This post from csm inspires me to write about a nice campaign by VTA, the Bus and light-rail authority in Bay area.
They offer free rides on their buses and trains few days in a year.
Following is the excerpt from their website...
“One of the most effective ways residents can help protect public health, the climate, and air quality in the Bay Area is to make everyday clean air choices like riding VTA and driving less,”
“This is a major accomplishment given that not driving for just one day avoids almost one pound of smog-forming pollution and 30 pounds of greenhouse gasses,” said MTC Executive Director Steve Heminger. “As the largest free transit program in the country, the Spare the Air free transit initiative is leading the way in mobilizing residents to slow the effects of climate change.”
This is far from possible in India, I am aware. The initiative taken by VTA is impressive though.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Birthday
This is the quietest birthday i am having. No, the previous ones were not huge birthday bashes, getting drunk and all..
Its more about the quiet inside me. There was always this anticipation, what surprise gift someone might give, who might call me to wish, feeling bad that certain someone did not remember my birthday even when i remembered his/ her's....You know, those kind of disquieting thoughts.
Its so much better this time. Just one phone call from parents and brother. Phone is quiet, but i do not find it disquieting :) Forgetting birthdates is not an option for anyone anymore. there's Orkut. So, friends could duly write a 'happy birthday' scrap. Good enough. There are many who did not write a scrap/mail...and i have no problems with it...
Could not have had a better birthday.
Happy birthday me....
Its more about the quiet inside me. There was always this anticipation, what surprise gift someone might give, who might call me to wish, feeling bad that certain someone did not remember my birthday even when i remembered his/ her's....You know, those kind of disquieting thoughts.
Its so much better this time. Just one phone call from parents and brother. Phone is quiet, but i do not find it disquieting :) Forgetting birthdates is not an option for anyone anymore. there's Orkut. So, friends could duly write a 'happy birthday' scrap. Good enough. There are many who did not write a scrap/mail...and i have no problems with it...
Could not have had a better birthday.
Happy birthday me....
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Tears for oil
Can a regular errand like Laundry be memorable? It was for me.
Was busy loading the washer in the apartment laundry. Noticed a guy in US army uniform busy at the dryer.
Could not stop chatting up.
Me:"Are you in the army?" (You never know...best confirm)
Soldier: "Yep"
(pause) we both get busy. He starts to leave, and says,
I am leaving today
Where for?
IRAQ (Eye-raak, he says)....
Oh...(i don't know what to say)...finally manage...Is this the first time?
No, Second
Oh...(Again i don't know what to say)....Idiotic question follows...What is it like there?
He shrugs, Its CRAZY, what more can i say?
I am not done yet, more idiotic comments to follow- ...."Its been years now, American people are against it, still the government is adamant on keeping troops in Iraq. "
They want to help. Although, when we had the huge flood down south, nobody helped. No country did.
Hmm....I hope this madness ends soon. and you come back quickly.
He smiles, (but his eyes are brimming with tears). Thats face is imprinted in my memory. Inexplicable.
We say goodbye...SEE YOU SOON.
I come home with a heavy heart. Idiot me, should have asked his apartment number. I can at least go and meet his family while he is away....Never thinking of right things at the right time is an old problem with me. And now there is no way of knowing....
Next day, at the gas station, hubby is complaining about the raise in Petrol prices. from 3.37$/ gallon to 3.48/ gallon.....Hubby's friend chipped in, If not for the troops in Iraq, It will go to 10$/ gallon. May be. I don't understand the politics/ Economics behind it. But what about the tough soldier's eyes brimming with tears? What about them?
Was busy loading the washer in the apartment laundry. Noticed a guy in US army uniform busy at the dryer.
Could not stop chatting up.
Me:"Are you in the army?" (You never know...best confirm)
Soldier: "Yep"
(pause) we both get busy. He starts to leave, and says,
I am leaving today
Where for?
IRAQ (Eye-raak, he says)....
Oh...(i don't know what to say)...finally manage...Is this the first time?
No, Second
Oh...(Again i don't know what to say)....Idiotic question follows...What is it like there?
He shrugs, Its CRAZY, what more can i say?
I am not done yet, more idiotic comments to follow- ...."Its been years now, American people are against it, still the government is adamant on keeping troops in Iraq. "
They want to help. Although, when we had the huge flood down south, nobody helped. No country did.
Hmm....I hope this madness ends soon. and you come back quickly.
He smiles, (but his eyes are brimming with tears). Thats face is imprinted in my memory. Inexplicable.
We say goodbye...SEE YOU SOON.
I come home with a heavy heart. Idiot me, should have asked his apartment number. I can at least go and meet his family while he is away....Never thinking of right things at the right time is an old problem with me. And now there is no way of knowing....
Next day, at the gas station, hubby is complaining about the raise in Petrol prices. from 3.37$/ gallon to 3.48/ gallon.....Hubby's friend chipped in, If not for the troops in Iraq, It will go to 10$/ gallon. May be. I don't understand the politics/ Economics behind it. But what about the tough soldier's eyes brimming with tears? What about them?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
The video-game effect?
We've all heard of the possible effects that violent computer/video games have on teens and children. I have played games like Blood, Quake, Roadrash etc during my younger days. And always believed this theory to be rubbish. I was forced to change my mind.
Why? Because of this small incident:
We are driving on a city road, stopped at the signal. Right in front of our car is a biker....They make a gr8 sight...fully geared from top to toe....helmets, gloves, jackets, knee pads and what not. Just looking at the bike reminded me of 'Roadrash'..Similar attire of the biker and similar type of motorbike...width of the tires really impresses me :)
As the signal turned green, he took a left turn, we followed and eventually overtook him. The thoughts/images that crossed my mind during the overtake were startling...As i saw him to our car's left, i suddenly imagined myself prodding him with a stick, kicking and punching until he fell.....poor guy...i didnt even see his face, but the imagination startled me....The source is undoubtedly Roadrash. But, its been years ii have played it, or any computer game for that matter (except for text twist on yahoo games)...
Yes, now i believe in the opening sentence i wrote in this post...If it could affect me this way, what the games must be doing to young impressionable minds is unfathomable. God, help me keep my daughter away from that stuff....and hopefully ensure her sanity.
Why? Because of this small incident:
We are driving on a city road, stopped at the signal. Right in front of our car is a biker....They make a gr8 sight...fully geared from top to toe....helmets, gloves, jackets, knee pads and what not. Just looking at the bike reminded me of 'Roadrash'..Similar attire of the biker and similar type of motorbike...width of the tires really impresses me :)
As the signal turned green, he took a left turn, we followed and eventually overtook him. The thoughts/images that crossed my mind during the overtake were startling...As i saw him to our car's left, i suddenly imagined myself prodding him with a stick, kicking and punching until he fell.....poor guy...i didnt even see his face, but the imagination startled me....The source is undoubtedly Roadrash. But, its been years ii have played it, or any computer game for that matter (except for text twist on yahoo games)...
Yes, now i believe in the opening sentence i wrote in this post...If it could affect me this way, what the games must be doing to young impressionable minds is unfathomable. God, help me keep my daughter away from that stuff....and hopefully ensure her sanity.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Canine story
I don't know how...but this particular afternoon, i did something different....watched TV...
There was this show called 'Martha', where first Martha got us watching some pasta recipe by a chef in NY. It went well.
After the break, she got a guest on the set. Some animal training specialist lady. Martha had got her own dog on the set. The guest showed a small demo of how to teach her to sit, by using food as a reward.....
Then it was the live audience's turn to put forward their problems and get answers from the 'Expert'
Audience member 1: My dog 'abc' always pees in a particular corner of the house. I take him out for a walk in the yard. But he never does anything there. Always in this special corner at home.
Expert: Just make sure you make that corner inaccessible to him. Build a wall, make a partition do whatever....
(They never call a dog a dog. They always use the species name, which i am totally illeterate about. So i'll go ahead and call dog a dog in my post)
Audience membe 2: I have 2 dogs. One of them is very quiet and other is aggressive. He creates problems for people coming in or going out. I don't know how to handle him
Expert: Well, first you really need to get him analysed. Is he truly aggresive or just being bossy? ........@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@
PHEW! rest of it was inaudible/ illegible/ incomprehensible..whatever. It just got stuck in my throat....ears? whatever. I would really love to meet the person who does a psychoanalysis for dogs......
I got myself back together during the commercial break.
Now, the expert is not to be seen (Thank God) Martha is standing at a table with some craft items. She expertly cuts the piece of cloth to make it a Fern leaf. "its a little time consuming, you gotta be specially careful around the Fronds." (right, so she did attend her botany classes.) Then you fold it right down the center and steam iron it. Just to give it a more natural look." She sticks two such leaves together, ties them to a longish thread. Puts a small bell on it...and Eureka...here's a toy for your cat. (felines were not left out of the show....that could have led to a litigation hassle i guess). Then you make a loop at the far end of the thread.
Martha: You can put it on your doorknob, in the yard, in the kitchen....the thing is so light, you can just swing it like this (she demostrates) and the cat will follow you. We have also put in a small bell here. Cats love bells...And this thing will sure be irrestible for your cat.
Anyone knows the saying "Who is gonna bell the cat?"
There was this show called 'Martha', where first Martha got us watching some pasta recipe by a chef in NY. It went well.
After the break, she got a guest on the set. Some animal training specialist lady. Martha had got her own dog on the set. The guest showed a small demo of how to teach her to sit, by using food as a reward.....
Then it was the live audience's turn to put forward their problems and get answers from the 'Expert'
Audience member 1: My dog 'abc' always pees in a particular corner of the house. I take him out for a walk in the yard. But he never does anything there. Always in this special corner at home.
Expert: Just make sure you make that corner inaccessible to him. Build a wall, make a partition do whatever....
(They never call a dog a dog. They always use the species name, which i am totally illeterate about. So i'll go ahead and call dog a dog in my post)
Audience membe 2: I have 2 dogs. One of them is very quiet and other is aggressive. He creates problems for people coming in or going out. I don't know how to handle him
Expert: Well, first you really need to get him analysed. Is he truly aggresive or just being bossy? ........@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@#@
PHEW! rest of it was inaudible/ illegible/ incomprehensible..whatever. It just got stuck in my throat....ears? whatever. I would really love to meet the person who does a psychoanalysis for dogs......
I got myself back together during the commercial break.
Now, the expert is not to be seen (Thank God) Martha is standing at a table with some craft items. She expertly cuts the piece of cloth to make it a Fern leaf. "its a little time consuming, you gotta be specially careful around the Fronds." (right, so she did attend her botany classes.) Then you fold it right down the center and steam iron it. Just to give it a more natural look." She sticks two such leaves together, ties them to a longish thread. Puts a small bell on it...and Eureka...here's a toy for your cat. (felines were not left out of the show....that could have led to a litigation hassle i guess). Then you make a loop at the far end of the thread.
Martha: You can put it on your doorknob, in the yard, in the kitchen....the thing is so light, you can just swing it like this (she demostrates) and the cat will follow you. We have also put in a small bell here. Cats love bells...And this thing will sure be irrestible for your cat.
Anyone knows the saying "Who is gonna bell the cat?"
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Braving the storm
Jan 6 was supposedly the worst storm in 5 years in bay- Area. Streets were flooded it seems...Well...my sandals just got wet. Thats called flooding....
Haevy rains lashed the city....2.5 to 4 inches rainfall recorded in 24 hrs...Gosh...If these people go to Mumbai they'll have a heart attack just looking at the rain..
One million people had power outage ..resulting from fallen electricity poles....for a few hours that is...Someone should acqauint them with this term called 'Load shedding'!!!
Hubby got a mail in the office:
"To those in Sunnyvale who braved the storm and made it into work today:
Please be aware that the high winds are causing large branches to break free from the various large trees around the buildings and the parking lots.
Please take care to keep your distance when walking outside and avoid parking around them, too. Today would be a good day to park in the parking structures.
Stay dry,
Ed."
Work? we go for picnics in such weather. The fallen trees they mention are just twigs, some large, yes agreed. (That too they are just bare twigs...Leaves are all gone a month back...) But nothing to make a fuss about....Anyone could get down from the car and move the fallen tree...but no...they will wait for the authorities to do it...
People had problem driving...skidding tyres...and wind to add to that. Thats a genuine one...But the solution is the simplest thing in the world. Ask any rickshaw-wala in Mumbai...or bike rider in Pune "Drive Slow"...But if u insist on 50mph ....expect the skid...luckily there are no potholes the car can disappear in...
We had a nice laugh reading about the storm and people's comments...Yes there is the snow storm in the north, and damaged houses in some areas. Not here though. For us , this is beautiful weather...
My brother says i am being unfair....I should not compare it to India/ Mumbai/ Pune...But i can't help doing it...I have a friend in Florida...i asked him once about the so-called Hurricanes/ Tornadoes Florida is notorious for...He said, Its just like the rains in Mumbai. These people make a bigger hue and cry. Thats all..
Now i believe him. If this thing here is a "Storm"...Mumbai had an armageddon on 26Jul 05'...and we survived it...
Haevy rains lashed the city....2.5 to 4 inches rainfall recorded in 24 hrs...Gosh...If these people go to Mumbai they'll have a heart attack just looking at the rain..
One million people had power outage ..resulting from fallen electricity poles....for a few hours that is...Someone should acqauint them with this term called 'Load shedding'!!!
Hubby got a mail in the office:
"To those in Sunnyvale who braved the storm and made it into work today:
Please be aware that the high winds are causing large branches to break free from the various large trees around the buildings and the parking lots.
Please take care to keep your distance when walking outside and avoid parking around them, too. Today would be a good day to park in the parking structures.
Stay dry,
Ed."
Work? we go for picnics in such weather. The fallen trees they mention are just twigs, some large, yes agreed. (That too they are just bare twigs...Leaves are all gone a month back...) But nothing to make a fuss about....Anyone could get down from the car and move the fallen tree...but no...they will wait for the authorities to do it...
People had problem driving...skidding tyres...and wind to add to that. Thats a genuine one...But the solution is the simplest thing in the world. Ask any rickshaw-wala in Mumbai...or bike rider in Pune "Drive Slow"...But if u insist on 50mph ....expect the skid...luckily there are no potholes the car can disappear in...
We had a nice laugh reading about the storm and people's comments...Yes there is the snow storm in the north, and damaged houses in some areas. Not here though. For us , this is beautiful weather...
My brother says i am being unfair....I should not compare it to India/ Mumbai/ Pune...But i can't help doing it...I have a friend in Florida...i asked him once about the so-called Hurricanes/ Tornadoes Florida is notorious for...He said, Its just like the rains in Mumbai. These people make a bigger hue and cry. Thats all..
Now i believe him. If this thing here is a "Storm"...Mumbai had an armageddon on 26Jul 05'...and we survived it...
Sign board
Have you seen boards on highways like: "Slow men at work" There has to be a '!' after the word slow....i have always thought..anyaways.....Then there is stuff like Construction zone ahead...etc...
This was a nice one i saw on the LA- SFO freeway:
"Your tax dollars at work!!!
Slow down, highway repair
Estimated finish time: so-and-so date"
You immediately relate to it, makes u aware that "Hey I am paying for this"
And the transparency about the expected finish date is impressive...
Impressive indeed..
This was a nice one i saw on the LA- SFO freeway:
"Your tax dollars at work!!!
Slow down, highway repair
Estimated finish time: so-and-so date"
You immediately relate to it, makes u aware that "Hey I am paying for this"
And the transparency about the expected finish date is impressive...
Impressive indeed..
Monday, November 05, 2007
Conversation
Part of a conversation with an american lady...age 60...working for some security company,.....used to be a truck driver...
Location: Mcdonald's
You are from India?
Yes
Ok. You must have had an arranged marriage
mmm...No
Ah, thats surprising. You are the first Indian woman i am meeting who has not had an Arranged marriage.
Is that so? Surprising.
You know, I saw a documentary about India. Small kids are married off....8,9,10. Is that true?
Sadly, it is still a reality in remote parts of the country. But not in cities.
Ya, i heard the cities are getting Americanised?
Americanised? Modernised you mean to say? Yes they are..
And if the in-laws don't like a girl, they just beat her up?
It does happen. But the woman stands up and fights. Education is making a difference. Women's lib is catching up...or the female empowerment as they say here in US.
My daughter finished her fries by this time and started chatting up...in marathi
What language is that?
Thats Marathi
Ah, does she speak American?
American?? err. she understands, but does not speak.(me in my mind - I thought the Americans spoke English?
U plan to send her to a pre-school?
Yes, Of course
Good, they will teach her American there....Then she will teach you as well.
@#@#@#mmmm...Thanks....(Again in my mind : I was talking to u in AMERICAN all this while? Wasn't I?)
As we take her leave, the matter for this post is ready in my mind...:-)
Location: Mcdonald's
You are from India?
Yes
Ok. You must have had an arranged marriage
mmm...No
Ah, thats surprising. You are the first Indian woman i am meeting who has not had an Arranged marriage.
Is that so? Surprising.
You know, I saw a documentary about India. Small kids are married off....8,9,10. Is that true?
Sadly, it is still a reality in remote parts of the country. But not in cities.
Ya, i heard the cities are getting Americanised?
Americanised? Modernised you mean to say? Yes they are..
And if the in-laws don't like a girl, they just beat her up?
It does happen. But the woman stands up and fights. Education is making a difference. Women's lib is catching up...or the female empowerment as they say here in US.
My daughter finished her fries by this time and started chatting up...in marathi
What language is that?
Thats Marathi
Ah, does she speak American?
American?? err. she understands, but does not speak.(me in my mind - I thought the Americans spoke English?
U plan to send her to a pre-school?
Yes, Of course
Good, they will teach her American there....Then she will teach you as well.
@#@#@#mmmm...Thanks....(Again in my mind : I was talking to u in AMERICAN all this while? Wasn't I?)
As we take her leave, the matter for this post is ready in my mind...:-)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Some weather report that!!!
Am watching NEWS....
Newsreader : Lets go over to mr.XYZ ...for weather report.....we are expecting heavy rain in the bay area for next few days...he'll give us the details...
Mr.xyz : Well, first of all, its not going to be HEAVY rain
(Newsreader's voice in the background : ) : Ok ...Substantial rain ???laughs
xyz: Not even substantial....it going to rain...thats all....
Geos on to show the satellite picture and all....showing the clouds in the sea moving on to the bay-area...gives temperatures table for next 4 days.
And concludes ; "Tomorrow 6 pm...Its going to rain...You bet!!!"
That takes my mind to the weather report back home "Heavy to very heavy rain expected in the next 48 hours"...we know how reliable even that is.
Was left wondering whether mr.xyz was displaying his Supreme confidence, expertise and self-belief....Or was it the arrogance we typically associate with Americans?
I was about to find out in less that 24 hours.
Next day morning- very sunny ..no signs of rain...Starts getting dark and cloudy by noon. By 5 it is pitch dark with cool wonds blowing....hmmm 6'o clock came and went no rain.....I smile to myself.....it was the arrogance after all....It rains at 11:30 in the night...thats still 5 and half hours too late.
Next day i see in the news that the north bay - San francisco region got rains in the evening.....Oops.....
Moral of the story - How judgemental do we get?
Newsreader : Lets go over to mr.XYZ ...for weather report.....we are expecting heavy rain in the bay area for next few days...he'll give us the details...
Mr.xyz : Well, first of all, its not going to be HEAVY rain
(Newsreader's voice in the background : ) : Ok ...Substantial rain ???laughs
xyz: Not even substantial....it going to rain...thats all....
Geos on to show the satellite picture and all....showing the clouds in the sea moving on to the bay-area...gives temperatures table for next 4 days.
And concludes ; "Tomorrow 6 pm...Its going to rain...You bet!!!"
That takes my mind to the weather report back home "Heavy to very heavy rain expected in the next 48 hours"...we know how reliable even that is.
Was left wondering whether mr.xyz was displaying his Supreme confidence, expertise and self-belief....Or was it the arrogance we typically associate with Americans?
I was about to find out in less that 24 hours.
Next day morning- very sunny ..no signs of rain...Starts getting dark and cloudy by noon. By 5 it is pitch dark with cool wonds blowing....hmmm 6'o clock came and went no rain.....I smile to myself.....it was the arrogance after all....It rains at 11:30 in the night...thats still 5 and half hours too late.
Next day i see in the news that the north bay - San francisco region got rains in the evening.....Oops.....
Moral of the story - How judgemental do we get?
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
value for life?
Been ages since i wrote my last post....
Have been in the US for about a month. Lots of new stuff coming up every day...what with stuff like SSN, Driving license, playschool for daughter....we are just counting our dollars....
The first thing that struck me here is the value of life as against our homecountry. We are walking miles and miles together...no Car....And have never felt so safe walking. The signal system is so pedestrian friendly and even without it, am yet to come across a car driver who hasn't stopped to let us cross. We, as pedestrians feel we rule the road......in stark contrast to India. Back home, me, as a pedestrians was totally at the mercy of car drivers zooming past. So much better here.
The heavy feeling which i cannot explain is definately there. The feeling which keeps reminding me - I am away from home.... won't go so easily. There is this prosperity and the lifestyle thing with US. No doubt. But this value for life thing is so impressive. I would love to take it home with me.
Have been in the US for about a month. Lots of new stuff coming up every day...what with stuff like SSN, Driving license, playschool for daughter....we are just counting our dollars....
The first thing that struck me here is the value of life as against our homecountry. We are walking miles and miles together...no Car....And have never felt so safe walking. The signal system is so pedestrian friendly and even without it, am yet to come across a car driver who hasn't stopped to let us cross. We, as pedestrians feel we rule the road......in stark contrast to India. Back home, me, as a pedestrians was totally at the mercy of car drivers zooming past. So much better here.
The heavy feeling which i cannot explain is definately there. The feeling which keeps reminding me - I am away from home.... won't go so easily. There is this prosperity and the lifestyle thing with US. No doubt. But this value for life thing is so impressive. I would love to take it home with me.
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