'My Other History', written and directed by Jake Oorloff opens this Friday! Presented by the Floating Space Theatre Company, the cast comprises of Thushara Hettihamu, Ruhanie Perera, Freya D'Almeida and Amaz Irshad. The play opens on the 8th of April at 7pm and goes on till the 10th April 2011 at the Park Street Mews warehouse. Tickets priced at Rs 400 and 500 are available at the Park Street Mews restaurant.
To see pictures of the rehearsals click here.
‘My Other History,’ is produced as part of (Un)making Time; a project to support new theatre-making initiated by the Sunethra Bandaranaike Trust.
To read more about the production and see the press coverage, please click here.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Review - Gandhi's Children documentary
A fairly large group of people gathered in the garden at the German Cultural Centre last evening to watch the premier of the documentary ‘Gandhi’s Children’ by Vishnu Vasu. It was about marginalized and oppressed communities in India and looked at what role the non violent movements play in the India of today – in the superpower that it aims to be in the future.
I lived in India for three years and traveled all over the country for many years, so what I saw in the documentary was nothing new. I had also watched several documentaries over the years about the caste system in India, including the brilliant ‘India Untouched’ by Stalin Kurup. But for most people who watched it last night it really opened their eyes to the reality of the caste system in India, which I suppose is not glaringly obvious unless you live there. That is the advantage of living in the digital age – through technology we are more and more aware and made to be aware of our reality. By documenting these realities of people who live and suffer the way they do, generations to come will have the advantage of having that information available and maybe one day it will result in some positive change. The tools to bear witness are many and the mediums through which it can be disseminated to a large audience are easily and readily available and I hope that these activists and everyone engaged in this recognize its vast benefits and use it to full advantage. Today, people have absolutely no ground to deny the existence of anything – such as the fact that caste is still very much practiced in India – because they have been witnessed and shared.
What made this documentary a good one were the people that he had spoken to. It was an impressive group of people he had interviewed, save for one or two who should not have been interviewed in the first place. The academics and sociologists highlighted some very significant and important aspects regarding the marginalized communities in India. For me, something that the documentary succeeded in highlighting was that the caste issue in India is a social issue and not a political one – something that a lot people tend to overlook. An academic who was interviewed spoke about the perfect example – politician Mayawati, the first Dalit to gain great political heights and is now as corrupt as any upper caste politician. Having a member from the lower castes enter politics is not the solution to eliminate oppression as many believe it to be as there is no guarantee that those individuals will be working in the interest of the communities that qualified them to reach that position in the first place. The caste problem in India is a social one and hence why it is still practiced and will continue for decades to come. This is why vision or the overarching goal in the caste struggle is so important – the direction that they believe they should be heading in is, most of the time, the very same place that they are fighting against – and will ultimately decide the outcome of their activities.
Mr Vasu has documented some very interesting communities through his documentary and some of the footage is valuable as it a record of rigid system that has systematically discriminated against people on the basis of something that they have been born into. The stories in the documentary - rat eating communities who live in the most unhygienic environments, men whose prescribed occupation by birth is to cremate bodies brought to Varanasi and afterwards sift through the ashes for precious metal that may have been accidently left behind, a community in Kerala severely affected by the pollution of the Coca Cola factory there, a community that has been denied of a school for years because of their rural location, families of victims of the tragedy in Bhopal in 1984 – were an intelligent selection because it shed light into the different types and aspects of discrimination and subjugation faced by the low caste communities.
I especially liked the interview with P. V. Rajagopal and seeing on screen the padayathra and how they truly believe that they can have an impact through this non violent movement was fascinating. Whether or not they ultimately succeed in their next march to Delhi in 2012, Rajagopal and his movement will bear witness to hundreds of stories that they will be documenting as they walk hundreds of kilometres on their journey to the capital.
One thing I really did not like about the documentary was how the director had personalized it and made it his own story. That was where it was obvious that the overall vision was not properly thought through. I was left wondering whether Mr Vasu was trying to draw parallels between the suffering in his life and the making of the documentary to the suffering of the oppressed people in his documentary. It’s unfortunate that he has had a tough life and kudos to him for not letting his past dictate what he made of his life – but honestly, it did not sit well with the documentary. It was a sob story which came across as a marketing gimmick and compared to the people in the documentary, Mr Vasu has had a privileged life. One should not force the audience to applaud your work by using emotional blackmail – let the audience decide for themselves. From the website to introduction to the documentary to the actual documentary, the director constantly harps of the trials and tribulations of his life and what he encountered in the making of the documentary. The documentary should speak for itself, and by the selling point that the director used, it actually took away a lot from the final product. It was almost as if he is forcing you to feel sorry for him and thereby admire his work and after a while you’re left thinking yes it’s sad but so what? You’re not the only struggling artist in this world. Why must one appreciate the documentary solely because of the struggle to make it? This is what a lot of us felt when we listened to the beginning of the documentary. It is truly admirable that despite all that he was faced with, he went ahead with his work but it should have been subtle and understated and that would have gained him and his documentary a lot more respect. This is not the first documentary made about caste in India, nor will it be the last and what should have been highlighted is the experience of meeting with these people and the privilege of being able to witness a reality that majority of the people of the world don't see - not your own personal problems.
The documentary by itself was interesting but I don’t think it was well made – the editing, the narration and the script left a lot to be desired. The content was fascinating and what ultimately made it a good documentary. I think language played a significant role – the director would have benefited from having another person look through the script and rewrite it because I found it far too simplistic and disjointed. The director should have also refrained from being the narrator as he was too monotonous and it sounded like he was reading straight off a piece of paper. There were a few interviews where he used subtitles very effectively – and that made the bad narration even more obvious. Taking the ‘making of the documentary’ into consideration, we were told that Mr Vasu had many problems in putting this together and to give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe he did not have resources or knowledge to get the required expertise this documentary needed in terms of script writing and editing.
A blunt speech about the state of affairs of the country started off the premier of the documentary. Vishnu Vasu was outspoken when he said that in a country where we pay taxes to “house the cow shed we call parliament”; there is little or no support available from the state for people like him who pursue a life in the arts.
By the time he got to this speech, the audience had undergone the misfortune of reading several slides on the big screen about the documentary and about the plight of the director, Vishnu Vasu. From his difficulty to funding his dream project to his inability to pay for the DVDs that he had got made for the premier. I say misfortune because of the way this information was related. From “I might be on the breakfast table of my printer so PLZZ buy my DVD” to “Aney pau talk to him today after the film because he might not be there tomorrow” to “A DVD is only 400 bucks a meal at KFC is 1200” to “You look sexy tonight” to “Lets about this documentary over drinks at ssc/bloomfield/otters you have to pay your own BILZ”. Really, there was more but I will spare the reader.
I was rolling my eyes throughout it all and the credibility of the filmmaker was sinking lower and lower in our eyes. When I came to the Goethe to watch this premier I had heard a little about the difficulty in making this documentary and I always like to see the work of people who had an ambition or vision they felt so strongly about that they somehow with whatever resources available try to make that dream come true.
But why this need for melodrama? It came across as extremely unprofessional and therefore you begin to watch the documentary with that pre-conceived notion that it was created and made by an immature individual, whom I don’t think Mr Vasu is. To be fair by the director, I think (I hope at least) that this was his attempt at giving his story a humorous approach in that typically Sri Lankan aney aiyo humour – much like an Indu Dharmasena play in my opinion. But it failed, spectacularly. It is not enough to have a good product - how you market it is as important.
Gandhi’s Children had a lot of potential to be a great documentary – the conviction of the director and his perseverance to make aware this issue that he feels so strongly about being its biggest advantage. But unfortunately the execution of that vision compromised it. This is a great example of the potential that is not realized and lost because we in Sri Lanka don’t have a very supportive base for the arts. Funding, resources, expertise is extremely difficult and more so if it is a ‘controversial’ topic. This documentary would have greatly benefited if resources had been more available for basic things like editing, scriptwriting and even marketing. There are so many aspiring artists, filmmakers, writers who have great ideas and ambition but lack the support – from financial to technical - to execute.
I admire Mr Vasu for seeing his ambition right through till the end. This documentary is a good effort and hopefully through the exposure he gains more resources and knowledge to make more and better documentaries because he is clearly a talented man with interesting ideas and a sense of what is important. It’s never easy to start off but he has clearly displayed his powers of perseverance in times of hardship. I hope his next project will document the caste system in Sri Lanka, which in many parts of the country is very much existent and practiced and barely documented other than by a few academics. All in all, ‘Gandhi’s children’ wasn’t groundbreaking but it did leave one with a lot to think about and it succeeded in terms of raising awareness and sharing the plight of discriminated communities which most have chosen to ignore or deny existence.
I lived in India for three years and traveled all over the country for many years, so what I saw in the documentary was nothing new. I had also watched several documentaries over the years about the caste system in India, including the brilliant ‘India Untouched’ by Stalin Kurup. But for most people who watched it last night it really opened their eyes to the reality of the caste system in India, which I suppose is not glaringly obvious unless you live there. That is the advantage of living in the digital age – through technology we are more and more aware and made to be aware of our reality. By documenting these realities of people who live and suffer the way they do, generations to come will have the advantage of having that information available and maybe one day it will result in some positive change. The tools to bear witness are many and the mediums through which it can be disseminated to a large audience are easily and readily available and I hope that these activists and everyone engaged in this recognize its vast benefits and use it to full advantage. Today, people have absolutely no ground to deny the existence of anything – such as the fact that caste is still very much practiced in India – because they have been witnessed and shared.
What made this documentary a good one were the people that he had spoken to. It was an impressive group of people he had interviewed, save for one or two who should not have been interviewed in the first place. The academics and sociologists highlighted some very significant and important aspects regarding the marginalized communities in India. For me, something that the documentary succeeded in highlighting was that the caste issue in India is a social issue and not a political one – something that a lot people tend to overlook. An academic who was interviewed spoke about the perfect example – politician Mayawati, the first Dalit to gain great political heights and is now as corrupt as any upper caste politician. Having a member from the lower castes enter politics is not the solution to eliminate oppression as many believe it to be as there is no guarantee that those individuals will be working in the interest of the communities that qualified them to reach that position in the first place. The caste problem in India is a social one and hence why it is still practiced and will continue for decades to come. This is why vision or the overarching goal in the caste struggle is so important – the direction that they believe they should be heading in is, most of the time, the very same place that they are fighting against – and will ultimately decide the outcome of their activities.
Mr Vasu has documented some very interesting communities through his documentary and some of the footage is valuable as it a record of rigid system that has systematically discriminated against people on the basis of something that they have been born into. The stories in the documentary - rat eating communities who live in the most unhygienic environments, men whose prescribed occupation by birth is to cremate bodies brought to Varanasi and afterwards sift through the ashes for precious metal that may have been accidently left behind, a community in Kerala severely affected by the pollution of the Coca Cola factory there, a community that has been denied of a school for years because of their rural location, families of victims of the tragedy in Bhopal in 1984 – were an intelligent selection because it shed light into the different types and aspects of discrimination and subjugation faced by the low caste communities.
I especially liked the interview with P. V. Rajagopal and seeing on screen the padayathra and how they truly believe that they can have an impact through this non violent movement was fascinating. Whether or not they ultimately succeed in their next march to Delhi in 2012, Rajagopal and his movement will bear witness to hundreds of stories that they will be documenting as they walk hundreds of kilometres on their journey to the capital.
One thing I really did not like about the documentary was how the director had personalized it and made it his own story. That was where it was obvious that the overall vision was not properly thought through. I was left wondering whether Mr Vasu was trying to draw parallels between the suffering in his life and the making of the documentary to the suffering of the oppressed people in his documentary. It’s unfortunate that he has had a tough life and kudos to him for not letting his past dictate what he made of his life – but honestly, it did not sit well with the documentary. It was a sob story which came across as a marketing gimmick and compared to the people in the documentary, Mr Vasu has had a privileged life. One should not force the audience to applaud your work by using emotional blackmail – let the audience decide for themselves. From the website to introduction to the documentary to the actual documentary, the director constantly harps of the trials and tribulations of his life and what he encountered in the making of the documentary. The documentary should speak for itself, and by the selling point that the director used, it actually took away a lot from the final product. It was almost as if he is forcing you to feel sorry for him and thereby admire his work and after a while you’re left thinking yes it’s sad but so what? You’re not the only struggling artist in this world. Why must one appreciate the documentary solely because of the struggle to make it? This is what a lot of us felt when we listened to the beginning of the documentary. It is truly admirable that despite all that he was faced with, he went ahead with his work but it should have been subtle and understated and that would have gained him and his documentary a lot more respect. This is not the first documentary made about caste in India, nor will it be the last and what should have been highlighted is the experience of meeting with these people and the privilege of being able to witness a reality that majority of the people of the world don't see - not your own personal problems.
The documentary by itself was interesting but I don’t think it was well made – the editing, the narration and the script left a lot to be desired. The content was fascinating and what ultimately made it a good documentary. I think language played a significant role – the director would have benefited from having another person look through the script and rewrite it because I found it far too simplistic and disjointed. The director should have also refrained from being the narrator as he was too monotonous and it sounded like he was reading straight off a piece of paper. There were a few interviews where he used subtitles very effectively – and that made the bad narration even more obvious. Taking the ‘making of the documentary’ into consideration, we were told that Mr Vasu had many problems in putting this together and to give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe he did not have resources or knowledge to get the required expertise this documentary needed in terms of script writing and editing.
A blunt speech about the state of affairs of the country started off the premier of the documentary. Vishnu Vasu was outspoken when he said that in a country where we pay taxes to “house the cow shed we call parliament”; there is little or no support available from the state for people like him who pursue a life in the arts.
By the time he got to this speech, the audience had undergone the misfortune of reading several slides on the big screen about the documentary and about the plight of the director, Vishnu Vasu. From his difficulty to funding his dream project to his inability to pay for the DVDs that he had got made for the premier. I say misfortune because of the way this information was related. From “I might be on the breakfast table of my printer so PLZZ buy my DVD” to “Aney pau talk to him today after the film because he might not be there tomorrow” to “A DVD is only 400 bucks a meal at KFC is 1200” to “You look sexy tonight” to “Lets about this documentary over drinks at ssc/bloomfield/otters you have to pay your own BILZ”. Really, there was more but I will spare the reader.
I was rolling my eyes throughout it all and the credibility of the filmmaker was sinking lower and lower in our eyes. When I came to the Goethe to watch this premier I had heard a little about the difficulty in making this documentary and I always like to see the work of people who had an ambition or vision they felt so strongly about that they somehow with whatever resources available try to make that dream come true.
But why this need for melodrama? It came across as extremely unprofessional and therefore you begin to watch the documentary with that pre-conceived notion that it was created and made by an immature individual, whom I don’t think Mr Vasu is. To be fair by the director, I think (I hope at least) that this was his attempt at giving his story a humorous approach in that typically Sri Lankan aney aiyo humour – much like an Indu Dharmasena play in my opinion. But it failed, spectacularly. It is not enough to have a good product - how you market it is as important.
Gandhi’s Children had a lot of potential to be a great documentary – the conviction of the director and his perseverance to make aware this issue that he feels so strongly about being its biggest advantage. But unfortunately the execution of that vision compromised it. This is a great example of the potential that is not realized and lost because we in Sri Lanka don’t have a very supportive base for the arts. Funding, resources, expertise is extremely difficult and more so if it is a ‘controversial’ topic. This documentary would have greatly benefited if resources had been more available for basic things like editing, scriptwriting and even marketing. There are so many aspiring artists, filmmakers, writers who have great ideas and ambition but lack the support – from financial to technical - to execute.
I admire Mr Vasu for seeing his ambition right through till the end. This documentary is a good effort and hopefully through the exposure he gains more resources and knowledge to make more and better documentaries because he is clearly a talented man with interesting ideas and a sense of what is important. It’s never easy to start off but he has clearly displayed his powers of perseverance in times of hardship. I hope his next project will document the caste system in Sri Lanka, which in many parts of the country is very much existent and practiced and barely documented other than by a few academics. All in all, ‘Gandhi’s children’ wasn’t groundbreaking but it did leave one with a lot to think about and it succeeded in terms of raising awareness and sharing the plight of discriminated communities which most have chosen to ignore or deny existence.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Publicizing porn stars
I came across this news item in the Daily Mirror today and I was little shocked at this name and shame exercise. Basically what the news item said was - ' "Colombo court Magistrate today orderd Police Headquarters media unit to publicize 83 faces of local porn stars, in the news papers, in order to trace them."
First of all, just how accurate the identification of these 83 people are is questionable. Secondly, a majority of the people who engage in this work do so not because it had always been their lifes ambition but because circumstances have left them no choice. Poverty is the most common reason that people engage in these activities and most of them are from rural areas and villages and their families are completely unaware of what they are really doing to generate money. It is not the best of occupations but who are we to judge? It is very easy for us to look down upon these people and pass judgment and ask why they can't get a 'proper' job. Jobs are scarce and even those who have graduated from university can't get a job in this country so what hopes do people who have not had equal opportunities in terms of education or occupation have? At least they are not stealing or killing to make some money. To them it is just a job, definitely not an ideal one and for most a job that they are ashamed of and have programed their minds to be disengaged from it.
What do they hope to get out of publishing the names and faces of these porn stars? They will be ostracized and humiliated, along with their families and what is their fate then? If we were a fair society where all wrong doers were equally punished before the law I would say this exercise can at some level be justified. But I really fail to understand what the authorities hope to achieve by publicizing the pictures of these people. Surely a country that can defeat terrorism can trace 83 individuals using the great intelligence services?
We accept rapists and murderers who are in parliament and running our country, and we applaud and cheer on sexists and lewd individuals on television but yet we maintain such a moral high ground when it comes to porn stars. The people who support these name and shame exercises believe that they are cleansing the country of all vices but yet will go home and gratify themselves watching probably the same people that are being 'traced'.
First of all, just how accurate the identification of these 83 people are is questionable. Secondly, a majority of the people who engage in this work do so not because it had always been their lifes ambition but because circumstances have left them no choice. Poverty is the most common reason that people engage in these activities and most of them are from rural areas and villages and their families are completely unaware of what they are really doing to generate money. It is not the best of occupations but who are we to judge? It is very easy for us to look down upon these people and pass judgment and ask why they can't get a 'proper' job. Jobs are scarce and even those who have graduated from university can't get a job in this country so what hopes do people who have not had equal opportunities in terms of education or occupation have? At least they are not stealing or killing to make some money. To them it is just a job, definitely not an ideal one and for most a job that they are ashamed of and have programed their minds to be disengaged from it.
What do they hope to get out of publishing the names and faces of these porn stars? They will be ostracized and humiliated, along with their families and what is their fate then? If we were a fair society where all wrong doers were equally punished before the law I would say this exercise can at some level be justified. But I really fail to understand what the authorities hope to achieve by publicizing the pictures of these people. Surely a country that can defeat terrorism can trace 83 individuals using the great intelligence services?
We accept rapists and murderers who are in parliament and running our country, and we applaud and cheer on sexists and lewd individuals on television but yet we maintain such a moral high ground when it comes to porn stars. The people who support these name and shame exercises believe that they are cleansing the country of all vices but yet will go home and gratify themselves watching probably the same people that are being 'traced'.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Celebrating sexist, lewd live television in Sri Lanka
Originally published on groundviews
When I overhead someone talking about the dramatic finale of Swarnavahini’s Megastar reality show I wanted to know what had happened since I had seen a few episodes of this bizarre show – where arguments and insults that fly freely between the judges and contestants is as much the draw as the singing skills of participants.
I checked to see what footage was available online and when browsing websites, and was horrified to come across a video of a comment by Minister Mervyn Silva about fellow MP and contestant Upeksha Swarnamali’s performance. Mervyn Silva expressly notes that he was so charmed by Upeksha’s attire he wished he was an infant and could be breastfed by her. The host of the show, Kamal Addararachchi, is seen to giggle at this outrageously derogatory comment. This, to be clear, is a programme broadcast live on public television.
I’m not a fan of Upeksha’s, but I was embarrassed for her and offended. I won’t comment on Kamal Addarachchi’s lewd behavior on stage because pandering to Mervyn Silva’s antics and comments is par for the course on this show. The video clip shows Rosy Senanayake, also a judge, noting that the comment really wasn’t funny and was uncalled for. Just watching the way Mervyn reacted to her demonstrated again that he does not have an iota of respect for women, or for that matter common decency.
After watching the video I ended up reading quite a few reviews and articles about the show and the comments made by viewers. What appalled me was that not in a single place, except in an article in the Daily FT which said that the Minister had made a rude remark at Upeksha, could I find anyone referring to this horrendous incident and saying it was offensive or wrong. In fact from the little I did manage to find, people found it funny.
This for me is a new low for mainstream journalism in Sri Lanka. When did sexist, lewd and offensive behavior broadcast live on public television be accepted normal? Why is such behavior condoned and promoted by the media just for the sake of popularity and ratings? More importantly, why hasn’t anyone taken up this issue with the TV station or sought to flag it for public debate? What Mervyn said was downright revolting. There is something tragically depraved about the way people perceive this incident, and by extension, it scares me that this is a reflection of the true mentality and regard the majority have for women in this country. Men and women are equally to blame for this, and as a woman I’m ashamed that we have let this sort of behavior slide over and over again, to a point where we don’t even see anything out of the ordinary when incidents like this occur.
This particular incident and people’s reaction to it, in my opinion, is exemplary of the state of the country today. We can’t stop the likes of Mervyn Silva expressing his true colors, but why give a platform for and condone repeatedly incidents where people can be publicly humiliated for the sake of a twisted notion of entertainment?
Watch video here.
When I overhead someone talking about the dramatic finale of Swarnavahini’s Megastar reality show I wanted to know what had happened since I had seen a few episodes of this bizarre show – where arguments and insults that fly freely between the judges and contestants is as much the draw as the singing skills of participants.
I checked to see what footage was available online and when browsing websites, and was horrified to come across a video of a comment by Minister Mervyn Silva about fellow MP and contestant Upeksha Swarnamali’s performance. Mervyn Silva expressly notes that he was so charmed by Upeksha’s attire he wished he was an infant and could be breastfed by her. The host of the show, Kamal Addararachchi, is seen to giggle at this outrageously derogatory comment. This, to be clear, is a programme broadcast live on public television.
I’m not a fan of Upeksha’s, but I was embarrassed for her and offended. I won’t comment on Kamal Addarachchi’s lewd behavior on stage because pandering to Mervyn Silva’s antics and comments is par for the course on this show. The video clip shows Rosy Senanayake, also a judge, noting that the comment really wasn’t funny and was uncalled for. Just watching the way Mervyn reacted to her demonstrated again that he does not have an iota of respect for women, or for that matter common decency.
After watching the video I ended up reading quite a few reviews and articles about the show and the comments made by viewers. What appalled me was that not in a single place, except in an article in the Daily FT which said that the Minister had made a rude remark at Upeksha, could I find anyone referring to this horrendous incident and saying it was offensive or wrong. In fact from the little I did manage to find, people found it funny.
This for me is a new low for mainstream journalism in Sri Lanka. When did sexist, lewd and offensive behavior broadcast live on public television be accepted normal? Why is such behavior condoned and promoted by the media just for the sake of popularity and ratings? More importantly, why hasn’t anyone taken up this issue with the TV station or sought to flag it for public debate? What Mervyn said was downright revolting. There is something tragically depraved about the way people perceive this incident, and by extension, it scares me that this is a reflection of the true mentality and regard the majority have for women in this country. Men and women are equally to blame for this, and as a woman I’m ashamed that we have let this sort of behavior slide over and over again, to a point where we don’t even see anything out of the ordinary when incidents like this occur.
This particular incident and people’s reaction to it, in my opinion, is exemplary of the state of the country today. We can’t stop the likes of Mervyn Silva expressing his true colors, but why give a platform for and condone repeatedly incidents where people can be publicly humiliated for the sake of a twisted notion of entertainment?
Watch video here.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I think the government is really lucky
... that they found most of the army deserters that they couldn't track down before all gathered at Cinnamon Lakeside.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
If MR or SF wanted a few more votes
.. they should have just opened their eyes and realized that recorded phone calls and texts and the posters don't cut it for us anymore.
Blink and you will miss 50 posters and 3 billboards. Seeing their faces plastered everywhere in different angles and backdrops? That's sure to get my vote. Because an election is all about the Mr Photogenic competition. What they should have done was, the unexpected.
Declare a poster, advertisement, billboard, sms free campaign. And donate all those billions to the Cancer hospital and the Health sector, where people are dying everyday because they can't buy that 500 rupees worth medicine that they can't get from the government hospitals that no longer have the money to stock them. I find it criminal that people are paid 1000 rupees a DAY to paste posters of the candidates when patients are screaming out in pain because they can't get that painkiller. And this is just not just one or two. There are actually thousands of people all over the country who are facing this right now.
It wouldn't matter to me that the candidate did it solely to win election votes and that he would not have done it otherwise. Because its win win for me. You spend your allocated billions on people who really need it, who in turn will be so grateful and vote for you. And then you win over people like me, who had no intention to vote for you ever, just because you thought of spending that money that way.
It sounds very basic, but it works. All people can talk about now are who to vote for and about the truly absurd amount of billions that are being spent. Spend it on what really needs to be spent on right now.
That's what wins your vote.
Oh and, did everyone get the Sunday Observer FREE at every Keells today?
Blink and you will miss 50 posters and 3 billboards. Seeing their faces plastered everywhere in different angles and backdrops? That's sure to get my vote. Because an election is all about the Mr Photogenic competition. What they should have done was, the unexpected.
Declare a poster, advertisement, billboard, sms free campaign. And donate all those billions to the Cancer hospital and the Health sector, where people are dying everyday because they can't buy that 500 rupees worth medicine that they can't get from the government hospitals that no longer have the money to stock them. I find it criminal that people are paid 1000 rupees a DAY to paste posters of the candidates when patients are screaming out in pain because they can't get that painkiller. And this is just not just one or two. There are actually thousands of people all over the country who are facing this right now.
It wouldn't matter to me that the candidate did it solely to win election votes and that he would not have done it otherwise. Because its win win for me. You spend your allocated billions on people who really need it, who in turn will be so grateful and vote for you. And then you win over people like me, who had no intention to vote for you ever, just because you thought of spending that money that way.
It sounds very basic, but it works. All people can talk about now are who to vote for and about the truly absurd amount of billions that are being spent. Spend it on what really needs to be spent on right now.
That's what wins your vote.
Oh and, did everyone get the Sunday Observer FREE at every Keells today?
Friday, October 30, 2009
We must indeed be a great nation
if we're now beating mentally retarded people and forcing them to drown in the sea. I heard an account from someone who saw from a building. I saw the video and it makes me sick. Leave aside the fact that the man was possibly mentally retarded, you don't do that to anyone. I hear of shit everyday, from torture to murder. But this I think is a real piece of work. Its a testament to the great nation that we truly are.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Bus tales
So there I was on the bus minding my own business when I felt a bit of my hair being pulled.
This was nothing new, I always find strands of my hair getting caught to people’s hands and bodies when I leave it down.
So I tie it.
Few seconds later I feel the pull again.
I feel my back but nothing is caught.
Strange.
Pull again.
I look back and at the same time I see this old lady giving a big whack to the guy sitting behind me (on his head that too!) with her umbrella.
*WTF
As she whacks him she says "thamusegey molay amaaruwakda?".
Light dawns on me.
Sooo, the bastard who got whacked was pulling my hair.
Before I could glare at him, the old lady turns to me rather menacingly.
*Shit, hope she doesn’t think I encouraged the greasy hair puller
She turns to me and says “atha diga arala denna puthey” and proceeded to get off the bus.
I burst out laughing and so did all the people around me.
What a cool old lady.
This was nothing new, I always find strands of my hair getting caught to people’s hands and bodies when I leave it down.
So I tie it.
Few seconds later I feel the pull again.
I feel my back but nothing is caught.
Strange.
Pull again.
I look back and at the same time I see this old lady giving a big whack to the guy sitting behind me (on his head that too!) with her umbrella.
*WTF
As she whacks him she says "thamusegey molay amaaruwakda?".
Light dawns on me.
Sooo, the bastard who got whacked was pulling my hair.
Before I could glare at him, the old lady turns to me rather menacingly.
*Shit, hope she doesn’t think I encouraged the greasy hair puller
She turns to me and says “atha diga arala denna puthey” and proceeded to get off the bus.
I burst out laughing and so did all the people around me.
What a cool old lady.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Misplaced spirit of Vesak
There is a crisis situation going on, with more than 1 lakh people in camps and in need of a lot things. I look around me as I drive to work and what do I see? The people getting ready for Vesak. I see pandols being constructed, I see banners for dan sal. A pandol costs around 2 lakhs I'm told, and that's not taking into consideration the electricity. A dan sal feeds thousands of people, who are not starving.
Where are the priorities of these people? In an emergency situation, can we for once, put aside these cultural traditions and think about where we should be directing our efforts into? Its not like anyone is asking for vesak to be banned ... I'm just saying that maybe this unnecessary spending should be used for those who really need it. Vesak is not about pandols and dan sal ... in the true spirit of Buddhism, shouldn't we be helping those who really need us right now?
If you were in one of those camps, how would you feel if you knew that Colombo was full of pandols and people eating excessively for free? I think people's priorities are really messed up at times like this .... life must go on I know, but these are not normal times and it amazes me how anyone can spend so much on unnecessary things like feeding people for free when they don't need it. Especially when all we hear are about how the bad the situation is in the camps.
I was glad to hear about one village who collected money for the annual dan sal but instead of having it for their villagers, they're sending the food to the IDP camps. I wish more people would think like this. If the Vanni was Colombo, I don't think we'll understand if the people in the North were doing all this while we were starving and dying off one by one.
Where are the priorities of these people? In an emergency situation, can we for once, put aside these cultural traditions and think about where we should be directing our efforts into? Its not like anyone is asking for vesak to be banned ... I'm just saying that maybe this unnecessary spending should be used for those who really need it. Vesak is not about pandols and dan sal ... in the true spirit of Buddhism, shouldn't we be helping those who really need us right now?
If you were in one of those camps, how would you feel if you knew that Colombo was full of pandols and people eating excessively for free? I think people's priorities are really messed up at times like this .... life must go on I know, but these are not normal times and it amazes me how anyone can spend so much on unnecessary things like feeding people for free when they don't need it. Especially when all we hear are about how the bad the situation is in the camps.
I was glad to hear about one village who collected money for the annual dan sal but instead of having it for their villagers, they're sending the food to the IDP camps. I wish more people would think like this. If the Vanni was Colombo, I don't think we'll understand if the people in the North were doing all this while we were starving and dying off one by one.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Beatings for those who litter
'May nothing good happen to the families of those who litter here'
'Dumping garbage here is for dogs only'
href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6yi8fq8hcPw/SOeUOyxxOCI/AAAAAAAAAMw/N-ymWHGBcYs/s1600-h/DSC04086.JPG">
'We're hiding and waiting, those who litter will get beaten'
'Those who litter here, may their children get struck by lightening, may their vehicles be reduced to smithereens and their heads smashed'
'Beatings for those who litter'
'Beatings for the mothers of those who litter here'
Thursday, September 25, 2008
'Pain' of Sri Lanka aid pullout
A must read. A first hand account of humanitarian agencies departure from Kilinochchi. Source: BBC News Online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolpda/ifs_news/hi/newsid_7630000/7630187.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolpda/ifs_news/hi/newsid_7630000/7630187.stm
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Susanthika in the Semi finals!
Yay! I think right now I'm more thrilled that I actually got to watch it live. We were calculating time differences and what not at work, and didn't really think that the tv would give trouble when we did troop in at 4.30! With 7 minutes to go (yes, we ARE very precise) we bothered every single person possible and managed to get a somewhat grainy and clear enough picture in time to see Susanthika's name be announced.
It was a better ending than this morning, where everyone got the timings wrong and ended up gasping at 7.45am when Daily Mirror news alerts proudly announced that Susanthika has come second in the heat. Talk about a rude shock when you're rushing to work to make it on time to watch at the supposed right time.
Bets have obviously been made and I keep knocking on wood everytime someone opens their mouth.
I love any sporting event, I can watch them for hours. But "any" equals to my favorite sports obviously. Tennis finals see me shouting for Federer till I am hoarse, and then handing over tissues (no really) to my heart broken Nadal loving friend, who actually cried the last time. I have to really root for someone to show this level of excitement, and well, when it comes to something of the magnitude of the Olympics, its always nice to cheer for someone from your country! Phelps is great and all, but its not the same.
We look forward to the next two days!
Oh yeah, Go Susanthika!
It was a better ending than this morning, where everyone got the timings wrong and ended up gasping at 7.45am when Daily Mirror news alerts proudly announced that Susanthika has come second in the heat. Talk about a rude shock when you're rushing to work to make it on time to watch at the supposed right time.
Bets have obviously been made and I keep knocking on wood everytime someone opens their mouth.
I love any sporting event, I can watch them for hours. But "any" equals to my favorite sports obviously. Tennis finals see me shouting for Federer till I am hoarse, and then handing over tissues (no really) to my heart broken Nadal loving friend, who actually cried the last time. I have to really root for someone to show this level of excitement, and well, when it comes to something of the magnitude of the Olympics, its always nice to cheer for someone from your country! Phelps is great and all, but its not the same.
We look forward to the next two days!
Oh yeah, Go Susanthika!
Accomodation in Colombo for US$ 10 a day
Finding accommodation in
If you’re looking for accommodation with all the said issues in mind, the ideal place exists, tucked away in Dehiwala, just 20-30 minutes from the heart of Colombo.
Situated in a quiet residential area, the
This ground floor apartment is tastefully and cozily decorated, making you feel right at home. The apartment is fully furnished with a sitting room, kitchen (with dining area), bedroom and attached bathroom. There is also a small seating area on the terrace outside the front door.
This apartment is up for rent for SLR 1000 a day for short lets or SLR 25,000 a month for long lets (US$ 10 a day, US$ 250 a month). The rent is inclusive of electricity, water and TV.
For those interested please email on woolly.y@gmail.com
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Rape: now women can bite back
From 'The First Post - The Online Daily Magazine'.
Rape: now women can bite back
The words of a rape victim - "If only I had teeth down there" - have inspired the design of a new anti-rape device.
Rapex - dubbed the 'rape trap' - is a product worn internally by women. The hollow inside is lined with rows of razor-sharp hooks, which are designed to latch on to a rapist's penis during penetration. They can only be removed by a doctor.
The product will be on the shelves of South African chemists and supermarkets later this month. South African mother-of-two Sonette Ehlers developed the original prototype in 2005 but has struggled to get it patented and approved for sale, not least because of staunch opposition from feminist groups.
"Vengeful, horrible, and disgusting," was the response from Charlene Smith, one of South Africa's leading anti-rape campaigners. Lisa Vetten, of the Centre of Violence and
Reconciliation in Johannesburg, says: "This is like going back to the days when women were forced to wear chastity belts. It is a terrifying thought that women are being made to adapt to rape."
Some also fear that the sudden infliction of pain on the rapist could incite him to even greater violence.
Ehlers, however, is adamant that desperate times call for desperate measures. South Africa has the world's highest rate of sexual assault: a staggering 1.7m women are raped each year. She believes the product, priced at one Rand, will be particularly useful for poorer black women who walk long distances to and from work.
With state intervention frustratingly slow, Ehlers argues this ugly version of empowerment is justified. "I don't hate men," she says. "I have not got revenge in mind. All I am doing is giving women their power back."
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Parasailing - check!
Yes, that would be me
Saturday, March 15, 2008
End of 3 years of uni
And I don't know if I'm happy or sad. As it is with everything else right now, I'm undecided. A mixture of both I guess. I know I won't miss the long hours of classes and piles of projects but what I will miss are the people and the crazy lecturers and spending 6 days of the week with a big group of people who I've grown to love over the last three years. I'll miss running to the basketball court to get juice, miss hanging out at the island at every given free hour, making lunch plans, bondings and dissings. We've been waiting for today for 3 years and its it came and it went. I was too hungry to hang around for another 156 pictures with my classmates so the usual group minus half left for lunch. I didn't cry, I didn't scream like a banshee out of uni, just left sleepy and hungry, which is basically how I leave everyday.
From our first semester onwards, T, would run out of the main block and shout "_ down _ to go" ! At the end of the first semester when I heard him I didn't know him too well and I thought he was just nuts but today I watched him run out and scream "6 down baby" and do his coorgi dance and I had to laugh at how things had changed, for the better fortunately. I'm leaving with a big group of close friends, each so different and yet so dear to me. I'll certainly miss uni and madness and the good times. My time here has taught me so much and changed me and there's nothing about the last three years, even the very worst parts, I would want any different.
From our first semester onwards, T, would run out of the main block and shout "_ down _ to go" ! At the end of the first semester when I heard him I didn't know him too well and I thought he was just nuts but today I watched him run out and scream "6 down baby" and do his coorgi dance and I had to laugh at how things had changed, for the better fortunately. I'm leaving with a big group of close friends, each so different and yet so dear to me. I'll certainly miss uni and madness and the good times. My time here has taught me so much and changed me and there's nothing about the last three years, even the very worst parts, I would want any different.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Volunteers needed at Sahanaya
Sahanaya - the National Council for Mental Health is badly in need of volunteers (preferably youth) who are willing to dedicate a few hours a week to help with their various in-house projects. Some of the work involved would involve working directly with the clients of Sahanaya and thus, could be quite challenging and interesting. So, do try to help if you can. If you or anyone you know is interested pls contact Sheriene at Sahanaya on 2685960.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Indian brand names
They can be crazy sometimes. Extremely funny and makes you wonder what the devil they were thinking when they came up with it. I wish I carry my camera when I see these things, but haven't been able to do so so far. The first time I saw 'Standard' fireworks, I snickered to myself and thought, "well, they seem to be fine with the fact that their goods are nothing extraordinary and found it perfectly acceptable to be splash this on a huge hoarding".
Then I found 'Average' clothing - a brand. No really, you can't make this stuff up. It gets better. Yesterday I passed a man selling pillows in these nice polythene covers with 'Rational pillows' printed across it in bold red letters. Thats great, its always good to know that my pillows are rational and won't do anything crazy while I sleep.
Then I found 'Average' clothing - a brand. No really, you can't make this stuff up. It gets better. Yesterday I passed a man selling pillows in these nice polythene covers with 'Rational pillows' printed across it in bold red letters. Thats great, its always good to know that my pillows are rational and won't do anything crazy while I sleep.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Merry Ann Singers in Bangalore
The Merry Ann singers were simply wonderful tonight at 'Magnificat', the annual Christmas concert hosted by Christ College in Bangalore. Its been years since I heard them sing and I was amazed at the sheer power of the voices and the brilliant show. I loved their rendition of 'Oh Holy Night'. Nothing monotonous, lots of different items with the kids and the adults and of course, Andrew David and his jokes. I loved it, and at the end the audience requested a Sinhalese song and they sang the National Anthem and for me, that was just the perfect way to end it. Its been so long since I sang the National anthem and I didn't think I would ever sing it at my own university.
The Christ College choir was super as always, and watching Swathi and Tanvi is always a pleasure.
The Christ College choir was super as always, and watching Swathi and Tanvi is always a pleasure.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
A Mighty Heart
I really liked this one. The movie about Daniel Pearl's death and how his wife Mariane held it together while attempting to locate him was much awaited and definitely worth a watch. The connections and procedures, the people connected and the authorities working it was extremely fascinating given that its all that took place. I thought that Irfan Khan did a brilliant job as Captain. Jolie was also pretty good. I watched the actual video of Daniel Pearl's beheading and it was so disturbing and the movie just makes you really feel the whole tragedy. I highly recommend it.
And, I watched Loins of Punjab around 2 weeks back, which is a pretty new film, and its awesome. Its funny, its a good story, its terribly predictable and just SO Indian and I loved it.
And, I watched Loins of Punjab around 2 weeks back, which is a pretty new film, and its awesome. Its funny, its a good story, its terribly predictable and just SO Indian and I loved it.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
An Ode to Chick books
I love chick books. There, I said it. Go ahead, roll your eyes. But there's nothing better than curling up with a chick book. By chick books I don't mean Mills and Boons. Sorry, thats a little too over the top for me. For me chick books must be witty, have a decent story, have a hot man and not require too much effort. I adore Sophie Kinsella, who is the author of the Shopaholic series. I've read the entire series at least 10 times (yes, I'm one of those people who can read books over and over again) She's also written two more favourite books of mine, Can you keep a secret and the Undomestic Goddess. I like Meg Cabot but not her princess diaries. I like all her other books.
But none of this is intellectually stimulating you say. I say, f*** you, I don't read books in during my wind down time to be "intellectually stimulated". I read chick books during my chillout time so that I can unwind and relax. And laugh. Roll my eyes. I read theories of nationalism and the sociology of social problems for stimulation. And to pass my exams. But give me Mendelson and Kinsella and heck, I'll choose Kinsella anyday. I'll read my Shyam Selvadurai's and my cherished Japanese authors when I have the time.
But my food tastes better, my alone time is better all the more with my chick books. I'm reading 'The men's guide to the women's bathroom' by Jo Barret right now and I must say, its almost as good as Kinsella's stuff. Its enlightening to say the least !
But none of this is intellectually stimulating you say. I say, f*** you, I don't read books in during my wind down time to be "intellectually stimulated". I read chick books during my chillout time so that I can unwind and relax. And laugh. Roll my eyes. I read theories of nationalism and the sociology of social problems for stimulation. And to pass my exams. But give me Mendelson and Kinsella and heck, I'll choose Kinsella anyday. I'll read my Shyam Selvadurai's and my cherished Japanese authors when I have the time.
But my food tastes better, my alone time is better all the more with my chick books. I'm reading 'The men's guide to the women's bathroom' by Jo Barret right now and I must say, its almost as good as Kinsella's stuff. Its enlightening to say the least !
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Prison Break season 3
After waiting since January for season 3 to start, finally the first episode of season three was out yday. The trailer gave heart burn from the anticipation and what can I say, it was worth the 6+ months for season 3. I watched the first episode and wow .. Michael Skofield is hotter than ever, the plot is better, its geared towards a crazy crazy season. A friend of mine described it best - "You'll sell your parents just to watch the next episode" :)
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Before I''m 30 ....
Saw a new list up on 'Uncertain, but precise' and thought I'd write on my own.
1) Have a Masters in something I love.
2) Backpack all over Spain and Portugal with D.
3) Bungee, sky dive and para sail.
4) Have my own set of wheels.
5) Seen almost all of Sri Lanka
6) Done something proper with my writing and photography
7) Been all over South America, Greece, and Turkey.
8) Have a floor to ceiling, wall to wall book rack that is filled with books and movies.
9) Have my own place and 3 dogs
10) Get married
1) Have a Masters in something I love.
2) Backpack all over Spain and Portugal with D.
3) Bungee, sky dive and para sail.
4) Have my own set of wheels.
5) Seen almost all of Sri Lanka
6) Done something proper with my writing and photography
7) Been all over South America, Greece, and Turkey.
8) Have a floor to ceiling, wall to wall book rack that is filled with books and movies.
9) Have my own place and 3 dogs
10) Get married
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Hampi-ed
Took off to Hampi last weekend for a much needed break away from the work and most importantly, the city that was driving me mad. Went by overnight train, which was 9 and a half hours and gave me heart burn with the cockroaches running around. Settled for the top berth and hours of chit chat which helped me get my mind off the smells and the roaches.
I fell in love with Hampi the minute we entered the main street bazaar. It was quaint, colourful and the complete opposite of a city. Its a temple town with lots of ruins and and temples and remains of a palace. There are excavation sites and heritage monuments all over. It is also a town inhabited by hippies from all over the world and frequented by foriegners who stay there for months so its no surprise that all the restaurants have menus that have Italian, Tibetan, Israeli food along with the usual Indian and continental.
There is just SO much to do in Hampi. One must visit is Mango Tree Restaurent, over looking the river. The tall swing hanging from the enormous mango tree, sitting on the mats and eating the brilliant food, walking through the banana groves - its no wonder Lonely Planet recommends it as one of the top five places in India. We didn't notice hours going by when we were there.
What did we do in Hampi? Its more like, what didn't we do in Hampi ! We climbed the Hanuman Temple which on top of a cliff, 600 steps up on a winding rock. We hired bicycles (six rupees per hour!) and cycled all over the Hampi bazaar and ruins, we climbed and hiked and walked for hours through the temples and excavation sites and the ruins of the palace and whatever we stumbled upon as we walked along and over the millions of rocks. We did so much the 2 days that we there and got only like 8 hours of sleep but it was definitely worth it. By the time we left I felt as if we've been there forever.
You might think that one can overdose on history and ruins but really, go to Hampi and find out that its not true. Its just so beautiful and untouched and clean and a whole different experience altogether. We were lucky enough to be there during a festival and the spirit of the locals was just out of this world.
Hampi is definitely one place in India I recommend anyone should go to, its right up there on my list with Gokarna. More picture HERE
Saturday, August 18, 2007
If you can't sing, don't.
I think the same applies to speaking. If you have nothing intelligent or worthwhile to say, then its best to keep quiet. If you're not sure of what you're saying, take a deep breath and think. Because once its out, its out. The slip of the tongue phenomena can only get you so far.
These are just few things that was going through my mind after watching a rather disastrous interview on tv with Chaminda Vaas. It was on some indian news channel and he was talking about Murali being accused of illegal bowling action (isn't that old news or am I just ignorant?) Basically, ya di ya di ya he spoke about it and I was slowly losing interesting when Vaas said that it that was wrong to have been "fingering" Murali for his bowling action. And he said a few times. Ok then. Didn't realize that illegal bowling actions could bring on such extreme, er, action? Pointing fingers at someone is bad enough, but fingering them? Now thats just wrong.
Yeah so hit me with the usual English is not out first language. Thats fine. No one expects perfect grammar from you. Hell, we speak the language better than the English. But don't come up with your own interpretation of the language and go crazy with verbs and your grammar, especially not on foreign news. You're on international broadcast for a reason.
It was fairly disastrous after that and I just changed the channel. I'm sure it was a good interview, but I don't want to cringe my way through my tv time.
These are just few things that was going through my mind after watching a rather disastrous interview on tv with Chaminda Vaas. It was on some indian news channel and he was talking about Murali being accused of illegal bowling action (isn't that old news or am I just ignorant?) Basically, ya di ya di ya he spoke about it and I was slowly losing interesting when Vaas said that it that was wrong to have been "fingering" Murali for his bowling action. And he said a few times. Ok then. Didn't realize that illegal bowling actions could bring on such extreme, er, action? Pointing fingers at someone is bad enough, but fingering them? Now thats just wrong.
Yeah so hit me with the usual English is not out first language. Thats fine. No one expects perfect grammar from you. Hell, we speak the language better than the English. But don't come up with your own interpretation of the language and go crazy with verbs and your grammar, especially not on foreign news. You're on international broadcast for a reason.
It was fairly disastrous after that and I just changed the channel. I'm sure it was a good interview, but I don't want to cringe my way through my tv time.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Blog update
Been too busy to even remember that I have a blog ! If not for random queries I really would forget that I once had a blog I was enthusiastic about. Took up kickboxing, which I really love but its giving me so much pain that I'm considering sticking to swimming (despite the freezing weather) and tennis. The much anticipated western acoustic and electric at uni didn't fail to please me immensely either yesterday, even after 3 years of listening to all these talented people (who are like 2-3 years younger than me)
I'm still amazed at the talent and potential. This year, the winning acoustic team had an own composition which was my favourite out of all performances yesterday. It was also nice that most of them are friends and classmates. The video is here and the performance is really something else, and worth a watch. They covered "wannabe" by spice girls for their sound check which was really funny and did a good job of 'don't phunk with my heart" all videos which I will upload later. Till then, enjoy acoustic chutney's own comp, the name I cannot remember however.
I'm still amazed at the talent and potential. This year, the winning acoustic team had an own composition which was my favourite out of all performances yesterday. It was also nice that most of them are friends and classmates. The video is here and the performance is really something else, and worth a watch. They covered "wannabe" by spice girls for their sound check which was really funny and did a good job of 'don't phunk with my heart" all videos which I will upload later. Till then, enjoy acoustic chutney's own comp, the name I cannot remember however.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Live Earth
I watched 11 hours of the Live Earth concert ... its been a while since I watched so much tv, but it was worth it. Of course, its not like I liked all the performances, some were downright terrible but its always nice to see your favorites on stage. What I liked most was that almost all the artists and bands played all known and liked stuff, because usually these are the great opportunities to play unknown new songs from their latest albums. I absolutely loved RHCP, Metallica, Keane, David Gray, Crowded House, John Butler Trio, Paolo Nutini, the opening drum act at Wembley, Corrine Bailey Rae, Joss Stone, the Police, Baaba Maal and so many more. I unfortunately am yet to watch John Mayer as I fell asleep during the time he played, after for for hours to see him ! I didn't get to see most of the US show since I fell asleep and caught only the last few.
I had the apartment to myself on Saturday so it was absolutely blissful just curled up on the futon watching Live earth and enjoying the superb weather. I was chatting online with Confab and it was as good as having him here watching it with me since we were watching it from our respective homes and discussing each one as they were shown and bitching about the useless ones. I found some of the short films they showed very interesting, especially the one titles "Don't let it all unravel". So simple and the music was brilliant.
My favorite moment from the concert? The look on the security guys' faces every time Enrique Iglesias decided to mingle with the crowd. What a fool.
I had the apartment to myself on Saturday so it was absolutely blissful just curled up on the futon watching Live earth and enjoying the superb weather. I was chatting online with Confab and it was as good as having him here watching it with me since we were watching it from our respective homes and discussing each one as they were shown and bitching about the useless ones. I found some of the short films they showed very interesting, especially the one titles "Don't let it all unravel". So simple and the music was brilliant.
My favorite moment from the concert? The look on the security guys' faces every time Enrique Iglesias decided to mingle with the crowd. What a fool.
Friday, June 22, 2007
A boy in a salon
Or a parlour as they call it here. A & I had finished lunch and had another half an hour to kill before afternoon class. Getting my eyebrows done was my plan in the evening so I thought I'd save myself the trouble and get it done before class since the parlour was just 10 minutes from the restaurant. We decided to walk and burn the calories. After 2 mins of walking, A was NOT happy cos exercise or any sort of physical activity is not his thing. Especially since his bike was just there but I insisted on walking.
He felt the need to know why exactly he was being taken along for something he had never heard of. Our conversation went like this.
A - So exactly what are you going to do?
Me - Get my eyebrows done
A- What do mean, get it done?
Me - Get it threaded
A - (makes strange noise) Whats that?
Me - ( I stop and show him my left eyebrow) See all the newly grown hair? So i will get threaded and get rid of it.
A - I don't see newly grown hair. And what do you mean threaded? Sounds weird.
Me - They take thread and do some galata and take off the excess hair.
A - oooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww .... why do you girls do this to yourselves ?
Me - So that we don't look like you.
A - Jokes and all. So you can't do this threading yourself?
Me - No man its hard.
A - Ah skills and all needed huh.
Reach parlour. A seems hesitant to enter into unknown territory and wants to stay outside. In the blazing sun. Only after I promise a sofa and ac that he tip toes inside.
A - I'm scared.
Me - Eh shataap. You just come watch and see how threading happens.
A - Eh no man they'll think I've come for threading.
Me - Hmm I wonder why ....
A sits on couch. A girl sitting next to him looks at his in amusement and snickers behind her cosmo.
Me - Now look at my eyebrows. Then you can see the difference when I come back.
A - Gives a look of absolute terror and sinks into the couch.
I come back, with my perfectly done eyebrows.
Me - See ? Nice no.
A - I don't see a difference.
Me - Don't lie. Here look close. You can even see how its swollen a little.
A - You're paying them 20 bucks to pull off hair from your eyebrows and to make your skin swell ?
Me - Bah, Whatever. Lets go.
There are reasons why males are not allowed inside beauty parlours. They just don't appreciate the hard labour that takes place inside those hidden walls.
He felt the need to know why exactly he was being taken along for something he had never heard of. Our conversation went like this.
A - So exactly what are you going to do?
Me - Get my eyebrows done
A- What do mean, get it done?
Me - Get it threaded
A - (makes strange noise) Whats that?
Me - ( I stop and show him my left eyebrow) See all the newly grown hair? So i will get threaded and get rid of it.
A - I don't see newly grown hair. And what do you mean threaded? Sounds weird.
Me - They take thread and do some galata and take off the excess hair.
A - oooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww .... why do you girls do this to yourselves ?
Me - So that we don't look like you.
A - Jokes and all. So you can't do this threading yourself?
Me - No man its hard.
A - Ah skills and all needed huh.
Reach parlour. A seems hesitant to enter into unknown territory and wants to stay outside. In the blazing sun. Only after I promise a sofa and ac that he tip toes inside.
A - I'm scared.
Me - Eh shataap. You just come watch and see how threading happens.
A - Eh no man they'll think I've come for threading.
Me - Hmm I wonder why ....
A sits on couch. A girl sitting next to him looks at his in amusement and snickers behind her cosmo.
Me - Now look at my eyebrows. Then you can see the difference when I come back.
A - Gives a look of absolute terror and sinks into the couch.
I come back, with my perfectly done eyebrows.
Me - See ? Nice no.
A - I don't see a difference.
Me - Don't lie. Here look close. You can even see how its swollen a little.
A - You're paying them 20 bucks to pull off hair from your eyebrows and to make your skin swell ?
Me - Bah, Whatever. Lets go.
There are reasons why males are not allowed inside beauty parlours. They just don't appreciate the hard labour that takes place inside those hidden walls.
Pots for plants
Ok yeah so I couldn't think of a better title for this post. I saw this while I was on the parliament road, near the J'pura Hospital. There are lots of vendors selling curd in the small hattis, and instead of throwing them and breeding mosquitoes, they have come with this as a solution.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Shrek 3
Was super. I liked it better than the 2nd one but I still love love Shrek 1 the most. Shrek 3 was hilarious and what I liked most was that it made fun of everything, from movie cliches to college kids and heartfelt speeches. It was sometimes predictable but mostly so unpredictable at times, especially with the humour. The hallmark speeches were just super and I loved the king's dying scene and the donkey-puss in boots switch.
Goodbyes
My dogs dislikes goodbyes with a vengeance and believes in doing whatever he can to make us stop packing
Are never fun. I've gotten so used to the constant goodbyes and the comings and goings that now I somewhat avoid it or ignore it altogether. I used to love having everyone over the day before I left and saying the million goodbyes over the telephone and sms. But now I just leave without much drama and all that and that suits me better I think. I do forget to tell people about me leaving sometimes and that causes some confusion but ultimately gets sorted on its own at times ! Being home for 2 months so wonderful and now I'm back and loving the wonderful weather :)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Men are like shoes
Be it high maintenance Manolos or the oh so comfy Bata slippers, are men really like shoes?
Ask the expert herself and welcome her to the world of blogging and look forward to her discussions on anything and everything that crosses her mind, or at least whats left of it.
Ask the expert herself and welcome her to the world of blogging and look forward to her discussions on anything and everything that crosses her mind, or at least whats left of it.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Caesar's Palace
The only decent pic I have of all 5, they just love to spread out.
I've seen way too many concerts of this band. So much so that I have some 200+ pictures of them and can sing along to all their own compositions. I love 'swim' and 'bittersweet mind' and no one does 'down with disease' better than CP. Yes, I'm oh so biased, but I have pledged my undying loyalty to this group of people, some who I have become so fond of and converted into ardent arrack lovers. Each person in the band is so unbelievably brilliantly talented and I'm not being biased when I say this.
Check out their music here, recorded live at a concert on Saturday. Swim, Wolchod and Bittersweet mind are their own compositions. I highly recommend 'swim' and 'bittersweet mind' from this site.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Camels outside my gate
I was on the phone when I heard the sounds of bells and saw my sister dashing towards the window. She said "oh my god camels" and I ran myself. I grabbed my camera and ran downstairs to see 2 huge camels and their mahouts outside my gate and they were giving rides to all the kids in the area. This is why I love India, you never know what you're going to see or encounter.
Friday, April 06, 2007
How to make a documentary in two hours
Things to keep in mind when making a last minute documentary
1. Deploy your people on a busy street, teach them the crucial phrases that would get the public to come and be interviewed. Eg: "It is for gender equality", "we will fail college if you don't come", etc
Make sure your people fall into all categories - female, male, cute kid, hot college girl, football fan, menacing tall boy, lost girl and so on - so that there is someone who appeals to the general public at any given point.
2. Never ever say no to whoever that comes forward. Even if they don't remotely smart, use "like" after every 2 words, looks ready to talk till the cows come home, look like they've never been in front of a camera before. Beggars can't be choosers, and just pretend to be filming if the person is talking bullshit. Its a win-win situation.
3. Make sure your people know exactly where the camera angle is. That way, during editing you don't find your own people laughing and gaping like idiots watching people they dragged over being interviewed. Also, make sure your people (those who aren't aware where the camera is pointed at) aren't chasing each other, dancing, doing nothing when they are supposed to be hunting for subjects. They cannot be edited out.
4. Never ever, mutter under your breath while filming someone. Things like "he is fool", "ah think you're smart ah" will be recorded as well, and cannot be edited out. It will also make it hard to understand to what the person who is being filmed is saying.
5. Screen the people before if possible. There is no harm in including footage of people who claim to be "feminazis" and believe that boys should be hung upside down from their toenails if they do something wrong, IF they have some VALID points to make. However, people who were brought to be interviewed because "he was just SO hot" does not constitute as a valid reason to not be edited out. Especially if their footage consists mainly or only of "dude", "man", "like".
Make sure your people fall into all categories - female, male, cute kid, hot college girl, football fan, menacing tall boy, lost girl and so on - so that there is someone who appeals to the general public at any given point.
2. Never ever say no to whoever that comes forward. Even if they don't remotely smart, use "like" after every 2 words, looks ready to talk till the cows come home, look like they've never been in front of a camera before. Beggars can't be choosers, and just pretend to be filming if the person is talking bullshit. Its a win-win situation.
3. Make sure your people know exactly where the camera angle is. That way, during editing you don't find your own people laughing and gaping like idiots watching people they dragged over being interviewed. Also, make sure your people (those who aren't aware where the camera is pointed at) aren't chasing each other, dancing, doing nothing when they are supposed to be hunting for subjects. They cannot be edited out.
4. Never ever, mutter under your breath while filming someone. Things like "he is fool", "ah think you're smart ah" will be recorded as well, and cannot be edited out. It will also make it hard to understand to what the person who is being filmed is saying.
5. Screen the people before if possible. There is no harm in including footage of people who claim to be "feminazis" and believe that boys should be hung upside down from their toenails if they do something wrong, IF they have some VALID points to make. However, people who were brought to be interviewed because "he was just SO hot" does not constitute as a valid reason to not be edited out. Especially if their footage consists mainly or only of "dude", "man", "like".
The people - The cute kid, the menacing tall boy etc - looking for people to interview
Never laugh OR stand in the frame of your own documentary
Pretending to film after 5 minutes
The people (Veeru in football gear - appealing to the fans!) looking for people to interview
Thursday, March 29, 2007
300
Just got back from the cinema after watching 300. I liked it, despite the overdose of testosterone which runs pretty much the entire length of the movie. I thought that Gerard Butler was outstanding as King Leonidas. All the actors were really good and I managed to stomach all that blood without a problem.
I found some of the underlying themes most fascinating, especially that of the role of Spartan women, who were treated as equals, unlike their Persian counterparts. Leonidas' wife Queen Gorgo plays such a crucial in his life, and her final approval seals his deals. I loved the part where Queen Gorgo tells the Persian messenger why Spartan women are given such in importance - it is because Spartan women give birth to "real men".
What I found interesting was the scattered humor and sarcasm in the script, which is not something I expected. I found myself snickering and all in all, somehow gave a more a personal touch to the Spartans, who went to fight the immortals, but gave the audience the impression that it is they, the brave 300, who were the immortals.
More later, still digesting all the Spartan men and their conquests.
I found some of the underlying themes most fascinating, especially that of the role of Spartan women, who were treated as equals, unlike their Persian counterparts. Leonidas' wife Queen Gorgo plays such a crucial in his life, and her final approval seals his deals. I loved the part where Queen Gorgo tells the Persian messenger why Spartan women are given such in importance - it is because Spartan women give birth to "real men".
What I found interesting was the scattered humor and sarcasm in the script, which is not something I expected. I found myself snickering and all in all, somehow gave a more a personal touch to the Spartans, who went to fight the immortals, but gave the audience the impression that it is they, the brave 300, who were the immortals.
More later, still digesting all the Spartan men and their conquests.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Goodbye Bob, Goodbye Inzy?
I mean REALLY. Did they think that the front page of the world cup supplement looking like this would make divert attention from the fact that India is out of the super 8?
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Death awaits Indian cricket team
I almost feel sorry for them. Police are on guard in front of all cricketer's houses like Dhoni, Tendulkar, Dravid etc, since they lost to Bangladesh. I read an article today where they had interviewed one of the policemen who were guarding one of the cricketer's houses and he said that he thought he would be off the job after the Sr Lanka match but since they lost, he's on duty indefinitely.
Since they lost to us, the Indians have been going crazy. They are very fanatical and I expected nothing less. 2 fans have died, 1 committed suicide and a couple of others hospitalized. However, this number is much less than what I had initially expected. The fans have been burning effigies, holding mock funerals, rioting, protesting ... basically the full works. I couldn't even cheer during the match because I wasn't too sure whether I had an fanatic neighbors so I had keep my screaming to a minimum and in Sinhalese !
As I read the entire Times of India this morning, I noticed that 95% of the articles were about the Indian cricket team. Its amazing what a LOT they have to say about it. There is hardly any repetition in the articles as one might expect, but given the disappointment, hostility and animosity cricket crazy india is going through right now, I really wonder what would become of the cricket team when they reach India.
One thing that stands out in the newspapers and tv reports is criticism against the cricketers and their brand endorsements. There is not one second on tv that goes without an advertisement that doesn't feature an Indian cricketer. A lot of people say that the cricketers have got lost in the world of endorsements and deals and that all that should be banned. Kapil Dev, in an article says "Fans want greater commitment from players, not a bigger name or brand".
However, India being knocked out has caused a huge catastrophe for brands. Brands like Nokia, Pepsi, LG are now rethinking their marketing strategies as their sales have started to plummet. No one anticipated this fate for India and I suppose no one thought of planning ahead. Apparently the corporate sector has dumped an estimated 600 crore into the world cup.
As usual, there are hundreds of email and txt jokes about the Indian cricket team. Two of the best that I got were - "The Indian cricket team has been kidnapped and the kidnappers are demanding 50 crore rupees as ransom or the team will be burned in kerosene. Please contribute, I have already donated 12 litres."
'India is a cricketing nation. It walks, talks, drinks, breathes and sleeps cricket. Too bad it doesn't play it."
Since they lost to us, the Indians have been going crazy. They are very fanatical and I expected nothing less. 2 fans have died, 1 committed suicide and a couple of others hospitalized. However, this number is much less than what I had initially expected. The fans have been burning effigies, holding mock funerals, rioting, protesting ... basically the full works. I couldn't even cheer during the match because I wasn't too sure whether I had an fanatic neighbors so I had keep my screaming to a minimum and in Sinhalese !
As I read the entire Times of India this morning, I noticed that 95% of the articles were about the Indian cricket team. Its amazing what a LOT they have to say about it. There is hardly any repetition in the articles as one might expect, but given the disappointment, hostility and animosity cricket crazy india is going through right now, I really wonder what would become of the cricket team when they reach India.
One thing that stands out in the newspapers and tv reports is criticism against the cricketers and their brand endorsements. There is not one second on tv that goes without an advertisement that doesn't feature an Indian cricketer. A lot of people say that the cricketers have got lost in the world of endorsements and deals and that all that should be banned. Kapil Dev, in an article says "Fans want greater commitment from players, not a bigger name or brand".
However, India being knocked out has caused a huge catastrophe for brands. Brands like Nokia, Pepsi, LG are now rethinking their marketing strategies as their sales have started to plummet. No one anticipated this fate for India and I suppose no one thought of planning ahead. Apparently the corporate sector has dumped an estimated 600 crore into the world cup.
As usual, there are hundreds of email and txt jokes about the Indian cricket team. Two of the best that I got were - "The Indian cricket team has been kidnapped and the kidnappers are demanding 50 crore rupees as ransom or the team will be burned in kerosene. Please contribute, I have already donated 12 litres."
'India is a cricketing nation. It walks, talks, drinks, breathes and sleeps cricket. Too bad it doesn't play it."
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)