Read this article on times of india today about a dog dying after it bit a man in Chandigarh. "Dog dies after biting judge" was the very creative and apt headline that would have caught any reader's attention. Apparently, the man, a judge no less, was performing social service in Chandigarh and this stray dog walked by, bit his leg and died. Being a victim of dog bites myself (twice), I can imagine what the judge must have felt. But the dog's death after the bite is preposterous and warrants a blog entry (Heck!! if this story can make the front page of a leading newspaper, it definitely deserves a blog entry).
To add a twist to this story, it has been reported that, after the incident occurred, a team immediately reached the spot to capture the dog and the dog died in their custody. At first glance, it seems like the dog died after biting what must have been one hell of a toxic human leg. But having followed Indian media during the recent terror attacks in Mumbai and learning to dramatize any incident, here's what I think actually happened. After capturing the dog, the special team established that the dog had links with elements in Pakistan. The dog, whose name has been with held by RAW for security reasons, was taken into custody and interrogated. The experience gained in interrogating the recently captured terrorist, 'Kasab' was ruthlessly applied in this case. Periods of physical abuse accompanied by starvation and psychological torture was used. Apparently the dog denied any links to LeT, ISI or the local municipal dog pound. But the torture continued nonetheless and the dog succumbed to its injuries. The dog was also identified as being of Islamic faith and unconfirmed reports have said that Dayanand Pandey's men were part of the special teams which captured the dog. Clearly, the poor dog has become the victim of a god-man's Dogma!!. Pandey denies any involvement, but in typical George Bush like reaction, the Bush govt has intervened and seeing this as an act of discrimination has denied US visa to Narendra Modi for the next 10 years. Modi was stunned at this move by the Bush govt, but hopes that the Obama govt will revoke this ban.
After learning about the dogs death and leaked reports of the dogs' innocence, people became agitated and held morchas in front of random politicians' house all over Kerala. Medha Patkar has also been informed of the incident and she will soon be holding a hunger strike along the banks of a yet to be identified river, but people suspect it could be Narmada. There have also been reports from Tamil Nadu, that the dog has become a hero and the Tamil Nadu govt is considering building a temple in its name (once the name of the dog is released by RAW). A plot of land has already been identified for the temple and is said to be next to the temple dedicated to Khushboo (for obvious muslim connection).
Amidst all this, the judge who was bitten by the dog, has been completely forgotten and is pissed at the media for not covering his side of story and hence denying him an opportunity for some sympathy money from the Chandigarh govt.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Summer/Fall '08 - Travelouge
When I first moved to Wisconsin, people told me that Wisconsinites are hard core about summer and they take summer seriously and I thought sure they like to brag about their summer activities. But I understood what they meant after witnessing the extreme winter last year. Winters are so severe and force you to stay indoors, that people just cant wait to get out when the sun is out. Summer is a privilege here and people make the most of it indeed. I myself did some traveling this Summer/Fall and I thought this is a good place to recollect some of the travels and ponder over the new places I visited.
Devil's Lake,WI
Did most of the traveling in early summer (thanks to R, who wanted to show some of Wisconsin to his visiting parents with us). First trip of the summer was to Devil's lake, WI. Its only an hour's drive from Madison and is a great get away for adventure and camping. With a beautiful lake surrounded by the cliffs, its a huge attraction in Southern Wisconsin. Although on the day we were there, Sauk county had the biggest thunderstorm causing major flooding and forcing us to take in the scenes from with in the car.
Baraboo,WI
Baraboo is a historic little town in the Sauk county area with lush greenery and also home to the famous Ringling Brothers circus. Watching the circus takes you back to the childhood days and it brought memories of our very own Jumbo Circus in India. Although the circus was not as grand as in India, it was fun to see live performers still performing the 'old style' of circus. Unfortunately, Baraboo was also affected by major floods from a later thunderstorm and is recovering from it still.
Mt. Horeb/Cave of the mounds,WI
Wisconsin Dells,WI
Dells is a popular vacation destination for Wisconsinites and many mid westerners. Although famous for its water parks, we spent most of the day around the downtown area. We took the Wisconsin ducks tour, which is an amphibious boat tour taking us around the woods and into the Wisconsin river. Although the tour itself was relly good, I defenitley did not like the diesel exhaust fumes in my lungs. The boats are actually from WWII era and they need some serious over hauling. We also got a good look from the boat at the devastation the previous fortnight's flooding had caused in this area. The man made lake Delton which was a popular destination was totally engulfed and just vanished in one night.The pic on the right shows part of the road which was eaten away by the collapsed lake Delton.
Chicago,IL
Made a few trips to Chicago this summer. It was kinda like going back home, back to your nick of the woods so to speak. Again thanks to R and his visiting parents, we had a wonderful time going around Chicago. We took the 'architecture river cruise', visited the John Hancock center and spent sometime roaming the downtown area on a perfect summer day. Some pictures form the 'windy city'.
California
Texas
My first trip to Texas and it was an awesome trip. It was a reunion of sorts with Dudda and Pashya joining me from New York & California and Ranga hosting us in Austin. Ranga had planned a day trip to San Antonio and on our way we stopped at the Guadalupe river for some water tubing. If you have never done it before, all you do is lie on a big rubber tube, drink beer and just float on the flowing river, till you are tired. Trust me, its fun. After a wet and relaxing afternoon, we continued our trip to San Antonio. It is ofcourse well know for its river walks and for a reason. The river walk is lined with resturaunts and shops and is a perfect place to spend a summer evening. The following day took a dip in the 'Barton Springs'. I learnt about this place through Samanth Brown's 'Passport to great weekends' and I just had to visit it. It is a natural spring in the middle of the city and is a popular local recreation spot, especially on a hot summer day.
With so many things to do, Austin will defenitley draw me back and I hope to visit it again sometime.
Lacrosse, WI
Lacrosse was the final trip of the season. It is about two hours drive from Madison towards the west and is a beautiful town on the banks of the Mississippi river. It is also a border town with the state of Minnesota. Since the fall season was at its peak it was the right time to see the foliage in full bloom. Although Central Wisconsin is famous for its fall colors, we were a little disappointed to not see the full colors in Lacrosse. But it was an awesome fall day and hence the trip was not a total let down. We spent most of the day near the river just taking in the scenery and ended the day with a river cruise on the Mississippi river. Some pictures from Lacrosse.
Summer/fall season has come to an end and we are almost into the peak of winter here. Sucks to let go of summer, but like what a wise man/woman once said, 'If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant' , right?
Devil's Lake,WI
Did most of the traveling in early summer (thanks to R, who wanted to show some of Wisconsin to his visiting parents with us). First trip of the summer was to Devil's lake, WI. Its only an hour's drive from Madison and is a great get away for adventure and camping. With a beautiful lake surrounded by the cliffs, its a huge attraction in Southern Wisconsin. Although on the day we were there, Sauk county had the biggest thunderstorm causing major flooding and forcing us to take in the scenes from with in the car.
Baraboo,WI
Baraboo is a historic little town in the Sauk county area with lush greenery and also home to the famous Ringling Brothers circus. Watching the circus takes you back to the childhood days and it brought memories of our very own Jumbo Circus in India. Although the circus was not as grand as in India, it was fun to see live performers still performing the 'old style' of circus. Unfortunately, Baraboo was also affected by major floods from a later thunderstorm and is recovering from it still.
Mt. Horeb/Cave of the mounds,WI
Another local visit was to Mt.Horeb. It is a small Norwegien settlement and the Norwegien heritage is seen all over the town with little Troll statues in the front yards of the locals. The town also claims itself to be the Troll capital of the world! There is also a museum dedicated to the Norwegien history in this area and it is quite interesting.
Traveling a few miles west of Mt.Horeb is 'Cave of the mounds', which is a colorful cavern of limestone formations that was accidentally discovered in the 30's. Its one of the national landmarks and worth a visit if you are in this area.
Wisconsin Dells,WI
Dells is a popular vacation destination for Wisconsinites and many mid westerners. Although famous for its water parks, we spent most of the day around the downtown area. We took the Wisconsin ducks tour, which is an amphibious boat tour taking us around the woods and into the Wisconsin river. Although the tour itself was relly good, I defenitley did not like the diesel exhaust fumes in my lungs. The boats are actually from WWII era and they need some serious over hauling. We also got a good look from the boat at the devastation the previous fortnight's flooding had caused in this area. The man made lake Delton which was a popular destination was totally engulfed and just vanished in one night.The pic on the right shows part of the road which was eaten away by the collapsed lake Delton.
Chicago,IL
Made a few trips to Chicago this summer. It was kinda like going back home, back to your nick of the woods so to speak. Again thanks to R and his visiting parents, we had a wonderful time going around Chicago. We took the 'architecture river cruise', visited the John Hancock center and spent sometime roaming the downtown area on a perfect summer day. Some pictures form the 'windy city'.
California
Always love California!! This was my fourth trip there and was a good trip coz I met so many old friends who I hadn't seen in years. Pashya's place in Orange county was my base camp and its a lovely place, close to the PCH and plenty of beaches in the vicinity. Made a one day trip to Santa Barbara. Great little town on the pacific coast.The downtown area is extremely lively and filled with little shops and resturaunts on tree lined streets. Its a magnificent weekend get away in the So-Cal area.
Texas
My first trip to Texas and it was an awesome trip. It was a reunion of sorts with Dudda and Pashya joining me from New York & California and Ranga hosting us in Austin. Ranga had planned a day trip to San Antonio and on our way we stopped at the Guadalupe river for some water tubing. If you have never done it before, all you do is lie on a big rubber tube, drink beer and just float on the flowing river, till you are tired. Trust me, its fun. After a wet and relaxing afternoon, we continued our trip to San Antonio. It is ofcourse well know for its river walks and for a reason. The river walk is lined with resturaunts and shops and is a perfect place to spend a summer evening. The following day took a dip in the 'Barton Springs'. I learnt about this place through Samanth Brown's 'Passport to great weekends' and I just had to visit it. It is a natural spring in the middle of the city and is a popular local recreation spot, especially on a hot summer day.
With so many things to do, Austin will defenitley draw me back and I hope to visit it again sometime.
Lacrosse, WI
Lacrosse was the final trip of the season. It is about two hours drive from Madison towards the west and is a beautiful town on the banks of the Mississippi river. It is also a border town with the state of Minnesota. Since the fall season was at its peak it was the right time to see the foliage in full bloom. Although Central Wisconsin is famous for its fall colors, we were a little disappointed to not see the full colors in Lacrosse. But it was an awesome fall day and hence the trip was not a total let down. We spent most of the day near the river just taking in the scenery and ended the day with a river cruise on the Mississippi river. Some pictures from Lacrosse.
Summer/fall season has come to an end and we are almost into the peak of winter here. Sucks to let go of summer, but like what a wise man/woman once said, 'If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant' , right?
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Looking back
Its been five years since I came to the United states in the hopes of pursuing my MS. Being just another "Desi", leaving home for the first time, trying to make my mark in the land of opportunities, I vividly remember all the events that led up to my first day in America. I remember my parents sending me off at the airport reminding me at least 8 times to secure my passport in that upper left pocket of the Jacket. I remember my uncle explaining the nuances of air travel including the landing and take-off procedures. I also remember the first breath of air I took as I walked out of O'hare international airport. It was mid January and the peak of winter and the cold air clearly hit my lungs and took me by surprise. I was both scared and excited at the same time to have stepped out of the comfort my home and to have stepped into a whole new country.
As I look back into those five years, I realize how much I have changed and how much more there is to change. Life in the United States has been a great learning experience for me. I have been fortunate enough to have met the people that I have met here. The friendships and bondings that are made when you are away from home are the strongest and the most meaningful ones. Living with plenty of roommates over the course of my Masters', has taught me to accept different kinds of people. I believe it has also helped me open my mind up a little bit more. To be open, and be receptive to ideas and criticisms from people and their actions and probably more importantly how to have fun and live the life. Life as graduate students will probably be one of the most memorable years of all of us who went to school together and suffered the same pains and enjoyed the same pleasures.
Although I have spent most of the five years in Chicago and only recently moved to Madison, I think I'm starting to learn a little bit more about myself only now. Having lived with roommates through those years in Chicago, I never got a chance to reflect and think about myself. This is truly the first time I have lived alone. Living alone sometimes brings boredom and many a lonely days (I'm still a bachelor), But it gives you an opportunity to step back, slow down and think about yourself.
Stepping out of my home has been a big and important step for me and I hope the next five years will give me an opportunity to learn even more and change for the better.
As I look back into those five years, I realize how much I have changed and how much more there is to change. Life in the United States has been a great learning experience for me. I have been fortunate enough to have met the people that I have met here. The friendships and bondings that are made when you are away from home are the strongest and the most meaningful ones. Living with plenty of roommates over the course of my Masters', has taught me to accept different kinds of people. I believe it has also helped me open my mind up a little bit more. To be open, and be receptive to ideas and criticisms from people and their actions and probably more importantly how to have fun and live the life. Life as graduate students will probably be one of the most memorable years of all of us who went to school together and suffered the same pains and enjoyed the same pleasures.
Although I have spent most of the five years in Chicago and only recently moved to Madison, I think I'm starting to learn a little bit more about myself only now. Having lived with roommates through those years in Chicago, I never got a chance to reflect and think about myself. This is truly the first time I have lived alone. Living alone sometimes brings boredom and many a lonely days (I'm still a bachelor), But it gives you an opportunity to step back, slow down and think about yourself.
Stepping out of my home has been a big and important step for me and I hope the next five years will give me an opportunity to learn even more and change for the better.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
You know you are in Madison, when...
1) Every 'Thank you' is responded with a "You Betcha!!"
2) Bicyclists & Deers fly past you from all directions with no respect towards motorists. If you are not careful, one of them might end up under your vehicle.
3) Every second conversation is about the 'Badgers' and every third is about the 'Packers'.
4) The city is broadly divided into East side and West side. I've yet to come across someone pointing toward the north or the south of the city.
5) The West side mall is conquered and ruled by soccer moms and the East side mall is occupied by the teenage army.
2) Bicyclists & Deers fly past you from all directions with no respect towards motorists. If you are not careful, one of them might end up under your vehicle.
3) Every second conversation is about the 'Badgers' and every third is about the 'Packers'.
4) The city is broadly divided into East side and West side. I've yet to come across someone pointing toward the north or the south of the city.
5) The West side mall is conquered and ruled by soccer moms and the East side mall is occupied by the teenage army.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Chicago
ChicagoChicago has been my home away from home for the past 4 3/4 years and I've enjoyed the city so much. Having lived in the infamous 'South side' during my grad school years and later moving to downtown Chicago, I've experienced the contrast the city has to offer in terms of society and lives of people in these two vastly different parts of the city. With its diverse mix of people, the city is a true cultural melting pot. Although the harsh winters, with their 'lake effect' snows made me wince and moan and bitch about the city, the warm, and beautiful summers made me fall right back in love with it. Summers in Chicago is something to be experienced. The lake, the beach, and the buzz of the people all around just pumps in a great amount of energy into you. A very small part of my memories from the windy city has been put up in the mosaic.
The time has now come for me to move away from this wonderful city. A new and exciting career opportunity has brought me to the quaint little town of Madison,WI. The feeling is very mixed. I'm excited about a new career opportunity but at the same time I know I'm going to miss the good times I had in Chicago. However, the great thing about this is the fact that Chicago is not very far away from here. I hope Madison brings me the same excitement as did Chicago. It is now my new home.
Madison by Night
Friday, August 17, 2007
Desi Rap
My initial reaction to this video was uncontrolled laughter!! To see a bunch of 'Desis' spitting out gangsta rap, wearing XXXXL clothes big enough to fit two people, and using gangsta names like 'Lock up Guna' is hilarious. This right here is wonderful material for some stand-up comedy. Russel Peters will be happy to watch this video. But after carefully reviewing it a couple more times ( the song is catchy...com'n) I was amazed by the talent these guys have. Rapping is an art and not everybody can do it (atleast not in Tamil!!...or wait!! its easy to rap in Tamil..its such a mouthful!!). I love the fast flow of words and the clever use of slang to compose a rhyme. Although the video is very armature, I loved the song.
Respectz Yo!! :)
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