Alternate Vision

Much as I have a ton of pending work to finish before the weekend comes about, this evening after dinner, the urge to kick back and channel surf got the better of me. Now, ever since Alex and I have downsized to basic cable, there has only been a hand full of programmes that are worth watching at any given time on TV. Anyone who knows me well knows that I detest the trash that is normally shown on American TV. DSTV or Star TV any day to this mind numbing, brainwashing filth; call it personal preference if you will. Anyway, so this evening as luck would have it I stumbled upon this inspiring documentary titled Strange Days on Planet Earth on one of the few channels that I endorse and approve of- National Geographic.

This is a four part science and natural history series that uses spectacular imagery and phenomenal story telling to explore a number of questions related to the "health of the planet." Strange Days on Planet Earth reports how a seemingly disparate set of events are connected: "Crumbling houses in New Orleans are linked to voracious creatures from southern China. Vanishing forests in Yellowstone are linked to the disappearance of wolves. An asthma epidemic in the Caribbean is linked to dust storms in Africa."

The beloved sister and chapman. Two weekends in a row. May the insanity continue!

We are so conditioned, so heavily burdened with the past, with all our knowledge, information how can the mind be spontaneous? Can the mind observe its activity without prejudice, which means without images?

When there is a division between the observer and the observed there is conflict but when the observer is the observed there is no control, no suppression. The self comes to an end. Duality comes to an end. Conflict comes to an end.

This is the greatest meditation to come upon this extraordinary thing for the mind to discover for itself the observer is the observed.

Looking at one's own life objectively sans sentiment, likes or dislikes, or prejudices is an interesting exercise. I fail to comprehend how the division between the thinker and thought, the observer and observed itself implies conflict and thus contradiction. How is it that the urgent desire to understand this conflict and overcome it results in "time" and thus means no ending of sorrow? How does one go beyond this duality? There are times when I feel I am able to understand myself better when reflecting upon some of the lessons embedded deep in his thoughts, yet there are times when I feel completely lost. I am told this is but normal. Sigh, I want to understand.

Ten minutes after posting my chest of drawers and my seductive bed for sale online I recieved two emails from potential buyers. This morning I find my inbox flooded with emails. I thought I would give myself two weeks to sell off all the furniture; little did I know that I could have it all sold within a matter of days. I definitely need my bed for the next week at the least. One last week of fun and games. If I can find a trusted person to hand the bed down to I would do so. Maybe Ketan will do it justice. As for the chest of drawers, parting with it early would force me to start packing my stuff up soon. This "samba que beleza" song from here makes me want to get up and dance right here, right now at work. Craving masala dosa and filter coffee. Will settle for a migas taco and ginger chai. oh si!

There was definitely a dream like quality that this weekend possessed. Surreal is not the word. I always find myself part nostalgic, part dreamy and very often removed from my immediate reality when reconnecting with old friends. Yet, there was experiencing the new that involved establishing new and promising friendships. With under 3 weeks left in Austin, I find myself cherishing every second I have left in this town. Personally, this weekend officially marks the end of an era and the beginning of another. As this next chapter in my life unfolds itself, I find myself caught in between two worlds almost. On one hand savoring my last few experiences here, while on the other slowly preparing myself for the whirlwind of activity that is to come this next 6 months. It will take me a day or two before I can share any more reflections on this weekend. Recouperation and rest is on the immediate agenda. Let the metamorphosis continue after that.

The U.N. has merely condemned the parties responsible for the Darfur crisis, this coming after hundreds of thousands have been killed. It is blatantly obvious that reform is more than just critical. BBC. Annan, in his efforts to "shake-up" the U.N. has recently released a 63 page report that proposes some of the most radical changes since 1945 some say; whether this will restore confidence to any degree within the UN remainds to be seen. He admits that their approach to human rights is completely "uneven" and the whole process needs to be revamped. Is this too little too late? Certainly, after reading refugee stories like this one has to stop and ponder. Deplorable.

Here's to some of the most talented musicians I can ever dream of working with. Thank you for existing, and also bringing out the Afrobeat lover in me!

Pollen count and allergy forecast for Austin. I need to start paying more attention to these forecasts. I might have to resort to using one of those face masks if the situation doesn't imrpove. Anti-histamines are good for only so long. Alex got pepper sprayed last night. The usual thursday night brawl outside Bongo's is what he said. He came home with his whole neck red and itching. Shower didn't help much, but an ice pack did. I don't know how he can go for several nights without any sleep and still function normally during the day. All my roomates over the last four years have had the most irregular sleep patterns - nocturnal animals. The Jah will be watching over Austin this weekend. Not as stoked about it as I usually am. Maybe cos I have to be alert and awake for the i2p competition first thing tomorrow morning. Listen to the Cosmic Game if you get a chance.

When my allergies hit, all I can think of is the annoying, tickling itch in the back of my throat or how my body feels like implosion is imminent. Well, maybe a good internal disloding of my organs would rid me of this misery. It puts me in this weird state of limbo, as if neither here nor there. Every train of thought I entertain is drowned in the crevices of my phlegmatic brain..head cold n all, like a semi-retarded feeling. Given this, any attempt at writing my 1500 word paper would be dangerously futile. So with no josh to do anything else, I resigned to the fate of a mid-afternoon nap. But that bastardly feeling of impending implosion only seems to get amplified when I lay horizontally. As signs of frustration start to sink in gradually, I couldn't but help contemplate the futility of my existence altogether. Come now, its not that bad. Just as I begin to loose all hope, its an enlivening conversation with my parents that injects that syrum of life back into my soul.

The Indian National Calendar is the official calendar for Hindus, yet regional variants certainly exist. Today is Tamil New Year- Vishu. A thanksgiving to that supernatural being, an auspicious way to start the lunar year with good forebodings. Traditionally, people from the south start their day by visiting a temple or viewing something aesthetically beautifull, whats called "Vishukani." Tokens in the form of coins, clothes and sometimes gifts are given to the downtrodden and needy on this day. Certainly, an occasion to celebrate. Auspicious things include gold and silver jewelers, betel leaves, nuts and fruits. Each culture does have its own charm and we all have our own distinct way of relating to it. On that note, now that i feel partly rejuvenated I will light me lamp, feast on some food I made and muster the energy to make it to band practise.

Allergies do weird things to my body. Body temperature fluctuates rapidly, while the back of my throat just irritates, sans phlegm or any cold/flu induced by-products. Its a different type of body weakness; I can't focus my eyes on the screen for more than 5-10 minutes but yet unlike most illnesses I still have a raging appetite. Playing hookie today. Aunty Mary insists I get a hold of some pepe soup. " If e can't make am or even self buy am, make my pikin jesse do am o" she go say. I might have to settle for some canjica, if available or rasam. And all this just cos the pollen content is exceptionally high. Its spring time after all, even they wanna have some fun.

Dhruvi, Karan and baba Anuj. Dakar Rd, suya at the club, Spot and Surya, diwali masti, throwball, the daily game at no12, eleko beach, bike races in the rain, okada pranks, the apapa club, sleepovers, saturday pool at cheers, Mrs. Punjabi's tuitions, Stanley farms, Diwali Mela, yam chips on Oduduwa, Baba Tony- nawa for that man o, ILS, ball games with the lebanese, badminton tournaments, our first everything, karan learns to drive at age 14 and nearly kills us, surya learns to drive around the same time and gets beaten up by the local malaam, soccer saturdays, cricket sundays, surreptitious meetings on obanta with the ladies, mazda get aways.. I could keep going.
What i would give to relive any one of the above moments, even if it involves getting beaten by that malaam (hausa security man). If my memory serves me correctly, I drove straight into his vendor stall, by accident ofcourse, after which he proceeded to give me the thrashing of my life. Am going to dig out some more pics if I can. yes.

Few have steadfastly walked the thankless road to Hindu-Muslim harmony like Dr Rafiq Zakaria, one of India's most ardent liberal thinkers. The theme of Zakaria's 17th book is the nefarious role played by Muslim political leaders in impeding communal harmony before and after Indian independence.

Zakaria takes the bull by the horns by dilating on how the present generation of Indian Muslims is suffering the consequences of erroneous steps taken by its leadership of yore and now - Asia Times

I can't vouch for the book for I haven't read it yet. Controversial as it may seem,
I am still told that Zakaria's book is a great read.

Dhoom- A picture slide show on India. Very nicely done. Preparations are underway to visit
Barsana Dham this weekend.

Tugba Sert to the rescue. Something has to be said for individuals who, out of their own will, commit so much time and energy to helping others. She spent close to an hour coordinating information between the consulates in Houston, D.C and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The lady at the Houston consulate first claimed that I needed an education visa but later changed her mind saying that I should infact apply for an intern visa (staj). In addition to the supporting documents that AIESEC Turkey has arranged for (from the company and the MFA), she requires a statement from the Ministry of Labor. Any normal person would have been at their wit's end, especially if they were doing this for someone else. Au contraire. She seemed completely taken up by the apparent hillarity of the situation, and in what I percieve as her eternally cheerful mood, kept plying me with jokes. We are still awaiting final confirmation from the MFA before I can mail my application.
If I do land up obtaining a visa, on time, an early visit to Istanbul is definitely called for to thank this angel of a being, in person.

Just done writing my endless law brief. I stumbled upon this killer sichuan tofu and eggplant recipe, the fruits of which I am currently savoring. I am ready for my 'rita.

Happy thursday:)

"unidentified eyewitness's videotaped statement did not come within excited utterance exception to rule against hearsay"
These are times when I feel the urge to throw raw eggs in a pool or use boomerangs to break stuff instead of reading for my law class. Dr. Nichols makes it worth it though. By far one of the best lecturers I have had at UT.

We spent a good 2 hours seeking out a proper hookah bar yesterday afternoon. The Fez was closed. Downtown, to the best of my knowledge, possesses no other good hookah place. Our interest shifted to caipirinhas, but Sam Paio's is closed on Sundays. "Their catholic, them Brazilians" said contessa. So, we settled for the hookah lounge by speedway mart. The manager said they can obtain a liquor license but it would require refurbishing the whole place (extra sinks and a seperate guys/girls bathroom). Its worth it said I. They need to put some love into it. A weekly DJ and a bar would help. But apple flavored Nargille, a choice between thumsup, maaza or limca and divine company changed what would have otherwise been a mundane Sunday afternoon. Everytime we meet we tend to spend the day together, doing whatever. As long as there is copious amounts of alcohol, good times will flow. That my theory.

Visa nightmares have begun. The lady who picked up at the Turkish consulate in Houston insisted that as an Indian citizen, I am required to wait anywhere between 8 weeks and 2 months to obtain a work visa. I was recommended to get a tourist visa by some, but most others, especially the people in Turkey insist that playing it safe with a work visa is much better.
Any perspective on this is welcome. Or I could pull off the good ol "illegal border crossing" stunt, that I seemed to have perfected. My Turkish barber is from Adana.