Japanese classical dance

Thanks to Tataplay for upgrading my set top box. 

I had the pleasure of watching my favourite 'Kabuki Cool' this morning.

Activity based Physical science Classroom

As a former contributor and current reader of 'Teacher Plus', I find a few very interesting articles. One such is published in this month's edition.

The author has brought out grassroots realities of online classroom interaction and how it is not as easy to develop as it is wrongly perceived to be.

In this context, I remember a UNESCO Report published in the 1980s; it contained evidence based research materials from several countries and proved that simple household appliances are adequate to teach many physical science concepts up to the middle school level. I have had experiences endorsing this view in my own career as science teacher and teacher trainer.

I have always thought that animations are in no way as effective as actual experiments and activities performed by children unless the experiments and activities are dangerous.

For instance, the simple middle school physical science concept that objects require oxygen in burning, can be demonstrated by simple activities such as this, done in my kitchen.

Fiddling with technology

As my LG Box TV set stopped working a few days back after nearly 15 years of service, I had to replace it with a Smart TV. But as my Tatasky set top box also needed replacement and upgradation to HD format, I remitted the required fee of Rs 2093 to Tatasky yesterday; I got a reply that the work would be done today in the time slotted selected by me. But even after nearly 6 hours having gone by, no technician has come to fix it. Inspite of immensely useful technology, improper time management and lack of customer friendliness seem to continue in service industries. As I have mentioned in my previous posts, technology in bad hands is bad.

It is really frustrating that consumers are taken for a ride unnecessarily. 

According to media reports, Mr Modi and his team mates are very proud of contributing to 'digitalising' our country. But they don't know grassroot realities faced by common folk like me. 

I think that the Government should intervene and contribute positively in such matters instead of giving sermons and big talks in regional, national and multinational forums on 'digitalised' India.

Now And Then by The Beatles

The Beatles has uploaded their latest song 'Now And Then' about which I mentioned in my yesterday's post in Utube. Let me share this nostalgic video.

Last song of The Beatles

Nearly half an hour back, 'Now And Then', the last song by the The Beatles got released. Although technically 'Let It Be' (which was released in 1970) was their last song, 'Now And Then' was only partly completed then, and fully completed only recently. 

The Beatles will be remembered as one of the best softrock bands by their numerous fans.

I remember how I liked the music and how I used to sing 'Let It Be' in 1970. I also remember how I used to have a hair style like those of The Beatles, falling in line with many youngsters of those days.

Following photo shows me with The Beatles like hair style, jeans pants and white cotton shirt on during 1984 or so alongwith my friends in front of the main entrance to Paro airport, Bhutan:

Indian political leaders

Today marks the death anniversary of Mrs Indira Gandhi and birth anniversary of Shri Vallabhai Patel. Both leaders did many sacrifices and served the country.

Bikaner and it's food history

I had the pleasure of viewing 'RAJA RASOI AUR ANYA KAHAANIYAAN' on Epic TV  Channel this evening. The program is presented by charismatic Prof. Pushpesh Pant, a food historian and author.

This evening's episode differed in two aspects from the usual. It featured 100% vegetarian food items and featured the Royal family  of Bikaner, Rajasthan. It was amazing to see the simplicity of Mahima Kumari and Siddhi Kumari, the princesses when cooking food items using their own hands (though for the program's sake) and when they sat on a simple cot offered by local village folk and conversed with them. It was nice to see that both the princesses and the village people were comfortable with each other. The princesses travelled in an autorikshaw though they could have used any luxurious car. Their simplicity is admirable. Raajasthaani folk song added colour to the episode.

(I was called for an interview for the post of Principal, by Birla Public School, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in 1993. Somehow I didn't attend the interview. If I had attended, I would have probably been selected and would have visited Jaipur, Bikaner and other places in Rajasthan. I think that I made a mistake in not having attended the interview).

Multicultural restaurant

It was interesting viewing 'Food Safari Australia' on Foxlife TV Channel this evrning. It featured multicultural restaurants in Australia. 

Although most of the contents put me off as they involve non-vegetarian food, a few such as the South African origin restaurant owned and run by people of South African origin including Indians, Zulus etc. are interesting. 

This evening's episode introduced 'Bunny Chow', basically a delicious Indian snack consisting of bread in which vegetables cum fruits are mixed in their liquid forms. 

I fondly remember the Indian restaurants not only in South Africa but also in neighbouring countries in Southern Africa. I particularly remember an Indian origin South African restaurant in Gaborone. It was owned and run by a Malayaalee guy from Kerala and his  South African Indian wife. I was a regular customer to his restaurant (the name of which I don't remember).

Bishen Singh Bedi's demise

Today's news that Bishen Singh Bedi has passed away comes as a shock provided the fact that he was a legendary bowler and was just 77.

I liked his cricket performance as I was considered to be a slow speed left arm spin bowler during my college days. (My left arm and left leg are always stronger than than my right ones due to my polio). 

His fans will remember him for the laurels that he brought for our country.

Divine discourse

This evening, it was immensely joyful to view a Divine discourse on 'Shreemad Bhagavath Kathaa' by highly charismatic Shree Krishna Chandra Shastri Jee on Ashthaa TV Channel. Shree Shastri Jee was explaining the importance of mind control, devotion and humility.