Peace! The ultimate bliss every individual on earth is seeking & starving for, the word that unites the world evolving into a happy & holy place to live in. However, where do we get peace? Today, we wander from place to place in the pursuit of peace. Do peace really exist or just a mere word in the lexicon. Why do we pledge for peace? Ripple of thoughts flow when you magnify the world through the eyes of hope.
Lust, greed, pride, anger, attachment are so synonymous with human being. The physical form is entrapped by the vices that have ruled our mind & soul. What about love? It exists in the hearts but has metamorphosed with time; the love that dwells is the materialistic one. We are more mechanical & technical in life yet fail to get peace. The primary reason is time. No time for our family & friends. Are we so occupied and only respite is on national holidays. Don’t you think we have spun a web of complexities out of nothing? The beautiful thought flashes in my mind “If you cannot change time, it is time to change”.
Man’s mind has become vagrant & wild and the heinous deeds of mankind are reaping hyper tension, hatred & death. The debatable issues like the nuclear deal, global warming, Tibet trauma, bomb blast, the racial race & child molestation has grave emotional stress to all. Deals done, treaties signed yet the memorandum of understanding doesn’t guarantee peace. After all, peace can’t be purchased. An analysis of the problem proves that it all stems from man’s mind. Mind- the deadliest weapon of world and mind you, unemployment that leads to student unrest has its own heavy toll. As the saying goes “Empty mind is the devils workshop”.
The root of all evils that causes sorrow & sufferings springs from human mind. One must realize that peace is rooted in the mind in the form of thoughts which are manifested into actions. Self realization and self purification is required not just chanting mantras. There is PEACE IN WORLD when there is PEACE IN I. I am not my name. I am not what my profession is. So Who am I? The simplest question that brings positive thoughts and righteous actions must be answered. “As I walked by myself, I talked by myself and myself replied to me and the questions myself, then put to myself with their answers I give to thee”.
Om Shanti.
Well folks, it’s not about some talk show or speed dating but observation in a cafeteria while sipping coffee and leisurely reading the daily paper. A regular to the coffee café, every morning I used to drop in and grab the daily dose of drink. As I enjoyed my Cappuccino, my eyes watched people near by and ears trapped the chit chat. It was tons of fun.
Good morning kiss and a hug was a common way to start a conversation among young. Aunties scored good grade over daily house chore talks whilst uncles discussed about the men in blue. Miss mobile’s, kept blabbering on cell and yes you do get to discover workaholics, who opens up their notebook and God knows what they keep tabbing. Right from love to lust, money to movies, you get to listen all.
As usual I entered, but this time my eyes got attracted to a bunch of boys who were very animated and well dressed too, so sat just next to them. As I did, could hear nothing. They were dumb and deaf yet so alive and kicking. Amazed at the art, it was like a dance form. The graceful moments of their hands and the expressive eyes were in tandem with their thoughts, clearly expressed. They joked, debated and enjoyed. They were talking about a guy from the group itself and his failed promises; in return he was supporting himself giving reasons which ended in a joke for all. It was a simple discussions but different.
The art of conversation they had was unique…. it was silent but meaningful. Their facial expression, hand gestures and body postures communicated messages effectively. Many times our words fail to express but a right gesture explains it all, For example smiling is a powerful cue that transmits happiness, friendliness & warmth. The conversation elucidated the importance of non verbal communication. When both verbal and non verbal forms of communications are used properly, the conversation is more meaningful & clear.
In a cafeteria, coffee mug is in my hand and my eyes on you. I just love good coffee and great conversation.
Om shanti om!
Remember Chamatka, Suppandi, Tales of Birbal and Jataka Tales? Apparently, a startup, ACK Media, is acquiring a majority stake in Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd., the company which publishes the wonderful Amar Chitra Katha comics, besides Tinkle and Double Digest.
While I was growing up, this definitely a big hit – a lot more interesting than the history teacher’s droning, dates and maps, a peek into Indian culture and mythology and a definite pride in being Indian. Where else would you see 10 year old eager to read about Rabindranath Tagore’s life or Amarapali, the court dancer in the ancient kingdom of Vaishali and her conversion to Buddism? Also for a generation that was exposed to mainly British literature, this was a refreshing dose of reality and what with Little Anwar, Tantri the Mantri and of course, “It Happened to Me”, a section where readers could write in. I remember huge comic exchange programs every summer vacation when stacks of comics would be lent and borrowed and actually read! Yes, the content is clinical, too non-controversial and sometimes not factual. But I can definitely attest that they are a wonderful tool to make kids sit down and read, get interested in history and feel a sense of pride in being Indian. How many textbooks or any other book for that matter can claim that distinction?
So go for it ACK Media, rerelease those 200 issues that are not in circulation and reach out to a wider audience. I see many a parent appreciating those Kodak moments of quietness while watching their kids engrossed in reading about India!
This is an unabashed post on something i’ve recently designed!
It’s a mini tote that’s big enough to carry your essentials and bold enough to make a compelling fashion statement. Each piece has been designed to showcase an exotic Shan Ré painting that sets the mood for your day and envelopes you in its sumptuous colors.
Seven enchanting paintings lend each bag a distinct personality:
The “Helen” bag is Mediterranean blue and white.
The “Wild One” feels Latino in browns, reds and yellows.
“Prince” is regal in midnight blue and black.
“Valley Girl” is rustic and cute.
The creamy “Colorscape” is understated yet playful.
“Black & White” is sleek and funky at the same time.
“Musical” is discreet and casual.
Check out the entire collection at http://www.revola-art-foundation.com/studio.htm
Last week we caught some fleeting TV promos of this low-budget Indian English comedy and decided that it was worth our time. This is the only recent movie where i didn’t have to buy tickets in advance! For the movie’s sake, I hope that changes because it’s highly entertaining and deserves a larger audience.
Touted as a “multiplex film” it tells the story of a bunch of quirky NRIs competing for a cash prize of $25k at the ‘Desi Idol’ contest being held in New Jersey. The entire contest - from the audition to the finale - takes place during a weekend at a downtown hotel.
Many of the actors and characters are funny without trying hard to be so - the mark of a good comedy. There’s the ubiquitous Gujarati family come to cheer their 17 yr old Preeti Patel; there’s a percentages buff, a scheming socialite (played by Shabana) and the “Turbanotorious Guy” (played by Ajay Naidu) who steals the scene every single time with his Bhangra Rap and his Hip Hop moves. And, oh, he’s gay. Plus, he has a turban-wearing, black, rapper boyfriend!
The surprise element is a kurta-clad American guy named Josh Cohen, who only knows two hindi songs and is crazy enough to think he is a serious contender. Maybe he isn’t that crazy considering that one of the other semi finalists is an aspiring bollywood actress who doesn’t know hindi.
Ayesha Dharker plays Josh’s Indian girlfriend and isn’t really a main character. However, Shabana is. It’s Shabana’s character who sets the stage for the climax, bribing and bullying her way through the entire contest.
What interest would a socialite have in Desi Idol? Apparently, her arch rival, Bubbles, had won a similar contest and had donated the $500 prize money to charity. And Shabana, as the Subtitles tell us, does everything that Bubbles does, only bigger and better.
It’s all been well edited and the subtitles, introducing us to each of the characters, are also witty. I can’t give away too much of anything else, but i do have a side story:
One of the contestants, unexpectedly, sings the National Anthem. When the audience in the movie stood up, most of the audience in the theatre, urged by the ever-helpful subtitles, also stood up. The college girls next to me stood up for the 30 secs, looking down at me indignantly.
(No, i didn’t stand up. I have an issue with such displays of psuedo-patriotism.)
Anyway, YOU MUST WATCH Loins of Punjab. It’s hillarious and smart.
New year, new college, new friends, new campus, new opportunities, new life!
Let me help you out on what’s hot and what is completely important to keep in mind for this new academic year.
1. Stationery: The most important of them all! We shouldn’t forget the very reason we go to an educational institute…to gain knowledge! Make sure you have enough pens, pencils, handbooks and all textbooks before hand, so that you are in tune in what’s going in class no matter if you’re in or out of it! And perhaps if you want, glance through the texts so that you know what you need to before the teacher begins the topic, and wouldn’t be attending just for the sake of compulsory 75% attendance.
2. Trendy college bag: Very important. Choose a bag that not only suits your personality but also allows your journals to fit in it. (We should never forget the real reason for buying it in the first place, don’t you think?) Something huge and plastic-y and less leathery or fabric-y is what you should look for. And make sure its waterproof so that your books are safe just incase there is a downpour.
3. Dungarees: A short dungaree dress or normal dungarees either 2/4th’s, 3/4th’s or full ones teamed up with pair of leggings and a solid tee will look just fab!
4. Contact lenses: Just incase your on glasses, get yourself some change. Nothing against people who wear glasses, I do too, but the feeling of clear vision without my pair sometimes makes me feel at the top of this world and makes you feel like a million bucks!
5. Pair of black leggings: Please tell me you know this one by now? Team up with minis, shorts and all sorts of tops. And please word of advice, own only solid color’s like black with some lace or brown because everything else looks a little to fake and can look very cheap!
6. Tunics: Very here, very now! I am sure you have at least one of these in your closets by now. They not only put you in the spotlight but also grab you few “WOW” glances once in a while. A simple black tunic along with denims or leggings might just be the look for a casual hot day or a cold classy night with a bunch of accessories kicked in!
7. Skinny denims: New addition to class of ’07-08! Skinny people can team it up with all sorts of tops but just incase you think your thighs look to huge team up with long tunics or kurtees for you to look extra-ordinary baby!
8. Printed umbrella: If you don’t have one of these, I reckon you buy one. They might come in huge sizes, but trust me; they look super hot and keep you dry all day long! And don’t forget very sturdy!
9. Chunky long chains and hair accessories: Get a long silver chain with perhaps a pendant of a crown for the cute princesses, heart for the lovey dovey ones or perhaps a skull for the outrageous ones! I hope you get the point. This chunky bling will not only make you stand out, but also make you’re very simple outfit look very simply “haute!” Add hair clips, hair bands and crazy accessories to jazz up your look!
10. Footwear: Two words: Flip-flops! Hmmm….Comfy slip-on’s you can run around in and also converse for a more classier look just incase you wanna look girly one day and tom boy-ey the next! 
And last but definitely not the least; don’t forget to carry your confidence and positive attitude.
Quick Pointers:
Be friendly and let no comment effect you.
Act sober and decent just incase you don’t want to fall prey to ragging.
Believe in yourself and act polite with teachers and students.
Don’t forget to thank someone after you receive help and do the same if you’re asked for help.
Be generous, kind and speak to all kinds of people around you.
Do not limit your friend circle.
Don’t judge any one by the first look, dig deep.
And please people smile like an a** if you have to, though some people might think your completely nuts, but trust me, many would fall in love with that gorgeous smile!
What else…Have fun…Go Nuts….And F.Y.I.?
Welcome to Life Baby! This is where the fun begins!
BlackBubblegum 
Art is entertainment. I have often failed to draw the line between the two. What would one call strictly as Art? What is pure Entertainment? Music is art and entertainment, same goes for Movies, Theatres, Art shows, Hobby classes, Dancing, Books, Fashion, hmm! I seem to have stumbled into some truth today, art is entertainment, entertainment is art! 
When I dabble in art, I seem to entertain myself. A lonely boring afternoon can get colourful with art-y indulgences. You may call it entertainment! A movie, or perhaps a novel, or take to a hobby? Then watch what the lonely boring afternoon transcends itself into, an interesting well-spent afternoon, where your energies were directed into creating and learning, something new!
One such boring afternoon, I took to glass painting. Now, let me tell you, am no artist at all. I do occassionally get those stirrings that do to bring out paints and brushes and canvases and I put a stroke here and there. Folks around me come and gush and say ‘Hey, thats really good!’ but I have my own doubts. I suppose I love to indulge in paints more than I am actually good at it. But thats for quite another discussion.
For now I would like to introduce you to Glass painting, for those who haven’t yet tried their hands at it. The best part about Glass painting is its really really simple, but the end result is surprisingly glamourous! What I mean is, a wee bit of effort can produce a wonderful art piece that you might just be proud of. Drop a few paints here and there and watch how the silly glass piece tranforms into a delight. Yeah, its that simple!
So, here’s what you will require _ first up, a glass surface that you want to colour up. I had a dull cane coffee table lying around, and its glass top just beckoned to be done up! I tried out stuff on empty fish bowls, then there are the kitchen windows which needed brightening up. Alternately, you could buy a glass piece that you want to paint on. Most simple.
Secondly, you’d require paints, glass paints. Hop over to the nearest stationery shop, they all stock sets of Glass paints. You could buy a full set or just the colours you want. Additionally, you will need the outliner as well. But that actually depends on what you want to try out. For a first-timer I’d advise the black outliner, next time you could experiment without the liner.
Before we start the painting, decide on the design. Draw it to size on a sheet of paper. Internet is full of wonderful designs that you could try out, if you can’t think of one of your own. Again, for a first-timer I’d advise, pick a design from the ones available, instead of setting out on one of your own. This is only because you are not entirely aware of the complexities involved!
Place the paper on which you have traced the design out, behind the glass you want to paint on. If it shifts, then you need to clip it or tape it so that it would remain in place. Proceed to outline the design on the glass sheet, using the black outliner. This works like how mehendi is put. If you’re unfamilier with the mehendi thing, I’d say its a lot like squeezing toothpaste onto the tooth brush groggy eyed, early morning!
Done with outlining the design with the black outliner? Wait for it to dry, takes about 30 minutes or so. In the meantime, decide on your colours. Once dry, proceed to squeeze colours into a portion outlined and if its thick, spread it out over the portion using a brush. How much colour you squeeze into a outlined portion depends on how thick you want the colour to appear. A very thick coating makes it almost opaque. An experienced hand can also use this funda to give it an effect of shading!
Once done, leave it to dry for over an hour. Though it dries a lot faster than that, but just stay away from it for a while! On returning to it, turn it around, and now, look at your creation! How did it go? Do you see magic? Look, what I created over the dull cane coffee table glass top… (sorry abt the poor pic! I told you I wasn’t an artist!)
So there, try it and tell me how Glass painting works for you! Just one last pointer, the side to be displayed is on the other side of which you painted. Now go, spend that lazy afternoon creatively and show me what you get done!
1.Join some classes: Interested in music? …join guitar classes…..not your thing? Piano maybe or the drums? …..maybe painting classes….salsa, hip-hop, ball-room dancing…..and absolutely anything that interests you.
My Tip: You can always look out for talking yellow pages….dial 022-28888888…… they have classes like these listed in their directories…or you can check out newspapers like Mumbai Mirror You Connect or On Track Suburbs.
2.Learn how to cook or make stuff: Cooking can be fun, and I mean it! Though I ain’t such a great cook myself…I always love to get in the kitchen once in while. Pay you dear Mumma a visit, in her shrine of mouth-watering homemade food and learn some of the basic stuff…you know just incase you would have to live alone for sometime or make a special meal for your significant other!
My Tip: Start with basics, tea, maggi, dal, chawal, macaroni and cheese pasta and then try your hand in chocolates, cakes, dishes, etc. You can also learn how to make candles and perfumes…!
3.Pamper yourself at home: Drench your feet and hands in warm water with some vinegar or rock salt in it, then file your nails (rounded short nails are the thing this season), moisturize and paint them anything you like! Or fill a bowl with hot water; add some marbles and sea salt. Drench your hands in it and play with the marbles for about 5 minutes with each hand. It works wonders for tired hands!
My Tip: For cracked feet apply a thick paste of haldi and castor oil on them….do this 15 minutes before bath and end up with gorgeous healthy feet or you can mix a cup of bottle lauki juice, with half cup ginger oil and heat it…..and then massage it over your feet!
4.Watch all episodes of F.R.I.E.N.D.S with your pals: Enough said? …F.R.I.E.N.D.S. has been an integral part of our lives since we saw the first initial episodes and cracked up in front of the TV without even knowing what its all about…there’s no plot…..there are only these amazingly great set of six people who are just to perfect together…..they make you wana be them trust me on that! Please if you have missed out…you have a lot of catching up to do…you can never get enough of Chandler, Joey, Ross, Monica, Phoebe and Rachel!
My Tip: Catch FRIENDS Monday-Friday 7pm IST on Star World! Or order in complete seasons from your DVD wala!
5.Learn how to drive: It can be a car….it can be a two-wheeler …it can be a bicycle…a e-bike or just something that you have not had your hands on! It’s always good to learn early….and never too late to learn…I hope you get my point!
My Tip: Join Motor Driving School’s just incase your siblings or parents aren’t ready to help!
6.Rent Movies: It all depends on your mood……..! Go to a movie rental place…look through all the DVD’s…see something appealing….just grab on to it!
My Tip: For teens try American Pie, Mean Girls, and John Tucker Must Die. In action check out the MI series or something adventurous then go for Jurassic park series or the classic Jumanji! On a more serious note try Philadelphia and romantics can see Kate and Leopold…….I just know you won’t regret it!
7.Get yourself some retail therapy: Get out of the house! Go to malls and markets. Literally shop till you drop i.e. until your Mum says the money she had has exhausted! New summer collections are out in various malls and stores…go get yourself something that is in fashion this season!
My Tip: Mango, Westside, Levis, Shopper’s Shop, Lifestyle, etc.
8.Call your friends who you lost contact with: When they start yelling at you that where have you been, blame it on the exams!:P
My Tip: Meet up with them and relive the good old memories!
9.Answer Nature’s Call: Get up in the morning, go for a stroll in the park, go cycling on the cool and quiet roads, play frizbee on the beach or just go for a swim in the club’s pool!
My Tip: If you’re alone, do not forget your Ipod! Or radio or whatever!
10.Log on to: http://blah.burrp.com/author/blackbubblegum and read my articles!
My Tip: Don’t only love me….check out articles written by others as well!
Liked that? I have something really special for everyone…I am coming up with articles where I am giving people I know….Style Makeovers…doesn’t it sound just fab? I am already so excited……keep coming back…….You’ll surely love it….I promise!
Glad to have helped……….Suggestions, queries, comments, anything! Are always welcome…….you guys already know what to do, don’t you’ll
BlackBubblegum
 Set in a beautiful old bungalow in a charming and quite residential part of Jayanagar, Active Canvas is as much about experiencing art in the right surroundings as learning it. Founded by two sisters, Raksha and Divya, this project with its tag line of art=fun, is funded, very interestingly, by Nadathur Holdings.
Active Canvas has whole lot of courses – long-term, as well short-term courses that are perfect for the summer, for everyone from ages 3 to 82. They offer courses in drawing, sketching, painting, theater, dance, fitness, pottery, clay, music, language, craft and photography. In addition, there are also special courses such as parent-toddler clay classes, couples only classes and senior citizen classes. An interesting fact about their art, clay and pottery classes is that they provide all the materials for the course and so you are spared the trouble of hunting for canvases and what-not in crowded Avenue Road.
 The bungalow, with its gleaming red oxide floors and old-fashioned windows which allow natural light to filter in, is divided into five studios. Yellow barn, the dance studio with its lovely wooden floors and mirrored wall looks perfect for kid’s ballet lessons. The ceramic studio, Olam, is situated in the first floor of the house, is light-drenched and engaging with its huge windows, electric potter’s wheels and clays.
Active Canvas is truly meant to bring out the artist in you! So go on, tap into your creativity or your child’s, and take those guitar classes, terracotta lessons or paper making courses.
Active Canvas is located at 343, 10th A Main, 3rd Cross,1st Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore 560 011, ph: 41609122 or 99801-29768. You can send them email at info@activcanvas.in.
For a list of their summer courses, click here.
Vikalp Films for Freedom is happy to invite you to Let It BE ! a six-day
festival of Indian and Belgian documentaries and shorts from March 20 to 25.
The festival will take place at the conference hall of the National College
in Bandra every evening from 6 pm onwards.
Let It BE ! brings a superb selection of Belgian independent cinema,
representing a wide spectrum of film making from the experimental to the
humourous to the political. Alongside internationally acclaimed films like
`Une Part Du Ciel’ (Cannes 2002), and the work of renowned film-makers like
Pascal Baes and Boris Lehman, the festival will also showcase the work of
Brussels’ famous film-making ateliers where master film-makers work in
collaboration with other artists and students.
Every evening’s screening will be kicked off by a new Indian documentary
film from a package specially curated by Vikalp Films for Freedom for this
festival.
The festival is also designed to create space for filmmakers from both sides
to meet, talk, and discuss future collaborations.
In addition, the festival audience can look forward to exciting discussions
with eminent Belgian film makers Boris Lehman and Benedicte Lienard, who
will accompany the festival and also take part in special interactions with
film makers and students.
Off-venue sessions will be held in the afternoons on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd
at the popular restaurant Seijo and the Soul Dish, a few minutes away from
National College. These session are designed for more intensive interactions
between Indian and Belgian film makers, students, and interested members of
the audience.
Following is the schedule and synopses of films … do spread the word
(more…)
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