Slumdog Millionaire

A nice film. An intriguing plot. The poor and underprivileged of Mumbai's slums were not exploited. There was a realistic presentation. The circumstances the lead character, Jamal, faces and overcomes are admirable. This is not going to be a review of the film though. I am not a critic and this film should simply be viewed and discussed, not reviewed.

One scene in the movie is what has me up at 2am. A child's innocence can often lead him to do things in haste. Decisions made in haste can often backfire and cause more harm than good. As the devil or one of his henchmen once said, 'the best laid plans' - any how, what would compel a person to jump into a pile of human feces? Perhaps faced with a life of death scenario, it's not hard to imagine opting to hold your breath while covered in #2 rather than breathing no more. How about something less dramatic. Imagine a motivating factor that stems from the heart in the form of passion or love. Could you love something enough that in a matter of a few seconds, it is deemed worthwhile to be covered head-to-toe in shit?

Jamal is a huge a Amitabh fan and he keeps a picture of him in his pocket at all times. While negotiating a shy bowel movement in the slums, the locals begin hollering "Amitabh's helicopter, Amitabh's helicopter!!" One of Jamal's friends locks him in the outhouse he was using leaving Jamal with only one possible exit. He takes the picture of Amitabh out of his pocket to protect it from the awful fate that his body is about to be subjected to. His 4 1/2 feet frame goes about 4 1/4 feet down into a pile of what is clearly disgusting waste. The arm holding the picture stretched upward the entire time, was not damaged. Upon climbing out of the wastehole, he proceeds to run looking like 4 scoops of chocolate ice cream without a cone yelling "Amitabh, Amitabh!!" Clearly aided by the stench of his newly aquired body odor, he reaches Amitabh through a path cleared by his stormy Category 2 descent. He gets to Amitabh and he gets the superstar's autograph. Arms raised in ceremonious fashion, Jamal does Johnny Drama proud with a "Victory!!!" pose.

The sheer enthusiasm in his pursuit of an autograph was thought provoking. He chased what his heart wanted. He did it without regard to any common sense. When guided by common sense, common results are achieved. It takes the heart of a child, which is wrapped in a membrane of innocence and uncorrupted passion. The passion that leads an adult includes greed, lust, ego. Self-gratification is a common deterrant to achieving life's passions. But the innocence that a child brings to the table is clearly the remedy to making life worthwhile. So what if there is a pile of shit on the way to making the dream come true. Isn't it all about the goal anyway? Does it really matter if everyone thinks you smell like poop? In the end, when you have the autograph and you have the satisfaction of knowing you did everything you could to make your dream come true, are you going to be able to smell anything but the sweet smell of accomplishment and satisfaction?

Thanksgiving - Let's Say Thanks

Let's say thanks. There are thousands of troops deployed overseas who are representing our country with pride and honor. They are stationed with the task of protecting our freedom. We are detached from the dangers that exist all over the world and faced by many other nations. We are protected by two oceans and friendly neighbors to the north and south. Despite the tragedy of 9/11, we are relative safe compared to many other regions in the world. Our nation's foreign policy adds fuel to the hatred of Americans and the western world held by some factions. But all in all, there is a level of security that we have and that we take for granted which should be acknowledged.

Imagine how badly a soldier would rather be walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with a couple of bucks in their pocket rather than patrolling a foreign border with an AK-47 over their shoulder. How difficult must it be to hear about the hometown football team through a news bulletin, after having attended an affair hosted by shrapnel and gunpowder. This is not about agreeing with the fight. But take a moment to put yourself in the boots and fatigues of a soldier. They are far removed from their lifestyle. They are away from their loved ones. Though they signed up for duty, their sacrifice should not be regarded any less significant. They are living a life of duty. They have learned to put their self interest behind the greater good. We walk along the avenues of the city and get lost amidst the splendor of the holiday season. The pretty decor, the window displays now prominently visible from afar. These soldiers are about action, whereas we who live in the land of the free are mired in distraction.

The spirit of Thanksgiving has long involved stories of the Pilgrims and Indians sharing a feast. Over the years, it's come to include other recognizable subjects such as, football, Black Friday, parades with big floats. The spirit of the holiday has taken on a form of thanks that is sad and embarrassing. We are not giving thanks to those who came before us and sacrificed their lives so we could live in freedom. We are giving thanks to the NFL for scheduling a couple of games. We're thanking retailers for discounts so we can spend more money than we should. We are thanking animators for coming up with creative cartoons so nice big floats could be blown up and then paraded down 5th Ave. The true spirit of Thanksgiving should be evident in the lives we live every day. Every day we have freedom, is a day we should be thankful there are people that have layed down their lives and fought for a greater good. Every day we have that affords us the opportunity to express our beliefs, is a day that we should remember there are troops as of this very second who are prepared to die before any harm comes to Americans.

Is all this too melodramatic for you? Is being thankful everyday too much of a chore? Then pick up and move out. Get out of this country and go live in a country that will not guarantee your right to a fair trial and to practice the faith you choose to. Sure our country is not perfect and not all people are treated fairly. But that is not because the system allows it. It's because of ignorance and the lack of courage. When you see something happening that should not be occurring, you should not walk away. You should think of the soldiers that are on active duty who won't walk away. This is not about picking a fight. It's about protecting those who are unable to protect themselves. Let's say thanks to those soldiers who are protecting us because we are unable to do so on our own. Pay it forward by being vigilant and helping to improve the nation we live in. Help make the country a better place so when our soldiers return, they are greeted by a kinder place.

The freedom we enjoy has come at a hefty price. Many lives have been lost fighting wars throughout the years. Now more than ever, after a decade of economic prosperity and technology kicking it up another notch, our lives are very rich in terms of tangible items. But the spirit of our lives has lost meaning. We must take the time to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces. The economy has since tanked and now we are looking at some turbulent times ahead. This is not the time to lose faith or spirit. This is the time to take measure of all that we have to be thankful for. Xerox is promoting a campaign that allows troops to receive a Thanksgiving Day card expressing our appreciation for their services. Go to http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html and support our troops. Take the time to express your appreciation.

Diwali - An Everyday Celebration

Good defeats Evil and for eternity thereafter, the people shall have a reason to rejoice, celebrate, abstain from sinful activity and eat lots of food! Definitely not the textbook explanation, but it'll get me through the day. Celebratory fervor enhances all things. The excitement that new beginnings elicit is steadfast and firm amidst Diwali celebrations across the board. So many types of relationships are elevated to another level simply due to the intrinsic significance that is attached to the Festival of Lights!

Neighbors are awarded with freshly made sweets for their geographical prudence in selecting their home location. Strangers are greeted with subtle and warm smiles. A silent acknowledgment of their existence and their vital contribution to the human race. It may be done unconsciously, but it is evident nonetheless, kindness is manifested on account of the elation attached to the Diwali festival. Acquaintances are warmly addressed with much more love and affection. Friends are appreciated with a heartfelt sentiment usually spared for weddings or funerals. Family can't do any wrong. From the grandmother who asks questions incessantly to the annoying cousin who can't just take a hint. Estranged family are embraced and welcomed by a bridge crossing over the stubborn seas. It's the Brady Bunch, Partridge Family, Cosby clan, for the duration of the festivities at least.

Relationships that already are swimming laps in the clouds are elevated to another world during Diwali. The loved ones get the routine tender love and care with the added touch of appreciation and recognition. It makes all the difference when considering the start new year is akin to a bud yet to blossom. There is hope and promise for a brighter future and it's all attributed to the significance attached to Diwali. Couples are comprised of a pair, but function as a single unit. Stepping with the best foot forward allows the rest to just follow. Each spouse takes the time to appreciate the other during this time. So much work goes into preparing for this festival. Whether it's cooking food from sunrise to sunset for an entire week before the actual holiday or it's standing on line at a modest sweet store to get packages that will convey the sentiments filling the heart. Making the rounds to satisfy the familial and associated responsibilities becomes a battle for the couple to face together. Arm in arm, sweets in tow, making the rounds and ultimately coming home. Arriving at a rangoli decorated stoop, decorative lights illuminating the walls, sitting down together and knowing that the true meaning of Diwali is in that moment when they each realize they wouldn't have wanted to enjoy this festival with anyone else.

Generalizations will often result in alienating some people in some way. There is no way the thoughts expressed here are applicable to all people. But when considering the positive energy that is transmitted across a spectrum of personalities during this wonderful festival, it's a hope-filled perspective. It may not be how it is, but it sure wouldn't be so bad it were like it. There is a simple joy to Diwali and it's visible in the extra pep in people's step. Enjoy life's joys, big and small. It will make the difference between having a lasting memory or experiencing an everlasting moment. Ask yourself whether you'd want a photograph of an experience or a chance to relive the moment infinitely. Make everyday Diwali. Smile at the strangers. Be kind to your neighbors. Care about your friends. Love your family. Appreciate and value your spouse. Do all of these things everyday, as if everyday were Diwali.

NAVRATRI - Garba-time

Happy Navratri to those who actually celebrate this festival. To those who just care to partake in the festivities; happy garba, raas, and sanedo to you. It's a festive time, women dressed in elaborate Indian attire, men dressed in traditional kurta pyjamas. It's an eclectic scene; a beautiful array of colors harmoniously circling the idol of a Deity while engaged in rhythmic and various forms of dance. Each year this festival brings together the Indian community and it's an encouraging manifestation of two worlds merging.

This festival brings out so much that is wonderful about our culture and heritage. Beauty, elegance, history, tradition are all petals of the flower that is Navratri. It is a celebration of good prevailing over evil. Navratri year after year often falls within a few weeks of Halloween and it seems that this festival also brings out the vampires, ghouls, and goblins from within the Indian community. I'm referring to the thug life, wannabe 'gangsta' teenage guys with countenances suited for mug shots. Along with teeny Tupac and bopper Biggie, there are the girls who show up in ghetto fab jeans, or indecent Indian clothes (i.e. no blouse). To compound matters, these ragamuffin teenagers show up at garba and use the time as their own personal meat market. It's disappointing to witness the way some of these kids behave. It's a shame the cloud of their arrogance is thicker than veil of their ignorance.

Showing up at garba to scope out and pickup girls has a place in the history of these events from the beginning. Back in the day when Expo Hall in New Jersey threw the grandest garba party in the entire nation, more than a few guys were there with an agenda other than dancing to Falguni Pathak. Wherever there are pretty girls, dressed up and free to roam the range, there will be guys hot on their trail. No sense in fighting with Mother Nature and human nature. Years back there was a sense of respect that was prevalent. What's apparent now is this respect is less prevalent. The junior mafias that attend the garba events at local high school gymnasiums across the country are showcasing their new threads, their new shades, new whips, new anything. It's a symposium of adolescent egos gathering to demonstrate who is going to be the alpha male and female. Recently the following conversation between a girl and a guy at garba event in New York:

Girl: "Don't I look pretty tonight?"
Boy: confused look, unsure how to respond, so he just nods.
Girl: "Don't answer that. I looked prettier yesterday."

Now this is one exchange, and it's definitely not representative of the general population. But look around next time you are attending a garba event and see for yourself. Take notice and see if you can recognize the deterioration of our culture happening right before your very eyes. Look at how some of the teenagers dress and how they conduct themselves. Notice the sleazy, meat market feel to the whole place. There are kids at garba events that just look like they should be at a house party.

There is a tremendous amount of tradition and culture that is prominently displayed during this time of year by Hindus. There is the religious aspect of celebrating the victory of good over evil (Ram defeats Ravan). There is the cultural aspect where the Indian woman has the chance to dress in ornate, traditional, decent attire. There is the community component which brings so many people together linked by a common heritage. There is so much that is so great about this time of the year. Let's take the time to appreciate it and extend ourselves in some way to preserve this beauty for future generations.

SINGLEDOM

Having attended more than a few engagements and weddings already this year and a couple more still upcoming, I may be the guy version of that movie starring the actress from Grey's Anatomy. This is according to my esteemed fellow blogger - The-Indian-Guy (http://the-indian-guy.blogspot.com). So it sure seems that way though. It got me to thinking about whether I am content being single. Or am I ready to settle down. Or am I looking for a non-committed long-term relationship?

There's got to be some explanation as to why I am not the slightest be concerned about my single status presently. I decided to make a list of some reasons why I am content to be single; followed by a list that explains why I am ready to settle down.

Reasons to be content being single:
1) Freedom - to roam about the city at any time of day or night. To be at home or away from home and have no accountability to any one.

2) Peace of mind - from the drama that accompanies committed relationships. No hasseling or nagging or any kind of "-ing" that is not enjoyable.

3) Crickets - being able to hear those stringy creatures cricket in the morning. Being able to hear them at night. No voiceovers or "Honey, do this. Honey do that." God Bless those crickets.

4) Independence - be my own man. Be my own person. Retain my individuality. No need to compromise on everything, let alone anything. It's all about me.

5) Sharing - don't need to share food when eating out. Don't have to listen to "do you want to share? Why don't we just order 2 appetizers and 1 main course." No, I want to eat what I want to eat and I don't want to share.

Reasons to settle down:
1) Too much freedom - I'd rather have a loved one, a partner, a soulmate, a best-friend to be with while out in the city or while lounging on the couch at home. To be free is good, to be free and walking hand-in-hand with a loved one sure seems more appealing.

2) Too much peace of mind - If I want to live life like I'm in a coma, I guess the value of peace of mind can't be overstated. However, where's there's electricity, there's energy. What are a few shocks that accompany the nagging, the hasseling when it could just very well lead to the type of "-ing" that makes it all worth it. Hugging, Kissing, Embracing...yada yada yada... ;)

3) Bah-hum-Crickets - screw the crickets, I could not give a damn if I heard another ever again. I'd rather hear the voice of my beloved bellowing for me to take out the trash late at night or hollering at me to get out of bed on a Saturday afternoon. Houses are made with bricks, but homes are made with noise. All types of noises, but none more valuable and essential than that of the sweet lady of the house.

4) Over-rated independence - "it" being all about me is not all that it's cracked up to be. It's far more pleasing when it's about someone else. My heart filled with passion and passion is a currency that can't be spent on one's self. So there's unfulfilling byproduct of independence and it's a heart that bleeds out passion. No thanks. I want the passion in my heart to be explosive. I want to wake up beside my dear love and exude passion. It would be far more satisfying to live a life that is not all about me, but rather more about "her."

5) Sharing is caring - and it surely is. What's it like to go to a nice restaurant and sit across from the woman you love? When the waiting comes, you get to smile at her and while the waiter scribes the order, you hold your woman's hand and just know that sharing that dish is going to be more satisfying than the meal itself. So what if I'm not full afterwards, I can always suggest going to Mamoun's for some falafel and if you go back to (1) on this list; we'd have the freedom to roam the city as we like.

PUNCTUATE THIS!!!!

Enough with the endless punctuation marks included in text messages. There has to be the understanding that after awhile, the incessant use of the "!" or "?" are going to render their effect useless. How can someone possibly understand the urgency of the message when every other thought is concluded with an "!", "?" or "!!!!??!!"? (That last question mark is legit). It's difficult enough to convey inflection and emotion in a text message, but the irresponsible use of punctuation by numb-thumbers is causing mass chaos amongst those of us who care to comprehend the meaning of the messges we're receiving.

Receiving text messages from a girl that might be someone of interest and trying to decipher the meaning of the text message can be an excruciating exercise. Now why resort to such ultra-resourceful methods you might wonder? Well it's simple, there's no sense in asking questions when the answers are very possibly right before us. The simple use of a an exclamation point following a "yes" can be the difference between "sure it would be nice to see you" or "I definitely am interested in seeing you and I'm excited about it." If people don't start using punctuation more responsibly, there are going to be a lot of us who are sorely disappointed by messages that read one way, but mean something else.

Waiting

Life is about waiting. Lines are everywhere you go. If there isn't a line, you should probably stop to ask where is everyone before taking another step. People are willing to wait for what's valuable to them. Being a resident NY'er, long lines are commonplace all over the city. Outside clubs, restaurants, soup joints. There are lines outside restrooms, at the gas pumps (despite insane gas prices). Lines at the bus stops, taxi stands. At the airport, at the bus depot. No matter what, there's a wait.
Love is about waiting too I suppose. Waiting on a line that has an indefinite number of people. Waiting for the chemistry to cause a spark; then waiting for the spark to burst into a flame. It's not so easy to wait for love though. There's no place to wait. There's no actual line to be on. Going about your business in a routine way, but also waiting for love to come your way can be a trying experience.
They say love will find you when you least expect it. Well, being on line for love, eliminates the "least expect it" element. Love is not something you just decide not to concern yourself with. It's something you can submiss, but not dismiss or contain. The desire to find love and be in love is a constant. It's with each pulse of our heart. We have so many different things that we wait on line for but love is something that they say will just come to us. I don't believe it.