Day 31: That’s why I Love To Blog!

Today we come to the end of the Blogothon. One blog a day. 31 days, 31 blogs. Team Blogoholics United. 8 Bloggers. 1 amazing experience.

Everyone has their own motivation to write. I have my own. I write to relax. Although, I have been writing since quite long, I never thought I could stretch myself for such a demanding challenge. With this blogothon, I ve accomplished something that I never thought I could do. Stretch myself in writing.

In the past month, i spoke with a few of my fellow bloggers about their reason to write. And this is what they had to say:

Dr Chitra A N:

In the little box of our mind somewhere we all cover an unsaid word and unexpressed deep hidden secrets, which somehow we do want to say it by some means by a word, a poem or in an article. Why not say it today how and why I blog?

Writing came to me by blood I think, my parents used to write too when they were young and I started writing when I was in 9^th std and as time passed things changed and I started blogging since 2007 initially for just documentation for my writings and yeah we do get better audience and inspiration while we blog. It’s a routine now and it’s like voracious way to speak our heart and so I blog for my soul!

http://chitranavada.blogspot.com/

Vibha Nayak:

This is one of the places where I can express my completely. I have made a lot of friends through this hobby of mine. It helps me to relax myself.

In fact, I also attend bloggers meet ups to understand the bloggers community better!

http://vibhanayak.wordpress.com/

And yes, thats why even I love to blog. Happy end of blogging month to all!

P.S. – After this marathon blogging month, I ll take a much needed break from writing for next couple of months! There are many more thing in life to catch up with!

 

Day 30: My First Video Blog!

This my first ever video blog.

 

Sorry for this crude music! Please bear with me!

The second video!

 

Thank you for bearing with me!

 

Day 29: – Ra.One ~ My View

Today was a tragedy. I finally went to see Ra.One. (God, please forgive me for I didn’t know what I was doing!!)

The only good thing was that I had decided that I would watch the movie through the eyes of a kid. And enjoy what ever I could. I had heard that it was more of a video game, than a movie. But all said and done, with so much of marketing done around this movie, I finally landed up in the movie hall.

And let me tell you, I was not let down. Here, I list what’s hot and what’s not about the movie.

What’s Hot:

1. The Graphics – If at all anything, you should watch this movie for its graphics and effects. Amazing stuff. One scene where Ra.One and G.One are on the top of a building, the stuff looks awesome.
2. 3D – The movie uses good 3D effects in action sequences. Although, 3D sequences in the other scenes are also good, but some slow motion sequences are at par with Hollywood movies.
3. The Costume – If I were a super hero, I wouldn’t mind wearing this costume in public. And much better than other super heroes who wear their underpants outside their trousers.
4. Kareena Kapoor– She is hot anyways. In the movie or otherwise.

What’s Not:

1. The Script – Ok, there isn’t one in the first place. The villain gets of a video game and the super hero saves the kid. Could have been better if the script was a bit complex.
2. The Background Score – This movie does not have a background score that we would remember after we left the theatre. could have been better.
3. The Kid – Alright, I said it. There are so many kids who, if casted in this role, would have added a greater depth in the kids character. Sorry guys, if you loved this kid. Just wanted to let you know, there are many more better than him.
4. Exaggeration! – The movie is full of exaggeration. To some limits, I can totally understand. Like a character comes out of the game, into real life is ok. But imagine they showing a lady driving a vehicle skilfully! (yes, there is one scene where Kareena not only drives a SUV skilfully, but also manages to get away from the villain! The limits of exaggeration, I must say!

So, as a conclusion, if you ask me my verdict, I would say go watch it with your kids. And remember to watch only in 3D. And keep a lots of popcorn around. And be mentally prepared to go through the pains of a slow movie! cheers!

 

Day 28: 10 Things I Want To Do

If you have been following my blogs, you would know that I have made a list of things that I want to do in my life. I had been waiting for a right time to blog about it, but I guess the month is coming to an end and I want to blog about this topic in this blogging challenge. So here are the top 10 things I want to accomplish -

1. Bungee Jump (I stomach twists when ever I think about it!)
2. Complete the book (I started off with three chapters, 16 more to go! http://bit.ly/iqYWjk )
3. Work in a book store (Landmark or crossword, for two months)
4. Do a solo gig (me and my guitars)
5. Do a thesis on ‘ROI on electronic security systems’ (Do it as a priority)
6. Do Atthai (Eight days fast, during ‘Paryushan’. Jain festival)
7. Run full marathon (Well, Now I have grown fat! )
8. Do Introduction Leaders Program (ILP, in Landmark Eductation)
9. Work in Europe/US/Singapore for at least 2 yrs (To understand their culture)
10. Start my enterprise (Although being a Gujarati, it looks difficult as of now)

Yup, this is the list. Now that I have posted it, I have also started working towards it. This was the first step. What are some of the things on your list?

 

Day 27: AFSPA– A First Person View

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is probably the most controversial laws governing the armed forces in India. The law has been debated since years now and yet no specific conclusion has been arrived at. For the ones who are new to this AFSPA law, It confreres special powers upon armed forces in disturbed areas of the country. (J & K and North Eastern States)

Lately, it has become a trend for any political critic to condemn this law. Just by stating the powers conferred by the law, and adding a few negative adjectives to it, they have effectively mislead the common man against the law.

I have only one question against it. How many critics have actually been there on ground and truly understood the real situation?

The answer would be none, cause then they would have not been campaigning against it. Most of the armed forces soldiers would agree that they have been maintaining peace mainly because of the leverages given by this law. Contradictory to the popular belief, no solider is looking for reasons to break it. In fact, he always tries to maintain the constrain. But sadly, the common man is always made to believe otherwise.

Before we move on, let me emphasise here that in most of these states, our armed forces are fighting war against our own countrymen. They are called insurgents, who generate support from the common people for their terror movement. Even in Kashmir, where we face the problems of cross border terrorism, they essentially have a network of local supporters.

Now considering this ground reality, I have a proposition to make – Go ahead and remove the AFSPA.

Yes, go ahead and do it. But take a while before coming to any conclusion in haste. Do you know the consequences of removing the act? No, you seriously dont know.

It is like amputing your leg because you have a blister and it has been presented to you as cancer.

I agree that there may have been a few cases where this law would have been misused, but they are purely because of individuals, rather than a guiding policy of the forces.

My opinion on this topic is simple. Remove the AFSPA. Simply because people wont understand its importance, until it is removed. Let people burn their fingers first. And ask the AFSPA to be reinstated again. Because critics sitting in their homes, wont realise the importance of the act till they themselves are affected by the absence of this law. And sadly enough, the repercussions of removing this law is not just limited to these affected states. It will gradually spill over to other states. And then to your neighbouring cities. and finally to your home.

So if you are already ready to comment on this article, take a moment or two and consider the fact that you have been just commenting on things you dont even know about, havent seen it in first person or just have heard some opinion from some third person who makes a living by making news out of nothing. Just for money.

And still if you strongly feel about it, I totally agree with you. Remove the act completely. And let the people learn from experience. And then reinstate the law again. I just hope that it is not too late by then.

 

Day 26: Songs Lost In Time (Part II)

Songs I grew up listening to.

I continue from where I had left yesterday. The songs should know that they are still being remembered. Dil Se.

Jiya, Pyar Maange Jiya ~ (Movie: Aasman Se Ooncha)

Gives the feeling of being in the valley’s of Himalayas! Lyrics are romantic too!

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Koi Chahat Ki Kaliyaan Khilane Laga ~ (Movie: Gopaalaa (probably!!!))

This truly epic song never got noticed. Like its movie. But I distinctly remember Vivid Bharti playing this song quite often during 90’s. (Yes, we had Vivid Bharti during that time) This song needs to be revived, somehow. Maybe, someone can just remix this song and play it in one of the upcoming movies. Hope.

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O Yaara Tu Pyaron Ss Hai Pyaara ~ (Movie: Kaash)

This slow song beats most of the romantic melodies, amazing feel in this song. The movie again didnt do well, but the song is still played on radio sometimes. Most of you would know this song.

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Tumhi Hamari Ho Manzil My Love ~ (Movie: Yaara Dildara)

This song was overshadowed by its colleague “Bin Tere Sanam” which turned out to be a epic song. But this song was equally good, if you see. Minimum music and mostly vocals, the voices have depth, like the song itself.  The singers have done a good job here.

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Aashiq Deewana Hoon Pagal Parwana Hoon ~ (Movie: Afsana Pyaar Ka)

A complete rip off from the song “La Bamba”, but beautifully done by Bappi Lahiri. I remember this song probably because I heard this song before I heard La Bamba. Nevertheless, a very well sung song.

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Na Jaane Kyon Main Beqarar ~ (Phir Lehraya Lal Dupatta)

The movie was a sequel to the hit ‘Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka’. This movie made a mark as one of the biggest movie made as home video. The songs of both the parts were hit, but this one still stays in my mind.

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Tu Mujhe Jaan Se Bhi Pyaara Hai ~ (Movie: Wardaat)

Alright, this song is quite famous. Bhappi Lahiri yet again proves why he is called the king of disco. No one comes near him. Listen.

With this I end my list here. I could have gone on for a few more posts, but I guess, this list captures the mood. All the songs during the late 80’s and through out the 90’s have been amazing. I may have not included a few songs here, which you would feel have been forgotten or not as famous. Do list that out in the comments column below. Cheers.

 

Day 25: Songs Lost In Time (Part I)

Songs I grew up listening to.

Its fashionable these days to make statements like “I grew up listening to G’n’R and U2” or I only listen to Metallica and Green Day. Alright, these bands and their songs have become a part of our lives and even I listen to them. But today I ll talk about some songs that I ve heard when I was growing up. These songs may not be epic, but I can relate them to some or the other event in my life. I ve grown up listening to them too. I seldom get to hear them these days, but whenever I hear them, it feels totally nostalgic.

Kitna Pyar Tumhe Karte Hain ~ (Movie: Ek Ladka Ek Ladki)

Well, my favouritest of all the songs, if I may say. Actually, even the movie was good, but didnt do well at the box office. I am sure many of you still remember this song.

 

Tumhari Palkon Ki Chilman Mein ~ (Movie: Nakhuda)

Nitin Mukesh lends his voice for this song. Looks like the director of this song made this song for his beloved. The song oozes love!

 

Aaja Bharon Ki Malika ~ (Movie: Dastoor)

This epic song would have been really epic had the movie done well. One of those songs, which died its death because of low performance of its movie.

 

Ban Ke Kitab Teri ~ (Movie: Pyar Bhara Dil)

I dont know, if many of you even know that such a song even existed! But it still remember it because of its catchy tune.

 

Mere Pyar Ki Umar Ho Itni Sanam (Movie: Waaris)

For quite a while, this song remained my favourite song. It gives the typical late 80’s ka feel. The song is still famous, probably the most hit song on this list.

 

Aapko Agar Zaroorat Hai ~ (Movie: Hatya)

Symbolises the Govinda-Neelam on screen chemistry. This song was a epic hit when the movie got released.

 

Yaar Mera Kho Gaya ~ (Movie: Dance Dance)

Alisha lends her voice to this disco track. This track stands out amongst its contemporaries. Actually, outstanding!

 

On this note, I end the blog here, so that I can continue it tomorrow. This list is long, you see. In the mean time, do list out your songs that you grew up listening to. And the ones that are not very famous these days.

Contd…

 

Day 24: Team Blog-o-holic United ~ Amazing People

Its Dhan Teras today. This day is considered auspicious, also known as the festival of wealth. Dhanteras holds special significance in our lives, due to the customary purchases of gold and other precious metals on this day. The legend says that the one who prays today, will be blessed with unimaginable wealth.

Each team member, a true gem – The Team Blog-o-holics United. Just because of this amazing team, I was able to stretch myself to the limits and continue with this blogging challenge, which  is my passion. So, I take this opportunity to reveal the nick names. (Long awaited post!)

1. Monika Manchanda – “Ms Impact!” (Not to be confused with MisImpact!)

I have heard about Monika from a lot of tweeps, a lot of times. Even in the tweet up, people spoke about her and the impact she creates. This month she is involved in campaign on VAWAM, and I must say the impact she has created in that space is amazing.

2. Shweta Zaveri – “Bubbly”

She is always excited about every thing around her. Her blogs have immense vibrancy in them. Bubbling with enthusiasm. Also a gifted photographer.

3. Nikhil Dudwadkar – “Nick”

For obvious reasons, basically because I have known him for long enough to know what his actual nick name is. This guy has awesome sense of humour and an amazing sense of timing! And yes, thanks to him, I am addicted to twitter now!

4. Meghna Garg – “Violet”

The colour violet represents the harmony of the universe because it is a combination of red and blue (Yin and yang respectively) and so is Meghna. Soft spoken, respects everyone around her and writes straight from heart.

5. Tanu Anand – “Angel”

A food blogger, even her twitter handle is Feisty! Clear and clever posts. A lively person, she always has this delightful feel in all her conversations. True angle, although sometimes devil!

6. Anirudh Shetty – “Dude”

He is a Dude. No explanation required further. The youngest in this group, but with maximum zest. A handsome young chap, always eager to share. Clever posts.

7 Supriya Maulick – “Pria”

Like her name suggests, she is beloved of all. And It was only because of her initiative we all got together for this challenge. Soft and jolly, concise is the real word for her. Thanks, Supriya for this initiative. Look forward to reading more of you.

This is our team. Each one make my life richer, in their own way. Cheers to the team.

 

Day 23: Kala Ghoda Art Festival ~ An Experience

Kala Ghoda Art Festival has always been symbolic to Mumbai. It is the mecca for artists and art lovers. This festival always had a special place in my heart and every year I eagerly wait for it. Here are a few pics of the festival last year.

KALA GHODA ART FESTIVAL 2011

The Kala Ghoda

The Schedule

The Tied Up World

The Rampart Row

A New Angle

Bach Ke Rehna, Re Baba!

Ambey-Se-Darr and Sakshat Ambey, dono….

Earth To Sky

And Finally, Kanoon Ke Pair Bhi Lambe Hai!

 

Day 22: Time Management

Before starting this post, I would like to share that I am writing this post on my BlackBerry. This will be my first ever post via a mobile device. And I had a strong view always that to write a blog I need to have a suitable environment to write. Yeah, cause it needs a lot of deliberation! Yes, that was my view!

So, coming back to the part of time management, we (Blogoholics United) had challenged ourselves to write one blog every day for one month. Initially, it looked easy. But looking at the commitments at home and office, we all realised it would be a difficult task to keep up with this challenge. Nevertheless, I somehow managed to find one hour everyday to blog.

Until today. Today was an exceptionally busy day, with lots of pending deliverables in office (before DIWALI vacations) and a couple of more engagements. And of course evening was dedicated to a tweet up, where I expected to meet my old friends. The tweet up was long due.

And when I left office, I realised that I wouldn’t have enough time to blog, if I planned to blog after the tweet up. More over, I would be too drunk to blog! So, the options with me were limited.

That’s when it dawned to me that I could manage all the commitments if I intended. Only, it would require some creative thinking. So, I started exploring options. And vola, I remembered I had a cell phone that supported word press application. I downloaded the application right there and guess what, I have typed this entire blog on this tiny device.

Had this been a regular day, I would have dozed off in train or would have tweeted some nonsense stuff. But this commitment allowed me to explore new options and use time effectively!

Everyone in this world has only 24 hrs to his disposal. Some get a lot of things accomplished and some struggle with time management. I always struggled with time management. But this experience has allowed me to explore other places where I am still struggling with time. And I am sure, I ll be able to break that time deficit barrier!

Before I sign off, let me wish you a happy weekend. I am off, I have a tweet up to attend! Cheers!