Controversial, but rational talk by William Dalrymple. Fascinating.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Ten signs that show if you are a global citizen or not
Here are some obvious pointers to show you have become a ‘global’ citizen.
1) You start thinking in a language which is not your native tongue. I guess I started doing this as early as when I was 10 years old. It is hard for me to switch back to Urdu, which is my mother tongue
2) You end up checking The National , Times of India, Guardian, NY times - all in the same day to see what is going on in the world and to compare and contrast views of writers/ journalists
3) You can’t tell when was the last time you had homemade food – and don’t really care much, unless there is an occasional craving for ‘comfort food’
4) Who your friends are is defined by interests rather than where they are from
5) You have gone beyond jingoism and can cheer for the team of the country you have adopted when it is playing a rival ( may be your home team too)
6) You start celebrating festivals of the country you live in
7) Your own festivals, which are so important back home may at times take a backseat
8) You can imagine having a significant other who is not from your cultural/ religious / ethnic background
9) You don’t mind living anywhere, as long as it is safe, clean and offers you the chance to live a fulfilling life
10) You really start seeing the world as a whole – not marked by artificial barriers; but as one large mass of humanity which lives and breathes as one !
1) You start thinking in a language which is not your native tongue. I guess I started doing this as early as when I was 10 years old. It is hard for me to switch back to Urdu, which is my mother tongue
2) You end up checking The National , Times of India, Guardian, NY times - all in the same day to see what is going on in the world and to compare and contrast views of writers/ journalists
3) You can’t tell when was the last time you had homemade food – and don’t really care much, unless there is an occasional craving for ‘comfort food’
4) Who your friends are is defined by interests rather than where they are from
5) You have gone beyond jingoism and can cheer for the team of the country you have adopted when it is playing a rival ( may be your home team too)
6) You start celebrating festivals of the country you live in
7) Your own festivals, which are so important back home may at times take a backseat
8) You can imagine having a significant other who is not from your cultural/ religious / ethnic background
9) You don’t mind living anywhere, as long as it is safe, clean and offers you the chance to live a fulfilling life
10) You really start seeing the world as a whole – not marked by artificial barriers; but as one large mass of humanity which lives and breathes as one !
Monday, November 30, 2009
De-ciphering the American Muslims
American Muslims are a unique phenomenon. Not only are they unique in terms of who they are ( a unique mix of immigrants from various countries), but also in terms of their pride for their American heritage.
My visits to my uncle's home in Columbia, MD is an exercise in anthropology. Quite seriously, i have understood more about American Muslims by spending time in their home and visiting a few friends there than i would have through reading 5 books on the subject.
My curious cousins ( Nabeel and Anjum) keep me in 'tune' with what is going on in the US and the Muslim community in particular. Nabeel with his humour ( he is clearly the funniest cousin i have) and Anjum ( with her good humour and patience) have shared insights that are an eye-opener.
Some observations and insights about American Muslims :
a) American Muslims ( AM) henceforth see themselves as Americans as much as Muslims. Both identities are equally important and they are proud of each
b) The kids are not 'Indian' or desi by any stretch of imagination ( though they may look desi . The whole desi connection is over-rated. They would probably be happier eating burgers and drool over wendy's food rather than spicy ( and smelly) Indian food
c)When it comes to marriage, they would prefer deciding who they want to marry.
d) Many of them prefer to have friends with Blacks than 'white-boys', who tend to have lesser exposure to Muslim culture
Here is an interesting video by kareem salama. Good Music and interesting insights.
My visits to my uncle's home in Columbia, MD is an exercise in anthropology. Quite seriously, i have understood more about American Muslims by spending time in their home and visiting a few friends there than i would have through reading 5 books on the subject.
My curious cousins ( Nabeel and Anjum) keep me in 'tune' with what is going on in the US and the Muslim community in particular. Nabeel with his humour ( he is clearly the funniest cousin i have) and Anjum ( with her good humour and patience) have shared insights that are an eye-opener.
Some observations and insights about American Muslims :
a) American Muslims ( AM) henceforth see themselves as Americans as much as Muslims. Both identities are equally important and they are proud of each
b) The kids are not 'Indian' or desi by any stretch of imagination ( though they may look desi . The whole desi connection is over-rated. They would probably be happier eating burgers and drool over wendy's food rather than spicy ( and smelly) Indian food
c)When it comes to marriage, they would prefer deciding who they want to marry.
d) Many of them prefer to have friends with Blacks than 'white-boys', who tend to have lesser exposure to Muslim culture
Here is an interesting video by kareem salama. Good Music and interesting insights.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
UN Security council reform and Ali G
After several excruciating days of research on SC reform ( for my research paper), I came across this funny video of Ali G ( Sacha Baron Cohen). Enjoy :)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Interesting license plates in the USA
Freedom or Death, I believe, Taxation without representation are some catchy slogans that one can find on the license plates of several American cities.
The BBC reported that the 'I believe' plate has been banned as it violates the First amendment. Judge Cameron Currie ruled that it violated the first amendment in passing a law which establishes a religion.
License plates may be a novel way for Americans to vent out their frustrations and ( or) beliefs.
The most ironic is obviously the one for Washington DC 'taxation without representation' as the district does not have anyone in the senate representing them.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
American Football and Halloween
Yesterday was a day full of surprises and unplanned adventures. As i walked into my office on campus, Matt, one of the american students was busy looking over the SU athletics website. He said that there is a football game on and i could join him if i would like to. Having never seem american football live in a stadium, i said a quck yes and off we went to the Carrier Dome, very close to campus with a 40,000 seating capacity.
Syracuse University team was playing Cicinnati, a pretty strong team with a good track record. The noise, drama, fight songs, visual overdose of orange ( the university colour) and chanting of "Go Orange, Go" filled the Air and i couldnt help but cheer for our team. Despite a brave fight, we lost 28-7 against a team which tackled well, made great passes and was by and large a well run team.
I had to leave to call my mom during half time, but the experience itself was quite interesting and as a budding Sociologist, i could see the linkage of a few facets of popular american culture to the behaviour of fans in the stadium.
The evening brought in more, ghoulish surprises in the form of the "Maxalloween", a party organised by the Maxwell school grad students. The Halloweeen party was a visual treat as well. Right from Harry Potter to Sarah palin, we had all characters represented in the costumes. I myself was dressed as a Hawaiian tourist, with my Bali Batik shirt which i tried to pass off as Hawaiian. One friend who lived in Indonesia for some time pointed out that i was more Indonesian than Hawaiian, but i think i passed off as a tourist quite well.
Food, dance and good conversations, not to mention a great round of pool ( two games of which i won) made for a good evening. The after -party was a bit of a letdown and i just walked home happy and tired after a day of observing and participating in two key American traditions.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Frank McCourt interview - writing about poverty
Just finished reading 'Ts a memoir - a beautifully written autobiographical account of the author who struggled with poverty, identity and a broken family to become an inspirational teacher in the USA. Highly recommend the book.
Why i love Ogilvy and Mather
Of the many creative agencies that i have known and worked with, Ogilvy and Mather stands out like a giant. And for obvious reasons. The firm is truly sincere in its claim of being a 'non-hierarchical' and creative agency. It is also an agency which truly recognises talent and nurtures it.
My attempt at reaching out to Tham Khai Meng, Worldwide Creative Director and Chairman today is an example. While doing research for my internship ( due next summer and fall), i thought of going back to Ogilvy Public Relations and doing a stint at Public Affairs ( something i enjoyed doing in Dubai). So, i look up all my contacts at Ogilvy and Mather and remember that i had infact sent an email to Mr Meng about three years ago.
I shoot an email to him in right earnest, asking for his advise and if he can direct me to the right person in DC/ NY city. Pronto ! i get a response within an hour - introducing me to Marcia Silverman, Global CEO, PR, based in NY City.
How often does this happen ?
That too from former employers ?? Go figure.
A big Thank you to Tham Khai Meng and Ogilvy and Mather for all the love and support i have received.
You are the best !
My attempt at reaching out to Tham Khai Meng, Worldwide Creative Director and Chairman today is an example. While doing research for my internship ( due next summer and fall), i thought of going back to Ogilvy Public Relations and doing a stint at Public Affairs ( something i enjoyed doing in Dubai). So, i look up all my contacts at Ogilvy and Mather and remember that i had infact sent an email to Mr Meng about three years ago.
I shoot an email to him in right earnest, asking for his advise and if he can direct me to the right person in DC/ NY city. Pronto ! i get a response within an hour - introducing me to Marcia Silverman, Global CEO, PR, based in NY City.
How often does this happen ?
That too from former employers ?? Go figure.
A big Thank you to Tham Khai Meng and Ogilvy and Mather for all the love and support i have received.
You are the best !
Friday, October 16, 2009
Syracuse Tech Garden showcases some emerging technologies
For a small university town, the challenges of attracting large corporates to set up shop and operate are huge. Syracuse is coping well with this challenge and has established the Syracuse technology garden which hosted its Fall 2009 technology expo yesterday. An interesting event which drew a few emerging companies in the field of Bio-fuels, Software, Gaming and healthcare.
The expo was a success in that it showcased what innovation is taking place in the city as well as the capabilities of its young entrepreneurs. The technology which most caught my attention was one developed by students of Cornell University, Ithaca ( not too far from Syracuse) which helps patients get physiotherapy etc..through a miniature device. It seems to be a significant achievement and the group won the best innovation award from their participation last season.
Though this was a good expo, it did not seem to have the scale or the magnitude that should have been. None of the larger firms either sponsored any of the projects or were showcasing their products. The big boys club was conspicuous by its absence.
The larger question still remains : How does one bridge the industry-academia gap in a small university town ?
The expo was a success in that it showcased what innovation is taking place in the city as well as the capabilities of its young entrepreneurs. The technology which most caught my attention was one developed by students of Cornell University, Ithaca ( not too far from Syracuse) which helps patients get physiotherapy etc..through a miniature device. It seems to be a significant achievement and the group won the best innovation award from their participation last season.
Though this was a good expo, it did not seem to have the scale or the magnitude that should have been. None of the larger firms either sponsored any of the projects or were showcasing their products. The big boys club was conspicuous by its absence.
The larger question still remains : How does one bridge the industry-academia gap in a small university town ?
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Poem of the day - Rumi
Be with those who help your being
Be with those who help your being.
Don't sit with indifferent people, whose breath
comes cold out of their mouths.
Not these visible forms, your work is deeper.
A chunk of dirt thrown in the air breaks to pieces.
If you don't try to fly,
and so break yourself apart,
you will be broken open by death,
when its too late for all you could become.
Leaves get yellow. The tree puts out fresh roots
and makes them green.
Why are you so content with a love that turns you yellow?
Ode 2865 Trans. Coleman Barks
Be with those who help your being.
Don't sit with indifferent people, whose breath
comes cold out of their mouths.
Not these visible forms, your work is deeper.
A chunk of dirt thrown in the air breaks to pieces.
If you don't try to fly,
and so break yourself apart,
you will be broken open by death,
when its too late for all you could become.
Leaves get yellow. The tree puts out fresh roots
and makes them green.
Why are you so content with a love that turns you yellow?
Ode 2865 Trans. Coleman Barks
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
"Excuse me miss, Do you have a parachute in here ??"
One often doesnt ask this question in the normal course of life. But i asked this to the Airhostess on-board a not so well run Airlines in the USA recently. After a failed attempt to hire a car to drive down to Baltimore to meet my uncle and his family for Eid Ul Fitr, i bought Airline tickets and though it cost me an Arm and a Leg, ( and not my life); it may well have cost me my life had not luck intervened.
The Aircraft took off on a warm crisp Syracuse morning, cruising over 18,000 feet and we could see the Onandaga lake below us in all its glory. A beautiful sight which is truly inspiring, the altitude sort of heightened the pleasure of seeing the Lake. While all the passengers aboard enjoyed the sight, the Captain made a circuitous journey around the lake again. A second loop meant we saw the lake again. Wow ! i told myself, this is grand. I get to see the lake not once but twice. What a lucky day this is. Surely the pilot is in a good mood.
A third loop around the same lake and i started to worry. Surely, there must be an error or some sort of mistake. Why would the pilot go around the lake again and again ? The passengers started whispering to each other. "Is something wrong, what is going on here " etc. etc. After what seemed to be a very long silence, the captain announced " Due to a technical error, we are unable to go higher and hence we are being forced to land and HOPEFULLY we will be able to land safely back in Syracuse". I was ok with the language, except for the word Hopefully intersected there. Some words can really be a killer and in this context it was what not only panicked me but all the others too.
In a span of a few seconds, my mind did a quick scan of the aircraft and i located the Airhostess, a good looking blonde who still managed to smile nervously at everyone despite the 'emergency' announcement. I beckoned her and whispered " Excuse me miss, but do you have parachutes on this plane ". She smiled sheeplishly and tried to laugh at what was an apparent joke.
By God's grace, my mother's prayers and the well wishes of the spirits of Onandaga lake we managed to land safely sans parachutes. But it did teach me a lesson not to trust small aircrafts which look ancient. So the next time i am actually hopping onto one, i will surely carry my own parachute. you never know when you might need one !
The Aircraft took off on a warm crisp Syracuse morning, cruising over 18,000 feet and we could see the Onandaga lake below us in all its glory. A beautiful sight which is truly inspiring, the altitude sort of heightened the pleasure of seeing the Lake. While all the passengers aboard enjoyed the sight, the Captain made a circuitous journey around the lake again. A second loop meant we saw the lake again. Wow ! i told myself, this is grand. I get to see the lake not once but twice. What a lucky day this is. Surely the pilot is in a good mood.
A third loop around the same lake and i started to worry. Surely, there must be an error or some sort of mistake. Why would the pilot go around the lake again and again ? The passengers started whispering to each other. "Is something wrong, what is going on here " etc. etc. After what seemed to be a very long silence, the captain announced " Due to a technical error, we are unable to go higher and hence we are being forced to land and HOPEFULLY we will be able to land safely back in Syracuse". I was ok with the language, except for the word Hopefully intersected there. Some words can really be a killer and in this context it was what not only panicked me but all the others too.
In a span of a few seconds, my mind did a quick scan of the aircraft and i located the Airhostess, a good looking blonde who still managed to smile nervously at everyone despite the 'emergency' announcement. I beckoned her and whispered " Excuse me miss, but do you have parachutes on this plane ". She smiled sheeplishly and tried to laugh at what was an apparent joke.
By God's grace, my mother's prayers and the well wishes of the spirits of Onandaga lake we managed to land safely sans parachutes. But it did teach me a lesson not to trust small aircrafts which look ancient. So the next time i am actually hopping onto one, i will surely carry my own parachute. you never know when you might need one !
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