Have you ever wanted to punch the man on his face for coining the word 'why'?. If you are a parent you would probably know what I am talking about.
Welcome to my household which is littered with toys and loud voices and shrieks and other noises. Nothing ever happens here the way I want. Let me here take the pleasure of introducing my lil wonder - my 4 year old son. Here is a sample of how things go on any given day.
Scene.1
I: Can you please not play with the cushions dear?
Son: Why?
I: The cushions will get dirty.
Son: So?
I: Our house will also look dirty.
Son: So what?
I: Don't you want people to tell you that you have a beautiful home?
Son: No! I just want to play and make a big mess.
Lesson learnt : Clean Bowled so, don't fight a losing battle.
Scene.2
I:Eat you food son.
Son: why?
I: So, you can become big and strong
Son: so you can be like daddy.
I:Why?
Lesson learnt : Wow. Exactly the point - why? Why would I want another 'dad' around the house? So, be smart.
Scene.3
I: Can you please close the door son?
Son: why?
I: So the bad strangers or insects can't come inside our house.
Son: why?
I: so that we can be safe.
Son: Before they enter the house, I will fight them and tie them up and call the police.
I: So, can you close the door now.
Son: I am sure insects cannot come because that day they did something so that insects cannot come.
I: Yes, they have. Now can you close the door?
Son: But, do insects have bones or skeletons?
I: No. they don't. Can you please close the door?
Son: yes.
Son goes and comes back.
I: Did you close the door?
Son: No. I forgot. Maybe I will take a toy.
Son (after a while) : can you also come with me. Let us go together and close the door.
Lesson learnt: Talk less work more. This saves time and energy!
Scene.4
I: It is too late dear. You should go to bed.
Son: I don't want to.
I: It is night and people go to bed at night.
Son: But I want it to be morning now.
I: That can't happen sweet heart.
Son: why not?
I: because time doesn't stop or go back.
Son: why so?
I: The hands of the clock keep going round.
Son: why?
I: Because the earth keeps going round.
Son: why don't we ask the earth to stop.
I: That is not possible.
Son: Maybe if we ask the earth to go reverse, it can be morning again!
Lesson learnt: Point taken. So, stop looking like a plain idiot and wear a quick thinking cap.
Scene.5
I: Drink you juice darling.
Son: what juice is it?
I:Your favourite watermelon juice.
Son: It is not my favourite anymore. So, I don't want it.
I: Try it and you may start liking it again.
Son: Ok. (after 2 sips). It is not watermelon juice because I can't see any of them.
I: It is juice sweetheart so, watermelon gets mixed so you can't see it but you can taste it.
Son: where exactly have you mixed it mom?
I: When its mixed, it is everywhere.
Son: That is why you see. I told you I don't like it when it is everywhere.
Lesson learnt: Little ones have crazy and scary ideas.
Points to ponder : Although every day starts with a resolution to think quick and act quick the day ends with baffling questions lurking in the brain. So, there is an urgent need for a formulated pill - the quick thinking pill - which will help parents to think quick and smart. It is time to bid farewell to the idiotic look that shows up for all the smart questions the kid asks.
For parents of the super smart there is an imminent need for the catalystic quick thinking pills which will propel the quick thinking pills to act in one nano second.
Lastly, It is most important for every one to know that wisdom comes in small packages.
With all the lessons learnt and resolutions to be smarter - tomorrow is yet another day to face a torrent of questions
Little one's smart talk
This article first appeared on MSN:
http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Others/UCStory5690.htm
I am not sure if anyone has given all the right answers to all the crazy questions kids are capable of asking. Their ideas are so fantastic that sometimes I think scientists should lurk around these li'l ones' more often so they can get a lot of ideas to make new and great things. Take this for example:
Sc.1
Son: How old am I mom?
I: You are four years old.
Son: Yeah. I know that but how do you know that?
I: Because every year you get a year older. We all get a year older.
Son: Is there a laptop like thing inside me that tells you how old I am?
What? I never thought of that. Is there a silicon chip to tell me the numerous things that I have always wanted to know. Imagine if there were to be one and I can take a print out of the things that are so important for me to know or to just press the pause button and stop time when things tend to go out of hand?? Hey anyone listening?
Sometimes the best answer for the smartest question is another question. Sounds illogical? Well, not so..:
Sc.2
Son: Mom, I wonder who was there even before dinosaurs were there?
I: Wonder who?
Son: I think God was there before dinosaurs were there on earth.
I: Perhaps.
Son: I think He made water
I: You think so?
Son: Oh yeah. But I wonder how he managed to fill up all the oceans.
I: How?
Son: I still am thinking and I don't know mom.
How do you tackle the smartest thinking? Still haven't figured that out. It takes time to even get to that kind of thinking so, how do you figure the answer out?
Sc.3
Son: Animals can't go to the space right?
I: No sweetheart. Animals can. In fact, it was a monkey that went to space before people did.
Son: Oh yes. of course. After all, monkeys were there before people did. So, only they could have gone to space. How could people have gone. People were not even there.
I: I mean, you are right that monkeys were there before people were there. But, people sent the monkey to space so, that they can learn about space.
Son: Al right. So, what did the monkey say?
I: What do you mean. How can a monkey say anything.
Son: Exactly. So, what made the people think that they can learn anything from the monkey. Did they think that the monkey will go and see something in space and come back and tell them?
I: No, I mean, not. I mean............
I remember the time when I was little, the whole nation was talking about Bofors scandal. At that time, The Indian Express, used to carry a special section everyday, where Ram Jeth Malani, asked ten questions to the then, PM. Rajiv Gandhi. I read ardently, though I understood very little. What intrigued me then, was this man's ability to question and question without fear.
Today, I am no longer surprised, when my son, asks me numerous questions daily. Sometimes, I think he doesn't actually look for an answer. Just the sheer curiosity is voiced.
Looking at the picture of the solar system, where all the planets are shown with the orbits, my son quipped, "Ah, look at this. There is actually a rope that holds all the planets. And, I thought they moved in space. They just follow the rope after all."
Wondering about aliens he asked the other day -
"Hmmm..... mom, Why should we be scared if aliens come to earth, because for the aliens we are aliens. I think that they should also wear some mask because after all, they live in a different planet and there may not be oxygen, so they will be breathing only poison gas and for the aliens oxygen may be poison gas. What do you think mom?
"Poison gas, or no, aliens or no aliens, or animals why should there be so many questions ? " I once said aloud out of frustration.
"Only then, there can be answers mom!" said the smart kid....... oops! he had heard me!
http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Others/UCStory5690.htm
I am not sure if anyone has given all the right answers to all the crazy questions kids are capable of asking. Their ideas are so fantastic that sometimes I think scientists should lurk around these li'l ones' more often so they can get a lot of ideas to make new and great things. Take this for example:
Sc.1
Son: How old am I mom?
I: You are four years old.
Son: Yeah. I know that but how do you know that?
I: Because every year you get a year older. We all get a year older.
Son: Is there a laptop like thing inside me that tells you how old I am?
What? I never thought of that. Is there a silicon chip to tell me the numerous things that I have always wanted to know. Imagine if there were to be one and I can take a print out of the things that are so important for me to know or to just press the pause button and stop time when things tend to go out of hand?? Hey anyone listening?
Sometimes the best answer for the smartest question is another question. Sounds illogical? Well, not so..:
Sc.2
Son: Mom, I wonder who was there even before dinosaurs were there?
I: Wonder who?
Son: I think God was there before dinosaurs were there on earth.
I: Perhaps.
Son: I think He made water
I: You think so?
Son: Oh yeah. But I wonder how he managed to fill up all the oceans.
I: How?
Son: I still am thinking and I don't know mom.
How do you tackle the smartest thinking? Still haven't figured that out. It takes time to even get to that kind of thinking so, how do you figure the answer out?
Sc.3
Son: Animals can't go to the space right?
I: No sweetheart. Animals can. In fact, it was a monkey that went to space before people did.
Son: Oh yes. of course. After all, monkeys were there before people did. So, only they could have gone to space. How could people have gone. People were not even there.
I: I mean, you are right that monkeys were there before people were there. But, people sent the monkey to space so, that they can learn about space.
Son: Al right. So, what did the monkey say?
I: What do you mean. How can a monkey say anything.
Son: Exactly. So, what made the people think that they can learn anything from the monkey. Did they think that the monkey will go and see something in space and come back and tell them?
I: No, I mean, not. I mean............
I remember the time when I was little, the whole nation was talking about Bofors scandal. At that time, The Indian Express, used to carry a special section everyday, where Ram Jeth Malani, asked ten questions to the then, PM. Rajiv Gandhi. I read ardently, though I understood very little. What intrigued me then, was this man's ability to question and question without fear.
Today, I am no longer surprised, when my son, asks me numerous questions daily. Sometimes, I think he doesn't actually look for an answer. Just the sheer curiosity is voiced.
Looking at the picture of the solar system, where all the planets are shown with the orbits, my son quipped, "Ah, look at this. There is actually a rope that holds all the planets. And, I thought they moved in space. They just follow the rope after all."
Wondering about aliens he asked the other day -
"Hmmm..... mom, Why should we be scared if aliens come to earth, because for the aliens we are aliens. I think that they should also wear some mask because after all, they live in a different planet and there may not be oxygen, so they will be breathing only poison gas and for the aliens oxygen may be poison gas. What do you think mom?
"Poison gas, or no, aliens or no aliens, or animals why should there be so many questions ? " I once said aloud out of frustration.
"Only then, there can be answers mom!" said the smart kid....... oops! he had heard me!
Sania Mirza and the Flag!
This article first appeared on MSN:
http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Sports/UCStory5577.htm
The recent controversy with Sania Mirza with her leg near the flag was indeed sad. I could immediately think of two things - Was it the photographer who took the picture in such a way that it showed her in poor light or what was she thinking when she put her leg. Did she even notice that there was a flag or was she engrossed in her game?
Coming from the world we are in, we all know that we are prone to criticism and if you are celebrity then, you have to pay the price for it. I am sure the poor girl enjoyed all the adulation when the whole nation rejoiced her wins and also called her beautiful but one slip and she had to hear it all. She panicked like any of us would. When we with all our dreams and pressures have our problems then, I think it is best to give her the benefit of doubt. I can imagine myself panicking and going haywire when a whole lot of people scrutinize every move and always expect the best from me. I don't think any of us is an exception. I see a lot of kids getting into trouble because they just cannot handle the pressure. I read about Britney spears everyday, then, poor Sania was perhaps innocently putting her feet up. I really can't tell from the pictures if her feet was really touching the flag. If it was then, she is in trouble because even as kids we are taught the dos and don't s with flags.
But, when I see that a whole generation does not really know much about not just Indian flag but about respecting flags in general then, I wonder why she should be singled out. I still see many people sporting Indian flags on t shirts while the code of flag clearly states that only people representing India like the sportsmen can wear flag pictures on their attire . I see many paper flags lying about after any public rally when it is actually disrespectful and clearly against law. Many political parties in India still have some pictures in place of the Ashoka Chakra while rallying for elections - I have always wondered if it is against the flag code because the flag code clearly states that any kind of lettering cannot be there on the flag. If so, then, is a picture allowed?? I don't know. But, there is a special flag code which is hardly ever heard of. Flags should not touch the floor, ground, or water. They should not be on the hood/sides/back of vehicles or trains. Flags made of plastic should not be used as disposal is a problem (plastic is not bio degradable). There is even a law saying that flowers or garlands cannot be on the flag and if there is flag flying then, there cannot be a banner flying higher than that. Also pictures of flag on underwears or garments worn below the belt bring disrespect to the flag. Having said this, these things have to be learnt at school. I remember learning about respecting the Indian Flag and also how we take care of flags in general no matter to which country it belongs/ to which institution. People learn and forget or they just stop caring. They (flags) are usually lying in the floor or gathering dust. Sometimes, we reason out saying, it is OK because it is only in our house and no one is watching except us. But then, are we not sending out wrong signals to our kids who are watching us. Flags are there to bring in easy identification of the country/state/institution. The colours, the structures and almost everything in the flag speaks of the country and so, it is about all of us. There are people who study a great deal about flags and they are called vexillologists. Well, I am not one but just wonder when people in general know very little about flags and when one person slips the whole generation bring out all they know about respect/dignity and even go to the extent of calling the person a traitor. Please, it is about time we as people of India learn a little about our own flag and understand why we have three colours and how many spikes our Ashoka Chakra has which by the way, not many people knew when a popular music channel took a survey. And yes, Ms Mirza, nobody doubts your patriotism but please look before you put your foot any where.
http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Sports/UCStory5577.htm
The recent controversy with Sania Mirza with her leg near the flag was indeed sad. I could immediately think of two things - Was it the photographer who took the picture in such a way that it showed her in poor light or what was she thinking when she put her leg. Did she even notice that there was a flag or was she engrossed in her game?
Coming from the world we are in, we all know that we are prone to criticism and if you are celebrity then, you have to pay the price for it. I am sure the poor girl enjoyed all the adulation when the whole nation rejoiced her wins and also called her beautiful but one slip and she had to hear it all. She panicked like any of us would. When we with all our dreams and pressures have our problems then, I think it is best to give her the benefit of doubt. I can imagine myself panicking and going haywire when a whole lot of people scrutinize every move and always expect the best from me. I don't think any of us is an exception. I see a lot of kids getting into trouble because they just cannot handle the pressure. I read about Britney spears everyday, then, poor Sania was perhaps innocently putting her feet up. I really can't tell from the pictures if her feet was really touching the flag. If it was then, she is in trouble because even as kids we are taught the dos and don't s with flags.
But, when I see that a whole generation does not really know much about not just Indian flag but about respecting flags in general then, I wonder why she should be singled out. I still see many people sporting Indian flags on t shirts while the code of flag clearly states that only people representing India like the sportsmen can wear flag pictures on their attire . I see many paper flags lying about after any public rally when it is actually disrespectful and clearly against law. Many political parties in India still have some pictures in place of the Ashoka Chakra while rallying for elections - I have always wondered if it is against the flag code because the flag code clearly states that any kind of lettering cannot be there on the flag. If so, then, is a picture allowed?? I don't know. But, there is a special flag code which is hardly ever heard of. Flags should not touch the floor, ground, or water. They should not be on the hood/sides/back of vehicles or trains. Flags made of plastic should not be used as disposal is a problem (plastic is not bio degradable). There is even a law saying that flowers or garlands cannot be on the flag and if there is flag flying then, there cannot be a banner flying higher than that. Also pictures of flag on underwears or garments worn below the belt bring disrespect to the flag. Having said this, these things have to be learnt at school. I remember learning about respecting the Indian Flag and also how we take care of flags in general no matter to which country it belongs/ to which institution. People learn and forget or they just stop caring. They (flags) are usually lying in the floor or gathering dust. Sometimes, we reason out saying, it is OK because it is only in our house and no one is watching except us. But then, are we not sending out wrong signals to our kids who are watching us. Flags are there to bring in easy identification of the country/state/institution. The colours, the structures and almost everything in the flag speaks of the country and so, it is about all of us. There are people who study a great deal about flags and they are called vexillologists. Well, I am not one but just wonder when people in general know very little about flags and when one person slips the whole generation bring out all they know about respect/dignity and even go to the extent of calling the person a traitor. Please, it is about time we as people of India learn a little about our own flag and understand why we have three colours and how many spikes our Ashoka Chakra has which by the way, not many people knew when a popular music channel took a survey. And yes, Ms Mirza, nobody doubts your patriotism but please look before you put your foot any where.
Please Ms. Mirza!
This article first appeared in MSN:
http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Others/UCStory5817.htm
Among the millions of us, there are but a handful of people who achieve big goals and make it very very big. They laugh and a whole generation laughs with them. They work hard, hone their skills and of course, they have this special gift and they work towards that gift. They are extremely good at what they do, so, they tend to become important. They have the special power to move people and so, they have great responsibility. It is not for everyne to be good and stay at the top because the top seat is not stable, it tumbles and is difficult to keep. Some walk the line and stay grounded on the top and handle all the things that comes with the package and some quit because it is just too much to handle. Then, Ms. Mirza, which group do you belong to?
Her mentor/manager Mr Bhupati says - there is only that much a person can handle. I agree, sir, with all due respect but then, if one just lets the game do the talking, then, why bother who says what. There is small section of us sir, that doen't like Shah Rukh Khan, so, should he stop acting?? Controversies are part of the picture. You become big, then, there will always be a section of people who doesn't like anythign what you do. It is not just happening to her sir, it happens to every human being. So? Will she stop playing in her home country? Now, despite all this, there is an outcry for her to play - now see, some people dont like her, but many others do. So?
It is personal, you can say sir, but then, with great powers come great responsibility sir. She is answerable to her million fans. She did like it when we all swayed our hand and rejoiced every shot she played and put forth our paper for the touch of her divine pen on it. It is all in the package deal. She cannot play just in good times and not play in bad times. She is in her best form and unfortunately, she is letting go of the opportunity to let her racket do all the talking!! Nothing is personal sir, when a person is a celebrity because, it is only because of the single reason, many brands seek endoresement. If her personal choice is a certain brand, we all want to follow it sir, so it stops being personal.
It is not normal for a youngster to block such pressure and perform - she says sir, but every youngster is not her. Everytime, I play in India, there is problem she says sir, but then, wonder where the flag controversy came from sir! You could be anywhere and still face a controversy so it is advisable to exercise a little precaution. Of course, there are people like you always showing her the right path and ya, it is difficult but then, if none of this were to happen, then, life would just be too good to lead. Things happen for a reason so that you learn. So, when are we going to see the light of the day and hope to see some action in Bangalore.
http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Others/UCStory5817.htm
Among the millions of us, there are but a handful of people who achieve big goals and make it very very big. They laugh and a whole generation laughs with them. They work hard, hone their skills and of course, they have this special gift and they work towards that gift. They are extremely good at what they do, so, they tend to become important. They have the special power to move people and so, they have great responsibility. It is not for everyne to be good and stay at the top because the top seat is not stable, it tumbles and is difficult to keep. Some walk the line and stay grounded on the top and handle all the things that comes with the package and some quit because it is just too much to handle. Then, Ms. Mirza, which group do you belong to?
Her mentor/manager Mr Bhupati says - there is only that much a person can handle. I agree, sir, with all due respect but then, if one just lets the game do the talking, then, why bother who says what. There is small section of us sir, that doen't like Shah Rukh Khan, so, should he stop acting?? Controversies are part of the picture. You become big, then, there will always be a section of people who doesn't like anythign what you do. It is not just happening to her sir, it happens to every human being. So? Will she stop playing in her home country? Now, despite all this, there is an outcry for her to play - now see, some people dont like her, but many others do. So?
It is personal, you can say sir, but then, with great powers come great responsibility sir. She is answerable to her million fans. She did like it when we all swayed our hand and rejoiced every shot she played and put forth our paper for the touch of her divine pen on it. It is all in the package deal. She cannot play just in good times and not play in bad times. She is in her best form and unfortunately, she is letting go of the opportunity to let her racket do all the talking!! Nothing is personal sir, when a person is a celebrity because, it is only because of the single reason, many brands seek endoresement. If her personal choice is a certain brand, we all want to follow it sir, so it stops being personal.
It is not normal for a youngster to block such pressure and perform - she says sir, but every youngster is not her. Everytime, I play in India, there is problem she says sir, but then, wonder where the flag controversy came from sir! You could be anywhere and still face a controversy so it is advisable to exercise a little precaution. Of course, there are people like you always showing her the right path and ya, it is difficult but then, if none of this were to happen, then, life would just be too good to lead. Things happen for a reason so that you learn. So, when are we going to see the light of the day and hope to see some action in Bangalore.
Playing Styrakal
This article first appeared in MSN:
http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Others/UCStory5960.htm
One fine day in Sydney, old farmer McDonald was digging in his farm. He was using a long wooden stick and when suddenly he hit upon something hard. He dug further and carefully picked up an egg shaped thing. It looked very strange and immediately, he called the police.
'Hello, Mr. Policeman. This is farmer McDonald. I have found something very strange in my farm. Can you please come and take a look?'
'Oh! sure! ' said the Policeman. 'We will be there in a few minutes'
A few minutes later, farmer McDonald heard the familiar Police siren at the distance. WOOOOWWWWW ....He was happy. At last, the Police was there.
'Hello, Mr Policeman. How are you? ' said McDonald
'I am fine. Thank you. Where is the strange thing?'
'It is right here. Come and take a look' McDonald said leading their way.
'Oh. It's a fossil. I will call Styrakal' said the Policeman and dialled a number. ' Hello, is it Mr Styrakal?'
"Oh! hi! This is Styrakal. Is this the Policeman? Have you found a fossil?"
"Oh yes Mr Styrakal. Can you please come and help us? We don't know what it is."
"I know that you don't know. But I know because I am a Palentologist. I know all about dinosaurs. I think you have found a dinosaur fossil. Maybe you have found a T rex's nail or maybe even the whole skeleton of a Baryonyx. Anyways, I will come and see. I will take a helicopter and come because I am not in sydney. I am in New zealand and I want to come there as soon as possible. ok? See you soon. Bye."
Styrakal, the palentologist, is my four year old. He always wants to be the best character in the game and I who is old McDonald get to do nothing but dig on the empty floor and pick up a mould of dino egg and keep it carefully. The Policeman exists in our imagination!!!
A few seconds later, farmer old McDonald, saw the familiar yellow helicopter coming towards him.
'Hello, Mr Styrakal. I am farmer McDonald. How are you?'
"I am fine. But where is the strange thing that you found. I want to see it.'
"This is what I found Mr Styrakal. It looks very strange. What do you think it could be?"
"Oh! This is dinosaur fossil. Let me try to dig it and see what is inside. You see, this is my special equipment (as he takes out some brush and cutting and digging tools that are part of the 'dig the dino fossil kit'!) and I can use this to dig out the dino from here. But I wonder what dino it could be?"
A few minutes later, after a lot of effort from my side to not get angry for the worry of the mud mould getting on the carpet and my son always wanting to do the digging and the cutting with a lot of enthusiasm, there is an 'aha' moment.
'You see, this is the dinosaur skeleton. This is an Ankylosaurus. We have to be very careful about this fossil because we should not break it. I think we should carefully take it to the Museum now' said Styrakal.
"What is an Ankylosaurus?' asked McDonald because he didn't know anything about dinosaurs.
'Oh, an Ankylosaurus is a dinosaur which was there when all the other dinos like t rex, brachiosaurus and all was there. Ankylo was there in N America and it was a herbivore. Now, I think, we will take it to the Natural History Museum Sydney and keep it in a glass case so that all the kids can come and see and learn also.'
So, Old McDonald and Syrakal drive to the Sydney Natural History Museum and keep the Ankylosaurus for the rest of the world to see.
Once we come to the end of the game, the lil fella wants to play Feroz the Herpetologist and I farmer McDonald will find a few snakes in my farm and who else to my rescue than ofcourse my friend Feroz. My kiddo's recent interest in flags has also turned him into a vexillologist!!! So, one fine day, old McDonald comes across a whole bunch of flags so, he has no one to look up to except our friend Vaxo who happens to be a vexillologist!!!! But, why do I get to be only McDonald is anybody's guess but why should I be old????Once my lil one said - you need to be an old farmer so that you can be big and strong enough to dig and only then, I get to be old like 74 years so that, I can also be big, old and strong!!!!
http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Others/UCStory5960.htm
One fine day in Sydney, old farmer McDonald was digging in his farm. He was using a long wooden stick and when suddenly he hit upon something hard. He dug further and carefully picked up an egg shaped thing. It looked very strange and immediately, he called the police.
'Hello, Mr. Policeman. This is farmer McDonald. I have found something very strange in my farm. Can you please come and take a look?'
'Oh! sure! ' said the Policeman. 'We will be there in a few minutes'
A few minutes later, farmer McDonald heard the familiar Police siren at the distance. WOOOOWWWWW ....He was happy. At last, the Police was there.
'Hello, Mr Policeman. How are you? ' said McDonald
'I am fine. Thank you. Where is the strange thing?'
'It is right here. Come and take a look' McDonald said leading their way.
'Oh. It's a fossil. I will call Styrakal' said the Policeman and dialled a number. ' Hello, is it Mr Styrakal?'
"Oh! hi! This is Styrakal. Is this the Policeman? Have you found a fossil?"
"Oh yes Mr Styrakal. Can you please come and help us? We don't know what it is."
"I know that you don't know. But I know because I am a Palentologist. I know all about dinosaurs. I think you have found a dinosaur fossil. Maybe you have found a T rex's nail or maybe even the whole skeleton of a Baryonyx. Anyways, I will come and see. I will take a helicopter and come because I am not in sydney. I am in New zealand and I want to come there as soon as possible. ok? See you soon. Bye."
Styrakal, the palentologist, is my four year old. He always wants to be the best character in the game and I who is old McDonald get to do nothing but dig on the empty floor and pick up a mould of dino egg and keep it carefully. The Policeman exists in our imagination!!!
A few seconds later, farmer old McDonald, saw the familiar yellow helicopter coming towards him.
'Hello, Mr Styrakal. I am farmer McDonald. How are you?'
"I am fine. But where is the strange thing that you found. I want to see it.'
"This is what I found Mr Styrakal. It looks very strange. What do you think it could be?"
"Oh! This is dinosaur fossil. Let me try to dig it and see what is inside. You see, this is my special equipment (as he takes out some brush and cutting and digging tools that are part of the 'dig the dino fossil kit'!) and I can use this to dig out the dino from here. But I wonder what dino it could be?"
A few minutes later, after a lot of effort from my side to not get angry for the worry of the mud mould getting on the carpet and my son always wanting to do the digging and the cutting with a lot of enthusiasm, there is an 'aha' moment.
'You see, this is the dinosaur skeleton. This is an Ankylosaurus. We have to be very careful about this fossil because we should not break it. I think we should carefully take it to the Museum now' said Styrakal.
"What is an Ankylosaurus?' asked McDonald because he didn't know anything about dinosaurs.
'Oh, an Ankylosaurus is a dinosaur which was there when all the other dinos like t rex, brachiosaurus and all was there. Ankylo was there in N America and it was a herbivore. Now, I think, we will take it to the Natural History Museum Sydney and keep it in a glass case so that all the kids can come and see and learn also.'
So, Old McDonald and Syrakal drive to the Sydney Natural History Museum and keep the Ankylosaurus for the rest of the world to see.
Once we come to the end of the game, the lil fella wants to play Feroz the Herpetologist and I farmer McDonald will find a few snakes in my farm and who else to my rescue than ofcourse my friend Feroz. My kiddo's recent interest in flags has also turned him into a vexillologist!!! So, one fine day, old McDonald comes across a whole bunch of flags so, he has no one to look up to except our friend Vaxo who happens to be a vexillologist!!!! But, why do I get to be only McDonald is anybody's guess but why should I be old????Once my lil one said - you need to be an old farmer so that you can be big and strong enough to dig and only then, I get to be old like 74 years so that, I can also be big, old and strong!!!!
The Indian Metamorphosis
This article first appeared on MSN : http://content.msn.co.in/Contribute/Sports/UCStory5984.htm
It was indeed a fantastic win for India considering all the controversies surrounded the team. But amidst all the things that stood out prominently was the attitude of the team. I remember watching cricket as a kid and of course there was some great cricket but like the Good old man Bishen Sigh Bedi had said – We were a team then, full of Champions and we were far away from being a Champion team. It is no longer true today – not just in cricket.
The Indian Metamorphosis (can I call it ?) has taken its due course of time. From the scare of the white skin to the awe of the white skin to the day when we can look in the eye as an equal. Perhaps it stems from the fact that we were ruled by the British and somewhere deep down, it used to play in the psyche? It is difficult to come from there. Consider this – Once a British National told me that he was so proud of the fact that he belongs to a small island which almost at one point had taken control of the whole world! If we weigh the confidence levels of the two individuals – the British national and the Indian of yesterday – it tilts towards the other side! The weighing balance has a different story to tell today. We don't tolerate discrimination and we know in our hearts we are good. We have finally arrived.
Remember the time, when we all crumbled after the opening batsman fell. We knew that the batsman no. 5 was good but could never bring ourselves to pin our hopes on him because, after the first dismissal, it was always the crack in the confidence that was evident. We never attacked in all the matches and we always played with certain worry. We played well sometimes but never had that killer instinct. Finally, yesterday, it was displayed on field and the boys rejoiced in true style.
Our very own Sidhu, said on NDTV, that our courage and conviction won in Brisbane. Both Jadeja and Sidhu said almost the same things about the youngsters in the team. This team didn't care that they were playing some 'greats' in the Australian team. They knew that they were equally good. To believe in oneself and also the confidence that they exuded was evident in the game and that was what made all the difference.
We, as Indians are tolerant and not always as aggressive as others and it has always been so. A little aggression brought some great moments. We now know what we can do, if only we make up our mind and fight in the true spirit of the game. It is true not just in cricket. Take the knowledge industry. It is an accepted fact today that we Indians are bright and have a great deal of intelligence. It was accepted even yesterday but we were often target of some mockery. We also were so humble that we were scared to open our intelligence. Deep down we were scared and also believed that the white man knew better. Today, things may not be totally different but there is a change that is almost evident.
A little pride doesn't hurt. We can pride that we are bright and can gather our guts to call the white man 'wrong' if he is which till yesterday was an impossible task. Fear has finally been conquered and now there is an example which is evident in the smiles of the young cricketers that can be followed through with all our heart.
Our lack of confidence perhaps also stems from the fact that we as a nation are not a rich lot. We believe that air travel, foreign travel, exotic food and a grand lifestyle are the few privileges of the rich. We believe that for a white man, these things are all granted like he is special. Thanks to the software boom many have set foot on a different land. We now know that there are people outside of India who have not set foot on any other country and perhaps never have seen an aeroplane.
Indians are not the only ones who pick up the toiletry kit in the flight given to the business class traveller, there are others too, people from other countries who do that! Surprising? We always thought Indians did such things. They are also but human.
People all over the world are but human and have the same needs and likes. The sooner everyone realises the better. It is now time for the white man to learn a few lessons
It was indeed a fantastic win for India considering all the controversies surrounded the team. But amidst all the things that stood out prominently was the attitude of the team. I remember watching cricket as a kid and of course there was some great cricket but like the Good old man Bishen Sigh Bedi had said – We were a team then, full of Champions and we were far away from being a Champion team. It is no longer true today – not just in cricket.
The Indian Metamorphosis (can I call it ?) has taken its due course of time. From the scare of the white skin to the awe of the white skin to the day when we can look in the eye as an equal. Perhaps it stems from the fact that we were ruled by the British and somewhere deep down, it used to play in the psyche? It is difficult to come from there. Consider this – Once a British National told me that he was so proud of the fact that he belongs to a small island which almost at one point had taken control of the whole world! If we weigh the confidence levels of the two individuals – the British national and the Indian of yesterday – it tilts towards the other side! The weighing balance has a different story to tell today. We don't tolerate discrimination and we know in our hearts we are good. We have finally arrived.
Remember the time, when we all crumbled after the opening batsman fell. We knew that the batsman no. 5 was good but could never bring ourselves to pin our hopes on him because, after the first dismissal, it was always the crack in the confidence that was evident. We never attacked in all the matches and we always played with certain worry. We played well sometimes but never had that killer instinct. Finally, yesterday, it was displayed on field and the boys rejoiced in true style.
Our very own Sidhu, said on NDTV, that our courage and conviction won in Brisbane. Both Jadeja and Sidhu said almost the same things about the youngsters in the team. This team didn't care that they were playing some 'greats' in the Australian team. They knew that they were equally good. To believe in oneself and also the confidence that they exuded was evident in the game and that was what made all the difference.
We, as Indians are tolerant and not always as aggressive as others and it has always been so. A little aggression brought some great moments. We now know what we can do, if only we make up our mind and fight in the true spirit of the game. It is true not just in cricket. Take the knowledge industry. It is an accepted fact today that we Indians are bright and have a great deal of intelligence. It was accepted even yesterday but we were often target of some mockery. We also were so humble that we were scared to open our intelligence. Deep down we were scared and also believed that the white man knew better. Today, things may not be totally different but there is a change that is almost evident.
A little pride doesn't hurt. We can pride that we are bright and can gather our guts to call the white man 'wrong' if he is which till yesterday was an impossible task. Fear has finally been conquered and now there is an example which is evident in the smiles of the young cricketers that can be followed through with all our heart.
Our lack of confidence perhaps also stems from the fact that we as a nation are not a rich lot. We believe that air travel, foreign travel, exotic food and a grand lifestyle are the few privileges of the rich. We believe that for a white man, these things are all granted like he is special. Thanks to the software boom many have set foot on a different land. We now know that there are people outside of India who have not set foot on any other country and perhaps never have seen an aeroplane.
Indians are not the only ones who pick up the toiletry kit in the flight given to the business class traveller, there are others too, people from other countries who do that! Surprising? We always thought Indians did such things. They are also but human.
People all over the world are but human and have the same needs and likes. The sooner everyone realises the better. It is now time for the white man to learn a few lessons
Of Success!
Sometime back, a friend of ours told us that a certain person we know remarked to him that we were not as successful as compared to X. When I heard this, I was furious. I had in one instant all the data and statistics to prove our success in my head. I had that remark in my head ringing for a long time and I was furious. What right did he have? I fumed!!. A few months later, the remark still lingered in my head but I was still upset when I gave it a second thought. A few more months later, I could reflect on it objectively and think. I thought long and hard and smiled at my own stupidity. I was happy also that the remark was made because, I now had a new perspective to our life!!
When I was a kid, the greatest achievement was when I topped my class - I called it success. Then, I was successful when I did well in school. I called myself successful, when I did fairly well in college, then, again when I got married to the one I love, then, buy a house of our dream, then, buy a car of our dream, then, have a kid that we love and travel that we enjoy. Each time, we reached a milestone, we felt successful. Whenever the success picture which we had, slowly, faded a new goal appeared at a distance and we worked towards it. Life is full of milestones and we are successful as long as we reach our milestones. We don't have to reach a milestone someone else places for us. It is not meant for us, it is meant for them!!!
Every time, we reached a milestone, we didn't call the person to announce our success, because it is a success for us, need not mean anything to anyone. We are as successful as we think we are. Sometime back, I had worked on something very hard, and it was well received by a small section of people. I was over the top. It was not a big deal. I had not made a million bucks but the happiness was there. Someone else can be forgiven for laughing at the success party I had because it may not mean anything to them. Yeah, success is when, we work on something and it makes us happy. Success is a success only when it manages to bring in the little curve in our lips else it is really not worth working towards it.
Many times, it amazes me about how, we spend recklessly without second thoughts for our kids or how when our parents spent such hard earned money on something we liked when they themselves wore a torn shoe to work - it made them happy and makes us happy and that to some is success and for others it is not. That doesn't make the first group unsuccessful. Unfortunately, today, success is only attributed to the success in career. Shah Rukh Khan is a success because he is no. 1 or Sachin is a success because he is no. 1 . Yeah, true. But, then, when, someone works hard and stops at one point and looks back on the path he has travelled, and is happy about some things then, he is already successful. We don't have to earn a million bucks or be the no.1 brand ambassador of the country. That doesn't make our life, it just fills our coffers. Filling coffers is not success but yeah, filling our heart with love is success. Yeah, when we struggle and reach a point and think we have not done well, then, hey, we shouldn't deny ourselves the pleasure of those small successes because they all come in small packages and it is for us to savour it for a longer time. Perhaps a small section of people does not think even Shah Rukh Khan is successful because he can't even quit smoking so what if he is the biggest star and everyone knows him! We all have our small bits of success, I think, it is our very own achievement which we should learn to be proud of and not seek endorsement from others for our endeavours. The sooner we learn this, the easier it is for us to lead our lives. As for our 'certain person' we just laughed it off. I mean, he had in no means any knowledge of what we had achieved in our lives. Perhaps he was looking at the wrong part in the big picture. He had to be forgiven for his mistake!
When I was a kid, the greatest achievement was when I topped my class - I called it success. Then, I was successful when I did well in school. I called myself successful, when I did fairly well in college, then, again when I got married to the one I love, then, buy a house of our dream, then, buy a car of our dream, then, have a kid that we love and travel that we enjoy. Each time, we reached a milestone, we felt successful. Whenever the success picture which we had, slowly, faded a new goal appeared at a distance and we worked towards it. Life is full of milestones and we are successful as long as we reach our milestones. We don't have to reach a milestone someone else places for us. It is not meant for us, it is meant for them!!!
Every time, we reached a milestone, we didn't call the person to announce our success, because it is a success for us, need not mean anything to anyone. We are as successful as we think we are. Sometime back, I had worked on something very hard, and it was well received by a small section of people. I was over the top. It was not a big deal. I had not made a million bucks but the happiness was there. Someone else can be forgiven for laughing at the success party I had because it may not mean anything to them. Yeah, success is when, we work on something and it makes us happy. Success is a success only when it manages to bring in the little curve in our lips else it is really not worth working towards it.
Many times, it amazes me about how, we spend recklessly without second thoughts for our kids or how when our parents spent such hard earned money on something we liked when they themselves wore a torn shoe to work - it made them happy and makes us happy and that to some is success and for others it is not. That doesn't make the first group unsuccessful. Unfortunately, today, success is only attributed to the success in career. Shah Rukh Khan is a success because he is no. 1 or Sachin is a success because he is no. 1 . Yeah, true. But, then, when, someone works hard and stops at one point and looks back on the path he has travelled, and is happy about some things then, he is already successful. We don't have to earn a million bucks or be the no.1 brand ambassador of the country. That doesn't make our life, it just fills our coffers. Filling coffers is not success but yeah, filling our heart with love is success. Yeah, when we struggle and reach a point and think we have not done well, then, hey, we shouldn't deny ourselves the pleasure of those small successes because they all come in small packages and it is for us to savour it for a longer time. Perhaps a small section of people does not think even Shah Rukh Khan is successful because he can't even quit smoking so what if he is the biggest star and everyone knows him! We all have our small bits of success, I think, it is our very own achievement which we should learn to be proud of and not seek endorsement from others for our endeavours. The sooner we learn this, the easier it is for us to lead our lives. As for our 'certain person' we just laughed it off. I mean, he had in no means any knowledge of what we had achieved in our lives. Perhaps he was looking at the wrong part in the big picture. He had to be forgiven for his mistake!
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