The grasshopper and the ant - Retold
OLD VERSION...The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food
or shelter so he dies out in the cold.
MODERN VERSION
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away. Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving. NDTV, BBC, CNN show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so? Arundhati Roy stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house.
Medha Patkar goes on a fast along with other grasshoppers demanding that grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter. Amnesty International and Koffi Annan criticize the Indian Government for not upholding the fundamental rights of the grasshopper. The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support to the grasshopper (many promising Heaven and Everlasting Peace for prompt support as against the wrath of God for non-compliance). Opposition MP's stage a walkout. Left parties call for "Bharat Bandh" in West Bengal and Kerala demanding a Judicial Enquiry. CPM in Kerala immediately passes a law preventing Ants from working hard in the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among ants and grasshoppers. Lalu Prasad allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Indian Railway Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Rath'.
Finally, the Judicial Committee drafts the Prevention of Terrorism against Grasshoppers Act [POTAGA]", with effect from the beginning of the winter. Arjun Singh makes Special Reservation for Grass Hopper in educational Institutions & in Govt. Services. The ant is fined for failing to comply with POTAGA and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government and handed over to the grasshopper in a ceremony covered by NDTV. Arundhati Roy calls it "a triumph of justice". Lalu calls it 'Socialistic Justice'. CPM calls it the 'revolutionary resurgence of the downtrodden' Koffi Annan invites the grasshopper to address the UN General Assembly. Many years later...The ant has since migrated to the US and set up a multi billion dollar company in silicon valley.100s of grasshoppers still die of starvation despite reservation somewhere in India ... As a result loosing lot of hard working ants and feeding the grasshoppers, India is still a developing country..... .
Labels: joke
Hong Kong Flower Show 2007 @ Victoria Park
Photo Album
Labels: flowers, hong kong, Photography, victoria park
MOS Burger @ Taikoo
People have been queuing up at MOS Burger come rain or sunshine...I managed to get through once and bought 4 burgers for us to try...It's amazingly fresh but badly labelled on the package...slightly high priced...imagine giving up a MacD combo meal for just one MOS burger...Make sense?
And what about the hundreds of people standing in line all day? The staff must be overworked already, especially at a HK$25/hour wage!! There is just not enough space!! But like I told you before...they taste much better than MacD.
Labels: Food, hong kong, MOS burger
Words that are hard to say
Lee Seung Gi gets beaten up again...the video is very similar to the last one I had posted...however, that song is better than this one...
Labels: Lee Seung Gi, music video
ML Orbis Walk For Sight 2007
I was up at the usual time 6:45am even though I had slept as late as 3:30am that morning…I had to put last night’s game aside and think about the day ahead.It was my third time. ML ORBIS walk for sight 2007. A few days back I found myself as an accidental member of the ORBIS committee. I had volunteered to help out as an official photographer. And it had been accepted. However, to be on the committee was a surprise albeit a pleasant one.
I took a cab to Cheng Chau Ferry Pier in Central and where I met Rik. He was carrying 2 cameras today. Wow!!
We reached the Orbis site and registered for the walk and I got busy with my task.
Around 9 am Sun Boy’z turned up with Vincy and the official programs were begun. This was followed by a warm up exercise round by seasons fitness instructors and it was a lot of fun.
The walkathon was launched right after but I was asked to stay back and cover the base ground. I walked around and spent a lot of time visiting different stalls and talking to volunteers. Kids and their moms (& maids) seem to be having a rocking time. The fair included a mime artist, a juggler, a balloon man and a stilt lady. As if that was not enough – Kiroro turned up as well!!
There was a lovely dance show from pre-school toddlers…wow. However, the video was too big to post on You Tube (well, at least until I find a way to compress it). There were some football shooting, slipper kicking and ringing the bottle games as well. After the people returned from the walk, there was a lot of activity at the booths and one could see how hard kids, parents and grandparents tried to play and win. Rik, however, got very bored and left by the first bus. We left around 1pm by bus no.14. I got off at Sai Wan Ho and took the tram home. It was a fun-filled day. I took a lot of photos today. Here are some.
Check out the videos for some Sun Boy'z action.
Btw, Steven was dressed in SPY wear. The jeans doesn't have a size 5 and so I have not been able to buy it yet. SPY is a good collection from local "SUPERHERO" designer - Henry Lau.
Here is a SUN BOY'Z video...Tic Tac Toe
And here is what Vincy is capable of. This is one of my favourite songs.
Labels: charity work, ML Orbis Walk for Sight, Photography, Sun Boy'z, Vincy
Minnows don't Meow - Why India needs to be kicked out @ prelims stage
Whoever called for the "minnows" to be excluded from the cricket world cup must be wetting his bed at night. The Bangladesh team have shown that they are not a minnow that meows but a Tiger that roars. Ireland has proven a point as well.I am a die-hard cricket fan and a blind supporter of the Indian cricket team since the day I held my first plastic bat as a 3 year old.
My love for cricket has grown beyond my blind patriotic feelings for my national team. But after watching the game last night where Bangladesh beat India, I strongly feel that India will not progress beyond the prelims stage. And for the sake of the game, I wish they don't. Because only then we can have a deserving team from group B. The young, the inexperienced and the so called minnows.
These feelings are not negative, they are justified from watching what has been going on with Indian cricket for the past few months.
~ Take captaincy away from Dravid because:
Sehwag
The blind backing up of a terribly out of form Sehwag is a shame. How can someone sacrifice the chances of the country for personal liking? Sehwag may have a great past but his present form is too poor to carry him around with the national team when there are far too many deserving players knocking at the door. That Vengsarkar has openly accepted Dravid's hand in Sehwag's selection makes Dravid responsible for the entire affair. The focus is no longer on Sehwag, it is on Dravid. From now on, every time Sehwag plays, Dravid’s neck is on the line. What could have been done? Simple really! Just ask him to play lower down the order!!! Not open the batting!! His early fall puts a lot of pressure on the rest of the team!! Can Dravid not see that?!!!
And if someone, who is out of their mind, argue that Sehwag can also serve as bowler may as well go and talk to Ramesh Powar about it.
Toss
Rule no.1 in any form of Cricket. When unsure (especially in this case, since it was a newer pitch), one should always put the opposition in to bat. Dravid’s reason for winning the toss and electing to bat was not only shocking but also stupid.
"I don't know if we can regret it," he said. "We could have just batted a lot better. The ball did seam around a lot more and for a bit longer than we had expected. The wicket had a pretty dry look about it."
It is quite clear that he underestimated Bangladesh and that he wanted to give “batting practice” to Sehwag at the top of the order.
Fielding
If Dravid is captain, he should lead by example. The catch he dropped did not really require him to fly like Jonty. It looked like a regulation catch. From the way Dravid moved around on the field, it was quite evident that he is not fit to play on the nation team. It was quite a sight to see Ganguly diving around even though he has always been declared as a terrible fielder. When Dada can do it, why not Dravid? Or does it mean that captain’s don’t dive?
Body Language
When you are the captain of a national team, and you are in a tight spot at least make an effort to show that you are thinking positive (even though you may not)!! You can just cheer loudly, pat each other; walk with your shoulders and head held high!! The picture of a defeated leader is not a good example. It affects everybody else in the team.
There was no aggression at all. Forget aggression, where is assertiveness?
Field Placements
There were gaps everywhere. It was shocking to see huge gaps in the milking area of most batsmen. When you see a batsman is hitting consistently around an area and through the gaps, you should be wise enough to revise the placements. It is a reactive approach and it does work especially when you have not done your homework on the opposition.
Batting
To say that the spinners were really turning the ball would be the best joke in the world. The ball was simply not turning! And the balls were being bowled at schoolboy speeds. And yet the wall crumbled! Dravid should go back to domestic cricket and spend enough time with Powar and others to learn how to play spin.
Yes, Mr.Dravid, you can go ahead and blame the entire world for not having played enough cricket at a high level to criticize you or your team.
:-P
Others? Yes, quite a few actually.
Fielding ~ Horribly lethargic.
Catching ~ Ordinary
Bowling ~ Brainless.
That the bowlers did their best is beyond doubt. However, I want to know what Guru Greg has actually told the fast bowlers to do, when the batsmen start advancing down the pitch.
Batsmen give the charge, because they want to dominate. They give the charge because they want to play the ball as a full toss. They give the charge because they want to give themselves more width to hit. They give the charge because they want to dominate.
What should the bowler do in this situation? The most favoured action is to bang the ball in short. So that it reduces the length and bounces the ball steeply at the batsman. What to you do when this fails? In other words, what happens when the batsman knows what you are going to do? What do you do when he cleverly and brutally dispatches the ball out of the field? Think. I wonder how these bowlers got selected to play at international level if they don’t know the answer to that.
You try different options!! Rule no.1 – Do not repeat.
What do you do if the batsman is giving you the charge?
~ YORK HIM, FOR GOD’S SAKE. YORK HIM!
~ BOWL AT HIS BODY. GIVE HIM NO ROOM.
~ BOWL A BEAMER AT HIM. PUT THE FEAR OF GOD IN HIM.
I have not played cricket at a very high level. But I know these things. And you are playing at international level. Where is your brain?!
TOO MUCH HOPE
There is just too much of hope around these days. People still expect India to win the next two games and at a better run rate than Bangladesh. They hope to see India in Super 8’s.
Yeah, with this kind of team, captain and show - HAHAHAHAHAHA.
Well, at least it takes the pressure off me. From now I can watch the game as a lover does. For indeed it is a once in 4 years tournament with its own charm. And I want to put the HK$2016 to good use without having to fold my hands and pray with my heart in my mouth for every game that India plays…You have lost one fan in this world cup.
Labels: Cricket, Cricket World Cup 2007, feelings
Thanks for your time!!
A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.I feel this is an important story and has helped reinforce my faith in myself. It feels great to do charity work...if not the money at least people can have my time.
The story
It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls,
career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear
across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his
busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no
time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and
nothing could stop him.
Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday."
Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
"Jack, did you hear me?"
"Oh sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him.
I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.
"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were
doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of
the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.
"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.
"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure
you had a man's influence in your life," she said.
"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in
this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching
me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the
funeral," Jack said.
As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to
his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no
children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.
The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to
see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway,
Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another
dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he
remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of
furniture....Jack stopped suddenly.
"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.
"The box is gone," he said.
"What box?" Mom asked.
"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I
must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever
tell me was the thing I value most," Jack said. It was gone.
Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except
for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.
"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better
get some sleep. I have an early flight home,Mom."
It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from
work one day, Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a
package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the
next three days," the note read.
Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old
and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The
handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his
attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read.
Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There
inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read
the note inside. "Upon my death, please forward this box and its
contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life."
A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears
filling his eyes,Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he
found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over
the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover.Inside he found these words
engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! - Harold Belser."
"The thing he valued most...was...my time."
Jack held the watch for a few minutes then called his office and
cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.
"I need some time to spend with my son," he said. "Oh, by the way,
Janet...thanks for your time!"
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that
take our breath away,"
Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's quite true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much that they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
5. You mean the world to someone.
6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
7. You are special and unique.
8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,something good can still come from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look; you most likely turned your back on the world.
11. Someone that you don't even know exists,loves you.
12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
13. Always tell someone how you feel about them;you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.
14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
Labels: charity work
Annual Dinner @ HK Disney
You cannot find a single big sized Donald Duck soft toy in HK Disneyland. It seems the mainlanders took them during CNY holidays. Chisin
Lawrence, please, don't kill me!!
Who let him out?!!
Guts or Balls?
We have all heard about people having guts or balls. But do we really know the difference between them, In an effort to keep us informed the definition for each is listed below...GUTS - is arriving home late after a night out with the guys, being met by your wife with a broom and having the guts to ask her, 'Are you still cleaning or flying off somewhere'.
BALLS - is coming home late after a night out with the guys, smelling of perfume and beer, lipstick on your collor & slapping your wife on her butt and having the balls to say ' you are next baby' Hope this clears up any confusion on the definitions.
Practically speaking there is no difference in the out come since both ultimately result with a 'D' ( divorce or death)
Labels: joke
David Trench Home for the Elderly
It was a very warm and sunny Sunday afternoon when I made my way back to the office. We had our briefing and hurried brunch before we took a bus down to David Trench Home for the Elderly.
It was towards the end of the 2 week CNY celebrations…however, our task was to celebrate CNY with the elderly people there.
I must say that the view from the home is fantastic. But there was no time for that. We got busy downloading all our stuff and setting up the area where the program was to be conducted. And soon the elderly grandmas and grandpas started coming in. After getting them seated, the MCs took over and made sure that they were comfortable. A lion dance and some traditional songs followed. Since I the week had been an exceptionally busy one for me, I didn’t have enough time to translate and practice. So I opted out of it. I was one of the photographers there.
Soon we headed to the other buildings and found a lot of old people there. They were playing mahjong, reading newspapers, sleeping, talking, etc. It was great to see the smiles on their faces when they realized that we had come to celebrate with them. Some of them joined in, danced and clapped with us. I had a tough time taking the snaps since the whole group was moving too fast. Hehehe.
During the rounds we met an old man who is 105 years of age!! Wow!!When another guy was asked to speak in English to me, his response was – “Baaa baaa baaa baaa!” It was quite funny. I had been done in!! For a second I had thought that he was really going to talk to me!!
There was another lady who had her daughter’s photograph on her bed and showed it to us proudly.
Memories of my late grandma passed in front of my eyes and I felt a pain inside me. How much I really miss her. I almost cried a few times that day.
Back at the main hall, games were in progress. Snacks and drinks were also being served to everybody. They received a thermos mug each as a special gift and were quite happy.
After the program was over, the old folk left for their rooms or walks. And we left them, hopefully, with some happy memories.
This event has also triggered a lot of interest in our new colleagues. They wish to do more social work. And they wish to do it regularly. I have an idea of forming a social services club at work. Next week I will get in touch with some people to trigger it off. Will let you know more about it when it’s underway.
Please help the elderly. You can make a big difference by doing a little bit - buying cookies, volunteering or donating. This is a start.
Labels: charity work, elderly, Photography
The world cup is just 1 day away!!
Here are some videos to pass the time until then...And this is the mindless anthem for this cup...could have used my services for sure...sounds like crap and is poor singing...how can it ever be a turn on?
Labels: Cricket World Cup 2007
The Messengers
We went to The Messengers hoping against hope that we would be scared to death...you know..."diving". But my mood was blown by a group of people who kept on talking as if the theatre was there living room. Repeated "Ssh" didn't get a proper response and I almost went up to the management to complain...but that's when the movie scared shit out of them.
Not me. I was bored to death without a single scene looking convincing enough. Was it the group of people or what? I don't know...just didn't quite feel I was in the movie...forget about getting scared...
It doesn't look like a badly executed movie...however, there are numerous other movies that have parallel storylines...Yawn...2*/5
Labels: Movie Review, The Messengers
The Cricket World Cup 2007 is on NOW-TV
Yes, as an answer to my earlier post, Now TV is going to telecast the cricket world cup 2007 on channel 693 - ESPN STAR SPORTS CRICKET LIVE. Enjoy!The current rates are HK$168/month. No package details available yet. Watch this space!
More details available at Now TV
Labels: Cricket World Cup 2007, Now TV
The Queen
THE QUEEN - It is an interesting film about the royal family's reactions during the week following Diana's death. Tony Blair has just been elected and has failed to make an impression on the Queen. He has modern visions and wants to make changes to cater to the progressive people. Her silence and withdrawal during a very personal tragedy for the royals is eyed disapprovingly by the whole world. Tony is forced to talk persuasively to her on this delicate matter. He tries to convey that unless she really responds to the public's wish or at least make an appearance, the monarchy is in danger. With falling popularity the Queen is forced to reconsider her values. The same values she has been living with for so many years. Meanwhile, during this time Tony is seen to be finally understanding her and taking her side. It is a good movie to watch. I think it could be made at least 20 minutes shorter! More about the crash that killed the people's princess. 3.5*/5.
Here's the trailer - http://movies.go.com/thequeen
Labels: Movie Review
Ramanand's baby
She is Ramanand and Shweta's baby. Born on 02 March 2007, she is 2.8kg. :-)
Cutie Cutie smile!!!
Cutie Cutie smile!!!
I am yet to learn her name!!!
Labels: Babies
