“Wake Me Up” . . . Avicii. . . . . Music Monday

Posted on August 18, 2014 by annetbell

David and I first heard about the Swedish music craze sweeping the world early in our time in India.  Several of the students just had to go by overnight train to Mumbai to see the “Swedish House Mafia. ” Then during the kite festival we heard the music as we spent the day and evening on a rooftop in the Pols.  Groups were dancing or bouncing really.  In India, girls dance together and boys do the same. . . .actually group dances. Our group had fun fitting right in with all ages of Indian dancers.

The International Swedish craze began years ago in the 1990s with Abba. Their hit “Dancing Queen” was also a world wide hit.

Currently there is a 23 year old Swedish DJ , Tim Bergling,  who is mixing electronic music , calling himself Avicii.  Sometimes he uses other instruments and of course vocals.  He has  been one of the top  5 DJs in the world since he appeared  in 2011. “Wake Me Up”  has reached #1 status in 20 countries.  Enjoy his current song heralded as a “summer anthem.”

Play Music

“Wake Me Up”

Feeling my way through the darkness
Guided by a beating heart
I can’t tell where the journey will end
But I know where to startThey tell me I’m too young to understand
They say I’m caught up in a dream
Well life will pass me by if I don’t open up my eyes
Well that’s fine by me[2x]
So wake me up when it’s all over
When I’m wiser and I’m older
All this time I was finding myself
And I didn’t know I was lostI tried carrying the weight of the world
But I only have two hands
Hope I get the chance to travel the world
But I don’t have any plansWish that I could stay forever this young
Not afraid to close my eyes
Life’s a game made for everyone
And love is the prize

[2x]
So wake me up when it’s all over
When I’m wiser and I’m older
All this time I was finding myself
And I didn’t know I was lost

Didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know (didn’t know, didn’t know)

Have you heard Avicii?  What do you think ? 

 

 

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In loving memory of Ajay

Posted on August 17, 2014 by annetbell

Many of you may have been blessed to connect with Ajay from Mumbai. May he rest in peace. . . .

Just Patty's avatarpetitemagique

ajay

Ajay Mody {Ajaytao}

‘It is with heavy heart and deep sadness that we mourn the passing away of Ajay Mody, also known as Ajaytao, blogger of “Ajaytao2010” and the “Ajaytao Botanical Photography” blogs. He left this world on the 10th August 2014 after a short illness at his home in Mumbai, India.‘

I stare at the screen in shock while I read these words on the blog of my friend Vijay.

Our dear friend Ajay, gone…

I cannot believe this, the world has lost an angel. A pure, white rose.

Dear Ajay, my sweet friend, this is for you. Know that I will always carry you in my heart. You will be missed. Thank you for all the love and kindness you showed me and many others. I am blessed that I have met you. ❤

white rose

A beautiful white rose

Honest and sincere

Soft pedestals of kindness

Touching…

View original post 49 more words

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“The Giver”, a film

Posted on August 17, 2014 by annetbell

What a surprise!   A second enjoyable film in one weekend. “The Giver.”  It is a haunting tale of Jonas who lives in a colorless world of conformity and contentment  decreed by a repressive society.  He spends time with the Giver who is the sole keeper of all this community’s memories. Jonas starts to understand that there is a different history and a rather dark past of his community. Now there is no pain, war, or hatred but neither is there happiness, love, feelings, or hope.

Jonas begins a journey to free himself and his loved ones from this sterile, bland existence.  He is discovering how evil functions in the real world!

“The Giver” is a young adult book written by Lois Lowry. Jeff Bridges is excellent as “The Giver” as is Meryl Streep as the chief elder.

Streep debates Jonas trying to discourage his mission by saying:

“Whenever humans have a choice, they choose poorly!”  That maybe true, but we have the ability to choose and learn from our mistakes and often correct them.

Have any of you seen this film?  Your impressions?  Have you read the world wide best seller? 

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Education Nonsense in the US

Posted on August 16, 2014 by annetbell

 

 

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“100 Foot Journey ” Film Review

Posted on August 16, 2014 by annetbell

Two giants, not only in film and entertainment, but in the world, came together to produce this film “100 Foot Journey”.  The theme of journey begins  in the title.  An Indian  family of cooks ends up in the south of France  and are the  most unlikely contrast with their new neighbors , the  French.    The Indian Restaurant  is directly across the road. . . . 100 feet exactly, from an exclusive Michelin  one * French Restaurant. This is the beginning of a gastronomic love story, clash of cultures very different from each other in every way,  with a bridge of cultural differences being food.  There is competition, “eye for an eye” behavior, and  “Romeo  and Juliette” young love and always the sights of French markets, spices, vegetables,  and delicious, beautiful  dishes. Finally a gesture of “turning the other cheek,”  is the event that begins the turning of the tide from hatred to understanding and appreciation.

I think Spielberg and Oprah loved this story because it is an example of people and cultures, so divergent, who  can become friends in spite of  and maybe because of these  differences.  It is about “kindness and good food!”  A sweet old fashioned story  with the idea that “differences are not bad, they are just different,” and a great tool to become the learning bridge to understanding.

Hassan, the young Indian cook, says often. . . “Food is memories!”   I agree. Do you ? 

Text from “Huffington Post” and “Christianity Today.”

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Happy 68th Birthday, Incredible India !

Posted on August 15, 2014 by annetbell
August 15, 2014   Headlines
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India would be celebrating the 68th Independence Day on 15th August 2014. Celebrating Independence Day is not complete without wishing the fellow citizens “Happy Independence Day”. Earlier these messages and greetings were sent to friends and family by post as greeting cards. But with change in technology SMSes took the place of greeting cards, and now people are more comfortable wishing their friends and family on WhatsApp groups and updating their Facebook Status and posts. Not sure if this is out of patriotism or is just an irritating way of showing off our patriotism on Independence Day without understanding the real meaning of it.

On 15th of August 1947 the plan put forward by the last viceroy of British India, Lord Mountbatten known as Mountbatten plan was accepted by both the Congress and the Muslim league. Immediately, the enactment of India’s independent Act (1947) ended the British rule and India became an independent and sovereign state. Since then the Independence Day is celebrated throughout India on 15th August every year as a national holiday to honour the birth of world’s biggest democracy.

Independence Day holds a significant place in every Indian citizen’s lives and people from every corner of India irrespective of their colour, creed, caste or religion celebrate this day with complete zeal and vigour. This day is also celebrated to commemorate and to pay homage to all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India’s struggle for freedom. As India will celebrate its 68th Independence Day we bring to you some of the selected SMSes, WhatsApp, and FaceBook text messages that you can send across to your compatriots, via various messaging platforms available.

Here is the list of our top 10 Best Patriotic SMSes, WhatsApp & Facebook Messages for Indian Independence Day 2014.

During my blogging experience, I have heard from so many Indian friends who have poetry in their hearts.  There is also room there,  for devotion to freedom. Today is a day to wed the two.  May we all learn from their inspiring  devotion to democracy for all !

1) Freedom has its life in the hearts,
The actions, the spirit of men
and so it must be daily earned and refreshed
else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots,
it will wither and die.
Happy Independence Day

2) Freedom in the mind,
Faith in the words,
Pride in our Souls,
Let’s salute the Nation on 68th Independence Day!

3) Let every patriot be honoured,
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died,
What they did, we can’t repay.
Happy Independence Day

4) Others might have forgotten
But never can I,
The flag of my country
Furls very high
Happy Independence Day

5) Thousands laid down their lives,
So that our country breathe this day,
Never forget their sacrifice.
Happy Independence Day

6) Let us celebrate & enjoy the freedom
to live independently in our country
cheerfully, helpfully, hopefully, peacefully
by remembering our national heroes
who gave us freedom
after suffering years of pain & humiliation.
Happy Independence Day

7) And I’m proud to be a Indian,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

8) We must be free not because
we claim freedom,
but because we practice it.
Happy Independence Day

9) Let’s take decision,
To value our nation,
Shall not forget those sacrifices
Who gave us the freedom..
Now it’s our turn
to have a reformation
Happy Independence Day

10) Our life is full of Colours
I hope this 15th August will
add more colours to your life
Happy Independence Day.

Hope we Indians will celebrate this year’s Independence Day by not just sending the SMSes, WhatsApp Messages, and updating Facebook status just to show off their patriotism, but try to understand the real meaning of patriotism and be proud to be Indians and have true respects for freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to give us this valuable freedom and opportunity to live in the largest democracy on Earth.

 

Source:India.com

Happy Independence Day!

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Delhi’s Incredible Growth

Posted on August 14, 2014 by annetbell

“Unbelievable but true,” Officer Singh.

Images from the inner city to the rapidly growing suburbs.  The high rise apartments are like none  I have ever seen. . . . . anywhere! 

 

If you were to live in Delhi, would you want to live in the old city, New Delhi, or the suburbs?   Have you ever lived in a high rise apartment?  Was it a good place to live? 

 

 

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They Eat What?

Posted on August 13, 2014 by annetbell

Many puppies locked in the cage

Ring, ring. . . . “Hello”

“Mrs. Bell?”

“Yes. ”

” Please hold for a call from Dr. . . . . . ” I recognized the surname of one of my enrichment students, Scott, but I didn’t know his father. My stomach knew this was not an “good job” call to teacher me!

The doctor came on the phone and in a very gentle but firm way, told me what had happened the night before.  As their family parked at a restaurant, Scott had pronounced from the rear seat “I hate Chinese people,” as an Asian woman walked by the car!  Surprised, Dad asked his son,
“Why would you say such a thing?”

Scott’s reply was, “Mrs. Bell told me that they eat puppy dogs! I am calling to get your side of the story!”

I was horrified thinking back  to what had been used as an illustration of different cultures in yesterday ‘s class. I readily admitted that yes, I had used this as an illustration. I had a primary source from  people who had lived in a Chinese village. Shoppers would go to the butcher and then to the back of the shop to pick their puppy for supper!   It was true, but I had no idea of condoning eating animals we cherish as family pets.  It was  just to say  cultures have   different religions, foods, clothes, and entertainment.  I thought I had said, that though these are different from our culture, neither is “wrong or right” just different.  We need to try and understand and respect others’ practices , but I guess Scott didn’t hear that part. He was probably sitting there in shock thinking about puppy dogs!

I thanked Scott’s Dad, and said that I would address this as a class today during “Ancient Civilizations.”  I asked if he wanted me to speak to Scott individually, but he thought the  group approach was sufficient.

I tried again with my explanation.  There were Mama helpers in the room who were surprised at  how I  stressed my point. Jews and Muslims don’t eat pork, but many of us do. Hindus revere cows  but we eat steaks and hamburgers.  I told the moms about the phone call and how I wanted to be sure that not one child misunderstood. Who knows what  happened from my lips to Scott’s ears, but I wanted to very clear in the presentation.

Now I am sitting here thinking that this happens to adults  , too, as practices are judged and misjudged causing misunderstanding leading to hatred  between people and cultures.  This is one of the great aspects of blogging. . . . getting to know people who share our humanity but  are different in outlook, experiences, and cultures.   Each group needs to know that it is alright to respect others’ rights and cultures and still choose not to  “eat puppy dogs!”

I would love to hear your thoughts. . . . . 

 

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Amdavad’s Sunday Market

Posted on August 12, 2014 by annetbell

Sunday Market in Ahmedabad (Amdavad)

Posted on May 14, 2013by

This market is named “Sunday” solely because of it’s location at the end of the Ellis Bridge and its”business only on Sunday”.  There are daily markets all over the city as these are  the places where everyday people do their shopping. I would imagine that most people in Ahmedabad have never been to Himalaya Mall or Alpha One Mall, and probably don’t know of their existence. The Sunday Market is on the old city side of the river.  Ahmedabad proper is divided by the river with the old and new city on opposite shorelines. It reminded me of Buda and Peshest divided by the Danube River in Hungary.This spot at the end of Ellis Bridge was the same location where our shooting for the TV episode began.    Image

The director, in the light shirt, is blocking a shot with the star who was always covered, when the camera wasn’t rolling, by the umbrella carried by a young assistant. This is to prevent sunburn or tanning. As I discussed before, light skin is always preferable. We even  saw, on numerous occasions,  young women wearing  elbow length  gloves while riding motorbikes to prevent sun on their arms.

This Sunday, we came in a rickshaw to experience the Sunday Market first hand. Image

Our driver, Suneil,  parked and came with us.  We were surprised, but he insisted upon walking behind us as there are pickpockets in the crowded, winding market. Items are arranged by category so that there is some order, but mostly you wonder, look, and buy if you want a bargain   Unlike some of the other markets, bargaining is encouraged which David loves. I, on the other hand, always  think “Oh, they are so poor and need the money……”  David’s reply is that Indian people have been bartering for thousands of years and they won’t be cheated.  In fact, as in Egypt, the merchants appeared to enjoy the sport of bartering with David.

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Everything was sold at the”S M” including fold-up beds, pots and pans, clothes and spices.There were even green parakeets and bunnies which of course the animal lover….loved!ImageImageImage

Next, we made our way to the goat market, which we observed from above.  People buy goats for their milk and the Muslim people often use them for meat.

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There are aways lots of sweets to satisfy the Gujurati sweet tooth! Image As we stopped on the bridge leading  us back  to” our” section of the city, we took one last look  at  the crowded,  noisy, hot, market teaming with the masses of Sunday shoppers.

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We decided that this had been an adventure, but our favorite market, any day of the week, is found in old town Ahmedabad. After all we had seen a elephant there with his rider guiding the big fellow through the crowded streets.  Hard sight or experience to beat !  Image

T I I I !  This Is Incredible India!

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Tiny Indian Squirrel in Agra

Posted on August 11, 2014 by annetbell

In Hindu India, all life is a gift from God, even tiny, insignificant animals.  Of course, it may be their belief in reincarnation or a real love of life. For me, I choose the latter.

Tiny Indian Squirrel

Posted on May 16, 2013by

Image

Though it looks like our chipmunk, this is a  squirrel found only in parts of  India.  We noticed them scooting up the trees and across the lane where we lived in Ahmadabad  The  first significant encounter I had with this  tiny animal was in Agra.  You might remember the  most famous building in Agra is the sublimely beautiful  Taj Mahal . I was walking through the windy, narrow streets with several of the girls going  back to our hotel.  We noticed that at the nearby intersection, traffic was completely  stopped.  Several men were standing in a circle in the center of the street.  On the ground was an obviously hurt squirrel trashing around as if  tying to get up or catch its breath. It seemed  near death , as far as I could tell. No one touched the squirrel,  no on one hurried on her way, no one blew his horn, impatiently; cars just  stopped in the middle of the road.  We passed by without stopping  like the priest and the Levite in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We did comment that in the states, the squirrel would not have gotten so much attention and probably would have been put out of its misery by being hit again with another car.  But in India, this tiny, insignificant animal’s life is treated  as a gift from God.

I was curious about the mythology so I Goggled it! There is a story in the Holy Book of Ramayana about Rama and the squirrel. The squirrel was trying to help the larger animals build a bridge, and they laughed at his effort and size. Rama blessed the tiny squirrel by stroking his back with his three fingers.   Even today , the Indian squirrel shows this blessing by wearing three stripes on is back. Indian-Palm-Squirrel-2

squirrel with rama

Images from Krishha Mohan 2010, and Creative.Sulekha.com

“The Victory of the Little Squirrel”  from Naraya Hari’s Blog

“Everyone has different gifts and capabilities. We should try to perform to the best of our ability, however difficult the task may be.” From the myth “The Victory of the Little Squirrel”

T I  I I ! (This Is Incredible India!)

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