tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10507000847503098972024-03-14T10:40:40.117+05:30B LogInsigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.comBlogger517125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-12051752530536418672018-05-29T10:30:00.001+05:302018-05-29T10:30:13.173+05:30Never judge a book by its cover<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">At the rickshaw stand this morning, I approached a free rickshaw for hire. He readily agreed to the place I mentioned. This is shocking because they have stopped demanding excess fares and dont expect you to go where they wish to go! courtesy ola and uber presence</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Anyway, I noticed that the driver was old and I sighed and thought "This is going to be a slow ride". You know how old people are so careful and maneuver ever so slowl</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">y on the road following every non-existing traffic rules as well. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />He started the vehicle and took off like a rocket. The journey was eventful; lot of twists and turns, sudden brakes, dangerous maneuvers, jumping signals, cussing, yelling and what not. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />My bag fell down few times, my hair flying all over and I had to grab the seat tight so that i dont get thrown off; the best roller-coaster ride I could ever have. Reached my office in half the time it would generally take. </span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />I misjudged this energetic Superman!</span>Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-31490473166484885592018-04-17T14:34:00.000+05:302018-04-17T14:43:24.147+05:30Visual treatSummer in Bangalore is a visual treat. Though it brings heat, the array of colors from the city's blooming trees brings a refreshing coolness. During the British period; trees from various parts of the world were brought to the city and this was how Bangalore got lucky with having these trees. Come summer; you can witness the aura of colors and you'd just ignore the rising temperatures. Flaming reds of Gulmohars from Madagascar, the lavender flowers of Jacaranda from South America, Trumpet rose from Central America, African Tulip from Africa to name a few.<br />
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I wait for summer just for this visual treat. Amidst chaotic traffic are plumes of flaming oranges and yellows and the lush canopy of rain trees lined along the roads. Here are few snaps I managed to click this year.<br />
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<b>A bee busy collecting nectar from the flowers of the Indian Beech Tree</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSytq5chUIHaI-25FGn-BnhBCq8lMNzuOKGAKRwjQdV8uQWIYHistoURwlRODb4K9uISbyrkQSq2wEBVGJMRuWk9ak6R6KDuoBVFvr2Uxp6CfP1cWMuCvprdqs383OnFr7ZutAlnOoFio/s1600/snap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="648" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSytq5chUIHaI-25FGn-BnhBCq8lMNzuOKGAKRwjQdV8uQWIYHistoURwlRODb4K9uISbyrkQSq2wEBVGJMRuWk9ak6R6KDuoBVFvr2Uxp6CfP1cWMuCvprdqs383OnFr7ZutAlnOoFio/s320/snap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Copper pods also called as Yellow flame tree. </b></div>
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<b>Crepe Myrtle</b></div>
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<b>Flowers of Yellow Tabebuia </b>fallen on the walkway. Isnt it magical?</div>
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<b>Canopy of Rain Tree</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fM_f-AETnrysoTS1Y70C9nI90TmDCJLpGLYIyhuZK45H2UZ-zI_DpOZ-75DYzb5C6-RpLNDSogu5U6S8va7rJKz5OhSQmtKV5l1W1AJw4xKDuRm0z71fDOeAwn8j561mNEYuJC09UUw/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fM_f-AETnrysoTS1Y70C9nI90TmDCJLpGLYIyhuZK45H2UZ-zI_DpOZ-75DYzb5C6-RpLNDSogu5U6S8va7rJKz5OhSQmtKV5l1W1AJw4xKDuRm0z71fDOeAwn8j561mNEYuJC09UUw/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Trumpet Rose tree with not a single leaf. </b></div>
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<br />Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-91294038992684832792018-03-22T13:20:00.001+05:302018-03-22T14:19:44.195+05:30Facebook Data BreachThese last couple of days has been all about data breach scandal at Facebook. If you haven't heard about it yet; then probably you are living on another planet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf24lHAQQm_NfK-f4kDhJvytcqd7b3MZ44OX0mPyZ6LKQIarxydosNs973StevHiletA0SspMZt68flf2cOgL59BgJQV9khdyxZosEYAHJqkaAQnN7bOSt290gw4flNPKb0nmckJje7Y/s1600/VarveG20150207_low.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNf24lHAQQm_NfK-f4kDhJvytcqd7b3MZ44OX0mPyZ6LKQIarxydosNs973StevHiletA0SspMZt68flf2cOgL59BgJQV9khdyxZosEYAHJqkaAQnN7bOSt290gw4flNPKb0nmckJje7Y/s320/VarveG20150207_low.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image source : <a href="http://editorialcartoonists.com/cartoon/display.cfm/139370/">http://editorialcartoonists.com/cartoon/display.cfm/139370/</a></span><br />
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<b>So what happened? </b></div>
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Cambridge Analytica, the London based elections consultancy firm is amidst an ongoing scandal alongside Facebook over the alleged harvesting and use of over 50 million users' personal data. These data were then used to influence the outcome of 2016 US elections. </div>
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This company helps political campaigns reach potential voters online, it combines data from multiple sources to build profile of voters. The company then uses algorithms to predict voter behavior, which then could be influenced. </div>
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An academic Dr. Kogan created an app called "thisisyourdigitallife" in 2014 that was supposed to offer a personality prediction through a series of questions. This app was a personality quiz based on your Facebook data which includes information like your location, likes, preferences and such. About 270,000 people downloaded this app; who not only allowed it to access their data but also their friends'. Dr. Kogan passed on these user data to the political firm Cambridge Analytica. A whistle blower detailed the usage of these collected data; saying that these data harvested from millions of users were used to build models to exploit what they knew about them and turned it into psychographic profiles. What this means is identifying people based on their values, preferences, attitudes, interests, lifestyle and use this information to influence them. </div>
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So, if you took such a quiz; a seemingly harmless question like "Do you like beef?" can say a lot about your religious sentiments and emotions and give an idea about your ideologies and political preference. Someone out there has created an online profile of 'you' and using it to influence you without your knowledge. How is that for a jolt? </div>
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<b>What does this have to do with 2016 US elections?</b></div>
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Empowered by such a tool, the Trump campaign used these profiles to influence voters for 2016 US elections. What is the fun part here? Cambridge Analytica once featured Steve Bannon who served as the CEO of Trump's 2016 presidential bid on its board and is also partly owned by Robert Mercer, a billionaire who spent millions on Trump's campaign. The company helped the campaign identify voters to target with ads that influenced people's voting decisions and helped in strategic communications. The company's CEO admitted to the company being largely responsible for a vast amount of Trump's campaign. All the research, analytics, targeting. television and digital campaign were run by Cambridge Analytica. </div>
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<b>But how can you use this information to influence?</b></div>
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Lets say you have a piece of news to share. Different takes on the same article is pushed to different groups based on the profiles created. It doesn't take long to figure out which one of them was more effective. The better one has more clicks, likes and more shares. The more clicks and shares, the louder the message is. The company created an effective data mining technique; which was then misused for political ads. </div>
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<b>How did this come to light? </b></div>
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Cambridge Analytica's CEO who is now fired; boasted how the company could bribe, use sex workers, blackmail and sow misinformation to try and help political candidates in an undercover sting operation. </div>
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<b>What is Facebook saying?</b><br />
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Facebook says Mr. Kogan mishandled the data but was obtained legally and within rules. The users logged into Facebook network to answer questions posed by the app; so they did it willfully. It said people knowingly provided their information, no systems were infiltrated and no passwords stolen. However since 2015; Facebook has prohibited app developers to request and receive access to data of users. Facebook told Cambridge Analytica to delete the data but it wasn't destroyed. Cambridge says it did not break any compliance policy since the data was received legally and fairly. Zuckerburg has now acknowledged that Facebook made mistakes and promised regulations on how much third party apps and app developers can access user information.<br />
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<b>Cambirdge Analytica and India</b></div>
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SCL India, the Indian branch of Cambridge Analytica's parent company SCL says <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-43482391">both of India's biggest political parties are its clients. </a> Both Congress and BJP are now passing the buck to one another and denying links with SCL India and are accusing one another of using SCL's services. SCL India says it has successfully managed four election campaigns for BJP and among them names 2014 general elections. </div>
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<b>Why does it matter to you and me?</b></div>
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This breach of data is a moral problem. Misuse of sensitive personal data without proper consent is trust issue. I keep advising few of my freinds who are over enthusiastic on social media not to click on quizzes and personality tests from third party app on Facebook and to set proper privacy settings because you are giving away too much of not only your information but also your connections'. It s exploitation; you cant make out the impact just because its virtual. All these social media accounts are so interconnected now; that to login to one account; you have to validate it with either Google or Facebook. These are so ingrained in our lives that their power is much more than one can imagine. Your information is being used without you being aware to change the face of the world. Isn't that scary?<br />
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Got a Twitter forward this morning and I think it couldn't have been said better.<br />
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Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-12464651532999307862018-02-26T13:28:00.003+05:302018-02-26T13:28:40.230+05:30My Aurora Borealis experience in Norway<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #767676; font-family: "source sans pro", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">
Those mystical greenish dance of lights, an enigmatic natural phenomenon occurring in the northern hemisphere are comparable to none. Having read about the Aurora Borealis in school; it had been my dream ever since to experience this wonder. My perseverance finally paid off when I booked a flight to Copenhagen for the second week of November. The plan was to fly into Tromso, north of Norway, one of the best spots to catch the lights.</div>
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For someone like me from a tropical place; winter in the arctic region was quite an experience. The warmest it got was 0 C. Layers of clothes and mugs of hot chocolates don’t help much. The chill wind hitting your face makes you feel as if you are sitting in a freezer set on the lowest possible temperature. I have been in the subarctic region earlier once; in Iceland. That was during summer; not the kind of summer that we tropical folks know with loads of sunshine and flip flops and straw hats. Nevertheless; there was no brazen wind waiting to freeze your hands the moment you remove those gloves to click a picture of the spectacular landscape around you.</div>
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There are tours you can sign up in Tromso to “chase” Aurora Borealis. Since it was the primary reason to have ventured that north, my friend and I chose a tour on that very day we landed. There are few revelations about the northern lights occurrence that we didn’t know earlier. It was not that I was expecting the lights to be dancing throughout the day. The aurora is elusive and skittish. No one can really predict the time and place when one could catch a glimpse of the lights. It depends on many factors; like the skies being dry and clear, the location and of course tons of luck. I had also researched well about how to take good pictures of northern lights with a DSLR – the shutter speed, focus and all that nuances. Need to capture them to show off on social media, right?</div>
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A couple of hours before starting for the tour; a mate in the hostel I was staying prepared me for what to expect. He went for a tour the day before. I didn’t really think it was necessary then, but I thanked him tons after the tour. After the initial guidelines from the guide and the usual “It’s all up to nature ultimately” sermon; we started at about 7 PM. The tour is a “chase” where we set out in a group of 8 in a bus and drive out of the city lights for about an hour or two until we find the aurora. You need a dark spot without any other light interference for better chance of seeing the lights. We stopped at a spot; grabbed our camera and tripod; got out and adjusted the settings and gazed at the sky. The wind was brutal, the thermal suit, gloves and caps were not at all a match to the freezing negative temperature. All we could see was a sky. “Where?” desperate for a flick. We saw a thin grey streak for few seconds like the tail vapour of a jet. The guide took a couple of quick photos (You see, since they are doing this day in and day out, they have the camera set to right settings to capture the lights, including the height of tripod). The clouds hovered over in a short time and we had to leave. We roamed around for another hour or so desperately trying to catch a glimpse. The lights just decided it was not ready to show up in the locations we went. Resigned to ill fate; we returned to hostel just before midnight with promises from the guide to share the photos he clicked.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QfTeWi8pqGV62d2bL305TpqHp34p8zHCI0mKiix3HEi_gaiCQQnUBUAxY-TU_Ot60lpuITXOTqO7Opxp9H96ibXjnYGcUGJ0Q1kTzbDnBKV3KhvagXzxN1PKYA8BnylAROp3Kxz7rYE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QfTeWi8pqGV62d2bL305TpqHp34p8zHCI0mKiix3HEi_gaiCQQnUBUAxY-TU_Ot60lpuITXOTqO7Opxp9H96ibXjnYGcUGJ0Q1kTzbDnBKV3KhvagXzxN1PKYA8BnylAROp3Kxz7rYE/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now; this is what Northern Lights are – mysterious. There was nothing close to how they looked on photos versus how they were seen to the naked eye. No wonder there are many folk tales and legends surrounding the lights. It is not easy to give up on northern lights that easily. So a second trip was booked for the third night of the stay. Don’t they say you get surprises when you least expect. On the second day while returning from our drive to Lyngen Alps (this warrants a separate post); we saw a grey haze in the sky. Oh! I should’ve mentioned, by now we got accustomed to the fact that lights dont show up as electric green to your naked eye. It’s only the camera that can capture that color. To a naked eye; a whitish glow is a sign of northern lights. A stop on the road and a rush to unpack the camera gear and seeing the picture confirmed that we did spot northern lights. Totally unplanned and unexpected. It was difficult to capture it on camera though since we were on the road and lights from vehicles constantly crossing us didn’t give many good chances. Nonetheless; a few stops and many tries later; I did manage a couple of pictures.<br />
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We got lucky on the third night when we had booked for a trip. The lights that night at the location was literally all over the sky and green enough for the naked eye. They blazed the sky, sweeping and swaying like a graceful dancer. They put up a spectacular show for complete ten minutes before coming to an abrupt end. I stood there speechless; unaware of the gusty wind that was knocking me down or the cold numbing my bones. I waited holding my camera, like a lovelorn teenager; feeling forsaken. I did not take hundreds of time lapse pictures or video as I had carefully planned. I just lost it all. The guide suggested we move since the wind was really harsh that night. Everyone had at least one broken camera equipment, courtesy the wind.<br />
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I saw the lights even on the last night of my stay as we were casually walking along the main street in downtown Tromso. Words are inadequate to describe what the Aurora Borealis look like and how I felt every time. But the sense of awe that accompanies an encounter gives you goosebumps.</div>
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The greatest firework on earth – Aurora Borealis.</div>
Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-72052949673980251012018-02-06T15:22:00.002+05:302018-02-06T15:22:47.017+05:30What does money mean to youA friend asked me this - What does money mean to you? I didn't have an immediate answer. Money - the great manipulative tool invented by mankind. What does it mean to me - NOW? Perhaps that would've been a more appropriate question. Our needs and wants change as we go through phases in life. Our experience teaches us a lot.<br />
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For some, money is a motivator - makes you do awesome things. It enables us to reach for the stars, to invent, innovate, to create. It makes us endure our struggles with a smile, enjoy that mundane job, keep us sane in the most insane environment. On the face, money is a tool to obtain what you want. Everything costs money. But deep within, it means more than a mere tool. For most of us money - it means many things. It means freedom, power, security, happiness, respect, reassurance and love.<br />
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When I was young, money for me was a way to obtain things my parents wouldn't buy for me. Simple! I wanted Diary Milk chocolate. It was a luxury those days. After months of nagging; my father would buy a slab and break it into half to be shared between my brother and I. I used to think that when I grew up and made money; I would buy lots of chocolates as and when I need. I need not have to depend on my dad. So, money then was a tool to gain freedom. It's another story that I don't like chocolates now :-)<br />
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These days, I work because I need money to pay my bills. Gone are the days when technology was passion. I think after having worked over a decade; it gets saturated. All that hoopla of learning and creating awesome stuff weans off. It could be due to various factors - opportunities that don't come easy, lack of support and the daily struggle of life. These days its about paying my mortgage and my bills. I have even reduced buying things for me - no more buying gadgets and footwear that I once so loved. I suppose most of us go through this phase, isn't? You want to acquire material comforts, car, house and then at one point it just does not make sense? Maybe not for all of us. There are folks who keep acquiring wealth, for their children and their children. Then there are some who see money as power and so keep hoarding money and properties.<br />
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I do think about future as well. How would I sustain if I didn't earn actively. How about my health? How long will I live? So the security part is something that I haven't got quite convinced. What if I save and save and then I die early? So this one is a bummer right? We still have to save for a rainy day.<br />
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Oh! I do indulge in my passion; that is traveling. Need a bit of money for that. Nothing beyond that. I am glad that I have not been greedy. So when I actually think about what money means to me; it has been a tool for me to remain independent and to pursue my interests.<br />
<br />Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-69900833574328835552018-01-30T12:46:00.004+05:302018-01-30T12:46:41.811+05:30Over fridge magnetsAll of us have that one trigger point that would get us into a conversation. That topic that breaks the ice and lets even the shyest person to get talking. For some, its the weather, for others football or movies or books. For me, its always travel. <div>
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A friend knows that too well. When he gets his other friends and I go quiet and try to hide myself; he will casually mention to others "Ask her how many places she has traveled?" and there! i am now forced to talk and after few minutes, the conversation becomes so easy! Now! that is how you get me talking. It has happened at work as well. </div>
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I got into the habit of collecting fridge magnets from wherever I visited. Earlier, it was one magnet per city; then as they grew exponentially, I limited them to a magnet per country. This is how my fridge at home looks now.</div>
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Not many yet, but it sure is eating up the real estate. </div>
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Recently, I had to call in a maintenance service to fix my fridge. The guy who came in to look into the issue was particularly interested in the Cambodia fridge magnet. I am wary of strangers; especially if they are in the house attending to a service call. Yet, I was able to answer all his questions about Cambodia. He apparently watched a documentary about Angkor Wat and has been interested to visit it since then. He wanted to know the flight charges, visa, how long to fly and how many days would he need. He was also inquiring about how much it could cost him. Some of his comments were interesting. </div>
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"Why did the Cholas had to go that far to build temples?"</div>
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"We should pay to see the temples built by our own people!. Ridiculous!" - when I mentioned him about Angkor Wat park entry fees. </div>
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I also shared a little about how the country now is Buddhist and these Hindu temples are all Buddhist temples now. A perplexed look, a sigh! Meanwhile, the work was done and off he went. </div>
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Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-16949515407226321612018-01-02T22:14:00.002+05:302018-01-02T22:20:01.303+05:30Google Maps The first time I ever saw a navigation device was during my first trip to the US back in 2006. I gaped at it in utter disbelief. How can these folks trust a small device to take them to their destination? Back in India, we relied on fellow people right? Either stop at a road side tea shop; sip a cutting chai while asking for directions. You'd get a "go straight, take left, take another right; you'll get a round about. Just stop there and ask someone; they will guide you further". That was the norm. Now! there is this pager like device mounted on the car dashboard that's speaking to you. One of my friend had named the lady of his GPS "Jill".<br />
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I got used to it; the way I got used to many other things. Anyway; what prompted me to write this post is this strange phenomenon of us Indians trusting an internet app. For someone who is tech-savvy; its a no-brainer. But for the tech-illiterates; the advent of Google maps to navigate has been a slow admission. Maps has been there for a while now; but I see the cabbies and others have embraced it only recently. Few months back; when a cabbie or an auto driver asked me where to go; I would truthfully admit I dont know the route and that I will switch on maps. My answer would be always met with disgust. "Computer? Madam - computer hege heluththe?" - Madam, how can you trust what a computer says? And then they'll set about asking passer-byes for the direction. </div>
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The past few months though; I have seen a round about. Cabbies are relying on maps and dont trust the decision of a human being anymore. Few days back; a driver (mind you, a learned man who definitely knew how to use maps) at a traffic signal asked my cabbie the direction to a place. My cabbie's smart answer - "You have phone right? Use google maps. It shows the roads accurately. There is no need for you to ask anybody anymore". </div>
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And today; I was chided by the cab driver for directing him on an alternate route and for my back luck; there was a traffic jam in the impossible of places! He told me "That's why, we should listen to what Google says. My fuel is getting wasted. We could've reached by now". I did not utter a word. </div>
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This may seem nothing; but to gain trust of people who are stubborn to let of their old ways and who are suspicious of technology; it is a big deal. Google Maps has come up with ads with the tagline "LookBeforeYouLeave where it says how Google Maps can help you address traffic issue and how it can preempt your woes on the road by showing an alternative and fastest route. These ads are aptly made for Indian audience, drawing scenes from everyday life like how a wedding procession on the road or a cricket match can make roads unpredictable. This intelligence the app uses to make decisions is a boon for a frustrated Indian who already has a nightmare that is Indian road. The app now supports vernacular too. </div>
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I have thus decided to not face the wrath of my cabbie hereafter and just let him trust his maps!</div>
Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-35944945805394886342017-12-15T15:34:00.001+05:302017-12-15T19:43:33.916+05:30Indian outside IndiaTraveling to me is an excellent way to connect with people from around the world. I stay at hostels which offers a good platform to meet people. Interacting with others helps you learn about them and you develop your acumen. A harmless banter, a useless knowledge or even an important topic of discussion expands your view of the world. I did not know Guinness available in other parts of the world is not "Guinness enough" from an Irish man. How about the presence of Christianity in Jordan? You can of course read about it; but the interactive discussions and questions and more discussions with a local is so enriching. I can discuss sushi with a Japanese and then turn around and ask a Mayan descendant what does it mean to an actual descendant now while sharing hazelnut and chocolate cookies made by another hostel inmate from Israel.<br />
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The way I have questions for them, I as an Indian face lot of questions. Some of them are stereotypical, most common ones that I have been asked are the same questions wherever I go. First question is always about why am I without an accent? They have met Indians with thick accents! Indians dont know how to converse politely. Indians are generally not considerate. Why am I not like a typical Indian? Are you living out of India? That may explain your un-Indianness. These questions embarrass me and makes me sad. Yeah, what a bad reputation we have built for ourselves? Now apart from explaining why I am without accent, I now have the moral obligation to correct their misunderstandings. How do I tell not all Indians are rude? How do I convey Indians at heart are good but the society has made them run an never ending rat race? Why am I trying to sweep the truth under the carpet? I do get approving and appreciating comments "You are not like the other Indians I know. I thought all were the same." Should I take this as a compliment? I only cringe whenever I hear this and trust me! I have heard this many times in different parts of the world from different people. <br />
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The follow up question is always about safety in India. "I've heard that its not safe for girls in India, how bad is it?" or "How do you manage being a woman in India". "Dont you get scared walking on the streets?" "Is it true that you can get robbed and raped?" Imagine this! you are representing your country and someone is asking about the news they hear, how do you cope with it? Should I say - "You know, its not everyday and everywhere such incidents occur." If I try to play down an incident - even one incident, then I am being unfair. Yeah, maybe bad things travel faster in the wind than good ones. But hundred good things cannot make up for one bad incident. It doesn't end there. Those people who've traveled to other places want to visit India very bad. But they are unsure, they are scared. I feel sad as an Indian, perhaps ashamed too. I admit the facts but give them few tips on pockets of India which are gorgeous and are very safe to visit. That is the best I could do for my country. <br />
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Travel has taught me to make better judgement, to respect differences and make space for everyone. It has taught me to be inclusive and humble. Travel has taught me how frivolous we all are. It makes me to laugh at empty egos and irrelevant ideologies. Travel has taught me to be human. Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-20657190640366576652017-09-26T12:21:00.001+05:302017-09-26T12:21:21.869+05:30Sketches and HaikusBeen away for a while now. I have lots to say, write and throw my opinions on events happening around; but the moment I am about to write about it; I feel like I have only to complain. Growing older makes you wiser and more prone to taking things by your stride, isn't it?<br />
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To this day, I am not sure if its just too many bad things happening around in the world or that news and information is at our disposal that we are getting to know everything; which we normally wouldn't have earlier? Either way; what I am sure is our tolerance level has come down a lot. </div>
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When I am not running around to office and back in this brutal Bangalore's traffic; I sketch and write Haikus. Sketching started off as a way to pass time and now it's growing on me. I think I have improved with each work; learning the techniques and the tools. Here are few. </div>
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I have been able to give away a couple of these pieces and give the money got from it to help few charity organizations. I do my bit to give back to the society; why not encourage others as well through this? If any of you are interested in taking a look at all the works; please state it in the comment section, I'll share the link.<br />
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The other activity that keeps me occupied are writing Haikus. Its been a great learning and every month when I get an email from NHK World TV that my work has been accepted and would be published on their website; I just feel so happy. To have my work chosen among 1000's of haikus they get from 100+ countries each month is a great achievement. Here are few published ones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpVjanyoAShEiqt-0u6x-Fk_RTL22eNIVXN5Sp8ZYzzvxIHHO9SS8JVNsSEx4ZZVp6BD3xdB_XjeBCfPINxLQIW5fCwzzh9YuIgZp_JpeZqA_Q2IFSIbgJGJxG4IcMdJqOSOBLIoIEqs/s1600/Sept+2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpVjanyoAShEiqt-0u6x-Fk_RTL22eNIVXN5Sp8ZYzzvxIHHO9SS8JVNsSEx4ZZVp6BD3xdB_XjeBCfPINxLQIW5fCwzzh9YuIgZp_JpeZqA_Q2IFSIbgJGJxG4IcMdJqOSOBLIoIEqs/s320/Sept+2017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What are your thoughts on these haikus?</div>
Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-17659344396450017842017-07-05T10:02:00.001+05:302017-07-05T10:02:20.976+05:30Titbits<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am an observant lady. I tend to notice the trivial things that happen around me; that makes me feel connected to surroundings than just being aloof. I am a reserved person; but I won't let a chance go by if I were pulled in an interesting conversation. Here are few recent happenings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Yesterday; while buying cilantro/coriander bunch from the old woman with her vegetable cart; I noticed for a split second a tiny worm </span><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v9/f76/1.5/16/1f41b.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px;">🐛</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> crawling in the bunch I picked. It made me so happy to see a living creature in that bunch. Vegetables are grown with synthetic manure, growth hormones and pesticides these days that finding a worm among them is like a diamond in the rough. I used to be annoyed as a kid when I would come across worms while cleaning/chopping vegetables without realizing they could thrive only because the veggies were grown organic. Now I yearn for a worm. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">I commute to office by Uber or OLA. The </span><span style="color: #1d2129;">cabbies are an interesting lot. Some tend to mind their business</span><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> with the radio on playing assorted songs; the ride is pretty quiet and dull. Others tend to start a conversation with you. Why not? I have quite few posts on my conversations with cabbies wherever I've traveled. The conversations are mostly about Bangalore's traffic, their struggle being a cab driver and such. Last week; while getting home from work, the cab I rode on had a talkative driver. He started with how he has been hearing about IT going down and not a lucrative career </span>opportunity<span style="font-family: inherit;"> anymore. I responded with a "Nothing is easier these days". He agreed to it and continued to say how he has already decided for his daughter to prepare for Indian Administrative Service and get a "government" job. You see, working in a </span>government/public <span style="font-family: inherit;">sector is always deemed safe in India. The job security and the pension after retirement is a </span>privilege<span style="font-family: inherit;"> not the private sector employees get. I lauded his decision while imagining in my mind his daughter should be finishing school and in the process of graduating college. The conversation steered away to other topics for few minutes and later got back to his daughter. He mentioned how his daughter can speak many languages when she was only in 3rd year of primary school. Whoa! and her career already decided!!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently learnt that there are different types of beer glas<span style="font-family: inherit;">ses. </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">This one is called Tulip glass. These are designed to trap and maintain the foam head. This type helps enhance the </span><span style="color: #1d2129;">flavor</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> and aromatics of hoppy and malty brews and are generally used for stronger brews like double IPA or Belgian brews. The bulb like bowl allows to swirl the beer allowing it to release the full aromas. Some general knowledge here huh!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">Do you remember the fruits of rain trees? You'll find rain trees in abundance in Bangalore. As a kid; I did not know that it was a rain tree of the fruit that I used to collect were from the rain trees.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> T</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">hese fruits would be crushed, mashed and mixed with castor oil and made a ball to play cricket. It was left to dry for few days before used. It was called cork ball and was hard, painful when hit with it. This was an easy alternative to buying the expensive tennis ball. Only recently did I realize these were fruits of rain tree, falling off during spring. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5-jNQmUjak9LBI1JUfUa4HJRuSUZopLUZ7rJrFEWq-NgoqCMrZNI-UruatDJQsnJn-rc0H77lxszhrX9EQkwGR49lkoTFWnz2lMdojN7JfoPRBVzcef4zf9GojAnUocDS1mYZaclmR8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5-jNQmUjak9LBI1JUfUa4HJRuSUZopLUZ7rJrFEWq-NgoqCMrZNI-UruatDJQsnJn-rc0H77lxszhrX9EQkwGR49lkoTFWnz2lMdojN7JfoPRBVzcef4zf9GojAnUocDS1mYZaclmR8/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And finally - I love animals and have soft corner for dogs. Dogs - anywhere, any type and any time have my time and attention. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It started raining when I was out at a pub over weekend. It was a sudden pour, the sight of rain made me walk out the door. As I was standing enjoying the aroma of the wet earth; a stray came by and stood beside. He wanted to protect himself from getting wet. He kind of nudged me and as I pet him; he gradually lied down and put his paw this way...it took me enough pain in my heart to ease away from him without him noticing. Dogs dont let anyone near their paws and this was an ultimate gesture of trust. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNxQnFAuZfHxINFfEhF9N1tphmxdg1wOMCtnEXO0Y48Js745XRJkOxD6YM0jWXUiO4BkHY33VtHmSgr3VWMIdKjWEziiakEqZcl8q5eeIwNToVsQzvwQp9y8UDo6IUF9ICcO_Ghbkh-c/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNxQnFAuZfHxINFfEhF9N1tphmxdg1wOMCtnEXO0Y48Js745XRJkOxD6YM0jWXUiO4BkHY33VtHmSgr3VWMIdKjWEziiakEqZcl8q5eeIwNToVsQzvwQp9y8UDo6IUF9ICcO_Ghbkh-c/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-42270469637624686032017-06-30T15:05:00.001+05:302017-06-30T15:05:07.592+05:30Freedom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w9Z6vVZzSIlTKpz-2KXHj3y54bTRaWlnmNeXNBc8VX3Eao4V0uozDT-hAcEAL2UIVWRJZ1Pm1DRac4jryw8eXD-Fo3gPJs1LBONoqCobcXU22tQ_P_5LCb-gMH5sQYJbsDqNahhO-rk/s1600/Freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w9Z6vVZzSIlTKpz-2KXHj3y54bTRaWlnmNeXNBc8VX3Eao4V0uozDT-hAcEAL2UIVWRJZ1Pm1DRac4jryw8eXD-Fo3gPJs1LBONoqCobcXU22tQ_P_5LCb-gMH5sQYJbsDqNahhO-rk/s400/Freedom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-50595583889229933992017-06-27T15:17:00.004+05:302017-06-27T15:17:47.858+05:30When to Stop<div class="MsoNormal">
Few days back; I got a call from a friend. He seemed very
dejected. This person would not generally call me and say, “I wanted to talk”.
At times, we just need to be heard; without wanting any advice or being judged.
This was the situation here; and so, I casually enquired about his well-being.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are distressed; all you need is a nudge to vent out.
My “how are things?” did just that. He mentioned how his business has hit rock
bottom. Payments were being delayed indefinitely, orders were difficult to come
by and months of struggle to sell off the business was not materializing as
well. His lament was how all his efforts and time were going down the
drain. He has been failing repeatedly and could not figure out where was he
going wrong!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
No one can be hard on us than ourselves. We berate ourselves
for our failures; overlooking the fact that it’s not only one’s efforts bring
success. You need support of people for your success and growth. Business is
all about collaboration; where individuals work together to achieve a common
purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We often face such situations in our life; not just in
business like my friend’s case, also in situations relating to career,
education, marriage, personal success.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We are wired to focus on the outcome than the journey
itself; which is an enriching learning experience. Not being able to achieve
your goal does not mean you are a failure. For one; it is best to set realistic
goal. More importantly; you should know when to stop chasing a goal. When you
face this dilemma, asking yourself these questions might help.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li>Is your heart still in it? Maybe. You believe in the idea
and persistently strive for it. But if it’s not working well; does not mean you
are a failure.</li>
<li>Are you gaining or losing more from it? If you are losing
and falling into an abyss, it is better to revisit the goal and the returns. Is
it worth your time and effort? I asked my friend if he thought if it was still
worth the risk with his debt building up day by day. He was heading nowhere and
not only losing time, health and energy but also carrying huge debts that he
must repay without any support or collateral.</li>
<li>How long are you willing to pursue your goal? It is always
better to set a timeline, break the goal to manageable chunks and work on them
one at a time. Setting a deadline makes it realistic and lets us review the
feasibility regularly.</li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stopping is not a sign of failure; not at all trying is. The
lessons learned are precious and knowing when to stop avoids wild goose chase.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-9366847701043226812017-05-31T21:30:00.001+05:302017-05-31T22:38:56.872+05:30Trump's Twitter BlundersThe President of the USA is known to be very active on twitter; particularly late night ramblings. Twitter is where he communicates his policies and decisions that affect not only his country but the world.<br />
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Some of his ramblings in the past have been dissected and made fun of. There was also a joke going around; that the first task the WH officials would do once he became the President would be to lock his twitter account. Well, Mr. Trump has been repeating his gaffes. Few days back; he left a two word tweet "WE" and the everyone had a ball trying to fill in the rest of the words he would've supposedly wanted to write.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOXpgSgDmU022VCC7CHdvn5d4FaKlPM_JsYdp_7Yx1YU8LAaFzymukiOrzOUHUle_YSt3dhQthL4bnja6caGjUY350mSCEL5emUNwq8K6FtCyH5GlgPjLpJcmTIT6O4Dt-eTlRl9FgWI/s1600/WE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="977" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOXpgSgDmU022VCC7CHdvn5d4FaKlPM_JsYdp_7Yx1YU8LAaFzymukiOrzOUHUle_YSt3dhQthL4bnja6caGjUY350mSCEL5emUNwq8K6FtCyH5GlgPjLpJcmTIT6O4Dt-eTlRl9FgWI/s320/WE.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The tweet "We" started a movement and the handle #we was trending like crazy. It was just a two letter word but so powerful and inclusive. It was deleted within minutes but nothing leaves the internet; does it? The tweet was retweeted 1000 times and was memorialised by witty folks on the social media. From snarky comments to completing the word with lyrics to satire; it was a melee of creative thoughts and the reflection of what people think of the President and what they wished for like his resignation, better health care, wanting to know his close ties with Russia and so on.<br />
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The best one I loved among the lots were the below ones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9-cmSgjQ7rew4h4QWqwqnUSduzLKBG7zeApkYMKIj0d51PjAThyphenhyphenGMt0qsfNw_xhYgRf2eCwKkkzzAqRlCJ8TvtG2FcEQxsMn9v3eC-kymJfqdw9nr_o4XZ87e7L3d7emRNfXsZDfKCw/s1600/we1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="651" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9-cmSgjQ7rew4h4QWqwqnUSduzLKBG7zeApkYMKIj0d51PjAThyphenhyphenGMt0qsfNw_xhYgRf2eCwKkkzzAqRlCJ8TvtG2FcEQxsMn9v3eC-kymJfqdw9nr_o4XZ87e7L3d7emRNfXsZDfKCw/s320/we1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJlAcUMGac7x2S1nC9oIIOuZ9RuFdxlrcJpUO9Y1GzIoYINSlmwtpMbqSJgoBc26fya4HHVuh1JwwiN0UCjdy-e8gHvJiC2x8JxAoP9dEzaHll2YV5i5A_1hEjGE3JeF3_ZHkq7F6HSk/s1600/we2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="751" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJlAcUMGac7x2S1nC9oIIOuZ9RuFdxlrcJpUO9Y1GzIoYINSlmwtpMbqSJgoBc26fya4HHVuh1JwwiN0UCjdy-e8gHvJiC2x8JxAoP9dEzaHll2YV5i5A_1hEjGE3JeF3_ZHkq7F6HSk/s320/we2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAIh4HfXUEwlVFjeyNj5Te26QZsxHAnnvLFGquZPbo57JMn7QlPdxiGVRUUW7DBeDoauZFEWcjQPnrj0Cq-Z7cga0c3ORDSz2CTehvUMST7YQDOdxj29tqqrHV2hv1uf39cTfiZfFU1Y/s1600/we3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="745" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAIh4HfXUEwlVFjeyNj5Te26QZsxHAnnvLFGquZPbo57JMn7QlPdxiGVRUUW7DBeDoauZFEWcjQPnrj0Cq-Z7cga0c3ORDSz2CTehvUMST7YQDOdxj29tqqrHV2hv1uf39cTfiZfFU1Y/s320/we3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Earlier this month; Trump got confused between "Council" and "Counsel" when he tweeted thus: He meant "Counsel".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4izd5xqMjThOBPOhlXf7nBVwUdgeJiZjyAP9b9T7_EJzrarmKqZRyBghje26GBbxFK0y4iyDMXhac0yHVjRG1-YgnZFfGL1irqvH6kM7YEoik9p7xyga2zrzUGjTySZVBz24b48Ln1k/s1600/council.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="582" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4izd5xqMjThOBPOhlXf7nBVwUdgeJiZjyAP9b9T7_EJzrarmKqZRyBghje26GBbxFK0y4iyDMXhac0yHVjRG1-YgnZFfGL1irqvH6kM7YEoik9p7xyga2zrzUGjTySZVBz24b48Ln1k/s320/council.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The desperate Merriam-Webster dictionary went on to educate Mr. Trump on the two homophones. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdVxw7t1SAHS0aRfZhno1R9D2IvQTqvkxx9TjvQPFH2D_8tLaz44hJWZIEpc4hEgRCYAN3UKgZmEFBA85P1U2XsDSKL-05hDlvCggXHm1bfv-vCV9v8lNhdiOkl_BDOQzv8xdrau68B8/s1600/dict1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="748" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdVxw7t1SAHS0aRfZhno1R9D2IvQTqvkxx9TjvQPFH2D_8tLaz44hJWZIEpc4hEgRCYAN3UKgZmEFBA85P1U2XsDSKL-05hDlvCggXHm1bfv-vCV9v8lNhdiOkl_BDOQzv8xdrau68B8/s320/dict1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Did he learn? Nope, never! He again went on to tweet 10 days later; now with the spelling "Councel". He did retweet the same message again with the right spelling but perhaps was tired to delete the old one!</div>
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<br />
Mr. Trump did something similar last night. He posted something on Twitter that had a word that has people scratching their heads.<br />
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What is covfefe? Perhaps; Mr. Trump invented a new word. Or did he convey an encrypted message? Is it short for some complicated word? Or is it some word in European language or Arabic that he might've picked up during his recent travel? Or did he just doze off mid-tweet?<br />
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Well, Trump sure does keep everyone at the edge of the seat? People have already started using the word "covfefe" in their posts and is sure going to be another crazy twitter handle. Some have started speculating that it might mean "coverage". It does come close to that. Meanwhile; I am wondering how do we pronounce "covfefe"?<br />
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Maybe "covfefe" is a mystery that will unravel much to world's joy.<br />
<br />Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-27822621701271841682017-05-29T21:04:00.000+05:302017-05-29T21:05:20.967+05:30Nasty Rains<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">Rains are beautiful, it brings life, energy and hope. But when its merciless; it can be trouble. The past few days has been raining cats and dogs in Bangalore with gusty winds. The inconvenience is inexpressible. Rains - are beautiful only if you are not stuck in it.</span><br />
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Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-56667318316666710262017-05-28T23:00:00.001+05:302017-05-28T23:00:19.083+05:30Looking back I just noticed that I've crossed my 500th posts few posts earlier. It didn't excite me as it had when I crossed my 10th or 100th or 200th.<br />
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Been writing since 2008; this blog has seen me evolve. I've neglected it, not been regular. The kind of passion I had towards multitude of topics surprise me now. I was looking at my timeline and see the number of posts per year consistently diminishing. Perhaps; I got tired of writing about the same stuff or my creative juice stopped flowing or that I got pulled into other interests. Whatever the reason, its good to just go with the flow.<br />
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I write lot of poems and haikus these days compared to prose. I want to publish a book; rather few books. Well, the procrastination is strong in me. If any of this should come true; I need to set a tight deadline and start planning and implementing.<br />
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I feel energised when someone truly comments and shares views about a topic I write; when they relate to it and tell their own story or when they say they were tempted to try something after reading my post. Its a beautiful feeling.<br />
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I hope I can cross 1000 here.Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-62965307782612811962017-05-25T11:56:00.000+05:302017-05-25T11:56:07.432+05:30Portable Temple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-58053900952122267502017-05-22T20:49:00.001+05:302017-05-22T20:50:25.406+05:30Diminishing trades<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">I was returning home after running an errand this evening. I saw these three guys sharpening knives in front of a bakery beside my house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I ran to my house to get the two kitchen knives to sharpen. It wasn't necessary but I was excited. </span>It's not easy to spot mobile knife sharpeners these days. These men were still sticking to a legacy.</div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;">What are these nice mechanical knife sharpening machines called? They are run by </span><span style="color: #1d2129;">pedalling</span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit;"> a wheel which rotates the grinding wheel mounted on </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">top. The knife's edge is held parallel to the wheel. The fire sparks that emits while sharpening is something nice to look at but better be away from them. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I remember seeing them often as a kid. By the time I came back with the knives, they were gone! I cursed myself for not hurrying up. Then I saw them carrying their machines on their back and walking away. I tried whistling to get their attention, well I'm not a good whistler. So I just ran after them and got the knives sharpened. I asked them why they left so soon from the bakery, they said nobody came by to sharpen the knives and so they left.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Seeing them pedal the wheel as the knife was being sharpened was mesmerising. Yeah! i find that little joy in things as these. Moments like these take you back to your growing up years. Not everyone wait for these people nowadays. It is much easier to replace a blunt knife with a new one rather than waiting for these guys when you are not sure when they'd turn up and if you are going to be at home and notice them when they do turn up.</span></div>
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Busy lives, most of us work, start early and return late. And the little time we get free; we either want to chill at home sleeping or on TV or loaf around. I was thinking how much such old profession and trades are getting lost these days. We used to have women selling coconut broomsticks, rangoli powder or even men on their cycles coming to your doorstep to dye old clothes or even mobile tailors. </div>
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Alas! It's a priviledge if you come across any of these bygone traders these days. </div>
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Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-10898306579032586642017-05-15T11:28:00.002+05:302017-05-15T11:28:40.977+05:30Indifference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-70922856514736691682017-05-10T16:10:00.000+05:302017-05-10T16:10:05.246+05:30Pendulum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-27089318540949496532017-04-25T15:55:00.000+05:302017-04-25T16:00:54.960+05:30Why I stareErr....I don't stare; though a friend always catches me "staring" at people.<br />
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I like to observe at things happening around. I can observe a cow swatting away flies with her tail as she is walking in her own rhythm without being bothered about all those honks on the road with the same interest as I would watch a lady swirling her hair as she talks to her male friend flirtatiously.<br />
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One can watch the world go by caught up in a frenzy of activities. You could actually create a humorous situation in your head and place yourself amidst those serious ones and laugh at it. Let me admit; mind you, this is a secret I haven't revealed to anyone yet. As a student; I've often visualised my teachers breaking into a dance in front of the class whenever they would be annoyed at the class and yelling. What I would visualise was an imaginary transition from their tense mood to a jovial one and start to dance! See! this is what I am talking about; it's impossible to ever get bored.<br />
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The indulgence I get in a crowded place like waiting at the airport lounge or sipping coffee by the street watching crowds is inexplicable. I get to be myself - being shy and reserved, I can easily hide and be non-existent as I watch the world!. I love the anonymity; times when you don't have to force a small talk or smile or hide your face behind a book. At such times, there is no need to feel guilty at all. You can just sit aimlessly for minutes if not for hours without someone having to stare back at you and just let your imagination flow.<br />
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Watching people and animals - oh! it is so enriching. It has made me undergo a deluge of emotions - from feeling happy to sad, from feeling accomplished to worthless. There was this one instance where I was waiting for my connecting flight from Guadalajara, Mexico to Guatemala. There were this Central American origin American family who were enjoying their pepperoni pizza while the kids played on their respective latest iPhones. My hand involuntarily clutched my 3 year old broken and dented old iPhone and buried it deep in my handbag. I didn't want to be seen with a broken phone. It was a funny reaction of mine! Nevertheless; the after-thoughts were interesting. Why did I feel ashamed? Was it because I felt though I earned; I couldn't afford a latest iPhone? Or was it the thought of feeling thankful that I at least had a phone and was able to travel to my favourite destination? Was it the thought of how could few indulge while the vast majority had no access to basic water and food?<br />
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It's the butterfly effect; these observations invoke in me. It could start as a silly thought and end up with "what is our purpose in life?" kind of philosophical question. Like the way it happened last week. I was on my way to work when I saw a dog lying on the side of the road on a flyover. I just had two seconds of glimpse. Right after that; a volley of emotions consumed me. Was the dog alive yet? Why was it on the side lying? How long has it been there? It was hot and the road would be scorching. Did it get hit by a vehicle and put aside to die or was it left there from some other place? Why was a lone dog on the flyover? They don't generally do that! The entire morning went in brooding and a mixture of sadness and guilt for not stopping by. Even as I was commuting; I had to control the urge of asking the driver to turn around or stop. What would I do even if I turned around and went near the dog. Which auto or cab would be ready to transport an injured animal to a hospital.<br />
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I actually left office in the noon; unable to control my thoughts. I went back to check and the dog was not there anymore; perhaps corporation disposed off the body. Throughout this ordeal; I was actually contemplating whether had I not been looking around; would I have felt this guilt and agony? What was it? Does it mean these pathetic things don't happen if I didn't see them?<br />
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Well, the post turned out to be intense. That's the beauty of observing things around you. You learn a lot, you introspect, you become aware. The spirit of life, the void of lifelessness, the ray of hope and the vacuum of despair - they all co-exist.<br />
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<br />Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-40462580714812512052017-04-21T13:18:00.001+05:302017-04-21T13:18:27.113+05:30An EffortWriting has been very enjoyable. Its a stress reliever to me; to express your views, to write a poem, to share what you observe and your perspective. I've always looked forward to writing - purely on the basis of sharing my views and my experiences with like minded folks.<br />
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However; blogging has turned out to be an effort these past few months. I often make up my mind to write regularly here and then don't turn up. The step motherly treatment meted out to my blog is unfair; yet why am I repeating it?<br />
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I was retrospecting; what's making me wary of blogging. I think its more than one factor - firstly; the very thought of signing in, drafting and publishing an article is time consuming. It also means using a laptop or a notebook. Apart from that; the lack of interaction with bloggers and readers here has diminished to a great extent. I remember those heydays 4-5 years ago when people would start pinging me if they didn't see a post every 3 days here. We waited for the posts, commented and shared views honestly and defended the views with passion. The views were very much unbiased and without expectations. A reader didn't comment on one's post to be returned a favour.<br />
And then; it all started tumbling down. You-comment-on-mine and I-will-do-the-same trend started. Some of the posts were totally irrelevant; more like adverts promoting a product. The fun waned. It was no more passionate, no more fun.<br />
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Likewise; reading a post and interacting with each other is not instant here. And it is not easy to have a n-way conversation. To grab attention is one thing, to manage to keep a party interested given the medium is impossible. And then I wonder; do I write for myself or for others? Of course; a verbal diarrhoea of my views and thoughts does make me feel lighter; but I would love a chatter, a discussion. It definitely soothes - to be heard, to be encouraged, to be criticised. We humans thrive on interactions isn't it?<br />
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I noticed my medium of sharing and participating has shifted from blog to facebook. I dont think it happened suddenly - the ease of use, the interaction and accessibility has made it compulsive for me to share more on Facebook than here. No! I dont have thousands of friends; i have a hundred. And yes, I know each one of them; I am not someone who would friend a total stranger. Facebook for me is not to show my day to day activity; unless its beautiful and it can motivate others. I share my poems, haikus, sketches and photography there. I write posts, share my opinions and at times engage in passionate debates - all those things that I was doing here!<br />
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Perhaps; its a natural transition and I shouldn't be too worried unless I stopped writing. Writing matters; not the medium of sharing.<br />
<br />Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-146283841562576672017-02-21T14:45:00.003+05:302017-02-21T14:45:37.616+05:30Direction<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Crunch of the snow as I walk on them<o:p></o:p></div>
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Muffled by the howling wind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Air wet and frigid; I bend my head down <o:p></o:p></div>
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Protecting my naked face from the biting cold <o:p></o:p></div>
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As if in respect to the harsh weather. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Rhythmic marching; one step at a time<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not a creature in sight; an unwelcome eerie. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This night seems to be long. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Awaiting in anticipation; a flicker of light,<o:p></o:p></div>
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The warmth and the coziness of bed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I wish someone was walking with me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My hurried steps wander; homebound. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The blurry slush, squelching as I drag my feet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve defined my path, so no turning back. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll defend it; until I hit the high wall. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Crossing a bridge; rickety and narrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The black of the water shimmer<o:p></o:p></div>
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The moon’s imperfect reflection; dances.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Teasing me of my situation. Ah! An irony. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wait in the wings I will; quiet and patient. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Squeezing the compass in my hand, I continue. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I turn a bend and find myself at crossroad. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Two narrow path fork; which one now?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Halting in my footsteps, I gaze as far as I could <o:p></o:p></div>
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Do I see any signs of light? Far away?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those thoughts reach me again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My fingers caressing your face. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The scar on your nose; you were conscious about. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I really liked them. Have I told you that?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sure, its not relevant now; is it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I cast my eyes again on the forks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I need to pick a path and continue. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Its gotten late. I feel so lonely. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Guess I should keep walking. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And I wish you were walking with me. </div>
Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-56742099370471227592017-01-04T12:22:00.001+05:302017-01-04T12:22:41.075+05:30Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_1279181135"></span><span id="goog_1279181136"></span><br />
Picture clicked by me at Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka back in 2012.<br />
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Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-74537686572276672182016-12-30T16:15:00.002+05:302016-12-30T16:15:12.099+05:302016 in review<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">A lot happened this year; a mix of positive and negative things. It was nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Few things worse which I hope wont repeat. Anyway, I am going to leave out the unpleasant ones; instead remember only the nice ones. This year has been a blessing. Started few new things, came across few amazing people and kept myself busy overall. </span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was an year of crazy travel; diverse, adventurous and fun - Kerala, Kashmir, the USA, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and Laos. Mayan ruins of Tikal, subterranean caving in Laos were the highlights. Many have this wrong notion that travel needs lot of money. Its not true; tickets and daily expenses cant be avoided but no! they are not expensive unless you want to travel luxuriously. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spent time with close friends after years during my California visit and also got to meet friends from the US here in Bangalore after couple of years; so good to reminisce over a beer or two!<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally read the Harry Potter series after years of dismissing them; thanks to a friend who kept nagging me to read them</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Started watching TV series. I didnt understand why people were mad about them; but must admit few ones are awesome; sensible and actually challenge the intelligence of audience as compared to the Indian serials that is a mockery of everything.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got introduced to another form of art - painting. It was surprising to know the various forms, media, techniques; appreciate the talent and creativity. I learnt about more artists and their works; now regular visitor to art galleries in Bangalore and places I travel.<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Started sketching; for someone who couldn't even scribble a line; to start sketching and zentangling is a great start!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Started writing Haikus. Combining it with pictures to convey my thoughts better worked; because not many understand Haiku.<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wrote more poems this year; as compared to articles.<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Started a FB page for my Haiku, Photography and Sketches. Not many followers but the act of starting something new is so refreshing!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Started a Youtube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK88PEhTemTMfvQsI6fl_Bw">Bindu's Wanderlust</a> to log my travel stories; because apparently visuals attract better than words <span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;" title="grin emoticon"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v6/f51/1/16/1f603.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Got myself a new job; learning and settling down apart; made new<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> friends. </span></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here wishing you all a great year 2017. Cheers!</span></div>
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Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1050700084750309897.post-79470586737900544672016-12-21T13:48:00.002+05:302016-12-21T15:17:59.721+05:30Idealist? I've been often told by my partner that I am idealistic. No, not in the way of "I know the best" or "Holier than thou" creepy kind but in a way that masks the reality and practicality of life.<br />
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Being idealistic is not "real world" is the argument. And I always disagree. Of course; one needs to be aware of the situation, of the limitations of real world and act accordingly. But I would also argue that dismissing idealistic thoughts is looking for an excuse to not try the best. Of course; trying to do one's best is not an easy task. Not to be mistaken; its not that people are intentionally giving in. Its only natural that the path we tend to follow is of least resistance; of accepting limits easily and thus deciding to be "realistic" could result in mediocre results. <br />
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Coming to my thought process; I often envisage a world as it should be than the world it is now. BUT; I think I am doing just fine as long as I am not in a dreamy world having lost all reality. I would like to use my emotive state to make things better, to make people around me feel better. My state I believe would turn into actions that would encourage people. However; if any of my beliefs are an hindrance; than I have a problem that should be fixed.<br />
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I don't think there is a single one of us that looks at our own life, our situations and society at large and not think "I wish this was not what it is" or "I wish this was better". Idealism can co-exist with realism and cynicism. As an attitude; idealism could instigate to pursue the best path rather than the most accessible easier path. But if its substituted with realism; basing policy on what is "appropriate" or "accurate" or what people "should" do instead of what it is or what people do; it can have bad consequences - the "holier than thou" phenomenon I mentioned earlier.<br />
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On the flip side; there are these rich emotional and passionate convictions that I share with very few people. My core values and my principles are things that I wouldn't stop believing in how much ever I am tested, beaten and battered. I would just be grateful for all the good things.<br />
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Amidst mounds of negativity and horror around you; when life knocks you down as soon as you are up with no respite; hopefulness gets you through your worst and helps moves forward to the best. You can either be bitter about it or try your best to see if there are alternatives. Seeing the world the way it is and still hoping for the best is nothing short of a gift. To see that silver lining in the cloud, to see a helping hand in that chaos, to see a pathway of compassion and understanding is a blessing. Seeing imperfection in perfection and accepting flaws and limitations while striving to be better allows one to find that inner self control, a conviction that defines the strength. Seeing humanity in everyone and seeking the best for others, believing that others' dreams and hopes can be enriched with your presence and to be able to love unconditionally, to be more accepting and forgiving is hope. And to be hopeful is a great strength that can take you a long way. Insigniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09819054091062923489noreply@blogger.com6