Very rarely have I walked out of movies. Compared to the average movie watcher, I can safely say that I have a high tolerance level for movies. I can distinctly remember one movie for which I walked out of within 30 minutes, after the director just wouldn't talk about anything else except knocking the door each and every resident in a village and 'establishing characters'.... It was a Bharatiraja movie, and I think that movie marked the beginning of the end for him in terms of making successful movies.
As young kid, I was told that 'just because I don't like something, I must not assume the same for others', as it might be insulting (i.e. take one for the team; your opinion doesn't count for jacks#@t when you are with others, etc. etc.). I sat enduring a patient 30 minutes, squirming in my seat in silent agony, and finally mustered up courage to say those dreaded words, "Let's get out of here" or something to that effect. I remember feeling guilty immediately (felt like a rebel), but the speed in which my friends agreed relieved me of that guilt.
We actually walked out of a movie, which was an experience in itself to all of us. After that we would have spent an hour sitting at the beach (one of my earliest memories of very many future beach sittings!), generally abusing the movie, while one or two of them sat quietly, more affected by the movie.
There's always a good which would come out of every bad (or in this case pure evil!). The movie eventually provided to be a great platform for us to know each other better, and endure each other over years as good friends. Whenever someone crossed an invisible line in discussions, all that had to be said was the name of the movie, which meant: change topic. As with the movies, as we discussed more over years the tolerance levels went up, with a lot more freewheeling discussions and debates (and more bad movies!!!! that is a different topic saved for another day, but suffice to say that we've pegged down the one who constantly 'selects bad movies' in our group! Any movie suggested/rave reviewed by him, watch at your own risk!!!!).
We've all now drifted apart, pursuing life or lack of it, on our own terms, but still keep in touch.
Its been probably a decade since this movie happened and a song from that movie, now on TV reminds me of that day...
Sunday, March 28, 2010
I.e.-reading!
Ever since I indulged myself with an Iphone, one of the things that I've been OD'ing on is the online EReader app. I never thought I'd be one of the e-books user, I hated the online pdf books, but heck my I-ereader is really good. Been downloading books randomly to rediscover the simple pleasures in reading. One such random book was on Psychology - "How to Analyze people on Sight" (sounds really cheesy right?).
Pop Psychology generally doesn't interest me, but this was on top download list since last week and wouldn't go away, so I downloaded it!
Well the book is, atleast to me, big time pop psychology, its sweeping generalizations and basing its thesis on so-called 'scientific facts'. Well, I don't know quite about their conclusions coz I skimmed thru' those parts. But what got me hooked is that on first read, some of the way in which they characterize folks is based on experienced observations, and a honest documentations. I mentioned in my earlier blogs that some bloggers have the ability to hit the nail on the head in terms of saying things they want to say. I thought that was the hardest ability, now I think these kind of narratives also are equally difficult.
If I borrow some of the terms used by them on people types: "never two minutes the same" to describe a type who area always a wee bit thrilled by everything he sees, hears, touches, tastes, or smells, as it gives him such keen sensations that he lives momentarily in some kind of adventure. These type of folks finds monotony unbearable, and they have an uncanny ability of being quick thinkers, and have a much 'better decision making batting average'.... Some areas where these could hamper them is their problem in eliminating non-essentials - things which steal their time, strength, money and energy.
Another type: describing "a practicalist" - folks characterized by their ability to work hard, who are reluctant speakers, except when deeply moved when they talk well, bringing simplicity and plain talking.
One sentence which sticks out.... "in private conversation he is inclined to use the verbal hammers too much and to be too drastic in statements, accusations, etc. But he means what he tells you, no more, and usually not much less. He avoids long words and complicated phrases even when well educated and speaks with directness and decisiveness".
Well, they have written so much more, oh, there was a 'dreamer' type also discussed, much to my shock, for I blogged about that just couple of weeks back, before I downloaded this book (was thinking about getting the Iphone then).
As a under-educated post-grad I can assure you that I haven't read any psychology books before this, and probably not many more if they continue to try to convince you that they really know what they are talking about on the basis of 'science'! But maybe, in the fools hope of finding some more well written books I might get more such books. Leave you with this para from the book:
"I am open to conviction but I would like to see the man who could convince me", and "I don't know what it is but I'm against it". This type often unconsciously refrains from making a decision about a thing till the other fellow makes his. That settles it; they take the other side.
Pop Psychology generally doesn't interest me, but this was on top download list since last week and wouldn't go away, so I downloaded it!
Well the book is, atleast to me, big time pop psychology, its sweeping generalizations and basing its thesis on so-called 'scientific facts'. Well, I don't know quite about their conclusions coz I skimmed thru' those parts. But what got me hooked is that on first read, some of the way in which they characterize folks is based on experienced observations, and a honest documentations. I mentioned in my earlier blogs that some bloggers have the ability to hit the nail on the head in terms of saying things they want to say. I thought that was the hardest ability, now I think these kind of narratives also are equally difficult.
If I borrow some of the terms used by them on people types: "never two minutes the same" to describe a type who area always a wee bit thrilled by everything he sees, hears, touches, tastes, or smells, as it gives him such keen sensations that he lives momentarily in some kind of adventure. These type of folks finds monotony unbearable, and they have an uncanny ability of being quick thinkers, and have a much 'better decision making batting average'.... Some areas where these could hamper them is their problem in eliminating non-essentials - things which steal their time, strength, money and energy.
Another type: describing "a practicalist" - folks characterized by their ability to work hard, who are reluctant speakers, except when deeply moved when they talk well, bringing simplicity and plain talking.
One sentence which sticks out.... "in private conversation he is inclined to use the verbal hammers too much and to be too drastic in statements, accusations, etc. But he means what he tells you, no more, and usually not much less. He avoids long words and complicated phrases even when well educated and speaks with directness and decisiveness".
Well, they have written so much more, oh, there was a 'dreamer' type also discussed, much to my shock, for I blogged about that just couple of weeks back, before I downloaded this book (was thinking about getting the Iphone then).
As a under-educated post-grad I can assure you that I haven't read any psychology books before this, and probably not many more if they continue to try to convince you that they really know what they are talking about on the basis of 'science'! But maybe, in the fools hope of finding some more well written books I might get more such books. Leave you with this para from the book:
"I am open to conviction but I would like to see the man who could convince me", and "I don't know what it is but I'm against it". This type often unconsciously refrains from making a decision about a thing till the other fellow makes his. That settles it; they take the other side.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Pet Peeves
Wiki borrows from Webster in defining "A pet peeve (or pet hate) as a minor annoyance that an individual identifies as particularly annoying to them, to a greater degree than others may find it."
That's about right in as much as words can put it. Sometimes, not always, things that people do or say rub me the wrong way, and in my mind a battle line has been drawn. Either I take them aside and politely put it in words which I hope would get through to them, or sometimes find the best way to deal it is in their own terms, confronting it by handing them a dose of their own medicine.
For instance, one of the first few impressions of a person for me is always through not what they look like, or sound like, but based on how they carry themselves..... The things that they speak, the things that they take liberty in doing, how comfortable or uncomfortable they make others around them feel, are to me some of the things that either impresses me or in a way insults or offends me. Wrong foot, first fault, first strike or whatever you call it, it starts there in my mind. I don't close my mind about these folks, but won't miss an opportunity to confront my 'pet peeves' with them to understand why they feel they have the right to trample around.
Many a times this causes agony to the other party, when they might feel that I might have unduly insulted/injured them, but in my mind I am right since, 'you drew first blood'.
The above has been an extract from Chapter 1 of the upcoming 'Book of self destruction - how not to make friends, and/or how to make enemies' (working title), authored by Yours Truly.
That's about right in as much as words can put it. Sometimes, not always, things that people do or say rub me the wrong way, and in my mind a battle line has been drawn. Either I take them aside and politely put it in words which I hope would get through to them, or sometimes find the best way to deal it is in their own terms, confronting it by handing them a dose of their own medicine.
For instance, one of the first few impressions of a person for me is always through not what they look like, or sound like, but based on how they carry themselves..... The things that they speak, the things that they take liberty in doing, how comfortable or uncomfortable they make others around them feel, are to me some of the things that either impresses me or in a way insults or offends me. Wrong foot, first fault, first strike or whatever you call it, it starts there in my mind. I don't close my mind about these folks, but won't miss an opportunity to confront my 'pet peeves' with them to understand why they feel they have the right to trample around.
Many a times this causes agony to the other party, when they might feel that I might have unduly insulted/injured them, but in my mind I am right since, 'you drew first blood'.
The above has been an extract from Chapter 1 of the upcoming 'Book of self destruction - how not to make friends, and/or how to make enemies' (working title), authored by Yours Truly.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Larger Game
In a surprise move, BJP has thrown its weight in support of Congress on the Women's Reservation Bill. But with a rider, that there should be a debate on the House.
This has been by far the biggest stakes game seen in the floor of the house on an issue with Cong Allies threatening to derail the Govt on this issue, and they finding an unlikely ally in the biggest opposition party.
Considering the threat at hand, Congress is in a dilemma, whether to risk its Govt for the sake of getting their manifesto fulfilled, while if they fail to do so, would be barbed through out election campaign for failing to deliver on this issue. 'Political risk', that's what's being said in the news.
So what if they decide to go through. Well, my guess is that if they do, then a victory is still not guaranteed, as the outcome of the 'debate' might be more stalling and giving more time for the allies to withdraw support to the Govt and reduce Cong to a minority party.
Beyond that, would the Bill be passed? My guess is that BJP will ask Cong to first prove its strength as a majority or call for elections, effectively killing the Bill tabled at the house.
So the big question is, is Cong willing to take the Womens Reservation Bill issue to the electorate? Or will they play it safe?
One thing though, BJP's smart play ensured that Cong has much more at stake than BJP on this issue, and BJP might still end up looking moderate on this issue, thereby alienating the smaller allies in the eyes of voters, if it comes down as an electoral issue.
Time will tell.
This has been by far the biggest stakes game seen in the floor of the house on an issue with Cong Allies threatening to derail the Govt on this issue, and they finding an unlikely ally in the biggest opposition party.
Considering the threat at hand, Congress is in a dilemma, whether to risk its Govt for the sake of getting their manifesto fulfilled, while if they fail to do so, would be barbed through out election campaign for failing to deliver on this issue. 'Political risk', that's what's being said in the news.
So what if they decide to go through. Well, my guess is that if they do, then a victory is still not guaranteed, as the outcome of the 'debate' might be more stalling and giving more time for the allies to withdraw support to the Govt and reduce Cong to a minority party.
Beyond that, would the Bill be passed? My guess is that BJP will ask Cong to first prove its strength as a majority or call for elections, effectively killing the Bill tabled at the house.
So the big question is, is Cong willing to take the Womens Reservation Bill issue to the electorate? Or will they play it safe?
One thing though, BJP's smart play ensured that Cong has much more at stake than BJP on this issue, and BJP might still end up looking moderate on this issue, thereby alienating the smaller allies in the eyes of voters, if it comes down as an electoral issue.
Time will tell.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Entourage
I love everything about this show, The Cast, the Theme, the LA Life, the Soundtracks, Ari, the Highs, the Lows, everything. It took a while to accept it for what it was, but what keeps me hooked is the fact that the series has so much life in itself. Get a load of this if you haven’t already, watch Season 1, it’s slow beginnings, but if you stick through till the end of Season 1, you will fall for the show hook, line and sinker! The ‘Ari Gold Quotes’ side box is just a teaser, its way better actually seeing him saying those.
Meaningless
Meaningless banter, or missing a piece. I often enjoy sharing meaningless conversation with others. Okay, maybe not enjoy, sometimes I feel really stupid afterwards. 'What purpose does it serve?' a question which often pops into my mind.
Recently saw the other side of the coin, when someone else was discussing his 'meaningless rant', as he put it. Without going into details of the conversation, it was an issue that sort of was hitting an invisible wall to his eye, but as he was talking about it in frustration, the next step formed to me with a clarity that probably came from relating to a similar prior experience. I found out this week that my suggestion worked in solving his issue, and he was thankful for the 'insight'.
Got me thinking about the entire exercise, though I enjoy my meaningless conversations, I often think them to be futile. Maybe I'm just missing a piece, or then again maybe not.
Recently saw the other side of the coin, when someone else was discussing his 'meaningless rant', as he put it. Without going into details of the conversation, it was an issue that sort of was hitting an invisible wall to his eye, but as he was talking about it in frustration, the next step formed to me with a clarity that probably came from relating to a similar prior experience. I found out this week that my suggestion worked in solving his issue, and he was thankful for the 'insight'.
Got me thinking about the entire exercise, though I enjoy my meaningless conversations, I often think them to be futile. Maybe I'm just missing a piece, or then again maybe not.
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