Taking control of time – my personal pledge | Shaad Hamid

Taking control of time – my personal pledge | Shaad Hamid

Ting-a-ling-a-ling... It's the...

Telephone? No. Not Telephone. (In case you thought that I was referring to the poem "The Telephone")
Ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling,
That's the Telephone..
Ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling,
Just when I'm alone...


It's the... New Year.

It's that time where you really stretch yourself to reach and demolish that distant cobweb, de-fridge packets of 'flour' 'seeds' 'spices' which expired the year before the year before that year,make a list of people you'd like to call(knowing you never will - emailing is cheaper, right?), and coming up with a strategic plan for a user-friendly-wardrobe or drawer. For most, it's just a word : NEW. The same routine of last year to be repeated over and over again, with more hope of success and by success I mean you get your 'foot caught in the door' one less time! Then again, for some like me, it'll be a time to flash back into the past and browse through the previous incidents. Honestly, I don't remember much, except..

I remember I whipped up some new desserts. They all had a common ancestor- custard. Custard+choco, Custard+coffee, Custard + banana, Custard+yoghurt, likewise.I think I've mentioned this to a few friends but when it comes to cooking, I go for the colour and presentation, rather than the taste. So..
Interviewer : "Standard of cooking compared to last year...?"
*awkward silence*
Me: "Hey, did you hear about the new Twilight Movie?"

I've tried playing the 'Sound of music' medley on piano. Tried. (At least I can manage Chess and Fiddler on the Roof.) I think I've ignored the guitar for so long, its strings might have hardened with disgust. I remember listening to those songs we enjoyed as teens- BSB, N'sync, Britney, Whitney, TLC, B'witched, Steps and even Eminem.And then, even if I'd been a fan of his for years I did fall in love again with Josh Groban.

Also, I remembered FR David's 'words, don't come easy..'and Joy Enriquez's 'how can I not love you'. I remember listening to the Theme track of Oshin and missing childhood along with all its freedom and innocence - I watched a clip of 'Amba yahaluwo',and once the words of 'Katu akule...' flowed out, so did my tears.

Then, I enjoyed Ally McBeal- at times itching, but real life drama.Superb music. Barry White FTW! Also, Sherlock in 2010 and Penguins of Madagascar. My love for Korean Drama just heightened after watching Secret Garden and I had transformed myself into one of the many damsels who hope that once Hyun Bin(the lead actor) gets discharged from  his military service,would come and get me, lift me off my feet, and carry me away into my dream castle.(huh!!fat chance!!Note- I learnt that from Bridget Jones.) My usual- Bones ended its 6th season and started on a brand new one a few weeks back. I think the plot's more interesting than ever or I've become more boring. (Former, please!)

This year, I became a member of two things. First- the group of people who, like a super hero, work till 2am, only to wake up like a botox-all-gone-wrong 68 year old the next morning. Then, Secondly- Twitter.

Few months back Ms.Vivimarie Vanderpoorten autographed her book for me when I met her at an Art Exhibition. I also bought my first painting there- four shadows of dancing ballerinas agianst a colourful, striped background. The picture hangs near my bed.

I still didn't try the new pool they had built at my school. Rain, flu, rain, exams, rain, exams,work etc. They all filed in one after the other. Maybe next year, it might be nice to visit at least.. Two of my closest school friends left overseas for higher studies,good luck to them! And a few of my university friends, in the senior batch graduated this year. Next year,it's us. This time next year, I can add University to the list of things I shall miss as well.

No dream is neither too big nor too small to dream, as long as your heart is in it. I've always wanted to become a teacher. This year, I became one.

There are a few things that I tried for the first time this year- like announcing at a Sports meet,compering a Concert, buying the ideal party dress, reading more than 3 thick books - not related to acedamic studies (The Ginirella Conspiracy, A Cause Untrue, The Road from Elephant Pass. Hmm..all three involving -a thick plot, an intelligent woman, Army bloke(s),and war.) I promised Goodreads that I'll read 40 books(thick, thin, medium) this year but I doubt I'd reach the goal. I also wore saree, the 'usual style'(else it always tends to be the traditional Osari!) for the first time. That was for my batchmate's wedding. 

I was at the temple today, sitting under the Bo-Tree, all decorated with jasmines.There was no wind, and the cold air just sat still around me.

I remembered how this year brought me opportunities I'd had to help someone else, a friend, a relative, be it any other person... and those moments all seemed to appear in soft tones in my mind. Not sure if that's how remembering the good you've done works. Not that I was proud of it, but I was glad. I am glad. So, 'life' and I, just secretly smiled. I hope I'll come across more moments like that, next year.

Princess Eliza, watching a clip of Hitler speaking in The King's Speech asked 'What's he saying?' to which King George replies 'I don't know, but he seems to be saying it rather well'. Well then, have I? If none of the above makes any sense, here's a simple line to make at least the adios sound pretty -
                      happy new year!

I love you... Celine.

you cannot deny loving... Celine Dion!!

Celebrating New Year, The Buddhist Way.

Ven.Ambanpola Gnanavijaya Thero's discourse on how we can look forward to the New Year, from a Buddhist point of view.

Lotus Pond, Performing Arts Theatre

Finally! The beautiful and amazing Lotus Pond performing arts theatre, one of its kind in Sri Lanka, was opened today!

http://www.lotuspond.lk/

JAG. The Story of Harm and Mac

JAG was one of my favourite tv shows growing up. To this day I adore the lead actress Catherine Bell who plays Col.Sarah(aka Mac)!! Apart from the interesting court events, military adventures and out of court action, what made the series more exciting was the relationship between the two main characters: Harm and Mac.

Some lovely person had uploaded most of the Harm and Mac moments, and I've been hooked on to them these past few days. Here's the start -

I Love Josh Groban But Do Not Listen To His Music « Thought Catalog

I Love Josh Groban But Do Not Listen To His Music « Thought Catalog

Where people think BIG ; Story of Barefoot

What is the best form of communication in the world today? Television? No. Telegraph? No. Telephone? No....

Tell-A-Woman!

Watch as Bucker Roy from India, speaks of the Barefoot Movement, how children are trained to think big, where women who are grandmothers from destitute areas turn out to become Solar Engineers.

"you don't have to look for solutions outside... you have to look within, look at the people around you.."

I Pretend To Smile.

Turn off the light.

There is no need to see
me hurt,
If ever I did
It was, for a while

Don't trouble yourself
There're people outside
Waiting, listening...
hovering over
the new roses,
I had planted last night

And then, roses have
thorns...
Should I have known?

What keeps you busy
Does not keep me busy
It keeps them,
those outside, busy

Come tomorrow
They'll ask me about
The dark patches
The sulk
The shame
In one word, the struggle.

And then, they'll say
'Lovely roses, no? '
'Do you mind?'
Go, go ahead.. I'd say
Watching them breath in
My shame,
My self, my hurt.

'Even roses aren't perfect,
you know,
they've got thorns'.

Brainworms!!!

You know, when you know you've heard it :))

Dr.Oliver Sacks speaks about why some little tunes, just keep running in our head for no apparent reason...

We are all Scientists

An interesting post on The Huffington Post... by editor of "Talk Nerdy to me"

Cara Santa Maria.

Read the post here..

One Giant Encounter!

National Geographic's Brian Skerry describes his close(really close..) encounter with a giant (really giant) 45 foot whale! Simply brilliant!

Highlights : UN

Video of United Nations Audio and Visual Archives: 27th of October is World Day of Audio Visual Heritage (declared by UNESCO back in 2005)

Song Review!

I may not own a mind that recognizes and appreciates the best of music (clearly..not with exams around!) but I do know of a few, for who music, is just a natural part of the concoction - apart from the 'sleep' 'eat' 'wash', called "life"  :)

Here's an interesting review done on "Ikthara" a captivating melody from the Hindi Movie "Wake up Sid"

http://chaayamusinspiration.blogspot.com/2011/10/hello-again-everyone-im-back-with.html

the trailer for the movie:

Beware, Smart Phone Users!

I was emailed the follwing video which showed the riks involved when uploading photos online. So all you smart phone users...do set your settings on to a "safe" mode.

Personally I think it's all together wiser if parents didn't upload pics of their children online at all..at least not as their profile pics.

If I Ain't Got You..

Here's a song that I'm ever so proud of learning to play on piano!

If I ain't got you - Alicia Keys

The Media Haven: Anderson Cooper Adds Isha Sesay on the Ridiculist!...

The Media Haven: Anderson Cooper Adds Isha Sesay on the Ridiculist!...: She had it coming. I'm certain that I'm younger than Isha. Yeah, considerably younger and I have at least heard of Gumby! Watch Anderso...

Goodbye, Steve Jobs.

The world has lost another visionary icon. One who made the world more connected, user-friendly and even stylish. Steve Jobs who passed away on Wed. at the age of 56, will forever remain as one of the best creative human beings who not only fought the limits but conquered them, who not only dreamed but led others into these dreams as well, who not only instilled a standard for communication technology but also became the god of it all.

He made all that seemed impossible, possible and throughout his life taught us, on how to prepare for the worst circumstances in life... he was a courageous soul, a devoted human being and above all an inspiring guidance to our future!

Steve Jobs in 2005, giving the Commencement  Speech of the University of Stanford.

Thank you Steve Jobs, for the ever-so-wonderful things you gave us all..

Discovery of Crocodile, Bat fossils...

National Geographic carried an interesting article about some discovered fossils of Crocodile, bird, sloth and bat species during an underwater cave dive in the Dominican Republic.

(the jutted out snout of the crocodile | image:nationalgeographic.com)



Read the full article by Brian Handwerk here...
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/09/pictures/110927-crocodile-fossils-found-underwater-cave/

The video :

Safeguarding the Children of our future!

Thankful by Josh Groban

There's so much to be thankful for!

Sri Lankan Wild life: New species of dolphin discovered ...

Sri Lankan Wild life: New species of dolphin discovered ...: New species of dolphin discovered Researchers hav...

Water Splashing event!!

20 Green Methods; in 20 minutes!

earth911.com carries an interesting post by Mary Mazzoni sharing 20 things you could do to save our planet. The ideas are simple yet very effective, ranging from opting for an unplugged party, taking care of your car, using your shades to using an iamgreen application on your smart phone.
Read the article here:
http://earth911.com/news/2011/08/31/20-more-green-things-in-20-minutes/

Volcanic Mud Bath ; Volcan del Totumo, Colombia

Some of you may remember Anderson Cooper's photo of himself covered in Mud, while on vacation! This is the video footage of his trip to Volcan del Totumo in Colombia, famous for the volcanic mud pool.

Also, I came across a very interesting article written for 'Intelligent Travel' of the National Geographic. You can read the post written by Alison Ince here
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2010/03/08/colombia/

Kseniya Simonova... in action!

The lovely and talented Kseniya Simonova..performing her amazing art skills...! Added with brilliant curves, strokes and shading..all with sand, this Ukranian artist is definitely one of the kind.

Unite.For Children.

The Von Trapp Family Singers - Edelweiss

Biogas pilot project, Uganda | UNICEF

Malshan Photography: The Nut

Malshan Photography: The Nut

Tadaa!! The World's first 111 Gigapixel pic!

Received this in an email, today!

The picture was made with the Canon 5D mark II and a 400mm-lens.
It consists of 1.665 full format pictures with 21.4 mega pixel, which was recorded by a photo-robot in 172 minutes.
 
The converting of 102 GB raw Data by a computer with a main memory cache of 48 GB
and 16 processors took 94 hours.
 
The picture is the largest in the world. Zoom in to see any particular building/object

http://www.sevilla111.com/default_en.htm 

 

Oceans..A few facts

Largest Ocean :
The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean covering one third of the Earth. At its widest point it stretches up to 19,800km, almost halfway round the world !

Smallest Ocean :
It's the Arctic Ocean covering about 14,056,000 sq. km.

Coldest Ocean :
The Arctic Ocean. Most of the year, it stays frozen & solid. In some places the ice can measure up to 1.5km thick. The Arctic is also dotted with thousands of icebergs.


Warmest Ocean :
The Indian Ocean is the warmest as well as the third largest ocean in the world. The temperature of the surface water can reach 35.6 degrees Centigrade!

(I did say a few, right? :) )

Reference:100 Questions and Answers ; The Sea and Sealife, Wikipedia
Images : kidsgeo.com

Liquid Cremation Machine.

Inventors create a liquid cremation machine

A St. Petersburg, Florida funeral home is installing a new machine that uses fluids instead of fire in the cremation process. (reported by WFLA's Josh Green)



 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/44373234#44373234

The adventures of the Black Stallion!!

I used to LOVE this drama as a child.. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon the opening/intro on youtube!

Julie Andrews...

Julie Andrews, the best of the best..!

The Auditor

Once upon a time there was a shepherd looking after his sheep on the side of a deserted road.

Suddenly a brand new Porsche screeches to a halt. The driver, a man dressed in an Armani suit,Cerutti shoes, Ray-Ban sunglasses, TAG-Heuer wrist-watch, and a Pierre Cardin tie gets out and asks the shepherd,

"If I can tell you how many sheep you have, will you give me one of them?" The shepherd looks at the young man, then looks at the large flock of grazing sheep and replies, "Okay."

The young man parks the car, connects his laptop to the mobile-fax, enters a NASA Website, scans the ground using his GPS, opens a database and 60 Excel tables filled with algorithms and pivot tables. He then prints out a 150-page report on his high-tech mini-printer, turns to the shepherd and says,
"You have exactly 1,586 sheep." The shepherd cheers, "That's correct, you can have your sheep."

The young man takes one of the animals from the flock and puts it in the back of his Porsche. The shepherd looks at him and asks, "If I guess your profession, will you return my animal to me?"

The young man answers, "Yes, why not?" The shepherd says, "You are an auditor."
"How did you know?" asks the young man. "Very simple," answers the shepherd. "Firstly, you came here without being wanted. Secondly, you charged me a fee to tell me something I already knew. Thirdly, you don't understand anything about my business.....Now can I have my dog back?"
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images: http://www.123rf.com/

Billie Jean on Ukulele

Sungha Jung is definitely one of the most talented guitar players that I've ever seen!! Here's him playing Michael Jackson's Billy Jean on Ukulele

Craig Ferguson...bits from his Eulogy for his late father.

Craig Ferguson must be one of the best late show talk hosts ever! He's funny, quick-witted, brave and well, entertaining ! This eulogy goes to show how more genuine he is and how easily he connects with his audience...

Super Cute Short Film

An amazing short film : SIGNS , Directed by Patrick Hughes

You wouldn't believe

I could say it. Clearly.
 
You wouldn't believe,
If I tell you, that
Dreams aren't made of candy!

So yes, I let you go, have it all,
Blink, maybe, once or twice,
Take in what you could
Reject the rest of  them,
And much for my amusement, 
Meet my ignoring self and ask,
"Huh??"
   

Penguin Podcasts

Summer Reading..incl. Nicci French!!

listen to the episode here..
http://tinyurl.com/3tl5jq6

Andrew von Oeyen Blog: Blog #2: The POST Concert Talk (Part Deux)

Andrew von Oeyen Blog: Blog #2: The POST Concert Talk (Part Deux): "Over the past couple of years a new kind of artist-audience interaction activity has been on the rise: the POST concert talk. It's the s..."

The Wandering Kind : josh groban

The Wave Quartet doing a splendid performance of "The Wandering Kind" by Josh Groban

Great Video...Great Message!

Blossoms...blossoms...

My blossomed yellow Japanese roses... ! WELCOME to MOTHER NATURE! :)

Flexibility, at its best!

Athletic girl "Lunga" the star of the musical "Africa Africa"

enjoy!

Straight to You..with love, Josh Groban

Perhaps I thould try this on guitar! One of the sweetest songs from Josh Groban's 5th album "Illuminations" .

Performing on Regis and Kelly..

Malshan Photography: Ants

Malshan Photography: Ants:

"This photo was taken on July 20, 2011 in Maharagama, Western, LK , using a Sony Ericsson C702 ."

The Pantanal : Brazil

So, with much help from my Brazilian friend, I'm learning a bit about the Brazilian Culture..

Here's one video that I thought was quite beautiful! The Pantanal is a wetland situated in the Western region in Brazil (which includes the capital Brasilia).. According to my friend it's one of the most liveliest places in the country :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVjuVIfnd2c&feature=fvst

FUN FUN FUN with PAPER CRAFT!!

Came across some amazing paper craft work on this website :

http://familyfun.go.com/

Can't wait to try some of these for my students! :)

Pau Karana Hamoma Duk Windinawada?

 A wonderful Buddhist Article.. by Rev.Nawalapitiye Ariyawansha Thero!
via dhammamedicine.net

http://tinyurl.com/3j35q8p

First Gun shot victim..!!

A skull discovered by Archeologists shows that it belonged to the first recorded human to be shot with a gun...in the head, 500 years ago!

Heaven Help my Heart : Judy Kuhn

the BEST version of the song... in my opinion :)

The Blog dedicated to preserving energy!

One of the best blogs I've come across promoting the preservation of energy and related news items.. via National Geopraphic

http://www.greatenergychallengeblog.com/

I'll Never Get Over You.. EXPOSE

Great song... one that you could listen to over and over again..!

Milestones in Photography!

Great article about the milestones in Photography! via National Geographic site...

http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photos/milestones-photography/?source=link_fb20110701photomilestones

French Dressing!

Came across a simple recipe for 'French Dressing' from the book  'Vegetarian Cooking' ; by Ms. Jeevani H. Wickramatunga. Though I'd share...

FRENCH DRESSING

ingredients:
      1/2 cup oil
      2 tsps lemon juice
      2 tbsps cider or wine vinegar
      1/4 tsp salt
      1/4 tsp mustard powder
      1/4 tsp paprika
      Dash of pepper
      1/4 tsp basil or tarragon(optional)

Shake all ingredients together in a jar.

Makes just over 1/2 cup

Audio Extract from Anne Frank:Diary of a Young Girl

The lovely and rich voice of Helena Bonham Carter gives voice to  Anne Frank...an extract read from her diary..
Listen to it here!

http://snd.sc/k8lwQ4

(via http://soundcloud.com/penguin-books/tracks)

Photography in Nigeria: a look into child rights..through children!

An inspiring UNICEF video showing how amateur photography gave some youth a chance to view the life of Nigerian Children...

Bloggers' Night : Pretty Awesome!

Penguins Books UK : Penguin Podcast.. This is very interesting. You could listen to new writers and even well known ones presenting their works!
The latest episode:
Bloggers' Night by Penguin Books UK

site: http://thepenguinpodcast.blogs.com/

James and the Giant Peach turns 50!

I absolutely love Roald Dahl...To still be engrossed in his work and appreciate and enjoy it even as an adult, to be lost in that imaginative world proves just how fascinating an author he was!

Send a Peach rolling on a jumsquiffling journey.. to celebrate 50 years of one of RD's brilliant novels :James and the Giant Peach.

http://www.followthatpeach.com/

photo courtesy: http://www.timburtoncollective.com/james.html

...one very amazing duet!

Interesting article about the Coelacanths... once thought to have been extinct and now research shows they can live over 100years!!

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/06/110609-coelacanths-long-lived-fish-science-animals/

It has to occur..

It has to occur
I think
At least once in your lifetime
A moment of
stupidity.

You say Yes, when
you mean No!
  and May be
      instead of
          Definitely not.

Who's that ?
you may ask,
of Nobody.

and
Why not?
for... No, it isn't.