Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Day the Earth Stood Still
After watching more than half the movie - I was in total agreement with my earlier view - I do not like Sci-fi movies. For a change, the Arien called it Bakwas - Tht is indeed rare! Of course, he watched the movie till the end to see if there was a single saving grace :D I wud have liked to call Will Smith's son the saving grace - but the role was cliched and really after his role in "The pursuit of Happyness" - this was a major let down.
The movie starts as follows: Somewhere in the icy mountains of India, an alien spaceship that looks like a gigantic sphere, is sighted by an explorer, Keanu Reeves. The explorer moves closer to the sphere and makes contact - I am distracted by the pressure cooker's shrill whistle. When I return, Keanu is lying on the ground - asleep? fainted? Dead? no clue - the Arien does not answer! I realize tht he (not the Arien) has fainted and is gradually becoming conscious... he notices a scar on his hand. The next shot is at Manhattan - in Jennifer Connelly's class room. We are introduced to her son who calls her by name and generally does not seem like "goody two shoes". Well, Well, Well... tht is pretty normal - only he wasn't an adolescent yet.
All scientists, including Jennifer are summoned by the government as an alien missile is going to crash land in Manhattan within an hour. The alien spaceship - the same sphere - lands in a park in manhattan. An alien, Klatu, gets off and attempts to make contact with Jennifer who, suprises or surprises, is the only scientist close enough. Klatu is shot at and a giant robot kinda alien (GORT) disables the wiring of all the vehicles. Keanu is rushed into surgery with Jennifer holding his (its) hand.
I pick up my book - this is so bollywood ishtyle! Klatu looks like Keanu Reeves - you are told tht the aliens had come earlier to take a sample - if it was an old bollywood movie - there wud be a white hypnosis inducing circle used to signify flasback or rewind - that was thankfully not added - but you get the picture :D
There is more - Klatu recovers after a whole lot of Uggghhhy stuff is removed, including the bullet. He wants to speak to the UN and he is refused by a bureacrat (this is oh so India). He is then injected with truth serum - which Jennifer cunningly substitutes with H20 - and is then sent to take a lie-detector test - he escapes. He then goes to the airport and gets smne to call Dr. Jennifer and she comes to rescue him. There is more but this is where my story ends.... I got so bored by the very predictable turn of events tht I decided tht my book was a lot more interesting :D
If you would like to know wht really happened - catch the movie. Jes don't tell me that I didn't warn you :D
Monday, January 12, 2009
Automotive Expo 2009 - Food Court
The food court was teeming with ppl and most of them were eating Sandwiches, Paav Bhaaji, Noodles, and of course, Chaat. To say we were not tempted, would not be true - we decided we must try smthng at the food court. We decided to opt for the ever popular Chilli Bhajji. We decided to drown the oily snack with Minute Maid's Pulpy Orange and happily did that. The Arien decided that he was hungry for another snack. I was not too sure if that was a gud idea but the Arien was sure and decided to order Paav Bhaaji which was selling like hot cakes. We walked over to where a man was making Pav Bhaaji after paying for the same. As we watched the entire process of Paav Bhaaji making/serving, I did not want to eat it -neither did the Arien. What do you think?
This is the place where all those who visited the Auto Expo, parked their vehicles in as organized a manner as possible, including us. To say that we were parked in a hapazard manner would be very fair - the moment we entered we were asked to take the first right - after doing so - we were left to struggle as there was no space in sight - finally a savior arrived to show us a chuntu space where we could park our car.The number of vehicles parked outside was a zillion times more than the number of vehicles on display inside :D
Automotive Expo 2009 - BIAE 09
The drive takes almost an hour and a half - thnx to B'lore traffic - and we walk into the expo at 6:30 - the Arien is pretty upset as the expo closes for the day by 8:30 and he feels we may not have time to see everything. The Arien stands in the queue for the tickets that are reasonably priced at Rs. 49/- per person and reminds you of Bata and their 399, 499, 199 pricing style. The Arien informs me that the change is never returned and so whts the beeg idea of this stooopid 49, anyway - they cud have priced it at Rs.50/-
The first thing we both stare at in awe are not the latest wheels but the Bangalore Palace - if you have not been to this part of the Palace Grounds - there are chances you may not even be aware that this palace even exists in Bangalore - I have lived here a solid 10 years and I have been to the Palace Grounds a zillion times for shows, concerts, etc. but have never set eyes on this palace. The Bangalore Palace has been modeled after the Windsor Castle in England and is currently owned by Wodeyar. The Arien's mood has been restored and he is happily shooting away.The expo was not as huge as usual and we were a lil surprised at tht. I was thankful - we wud be able to see all the exhibits and also my feet wud not hurt much :P For once, I was wearing sensible sandals - not footwear that was gud-looking and not meant for walking. My patience level was a lot higher than usual, thanx to my comfy shoes :D

An interesting exhibit at the expo was the Garuda project from the RV College of Engineering. Their exhibit was already in the news sometime ago and so we thot we must talk to a few of the students - however, the sheer number of folks milling arnd - made us change our mind. We took a few snaps and moved on. It looks kinda like the car in the movie "The Fastest Indian".
The next place tht we moved to was so crowded - I was not so sure I wanted to get pushed and pulled - however, one glimpse at the ATVs and I was drawn in. The one thing I noticed was tht it did not matter how rich or how poor you were, what age group, gender you belonged to - the ATVs had everyone staring in awe. In case, you are wondering wht the hell is an ATV? - Do not worry - I was also bulbing until the Arien told me it stands for- All Terrain Vehicles. Ppl flocked to take snaps of themselves with the ATVs - it was so funny!
Yamaha had their own stall. There were quite a few stalls that consisted of all the accessories such as the hub caps, interiors, navigational systems, and a lot others. The women who were sharing brochures of these "marty" Ovilon interiors - were dressed to kill - they were wearing leather boots, denim skirts, and clingy tops - me thinks most men went there jes to stare at them :P
Was it boring? Naaaah... I guess it jes did not enthrall enuf :( We left by 8:10 - after visiting the food court.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The SMB Phenomenon
Senior Arien decides to solve the issue by opting for Tatkal and calls an agent who wud get us the tatkal tickets. While we are in limbo - nobody can say for sure if we are travelling - I am busy sharing my sob story with a friend and he adds a new dimension to my worries - the SMB.
You can see the badly camouflaged side middle berth that looks like an extension to the side upper berth. This kinda works if the journey involves ur falling asleep as soon as you start. If not - well, where do you sit? The side berths have split seats and so only two ppl can sit there unless you are travelling as a family or your travelling companions are open to sharing their seat with you. Don't get me wrong - most folks are sweet and nice n all that - but do you want to be at their mercy? Maybe that is too strong but I feel that for women travelling alone and senior citizens - being at the mercy of the other passengers for help in unfolding the side middle berth or for a seat - when you have paid for the seat jes like everyone else - is really too ridiculous. I did hear that railway authorities offered concessions on those berths - yet to be confirmed!
The tickets arrived and both the arien and the senior Arien spent a lot of time trying to figure out if any of us were given the smbs - which the agent assured us we were not! First of all, we were not sure if the train we were travelling on had SMBs. Second, the numbers would have changed and so both myself and the taurean felt that they were wasting their energies ;P
Whenever I travel by train, I find that I am either unusually early or running late. This time, we started an 1hr and 15 mts early and still it looked like we were going to miss the train - thanks to the amazing traffic jam at MG Road and of course, the Metro construction work. Surprisingly, we didn't miss the train thanx to our driver :D The first thing I noticed in my compartment was the presence of the SMB. Next second, I was franctically checking if any of us had that number - No!! Relief flooded all our faces - it was a sight to watch :D
When I returned from the trip, I was not too surprised that sm folks had actually started an online petition on SMBs. I have added my name - pls feel free to add yours at this site:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SN2SMB2/petition.html
Christmas 2008
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We want some figgy pudding
We want some figgy pudding
We want some figgy pudding
Please bring it right here!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So bring it out here!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
Christmas Preparations - Wednesday
When I return home on wednesday arnd 7:30 - the crib looks the same! The Arien is not at home. I am very surprised. He walks in sheepishly half an hour later - with a goody bag the relative has sweetly sent for us. I am all ready to yell - "How could you forget the Crib? Aren't we supposed to be finished with it by now?" Acting as if I had completed the decorations all by myself ytdy and all he had to do was to get the crib ready. Hehehehehe :D The Arien is totally nonchalant - full of solutions/plans - "We have loads of time - I can finish it in a few mts - I jes need to get grass - paint box - blaah blaah."
Dinner was at Dad's house and I am all set to leave and I find the Arien is intent in his painting of the walls of the Crib, a reddish brown. I agree that it looks lovely - jes like a brick wall and can we get moving when he drops his bomb - He is planning on painting the roof green!! I am unable to suppress a grimace. The Arien takes the hint and decides to accompany me to Dad's place for dinner.
Dinner happens in a rush - Dad (henceforth known as Senior Arien) and bro (Taurean) are wondering why we are late... Grrr.. Taurean has to meet up with frends and is off at the unholy 9:30 pm and the Senior Arien's only comment is "Take the key". I echo the same and the Taurean grins "I have the key but I want Dad to open the door for me" and runs off before we all clobber him :D Senior Arien is busy hiding his yawns - he must be very tired - I signal to the Arien that we must leave. We leave after the Senior Arien wishes us a Merry Christmas amidst two huge yawns.
I am wondering why we are still awake and I am angrily informed by the Arien "Baby Jesus can be placed inside the crib only at 12 - midnight. " I realize I am yet to learn the nuances of christianity as followed by his family. At midnight, baby Jesus is placed inside the Crib, candles are lit, we say a lil prayer, and soon we are dead to the world as tomorrow... I mean today - was going to be a hectic day - It was Christmas.
Merry X-mas to all you folks :)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Preparations - Tuesday
Tuesday
The maid has taken off for 3 days - starting today - Soooper Timing. Thanks to her, my mornings are a lot worse than usual, especially considering I am not an early riser. We have a meeting at 7:30 pm and so I am allowed to reach late - Thank God for small mercies :) Before you know - the day has flown past and it is time for the meeting - considering almost everybody is away on vacation - the call duration is shortest ever - 20 mts :D I am grinning ear-2-ear and I rush home, happy at the respite.
THe has done an amazing amount of work and is looking bone tired. I am busy staring at the decoration and I hunt for his camera and start shooting.
The cute little balloons, bells, that are part of these decorations look cute and bright and I am soon focussing on them. I somehow feel the pictures do not capture the look and feel of the decorations but that does not stop me from shooting.
I hear the Arien, flopped on the sofa, comment that the crib is not ready yet. I ignore his comment. The foundation is ready - rather the outline or structure is ready - it will be completed later - but this was done on Tuesday, all by himself with no help frm me or anybody else. He plans to get grass to decorate the roof as Jesus was born in a stable house that was a little more than a hut - he is still wondering if he must paint the roof green - I am busy shooting pics.
I totally miss the Christmas tree - a chuntu one that is also decorated with cute little balloons,
From Zero to Hero - our Christmas decorations have indeed changed a lot :D I wonder what it will be like tomorrow - we have but one day to complete it - knowing the Arien - I am sure it will all be done by the time - I get home. Yeah... Yippee - Yooo Yooo - followed by Bing dance :D
Oopps... forgot that I have to wash the damn dishes... Grrr.... Can I not have one totally lazy
I started this post showing you how the house was bare of any Christmasy decorations on Monday evening. This is a snap taken from the same angle to show you how the house looked on Tuesday evening when I reached home.
Well, lets see what Wednesday holds for me :) Hopefully, the plan is not to dump Wednesday decorations on me :(
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, if I don't catch you b4 that :D
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Preparations - Week of Christmas - Monday
Last year we had been to Mandya to shop for cute stuff for the kiddoes - we went by bike -received royal scoldings frm most of the family junta, boring lectures on the perils of going by bike frm everybody who knew us - "Going by bike was way too adventurous - U shd have taken the bus- blaah blaaah"- and so this time, we shopped at Bangalore. Was it adventurous - well, Ob No.. unless you want to discuss driving in Bangalore or finding parking space - which cud easily be another post - but, we did have some fun.
We had planned to start decorating our home two weeks b4 Christmas.
On my way to work, a former colleague and gud frend, calls me twice in the span of an hour, and follows it up with a message that simply says "Call me" and soon I am agreeing to a dinner plan with some of my gud ole frends - all thoughts of X-mas decorations go flying out of my head :(
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Can I have 1 more?
Last weekend we went shopping for Christmas. I wanted to get myself two pairs for day-to-day use especially as my pair of sandals had suddenly turned squeaky... Yupp - it squeaks as I walk and is a total embarrassement to me :( Well, if I was hoping that Christmas was going to make the Arien change his mind - then I don't know the Arien at all - and so I am Oliver Twist yet again. Grrrr...
I am totally cheesed off at his reaction and decide that I need a major distraction or I was going to be cranky :P and so I pick up "Lord of Chaos" of the Wheel of Time series. I am back to my sweet and calm self after an hour of reading. I venture out of the room to see what the Arien is upto and what do I see: All the pairs of shoes that I have ever owned are placed in a neat line. As I stare at the long line - I am dumbstruck. I did not know I had so many pairs. In fact, I do not remember when and where I purchased one pair. I see the two pairs I had purchased for my wedding - one looks fab - the other looks dirty and is in need of repair. One cute pair looks enticing and I am soon wearing it, excitedly, like a child.
As I look around for the Arien - I find him at the computer watching me. I smile sheepishly. The Arien has to of course, rub it in. He wants me to wear all the shoes one by one while he takes a snap of all the shoes that I have in my possession. That way, when I say I want to buy one more - after seeing this collection - I may decide not to.
I am not too happy with this idea but I decide to go ahead with it - with one small change. I plan to wear the salwar suit that the shoe goes best with while taking the snap. The Arien is fine with the change.
What he does not know is I have quite a few salwar suits that won't have matching shoes or sandals. I can go shoe-shopping once again b'cos of his snaps. (Evil Grin :D)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Fitness and Me - Past and Present
I have tried out quite a few fitness options that worked for me such as: Yoga, Odissi, Dance Aerobics, and Gymming. Of course, my issue with fitness is entirely different. Consistency is the only way by which you can have a fantastic relationship with fitness. Of course, inconsistency is my middle name. I could say that I prefer variety - but that would not be true :P
I opted for Yoga because there was a Yogashaala, next door. Also, everyone at home swore by Yoga. Initially, I struggled to conform to the new regime. Before I knew it, I was a regular - lost a lot of weight - regained the figure I wanted - and my confidence soared. Before long, I forgot that Yoga was keeping me fit and dropped out of class - did not continue Yoga at home - and generally went back to lazy ole days.
When enlightenment dawned, yet again - I enrolled for Odissi classes alongwith my cousin - it seemed like an interesting option to combat after office boredom and would probably help me shed some weight as well. After a few months, the teacher moved to Dubai. Instead of waiting for a new teacher - I decided to join Figurine Fitness for Aerobics.
To be honest, Dance Aerobics taught at Figurine Fitness was/is my favorite way to get fit. I lost a lot of weight - most frends, who knew me frm the fat n flab days - were totally zapped at seeing me looking so fab and fit - I was thrilled at receiving praises - I cud fit into my Jeans - I purchased new ones - I was into only wearing Jeans - and then I go back to good ole lazy days yet again.
As confessed already, I am totally inconsistent. Over the last 4 years - I went back to Yoga - dropped out - went back to Aerobics - dropped out - joined the Gym - (I totally hated the monotony of a Gym. Nothing prepared me for the blaaah mode of the Gym.) - lost interest. I went arnd trying the same fitness options but remained inconsistent.
Currently, I am trying my very best to like the Gym (Fingers crossed). Yup - I have now gone back to that fitness option. Also, I am trying very hard to be consistent (Fingers crossed). Will update you on the latest happenings on tht front when there is something to report - if I am back to inconsistent - well... I hope not :D
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Driving my Honda-Activa (Two-wheeler)
The morning went in a rush - waking up late, running arnd the house looking for the missing salwar, ironing the salwar, making coffee and then tea, picking up the newspaper, welcoming the maid who brought the the milk in, rushing for my bath, making a quick breakfast of Idlis, and waking the Arien up - all hpnd like one huge chain of events. I rush out, knowing I am already late and this was a foolish idea - Mondays and beginnings do not really go together.
I come down the stairs and look at my bike, a black Honda Activa, - it is dirty. Grrrr... I should have given it for servicing yesterday, instead of a week ago. Hunt for a cleaning cloth in all the bikes - find one that is a torn vest and so dirty that I want to cry that I have touched it. Decide not to look further - who knows what I may find :( Bike shall not be cleaned. The next thing I realize is that I cannot carry the phone in my hand. I remove the bag from my shoulder, put the phone in the front pocket of my bag, and then wear the bag again. I am already bugged and the drive is yet to start.
I put on the helmet. The helmet makes me feel claustrophobic. My forehead itches and I hit the visor of my helmet and then realize that I am wearing a helmet and cannot really reach my forehead that way at all. In fact, I cannot reach it at all unless I remove the damn helmet. I decide that the itch can wait. Jes FYI - I always hated the helmet - I used to drive 14 kms to my office without helmet b'cos I did not want my hair looking awful. That was until a policeman caught me and fined me Rs.200 for the offense. I have always worn my helmet, since then. :P
I start the vehicle successfully and move towards the gate - The Security Guard is standing outside the gate and waving at me to stop - which probably means a huge vehicle is coming tht way. A moped drives past. The old man (Security Guard) signals a Go. I stare at him and want to shout a thing or two - am prevented by the helmet and then, my vehicle stops. I start the vehicle and rush to the gate before the Security Guard can stop me for a kid on a tricycle and almost hit a lorry coming in the opposite direction. Oh well... my ride has begun.
I am terrified... I close my eyes everytime I see a vehicle too close for comfort. I am constantly hanging on to the brakes and so I am hardly moving at all. Everytime I accelerate, I hit the brakes n so its a kinda jerky jump ride - which was so not the way I rode before. :(
The traffic, of course, is awful. I finally reach the office - it has taken an hour and a half - and it is 11, now. The new helmet that the Arien got for me refuses to fit into the storage compartment of the bike - so I lug my bag, the laptop bag, and my helmet up three floors - I am out-of-breath, bugged, and my hair is so flat - I look awful. My colleague comments "What hpnd to ur hair?" - I decide not to reply and act as if I did not hear her comment. I am so tired of the bloody ride that I am all for taking the cab in the evening.
Do I want to do this again? REALLY?? Well, there were moments in the ride, when I felt the thrill of before - it oddly felt so liberating so I will def drive again. Hopefully it won't be as bad as this one - Fingers crossed.
15 Park Avenue
Thats how it happened, I was channel surfing and found myself watching 15 Park Avenue. It had jes started.
It is a very sensitive potrayal of a family and how it deals with Schizophrenia. The family consists of a mom, two sisters, and a brother. The person afflicted with the disorder, Meethi, is the younger of the two sisters, played by Konkana Sen. The older sister is played by Shabana Azmi (Anjali). The part of the mother, has been potrayed astonishingly well by Waheeda Rehman. The brother essentially separates himself from the entire scenario and the movie is actually 'bout the three women and how they cope or deal with each other, the circumstances, and how it impacts them.
The Arien remarked after a few minutes that the movie was likely to be depressing but we were unable to turn it off - it was very well shot, the actors played their part very well. Rahul Bose, plays the role of Meethi's boyfriend who is engaged to her and then backs out of the relationship, post a very scary experience that pushes Meethi over the edge.
It is also about the guilt that each member carries in their heart - the mother as she brings tanthriks to cure Meethali, Anjali, as she disbelieves Meethali when she says that a Tanthrik had come home, Rahul, as he goes on with his life, the father, who feels it is somehow his fault that his daughter is like this.
It is a serious movie, but the sensitive potrayal, the fantastic job done by all the main characters, Konkana's potrayal, has resulted in the movie being a must-watch.
The ending is one of the scariest bits of the movie - it is more symbolic and for a lot of ppl - that may be a lil difficult to handle or understand. I actually lowed the ending. The thin strand by which schizoprenics are attached to reality was clearly emphasised in the ending.
I think Aparna Sen (Writer and Director) did a fantastic job of this movie. You could also catch Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, and 36 Chowringhee Lane, also by Aparna. This is a serious movie, so mind it - a la Rajnikanth ishtyle :D
Monday, December 1, 2008
Vaaranam Aayiram
While we drank the amazing tea - I had perfected the art :) - I tried selling the idea of going out - we had spent the entire day indoors and I wanted to go on a drive. The Arien felt the same way and was glad to comply. Actually, his plan was to gorge on a Zinger. We hurriedly got ready - I called up my Dad to tell him that I was not visiting today - and we left at 8:30 pm. Tch Tch... remember that the piscean takes forever to get ready b'cos she gets distracted :)
As we drove towards Indiranagar - I ask the Arien if he can recall the last movie we saw at the Theatre - while we ponder over this - we realize that we haven't been to a theatre in a while, now. The Arien suggests catching a movie - I am suddenly not so sure - Wht 'bout Dinner? - We won't get tickets - the movie will end at 11 - isn't that too late? The Arien coolly brushes my questions and we head towards Lido. Surprises of surprises - we get the tickets - I am in shock :D
The movie is good until the Interval - after that it starts to drag - you almost want to say "Ok - I got it - Move on or end it". I do not plan to share the summary as the movie is still new. If you want a summary, see Vaaranam Aayiram.
What I liked 'bout the Movie
- I connected with a lot of stuff that the young Surya goes through. I spent my teenage years in Chennai - some of my memories are of Kamal Hassan (Apoorva Sahotharagal), freedom to listen to any kind of music (Hindi songs/English songs) at home, having the freedom to call your friends (boy/gal) home, boys fighting over a gal etc. - maybe that is part of every one's teenage years irrespective of where you are... but it was nice to revisit it.
- Most movies deal with lowe between the Hero and Heroine and while there were two heroines - the focus was on the lowe between the Hero and his father.
- The romance of Surya and Sameera - it was subtle, understated, and quite real.
- The romance of Surya and Simran - was mature, real, and not over the top.
- Everybody did a good job - they played their role well.
- The movie was 'bout Surya and his Dad - While the emphasis was on him - the other actors were almost jes eye-candy. This made the story one-sided. For instance, there was no telling moment for any of the other actors. Maybe the impression was to convey that their life revolved around him which does happen in some families.
- It was a lengthy movie and some scenes could have been removed - they were only trying to over-emphasise the point. Some scenes - you actually felt your patience was being stretched.
- A few unbelievable portions of the movie.
Suhasini, an erstwhile actress, had reviewed the movie in her show - I do not catch the show often and so I cannot recall the name of the show. What she did not like 'bout the movie are as follows:
- The actors burst into English suddenly - the father calls the son Kiddo - when the son is no longer a kiddo. Disagree.
I am sure most of us think in English, in India. Most of us lapse into English while talking with our parents, relatives. I am still called "Aela" and "Kozhandhai" by my grandma and aunts. - The fact that the parents lowe each other is brought out too many times during the movie by the father, mother, and the son to be almost boring. Disagree.
I have a friend, whose parents are almost always saying exactly the same things. She always hoped she would be lucky in lowe and she is. So, it does happen in some families. - Simran, a beauty, has been made to look ugly while everyone in the movie talks of how beautiful she is. Agree.
- The movie does not let any of the other actors go beyond their role except Surya. They all seem single dimensional and Surya seems multi-dimensional. Agree.
Well.. thats it - catch it and let me know if you agree or diagree. Oh btw, the title of the movie is a part of a Hindu verse.