I'm looking for new ways to earn extra money. I thought about opening a CD at the bank but there weren't any good rates (that I liked).
Provident Bank has new promotion for new customers that open a new Totally Free, Regular, Interest OR Platinum checking account between Feb 2nd and March 31st, 2009.
It requires Direct Deposit and an active Provident MasterMoney debit card by April 30th 2009. Minimums and Interest depends on the type of checking account you open, so check the website. Some of the checking accounts have fees.
The Bonus is $123. Of course bonus will be reported to the IRS as interest. PB says this will be awarded on about May 31, 2009.
Promotion page: https://www.provbank.com/personal/checking/promotions/123-checking-promotion.php
Having opened bank accounts for bank bonuses, here are my suggestions:
1) Only open money in a bank if they are in your state or close enough. In case you need to go there to resolve something.
Provident Bank is located in DC, MD, PA, VA and WV.
2) Plan on keeping your money in the bank for at least 6 months.
3) Be sure the Bank is FDIC Insured, which Provident Bank is.
4) Keep a copy of the promotion page. Save as PDF and store in your email.
This will help you, if you don't get the bonus and need to have proof when speaking to Customer Service.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Free Yo-plus

The makers of Yoplait are challenging you to try Yo-Plus. But, if you don't they'll simply refund your money — guaranteed! Download the Love it or it's Free reimbursement form.
1 container has approx. 110 calories, 1.5g fat, 3g fiber, 4g protein
Plus, don't forget the coupon: $1.50 on a 4 pack
Friday, January 23, 2009
Swadhyaya: The Anti-Krishna
One day at home, I was looking at the Diwali 2008 booklet put together by the Association of United Hindu-Jain Temples, which comprises of 14+ organizations in the Washington DC area. One name was conspicuously missing - The Swadhyay Parivar. Why didn't it participate? Do they not celebrate Diwali? Of course they do? After it's leader received countless awards received from world-wide organizations ranging from Padma Vibhushan to the Templeton Prize, why was the organization so "small-potatoes". Swadhyaya founded by Pandurang Shastri Vaijnath Athavale AKA Dadaji in the 1950s.
In the DC area, for over 20 years they have been renting schools cafeterias/classrooms to conduct their teachings. Why haven't they established their own building? One could argue they are saving money to do good elsewhere?
One could argue, but one could also state the facts as they are.
In the DC area, for over 20 years they have been renting schools cafeterias/classrooms to conduct their teachings. Why haven't they established their own building? One could argue they are saving money to do good elsewhere?
One could argue, but one could also state the facts as they are.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Deskercise - Burn Extra Calories at Work
I sit at the computer all day at work. It’s not exactly good for the body. So I put together a list of different stretches and exercises that can improve your posture and burn some calories at the same time. Before doing these exercises, make sure your chair is stable.
You should also consider using an exercise/stability ball type chair – you’ll be engaging your core as you sit up straight, and it will help you to burn calories by just sitting still – which is called “active sitting”. Not a guaranteed way to lose weight all by itself, since it doesn’t burn that many calories, but it is yet another way that lifestyle changes can help you increase the chances for success.
Try to get up every 30 – 40 minutes and step away from the desk and take a walk to other offices or cafeteria/kitchen area.
Sitting up straight and practicing good posture will increase your calorie burning rather than leaning back against the chair or slouching.
Stretching
Sitting straight in the chair, stretch both arms over your head and reach for the sky. After 10 seconds, extend the right hand higher, then the left.
Legs/Thighs
Sitting straight at the edge of the chair, lift one leg off the seat, extend it out straight, hold for few seconds; then lower your foot (stop short of the floor) and hold for several seconds. Switch; do each leg 15 times.
While sitting, lift up your legs on your toes and set them down. Repeat these until your legs are comfortably tired. Then repeat it again about 10 minutes later. Do this whole routine for about an hour or so. This will exercise your calves. For more of a burn, place your some weight on your knees (i.e. books, notebook, laptop).
Lean forward as though you're going to get out of your seat. When your rear end is barely off the seat, hold that position. See how long you can hold it, using only your arms for balance.
Strengthen your inner thighs. Place a hand glove, water bottle or small object between your feet. Try to lift the item off the ground and squeeze your legs together at the same time. You can also place the blanket, pillow or other soft object between your knees and squeeze.
“Doin’ the Butt”
Butt clenches are also helpful in preventing the booty spread. Tighten your buttocks, hold, hold, hold, and then relax. Repeat 15 times.
Abs – Suck it in
Suck in your gut. Tighten your tummy muscles and hold for as long as possible and release. It is important to inhale as much as air as possible and exhale till your belly is big. Exhaling works the Abs as well as inhaling. Repeat throughout the day.
Arms/Legs Aerobics
While seated, pump both arms over your head for 30 seconds, and then rapidly tap your feet on the floor, football-drill style, for 30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times.
Plan a routine for the day, which hour you plan to do which exercise. Remember to drink water throughout the day and get up off that chair every so often.
You should also consider using an exercise/stability ball type chair – you’ll be engaging your core as you sit up straight, and it will help you to burn calories by just sitting still – which is called “active sitting”. Not a guaranteed way to lose weight all by itself, since it doesn’t burn that many calories, but it is yet another way that lifestyle changes can help you increase the chances for success.
Try to get up every 30 – 40 minutes and step away from the desk and take a walk to other offices or cafeteria/kitchen area.
Sitting up straight and practicing good posture will increase your calorie burning rather than leaning back against the chair or slouching.
Stretching
Legs/Thighs
“Doin’ the Butt”
Abs – Suck it in
Arms/Legs Aerobics
Plan a routine for the day, which hour you plan to do which exercise. Remember to drink water throughout the day and get up off that chair every so often.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Top Phllums of 2008

I’d like to unveil the list of movies that I think were the best of 2008. My list is not based on the box office. If you want to know how a film did go to boxofficeindia.com. My list is not based on any critic’s review of a movie. Let’s face it, Indian critics are only good at telling you the plot of a story.
Comparing 2008 to other years, I thought it was just an okay year. Then again I can’t be called an expert on 2008. Somewhere along living through 2008, I forgot how incredibly filmi I was. The year started big with Jodha Akbhar. While this movie was quite lavish, it won’t be making my making my list of great movies of year – just wasn’t that excited for having watched the movie.
Ghajini – while I thought that Memento was groundbreaking with the whole backwards plot thing – I felt Ghajini was a better film that it wasn’t so confusing and it was more interesting, especially the love story which I couldn’t wait to watch more and more of.
Jaane Tu... ya jaane na – wasn’t just any blah blah college romance piece, it was so much more. It was two people coming to terms with their destiny. It was about a group of friends. It was about how good Imraan Khan looked and how he made the cougar come out of any woman.
Slumdog Millionaire – while not an Indian film, but set entirely in India – I figured I put this in my list because it was damn good. You know a movie is good, if you wouldn’t mind if it was longer or you could sit through it again (back to back) or you feel better for having watched it.
A Wednesday – in light of the recent terror attacks in Bombay [although released prior to the attacks] – this film really hits hard. Who knew Jimmy Shergill had it in him to be so powerful and not just a pushover. In comparison, I still like Khakhee better (in this genre). I’d like to also mention Black and White – which I thought was a really bad movie. I think as soon as Anil Kapoor’s character heard the guys talking about their radical jihadi beliefs he should have reported them to authorities and the movie would have ended – this message of the movie was embracing terrorists (like that is going to stop them), it should be about preventing attacks. I can write another entry about this.
Race – great music, good looking actors, scantily clad women and a story line with twists and turns – that is why this makes it to the list. Just when I think I’ve figured out the movie and it has ended, here comes another piece of the puzzle.
Honorable Mentions: Welcome to Sajanpur, Shaurya
This is a working list and based on the films I have seen this year. Films that will be considered within the next couple of weeks: Rock On!!, Phoonk, Sarkar Raj [which I have only partially seen].
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Text Flirting: Desi Style
I couldn’t comprehend texting (SMS – Short Messaging Service) – I didn’t need it, it wasn’t for me. It took eternity to type a message; chiefly because the 26-lettered alphabet is dispersed within just 9 number keys, not to mention the punctuation as well. Getting over my typing hurdle, I decided to give it a try. It turned out that texting was easy and even amusing. The simplest was forwarding jokes. Though, I shouldn’t have done it, I can text while driving – I’ve got mad skills. Ironically, now I can’t understand those people that block text messages. The frequent text forwards I used to get have dwindled, which led me to endeavor to look for some good text forwards. Let me say, in this venture I have come across some really dreadful texts, but there have been some noteworthy SMSs.
In my research, I came across an article, “Flirting by Text Message, Indians Test Social Limits”; it discusses how Indians use Text Messages or SMS to flirt in society where verbally flirting in public is difficult (but not impossible). I believe that flirting by text is genius and as in the article it is okay to text flirt with more than one person at a time. In stating whether or not, I flirt by text – I will have to plead the Fifth. I also read some Text Flirting Etiquette and a How to Guide, that would be useful to novice texter or the experienced.
For the wannabe cellular Casanova, that have so much smoothness in them, but doesn’t know what to say, I’ve compiled a list of some good flirtatious text messages.
While you may classify some as being cheesy, they are generally sweet and will bring a smile to the intended reader’s face. To start the list, a text message about flirting: “Flirting is the only job in the world that we cannot include in our CV/Resume.. Despite having years of experience and a number of references”. The categories are just suggestions, no need to follow the path.
Text flirting with someone you have a brief acquaintance with:
1) _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Hey there Hottie, I am totally line maaring you! [THIS IS SHEEL SHAH ORIGNAL – Gotta love it]
2) Na Bottle Main Na Jar Main
Na Restaurant Main Na Bar Main
Na Bike Pe Na Car Main
Hum To Bus Din Guzartain Hain
Aap Ke Milne Ke Intezar Main
3) Somewhere, someone dreams of your smile
and finds your presence in life so worth while.
So when you are lonely, remember it's true –
someone, somewhere, is thinking of you.
4) Sometimes words are so hard to find,
to say that one perfect line,
to let you know you're always on my mind!
Text flirting with someone you are friends with:
1) Who is Hot? It's U
Who is Charming? It's U
Who is Sweet? It's U
Who is Smart? It's U
Don't get too full of yourself, some hottie just sent this to me
OR
Zyada khush hone ke zaroorat nahi hai, some hottie just sent this to me
2) Those beautiful eyes, that incredible body, such a brain, sexy lips, nice smile....
but that is enough about me, tell me how are you?
3) I think you are very careless! You come & leave things behind! See what you’ve just left behind. You just came in my mind and left a smile on my face.
4) Always be happy; always wear a smile; not because life is full of reasons to smile but because your smile itself is a reason for many others to smile!
5) When the night comes, look at the sky.
If you see a falling star, don't wonder why,
just make a wish. Trust me it will come true,
'cause I did it and I found you.
And to take it up a notch:
1) Hello!! What's wrong with your cell? Tried so many times but every time I call it says: The subscriber you are trying to reach is in your heart!
2) If a big fat man creeps into your bedroom one night and stuffs you into a bag, Then do not worry 'cause I told Santa I wanted you for Christmas!
3) I love your eyes, I love your smile. I cherish your ways, I adore your style. What can I say? You are one of a kind and 24/7, you are on my mind!
4) Hearts can Skip a beat 4 a while
Memories can b kept in the file
A desert can b replaced by the Nile
But nothin can stop my smile
when ur name appears on my MOBILE
If now you know what you want to say, but still want to be anonymous, when you send it out, here’s a site that allows you to do just that.
As a warning, please don’t have an entire relationship that initiates, flourishes and finally gets extinguished via text. Text Flirting is basically the first step or one of the steps; other interaction and communication is key. Also, while you can send pick-up lines through texting, I feel that pick-up lines are too cheap to be sent via text.
Happy Text Flirting!!
In my research, I came across an article, “Flirting by Text Message, Indians Test Social Limits”; it discusses how Indians use Text Messages or SMS to flirt in society where verbally flirting in public is difficult (but not impossible). I believe that flirting by text is genius and as in the article it is okay to text flirt with more than one person at a time. In stating whether or not, I flirt by text – I will have to plead the Fifth. I also read some Text Flirting Etiquette and a How to Guide, that would be useful to novice texter or the experienced.
For the wannabe cellular Casanova, that have so much smoothness in them, but doesn’t know what to say, I’ve compiled a list of some good flirtatious text messages.
While you may classify some as being cheesy, they are generally sweet and will bring a smile to the intended reader’s face. To start the list, a text message about flirting: “Flirting is the only job in the world that we cannot include in our CV/Resume.. Despite having years of experience and a number of references”. The categories are just suggestions, no need to follow the path.
Text flirting with someone you have a brief acquaintance with:
1) _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Hey there Hottie, I am totally line maaring you! [THIS IS SHEEL SHAH ORIGNAL – Gotta love it]
2) Na Bottle Main Na Jar Main
Na Restaurant Main Na Bar Main
Na Bike Pe Na Car Main
Hum To Bus Din Guzartain Hain
Aap Ke Milne Ke Intezar Main
3) Somewhere, someone dreams of your smile
and finds your presence in life so worth while.
So when you are lonely, remember it's true –
someone, somewhere, is thinking of you.
4) Sometimes words are so hard to find,
to say that one perfect line,
to let you know you're always on my mind!
Text flirting with someone you are friends with:
1) Who is Hot? It's U
Who is Charming? It's U
Who is Sweet? It's U
Who is Smart? It's U
Don't get too full of yourself, some hottie just sent this to me
OR
Zyada khush hone ke zaroorat nahi hai, some hottie just sent this to me
2) Those beautiful eyes, that incredible body, such a brain, sexy lips, nice smile....
but that is enough about me, tell me how are you?
3) I think you are very careless! You come & leave things behind! See what you’ve just left behind. You just came in my mind and left a smile on my face.
4) Always be happy; always wear a smile; not because life is full of reasons to smile but because your smile itself is a reason for many others to smile!
5) When the night comes, look at the sky.
If you see a falling star, don't wonder why,
just make a wish. Trust me it will come true,
'cause I did it and I found you.
And to take it up a notch:
1) Hello!! What's wrong with your cell? Tried so many times but every time I call it says: The subscriber you are trying to reach is in your heart!
2) If a big fat man creeps into your bedroom one night and stuffs you into a bag, Then do not worry 'cause I told Santa I wanted you for Christmas!
3) I love your eyes, I love your smile. I cherish your ways, I adore your style. What can I say? You are one of a kind and 24/7, you are on my mind!
4) Hearts can Skip a beat 4 a while
Memories can b kept in the file
A desert can b replaced by the Nile
But nothin can stop my smile
when ur name appears on my MOBILE
If now you know what you want to say, but still want to be anonymous, when you send it out, here’s a site that allows you to do just that.
As a warning, please don’t have an entire relationship that initiates, flourishes and finally gets extinguished via text. Text Flirting is basically the first step or one of the steps; other interaction and communication is key. Also, while you can send pick-up lines through texting, I feel that pick-up lines are too cheap to be sent via text.
Happy Text Flirting!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Claim your money
Sometimes we forget that we have stocks, bonds, savings accounts, security deposits, contents of safe deposit boxes, insurance proceeds and other valuables out there -- that we have forgotten about. Sometimes it's paychecks we never claimed or something. These are reported to the govermentt as unclaimed by banks and other financial institutions after three years.
Here's a website to find missing money"
http://missingmoney.com/
For the State of Maryland:
https://interactive.marylandtaxes.com/Individuals/Unclaim/default.aspx
Here's a website to find missing money"
http://missingmoney.com/
For the State of Maryland:
https://interactive.marylandtaxes.com/Individuals/Unclaim/default.aspx
Friday, December 12, 2008
Orkut - Social Networking
Orkut is a social networking service which is run by Google and named after its creator, an employee of Google - Orkut Büyükkökten. Orkut is the most visited website in Brazil and second most visited site in India. Unfortunately, it's not that popular in the United States. I think probably because Facebook is quite popular. Orkut is quite limited in design and capabilites compared to Facebook.
Orkut Scrapbook similar to the Facebook Wall, is much better than the Wall. It allows so much more to be posted.
Here are some Orkut dedicated websites that enhance Scrap positing:
Song dedication using Scrapbook
http://www.musicalorkut.blogspot.com/
http://www.songscrap.blogspot.com/
http://mp3street.org/
Orkut scraps - graphics and flash
http://www.123orkut.com/ [songs as well]
http://www.orkutsmart.com/ [create your own messages]
[More later, many sites blocked at my work]
Orkut Scrapbook similar to the Facebook Wall, is much better than the Wall. It allows so much more to be posted.
Here are some Orkut dedicated websites that enhance Scrap positing:
Song dedication using Scrapbook
http://www.musicalorkut.blogspot.com/
http://www.songscrap.blogspot.com/
http://mp3street.org/
Orkut scraps - graphics and flash
http://www.123orkut.com/ [songs as well]
http://www.orkutsmart.com/ [create your own messages]
[More later, many sites blocked at my work]
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Reincarnation
Reincarnation, literally "to be made flesh again", is a doctrine or metaphysical belief that some essential part of a living being survives death to be reborn in a new body. This cycle continues until the soul receives moksh.
Having stated this, my cousin, Krishna, and I were pondering about a particularly cheesy pick up line/scenario about having known someone in a previous life time (meeting in a pichla janam). While no guy has ever come up to me and said they knew me from a previous lifetime - if they had, as cynical as I am I probably wouldn't believe them. I'd have a laugh it off and move on. What if someone I knew from a previous life with whom my soul is connected to is out there somewhere?
Which brings on an experiment. I’ll try to connect with a random subject as their girlfriend/love interest from a previous life. Does this pick-up line work on guys? My subjects should only be flattered, I only consider guys that I think are attractive. Keep you posted.
Update 1:
Here's message sent to subject 1 - ", you probably don't remember, but we laid eyes on each other during a sunset at the Mela in a past life in an eastern Gujarati village. Our eyes met and there was an instant spark, a deep connection. We briefly spoke and you had to return to the neighboring village where you resided. You vowed to come again to the Carnival the next day, but star-crossed as we were, it didn’t happen. My then sister, Mangi, hypothesized it was due to those pesky ‘gaon vallons’ [our villages feuding and all] or the village gunda that had an unnatural interest in me. I think destiny has brought us back to acquaintance with each other. “Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Nata Koi…”? Jog any memories??
--- Jagruti from a previous life/ Sheel in this one"
Having stated this, my cousin, Krishna, and I were pondering about a particularly cheesy pick up line/scenario about having known someone in a previous life time (meeting in a pichla janam). While no guy has ever come up to me and said they knew me from a previous lifetime - if they had, as cynical as I am I probably wouldn't believe them. I'd have a laugh it off and move on. What if someone I knew from a previous life with whom my soul is connected to is out there somewhere?
Which brings on an experiment. I’ll try to connect with a random subject as their girlfriend/love interest from a previous life. Does this pick-up line work on guys? My subjects should only be flattered, I only consider guys that I think are attractive. Keep you posted.
Update 1:
Here's message sent to subject 1 - "
--- Jagruti from a previous life/ Sheel in this one"
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Attitude
I read this and thought it was really cute:
If A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
equals
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Then,
Hard Work
H+A+R+D+W+O+R+K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
Knowledge
K+N+O+W+L+E+D+G+E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
Love
L+O+V+E
12+15+22+5 = 54%
Luck
L+U+C+K
12+21+3+11 = 47%
.
.
Most of us think these are the most important ???
Then what would take us to 100% ?
Is it Money ? ..
NO ! ! !
M+O+N+E+Y
13+15+14+5+25 = 72%
Leadership ? ....
NO ! ! !
L+E+A+D+E+R+S+H+I+P
12+5+1+4+5+18+19+9+16 = 89%
Every problem has a solution, only if we perhaps change our attitude.
To go to the top,
to that 100% ,
What do we really need to go further... a bit more...
ATTITUDE
A+T+T+I+T+U+D+E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
It is OUR ATTITUDE towards Life and Work that makes OUR Life 100% ! ! !
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
Attitude Can Change Our Life
"The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy."
-H.H. the Dalai Lama
If A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
equals
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Then,
Hard Work
H+A+R+D+W+O+R+K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
Knowledge
K+N+O+W+L+E+D+G+E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
Love
L+O+V+E
12+15+22+5 = 54%
Luck
L+U+C+K
12+21+3+11 = 47%
.
.
Most of us think these are the most important ???
Then what would take us to 100% ?
Is it Money ? ..
NO ! ! !
M+O+N+E+Y
13+15+14+5+25 = 72%
Leadership ? ....
NO ! ! !
L+E+A+D+E+R+S+H+I+P
12+5+1+4+5+18+19+9+16 = 89%
Every problem has a solution, only if we perhaps change our attitude.
To go to the top,
to that 100% ,
What do we really need to go further... a bit more...
ATTITUDE
A+T+T+I+T+U+D+E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%
It is OUR ATTITUDE towards Life and Work that makes OUR Life 100% ! ! !
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING
Attitude Can Change Our Life
"The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy."
-H.H. the Dalai Lama
Monday, September 08, 2008

Twitter -- What is it? Well it's just a place you add your status -- what you are doing? Then you add friends who are using Twitter. They tell you what they are doing and read what you are up to. How interesting? Not really – who cares. I have the same feature on Facebook. It takes me forever to figure out what to type in that. Something exciting, something relevant that everyone would want to know. I can’t manage to use that real well. So I was like, ‘why join twitter?’. Lately, I’ve had a lot of thoughts. Really I’ve had them all my life. Seriously, they were like one sentence thoughts, which weren’t really enough for a single blog entry, but I can put a couple of these thoughts together for an actual blog entry, so I thought I would join Twitter. It’s allows me to write the things that I’m thinking as I’m thinking them. So if that’s it’s purpose then it’s useful. I don’t have any friends on it though. Sad but true. No one I know is on it. If you are on it comment.
The URL: http://twitter.com/sheelshah
Thursday, September 04, 2008
To Achieve Work/Life Balance
Understand the importance of what type of work/life balance you need.
I'm personally not the kind that likes a balance. I prefer to tip the scale in favor of life.
Take less to work. Sometimes you have a laptop, which is understandable. Remember a laptop is way your employer tries to get you to work at home.
I'm personally not the kind that likes a balance. I prefer to tip the scale in favor of life.
Take less to work. Sometimes you have a laptop, which is understandable. Remember a laptop is way your employer tries to get you to work at home.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Looking for a New Job: Benefits
Some of the things they don't tell you in an interview are some of the most important.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Hindola

Hindola is an important Hindu festival celebrated in India. The festival falls in the Hindu month of Shravan, which can be July to September depending on the year.
This is a festival of swings, wherein Lord Krishna is placed in a decorated swing and swung gently. The festival originates from 5000 years ago in Vrindavan when Lord Krishna was swung in a hindola by the Gopis to express their love and affection towards him. Hindola translates to swing, which is made in a variety of colors, shapes and forms. The hindola can be decorated with vegetables, leaves, flowers, earthen pots, fruits, dry fruits, beans, chocolates, steel dishes and cups, etc.
As this blog tries to be informative as well as controversial. I'm going to ask the question, why the deal with Swaminarayan mandir's celebrating the Hindola festival. It's not like Swaminarayan was ever swung on swing by gopis. And I don't want to hear any made up stories either of devotees swinging him.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
With Great Power...
A couple of people recently said to me, "Sheel, God put you here to save me." I don't know if I want to save people, because if I'm here to save others, who is here to save me. I'm not looking to be a hero.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Draupadi was a picky woman...
Draupadi was a very picky lady..Can you blame the gal..she just wanted the best. If a soul like her is that demanding, than leaves little hope for us.
Draupadi is the wife of the Pandavas. She had in a previous lifetime prayed to Lord Shiva to grant her a husband with five desired qualities (Strong, Intelligent, Sharp witted, Handsome and a great archer). Lord Shiva, pleased with her devotion, tells her that it is very difficult to get a husband with all five qualities that she desired. But she sticks to her ground and asks for the same. Then Lord Shiva grants her wish saying that she would get the same in her next birth. She got them all right(be careful what you wish for). She got each of the five qualities she wanted, but one quality was present in one of the five husbands. She got five husbands.
It's crazy that "handsome" was part of her requirements in a good husband. If it's in the Mahabharat..you know all girls think like that and are somewhat shallow.
Could you imagine -- five husbands -- I could. Bet she was satisfied in more ways than one.. I of course mean, 5 salaries from the 5 husbands...
Monday, December 03, 2007
Aaja Nachle "Castes" a Spell
So I watched Aaja Nachle, the film being touted as Madhuri's comeback film. Let me say it was a good movie going experience. The dances, Madhuri's look and acting were excellent. I felt that it could have had a little more comedy in the story line. I wanted to laugh, cry and be mesmerized in the same movie. Akshaye Khanna was a nice surprise and so was Irfan Khan. Of course Konkana Sen Sharma and Kunal Kapoor were excellent, I loved their part of the storyline. Konkana has never been this funny and non-serious. The last 30 minutes of the film were beautiful to watch. Everyone of course loved the title song - visually if not lyrically.
Some controversy hit the film and the government in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana banned Aaja Nachle on the release date of Friday, November 30th and asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to impose a countrywide clamp-down on the movie alleging its title song was "unconstitutional".
"Bazar mein machi hai maramar; bole mochi bhi khud ko sunhar" (There is so much chaos in the market that even a cobbler is calling himself a goldsmith) -- was the objectionable line of the title song. First of all let me go by explaining the song, it talks about how Madhuri's character loses her jewelry and the attraction the men of the town feel for her that they will go to any lengths to help her. Even say they specialize in a specific trade, that they don't. I didn't find anything offensive in the line. But some felt as if the line was saying that the mochis are a lower caste than sonnars. What I'm saying is, 'Does it really matter? When you are comparing two low castes what does it matter who is higher or who is lower." Yeah...I said it. Watch this be my last post.
Concerned by the ban and protests, director of the film Anil Mehta announced the "objectionable" line from the song would be deleted. Censor Board chairperson Sharmila Tagore, who cleared the film for release, stated, "We saw the words 'mochi' (cobbler) and 'sonar' (goldsmith) as people of a certain profession, not a caste. Urban Indians would not I'm sure be offended - but as they say India lives in centuries, so to that extent people in smaller towns may find it offensive, and we are sorry we overlooked that,"
When promotional videos of the film had been running for a very long time, why did the government decide to wait until the film's release to deem the lyrics unacceptable? Answer -- simply --- Haters!! Deep down inside the government of UP, Punjab and Haryana are Sridevi, Juhi Chawla, Kajol fans..
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Top Albums/Songs of 2007
I think I quite enjoyed 2007 musically. My top three albums of all time are of course Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Taal and Saathiya. Nothing has yet changed this but here are some songs from this year that I will continue to listen to beyond 2007.
Top Albums/Songs of 2007
These were good as well. I want to say that Guru initially was in the top five but had to be moved to an Honorable Mention once I realized Jab We Met was that amazing.
Honorable Mentions:
Awarapan (To Phir Aao, Tera Mera Rishta), Delhii Heights (Tere Bin), Cheeni Kum (Jaane Do), Guru (Ay Hairathe, Terre Bina)
Top Albums/Songs of 2007
1) Namastey London (Kya Yehi Pyar Hai, Main Jahaan Rahoon, Viraaniya, etc)
2) Life in a Metro (In Dino, Alvida, O Meri Jaan)
3) Jab We Met (Aaoge Jab Tum, Mauja Mauja, Tum Se Hi, Yeh Ishq Hai)
4) Anwar (Mithoon: Maula Mere Maula, Javeda Zindagi)
5) Saawariya (Jab Se Tere Naina, Yoon Shabnami, Masha-Allah, Saawariya)
These were good as well. I want to say that Guru initially was in the top five but had to be moved to an Honorable Mention once I realized Jab We Met was that amazing.
Honorable Mentions:
Awarapan (To Phir Aao, Tera Mera Rishta), Delhii Heights (Tere Bin), Cheeni Kum (Jaane Do), Guru (Ay Hairathe, Terre Bina)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Saawariya vs Om Shanti Om
I went to go see Saawariya first (Friday), due to the fact I despise Shah Rukh. I must say I enjoyed the towel drop in Saawariya. Yeah I know what you are thinking..who didn't? The movie was visually and musically excellent. It was like a Broadway play, but the story was on the simple side, making the movie about a little less than two and half hours. After watching OSO, I appreciated Saawariya's length. Rani's role and acting were one of the best things in the movie. She made the movie better.
The next day I went to go see Om Shanti Om to a packed and lively audience. The audience as a whole made my movie-going experience awesome. I enjoyed the cheering, screaming and whistling. The cameos by 30 something stars made everyone excited and it was fun seeing who got the most cheers. Kajol with the most, then followed by Juhi. OSO was a good experience watching in the theater but wouldn't say the same if you watch the DVD at home. Also wouldn't say the same if you don't understand the ongoings of the Hindi film industry, the jokes just won't make sense. I watched the bits that made me crack up just go over my dad's head.
The whole Manoj Kumar episode in OSO has been heavily talked about with Manoj Kumar protesting his look alike getting beat up by the police. Could that be offensive? Hmmmm. Is OSO just full of offensive jokes? Most of them are. There's a whole bit where Om pretends to be a famous South Indian movie start shooting for the fictional film, "Mind It". I recently read a blog about how offensive it was to South Indians. "Rascalah"
What I found to be offensive was the 'Apahij Pyaar' bit. Though it had me cracking up. My humor is on the offensive side though. It has Om playing this handless, legless, deaf-mute who is in love with a girl who is getting married to another guy. I loved the scene where Om is at her wedding showering flowers at her with his mouth (since he is handless). LMAO!!! I understand that 'Apahij Pyaar' was to show that even if limitations are placed because of the storyline, anything can happen in an Indian film in a dream sequence, but did it need to make fun of the handicapped. The dream sequence has the 'Apahij' dancing to the song 'Dard-E-Disco' with a six-pack. The term 'Dard-E-Disco' coined by Farah Khan the director of the film was one of the most innovative terms I've heard in a long time. The best part of the movie was that, the cameos and Deepika Padukone. The worst part of the movie was as Variety magazine said in it's review of OSO, "the movie also requires considerable tolerance of the King's limited range." I kinda got tired of him after a while.
So after so many chapters about Om Shanti Om, which do I think is the better film Saawariya or Om Shanti Om?
Neither. I found neither lived up to expectation.
The next day I went to go see Om Shanti Om to a packed and lively audience. The audience as a whole made my movie-going experience awesome. I enjoyed the cheering, screaming and whistling. The cameos by 30 something stars made everyone excited and it was fun seeing who got the most cheers. Kajol with the most, then followed by Juhi. OSO was a good experience watching in the theater but wouldn't say the same if you watch the DVD at home. Also wouldn't say the same if you don't understand the ongoings of the Hindi film industry, the jokes just won't make sense. I watched the bits that made me crack up just go over my dad's head.
The whole Manoj Kumar episode in OSO has been heavily talked about with Manoj Kumar protesting his look alike getting beat up by the police. Could that be offensive? Hmmmm. Is OSO just full of offensive jokes? Most of them are. There's a whole bit where Om pretends to be a famous South Indian movie start shooting for the fictional film, "Mind It". I recently read a blog about how offensive it was to South Indians. "Rascalah"
What I found to be offensive was the 'Apahij Pyaar' bit. Though it had me cracking up. My humor is on the offensive side though. It has Om playing this handless, legless, deaf-mute who is in love with a girl who is getting married to another guy. I loved the scene where Om is at her wedding showering flowers at her with his mouth (since he is handless). LMAO!!! I understand that 'Apahij Pyaar' was to show that even if limitations are placed because of the storyline, anything can happen in an Indian film in a dream sequence, but did it need to make fun of the handicapped. The dream sequence has the 'Apahij' dancing to the song 'Dard-E-Disco' with a six-pack. The term 'Dard-E-Disco' coined by Farah Khan the director of the film was one of the most innovative terms I've heard in a long time. The best part of the movie was that, the cameos and Deepika Padukone. The worst part of the movie was as Variety magazine said in it's review of OSO, "the movie also requires considerable tolerance of the King's limited range." I kinda got tired of him after a while.
So after so many chapters about Om Shanti Om, which do I think is the better film Saawariya or Om Shanti Om?
Neither. I found neither lived up to expectation.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Tere Bin Saanu Sohniya
- New Song of the Moment -
I'll have to admit, I've heard it a while ago..but it didn't register for me until I heard Mussarat performing it on SaReGaMaPa Challenge 2007...eventhough he messed up with the lyrics. He sang it beautifully. No clue what all of the words mean (This is before I did a PhD on the song)..my Punjabi (or Five-Jabi) is seriously beyond lacking. Evenso, the words are utterly beautiful.
After listening to it a one-trillion-gazillion times and searchin' the net...this is what I have come up with..
Tere Bin
Music and Performed By Rabbi Shergill
Lyrics By Sanyukta Verma
I'll have to admit, I've heard it a while ago..but it didn't register for me until I heard Mussarat performing it on SaReGaMaPa Challenge 2007...eventhough he messed up with the lyrics. He sang it beautifully. No clue what all of the words mean (This is before I did a PhD on the song)..my Punjabi (or Five-Jabi) is seriously beyond lacking. Evenso, the words are utterly beautiful.
After listening to it a one-trillion-gazillion times and searchin' the net...this is what I have come up with..
Tere Bin
Music and Performed By Rabbi Shergill
Lyrics By Sanyukta Verma
| Tere Bin Sanu Sohniya Koi Hor Nahio Labhna Jo Dave Ruh Nu Sakun Chukke Jo Nakhra Mera Ve Main Sare Ghumm Ke Vekhia Amrika , Roos, Malaysia Na Kittey Vi Koi Fark Si Har Kise Di Koi Shart Si Koi Mangda Mera Si Shama Koi Hunda Surat Te Fida Koi Mangda Meri Si Wafa Na Koi Mangda Merian Bala Tere Bin Hor Na Kise Mangni Merian Bala Tere Bin Hor Na Kise Karni Dhup Vich Chhan Tere Bin Sanu Sohniya Koi Hor Nahio Labhna Jo Dave Ruh Nu Sakun Chukke Jo Nakhra Mera | Besides you my love I shan't find another Who'll give peace to my soul Who'll endure my fickle temperament (nakhra) I have gone and seen it all America, Russia, Malaysia It didn't matter to anyone They all had some conditions Some asked for my time Some were fascinated with my face Some demanded my fidelity No one asked for my demons/flaws Besides you no one else could Ask for my flaws/demons Besides you, there isn't anyone with whom I could Create a shade under the sun Besides you my love I shan't find another Who'll give peace to my soul Who'll indulge me |
| Jiven Rukia Si Tun Zara Nahion Bhulna Main Sari Umar Jiven Akhia Si Akhan Chura "Rovenga Sanu Yad Kar" Hasia Si Main Hasa Ajeeb Par Tu Nahi Si Hasia Dil Vich Tera Jo Raaz Si Mainu Tu Kyon Ni Dasia Tere Bin Sanu Eh Raaz Kise Hor Nahion Dasna Tere Bin Peerh Da Ilaaj Kis Vaid Kolon Labhna Tere Bin Sanu Sohniya Koi Hor Nahio Labhna Jo Dave Ruh Nu Sakun Chukke Jo Nakhra Mera | The way you paused slightly I won't forget my entire life Looking away you said "You will weep remembering me" I Laughed a strange laugh But you didn't laugh The Secret that lay in your heart Why didn't you tell me? Besides you, this secret of your's I won't tell anyone Besides you, the cure to my ailment Which doctor could possess Besides you my love I shan't find another Who'll give peace to my soul... |
| Milia Si Ajj Mainu Tera Ik Patra Likhia Si Jis 'te Tun Shayr Varey Shah Da Parr Ke Si Osnu Hanjnu Ik Duliya Akhan 'ch Band Si Seh Raaz Ajj Khulia Ki Tere Bin Eh Mere Hanjnu Kise Hor Nahio Chumna Ki Tere Bin Eh Mere Hanjhu Mitti Vich Rulnha Tere Bin Sanu Sohniya Koi Hor Nahio Labhna Jo Dave Ruh Nu Sakun Chukke Jo Nakhra Mera) - 5 | Today I found A Letter of Your's In which you've Scribbled A Couplet of Varis Shah Upon Reading it Fell a teardrop That was trapped in my eyes All the secrets were revealed today That besides you, these tears of mine Won't be kissed away by no one else That besides you, these tears of mine Will wither away into the dust Besides you my love I shan't find another Who'll give peace to my soul... |
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