My last post for 2016 ~ See you in the New Year 2017

As the curtains close on another year and the ball drops ... Cheers to the year gone by, and be safe in the thought that we are richer for all the experiences and remain eager for the ones waiting to happen.
A year older and hopefully wiser! 😉 Thank you and God bless you all!

The Lunchbox (2013)

Somewhere in Mumbai, Ila (Nimrat Kaur) - a young housewife and a mother is in her kitchen preparing and packing lunch for her husband. Sensing a marital disconnect Ila hopes the old adage - "the way to man's heart is through his stomach", can reignite the missing spark in their relationship. She has high hopes pinned on the meal that she has labored after, with precious cooking advise from her neighbor. The dabbawala is soon on his way with the tiffin. In a freak mix-up though, the lunchbox finds its way to Saajan Fernandes desk.
Mr. Saajan Fernandes (Irrfan Khan), a recluse and a widower, is soon to retire from his job at the insurance company where he has worked for almost 40 years. Through some quirk of fate, Saajan's dabbawala delivers a steaming, delicious tiffin for lunch. On his way home a delighted Saajan remembers to stop by the little food-joint that cooks his meals and compliments a surprised and a clueless cook on the scrumptious meal.

When Ila's husband returns after work, Ila realizes the lunchbox never made it to its intended destination. So the next day she slips in a note and thereon starts an uncanny friendship between an aging and lonely Fernandes and a young and equally lonely Ila. As the lunchbox travels from hearth to heart, over kukure bhindi, creamy koftas and other culinary surprises, this friendship soon blossoms into something more ... ! This is a story of two lonely hearts - distance and age of no consequence.

A great film with brilliant performances by the seasoned actor Irrfan Khan and the talented Nimrat Kaur!

             The secret to Mumbai's dabbawalas

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Pat (Bradley Cooper), a diagnosed bipolar, has been discharged from the psychiatric facility where he was admitted.  Things aren't looking up for him at the moment though - having lost his job and his home, he has had to move in with his retired parents - his father, Patrizio (Robert De Niro) siezes this opportunity to better his relationship with his son. To add to his woes Pat has a restraining order keeping him from his estranged wife, Nikki (Brea Bee), whom he still loves. But Pat is determined to win it all back!

Pat dedicates gallant efforts towards his recovery and starts reading, he takes up jogging around the neighborhood (albeit in a trash bag) and keeps his appointments with his shrink - Dr. Patel (Anupam Kher). Pat even accepts invitations to dinner from his friends, in their bid to set him up. At dinner he meets recently widowed and equally troubled Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) who claims to meet Nikki on occasion and Pat intends to use her as his means of communication. Nothing in life is free and Tiffany, who uses dance for therapy, is looking to partner up with someone for an upcoming dance competition. This could be Pat's ticket to prove to Nikki that he is on the mend. An added motivation is a parlay that has put a lot at stake - his parents home, that he hopes to win back to help them live a dream of opening their restaurant. Changing priorities might just be Pat's saving grace. Fingers crossed!

The movie is light and fun and Robert, Jennifer and Bradley rock this film!     

The Jungle Book (2016)

As the story goes, Mowgli's father is killed by Shere Khan, the ferocious tiger. But this was not before Shere Khan is burnt by the Red Flower, known to attract and entice with its warmth but is notorious for the destruction and havoc it can leave in it's path when unrestrained. A wounded and embittered Shere Khan hightails it, unaware of the little human left in hiding. Bagheera - the panther, a total disciplinarian, finds the orphaned toddler and takes him over to the wolf-pack. Mowgli, the man cub, is brought up by the wolf-pack as one of their own and he grows up firmly believing it - he plays and races with his cub brothers and even howls like one. However once Shere Khan, who has been harboring a deep hatred for the human species sniffs him out, Mowgli is forced to flee. So begins an arduous search of his true identity. With Bagheera by his side Mowgli makes his way to the man village but his path is wrought with danger. He meets the majestic elephants, the creators of the forest. Kaa, the bone-crushing seductress, offers to take him "under her coils". Mowgli befriends Baloo, the friendly and carefree sloth bear. He is kidnapped by the Bandar log and taken to the monkey temple to meet Louie, the gigantic and paw-paw loving monkey-king. But all this is inconsequential until he faces the dreaded Shere Khan.
There have been a few onscreen adaptations of Rudyard Kipling's book but my absolute favorite is the 1967 animated version. It's wonderful how all the animals in this movie have been given such human characters. The story line has not veered too far from the original and with the help of 3D technology this movie though a tad bit scary for the children is a good one for the adults. 👌

What is this movie without the song that spells the very essence of this film.

Happy Thanksgiving ~ 2016 ❤

My little tropical thanksgiving dinner! Cheers!
I am grateful for you all!

The Last Samurai (2003)

Based on past experiences and having faced the atrocities of war, Captain Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise) has been scarred and left with an indelible mark, seeking solace from a bottle. Nearly penniless, he embarks on a mission to sell U.S. arms to Japan in their bid to suppress a rising rebellion from the Samurai against the Japanese Emperor, Emperor Meiji.
Yoshino Province, Japan, Circa 1876. In a camp setup for the sole purpose of training local peasants in modern warfare, Captain Algren leads an inept army against the Samurai. The clash of the samurai swords and guns leaves casualties in its wake but the silent, swift-footed warriors, revered and highly feared, soon strike terror into the hearts of their opponents. The army flees leaving behind their wounded Captain who is soon taken prisoner.
Secluded high up in the mountains in the village of the Samurai, Nathan is held captive at the house of Katsumoto (Ken Watanabe), the Samurai leader. Delirious and ravaged by a fever and recurring nightmares Nathan is nursed backed to health by the beautiful Taka (Koyuki), Katsumoto's sister and the widow of Hirotara, a warrior slain by Algren himself. In an even trade-off, Katsumoto learns more about the enemy through his prisoner and Nathan is soon learning the art of wielding a sword. Nathan begins to truly appreciate the lives, ideologies and the culture of a dying Samurai class.
Will Japan ably embrace modernization without putting to risk losing a rich and deep culture? Who's to tell!

 

I don't know how it took me this long to write about a movie that I love dearly! A beautifully shot Japan, engaging war scenes, a subtle and yet erotic showcase of romance ... Do watch if you haven't already! 

Shut In (2016)

A psychologist working from home, Mary Portman (Naomi Watts) lives in beautiful rural New England. Having been widowed after losing her husband in a car crash she now cares for the survivor of the crash, her stepson, Steven (Charlie Heaton). However looking after Steven, a paralytic confined to a wheelchair, is no mean feat. So Mary finally comes to the difficult decision to send Steven to a home that she believes would do him a world of good.
In an approaching storm and being cut-off from civilization with no power, Mary has the distinct feeling that she and Steven are not alone. There is a presence 👻 ... but can science be the voice of reason or will the belief in the supernatural make a convert of a pundit of science?
What is the mystery surrounding the Portmans' residence?
During this film what incidentally came to my mind was the insane thriller "Don't Breathe".
Oooops ... Did I give away too much now!
The film was alright but was a definite good late night watch. 👀

Gaslight (1940)

After "Rebecca" I am now on a roll and I watched "Gaslight", a movie I'd heard so much about. It is so good that when I was forced to take a break, I was on pin-and-needles until I got back to it.

12 Pimlico Square! Alice Barlow is so busy knitting that she is oblivious to the ominous presence in her house. The cops arrive to only find Alice strangled and her house torn apart. Soon a "to-let" sign is up and that sign stays rooted for many years to come. A couple of decades later, 12 Pimlico Square can now boast residents. Newly wed Paul (Anton Walbrook) and Bella (Diana Wynyard) Mallen make a handsome couple but there is something sinister underlying their relationship. Paul keeps Bella on a short-leash accusing her of going crazy after she supposedly mislays a few objects like a brooch and pocket watch. Try as she may she is unable to account for the mishaps. While inevitably banished to her room she  notices the dimming gaslight and she is aware of spooky footsteps from the attic above.
What is the mystery surrounding 12 Pimlico Square? A gripping film that was way ahead of its time.

While I was doing some reading recently, I was intrigued to come across the term "Gaslighting". All psychologists and psychiatrists will be familiar with the term the definition of which is "an increasing frequency of systematically withholding factual information from, and/or providing false information to, the victim - having the gradual effect of making them anxious, confused, and less able to trust their own memory and perception."
Now I would like to know what came first - was it the movie or the term? 😕 Help please!

Word for the day :-
indolent - wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy

Rebecca (1940)

Rebecca is a thriller by Alfred Hitchcock and the first in his foray into American cinema. It is based on the novel by the same name that was authored by Daphne du Maurier's, in 1938. The movie won 2 academy awards out of 11 nominations and has been one of the best mysteries I have watched to-date.
A young and dumure woman (Joan Fontaine) from a humble background works as a paid companion to the rich Edythe Van Hopper (Florence Bates). While in Monte Carlo she meets the aristocratic and moody widower, Maxim De Winter (Laurence Olivier) and there is an instant attraction. A couple of weeks later they find they are in love and after Maxim proposes, they soon get married.
The wealthy Maxim is the owner of the imposing Manderley Mansion in Cornwall and the new Mrs. de Winter is awed by her new home. However, when she meets the household staff she is struck and is instantly vary after the chilly reception she gets from Mrs. Danvers (Judith Anderson), the housekeeper. Soon Mrs. de Winter realizes that she faces tough competition from the old Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca, who continues to have a strong influence over the house. The eerie Mrs. Danvers makes sure that Rebecca is not forgotten - her monogrammed stationery, pillows, handkerchiefs, a locked wing of the house that housed her room are constant reminders of her elusive presence and add to the mystery surrounding the late Rebecca. Mrs. de Winter soon gets the impression that Maxim is still deeply in love with his dead first wife. Deeply troubled and during her exploration of the surrounding grounds she happens upon a boathouse and therein lies the key to the enigma surrounding Rebecca's death.
The perfect movie to curl up and watch on a cold winter evening. Hats off to Alfred Hitchcock!

Word for the day : -

perfidy - the state of being deceitful and untrustworthy 

A little bit of heaven (2011)

Happy-go-lucky Marley Corbett (Kate Hudson) is diagnosed with colon cancer and the devastating news tears her world apart. While under anesthesia Marley meets God and she is granted three wishes - so she chooses to fly, to win big money and the third ....!
When confronted with the prospect of death, life takes on a whole new meaning. Marley is able to mend fences with her separated parents - a hovering mother and a reserved father;
A close circle of friends form her pillars and see her through the difficult moments as her health steadily fails;
And having always run from the prospect of getting serious in a relationship, she finally falls in love!

This movie could not have turned out any better with Whoopi Goldberg in a cameo and Kate Hudson, who totally rocked. There are moments in the film that tug at the heart and you shed a few tears but what's different and positive is the celebration of love, relationships and life even in death.
There is a beautiful instrumental at the end of the movie but since I could not find that particular video, this one is close.

Happy Dussehra to all!

The rains are slowly retreating and just a day before Dussehra they worked their
magic. Having rained all evening, Dussehra morning dawned sparklingly (is that even a word) bright and beautiful. The weak rays of the rising sun showed off how squeaky clean everything was with the dust mercifully washed off and so giving the fiery orange of the marigold flowers no competition.

Dussehra heralds the start of the best part of the year, the weather is pleasant (bye-bye humidity) without it is being too hot or cold. Dussehra is celebrated with great fervor to signify victory of good over evil and these celebrations vary from region to region all over India. Weapons, tools, all musical instruments, books etc. are honored on that day.
To know more here is a link - Dussehra - Vijayadashami
And soon it will be Diwali, my absolute favorite.  

Just being Audrey! ( 1929-1993)

I was in love the instant I watched "My Fair Lady" (1964), my first Hepburn movie. After I watched Roman Holiday (1953) starring Audrey and Gregory Peck, two of my favorite old-timers, I was impressed. So after Sabrina (1954) and Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), I was a numero uno fan.

To me Pink and Audrey Hepburn go hand in hand - remembering her poise and grace that has ruled hearts from time immemorial.

Pink (2016)

The story is about three friends who are like your every other Indian girl. There is the Feisty Minal Arora ( Taapsee Pannu), a Sensible Falak Ali (Kirti Kulhari) and a rather Timid Andrea (Andrea Tariang). These young working professionals share a flat in a middle-class society in South Delhi.
One eventful evening, the trio attend a rock concert and are later invited to dinner by a group of three friends - Rajveer (Angad Bedi) and his two pals. Against their better judgment the women accompany the men to a resort close to the concert venue and soon the drinks begin to flow. However, the carousing does not end well when Rajveer tries to molest Minal and he is left bleeding copiously and in danger of losing an eye. The girls manage to escape by the skin of their teeth but barely ..... Rajveer is from a family with strong political connections and soon the girls start receiving threatening phone calls, they are stalked and almost evicted from their rental. To make a point Minal is abducted and molested by Rajveer's friends and the girls decide to fight back. Their neighbor, famous retired lawyer - Deepak Sehgal (Amitabh Bachchan) who has been diagnosed bipolar, approaches the girls and offers to help fight their case. And like they say - The rest is history!
Amitabh Bachachan, the veteran star has delivered an intense performance, leaving his audience mesmerized with his larger-than life screen presence,  his resonating voice and managing to bring home a poignant social message. I absolutely loved his "handbook for women". There was not a soul at the theater who did not clap or cheer during and after the film.
Kudos to director Aniruddha Roy Chowdury for successfully delivering a movie that just needed to be made.

I always stay back to read the credits knowing that the movie is not what it is were it not for all the names that appear in the finest print. Imagine my surprise when my patience was rewarded at the pièce de résistance, served at the very end.
Extremely powerful and moving!

Word for the day :-
querulous - complaining in a rather petulant or whining manner

Shanti - The power and beauty of Silence!

Painting by Texas Artist Laurie Justus Pace   

                           
            Shanti – Meaning: Silence! But what does this word mean to each one of us?

            To me…? Well, it changed my life! This is an old story for which I had to delve deep into my archives ....

             Shanti was a non-descript lady … Old, bent over with age, with a head full of white hair and a face so heavily lined with the sun over the years, they seemed to tell a story of their own …. And yet, to me she had a beautiful face that always smiled and never once showed the pain that was a part of her life, her being … like the very air that she breathed.                                                

Shanti lived in the same neighborhood as me. For years we would meet while taking our walks and we’d stop for a moment to say a quick hello, share a laugh … and then be on our way.  This was a routine for as long as I can remember and for some reason if I wouldn’t see her or she me, we would ask around and make sure all was well.

There wasn’t a whole lot I knew about her, except for the fact that she loved flowers, the ones in red were her favorite. And she loved sweets, jalebis to be a bit specific.

Shanti was a domestic help with the Sharmas who reside in my neighborhood. She was brought in to take care of the little ones in the family. This was over 20 years ago. With time, the ‘little ones’ had flown the nest and here she was feeling like the very essence of her life was over.                         

This once ... time seemed to have eluded me and it was weeks before I realized that Shanti was not around. When I asked for her, I was told that she was she was in an old-age home. Shocked, I made a mental note to pay her a visit.

It was two weeks later that I could actually go pay her a visit, armed with a bunch of red roses and some jalebis. I entered ‘Eventide’, a bit apprehensively, not sure what to expect. I was conscious of the curious stares I got from many and after asking my way around, I found myself in a little room. There she was … on a rocking chair, looking forlorn. My heart went out to her and for a second all I could do was stand and watch, she seemed so old and vulnerable. On hearing my voice she whipped around, joy radiating from her face and laughter twinkling in her eyes. She hugged the flowers I gave her and squirreled the sweets away for later. And then we talked like there was no tomorrow… She needed someone to listen to her. And I did just that!  Before I knew it two hours had flown by. It was the best two hours of my life. Sadly I had to say good-bye, with a promise that I would visit again. I did. It was not at ‘Eventide’ but at the hospital. She was covered in tubes, with machines beeping around her. Despite it all, she looked at me and smiled. She whispered a ‘Thank-You’. Two magical words! For a second I was confused. Then like a light bulb going off in my head I knew what I had to do.

I have a grandmother at home, whom I’d barely spoken five words to in a long time. When I visited I listened, once again! I thought of all the years she looked after me, lovingly wiping my tears, washing my wounds when I would fall and being my counselor, through all of life’s highs and lows, never letting go or giving up … All those memories came rushing back. I hugged her and told her I loved her.             

Shanti was gone soon after. And I sent up a silent prayer.

There is someone in our life we need to reach out to. Touch a life today; make a difference … as “time and tide waits for no man”.

Thandi Hawa Yeh Chandni Suhani - Jhumroo Songs - Kishore Kumar and Madhubala

Remembering the yodel king of Hindi Cinema, yesteryear star Kishore Kumar.
My heart sings when I hear this song making this one of my happy numbers. 😆

The Magnificent Seven (2016)

The past few weeks have been brutally busy and so a movie sounded like a good idea this weekend and "The Magnificent Seven" won the coin toss amongst the other releases.

The year is 1879 and in Rose Creek, a small community of farmers, people live simple and peaceful lives. However, corrupt industrialist Bartholomew Bogue (Peter Sarsgaard) has his sights on the little town and he offers a pittance to buy the land from the locals. Bogue threatens and follows up to prove his intent and Emma Cullen's husband is one of the few shot in cold blood. Bogue leaves with the threat of returning after 3 weeks to claim what he deems is now his.
Emma seeks revenge and she leaves town in search of someone who can help. She meets warrant officer Sam Chisolm (Denzel Washington) who initially declines to help but changes his mind when he hears about the gruesome murders. He begins a search for and gradually gathers a motley crew of talented gunslingers and fighters. Emma and the group return to Rose Creek  and begin to train the townsfolk and create a plan of attack.
The day arrives and the dreaded roar of approaching horse's hooves heralds Bogue's arrival with his army. What starts out as a victory for the people of Rose Creek soon turns into a massacre when Bogue brings out the heavy artillery. The simple revolvers, colts and shotguns are no match ... Will the people of Rose Creek stand to lose it all - after all? Will Emma get her revenge?
I haven't watched the original from 1960 but I did love this movie and what came to mind were old Western classics that we would hire from the local video store when we were little - "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (1966), "Hang 'Em High" (1968), "Mackenna's Gold" (1969) ... and so comparitively I found this movie a little too pretty, so visually appealing, as compared to the above mentioned classics. But I can't complain -  Denzel dressed in black and donning a cowboy hat - has never looked more suave, Josh Faraday (Chris Pratt) the hustler looked debonair, Goodnight Robicheaux ( good ole Ethan Hawke) as the sniper, the religious Vincent D'Onofrio (Jack Horne) the tracker, Billy Rocks (Byung-hun Lee) the knife slinger, Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and his beautiful accent is the Mexican outlaw and Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier), the loner is the ace archer. Eye-Candy for the girls.
And as the French would say - " Tout simplement magnifique"  ... And it's money well spent!

A all-time Oaters!

Word for the day :-
febrile - having or showing the symptoms of a fever

Blackbeards Ghost 👻 (1968)

Godolphin College has a track team replete with misfits. Steve (Dean Jones), their new track coach arrives at the little coastal town blissfully unaware of the challenge ahead of him. On his first night he attends a charity bazaar at the Blackbeard's Inn, hosted by the Daughters of the Buccaneers (the surviving descendants of the Pirate's crew). All proceeds gathered will go towards paying off the mortgage on the inn or else risk losing it to Silky Seymour (Joby Baker), the local crime boss. He has elaborate plans of replacing the decaying inn with a casino.
At the auction Steve wins a bed-warmer that was previously owned by Aldetha, believed to have been a witch and the 10th wife of the notorious pirate Blackbeard (Peter Ustinov). Steve happens upon a scroll hidden in the handle of the bed-warmer and unbeknownst of what might happen he reads out the spell, unleashing Blackbeard's ghost that is trapped in limbo. Blackbeard's only hope of freedom is to perform one good deed. He is brash, has a fondness for rum and is an avid gambler! To top that he is a ghost only his new friend Steve can see. An honest Steve who believes in playing by the rules is inspired to use Blackbeard's unseen presence to help the weak Godolphin track team win the meet and use the reward money won in a bet to pay off the mortgage. That's two birds with one stone - a good deed and liberation from an age-old curse.
A warning here, watch out before you recite the spell - "Kree kruh vergo gebba kalto kree"....
The outcome is hilarious and a total riot and you've got to love Walt Disney!

Here is one clip of what's in store ... This you can't miss!




Word for the day :-
indolent - wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy

Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) - Auld Lang Syne

4 lifelong friends who couldn't be more different - Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) - successful writer, Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) - lawyer, Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) - agent for the stars and Charlotte Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) - happily married. All the four friends have been there for each other through thick and thin and this is their story ...
Carrie is dating John James Preston, aka Big (Chris Noth) for 10 years now and for practical reasons it seems the perfect time to tie the knot.
Way back when Miranda was dating Steve (David Eigenberg) she got pregnant and they got married. When Brady was born they moved to Brooklyn. But their marriage is on the line when Steve confesses to Miranda that he had an affair.
Samantha, the fiercely independent one, now knocking fifty - decides to follow Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis) to the West Coast. But waiting for a man is not her cup of tea.
The only one who seems to be living her fairytale is Charlotte - she fell in love, got married and is finally pregnant.
At Big and Carrie's rehearsal dinner, an overwrought Miranda says a thing or two to Big and having been married twice before Big is spooked. It comes as a nasty surprise to Carrie when she is left waiting at the altar dressed in a couture wedding dress and no Big in sight. Jilted, humiliated and hurt this seems like the end of Carrie's and Big's love story!
But as Valentine's Day rolls around secrets are out in the open. Will there be a fairytale ending where everyone lives happily ever after?



My numero uno chick flick! Totally magical and every girl's dream - Fashion, Friendship and Love from Manhattan to Brooklyn to LA ...

Word for the day :-
narcissism - excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one's physical appearance

Το Sir With Love - Lulu (Lyrics) 1967

In India we've been celebrating the 5th of September as 'Teacher's Day' since 1962. This is to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a distinguished scholar. And I know I am a few weeks late but this is to all us teachers out there!

Dashing Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) is an engineer on the lookout of a job. In the mean time he applies for and gets the post of a teacher at the North Quay Secondary School, London. The neighborhood is rough and the students are tough, mostly rejects from other schools. Almost all of Mark's colleagues and co-teachers have given up any hope of the students doing much with their lives, let alone get through high school. Mark has a challenge on his hands. With immense calm and patience he is able to make men out of errant boys and ladies out of indisciplined girls. A whole year later and as luck would have it Mark gets the engineering job he was seeking.
But after a successful year at North Quay Secondary, what will Mark choose to do?

The title song of the film was sung by Lulu and "To Sir, with Love" is where she made her acting debut. This song topped the US Pop Charts for five weeks.

Touching and beautiful and another one of my favorite movies!

Word for the day :-
coruscating - flashing; sparkling as in "a coruscating kaleidoscope of colors"

Tom Sawyer (1938)

I know this movie goes way back, but it's precious. Growing up, I've watched it countless times and believe me, it never gets old. Cuteness factor on a scale of 1 to 10 - a mighty 10! The movie Tom Sawyer is based on the 1876 novel by Mark Twain. And I for one love the 1938 version!
Tom Sawyer (Tommy Kelly) lives with his aunt Polly, half-brother Sid and cousin Mary and as adorable as Tom is, he is high up on the mischief quotient. Aunt Polly keeps a hawk's eye on him and rightfully so - playing hooky from school, running away from home, getting the kids in town to paint the fence and getting paid in return to do so and such audacious mischief ... When Tom sets eyes on the beautiful Rebecca Thatcher, the daughter of the newly appointed county magistrate who's just moved to town, he is instantly smitten.
Things turn sinister when Tom sneaks away one night and visits the graveyard with his friend, Huckleberry Finn, convinced they have a remedy to cure warts. However they soon realize that they are not alone. Hidden amongst the branches of a tree, they see Dr. Robinson with Potter and Injun Joe, the two hired help to steal bodies. Injun Joe attempts to blackmail Dr. Robinson and in an ensuing scuffle Dr. Robinson is murdered. As a witness to this crime Tom testifies against the infamous Joe who is soon on the run.
During a class picnic to McDougal's Cave, a place rumored to have hidden pirate

treasure, the newly engaged Becky and Tom wander off from the rest of the group and are lost in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels. But they are not alone! It's a run for their life with a rewarding escape.
An amazingly fun movie - a perfect blend of laughs, mystery and romance.

Word for the day :-
fallible - capable of making mistakes or being wrong

Chef (2014)

Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) is a gifted cook but his culinary talents feel restrained at the Gauloise in California, where he is head chef. The food that he is being forced to cook and serve at the restaurant for about 10 years now has turned boring and predictable. The repeated classics have caused food critic, Ramsey Michel (Oliver Platt) to publicly criticize Carl's work and after a heated altercation with Ramsey and Riva (Dustin Hoffman) his boss and restaurant owner, Carl quits his job. Carl who is divorced feels he has failed as a father, he is old with no money and now no job! Down and out of his luck a fortuitous visit to Miami, rekindles of his love for Cuban food. And hence the birth of food truck, El Jefe. With some help from his ex-wife, Inez (Sofia Vergara) and her ex-husband Marvin (Robert Downey Jr.) Carl is soon selling good, wholesome Cuban food. He is travelling across the country with  his good friend and cook Martin (John Leguizamo) and his son Percy (Emjay Anthony). El Jefe is soon a household name and what started out as a seeming disaster is his window of opportunity. A successful restaurant, a great relationship with his son and the probability of finding love again!!!  How good can it get!
Funny and playful, Jon Favreau as both director and actor has served a gastronomic masterpiece and has nailed it!  

The Intern (2015)

Ben Wittaker (Robert DeNiro) continues to live his retired life with a military precision, honoring a time bound schedule. He should be enjoying his retired life but sadly that is not the case! Boredom threatens to smother him until he happens upon an advertisement at the local grocers. A fashion start-up, "About the Fit" is looking for senior interns for an outreach program. Ben doesn't need any goading and he is soon waiting to be interviewed. Upon selection, Ben is informed that he will be mentored by the seemingly formidable Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway), the CEO. But at the very onset, Jules finds Ben unsettling although Ben's perceptiveness soon makes him popular among his colleagues. His doggedness though win her over, and Ben is promoted to personal assistant. But an insightful Ben soon notices fissures in Jules seemingly uber-successful life. The company's charts do not scream the huge profits that were predicted and Jules is torn with the fact that they may have to hire a new CEO. Her seemingly happy family seems to be tottering on the verge of collapse leaving Jules grappling with time constraints. Unable to spend quality time with her adorable daughter, Paige and her husband, Matt (Anders Holm) Ben is soon privy to the fact that Matt, a stay-at-home dad who gave up a successful career in marketing, is having an affair.
Jules and Ben form a bond like no other, helping the other grow! So the big question is -  who is mentoring whom?

A warm film that gives you a deep insight into human relationships, proving that we all need one another and we cannot stand alone.  

Word for the day :-

bacchanalia - drunken celebrations

Gandhi (1982)

I could never do justice to a review on the movie that aptly portrays the life and times of the great man, Mahatma Gandhi! Over my lifetime I have watched Gandhi on numerous occasions and there have been too many to count. That being said, I can hear my family groan if I tune in to the movie telecast on television. But that does not deter me in the least.

The year is 1893. A life-changing and soon to become a defining moment in world history took place. A young Mohandas Gandhi, an Indian barrister, all of 23 years and educated in London was travelling in a train. Holding a first class ticket, and looking forward to his new work assignment in this different land - South Africa, he was comfortable in his first-class compartment. Despite having a first class ticket he was asked to vacate the first class owing to the color of his skin or be thrown off the train. By his refusal to give up his rightful seat, he chose the latter. He was deeply disturbed by this episode and decided to fight against racial discrimination that was prevalent in the South Africa of the day. He was able to draw attention to his work and the support of the local prosperous but suppressed Indian community

Gandhi subsequently returns to India and embarks on a path of self realization and satyagraha (a policy of passive political resistance - as defined by Oxford Dictionary) and the non-cooperation movement fought towards India's independence. His simplicity and struggles earned him the name, Bapu - Father of the Nation. As they say, the rest is history! The movie though long, is riveting.
Gandhi was nominated for the Academy Awards in 1982, in 11 categories. It won in 8 categories, including the Best Actor award by Ben Kingsley.

 

Just as summer and the heat were to set in we paid a visit to Aga Khan Palace, Pune.
This was a place that played a pivotal role in the life of Bapu. This was where he, his wife - Kasturba Gandhi  and his secretary were under house arrest , during the Indian Freedom movement. The palace is a memorial (Samadhi) to the ashes of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai (Gandhi's Secretary).

Reflection Song: Whatsoever You Do

My maternal grandparents were staunch supporters for an assortment of causes. They were there to lend a hand to their church and community, financially supporting institutions like the blind school, hard up students studying in seminaries, the school for the deaf ... all these were the few I knew of. I was grandpa's self-appointed "mailman", only too happy to mail his letters, pick up stamps when he would run out and I didn't mind ferrying the mail to him as soon as it would arrive. There seemed to be so much in the mail and at times I would wonder what a retired man was doing to receive all this correspondence. When my grandpa passed and news spread to all those far-and-wide, we were inundated with mail. These letters were from the strangest places all of them passing on to the grieving family their condolences. We were taken aback when we realized the numerous causes he was involved with. By nature he was stoic and self-effacing! Characteristics I've tried to imbibe. In my own little way, I strived to do my best. If I could only go back in time for just a moment, I would love to see him bent at his desk nursing his glass of Wincarnis deeply buried in a book ..

A man at a Desk - Leopold von Kalckreuth,

The National Museum in Warsaw

My tooth-fairy was pretty generous, let me tell you. I had accumulated quite the packet by the time my last milk tooth bid farewell. Our school would take us to an orphanage annually where we would spend the day and I would return home grateful and humbled by the experience. Without any qualms whatsoever I was convinced this was where I wanted to deploy my kitty. As little as that was, I hoped I made a difference.
We are all angels and are unaware of the impact we make in this world, in our own way - a smile, a kind word, a helping hand ... ! To all the blessed people reading this, continue to make a difference and stay blessed!

Here is one of my favorite hymns -

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” - Mother Teresa

On 4th September, 2016 Mother Teresa was canonized a saint at the Vatican. What a blessed, happy and proud moment that was! Ironically, I am a parishioner at Mother Teresa Parish and we had a joyous and grand celebration to commemorate the saintly life of a wonderful person. The homily delivered at mass reminded us that you do not need great qualifications to achieve the greatest and Mother Teresa was a testament to that truth. We, as a nation were blessed that an Albanian born Roman Catholic nun chose to call India her home and dedicated her life to helping the poor, especially the down-trodden of society. She was a beacon of hope in a sea of poverty, loneliness and rejection - seeing God in all human suffering. She radiated warmth, love and compassion - having touched numerous lives all over the globe with her simplicity and devoutness, even 19 years after her passing.
Our generation is lucky to have witnessed a saintly life in our midst..

I took a moment to look up one of my favorite poems that I thought was apt. -

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN  by Robert Frost                                      

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,                                              
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,          

And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.                            

Abduction - Robin Cook

I have read most of Robin Cook's medical thrillers and was skeptical about this book; "Abduction", a story that has taken a foray into the Parallel Universe, a topic that is far removed from Dr. Cook's medical expertise.
A team of researchers have taken a dive into the Atlantic in their submersible and they find themselves trapped in an underwater volcano. This is their gateway to a world unknown to man as he knows it - a world technologically far advanced and a place that is home to genetically engineered  and physically near perfect humans. This is the land of "milk and honey"! These "first-generation humans", from millions of years ago, had to find a place to live before Earth was wiped clean in a meteoric crash. Ever since they have lived peaceful and fulfilled lives, removed from the plague of violence. Their lives are a secret from the earthlings and the constant monitoring of life on Earth is to ensure their safety in anonymity. The abductions of these "secondary humans" is to prove just that! Will the abductees be able to call this heaven home?

I have heard how time and space exists, and its is only our perception that moves through time and space. A concept that is difficult to get my mind around. You've got to read this book to find out more. It's insanely good and the master of suspense has given the usual unpredictable and nail-biting finish. I was done with the book in a few days, to prove that.

Huh!! What the .... ???

Following is a link to help you understand the concept a bit better. The theory may be too elaborate for a lay person, like me, but I hope this helps a little!
how stuff works - warp speed

In A New York Minute - The Eagles

We are all constantly chasing after something and as time skips merrily along, a little too fast at times, the years roll on by in the blink of an eye and it could be over before we know it.

Occasionally we need to settle down, even if only for a minute - to watch the sunrise, feel the breeze, smell the coffee, listen to the birds .... whatever your heart fancies - 

and essentially give ear to nature as it gives it's speech to us in a million ways.

We are surrounded with so much beauty, it's right here and we forget we don't need big bucks to appreciate them.
Go on have a smashing day!

"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people" - Victor Borge

There was a time I was tutoring 5 year olds. And believe me, those were the most rewarding and fulfilling, happening and exciting moments that I've had. You could never predict what was coming next!
Exams were looming, which was a stressful time for me, as I'm sure many of you have experienced. And this particular day, we were learning our opposites. With fingers crossed and after an exhausting practice session, we began our review. It was simply stating the opposite of a word and using them in a sentence as an example.
The following was the ensuing conversation -
Me - "Can you give me the opposite of tall accompanied with a sentence?"
Student - "Short. I am tall and he is short."

Me - "Very good! Now the opposite of high is ... "
Student - "Low! The ceiling is high and the floor is low."

A high-five later -
Me - "Now who can give me the opposite of "dark"?
Student - "Light! When it's dark out we must turn on the light!"
Fair enough! I could heave a huge sigh of relief ....

And here is the cincher!!                                                                        

That is hubby dearest and me after that lesson!

Me - "What is the opposite of thin?"

In a New York minute - out popped the answer!

Hold your breath for this one ....

Student - "Fat! You are fat and we are thin!"

A pat on the back to me for getting through that with a straight face and with the utmost patience.

Mind you, I didn't hand out any candy or stickers after that session ......

The Karate Kid (2010)

Haven't we watched at least one of "the Karate Kid" movies that have been made since 1984? But I want to particularly write about my favorite starring Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. I'm pretty biased, considering I can watch my favorite martial arts star - Jackie Chan and his famed moves and a beautiful China, of course.

As the story goes, which does nor veer too far from the original - give or take a few details to keep it new and interesting, Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) moves from Detroit, Michigan to Beijing, China owing to his mother's job. As exciting as the new place is he soon encounters bullies who are trained in kung-fu. He seeks the help of a maintenance man, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) from the apartment complex where he lives. Dre Parker who has an issue with keeping his jacket off the floor soon begins a journey of self-discovery, discipline and respect.

 All of 12 years Jaden shows off a six pack while he comfortably does his splits and he takes your breath away while he trains on the Wall of China and by the  splendid Wudang Mountains.

Truly the best, 1984

Who could forget Miyagi (Pat Morita) and him teaching Daniel kung-fu through what may seem mundane and menial tasks - like waxing the car, sanding down the patio, painting the fence, the house .....

Just a mention, while I was living in Vegas I was lucky to see the Mr. Noriyuki "Pat" Morita shopping on occasion, serene as ever, at the Smiths' on Rancho Dr. close to where he lived.
An image snapped, locked and stored in my memory.

I don't know how she does it (2011)

It is the 21st Century and we still seem to live in a misogynistic world. Kate Reddy is here to prove that women can successfully do what men can and do it even better! 

Kate (Sarah Jessica Parker) is a wife, a mother of two and a finance executive with an investment banking firm in Boston. She seems to be able to do it all  and is a powerhouse of efficiency, diligence and energy. She is a devoted wife, a loving mother who plans birthday parties and an accomplished employee who can deliver powerful power-point presentations, winning projects for the firm she works for. Her husband (Greg Kinnear) fondly calls her the "juggler". However, can Kate successfully keep all her plates spinning and not bring them crashing down?
Are you working hard and in need of a break? You've got to dial the baby-sitter or find a play-date and call the girls over, sit down with this adorable flick, kick-back and relax.

Salud to all hard-working women and working mums

The Fields of Athenry ( lyrics )

I attended a private school founded by Irish nuns and one that flourished under their tutelage. And that would explain why we were partial to the Irish and their deep, mellisonant songs. We would sing a popular few during music class when we wanted to break the monotony from the demanding practice schedules. 
I was lucky to visit Ireland some years ago and I instantly fell in love with the beautiful Emerald Isle. I was looking through some pictures we had clicked, fondly remembering the lush, rolling hills dotted with sheep, enchanting gabled homes, a cold glass of Guinness and the hearty Irish breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, a fried tomato and pudding. Oh the Memories!

Here is a song I love and one I would like to share ...

Helen Keller ~ “Happiness depends upon ourselves.”

It's been raining for a few days now and there is no sign of the rain letting up. Am I actually missing the sun? I can't answer that, considering how over the last few months the sun has been sucking the life-blood out of everything. Maybe I do miss it a little if only to just dry things up a bit. If you know Indian monsoons then you know the mess they can create and I was lucky to be home, sipping a warming, delicious cup of tomato soup when I heard a voice call out.

A quick peek out the window told me it was the local vegetable vendor. This is luxury as I get veggies home, it's super fresh, as it comes directly from neighboring farms and to top it all it's pocket friendly! That was incentive enough for me to grab my raincoat, shoes and some change. What a mess the whole place was but I plodded on. After looking around a bit I sighted a diminutive woman bearing a huge load over her head, now seeking shelter from the rain. On close inspection I noticed she was young and tiny, making the bundle she carried seem too much of a burden. I began making my selection of the beautiful greens and was careful with the whole pile that was precariously placed. That is exactly when Murphy's law decides to kick-in - the bundles chose to topple over that very moment. Oh My God, I wanted to scream!
Before I could do anything, though, out of nowhere two little hands grabbed the fallen lot and handed me one.Only then did I see the sweetest little kid that I had seen in a while. He was tiny, just like his mum, tanned and dressed all prim and proper, hair combed with not a strand out of place. What grabbed me was the sweetest, heart-melting smile and tiny but sparkling, impish eyes. The little bundle of dill that he held out to me, for that quick instant seemed like a beautiful bunch of  flowers.
I was amazed that despite all odds the smile that radiated from that little person was the truest, purest and the happiest one that I had seen in a while; replete with childlike openness, innocence and pure joy. A smile the likes of which I hadn't seen in a long while and one that I was not likely to forget any time soon.

I often say a quick prayer of thanks whenever I get a moment that grabs me. That was one such moment. I had to remind myself of all that I had and all that I should be grateful for;  Cherishing moments and appreciating little joys and the good things that come my way. I must remember to smile, even though all occasions would not necessarily call for one.

I said a quick prayer for that little one and silently thanked him for the lesson he had taught me that day.
"“Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” - Aristotle

I absolutely love this picture and I just had to share it