Me at Readers Cafe

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Rang De Basanti

If you think this is a patriotic film then you are wrong and if you think this is not a patriotic film then again you are wrong. And I think this is the beauty of the Rang de Basanti. By the you start thinking about this, film starts showing the credits and you have to get out from the hall.


I am not going to tell you the story of the film but it's a thoughtful film about the 'masti', about today's youth and their thoughts for patriotism. This film infact also tell you can not preach anyone to be a patriotic, it comes from inside. Also show the gray shades of friendship between politician and businessmen. In the first half you will go back to your college days and then in second half back to reality, which is harsh and some youths are just so scared to face it. They don't want to lost themself in the crowd of out-side world and thay why main character of film DJ (Aamir) always wants to be in college.


Film also has very good and point to point dialogue, as 'There is no nation which is perfect, it's us who make her perfect' or 'Make documentary in Gandhi, because hi is more sellable not Chandra shekhar Ali ( corrected by sue, it's Ajad not Ali)' or 'Our one feet is in past and one in future and in today we just do pee' or 'In the age of SMS, 4 line of conversation looks you a lecture'. There is some more but I have a very poor memory just like the 'Aam janta' (General public).


Songs are good, 'masti ki Pathshala', 'rubru', 'rang de basanti' are few. Songs and dialogues are penned by ad man Prasonn Joshi. And after watching film you realize the man who gave coke the tagline 'Thanda matlab cola' is going to be hot in this market very soon.


Music is pleasent and takes time for feel good factor just like any other Rehman classics. Couple of songs are really too good. I never saw Delhi so beautiful, Cinematography is superb. This man vinod pradhan is really good with camera. I liked the concept of telling the story, Story and direction is wonderful. Even though first half seems little slow sometime but still you can enjoy the slowness. Acting is awesome by everyone and I think somewhat credit goes to director Rakyesh too for this. But people who likes watching hero heroine singing songs around tree or rain will be disappointed.


So it's better to go to 'Masti ki Pathshala' and get 'Rubaru' with 'Rang De Basanti'. Verdict: Must Watch

Re-Writing (or Trying to re-write) Indian History in California

NEW DELHI - In the halls of Sacramento, a special commission is rewriting Indian history: debating whether Aryan invaders conquered the subcontinent, whether Brahman priests had more rights than untouchables, and even whether ancient Indians ate beef.


That this seemingly arcane Indian debate has spilled over into California's board of education is a sign of the growing political muscle of Indian immigrants and the rising American interest in Asia.


At the end of this read, it's not sound right to me. Read in Detail here

Boys in Trouble

Thirty years ago it was girls, not boys, who were lagging but now time has been changed, a study shows boys are lagging behind girls when it comes to achieving in the classroom.


The U.S. Department of Education did the study and says that while the achievement gap between the sexes is decreasing, boys are still falling behind. They're kinetic, maddening and failing at school. Now educators are trying new ways to help them succeed. And this I see everywhere even in India and UK you can see same kind of result.


More trouble I can see for Indian parents, most of them always prefer boys over girls. So what do you think? How long and how far boys have to go to lead in classroom once again? Or should it be like that to have a better society or do you believe in equallity? I mean 'Saathi haath barana saathi re' (lead together).


You can read more on this here and here

New in Hindi

Mean while didn't get time to write new post. But those of you who can read Hindi, can check 'Andher Nagari, Sabhi hain Raja' in my hindi blog. Word to word translation of this topic would be 'Dark city, everybody king'.

Animal Welfare and Film

Animal rights activists and Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) member Maneka Gandhi on Thursday alleged the film's producer ('Rang de Basanti') had used animals without getting the mandatory permission of the board.


"According to law, no filmmaker can use animals in their films without the permission of the AWBI. But neither the filmmakers nor the censor board bothered to get this clearance," said Gandhi, a member of Lok Sabha.


"Two months back they were sent a notice regarding the issue but they didn't take our permission and got a go-ahead from the censor board," Gandhi told. "It's only on Dec 25 that they applied for permission, which is really too late to seek permission."


There is hundreds of animals (dogs, cows etc.) just roam around in the Indian roads no one care about them. They become traffic hurdel everyday, risk their life as well the human being's life driving on the road but who cares. Is this kind of welfare board just to check the use of animals in Indian film. So many poor animals used to transport goods from one place to other far more weight than their capacity at that time none of the welfare board member see anything. What you guys think about such animal welfare board?

Fe(w)male: Less Fe-male means Few-Male

Indian cultural tradition favours boys, Should we still proud on our culture? More than 10m female births in India may have been lost to abortion and sex selection in the past 20 years, according to medical research. Researchers in India and Canada for the Lancet journal said prenatal selection and selective abortion was causing the loss of 500,000 girls a year.


Their research was based on a national survey of 1.1m households in 1998. The researchers said the "girl deficit" was more common among educated women but did not vary according to religion. The unusual gender balance in India has been known about for some time.


Most of the Indians want to have latest cellphone, car, fashion or any modern technology but still don't want to have girl as their baby. Isn't it shameful for us. Read More...

Beauty and the Geek

Yesterday I was watching one of the old episode of 'Beauty and the Geek' on WB. This show matches physically attractive, but intellectually challenged women with geeky-looking, socially inept, "genius" men, and have them try to learn from each other. The show starts out with seven beauties and seven geeks and then eliminated one by one until last pair left. The men and women take turns choosing partners by introducing themselves in gender-divided rooms. The women try to learn about academia from the men while the men try to learn social skills from the women. The pairs must room together (i.e. sleep in the same bed) in a large mansion that also provides the setting of the show.


I was surprized to see that some of the beauties were even not able to spell the word 'Tattoo' and 'Calendar'. When asked from one of the beauty, tell 3 states of USA which starts with word 'New'. She looked speechless. Inspite of this host Brian asked the question "Name the prime minister of england" from one of the beauty at elimination round and little surprize to me he didn't get the right answer. Quite interesting na, part 2 is going to start I think from this jan. 12th.

New Year New Layout

Wish everyone a happy new year. I started this year with new layout, back from vacation but still not in a mood to roam around in blog world. I hope this feeling would be just for time being. Thanks to those who visited and left a note to wish new year. Best wishes to everyone.

Chalte-Chalte

Yes! It's time for vacation. So Chalte-chalte I wish happy holidays (thanksgiving) and thanks for visiting my lonely planet. See you back around X-mas. Till then happy reading.

A Game

Natwar Singh resigned and who asked the resignation? politician those are corrupt as corrupt as one could be, those who don't have any spine, those who always stand to oppose. At this moment these politicians should be unite and support the government until the allegations are proved in court. A person is not guilty untill unless his crime is proven in the court. That's why most of the politicians in our country has career in politics, inspite of their wrong doings known by public. They are free because it's not proved in court yet.

Do they Know, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's son Kojo's name and his business dealings are also in the report.

Proud to be an Indian

I got this in one of the FWD e-mail, don't know the accuracy but content was good enough to show self pride. So sharing here.

Subject: Proud to be an Indian.. letter from IIT Dean , Madras...

Dear Friends,

Here is a personal experience, as well as a moment of national pride, which I want to share with you. Hope you find it worth the time you put in reading it :

"In the middle of 1965 India-Pakistan war, US govt - then a close friend of Pakistan - threatened India with stopping food-aid (remember "PL-480"?). For a food deficient India this threat was serious and humiliating. So much so that in the middle of war, Prime Minister (Late) Lal Bahadur Shastri went to Ram Leela Grounds in Delhi and appealed to each Indian to observe one meal-fast every week to answer the American threat. As a school boy, I joined those millions who responded to Shastriji's call. I continued the fast even when the war was over and India became self sufficient in food. Hurt deep by the national humiliation suffered at the hands of the US govt, I had vowed to stop my weekly fast only when India starts giving aid to USA.

It took just 40 years. Last week THE day arrived. When Indian ambassador in Washington DC handed over a cheque of US$ 50 million to the US govt, two plane loads of food, medical aid and other relief materials were waiting to fly to the USA. Time to break the fast ? With no bad feeling about the USA, and good wishes for the Katrina victims, this humble Indian feels proud of the distance India has covered in 40 years.

Let's celebrate a New India !

Vijay Kranti.
Dean - IIT Madras

Terrorism: Explosions in Delhi

One after another there was three or four explosions in one of the busy evening of the year in some of Delhi's busiest places. Is this a gift in return of helping earthquake victims? By this time it's sure and definetly a terrorist activity as accepted by officials. It was supposed to be happiness, joy and love all around but sadness, horror and agony took the front seat. Our so called (excuse me for this word) friendly neighbor had express their sympothy but is this enough? - no definetly not. If they really feel that way then they should hand over at least one or two terrorist from the list given by Indian government, if they can't hand over all, Otherwise just leave the 'Play of Words' for someone else. I don't know if still people of Kashmir (both sides) will silently support to those who are trying to cut those hands came to help their own people at the time of need (earth quake victims).

Can some one tell what they really want? Israel left the Gaza in search of peace and what they got in return - one more suicidal attack. On top of that someone says (you know what I mean) that country (Israel) must be wiped out from the world-map. There is still some more time for every nation to come together and fight against terrorism. If some countries think they are safe nothing is going to happened there then it will be a mistake.

Now the big question is- do we still need to discuss about the opening of some portions of LOC (by this time it looks politcians almost agree). It shouldn't be like got the heavy storm (category 7 or 8) while wished for the drizzle (light rain). Just remember We have to survive to help others who needs support or help (it's essential and required). Politicans must be aware that if they use words to play then this game just going to extend but will not end. Resolving this problem is good for public as well for the world and Sooner the better. It's better if people of all religions come together and fight agianst terror otherwise the face or cause of terrorism could change.

True Love or S (with letters ex)

While reading a news (rediff.com) I saw this picture pasted twice on the same news, and this ad was taking quite a good place. Even animal can understand they can not find true love if follow this ad. What do you say?

Berlin: Blockade which results into AirBridge

We need a second Berlin airbridge, and if they could do that in the end of the 1940s -- set up in no time a lifeline to millions of people -- we should be able to do that in 2005," he told a news conference in Geneva, referring to the U.S. airlift set up in 1949 to keep Soviet-blockaded West Berlin supplied

Today when I read this, in one of the news (yahoo) then, I thought let's find out what's this all about. And outcome was interesting to read. If interested you can read too, right here.

Awards and Exception: Peace vs Movie

Wondering! what's the relation among them, ok I will tell you, there is one missing link for each and that is 'Nobel Prize' for peace and 'Filmfare awards' for Hindi movie. How? Well, Nobel prize for peace, and there couldn't be better example than M. K. Gandhi to describe peace. You know what, Gandhi never got that (Nobel Prize for peace). That's how and why I said exception. But here what I wonder is, why? Why? Why not Gandhi? (Just for a record Bush was nominated for peace prize last year, correct me If I am wrong).

I was under impression that Peace prize is for those who achieve their mission through peacefull solution or contribute to keep peace in the world, One way or another.

And, there was a man whose motto was 'Ahinsa param dharm'. Who had always opposed any kind of violence in his whole life. Who fought without using any weapon to get independence for his country. But who was never be considered as candidate for nobel peace prize.

I always wonder why it was not given to Gandhi. Below is a list of winners during 1939 to 1949, when M. K. Gandhi could get the awards:

1939-1942: Of the prize money for this period, one-third was transferred to the Main Fund and two-thirds to the Nobel Institute's Special Fund.

1943: Reserved.

1944: One-third of the prize money for 1943 was transferred to the Main Fund, and two-thirds to the Nobel Institute's Special Fund.

1944: Reserved.

1945: The prize for 1944: The International Committee of the Red Cross, Geneva. Founded 1863.

1945: Hull, Cordell, USA, 1871-1955.
Former Secretary of State. One of the initiators of the United Nations.

1946: The prize was divided equally between:
Balch, Emily Greene, USA, 1867-1961.
Former Professor of History and Sociology. International President of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom;
and Mott, John Raleigh, USA, 1865-1955.
Chairman of the first International Missionary Council in 1910, President of the World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Associations.

1947: The prize was divided equally between:
The Friends Service Council, London. Founded in 1647; and
The American Friends Service Committee (the Quakers), Washington. The society's first official meeting was held in 1672.

1948: Reserved.

1949: One-third of the prize money for 1948 was transferred to the Main Fund, and two-thirds to the Nobel Institute's Special Fund.

1949: Orr of Brechin, Baron John Boyd, Great Britain, 1880-1971.
Physician, nutritionist, leading organizer and Director General of the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, President of the National Peace Council and the World Union of Peace Organizations.


Ok that was about Peace and now move to Movie. Similar kind of thing happened to one of the great movie of it's time. And that movie was 'Sholay'.

Do you know it took decades for Filmfare Awards (or/and others such group) to recognize that sholay was the masterpiece. Sholay and Deewar both released in 1975, nobody can deny that both were very good movie. But when awards were given for 1975 release then Sholay got None.

Filmfare Awards 1975 - Best Film: Deewar | Best Director: Yash Chopra (Deewar) | Best Actor: Sanjeev Kumar (Aandhi) | Best Actress: Lakshmi (Julie) | Best Actor in a supporting role: Shashi Kapoor (Deewar) | Best Actress in a supporting role: Nadira (Julie) | Best Performance in a comic role: Deven Varma (Chori Mera Kaam) | Best Story: Salim Javed (Deewar) | Best Music: Rajesh Roshan (Julie)

Ans that's the end of this post, there is always an award but none for exception.

Note: This year Nuke watchdog wins Nobel Peace Prize

Tagged again...23rd and 5th

I was tagged by Meenal ...

something about picking up the 23rd blog entry from the archives, find the 5th sentence and post it:)

My 23rd post was called "Virtually There" and here's the fifth sentence: Wondering How? I will explain here.

Here's a link to that blog entry. Once there then scroll little bit and stop at "Virtually There"

I will tag Keshi, Avik, Prasad, Neelima and Kroopa [will spare Akhil & Mona this time ;)].

Did you notice this is just CCP post. Until you realize Read this interesting story.

Crime makes Cry-me

The former U.S. education secretary-turned-talk show host said Wednesday that "if you wanted to reduce crime, you could -- if that were your sole purpose -- you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down." Bennett quickly added that such an idea would be "an impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do." But, he said, "your crime rate would go down."

Bennett's comments came Wednesday, during a discussion on his talk show "Morning in America." A caller had suggested that Social Security would be better funded if abortion had not been legalized in 1973 because the nation would have more workers paying into the system. This is a HOT topic now-a-days in political circle. While his comnent was totally absurd but instead of criticising I thought it would be a good idea to dig on google. And rest of this post is what I found while digging.

Crime in the United States accounts for more death, injuries and loss of property then all Natural Disasters combined. The Disaster Center is pleased to be able to provide you with access to the statistics of crime compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

the victims and their relatives often experience financial problems, and time is often lost from work to handle the legal, insurance and personal problems associated with being a victim. The trauma associated with any crime often makes it hard for victims to cope with normal daily routines. And the victims of crime are frequently blamed by their friends for not being more careful. The trauma continues as victims of crime often find themselves ignored by law enforcement, and confused by the court system

Here are some statistics that demonstrate this:

1. Every two minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted.
2. In 2002, there were a total of 4,854 cases of aggravated assault in Washington DC. On a daily basis, this computes to 13.2 aggravated assaults a day.
3. In Maryland, there were 3,228 cases of larceny and thefts per 100,000 people in 2002. This is one-third higher than the national average rate of 2,445.8 cases per 100,000.
4. In Detroit, there were 41.79 murders per 100,000 people in 2002. This is alarmingly way above the national average rate of 5.6 for the same year.
5. In 2002, with the exception of burglaries, Philadelphia led all crime levels which were above the national average rates for murder, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assaults, larceny/theft and motor vehicle theft.

This is interesting to read Race and Crime in the USa. But I didn't include part of it because this article had the data between 1994-1999. So If you go by this then it wouldn't be hard for Bennett to defend himself, but past is a past and no one should be judge based on this old data.

Based on recent data it looks like there is some improvement. Here is some data what I found for recent time.





The intimate homicide rate has fallen for blacks in every gender and relationship category while the rate for whites has not declined for all categories
The intimate homicide rate --

1. for white girlfriends was about the same in 2002 as it was in 1976
2. for white wives and ex-wives has declined but not as much as that for white husbands and ex-husbands
3. for black husbands and ex-husbands was 16 times greater in 1976 than it was in 2002
4. is higher for black girlfriends than any other group in 2002, although it has declined 58% since 1976

In general, guns are most often used in intimate homicide but weapon type varies by relationship. From 1990 to 2002 --

1. Over two-thirds of the spouse and ex-spouse victims were killed by guns.
2. Boyfriend victims were more likely to be killed by knives than any other group of intimates.
3. Girlfriends are more likely to be killed by force than any other group of intimates.



And at the end, here is data for Murders (per capita) per country



India is 26 on this list (0.03 per 1000 people).

what I believe, We should not judge a race or religion or nation based on wrong doing of handful individuals or groups. Because our comment or decision can lead other innocent people of same race or religion or nation to get suffer.

Source: Uniform Crime Report">, Bureau of Justice Statistics, country based data

Professors - Lost in Translation

This is what happening in one of to be super power's (as few people, I mean Indian media believe so) university right in the heart of country, ie. her captial and that's for national language. Isn't it shame? Any doubt? Read More

I got to know about this from my hindi blogger fellow hindini.

Is this thing in Google yet

If you Googling and don't find the article or thing you googling for, then go right here. How useful is this I don't know so figure it out by yourself.