Lapses of lingy…

The Bombay Times has spoilt us.

A ‘good’ feature is now reduced to the opinions of a few experts, celebrities and junta.

I prefer a style that’s sharp, layered and at the same time does not attempt to ‘intellectualise’. 

The Gaurdian, has some really good features. Through them the writer’s opinion creeps in too, and not necessarily a popular one. Yet there isn’t an explosion of ‘I’ in them.

One can read read everything from ‘how living next to a celebrity can change one’s lifestyle to why Muslim filmmakers make films like they do.

Tehelka recently did a very interesting story on Aishwarya Rai. You must read it. It’s been co-written by a senior of mine in college. 

I’m quite tired of seeing exclaimation marks all over the place, for no rhyme or reason and the use of cliches like ” and why not?”.

I admit I have used them in the past, but no more.

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The pope’s demise and consequent succession, provided some fodder for my blog.

My landlady stuck to her television like glue. This was true reality TV for her, hence the monopoly over the remote control. Sigh!

The Bandra Metro which features all the local news and views of the Bandra public, ran numerous headlines on the credentials of Bishop Ivan Dias, a contender for the top of pope. Lots of testimonials from Bandraiiates etc, because he happens to be from Bandra.

When the moment finally dawned and the new pope was elected, I happened to be in office where the newsdesk was going berserk over all the ecclesiastical suspense.

The television set ( we have two in the office) blared and a little group congregated around to catch the moment when the spewing of white smoke would symbolise the successful selection of the new leader.

Corny jokes were cracked, particularly about how all the Catholics in the office must give a treat, if the Bishop from Bandra was chosen. In fact, even if he wasn’t.

When the audience created a ruckus, one of the senior editors clamboured on top of her desk, lest she miss the first glimpse of the new church leader.

Hhowever it was a false alarm.

A couple of false alarms later, the man  showed himself and the crowd cheered and they continued to interject every line he said, with  lots of cheers, sort of like as if they were witnessing a show.

The newsdesk typed away furiously.

And the office comedian said,” You may now kiss the bride!”.

The landlady has now lost interest in The Vatican and is back to watching her Mother-In-Law versus Daughter-in-law soap operas on TV.

Such is the transient reality of life.

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By some strange, inexplainable quirk of fate I had the opportunity to witness a Zubin Mehta concert.

He is one of the world’s greatest conductors of classical music.

Besides, being such a brilliant conductor, the man has style and wit. He is highly amused by those who use too many superlatives to describe him.

The concert was attended by a cross-section of people.

Those who love classical music, those who wish to get acqainted with classical music and then those who wish to be merely seen at such elitist dos.

It was a once in a lifetime experience and I am glad I had such an opportunity.

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Amit Sana, the runner-up at the Indion Idol contest, was in the office today.

Starstruck individuals hailing from across the office echelons from the senior management to the kitchen staff were starstruck and clamouring to get autographs, pose for pictures etc.

Anything to get close to a celebrity.

The idol has a slight build, an air of humility about him and is very pleasant to interact with.

We got him to sing a song too, speakers and all. A melliflous voice no doubt, I was hoping he would scat, but unfortunately he didn’t.

Twas’ rather amusing experience.

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Too many late nights.

Too much caffeine.

Too many beers.

Too little sleep.

Too little water.

And you wonder why your skin droops, the dark circles manifest, your throat feels parched and your tummy hurts?

Just recovered from a bout of viral fever over the weekend, and though I’ve never been one to fuss over my health, I think it’s about time to reorganise my lifestyle habits.

I think too many of us ( with exceptions of course) just abuse our own bodies due to sheer laziness. So have a new lifestyle strategy in place which I am following rigorously.

~ Start the day with 2 glasses of water and continue drinking at least 6 to 8 more glasses by the end of it. Make sure it’s clean though.

~ If you feel like having an aerated drink, count to 10 a nd then opt for a coconut water or a juice instead (you’ll soon detest aerated drinks).

~ Like junk food? Tough luck, say no to junk food and this includes stuff that’s too spicy/ greasy. Restrict your intacke to say once a week, if you absolutely can’t do without it.

~ The secret to glowing skin, truly is good sleep and for about 6 to 8 hours every night. So, if you notice a rosy glow in my cheeks, then you know I’ve been sleeping a lot.

~ Exercise. Now this one is a toughie for me. I find exercise so bloody mundane. Sigh!

Wish me luck in my tryst to be healthy, and I hope you will work at becoming more health-concious along with me.

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