Although I have loved blogging here, I am migrating my blog to http://rroh1011.wordpress.com/ primarily because all my active readers are on wordpress!
Please keep reading!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Soccer won over football?
I have been so excited about the World Cup, I am so passionate about football, and I have been watching English Premier League for almost 3 years. The draw between US and UK has been completely confused! Given the passion that people in UK have for the game, you would expect it to be a washover. After all, US doesnt really play the same game, or even if it does, it is called soccer instead!!!
What happened here? Was UK cocky? Or is too much of football working against UK?
What happened here? Was UK cocky? Or is too much of football working against UK?
Drama addiction?
I had to blog about my guilty pleasure--reality shows! The birth of reality shows for me started when the first season of Bachelor, and Apprentice started... But over time I got over it, or so I thought... Since my stint in the big apple, I started watching Kitchen Nightmares (I love the passion, the drama, even cried a bit over it), Shear Genius (I am passionate about hair)....
But then there are the guilty pleasures, shows I would watch alone and never want anyone to know I watch-- Keeping up with the Kardashians, Real Houseswives of NYC... I lap up all the blowouts, over the top clothes, extreme bitchy attitude, shrill voices.... I wait for the fights, the tears, the backbiting, and then making up.... Its almost a guilty pleasure!
There I admit it!
But then there are the guilty pleasures, shows I would watch alone and never want anyone to know I watch-- Keeping up with the Kardashians, Real Houseswives of NYC... I lap up all the blowouts, over the top clothes, extreme bitchy attitude, shrill voices.... I wait for the fights, the tears, the backbiting, and then making up.... Its almost a guilty pleasure!
There I admit it!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
a review of sex and the city movie
I was watching the movie"Sex and the City 2", and it completely changed the way I looked at the franchise. I avidly watched the show, especially because it showcased the strong, endearing friendships between the women, and because it looked at issues that girls thought about and discussed. The show ended at an excellent point, with all the women had grown into strong relationships where they still stuck to their individual personalities.
The first movie changed a lot of the characters, with Samantha leaving Smith and Steve cheating, but it still showed the drama of Big and Carrie's relationship.
The second movie had no real story point, with the pressing issue being Carrie having a problem with Big watching television instead of going out and Charlotte juggling motherhood. They promos seem like bringing Aidan back might be the twist in the story, but its actually just a tiny part of the story. The movie focuses on the excesses-- the over the top wedding of Anthony and Stamford, and an unreal trip to Abu Dhabi. The bad clothes, over-the-top sets, excessive make-up made the girls look plastic and unreal. However, the bigger bone of contention for me was their judgmental view of Middle Eastern culture. Their portrayal showed no sensitivity in understanding the culture, or customs, ridiculing the burqa as being a way to save on Botox. The utter disregard for the culture has almost tainted the memory of a progressive show, which was once a voice of young women everywhere.
The first movie changed a lot of the characters, with Samantha leaving Smith and Steve cheating, but it still showed the drama of Big and Carrie's relationship.
The second movie had no real story point, with the pressing issue being Carrie having a problem with Big watching television instead of going out and Charlotte juggling motherhood. They promos seem like bringing Aidan back might be the twist in the story, but its actually just a tiny part of the story. The movie focuses on the excesses-- the over the top wedding of Anthony and Stamford, and an unreal trip to Abu Dhabi. The bad clothes, over-the-top sets, excessive make-up made the girls look plastic and unreal. However, the bigger bone of contention for me was their judgmental view of Middle Eastern culture. Their portrayal showed no sensitivity in understanding the culture, or customs, ridiculing the burqa as being a way to save on Botox. The utter disregard for the culture has almost tainted the memory of a progressive show, which was once a voice of young women everywhere.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Economics of Driving?
You know the feeling when you are stuck in the traffic for hours, just staying on the lane and waiting to move... I love economics, and I read books which relate everyday events to economics, so I figured I can give it a shot... The lanes on road remind me of industry competition economics...
Assume there are 2 firms A and B operating in the economy... If there is price competition and firm A reduces price by a fraction in order to gain market share, it will get more customers and firm A's profits will increase.. firm B will then reduce its price to firm A's level and the lower price advantage enjoyed by A is lost... Both firms wont enjoy the incremental profits... They will keep undercutting price till it sells at cost and no profits....
Think about lanes in a freeway... You are on lane 2, you think lane 1 is faster, so do others... You all end up on lane 1... And suddenly the advantage disappears, lane 2 seems faster... For most of the ride, you keep moving between lanes without any real advantage!
Assume there are 2 firms A and B operating in the economy... If there is price competition and firm A reduces price by a fraction in order to gain market share, it will get more customers and firm A's profits will increase.. firm B will then reduce its price to firm A's level and the lower price advantage enjoyed by A is lost... Both firms wont enjoy the incremental profits... They will keep undercutting price till it sells at cost and no profits....
Think about lanes in a freeway... You are on lane 2, you think lane 1 is faster, so do others... You all end up on lane 1... And suddenly the advantage disappears, lane 2 seems faster... For most of the ride, you keep moving between lanes without any real advantage!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The Double Life
I have been thinking a lot about my life lately... Usually when I write, its a rant on a bad day... That's why throughout this blog I have been trying to think of happy and cheery things too! But this post might be closer to the dark side!
One thing that has hit me is the adjustment women make when they shift overseas for their spouse.... Its a huge transition to move to a new country, give up their support system, and due to visa requirements not be able to work... One irony that stood out was " You get married because you don't want to be alone, but you move overseas and you lose your support system, you end up being more alone". I spoke to people who are in the same place that I am, and I have realised that most of them seem to go through the same anxieties... From being social, independent, and fulfilled people, they are thrown in an alien country without their friends, and finding it hard to fill their days... I find that over the weekend I spend a lot of time with my husband, and it makes me very happy, almost blissful! But then the week arrives, and you spend your day applying, hoping, and wondering that you will be on your own, and feel more fulfilled... And without your friends to confide in, it becomes too much to take... All you can do is rant to your spouse! It might be a sacrifice for nurturing a relationship, but with no end in sight, you worry that you maybe in over your head!
One thing that has hit me is the adjustment women make when they shift overseas for their spouse.... Its a huge transition to move to a new country, give up their support system, and due to visa requirements not be able to work... One irony that stood out was " You get married because you don't want to be alone, but you move overseas and you lose your support system, you end up being more alone". I spoke to people who are in the same place that I am, and I have realised that most of them seem to go through the same anxieties... From being social, independent, and fulfilled people, they are thrown in an alien country without their friends, and finding it hard to fill their days... I find that over the weekend I spend a lot of time with my husband, and it makes me very happy, almost blissful! But then the week arrives, and you spend your day applying, hoping, and wondering that you will be on your own, and feel more fulfilled... And without your friends to confide in, it becomes too much to take... All you can do is rant to your spouse! It might be a sacrifice for nurturing a relationship, but with no end in sight, you worry that you maybe in over your head!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Inspirational women
This article in New York Times last week has been on mind:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/06/world/africa/06iht-ffpeace.html
I had to write an article on the same lines, and it was a process that was both enllightening and inspiring. Although its a huge generalisation, I think the way women approach conflict negotiation is more nurturing, angling towards compromise as opposed to conflict. In an explosive setting, it would be a sensible approach to introduce women in the negotiation process. They approach the situation with empathy, recognizing the likely impact of war on women and children. While writing the article, I read up on peace and security initiatives by women, in Sudan, Iraq, and India among others. The Organisation to Women's Freedom in Iraq work towards protecting women, running shelter and providing legal services and safe dwelling for women risking honour killings, kidnapping, and physical abuse.
Its inspiring how a group of women, and their ideas and enthusiasm has transformed to something that makes a far reaching impact.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/06/world/africa/06iht-ffpeace.html
I had to write an article on the same lines, and it was a process that was both enllightening and inspiring. Although its a huge generalisation, I think the way women approach conflict negotiation is more nurturing, angling towards compromise as opposed to conflict. In an explosive setting, it would be a sensible approach to introduce women in the negotiation process. They approach the situation with empathy, recognizing the likely impact of war on women and children. While writing the article, I read up on peace and security initiatives by women, in Sudan, Iraq, and India among others. The Organisation to Women's Freedom in Iraq work towards protecting women, running shelter and providing legal services and safe dwelling for women risking honour killings, kidnapping, and physical abuse.
Its inspiring how a group of women, and their ideas and enthusiasm has transformed to something that makes a far reaching impact.
What makes me happy....
Flowers make everyone happy..... And I am blessed with a partner who recognises that.... It has helped me tide over some of my roughest days....
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Life lessons from Scrabble
I love Scrabble, and I realised there is a lot I can learn from the game. For instance, when you have the 10 point letters- "Z" or "Q", and you have a killer word, something that gives you a ton of points, you wait till you find the right time to play so it maximizes your score. But more often than not, you run out of time to play it, and it is the end of the game so you are stuck holding the letters.
Isn't life a lot like that? You make plans or decide to follow things you care about, but you wait for the right time to implement them. But just like that, time slips away, and you wake up to realise its too late. Life is too short to wait, you have to follow your dreams when you can, and not wait for the right time!
Isn't life a lot like that? You make plans or decide to follow things you care about, but you wait for the right time to implement them. But just like that, time slips away, and you wake up to realise its too late. Life is too short to wait, you have to follow your dreams when you can, and not wait for the right time!
Monday, March 1, 2010
What is fate?
Do you believe in it? How does it work exactly?
I come from a family of believers, and while I sit on the fence about the subject, I spend a lot of time pondering about it. I have found that often things happen, and people who can predict say they knew it would happen all along. Other times people give you a time frame, on when you get a new job, or when you will get married, and I have to wonder is it about my stars or about calculation and timing? After all, its common sense to say switching jobs is more likely when the economy is doing well, when there is demand for the particular industry, or if its closer to the first quarter.I guess you are more likely to get married when you are ready and looking for someone, and maybe getting hitched has more to do with luck, on meeting the right person at the right time. I don't know if knowing when you are going to meet them will ruin the magic of the moment, and make it more dull and boring. With things like finances and property, some people have gone to the deep end, diving blindly into decisions without much rational thought.
But then again, when I put my cynical hat down, another thought pops in to my head. Its comforting to know that your troubles will end soon, or that your problems will sort itself out soon. It might also inspire some positive thought, and force you into affirmative action, simply because you know its going to be over soon.
But the simpler question is, would you want to live such a life, where you know exactly what and when it is going to happen before it does?
My answer is NO!
I come from a family of believers, and while I sit on the fence about the subject, I spend a lot of time pondering about it. I have found that often things happen, and people who can predict say they knew it would happen all along. Other times people give you a time frame, on when you get a new job, or when you will get married, and I have to wonder is it about my stars or about calculation and timing? After all, its common sense to say switching jobs is more likely when the economy is doing well, when there is demand for the particular industry, or if its closer to the first quarter.I guess you are more likely to get married when you are ready and looking for someone, and maybe getting hitched has more to do with luck, on meeting the right person at the right time. I don't know if knowing when you are going to meet them will ruin the magic of the moment, and make it more dull and boring. With things like finances and property, some people have gone to the deep end, diving blindly into decisions without much rational thought.
But then again, when I put my cynical hat down, another thought pops in to my head. Its comforting to know that your troubles will end soon, or that your problems will sort itself out soon. It might also inspire some positive thought, and force you into affirmative action, simply because you know its going to be over soon.
But the simpler question is, would you want to live such a life, where you know exactly what and when it is going to happen before it does?
My answer is NO!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
My inspiration=my brother
I have been thinking a lot about motivations and inspirations, and I have been thinking about people who inspire me. One of the people who inspire me is my brother. We don't have a big age gap, so he is more like a buddy to me. And the reasons for him being an inspiration aren't because he is my brother, but because he is that impressive. For example, he is the most ambitious, he knows so much. If he had a choice, he would major in everything and work in all the industries! He is positive and optimistic, almost to an extreme--we call it think the impossible! He has this thirst for knowledge, he wants to know everything, and he will work overtime, giving up sleep to learn as much as possible. He is there for everyone, he goes out of his way to help people, and money is no object. This sometimes worries me sometimes because I don't want people taking advantage of him. He is a nurturer, every one in his family and friends circles can vouch for that.
I have never met anyone else who is as intelligent, ambitious, affectionate or generous as my brother, Shreenath. You are my star! Go on, win the world!
I have never met anyone else who is as intelligent, ambitious, affectionate or generous as my brother, Shreenath. You are my star! Go on, win the world!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Obsessions...
Since I moved to the United States, the one thing that stands out in the media is the obsession with weight. All the advertisements in the mass media talk of diets, workout plans, and complete transformation packages-- Atkins diet, K diet, South Beach Diet, the Insanity workout plan, Gillian Michael's, etc etc.
The advertisements invariably talk about a fairly heavy person who loses weight, becomes thinner, and suddenly is transformed-- they get a makeover starting from wardrobe, hairstyle, and attitude. I get that if you like how you look, then you feel good, but somehow this takes it to a whole new level. My jobless self counted that for every advertisement slot, there are 3 advertisements, and at least 1 or 2 talk about diets.
The question I have do these really work?Are they long term?
I worry about how this has become propaganda, and someone who is a bit more than the perfect 36-24-36 stereotype feels the pressure to transform themselves to fit in. Should being healthy the message as opposed to being thin?
This isn't just digital media, but magazines as well. All covers are airbrushed, even the ones of stunning models and actresses. Most of them are fairly fit, and still they have to modified to look perfect on the cover. Anytime a celebrity gains weight, or has a holiday belly, its front page covers on newsstands!
Even after we have discovered disorders like bulimia and anorexia, and the pressure body image issues puts on young adults, especially teenagers and children, there is still no control or regulation. Shouldn't there be some sort of balance to ensure there isn't societal pressure created to fit a body type? Shouldn't the media be more responsible?
The advertisements invariably talk about a fairly heavy person who loses weight, becomes thinner, and suddenly is transformed-- they get a makeover starting from wardrobe, hairstyle, and attitude. I get that if you like how you look, then you feel good, but somehow this takes it to a whole new level. My jobless self counted that for every advertisement slot, there are 3 advertisements, and at least 1 or 2 talk about diets.
The question I have do these really work?Are they long term?
I worry about how this has become propaganda, and someone who is a bit more than the perfect 36-24-36 stereotype feels the pressure to transform themselves to fit in. Should being healthy the message as opposed to being thin?
This isn't just digital media, but magazines as well. All covers are airbrushed, even the ones of stunning models and actresses. Most of them are fairly fit, and still they have to modified to look perfect on the cover. Anytime a celebrity gains weight, or has a holiday belly, its front page covers on newsstands!
Even after we have discovered disorders like bulimia and anorexia, and the pressure body image issues puts on young adults, especially teenagers and children, there is still no control or regulation. Shouldn't there be some sort of balance to ensure there isn't societal pressure created to fit a body type? Shouldn't the media be more responsible?
Friday, February 5, 2010
thoughts about interviews......
I remember the movie Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray's character lives the same day over and over again till he gets good at it, almost perfecting that one day!
Somehow interviews remind me about the same scene, I end up reliving the same interview over and over again... I only wish I have the option of going back, changing answers, and getting to the point where I know my answers were perfect, and I would nail the job!
Somehow interviews remind me about the same scene, I end up reliving the same interview over and over again... I only wish I have the option of going back, changing answers, and getting to the point where I know my answers were perfect, and I would nail the job!
Monday, January 25, 2010
poetry by cummings
anyone lived in a pretty how town
(with up so floating many bells down)
spring summer autumn winter
he sang his didn't he danced his did
Women and men(both little and small)
cared for anyone not at all
they sowed their isn't they reaped their same
sun moon stars rain
children guessed(but only a few
and down they forgot as up they grew
autumn winter spring summer)
that noone loved him more by more
when by now and tree by leaf
she laughed his joy she cried his grief
bird by snow and stir by still
anyone's any was all to her
someones married their everyones
laughed their cryings and did their dance
(sleep wake hope and then)they
said their nevers they slept their dream
stars rain sun moon
(and only the snow can begin to explain
how children are apt to forget to remember
with up so floating many bells down)
one day anyone died i guess
(and noone stooped to kiss his face)
busy folk buried them side by side
little by little and was by was
all by all and deep by deep
and more by more they dream their sleep
noone and anyone earth by april
wish by spirit and if by yes.
Women and men(both dong and ding)
summer autumn winter spring
reaped their sowing and went their came
sun moon stars rain
My favorite rain poetry
Black Rook in Rainy Weather
On the stiff twig up there
Hunches a wet black rook
Arranging and rearranging its feathers in the rain-
I do not expect a miracle
Or an accident
To set the sight on fire
In my eye, nor seek
Any more in the desultory weather some design,
But let spotted leaves fall as they fall
Without ceremony, or portent.
Although, I admit, I desire,
Occasionally, some backtalk
From the mute sky, I can’t honestly complain:
A certain minor light may still
Lean incandescent
Out of kitchen table or chair
As if a celestial burning took
Possession of the most obtuse objects now and then —
Thus hallowing an interval
Otherwise inconsequent
By bestowing largesse, honor
One might say love. At any rate, I now walk
Wary (for it could happen
Even in this dull, ruinous landscape); sceptical
Yet politic, ignorant
Of whatever angel any choose to flare
Suddenly at my elbow. I only know that a rook
Ordering its black feathers can so shine
As to seize my senses, haul
My eyelids up, and grant
A brief respite from fear
Of total neutrality. With luck,
Trekking stubborn through this season
Of fatigue, I shall
Patch together a content
Of sorts. Miracles occur.
If you care to call those spasmodic
Tricks of radiance
Miracles. The wait’s begun again,
The long wait for the angel,
For that rare, random descent.
Sylvia Plath
Rainy thoughts...
Today is an unusually rainy day, and most people find such days depressing....But as I look outside, I have a sense of peace... The moving clouds, the silvery skies, the rain that envelops everything in the city!
It reminds me of the monsoon season in my city Mumbai, as the water floods the roads and people huddle in tea stalls for chai and pakode!
Another thought is all the Hindi movie songs ... The rain is the perfect scene for a romantic song... Some of my favorite ones:
- Bhaage Re Mann- Chameli
- Taal Se Taal Mila- Taal
- Hum Tum- Hum Tum
- Jo Haal Dil Ka- Sarfarosh
- Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua- Shree 420
- Tip Tip Barsaa Paani- Mohra
- Rhim Jhim Rhim Jhim- 1942 a love story
It reminds me of the monsoon season in my city Mumbai, as the water floods the roads and people huddle in tea stalls for chai and pakode!
Another thought is all the Hindi movie songs ... The rain is the perfect scene for a romantic song... Some of my favorite ones:
- Bhaage Re Mann- Chameli
- Taal Se Taal Mila- Taal
- Hum Tum- Hum Tum
- Jo Haal Dil Ka- Sarfarosh
- Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua- Shree 420
- Tip Tip Barsaa Paani- Mohra
- Rhim Jhim Rhim Jhim- 1942 a love story
Friday, January 15, 2010
Ambition=Greed?
One of my more recent musings was how the world suddenly seems so much more chaotic... People don't seem to be content anymore... There is always the drive to get the next big thing--a bigger car, a faster car, a more expensive car, a jet... How do you draw the line? When does ambition become greed?
Don't get me wrong, I am not talking from a moral high-ground here.. I fall prey to the same thing, I have a good life no complaints-- great apartment, a wonderful and supportive life partner, supportive family... But somehow it isn't enough.. I moved to the United States in a recession economy, and I know its going to be a long haul before I find a job, but somehow I cant enjoy any of the things till I find some way to utilize my time... And I mean while money isn't the key motivation, it still is a rather important part of the entire equation--I want my freedom and no guilt about my shopping sprees... I used to pride myself on not having a capitalist head--to weave away from the constant need to earn more money and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.. But my recent thoughts/feelings prove otherwise...
So what exactly changed? Was it peer pressure or being embarrassed to say you are taking time off your work? Or is it the feeling of empowerment, of being able to buy whatever whenever without any guilt?
When I see/read about my forefathers, they struggled to make ends meet, but once they provided for their families/bought a house... they were content, they enjoyed simple things like a stroll in the park or playing scrabble at home....
Has our generation lost out the feeling of contentment in the race to get the next best thing?
Don't get me wrong, I am not talking from a moral high-ground here.. I fall prey to the same thing, I have a good life no complaints-- great apartment, a wonderful and supportive life partner, supportive family... But somehow it isn't enough.. I moved to the United States in a recession economy, and I know its going to be a long haul before I find a job, but somehow I cant enjoy any of the things till I find some way to utilize my time... And I mean while money isn't the key motivation, it still is a rather important part of the entire equation--I want my freedom and no guilt about my shopping sprees... I used to pride myself on not having a capitalist head--to weave away from the constant need to earn more money and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.. But my recent thoughts/feelings prove otherwise...
So what exactly changed? Was it peer pressure or being embarrassed to say you are taking time off your work? Or is it the feeling of empowerment, of being able to buy whatever whenever without any guilt?
When I see/read about my forefathers, they struggled to make ends meet, but once they provided for their families/bought a house... they were content, they enjoyed simple things like a stroll in the park or playing scrabble at home....
Has our generation lost out the feeling of contentment in the race to get the next best thing?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
5 year plan
Continuing from my last post, I think instead of a new year resolution, I will have five 5 year resolutions:
- travel to 5 countries
- learn a new language
- learn an instrument
- learn sailing
- learn some form of self defense
so by 2015, I will be a kickass foreign language speaking guitar (or another instrument) playing traveler, sailing to my next destination!!!!
- travel to 5 countries
- learn a new language
- learn an instrument
- learn sailing
- learn some form of self defense
so by 2015, I will be a kickass foreign language speaking guitar (or another instrument) playing traveler, sailing to my next destination!!!!
Monday, January 4, 2010
happy new year
As a new year begins, I have been wondering about resolutions....
- What are the most common resolutions?
- How long do they last?
- What are you hopeful for?
- If last year was awful, what makes you feel optimistic?
- Should you make a resolution that is so ambitious you know you wont achieve it?
A new year beckons
Its 2010, and I just realised I havent blogged anything in the last year, especially given it has been by far my most eventful year... Lots of changes--- moving to a new country, accepting a new person in your life, giving up your job and hoping to find something that inspires and motivates you... Almost a bit too overwhelming...
But the one thing I realised over the last year was that the reason change is so scary is the paralyzing fear of failure... To have dreams and not work towards it might seem easier than chasing dreams and landing flat on your face to realise the dream was just a dream... It seems a lot easier to settle with what seems like the more sensible or realistic options... Risk isnt always a good thing (bankers seem to illustrate that), so doing the rational thing, the option that seems to be the best shot at maximising your utility should be the best option....
How can you chase your dreams without fear?
But the one thing I realised over the last year was that the reason change is so scary is the paralyzing fear of failure... To have dreams and not work towards it might seem easier than chasing dreams and landing flat on your face to realise the dream was just a dream... It seems a lot easier to settle with what seems like the more sensible or realistic options... Risk isnt always a good thing (bankers seem to illustrate that), so doing the rational thing, the option that seems to be the best shot at maximising your utility should be the best option....
How can you chase your dreams without fear?
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