Rain in Indore – Update 3

Whoosh! Last 15 hours were just amazing as Indore witnessed a 10 year record breaking rainfall. Starting right in the morning, up to night, God blessed Indore with its showers. Met Dept. has recorded 9 inches of rainfall in just a span of 15 hours. This morning, Indore was in news everywhere (in almost all national news channels) showing its water logging problems spread on the entire city. For the last few years except 2003, Mini Mumbai was struggling with water shortage but I think this year has come as a blessing in disguise though the rain started a little late. Now, as it has picked up its speed a few more days of rain will let people enjoy their life with Chaai and Bhajiye other than usual problems of the season.

Amazed by Solar Eclipse

The eclipse blacked out Indore city as soon as the Sun rose. We were not fortunate enough to witness the solar eclipse as the weather was completely cloudy but saw the exquisite beauty of the eclipse through the light of the Sun that was diminishing with time. The complete eclipse in Indore struck at 6:21 AM sharp. It was raining cats and dogs since last night and recorded the most rainfall in the last couple of days.

I woke up in the morning at 5.30 as I didn’t want to miss this celestial event (especially when the next eclipse is scheduled for after more than 100 years) , and was also thrilled. I caught every moment of the eclipse in my camera. To share with you all, below are picture of the eclipse (time lapsed) and how did Indore see it.

Solar Eclipse that Indore saw (Time Lapse Pictures)

	6:21 AM
	6:23 AM
	6:25 AM
	6:26 AM
	6:27 AM
	6:28 AM
	6:29 AM (see the raindrops in camera flash)
	6:31 AM
	6:32 AM

Also, you can enjoy the above pictures in a slideshow, please see below

Rain in Indore – Update

It’s been raining in Indore continuously for the last two days and Met Dept. has recorded almost 13 inches of rain till now. The weather is really beautiful now but there are water logging problems in some parts of the city. 

Enjoy a picture of rain drops below

Problem in Airtel payment system

Huff, I think there are some serious problems in Airtel’s payment system now a days. For the last two months, even though I have been paying my bills on time, they are receiving the payments late, and called me several times for the payment. I am making my mind to complaint their Regional Head now.

Truth that we don’t want to face

Last evening, I was going through an article in USA Today’s website about an agreement between US and India on climate change. I read a comment of one of the readers of that article (who obviously is a US citizen), and came to know the fact of their thoughts about India - which he describes as follows:

“India has over 325 million people who do not have access to sanitary facilities. For these 325 million people any spot of land may be their toilet. India cannot even provide sanitary facilities for a huge number of their own people and we want them to use more expensive fuels and buy pollution control equipment so it does not affect our air? When they have 325 million people spreading human sewage across the land they live on every day I would think building sanitary facilities would be a higher priority than addressing the possibility of global warming. Building sanitary facilities would employ a lot of workers too, just one concern, someone has to pay the workers and buy all materials and maintain the system. The lack of sanitary conditions there and many other locations could lead to a pandemic that could kill millions of people around the world.”

Link to the original article is here

Comments like above really confuse me in believing about India’s true progress. That really puts a question mark on my belief regarding the image of India in the eyes of the world as well. As far as above article is concerned, I believe that movies like Slumdog Millionaire are backing their such imaginations pictured for our country. Sometimes, I think, are three Oscars proving to be too expensive for us? 

Rain in Indore – Update

It’s been intermittently raining in Indore for the last two days. The weather is so beautiful and filled with breeze. Yesterday, England successfully defended its first test against Australia though the chances were very less. Was really an exciting match to watch for. 

Don’t watch New York

Today, I watched recently released movie New York. I didn’t like it at all. I don’t know how such a respected banner in Indian Film Industry, Yashraj Films, can work on such a bad storyline. In the trio, John Abraham was the best to watch for, otherwise, please don’t waste your money on it. Watch any classic movie instead. 

Greatest Show on Earth – Goodbye Michael Jackson

 

Yesterday’s night was witnessing the moment of a great memorial service ever paid to a celebrity. Yes, Michael Jackson was that celebrity as around 20000 people gathered with Jackson family at the Staples Centre in LA to pay their tribute and mourn on MJ’s death. Actually, to celebrate his life, as he will never ever die in millions of hearts.

Every TV channel was deeply involved in telecasting the live programs which were to be held at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, for private memorial and later on at Staples Centre, LA for public memorial. I decided to stick with CNN to watch the entire memorial program as they were showing the latest pictures and that too without a single commercial break. Oh my God! what memorial program was that? I had neither seen nor anticipated such memorial that was dedicated to MJ’s life and achievements. Many popular celebrities participated to pay their homage by contributing song and speech, shared their experience of having even a single moment with MJ and praising MJ for his legacy that he has left behind. Almost everyone said that “He was a true pop icon”.  

You name one and he/she was there to contribute by way of word, and music. Mariah Carey, Queen Latifah, Lionel Richie, Berry Gordon, Stevie Wonder, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Jennifer Hudson, Al Sharpton, Brooke Shields, Martin Luther King III (along with his sister Bernice), Usher, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Smokey Robinson, the little Shaheen Jafargholi, Kerry Ortega, and all his brothers were there to attend the memorial service of Michael Jackson. Though absence of Debbie Rowe was frustrating even though it was in the news that she would be missing the ceremony.

I took charge of the TV at nine in the evening and watched the entire program on CNN till two in the early morning. I didn’t let anybody watch any program because yesterday was MJ’s day.

Summery of the Memorial Service program:

The program started off by reading a written message of Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela who are said to be very close to MJ. Then MJ’s casket was brought in at the down center of the stage by his brothers among the singing chorus who were disseminating beautifully written lyrics. Next was Mariah Carey, who contributed by singing Michael’s favourite I’ll be there. Then Queen Latifah took charge of the podium and said a few words about Michael. Lionel Richie was the next on the list to fill the auditorium with his great voice. The next person to come on the stage praising Michael was the founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordon, who shared his experience by remembering Michael that how Michael’s and his family used to play baseball every week. He also told the audience that how the Motown 25 was arranged that turned around Michael’s career altogether when he performed Billie Jean live in that program, and turned everyone mad through his Moonwalk. He also told that Michael Jackson was a totally different person ‘onstage’ as compared to ‘offstage’. He was indeed a master and a good human being. Gordon was successful in getting a standing ovation for his speech. Then, glimpses of Michael’s songs were shown on mega screens all around and people started cheering and shouting as they have been doing in Michael’s live performances until now. Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson were next on the card to come and talk about Michael Jackson. Both of them, particularly, Magic Johnson shared his experience of moments with Michael, that, how he called him and invited over dinner to talk about the video he wanted him to appear in – obviously how can I forget the grilled chicken incidence. Jennifer Hudson then mesmerized everyone with her voice by singing Will You Be There. This is one of my favourites. Then Al Sharpton took over the stage and remembered that he met Michael during 70s and was amazed by seeing his perseverance and courage to achieve his dreams. Also, praised Michael for unifying the different cultures of the world through his music –and also that his fan following is right from a normal man up to the President of the United States. “Michael never stopped” was echoed in Staples Centre in his impressive voice. At the end he didn’t forget to thank Jackson family to give Michael to the world who gave so much love and hope.

"There’s nothing that can’t be done if we raise our voice as one.” – Michael Jackson  

The above quote was written by Michael and was displayed many times on the mega screen during the program.  John Mayer then played Human Nature on his electric guitar. It was now the turn of Brooke Shields who turned so emotional while remembering Michael. She shared that she met Michael when she was 13. She also told that how Michael had asked her to accompany him in Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding -  and how they sneaked in to the Elizabeth’s room to see her wedding dress. I didn’t know this but she has never ever performed any show and has not even pictured with Michael. Now, Jermaine Jackson came on the stage to sing Michael’s favourite song “Smile” which was actually written by Charlie Chaplin for the movie Modern Times. He also made everyone cry. Not only musicians and performers registered their attendance but also some politicians like Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who praised by calling him a legend and pop icon – and Martin Luther King III along with his sister Bernice. Usher was really great in singing Gone Too Soon which at times was sung by Michael for Ryan White who became a national icon and hero when he was expelled by his school as he was suffering from AIDS during 90s. Usher touched everyone’s heart when he came downstairs and touched Michael’s coffin, it was even noted and discussed by Larry King. There were some more performers like Smokey Johnson (who wrote the song that he had sung in Ed Suvillan show), there was also Stevie Wonder, blind, but filled with great talent sung, Never Dreamed You Would Leave In Summer, with piano tunes played by himself. Shaheen Jafargholi was outstanding as he sang Whose Loving You. Kerry Ortega (Director, Michael Jackson Tour at London) informed that the little boy was specially invited by Michael to sing and perform with him during his London tour. Just before the end of the show, various artists performed We Are The World which was written and composed by Michael for Africa. Family was now on the stage singing along and waving their hands to the fans of Michael, rather, everyone had started singing by this time. Then some Chinese looking artist, (I don’t know who was she), sang Heal The World,  who was gradually joined by Michael’s family and other artists as well. Those 120 minutes were really amazing which were about to end when Michael’s brothers Jermaine and Marlon appraised Michael once again and thanked everyone, present there, for their continuous emotional support.

You must be thinking by now that why I am writing about the program in such a detail even miniscule. You know by writing about Michael, if I am able to tell about him even to a single person, I would be pleased and relieved that I have done something to contribute to his art. Through this post, I can at least deliver a reason to listen to his music, love and hope that he has given us by way of his songs. Take this writing as my contribution instead of paying him off for his great music.

"They say the sky is the limit and to me that is true.” – Michael Jackson     

On Cloud ‘Nine

Picture of clouds over the city of Indore at five in the evening

Rainy days are here! Yes….today, the clouds finally told Indore why they were here for. The above picture is of clouds over Indore which started gathering around at five in the evening, and turned into rain at seven. The cold wind and drops of nature made everyone halcyon as if they were waiting for nothing but rain. I, too, came out on my terrace when the weather started changing cordial to the nature and then clicked a few pictures. Everyday, the clouds came and went as if they didn’t want to turn into rains on this city of Devi Ahilya which was known for its pleasant weather but I must say today’s breeze and rain have again turned everyone sanguine for some more time like this. The weather in the day was really placid and I must say it has totally surprised everybody.

I am praying for some more days like this. 

Public Grievances Forum

A very good and encouraging initiative by our government which lets public lodge their complaints/grievances directly with the government which they might face in dealing with government officials in various departments like Railways, Banks, Posts, Telecom, Agriculture, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Civil Aviation, Shipping, Road transport and many more. 

So, if you face any problem just write directly to the government. They also have a website viz. http://www.pgportal.gov.in (Contact details and procedure to file a complaint given on the  website)

A glimpse of the website if given below

Friends and Friendship by Clifford Martis

As promised, I am posting herewith a beautifully authored article about the strength and importance of friendship in everybody's life. The article discusses both friendship and blood relationship in a very interesting way that at a point you'll start feeling the true meaning and importance of friendship. The article is authored by Clifford Martis.

Friends and Friendship (Thicker Than Blood) by Clifford Martis

What a match!

I was just sitting in front of TV watching the finals of Wimbledon Tennis Championship. Huh…what an outstanding match that was. I was, as always, supporting Andy Roddick as against my mummy and sister who watch for Roger Federer. I must say, today, Andy Roddick was playing brilliantly but it was again Federer’s day. The match stretched till 11:08 in the night and fifth set made me to fight for Andy – I was literally shouting on Andy’s won point where he displayed many exquisite shots esp. backhands’. In today’s match, Roger’s backhand was seemed a little weak to me. Well, I am happy for Roger that he has finally broken Pete Sampras’s record of 14 grand slams. Roger won the championship by beating Andy 16-14, in the fifth set, making sixth Wimbledon title to his name, and fifteen overall grand slam titles.

Today was also India’s decisive Cricket match against West Indies. But, I feel that the clouds at St. Lucia were bribed by Tennis fans who did not want to miss excitement that was happening in Wimbledon at the same time. Well, God answered their prayers – and the Cricket match was finally called off. India have now won the series which is a double treat for sports lovers.

It’s too late now and I have to go to sleep. Tomorrow is a very important day as the budget will be announced by the new government. There are a lot of expectations with this budget. This budget will be decisive for the future trend of financial markets as well. Tomorrow, I will also be posting a very nice article, authored by my uncle, on a theme of friendship.

Bye. 

New Blog Banners

Dear all,

You must have noticed that the header banner in my blog (displaying the name and title of my blog) keeps changing. I have designed all the banners and will change them time to time to give attractive look to my blog.

Abhishek 

What Life Means?

Today morning, I got these very good lines from my uncle. Though the writer must have written it just for the sake of humour but actually he has pin-pointed the modern life in true sense, also look at the accompanying picture. Just think about it, once you read it. Isn’t it what people are doing? 

Jabalpur Visit - Update

On 13th June, I left for Jabalpur as our residence, there, got vacated by our tenant a few days ago. To be honest, I didn’t enjoy the visit much as there we (Papa and I) really had to struggle finding a new tenant which involved calling brokers/agents on phones many times to persuade them to visit the house. I ought to share this fact that during my recent visit, I felt huge irresponsibility among the people of Jabalpur, not all but many of them. For instance, brokers used to commit for a visit but never responded well, even after many phone calls from our side their response was very poor.

The weather, throughout our stay, was seriously hot (I guess that’s because of the black rocks there) which absorbs heat and emit during the rest of the day which makes the hot wind to blow. This is where Indore differs as the evenings here are little bit colder. I have so many memories linked to the city that I could recall every tiny thing wherever I went and it wasn’t really hard for us to pass the time. I want to inform you all who don’t know that Jabalpur is my birthplace. At Jabalpur, we still have so many near and dear ones who I met after a long time. I visited Jabalpur last year too but that was just tough and go and couldn’t find time to visit many of them. The visit was shelved for the last one year in true sense.

We had to move on such a short notice that we even couldn’t get direct reservation up to Jabalpur but somehow we managed to get the connecting train from Bhopal. I must share this that one train viz. Overnight Express which was started a couple of years ago is simply great and saves time. Its right time of arrival at Madan Mahal railway station was 05.40 AM whereas it reached there at 4.30 AM in the morning. It was so early in the morning that we had to wait for one hour to get an auto (local conveyance facility) to reach our home.

This time I did not have my camera with me but still I can share few photographs which I clicked during my last visit. (Start Slideshow with PICASA)

Gupteshwar Temple (Lord Shiva)

Ganesha Temple (Rampur)

Sorry, the photo is a bit hazy.

Lord Shiva Temple (Vijay Nagar)

This is a newly built temple of Lord Shiva at a newly constructed area viz. Vijay Nagar. The temple is developed by a local township builder and is very good. A must see if you visit Jabalpur.

 

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Thank you Sunita Aunty for your great hospitality. I still remember you made us  delicious cuisine especially Bhindi ki sabzi and Pulav.