Last week I blogged about my feelings regarding Thanksgiving. Yesterday I had a talk with Christina regarding Thanksgiving and Christmas. After I shared my point of view with her, even she was surprised because she never saw thanksgiving the way I did.
And, then we discussed about Christmas and related it to Thanksgiving. And in someways we found Thanksgiving to bring people closer than Christmas.
Sometimes we don't notice such small things in our lives. We always see the magnitude of larger things and miss minute things. So its time that we cherish these small gifts that we get.
Showing posts with label Varun Suchday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Varun Suchday. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Movie
I forgot the name of the movie showed last to last week. But, I totally enjoyed it. All the characters were great. And the whole movie was about small signs in the movie. I got most of them and the professor also explained all of them. The movie exploited many different plots of life. It showed us to enjoy the little things that life gives us. There is no point in running the rat race. We need to live fully. Another key lesson it teaches is that noone is to be trusted. Everyone is a con artist out there. And love makes people blind. But, we are not supposed to get blinded by emotions. On the other hand, it also shows that we shouldnt be all cons. We should care about others too.
The girl's part reminded me of Oedipus and Jocasta. They were blinded by their love. And, they didn't noticed the obvious signs. The Con-Man seems like Claudius and Queen. They both fooled King Hamlet and tricked Prince Hamlet too. So, that movie in many ways portrays essence that we read in the other plays
The girl's part reminded me of Oedipus and Jocasta. They were blinded by their love. And, they didn't noticed the obvious signs. The Con-Man seems like Claudius and Queen. They both fooled King Hamlet and tricked Prince Hamlet too. So, that movie in many ways portrays essence that we read in the other plays
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Giselle vs Chris
I can't forget the debate between Chris and Giselle couple of weeks ago regarding common dorms. Chris rooted for common dorms saying that it is a necessary requirement. Well, I am not against common rooms but I feel that it is not a necessity. And Giselle was completely against it. The arguments she produced were logical and I think Chris' point were more instinctive than practical.
The observing point was that both were arguing from different cultural perspective. South Americans, like Asians and Africans price in a culture based on gender roles. All the cultures are moving forward but live-in is little too early to swallow. On the other hand, American and European culture has broken all the barriers. So, it was clash of opposite cults. And, both were right from their point of view
The observing point was that both were arguing from different cultural perspective. South Americans, like Asians and Africans price in a culture based on gender roles. All the cultures are moving forward but live-in is little too early to swallow. On the other hand, American and European culture has broken all the barriers. So, it was clash of opposite cults. And, both were right from their point of view
Columbia State University Dorms
The professor discussed about the dorms in different colleges. In stony brook we don't have Co-Ed dorms. That is the dorms are not shared by guys and girls. Then professor mentioned Columbia University and how they have common dorms. He stated that its a class difference that is preventing Stony Brook from having common dorms.
I don't feel so. I think Columbia University permits common dorms just to prove that it runs with time. Nowadays the difference between guys and girls is diminishing. And, Columbia is trying to prove that it is uber cool. That is not the case. According to me there is no need of common dorms. I think it will create trouble as in guys are not clean and girls are ultra. So there will be differences between both on that. Even though common dorms are not permitted still guys or girls coming over aint restricted. Hence, what is the need of common dorms?
I don't feel so. I think Columbia University permits common dorms just to prove that it runs with time. Nowadays the difference between guys and girls is diminishing. And, Columbia is trying to prove that it is uber cool. That is not the case. According to me there is no need of common dorms. I think it will create trouble as in guys are not clean and girls are ultra. So there will be differences between both on that. Even though common dorms are not permitted still guys or girls coming over aint restricted. Hence, what is the need of common dorms?
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. Being a foreigner, I find this festival essential to the American life. The fabric of family is rather little loose in American families as compared to other countries. So, this festival acts as a bonding agent for the families. Loved ones from all around the country come back to their homes for Thanksgiving. The sight of all the family members sitting at the dining table, chit-chatting, sharing their daily lives, catching up on lost time. All these scenarios play a key role in keeping the family together.
I feel that we need few more such festivals. I know we have Christmas. But, we should have couple more such festivals. This will help the families communicate more. They will benefit the individuals as they will share few happy moments with their near and dear ones. After Christmas, this is the festival that I enjoy the most.
I feel that we need few more such festivals. I know we have Christmas. But, we should have couple more such festivals. This will help the families communicate more. They will benefit the individuals as they will share few happy moments with their near and dear ones. After Christmas, this is the festival that I enjoy the most.
Tennis
Recently, I came across an amazing fact in the world of tennis. Wimbledon is considered the most important grand slam of all four grand slams. The prize money of Wimbledon was recently increased. Now, the winner of Men's singles title will get prize money of $1 million. On the other hand, the winner of women's singles title will get $750,000.
Now, isn't that blatant sexism on the part of the organizers?
Why such a discrimination in prize money? Men and Women players both put equal effort in the game. Both go through the same pains. Then why do Men get more? Some might argue that men play 5 sets while women have 3 set games. So, change the rules and make women play 5 too. I doubt that women will complain playing 2 more sets if they get equal money as men. World Tennis Association needs to decide fast and make necessary changes.
Now, isn't that blatant sexism on the part of the organizers?
Why such a discrimination in prize money? Men and Women players both put equal effort in the game. Both go through the same pains. Then why do Men get more? Some might argue that men play 5 sets while women have 3 set games. So, change the rules and make women play 5 too. I doubt that women will complain playing 2 more sets if they get equal money as men. World Tennis Association needs to decide fast and make necessary changes.
First Class After Scavenger
I was more than excited to see the reaction of the class after the Scavenger hunt goof up. I was waiting for bullets to fly freely. And infact they did. The debate between Chris, Charise, Giselle and Rita Mary was intense. The ladies were fully accusing us of cheating and foul play and guys on my team were defending their actions by calling them an act to win the game.
I wasn't concerned about the outcome, I was amazed to see the 'Battle Of Sexes' going on in front of me. All through the semester we discussed sexism and its presence in modern day life. I keenly noticed that girls on our side were quiet and guys on the other team were silent too. So out and out it was a fight between men and women. And, it was fight on a silly thing between educated people. Still, noone was ready to throw the weapons.
I wasn't concerned about the outcome, I was amazed to see the 'Battle Of Sexes' going on in front of me. All through the semester we discussed sexism and its presence in modern day life. I keenly noticed that girls on our side were quiet and guys on the other team were silent too. So out and out it was a fight between men and women. And, it was fight on a silly thing between educated people. Still, noone was ready to throw the weapons.
Post Scavenger Hunt
If the events during the scavenger hunt were fascinating, it got even better after the game. My team had a team meeting after the game was over. We knew few had gone rogue so we din invite them. Rest were all confronted and I was chosen to be the most trustworthy. (Felt so good) Chris decided to change the password thus disabling the other team to post any blogs. It sounded like a dirty trick, but the game was meant to be dirty.
So I agreed and changed the password. And whatever followed was havoc. Everyone tried to log in and were denied thus creating chaos. I think the person who gained the most by this is Professor Baldwin. Because he proved rightly how humans behave by giving us a practical example. It cleared the air around us and made us believe in the reality about human behavior.
So I agreed and changed the password. And whatever followed was havoc. Everyone tried to log in and were denied thus creating chaos. I think the person who gained the most by this is Professor Baldwin. Because he proved rightly how humans behave by giving us a practical example. It cleared the air around us and made us believe in the reality about human behavior.
Scavenger Hunt
What a great scavenger hunt we had. I think the full credit goes to Professor Baldwin for such a masterstroke. He planned it perfectly by making it an open ended contest.
It was left on the teams and players to call the shots. As we saw right from the beginning, plans were set in motion. Everyone hid their hints carefully. But, hiding them wasnt important. Importance was about keeping yer team mates intact. This was no cake walk as we so it was every man for himself and no-one was to be trusted.
Isn't this the truth of life and human Psyche? It is impossible to trust anyone. After the hints were hidden, people started searching for them; as well as searching for some way to default. I noticed many crossing the line and going rogue. But, when faced with the question they all acted innocently. I think this one game gave idea of human psych very accurately
It was left on the teams and players to call the shots. As we saw right from the beginning, plans were set in motion. Everyone hid their hints carefully. But, hiding them wasnt important. Importance was about keeping yer team mates intact. This was no cake walk as we so it was every man for himself and no-one was to be trusted.
Isn't this the truth of life and human Psyche? It is impossible to trust anyone. After the hints were hidden, people started searching for them; as well as searching for some way to default. I noticed many crossing the line and going rogue. But, when faced with the question they all acted innocently. I think this one game gave idea of human psych very accurately
Friday, October 29, 2010
Party Dilemma
Two weeks back my friend threw birthday party. The party was at his house. There was some trouble regarding the invitees. My friend invited Athena, one of his friend. Now, Athena turned out to be his roommate's X-GF. And, his current GF obviously didn't want her presence in the party.
So my buddy was in dilemma. He brought this problem to all of us.
At that time I thought of Hamlet. If such a small matter bothered us then what Hamlet went through at such a young age was too much. No wonder he was struck in middle of nowhere. Eventually, he followed his instincts and did the right thing. My friend did similarly. He said he has to live with his roommate all the time so he has to listen to him. Hence, he didnt invite his friend(roomies' X). I dont know whether it turned out to be the right decision or nt.
So my buddy was in dilemma. He brought this problem to all of us.
At that time I thought of Hamlet. If such a small matter bothered us then what Hamlet went through at such a young age was too much. No wonder he was struck in middle of nowhere. Eventually, he followed his instincts and did the right thing. My friend did similarly. He said he has to live with his roommate all the time so he has to listen to him. Hence, he didnt invite his friend(roomies' X). I dont know whether it turned out to be the right decision or nt.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
24 Season 1
I just finished watching the 24 Season 1. The end sparked a new thought inside my head. In the end Nina Mayers, one of the CTU agent turned rogue. She used to date Jack Baur before Baur moved back with his wife. So, revenge priority for Nina. She broke all the rules she could, and bend all the strings she could and finally extracted revenge by killing Baur's wife.
The crucial problem with women is, lack of unity amongst them. It is very easy to break them. And many a times men take advantage of this. If women wanna attain equal status as men they need to unify. They need to understand that there will always be problems between them but they need to ignore them and move on. Throughout the 24 series, the men continuously opened the wounds of Nina and Terry(Jack's wife). They never let both of them cooperate and communicate.
So Women need to learn lessons from past and must get rid of their problems
The crucial problem with women is, lack of unity amongst them. It is very easy to break them. And many a times men take advantage of this. If women wanna attain equal status as men they need to unify. They need to understand that there will always be problems between them but they need to ignore them and move on. Throughout the 24 series, the men continuously opened the wounds of Nina and Terry(Jack's wife). They never let both of them cooperate and communicate.
So Women need to learn lessons from past and must get rid of their problems
Sex for survival
Men can me omni-potent, alpha and ultra powerful. But, every men has one weakness: Sex.
Women know this very well. And, women even use it smartly to get what they want. It is like the 'Dog and the Bone'. They put forward the bone, the dog enters and the cage closes. Although the bone tastes good, but the cage starts biting soon.
Both the women in the movie knew; they needed the Man who returned from war; for their own survival and prosperity. The young woman seduced him and he fell for her. The old woman saw this and she threw her dice too. It didn't work but that didn't discourage her. She kept trying until she was helpless. In short both the lady knew their solo survival is difficult and they went in the shade of the Man.
Women know this very well. And, women even use it smartly to get what they want. It is like the 'Dog and the Bone'. They put forward the bone, the dog enters and the cage closes. Although the bone tastes good, but the cage starts biting soon.
Both the women in the movie knew; they needed the Man who returned from war; for their own survival and prosperity. The young woman seduced him and he fell for her. The old woman saw this and she threw her dice too. It didn't work but that didn't discourage her. She kept trying until she was helpless. In short both the lady knew their solo survival is difficult and they went in the shade of the Man.
Women fight against Men
Physically men are considered stronger than women. It is a fact. Although, when it comes to power of mind, an equality has been noticed. In fact in recent years Women have surpassed men in many a fields. It is kind of slap in the face for most men who always looked down to the women. Women have made up for their lack of physical strength with extra hard work.
As we noticed in the movie, the two women were alone; still they managed to live. It was tough beginning but eventually they came to terms with it. They always found alternatives to survive some how. They even started hunting down men to robe their valuable armor. Later they sold this armor. This is very ironic. The armor is sign of Masculinity. The women showed how men were vulnerable without the armor. They looted the most precious jewels that men possessed.
As we noticed in the movie, the two women were alone; still they managed to live. It was tough beginning but eventually they came to terms with it. They always found alternatives to survive some how. They even started hunting down men to robe their valuable armor. Later they sold this armor. This is very ironic. The armor is sign of Masculinity. The women showed how men were vulnerable without the armor. They looted the most precious jewels that men possessed.
Oni Baba
Oni Baba turned out to be an amazing movie. I didnt see it with high expectations and it was my first Subtitle Dependent movie. But, after watching I felt that it is one movie that was years ahead of its time. The movie portrayed Feminism truly. 19th and 18th Century saw the rise of Feminist power. Women started to come out of the kitchen and fought for their social status.
This movie also shows Feminine power's rise. The Japanese Men have gone to war and the Women are left on their own to survive. Usually, Eastern Women are more household oriented. Though, this movie showed that in the hour of battle the women can survive on their own. They can fight for their own survival. And, that is what the two women did in the movie. And that is what the women of 21st Century is doing everyday.
This movie also shows Feminine power's rise. The Japanese Men have gone to war and the Women are left on their own to survive. Usually, Eastern Women are more household oriented. Though, this movie showed that in the hour of battle the women can survive on their own. They can fight for their own survival. And, that is what the two women did in the movie. And that is what the women of 21st Century is doing everyday.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Don Juan Scavenger Hunt Team A
To Be Written...
Well, this was supposed to have been written by Varun Suchday...
Where are you Varun?
It's 1:12 A.M. and you haven't written the blog yet!!!
Let me start by saying, Don't worry Professor Baldwin and my fellow students, I will return control of Spatial Narratology to you as soon as Team A is crowned the victor and given the illustrious A.
I devised a plan to change the password, thus preventing Team B and any Rouge students from writing a blog. The rules of the scavenger hunt state that each team must complete the Scavenger Hunt and write a blog on the http://spatialnarratology.blogspot.com/ (this site) page about it. The team with the best blog would be given the "A" and all the other teams would be given an "F". Since we would be the only team with a blog, we would win by default. Like the "cheaterfish", the end would justify the means. However, unlike the cheaterfish, I decided to share my winning strategy with my teammates, allowing them to share in my victory. I could have went Rougue, but instead decided to be generous. I entrusted Varun with the task of writing the blog for us and being the only member with the password. I even gave up access to the password myself so that my team would be comfortable with the plan. Where the hell are you Varun?
I had to leave myself and my team an out, just in case Varun did not accomplish what he was supposed to. For this reason, prior to informing the team of my plan, I attached my email, to the "forgot password" option. Since Varun did not blog by midnight, as he was supposed to, I was forced to take control of the website. All pictures/videos for the scavenger hunt can be emailed to me at chrissorto@hotmail.com
Here's a little background information about the scavenger hunt. Team A hid the items in the following places:
Postcard - above the door at the Staller Music Building
Don Juan Sheet- near the bicycle rack at the bookstore
Don Louise Sheet - in the hands of a random student in the court yard
Chopsticks - under a patch of grass near steps in the court yard
******* sheet (forgot name) - under a brick near the Staller Arts Building
Cd rom - Between trash bin and recycle bin
Picture Frame - on grassy hill in the court yard
Team B items that we recoverd:
Picture Frame - on the windowsill of Staller Arts Building
Name Sheets - trash can, etc.
** I will update this as my team sends me the information**
Here are a few pictures from the hunt (it will be updated as soon as I recieve more pics)
Group Shot of Team A
Nase hiding the postcard above the Staller Center door
Sorry Professor Baldwin I wanted to let you in on our plan by midnight. It's now 2 A.M. and I am going to sleep. I will post more tomorrow. I will let you know my teammates names as soon as they email me with their pictures/videos.
-Chris the "cheaterfish"
Well, this was supposed to have been written by Varun Suchday...
Where are you Varun?
It's 1:12 A.M. and you haven't written the blog yet!!!
Let me start by saying, Don't worry Professor Baldwin and my fellow students, I will return control of Spatial Narratology to you as soon as Team A is crowned the victor and given the illustrious A.
I devised a plan to change the password, thus preventing Team B and any Rouge students from writing a blog. The rules of the scavenger hunt state that each team must complete the Scavenger Hunt and write a blog on the http://spatialnarratology.blogspot.com/ (this site) page about it. The team with the best blog would be given the "A" and all the other teams would be given an "F". Since we would be the only team with a blog, we would win by default. Like the "cheaterfish", the end would justify the means. However, unlike the cheaterfish, I decided to share my winning strategy with my teammates, allowing them to share in my victory. I could have went Rougue, but instead decided to be generous. I entrusted Varun with the task of writing the blog for us and being the only member with the password. I even gave up access to the password myself so that my team would be comfortable with the plan. Where the hell are you Varun?
I had to leave myself and my team an out, just in case Varun did not accomplish what he was supposed to. For this reason, prior to informing the team of my plan, I attached my email, to the "forgot password" option. Since Varun did not blog by midnight, as he was supposed to, I was forced to take control of the website. All pictures/videos for the scavenger hunt can be emailed to me at chrissorto@hotmail.com
Here's a little background information about the scavenger hunt. Team A hid the items in the following places:
Postcard - above the door at the Staller Music Building
Don Juan Sheet- near the bicycle rack at the bookstore
Don Louise Sheet - in the hands of a random student in the court yard
Chopsticks - under a patch of grass near steps in the court yard
******* sheet (forgot name) - under a brick near the Staller Arts Building
Cd rom - Between trash bin and recycle bin
Picture Frame - on grassy hill in the court yard
Team B items that we recoverd:
Picture Frame - on the windowsill of Staller Arts Building
Name Sheets - trash can, etc.
** I will update this as my team sends me the information**
Here are a few pictures from the hunt (it will be updated as soon as I recieve more pics)
Group Shot of Team A
Nase hiding the postcard above the Staller Center door
Sorry Professor Baldwin I wanted to let you in on our plan by midnight. It's now 2 A.M. and I am going to sleep. I will post more tomorrow. I will let you know my teammates names as soon as they email me with their pictures/videos.
-Chris the "cheaterfish"
Monday, October 18, 2010
Marry the Murderer
Sounds like a Hitchcockian Psycho-thriller. Well the role of Gertrude would have left Hitchcock searching for clues too. To this day it is unclear what was Gertrude's role in demise of King Hamlet. Many contrasting theories have been produced but none too strong to stand out. I personally believe that her role was to mark a turning point in history of women.
Previously women were considered dependent on their husbands. But, Gertrude changed that trend. She showed that a women has existence after her husband too. The society at that time didnt accept Gertrude's behavior. But bold behaviors are always criticized in the beginning and more so if they are done by a woman. So in certain way Gertrude mark the birth of women power.
Previously women were considered dependent on their husbands. But, Gertrude changed that trend. She showed that a women has existence after her husband too. The society at that time didnt accept Gertrude's behavior. But bold behaviors are always criticized in the beginning and more so if they are done by a woman. So in certain way Gertrude mark the birth of women power.
Men's earth or Women's world
Since the beginning of earth men has always been considered the stronger sex. And this is not limited to Homo sapiens only. Same patriarchy is observed in animal kingdom too. Even though women is the bearer of the child, they are considered weak. Human existence is impossible without female. They are the ones who bring the future in the world. I dont understand why we develop prejudices against women?
Over the years, women has gained some strength but it is not enough. Every time some woman tried to break the glass ceiling, she was stopped one way or the other way. Even in the recent battle between Race and Sex, Race won and was chosen to Preside a country. It is high time and we need to leave the sexist behind and accept women as equal.
Over the years, women has gained some strength but it is not enough. Every time some woman tried to break the glass ceiling, she was stopped one way or the other way. Even in the recent battle between Race and Sex, Race won and was chosen to Preside a country. It is high time and we need to leave the sexist behind and accept women as equal.
Is life a YES or NO question
Prince Hamlet returned from England and he faced the mess straightaway. He had no where to go. He was young and restless with whole lot of questions running inside his head. He searched for answers and it led to even more questions. The same is true for any youngster. We all face that phase of life when we are stuck in a dark corridor and there is no ray of light to show us the path out. Why it happens? I feel that with growing age we start taking added responsibilities. In yesteryear's youngsters werent concerned about life too much. They just went with the flow. But, Capitalism changed everything. Now, if the youth has to survive he has to think on his toes. It is a battle to survive or perish. And we end up taking life over seriously. We need to chill down and take life one step at a time.
Teenage Girl
High School and late teens are tough years to resist the exotic things. It is believed that most of the harmful or pleasure-some activities are done in this time frame only. It is that age when the hormones are flowing on a high. Guys, I feel, control this time period better than girls. And guys are emotionally sound too. They handle the situation better.
Well poor sweetheart Ophelia didnt know that. She was in her teenage and she was in deep love with Prince Hamlet. Hence, she ended up committing the ultimate sin of that era. Losing virginity before marriage. She gave her most precious gift to Hamlet. There was nothing more she could give to Hamlet. The Result: Hamlet's interest in Ophelia died. And ultimately led to her suicide. Thus, aspects that are special must be protected with zeal.
Well poor sweetheart Ophelia didnt know that. She was in her teenage and she was in deep love with Prince Hamlet. Hence, she ended up committing the ultimate sin of that era. Losing virginity before marriage. She gave her most precious gift to Hamlet. There was nothing more she could give to Hamlet. The Result: Hamlet's interest in Ophelia died. And ultimately led to her suicide. Thus, aspects that are special must be protected with zeal.
Claudius and Mr. Bush
The Danish empire was in trouble. King Hamlet killed the wrong person and soon this was going to lead to doom. Hence, Claudius decided to murder his own brother King Hamlet. Whether he did that for the goodwill of the kingdom or personal pleasure is a controversial question. Claudius behavior after getting the crown suggests the later. If he really wanted goodwill of kingdom he wouldnt have done what he did with Prince Hamlet. He still had chance to prove himself right.
Just like our very own George Bush had. Afghanistan was already turning into a minefield and that was not enough for him. He wanted to explore Iraq and pushed US Troops in Iraq. He did that under the banner of Weapon Of Mass Destruction (WMD) which fortunately (or unfortunately) didnt exist in Iraq. He had chance to make up for his Afghanistan mistake but he chose repeat the mistake. And everyone is facing the consequences. Arent we like the people of Denmark after Prince Hamlet's death? We also have no clue which direction we heading towards.
Just like our very own George Bush had. Afghanistan was already turning into a minefield and that was not enough for him. He wanted to explore Iraq and pushed US Troops in Iraq. He did that under the banner of Weapon Of Mass Destruction (WMD) which fortunately (or unfortunately) didnt exist in Iraq. He had chance to make up for his Afghanistan mistake but he chose repeat the mistake. And everyone is facing the consequences. Arent we like the people of Denmark after Prince Hamlet's death? We also have no clue which direction we heading towards.
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