Here goes 2009!!

Making way for HOPE, hope of peaceful times ahead.

May peace prevail in coming times!

Clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

DTT - detour-to-toilet

Delivers beyond what you ask for!!

Clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Chameleon

We say that the chameleon changes colour every moment. And it changes the colour of its skin so that it corresponds to the colour of the surroundings. This helps the creature to hoodwink its enemies and protect itself.

This is one of the numerous wonders of nature and creation. That is the instinct of self-preservation of life. But when it comes to the human beings, the instinct of self preservation extends beyond a limit and takes bizarre proportions.

There is a distinction between the humans and the rest of the animal world. That distinction is in the sphere of the human values, principles, ethics and morality. When man compromises on these for his narrow interests he is compared to chameleon, though it does not do justice to the chameleon. Like all comparisons, this too suffers from a limitation. But it makes us understand the phenomenon.

Many thanks to this lovely creature that makes us simplify the complexities of a "human".

All of these are clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Man - The Animal

I thought I must post a few pointed observations for you to ponder. I would say enjoy the truth, but often enough, the truth may hurt...

Man is a Religious Animal. He is the only Religious Animal. He is the only animal that has the True Religion -- BUT several of them. He is the only animal that loves his neighbour as himself and cuts his throat if his theology is not straight. He has made a graveyard of the globe. The higher animals have no religion. I wonder why? It seems questionable taste...

"Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it."

We disrespect all reverences and all objects of reverence which are outside the scope of our list of sacred things. And yet, with strange inconsistency, we are shocked when other people despise and defile the things which are holy to us.

Man is the only animal that deals in that atrocity of atrocities, War. He is the only one that goes forth in cold blood and calm pulse to annihilate his kind. He is the only animal that helps to slaughter strangers of his own species who have done him no harm and with whom he has no quarrel... And in the intervals between campaigns he washes the blood off his hands and works for 'the universal brotherhood of man' - with his mouth.

He is the one who goes around saying that the world owes him a living; unaware is he that the world owes him nothing; it was here first.

Finally just to add “Man is the only animal that plays the ape to his ideal."

The Indian Harley

Only a Hyderabadi can give a tough competition to Harleys Davison

introducing

Luna Divedson

Clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Light More Light

Ever since we crawled out of that primordial slime, that’s been our unifying cry, “More light.” - Sunlight, Torchlight, Candlelight, Neon, incandescent lights, that banish the darkness from our caves to illuminate our roads, the insides of our refrigerator, Big floods for the night games at Cricket stadia, Little tiny flashlights for those books we read under the covers when we’re supposed to be asleep.

Light is more than watts and foot-candles. Light is metaphor. Light is knowledge, light is life, light is light.

I am happy, just because..

Some things are done. And these cannot be undone.

Throughout years I have become what I am. I would like to think that what I am is not just about what I am now, but what I have stabilized to be. But, it is not always like that. I am a constantly changing being. Everyday I surprise myself with things I say and do. Everytime I seek to understand if there has always been something I hid deep down inside and something is always bound to push it out of me.

We shape our own perception of happiness. We remember our sense of happiness based on moments that stand out amidst the chaos in our everyday life. Whether it’s in the shoes we wear or the earth we walk on (or the shoes we wear vs. what shoes other people wear), we can always say “I am happy, just because”.

Am I really happy??

Clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Hope

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

There is a saying by someone that Hope is always available to us. When we feel defeated, we need only take a deep breath and say, "Yes," and hope will reappear.

So hope for the best!!

(Shot on my Fujifilm Finepix S7000. Specifications on request)

Thoughts - worth thinking

"What is life but the angle of vision? A man is measured by the angle at which he looks at objects. What is life but what a man is thinking of all day? This is his fate and his employer. Knowing is the measure of the man. By how much we know, so we are."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A thought can be an extremely powerful presence in one's life; something that molds us into who we are (or think we are) as well as the kind of life we pursue. However, a thought can also be transient; a momentary idea or reaction to something that is easily replaced by something else.

We can only think one thing at a time, and unless we are sleeping, we are always thinking something. This is what gets us in trouble, but at the same time, it is also what gets us out of trouble.

Our mind is never blank - we are always thinking something. From the moment we open our eyes, we begin to think. But what are we thinking? When we think negative thoughts we will speak in a negative tone. Infact we will speak what we think. Our thoughts can change our life for the better.

We will produce what we are thinking about. So, think nice!

Is life Unfair?

I think life is unfair to some people, alright to others, and great to some. There are some great people I know that just cannot get a break in life, and just keep getting hit with one thing after the other, and then there are those people that are basically sociopaths, that just keep getting things handed to them on a silver platter, and don't have to struggle for things.

There are murderers who's family and friends stick by them, even when they are in jail, and have maybe even confessed, and then there are good people who just don't really have anyone.

Is life unfair??

This post is open for discussion...

One moment of Anger

"If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow". - Chinese Proverb.

Today I am in a quest of finding out something about a feelling called "anger". I have analysed a few things about this entity. How tough and strong a person is, is not to be measured by the extent of his anger but by the size of the problem it takes to get him angry. A man's power is not to be measured by how destructive and powerful his rage is, but by the strength of his patience and self discipline. An out-of control anger is an emotional deficiency rather than a strength. I think every reasonable person will buy this point.

If we do a cost benefit analysis, look at the cost one pays for violent anger. A bully in a school can terrify a few kids but can never get admiration and friendship of other kids. A man who mixes rage with love is totally lonely. A rageful man does not come to experience true closeness with his partner. His partner never experiences happiness and is reduced to a nervous wreck. His children are scared and distant from him and may grow to be equally out-of control and abusive in beaviour. Many people suffer from a helpless rage. They don't know what makes them so angry. They may be trapped in their rage just like a person trapped in a house on fire.

So what is it like for a person who had a rage problem and got a handle on it? There are plenty of rewards waiting for those who decide to let go of their rage and violence. Patience pays!!

Going Social - a research on top 100 CEOs

“A research conducted by the blog UberCEO.com looked at Fortune's 2009 list of the top 100 CEOs to determine how many were using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Wikipedia, or had a blog -- and found they were mostly absent from the rapidly growing social media community.

The study found only two CEOs had Twitter accounts and 81 percent of CEOs did not have a personal Facebook page.

Only 13 CEOs had profiles on the professional networking site LinkedIn. Three CEOs stood out with more than 80 connections but they were all from technology companies -- Michael Dell from computer maker Dell Inc., Gregory Spierkel from technology products distributor Ingram Micro Inc., and John Chambers from Cisco Systems Ltd.

Three quarters of the CEOs did have some kind of Wikipedia entry, but nearly a third of those had limited or outdated information such as incorrect titles, or lacked sources.

Not one Fortune 100 CEO had a blog.”

For the complete article, please find the link below

http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSTRE55O0FA20090625

Friends!! Happy Diwali!!

Wish you a happy and prosperous Diwali!

Clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

And I am back with a YES!

My friends must have been waiting for me as I haven't been scribing much. I am back now determined to fill in this space and keep pinging you with small pieces.

On my way to office, I read one quote on a billboard: God is never late.. (that struck me the most).. “God is never on a hurry, but He is always on time".

Above. Interiors of Jamia Masjid - The Grand Masjid of Srinagar, Kashmir

Everything happens for a reason… yes, a cliché. One actually hears this over and over again especially during those disturbing moments but cliché as it is, the impact on each one of us is undoubtedly - impressive. Its application on our daily life is like a cure to a terminal disease. We only have to listen to our hearts and listen to His voice within us. He never left us during those crises when we feel that we were alone and solace was nowhere to be found. He is among us, waiting for the perfect timing to pour out His blessings or to let us realize His much-awaited answer - whether a YES - if your aim is a possibility or a NO if what you desire will aggravate a growing disease inside you - a curable disease of sin (as any form of greediness or selfish intentions which may result to undesirable persona within you).

I am just thankful for his YES. .and though it is not yet an entirely ‘Yes’ one.. i am thankful..

To Him be all the glory and honor!!

Austin Cabriolet - here in Hyderabad

Was looking for Vintage cars - Also found this rare Austin cut door Cabriolet.

Clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

I saw a Beetle!!

I saw a Super Beetle Saloon 1302 L parked on a street. It was an awesome sight as I had never seen this beauty on roads. My fingers tickled and in no time took out my weapon and started shooting this little star. I had read a lot about the car and even seen it on TV but I relished the moment when I touched this legend.

My dream car was originally known as Käfer, the German word for "beetle", from which the popular English nickname originates. It was not until August 1967 that the Volkswagen corporation itself began using the name Beetle in marketing materials in the US. In Britain, VW never used the name Beetle officially.

Beetle was first made in 1938 and was discontinued in 2003. 21,529,464 Beetles were built within this period.

Recently, in an international poll for the award of the world's most influential car of the twentieth century the Beetle came fourth after the Ford Model T, the Mini, and the Citroën DS.

Made my day today!

Super Beetle Saloon 1302 L

Super Beetle Saloon 1302 L

Super Beetle Saloon 1302 L

Super Beetle Saloon 1302 L

All of these are clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Fingers Crossed!!

Who says earth is round? It appears flat to me. I am aware that even a toddler can prove my theory wrong in a second. Like those midieval pirates I am on my way to rediscover the world. I do not know why but I am determined to achieve that feat of reclamation.
A few days back I learnt a few lessons out of the blue.
The learning were so influencing that they strengthened and reinforced the embedded faith within me.
I sensed a glimpse of Almighty's might that can defy the wildest of wildest thoughts.
GOD is Great!!
What next? nobody knows. I have my fingers crossed, what about you?

All of these are clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Day Six - Clicked!

GUJJAR Bakarwals - The Gypsies of Pir Panjal and Himalayas is a nomadic tribe based in the Pir Panjal and Himalayan mountains of South Asia. They are mainly goatherds and shepherds.

King Khan

Gujjar Women

All of these are clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Day Five - Clicked!

Friends, I apologise for the delay in this post as last night was a holy night for us (Shab-e-Qadr). This night comes every year during the month of Ramadan. It has a huge significance as our Holy Quraan was revealed during this very occasion.  

On day five, I had done a bit of clicking. Hope you like these.

 

A Tongawalla through a street of Srinagar

Legacy

River Jehlum, the lifeline of Srinagar, shot from the historical street known as The Bund

Chain of Houseboats can be seen on the banks of Jehlum

An old man taking a nap in his Shikara under the shade of a houseboat

All of these are clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Day Four - Clicked!

I remember these lines by Cummings that I read sometime back..

"I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes."

Even Albert Einstein explaining the complexities of universe had said

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."

I am a strong believer of these views, that is the reason why you will find dominance of nature in my work. I believe that mom nature provides ample opportunities to everyone but few people make an effort to capture it. There are many who do not bother to notice what is going around when it is happening. But my suggestion to everyone is to stay in touch with nature with a conscious mind.

While driving through the outskirts of the city, i managed to get these shots. Hope you like them.

"Quack Quack" 

 Follow me

 Waiting for the Godot!

Parking Zone

All of these are clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Day Three - Clicked!

A sluggish day for me. I felt something missing but was not able to discover what was the thing that was bothering me. I managed to capture a few shots that I felt were worth sharing.

I can say a couple of them depict colors of nature at its best.

Stay tuned!

Fiery Fly

Loaded Copter (Fujifilm)

Texture

Clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D and FujiFilm Finepix S7000. (Specifications on request)

Day Two - Clicked!

Here I come again with another bunch of beauties. These shots were taken at one of my favourite spots that I always visit. It is the famous pitstop for most, on the banks of Dal Lake where you get Corn (Butta).

It was dusk and getting dark, a perfect time to open wide the aperture of my machine. 

Enjoy it!

I promise you more, so better you visit again!

Above. A Dal fisherman offering prayers.

In the background the famous hill Koh-e-maran

Above. Light and shade playing hide and seek

Above. The hill called Takht-e-sulaeman

Above. Makki/Butta/Corn

This is what I was talking about

Above. Just a try - Shutter delayed

All of these are clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Day One - Clicked!

It was my first day at home and my new machine has already started churning out some results. Here are a few pics that I managed to capture during the day.

Will keep clicking and sharing. Stay tuned!!

All of these are clicked on my Canon EOS 1000D. (Specifications on request)

Myself 2.0

With the changing times one is bound to bring changes within oneself just like software that has to be patched with new upgrades to work better and support changing technological environment. Let me write something about myself today. I feel a need to describe myself to those who do not know me and to those also who know me since long. I can term this as an upgraded version of me – myself – Myself 2.0
For me, these days, ‘Clumsy’ has become an understatement. I have transformed into an accident-prone freak, to the point that I am getting used to it! Accident now has been my companion and first aid-kit is a priority in my what-I-have-to-bring list.
I used to think about my life as an open book, but actually it is not. I’m not transparent anymore and I do not simply pour out my emotions to anyone as I used to do. You cannot read my mind but I am not mysterious. I try…. I will try harder to not be obnoxious.
I am just discreet to every word I say. I believe that it is better to be offended than to be the offender. But I am no goody-goody :)
I know I’m often being bullied – I am aware of that.
I feel I am often misunderstood. Even I know that I am odd, I am weird but I am no rogue.
I can be funny to the extent that I drag myself to be the object of the joke. The problem is I am getting used to it.
If sleeping can be considered a passion, I am into it now. I can sleep 18 hours in a go. I just discovered this capability a few days back.
I love to watch TV…. even commercials.
I love to watch cartoons, isn’t this being childish?
For me, this is an effective tool for a grown up to recollect memories by doing the things he used to love as a child. Funny as it seems, but there is a child in each one of us. A tap on the shoulder will bring him out.
I can be a good listener. I have a shoulder to put your head on.
I love to watch, sci-fi, out–of–this world plots and a few reality shows.
Nowadays, I love wearing black or grey maybe I just want to be unseen or it might just be a silent rebellious act?
I may not be present always but that does not mean I don’t care.

Hey the trial version download of Myself 2.0 is over. Please acquire rights for the full version. Please report any bug in the code, if found. Feedback form attached!

Weekend

Long weekend.. Yahoo!!
Where else to go?? I rather stay home, more comfty :), albeit others who might prefer to go out to experience life or to check what is going on in the city. The true meaning of life for me is to stay in my cradle and sleep soundly like a child and to think that it is a Holy week.
You are expected to reflect on your contributions as a person. Have I been a good child or not? Have I been a good boy to my neighbour instead?
We tend to divert from the true purpose of this long long weekend vacation.. It's not for us to simply relax and be ecstatic! It's for us to meditate, to respond to the needs of our soul, to nourish it, to ponder over the words of God and to let them intervene in our lives.

The time to start is now..

Deadlines

Its an irony that Deadlines are called Deadlines!
After all those are the times which attest that life is really present in the living.
Heard about the 80-20 rule?

• That 80 % of the work is done by 20 % of the people
• That 80% of the money is with 20 % of the people
• That 80 % of the work is done in 20 % of the time allotted to

I would like to edit a little
That 80 % of the work is done in the last (deadline kissing) 20 % part of the time allotted to it.

Congruent or Similar?

Just wanted to share a set of shots that I captured recently. I clubbed them together as i felt that there is an element that makes them alike or somehow similar. I also faced a tough time while captioning these. Finally, I decided to leave them as they are.

Suggestions are welcome!

Shot on Canon 1000D

Shot on Nikon D200 (Anand)

Shot on Canon 1000D

Shot on Canon 1000D