was only the music class that was listed on it. So against my schedule I broke into the dining where the ladies were busy ghup-shupping. So I stood there like a nice girl waiting.... God knows for what. But for some reason one of them noticed me and asked me why am I so badly dressed. Now, I have always been a simple girl.. not too fancy ..neither too plain. I dress according to the occassion. And I am very particular about not having any fancy accessories on when I adorn western cloths. But people out here accessorise pretty much the same way for any kind of wear or occassion.My crime was that I didn't wear any bangles or gold or flowers. By the look at their face I could even be hanged to death. Like I mentioned earlier, I wasn't prepared today so I replied saying it's just a music class and not a party or something to look gordy. But then they had to go on and on. And on.

Then the topic shifted into what are the things I know...to be precise 'girly' things. If you still didnt get it , refers to cooking, cleaning, etc. Honestly I can't even make tea. I can't 'thoothu varal' .. if that is the kind of work you categorize as 'girly'.. then I don't really deserve to be a girl. And all the hype they created out of all this! They even threatened my saying they'll send me to their granny's house .. who will make it a point to send me back as a girl. Maybe she is hitler... but who am I to comment? Next, they targeted my neice who is 9. They have already taught her to hold a 'choolu' now for the rest.. I guess hitler will do. I told my mom about this and she said girls ,then and now are not taught to do this primarily..atleast where my mom was brought up that was the case. She said that my granny never let her help her in any household chores coz she felt childhood was the age to groom one's talents and interests and most importantly education. She said that mom would learn to manage the house after marriage, it's an inborn thing apparently. And hence my mom has never enforced any kind of work which is not required for me. I was too busy for all this. Singing, dancing, painting, sporting all the way through my childhood hardly gave me time to even watch cartoons. I must say, a chilhood like mine is rare. On the other hand, education was given primary importance in my family. Dad always says 'The only thing that money can't buy, theifs can't steal is a man's knowledge'. He always told me that money making shouldn't be the only aim in life and that by educating yourself, you increase the literate. In my case I educate a family cos I am a woman. Yet, once again I have to thank God with so much gratitude for blessing me with parents who mean the universe to me. They haven't left out a thing in mine and sister's bringing up. Everything from going for sleepovers to not missing any tutions. From touching the elder's feet to worshipping almighty. From the late night walks at the beach to wake up as an early bird the next morning. For everything...... thanks.. mom and dad.

Kera'lish'

Early morning music lessons means deprived sleep, no ,to breakfast and rushing through the morning headlines. On one such a lazy morning waking up late made me miss my daily lazy-morning-schedule and I had to miss reading the paper. Thankfully, with the exam season on we have study leave and that means quality time at home. So as soon as I got back... I took my own sweet time to read the paper and it felt so good to read it without an interruption. I came across this interesting article written on Shashi Tharoor beginning coaching sessions for improving the communication skills of Keralites . Though I can't remember the precise words or matter discussed.. I am here to write about something that made my mind ponder for a while. His coaching sessions are meant to improve one's communication skills.. and interative attitude. Why he is targeting the Keralites are coz he feels they are blessed with ample amount of intelligence but are not able to compete at international level coz of their lack of confidence in speaking skills. He said that the main aim of the coahing was not to make keralites speak like Americans but to speak with clarity. Now that's one point I liked. Then he spoke about the time of the course and then it's pricing ..which is *hold your breath* Rs. 30000..for a period of two months. He also said that most of the students can pen their thoughts perfectly but are not able to conceive it in speech manner.

Having been brought up in a foreign country, I've never had a problem dealing with multiple languages coz in our school we had to mix with different nationalities. This in a way made us aware about their language, culture, customs, celebrations, clothing, etc. But when I came to Kerala for my summer hols, conversion with school kids or even college students had to be done in Malayalam. And most of the students can speak good English but again, their accent is something other states and countries can't tolerate. This is something we have to accept. It is a punishment to the ears. But there are reasons as to why it is this way. In any other state when a child says 'I study in an English medium school' it means that he is imparted wisdom in English and that teachers and the students converse in English. But in Kerala when a child claims for the same, it doesn't make him/her any different from the ones who study in a Malayalam medium school coz the teachers in Kerala converse in Malayalam. Even the literature lessons in English are explained in Malayalam. Teachers are not completely responsible for this. When they attempt to converse in English ,the mindset of a local student is so fragile i.e. a lack of confidence in trying to absorb the language ,compells the faculty to adopt teaching in the local language. This has caused major problems. Even if the students are rank holders ..when they attend job interviews held by dignified companies of international ranking, they see lady luck groaning at them. The ability to converse and interact with just anyone irrespective of nationality is a skill highly appreciated. Being confident in speaking English makes you confident overall. You become a positive person coz people start reflecting back and need you for different kinds of work they think you can do. Your self esteem also boosts up.

Another point which I noted in that article was the fee. Though almost everyone has a problem with English irrespective of whether you are rich ,sophisticated, social person types or the opposite...main ones to be targeted are those of the middle and 'low' class levels. As they are in abundance and also make a major part of the population. I was thinking of just how many would actually pay 30000 Rs. for a 2 month course which in a way guarantees you clarified speech rendering. Even the rich ones would hesitate. Instead if we students who are fluent in this language can probably help the latter by speaking to them in English whenever in a conversation. Make it a point to always talk in English during class/work and after too. Correct them when necessary and trust me they will sound way more perfect than what these coaching classes can give you. I am not against them.. I just feel it's way too pricy.. and that they won't reach their target with such a fee that too in Kerala where people think once, twice, thrice about investing. Or students could even gather together and hold some part time classes where they could enhance the weaker one's skills.. and as the students are working for themselves... it would make them feel comfy and confident to face their negatives. I am indubitably sure about the magnanimous change in the language skills of anyone who is weak in English if things are worked out this way. But like they say... Big things spoken are often not executed .

Play Safe

My Cousin's in-law was admitted in the ICU last week right after Vishu celebrations. So everyone was all *gloom* and waiting for the recovery. As her in-law got better ,the patient was shifted to a seperate room and this made it convenient for the vistors to chat and gossip for a longer time. On one such a busy day my cousin and her hubby drove to the hospital (they had to frequently visit the hospital for the food and medicines,etc.) and asked her son and niece to reach there after a while. Since they had taken the car ,the boys were planning to ride the bike. Boys and bikes... a dangerous combination. Since my cousin's niece had taken his license they were all set to rock their journey to the hospital. They were still at home warming up for the fun ride when my cousin called and said that they were stopped and were given a fine by the traffic policemen for not having their seat belts on. So they warned the boys for being carefull at that junction cos since they both are young, one 18 and the other 14, they could be held up for the sake of it. The boys as usual confident about themselves said they will handle the situation and finally began their fun ride. As they neared the junction they became a little cautious and rode as though they knew nothing about the policemen being there and that the couple they had caught earlier had nothing to do with their lives. But as fate has it ,one of the policemen asked them to stop and asked the rider's license. All prepared he smartly handed out his license with a Colgate smile. Now here begins the fun part of it. The outwitted policeman then wanted to outwit the boys and very sternly asked the boys ' why are'nt your seatbelts on?' Laughing their heads off.. it did'nt take much time for the policeman to digest the fact that bikes don't have seatbelts!!! And this time as he was totally chummy-fied he could'nt leave the boys without a fine as it would go against his ego. So he charged the rider for riding without the helmet and since the boys came without money ,had to ring my cousin for help. My worried cousin reached the venue and told the traffic policemen about the hospital issue and that it's an emergency and all .They could'nt get away with the 100 Rs. fine as the policeman justified his side by saying that they are given a target and need to catch that many cases in a day. That day, apparently, room number 455 was affected by the laughing gas and all the people outside the room were in doubt whether it was a circus being held in there.

My uncle met with an accident day before. A bike accident.He fractured his face and the doctors said that the fracture could have been avoided if he had used the helmet. And as it has always been my dream to ride a Scooty pept in Disco green... which has not yet been fulfilled cos of my dad's fear of two-wheelers only made it even more clear that I will not be given the permission to be the rider or the passenger. Dad as usual kept bragging about the unsafe traffic and roads and blah blah ... but an important message to be passed is that please wear on your seatbelts while driving and use your helmets while riding a bike. It's the traffic rules which we have to abide by for our safety.

Here are some funny vehicle facts: This is a forward I received some time ago.

Over the weekend, I filled up my car's fuel tank, and I thought fuel has become really expensive after the
recent price hike. But then I compared it with other common liquids and did some quick calculations, and I
felt a little better.

To know why, see the results below – you'll be surprised at how outrageous
some other prices are !

Diesel (regular) in Mumbai : Rs.36.08 per litre

Petrol (speed) in Mumbai : Rs.52 per litre

Coca Cola 330 ml can : Rs.20 = Rs.61 per litre

Dettol antiseptic 100 ml Rs.20 = Rs.200 per litre

Pantene conditioner 400 ml Rs..165 = Rs.413 per litre

Red Bull 150 ml can : Rs.75 = Rs.500 per litre

Corex cough syrup 100 ml Rs.57 = Rs. 570 per litre

Evian water 500 ml Rs. 330 = Rs. 660 per litre

*Rs. 500 for a litre of WATER???!!! And the buyers don't even know the source

Cup of coffee at any decent business hotel 150 ml Rs. 175 = Rs. 1167 per litre

*And this is the REAL KICKER...*

HP deskjet color ink cartridge 21 ml Rs.1900 = Rs.90476 per litre!!!

Now you know why computer printers are so cheap ? So they have you hooked for the ink !

*So, the next time you're at the pump, don't curse our Hon'able Petroleum minister – just be glad your car
doesn't run on cough syrup, after shave, coffee, or God forbid, printer ink *

Humor it

Was snoring like a pig just when I received an sms from my best friend which read -Even though you are miles away from me , I'm still watching your every moment on three different channels.Animal planet, Pogo and Cartoon Network. Thanks to the media.

Really, thanks to the media for spoiling my Zzzzzzzzz

Happy Vishu!

Everytime I used to come to India during my summer vacations.. i.e. around June-August, by the end of the hols I used to be gloomy about getting back to school and the usual stuff. And to add salt to injury , my cousins kept bragging about the good time they have celebrating Vishu. And that used to get me J to some extent cos for us Vishu in Oman was just seeing the kani and getting the vishu kaineetam and ofcourse the sadya -typical food served on the banana leaf.It's usually held on a low-key affair basis. As crackers are banned in the desert , even thinking of them is like commiting a sin. So when my cousins spoke about how they burst crackers and blah blah I kept envying them. And finally as I am in India this time , I was waiting to celebrate the festival. Having done all the preparations on the eve I also asked my uncle to get some crackers.. after all first time right!!

In the morning mom, as per tradition, woke me up to view the beautiful kani she had decorated and soon after that my favourite part - kaineetam. Had one of the best sadyas of my life . Now , just waiting for my relatives to come home today for more kaineetam.. I'm lovin' it !

*HAPPY VISHU TO ALL*

Beauty and Brains

The Beauty Pageant, Femina Miss India has created history many a times before. When the ads of the pageant used to flash on the screen , we already started preparing from the side of a spectator. From Pramila to Parvathy Omanakuttan a long chain of beauties have left behind their mark as the world's most beautiful women. But the journey , as I have witnessed from the transformation of a pretty woman to one with brains have also brought in a lot of changes in the system. The kind of questions asked and the kind of answers given in the pageant nowadays has nothing exclusive to offer. I am sure India has'nt run out of intelligent beauties. This time's pageant , not a single one did I find appealing. All of them wrote like hardly two sentences , that too vague, in the final round. Having shopped goodies from Big Bazaar.. some new Orio wafers, all of us had great plans to enjoy the evening only to be disappointed. All the answers were so blunt . Half the time went answering that 'western culture hasn't influenced the increasing rates of divorces'.. and before they even try reading out the rest, they thank and shut up. Well according to me , one reason as to why divorces in India have been increasing is cos women are growing as per education and career.. and this leads to ego clashes cos men are not too happy with their partners enjoying their success. Besides most of the men , however broad minded ,do want their children to be put to sleep by mommy and to be fed and to be cooked by them. Anyways my thoughts are not at all relevant here... only if I were given an oppurtunity.. *sigh* .. so much for beauty!

Cows bark MOO!

Being in different places, all of us-friends, keep in touch through www. I happened to chat with one of my closest friends and as usual we kept recollecting those 'ol good days :) That's when she brought up the once upon a time joke her li'l brother had cracked . Well from his mouth it wasn't a joke , but a fact he thought had existed. Here's it goes: when my friend and her family had gone to Bombay (not used to Mumbai as yet)..uncle likes taking a break from the carworld and prefers travelling by other cheaper means of transport. In one such a situation they happened to travel in an auto. As they passed the messy streets of Bombay ,the cows and sheeps are some of the regular visitors they come across. On a regular site-seeing day my friend spotted a white cow with black spots , she immediately pointed it out to her brother as cows was something we seldom saw in Oman. And as she was about to explain about how we get to have yummy curds and cold milk ,he blurted out 'Look, a dalmatian cow!!!'

Until next post , MOO!

D-war

I was boreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed , not to death though!I really wish I could tell Hyung-Rae Shim, the director that I don't Chinese, not yet. The movie beginned with some footage of some biiig scaly thing. Then starts the flashback about ..once upon a time there lived a...and then they speak Chinese all the time!! Happily yapping away in Chinese, I and my sister and nephew were flustered for a while and exchanged sympathy looks at each other. Then we couldn't help but laugh at the way they sound. Pretty cute I must say. They sound as chinky as they are :) Coming back to the movie, the story line has nothing much to offer. It's as though they made a story just to make it an 1 1/2 hour movie. The magnimous snake and other animals are picturesque. But the fight between the evil snake and the good dragon has nothing much to offer apart from a lot of dracula bites. At the end ,my sister (four years elder to me) was insisting on an explanation on why and how the good dragon had re-incarnated. Now this 'good' and 'evil' thing sounds pretty toddler types *giggle* but I felt this is the most precise way of explaining something that is good and evil :D .. Now coming back to explaining my sister's query , I had to make up everything from a dragon's duty to cupid-fying two lovers and wotnot. Ok... I think this is getting way to lame... about the movie , it's all about Dragon war.

My aunt was totally flummoxed when she heard D-war of being an English movie cos she had heard it as Deewar..some Dharmendra movie she keeps bragging about.

P.S. The person who had done those fingerpaintings is an Italian artist, Guido Daniele.Thanks to Rowdy for the information.