Facinating Game

You play it once and you want to play it over and over again.

The game is enticing! It grips you and drags you into its powerful fangs till you are sucked out like a taranchula grips the prey.

What is with this game?

I had heard about it, I had seen on TV and been a part of my friend’s gossips of them loosing and winning.

But never had I thought to learn and experience it myself. Till last Saturday when I myself got hooked onto Poker.

I started with a confused look on my face, a fear in my head and a little messing up of newly learnt terminology. Confusing pack with call, check with pack, call with raise and vice versa.

But once the action began I completely lost myself at the table. Trying to put in all that I had learnt half an hour ago - three of a kind, two of a kind, straight or a flush, Ace in a hole… …

I wondered whether to think about my move or to calculate the moves of the opponents. Whatever!

Loss of every coin made my heart sank…I had tears in my eyes to part with those colourful chips.

Yet I forced myself into it or I would say I was pulled by some unforeseen force.

One move and I had them back again. They called it ‘the beginner’s luck with no skills involved’!

I call it my strategy to defy all probabilities and just play for sheer fun! :)

A good tip from an experienced player: if you really want to enjoy the game don’t bind your thoughts to the fact that every mistake costs you money! Else you loose the charm of the game.

Blink an eye ;)

Blink of an eye can earn you money!!

I recently read in London Metro a strange concept to win some extra cash.

An online beauty boutique offers people money if you display the logo of their firma on your eyelids.

Strange concept to advertise! But good for anyone who want to earn some extra pennies.

The company pays you 10p per wink provided you paste their logo on your eyelids. Not a bad idea ‘Pay per wink’.

If anyone has tried please do let know.

Bush Booted Out!!

President Bush made a surprise last trip to Iraq on Sunday. He and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki signed a ceremonial copy of a U.S.-Iraq security agreement.

The president highlighted a drop in violence and to celebrate U.S.-Iraq security agreement, which calls for U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq by the end of 2011.

President Bush staunchly defended a war that has taken far more time, money and lives than anticipated, but he received a taste of local resentment toward his policies when an Iraqi journalist hurled two shoes at him at a news conference.

Just after Bush finished his remarks and said "Thank you" in Arabic, an Iraqi journalist took off his shoes and threw them at Bush, one after the other.

Throwing a shoe at someone is considered the worst possible insult in the Middle East and is meant to show extreme disrespect and contempt.

The man, identified as Muntadar al-Zaidi, a reporter with the Cairo-based al-Baghdadia television network, yelled in Arabic as he threw the first shoe. Bush ducked and narrowly missed being hit.

Bush escaped injuries and instead joked about the incident minutes later and said "If you want the facts, it's a size 10 shoe that he threw. Thank you for your concern; do not worry about it."

Freedom of expression

Hundreds of Iraqis joined anti-US demonstrations to protest at Bush's farewell visit on Sunday to Iraq.

Mr. Zaidi risks a minimum of two years in prison if he is prosecuted for insulting a visiting head of state.

In Libya, a charity headed by Moamer Kadhafi's daughter Aisha announced it was going to award Zaidi an "order of courage" for his actions and in Lebanon, the Shiite militant group Hezbollah said the journalist should be regarded as a hero.

But everyone must realize that Mr. Zaidi’s new found freedom of expression was due only to the White House foreign policy and if he had tried shoeing President Saddam before the invasion, he and his extended family would all have been murdered without any trace!

Unjust Exit!

Born in Spain singing English songs since the age of one, Ruth Lorenzo’s performances last Saturday the 29th of November'08 did not deserve her exit from the X-Factor.

It was quite shocking to observe the voting pattern in X-Factor, it is so regionally based and for a singer from Spain it was a sad goodbye.

The question was simple lack of British support!!

She said: "I fought with all my heart, with everything I had. And this doesn't end here. This is the beginning of my dream.All I can say is thank you so much. I never ever dreamed of this ever."

Let's see justice for the singers of the world.

Rather supporting her to make it through to the final it is so blatantly obvious that the best talent is booted out.

People this is unfair to let go of such an excellent singer.

The X-Factor is all about talent and not boundaries.

In my opinion she was far better than some contestants and she's out simply because she is spanish and singing in a British show!!!!

Do you doubt her brilliant, heartfelt performances?

I wish you every success and happiness Ruth.

'Enough is enough'

Terrorist have succeeded yet again in their mission to cause a wave of terror across the globe. Killing innocent lives, destroying landmarks and establishing fear in the minds of people.

Every time they strike their attack is bolder and bigger from the one before. Earlier this year cities across India were targeted causing destruction on a massive scale.

But perhaps that wasn’t enough for them…

Yeh dil mange more…

They are thirsty for blood.

The boldness of this in-your-face the Mumbai attacks.An innocent city turned into a war zone is shocking and heartbreaking.

Sitting miles afar from Mumbai I don’t consider myself lucky but more vulnerable because God knows my city could be the next on their hit list!

Entire world pays homage to the Indian National Security Guards ,the security personnel who laid down their lives in line of duty to save others.

They are our real heroes.

"Enough is enough" can’t agree more with the words of Shobha De. How long will India succumb to political pressure and not react?

The time has come to make a conscious effort to live a safe and fearless life.

“We will not forget attitude” needs to be revised by the Indian administration. They promise security yet again terrorists outsmart us over and over and over again?

The public needs an answer, how does a fresh batch of militant groups attack over and over and over again and they strike at the place and time of their choice? The government’s false assurances suffice no more.

Meticulously directed and worded a common man’s discourse against war and crime Wednesday, recently released Naseerudin Shah and Anupam Kher movie sends the same message across.

India we need to awake and fight back together.

Flaunt your smile ☺

“Smiling is infectious you catch it like a flu, when someone smiled at me today I started smiling too.”

But as I went a little closer I saw his chapped lips …

When you come across someone, the first thing that catches your attention is the face. And the very moment that person smiles you look at their lips.

Lips are the most sensitive part of our body and therefore require constant nurturing. It is very important to keep them looking charming.

Soft, healthy, pink lips usually draw attention. They lend a fresh invigorating look to your face. They make you look healthy.

Whereas, dry chapped lips spoil the whole look and make your face appear dull, pale and unattractive.

Lip-care is easy and does not require much effort. All it needs is a series of activities that need to be performed on a constant basis to get a revitalizing, eye-catching look.

-Eat healthy - enrich your diet with plenty of green veggies and fruits.
-Gorge on foods rich in vitamins.
-Increase your intake of water.
-Apply lip balm and keep your lips always moisturized especially in winters.

Most importantly, refrain from lip biting as it can worsen the cracking and lead to embarrassment and frustration.

So take care this winter and flaunt your smile with healthy lips.

Enjoy keeping them wet than dry!!

The growing count!!

Every year I anxiously await the 1st of Oct. but today I feel a lack of zest in me. Perhaps the ascending count has scared the mickey-mini in me.

I am 28 today!! Appears a big number...two more years and I would be 30. Sounds scary!!

I wish to go back in time...

Perhaps ten years back and be eighteen again. A venture into adulthood, an unlimited access to Pubs and clubs for 18 and above.

Or perhaps twenty years back and be a little girl of eight. Revive my first Barbie friendship.

I hate calling my self I am in late twenties now...

Wish I was 21...Coming of age!! A beautiful numerical figure, I simply adore.

Over and over again I want to choose any number below 25.

There is an old couple sitting beside me in the not so crowded tube. I see the brown stick in his hands...

I smile to myself :) Someday...the growing count!!

Aeroplane journeys...

With new kaftans, lot of sun tan lotions, beautiful cane hat, sexy swim suits, cotton kurtas…the bags were packed for much awaited trip to Mauritius.

We checked in at IGI, cleared the immigration and with smiles and sheer excitement we boarded the plane.

The plane slowly moved to the run way and halted. The pilot announced that he was waiting for a signal to take off as there were some birds crossing the path.

I neatly took off my shoes in order to relax and put my newly bought book in the space provided in front. I could sniff the slight smell of the churning fuel by the engines. The grass on the either side of the runway swayed with the air blown from the rotation of the fans. It seemed as if the wild unkempt grass waved goodbye.

Five minutes passed and we heard our pilot say, ‘we are ready to take off.’ All clear, seat belts tightened and the plane accelerates...

We look at each other, smile and grasp each others hand as we always do on each flight.

Next moment, in a flick of few seconds, there is a loud bang!!

Everyone looks around. Confused, paralysed and shocked!! There is utter silence. We are still very much on the ground.

The pilot gives instructions ‘cabin crew do not move.’ My heart stops beating. I speculate we are hijacked, and this is the end. 9/11 comes to my mind.

Jas says it is engine failure. I overhear a voice; someone sitting at the rear end of the plane, shouts fire, fire, plane is on fire.

We still have seat belts fastened, no one moves. We wait for some instructions, and the pilot commands ‘evacuate ASAP…from the right ….quick….evacuate!!’

Panic strikes, the airhostess opens the emergency exits, the shoots slide open and we jump.

Our plane is on fire!!

With Gods grace no one is hurt, just few minor band aid scratches and all passengers escape.

Today after watching the ghastly 9/11 footage at school, it ran a fear down my spine. It takes courage to even imagine the predicament of the people trapped in those planes which crashed into the twin towers. They knew that it was ‘the end.’

We do not have any clippings or pictures of those passengers. The trauma they would have been through at that spur of moment is incomparable.

The collapse of the famous landmarks of NY is one of the most gruesome acts of brutality. Every time you see the footage you are drowned in sadness.

As the video rolls the shrieks and cries of hundreds of trapped people leaves you speechless. You can feel the agony and helplessness of those to rush out of the burning buildings.

We see the firemen rushing towards the site. Hats off to them, they risk their life in danger to rescue every soul they possibly can.

The rescue team is working hard, the site is gruesome. The two buildings are ablaze like a giant tall volcanoes throwing out smoke. The fire brigades and ambulances are all over the streets. Injured people are being rushed to aid. The rescue team is finding hard to plunge into the smoke but they are working very hard.

The clipping shows people hanging outside from the skyscraper, high up in the air. Watching the video our first reaction is Oh my God!

Smoke slowly engulfs the entire city. A blanket of dust and debris covers the streets. On the near by streets we see people dumbstruck and taking pictures and making videos.

The tremor brings down a near by building. Within minutes the two towers fall, crushed to the ground like a pack of cards.

Watching these clippings I visualize the magnum opus of destruction. The death of innocent people. The vulnerability of people to seek help to save their own lives.

The collapse of twin towers is a frightening mark in the history of terrorist attacks on mankind.

My experience of the Air Mauritius- bang runs through my mind. I close my eyes and say to myself not many are lucky to have safe aeroplane journeys. I thank God and seek his blessings. May peace prevail on earth.

Ini-Mini-Miny-Moe...

Ugh!! It happened again.
I try to control as much as I can, I try to avoid as much as I can yet at times I have to succumb as negligence with the bladder could prove fatal.

Every time I go to the ‘ladies’ I fear to view the left over residue of the lady who just eased herself and left. Disgusting civic behaviour!!

I hate to see the turd designs labelling the seat with unique personal signatures. It is nauseating!

I have an option, and I try to find another toilet. The other compartment is much worse, I view little yellow droplets sprinkled over the seat like rain drops over parched earth!!

The bladder is killing me I have to relieve asap. I try yet another door…ugh!! To my disappointment it has filthy red stain marks. It gets unbearable I have to choose…Ini-Mini-Miny-Moe…I just pick one and go… … aaaaaaahhhhhhh…

I have observed this uncouth conduct of disgrace in restaurants, hotels, universities, work place, airports, malls,pubs… … almost all the ‘ladies’ I have used.

It feels sick. Makes you puke the very moment you see a dirty seat.

Women have a big issue with men if they leave the toilet seat left up at home. I am sure many would have had this issue time and again in their house. Men are considered incorrigible characters (with of course some good exceptions). We repetitively try and teach them bathroom manners. What happens to our etiquette's (with of course few good exceptions again) when it comes to toilets outside our home?
It is important to maintain the same decorum for the society as well.

Hey dear womenfolk please be courteous enough and think before you leave your ghastly marks behind.

A Posy of Death

Why did they give me flowers as a present?

With no offence to anyone’s sentiments.

Beautiful pink roses and there smooth feather touch. Well matched with lemon yellow daisies and a couple of bright asiatic lilies. Simply put the bunch was gorgeous!!


Each flower had its own sweet smell, special character and ultimate beauty to capture my heart and captivate my soul. The bouquet was presented to me with all the love and warmth.

But I felt ashamed to hold the bouquet in my hands and celebrate happy felicitations. ‘Cause they were just a cluster of dead living things!!’

Moreover they were made lifeless for me and I was celebrating!!

The aroma of fresh flowers fills my senses but not at the cost of their lives. Their beauty attracts me but when they are not plucked from their roots and are well attached to the mother plant.

Flowers are my favourite living things. I love the way they dance with the gust of wind. Reminds me of few old lines ‘no one has seen the wind, neither you nor I but when the trees bend you the wind is passing by.’

The wind and the flora; they are eternal dance partners and I enjoy watching them dance. They sway to and forth when they dance in co-ordination.

But when one partner outshines the other it’s the Tandav Nritya and it causes destruction. The evidence of wrath shows up in their gloomy dull look, the scattered petals and broken branches all over the place.

However bad the storm, it eventually passes and there is life and growth again. I collect all the petals to make a pot-pouri. It indeed adds a difference to my living room.

I adore watching the flowers when it rains. Their drooping petals loaded with water like a little baby drenched in rain awaits its mother to cuddle its hair with a warm towel. The ambience is simply adorable.

Soon the sun is out, the water evaporates and there is merry all around. The atmosphere is gay and fragrance prevails.

How could you kill these tender, adorable flowers and present them with love to someone?

It’s been a week and half have already died. It causes immense agony to throw them in the bin. I tried to keep them blooming but their slow death is inevitable. I can’t stop it. The helplessness is killing.

Once upon a time they were dazzling beauties and now they stare at me in silence, shouting; ‘Aastha, you are the cause of our death.’ The atmosphere is sad. I want them to live, I want them to bloom. They don’t want false promises, I have been there friend for years and today I am caught in an act of treason.

I don’t want to be a part of this slaughter ever again. Please forgive me my friends.