A good take away from Cameron Sinclair’s (of Arch. for humanity) talk when he was in Denver a few weeks ago - ‘Design is the biggest renewable resource’
‘A solution needs to be beautiful both aesthetically and ethically’
Another great take away from a recent speech by an individual who I believe is one of the greatest public speakers of our time said something like – ‘empower yourself – such that you can be of help to others… beyond yourself’
He referenced the disaster at wall street as part of this statement ( and obviously so – to my mind wall street and anyone associated with it is just the biggest group of self centered individuals one can ever come across…BOO!)
I presented my India thing (from the AIA 10 x 10 event) to the architecture studio at work a few days ago. that was that! Yesterday – while climbing up the internal office stair I ran into this colleague who was like ‘I liked your talk -I could relate to it a lot’ and just like that, out of the blue he pulls out a little bronze Ganesh murti from his pocket and tells me he always carries it with him – apparently he is totally into it!!!! How cool :)
Go Ganpati Bappa!!!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
hear me out!
The husband and I often have many discussions on sustainability- in the context of design, lifestyles, energy consumption so on and so forth. Amidst our stimulating conversations, I always tell the husband how we are at the tipping point of the world changing and people are at a point that they have already accepted or will soon accept a sustainable responsible lifestyle, design attitude and energy consumption at the least.
He always points out to me that I live in a bubble that is so committed to the subject that its only in that bubble that this seems to be happening – and always I deny. Unfortunately on a recent visit to what could be called a traditional upper middle class family I realized how far form even knowing what needs to be done to live on the earth responsibly are we. Not only that – my heart aches to see how proud we are of our wasteful ways. I have to agree with the husband for now but pledge only to work harder in maybe my own small way and hopefully be able to change atleast a small part of the world we live in. I feel hurt at one level – but more motivated at another that there is still so much that needs to be done – not only in terms of problem solving but also awareness and I shall be happy to help.
We live in a world that is either about ‘rich and wasteful’ or 'poor and frugal’.
Is it so hard to strive for a world where the motto is ‘rich and frugal?’
He always points out to me that I live in a bubble that is so committed to the subject that its only in that bubble that this seems to be happening – and always I deny. Unfortunately on a recent visit to what could be called a traditional upper middle class family I realized how far form even knowing what needs to be done to live on the earth responsibly are we. Not only that – my heart aches to see how proud we are of our wasteful ways. I have to agree with the husband for now but pledge only to work harder in maybe my own small way and hopefully be able to change atleast a small part of the world we live in. I feel hurt at one level – but more motivated at another that there is still so much that needs to be done – not only in terms of problem solving but also awareness and I shall be happy to help.
We live in a world that is either about ‘rich and wasteful’ or 'poor and frugal’.
Is it so hard to strive for a world where the motto is ‘rich and frugal?’
Thursday, April 23, 2009
conversations...
with a Two and Half Year old...
Everytime I talk to Chari she has an interesting tale to tell me about my little niece (her daughter) Tia. here are three of the comments that Tia made to her that I just cant get over. the little girl is 2 and half - i just don't get how can she say all that... these days are growing up fast- but so fast.
so ...
Statement 1 - Tia tells Charita after coming back from her day care " Mom, Rick is my boy!"
Charita is like WHAT??? - i thought i have to hear this after like 10-15 years - not now!!!
Statement 2- Tia says " Mom, I think I am absolutely gorgeous"
Statement 3 - Tia is not listening- Charita tries hard and then just screams at her - so Tia says "Don't scream at me Momma - just tell me - I will listen"
I mean i get it that she must have picked up the first and maybe second statement at her daycare... but the third one requires some thought and understanding doesn't it. there are many such things that she says that intrigue me a lot - i shall update if there is something more
Everytime I talk to Chari she has an interesting tale to tell me about my little niece (her daughter) Tia. here are three of the comments that Tia made to her that I just cant get over. the little girl is 2 and half - i just don't get how can she say all that... these days are growing up fast- but so fast.
so ...
Statement 1 - Tia tells Charita after coming back from her day care " Mom, Rick is my boy!"
Charita is like WHAT??? - i thought i have to hear this after like 10-15 years - not now!!!
Statement 2- Tia says " Mom, I think I am absolutely gorgeous"
Statement 3 - Tia is not listening- Charita tries hard and then just screams at her - so Tia says "Don't scream at me Momma - just tell me - I will listen"
I mean i get it that she must have picked up the first and maybe second statement at her daycare... but the third one requires some thought and understanding doesn't it. there are many such things that she says that intrigue me a lot - i shall update if there is something more
Cafe Options...
... is a new cafe opened just across the street from my desk - a month ago or so i saw the sign go up - then some furniture - then saw that it had opened...
there are a couple of reasons i am writing this post - i was very excited to see a new 'local' cafe coming up - i am always a proponent of those and if i have a choice- then will NOT go to the evil empire of Starbucks!(there are like 6 Starbucks within one block radius of my workplace- and many other cafes too though-so i have nothing to complain really)
Anyway in the last two days i have been to Cafe Options 4 times - twice for lunch (they have excellent soups, salads n sandwiches) and twice for coffee (its not yet the best cappuccino but they are learning) . I told the husband how it was a little weird that I keep on going there... either alone or with some colleague... but I am very glad that even though unknowingly, I have gone there four times already... here is the reason why : I found out today that Cafe Options is a place that benefits Work Options for Women, a local non-profit that helps impoverished women acquire culinary skills and places them in a job.
there are very few noble causes than that in my mind!
and trust me it is anything but your ordinary, everyday pick up and go place- the service may still be slow but the food and ambiance is great; it employs several women who have graduated -- or will graduate -- from a 16-week food service training program.
there are a couple of reasons i am writing this post - i was very excited to see a new 'local' cafe coming up - i am always a proponent of those and if i have a choice- then will NOT go to the evil empire of Starbucks!(there are like 6 Starbucks within one block radius of my workplace- and many other cafes too though-so i have nothing to complain really)
Anyway in the last two days i have been to Cafe Options 4 times - twice for lunch (they have excellent soups, salads n sandwiches) and twice for coffee (its not yet the best cappuccino but they are learning) . I told the husband how it was a little weird that I keep on going there... either alone or with some colleague... but I am very glad that even though unknowingly, I have gone there four times already... here is the reason why : I found out today that Cafe Options is a place that benefits Work Options for Women, a local non-profit that helps impoverished women acquire culinary skills and places them in a job.
there are very few noble causes than that in my mind!
and trust me it is anything but your ordinary, everyday pick up and go place- the service may still be slow but the food and ambiance is great; it employs several women who have graduated -- or will graduate -- from a 16-week food service training program.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Me the Desi
-chestnut brown or gray eyeliner doesn't work - Me the Desi needs a black brown or black kajalesque eyeliner for it to show and work...
- just remembered Junglee Toofan Tire Puncture when I was driving and thought maybe I had a flat tire(luckily i did not) Me the Desi spent several childhood evenings watching the show
- i love coffee but there is no other way to start the day for Me the Desi other than a hot cup of tea a.k.a. chai (no not your starbucks chai latte)
- i have never been a great fan or proponent of spicy food - but Me the Desi is always satisfied after a delicious- hit all the taste buds and senses kind of Indian dish/meal (thought of this as I craved kababs all evening - well settled for a spicy pad thai!)
- just remembered Junglee Toofan Tire Puncture when I was driving and thought maybe I had a flat tire(luckily i did not) Me the Desi spent several childhood evenings watching the show
- i love coffee but there is no other way to start the day for Me the Desi other than a hot cup of tea a.k.a. chai (no not your starbucks chai latte)
- i have never been a great fan or proponent of spicy food - but Me the Desi is always satisfied after a delicious- hit all the taste buds and senses kind of Indian dish/meal (thought of this as I craved kababs all evening - well settled for a spicy pad thai!)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
a few random thoughts all come together!
isn't Avacado like a person who is popular but we dont know why - as in we see no real substance - every now and then one wonders why they are where they are... though occasionally we like guacamole! :)
it just bugs me more and more each passing day how the news 'reporting' media is becoming more and more about expressing opinions of individuals or groups they believe in and less neutral news reporting - and unfortunately this is becoming a universal trend!
So CNN delivers their news in a certain way and FOX an another - even if we didn't know what they each sort of stand for we would make our choices and watch the channel we want-- often its the same news presented in different ways - we choose the channel that best presents it in a way we would like to hear it!
We tried the new cupcake store - Lovely confections( ya - they need to work on a better name i think) in Denver - its organic and local - a good cupcake -with simple rich flavors great compostable packaging - i think i will have to try it a few more times before i call it my favorite - for now i shall stick to 'The Shoppe' being a favorite in Denver and ' Crave' in Houston!
it just bugs me more and more each passing day how the news 'reporting' media is becoming more and more about expressing opinions of individuals or groups they believe in and less neutral news reporting - and unfortunately this is becoming a universal trend!
So CNN delivers their news in a certain way and FOX an another - even if we didn't know what they each sort of stand for we would make our choices and watch the channel we want-- often its the same news presented in different ways - we choose the channel that best presents it in a way we would like to hear it!
We tried the new cupcake store - Lovely confections( ya - they need to work on a better name i think) in Denver - its organic and local - a good cupcake -with simple rich flavors great compostable packaging - i think i will have to try it a few more times before i call it my favorite - for now i shall stick to 'The Shoppe' being a favorite in Denver and ' Crave' in Houston!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
I 'AM'sterdam
...cosmopolitan and diverse
... a culinary treat
... culturally splendid
...as walkable as walkable can be
... not on four wheelers - but on two - the bicycle rules
...cafes there are plenty - just make sure you know what you are going in there for :)
...embracing the vices of society - seamlessly blending into the city
... architecturally modern - the best i have seen ever before
... tasteful- elegant - artistically driven
... water there is the highlight - be it the harbor, the canal or the private boat parking outside the house
... tulips there are plenty
... colors there are a zillion
... party how to - they know
... refinement even in the crass there is ... art there is in the ordinary
... a place i am in love with - the jewel in the lowlands.... Amsterdam
... a culinary treat
... culturally splendid
...as walkable as walkable can be
... not on four wheelers - but on two - the bicycle rules
...cafes there are plenty - just make sure you know what you are going in there for :)
...embracing the vices of society - seamlessly blending into the city
... architecturally modern - the best i have seen ever before
... tasteful- elegant - artistically driven
... water there is the highlight - be it the harbor, the canal or the private boat parking outside the house
... tulips there are plenty
... colors there are a zillion
... party how to - they know
... refinement even in the crass there is ... art there is in the ordinary
... a place i am in love with - the jewel in the lowlands.... Amsterdam
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
more co-curricular stuff !
Yesterday I spoke at the AIA Denver- Art, Architecture, Appetizers 10 x 10 event as part of the Colorado Architecture month - its a fun event where 10 speakers speak for 10 minutes on 10 slides on topics of their choice . As some of you know I spoke on the topic of -Defining the contemporary in an evolved old world culture - the culture that I tested (obviously) was that of India. the goal was to demonstrate through my hypothesis the different representations of the contemporary ( wrt fashion, art, architecture, product design and music) in India and connecting it to an overarching theme. I got good feedback and may actually consider developing this further into a research topic. I would love to share the talk with anyone who is interested
thanks Maithili, Niki, Chips, Namu, Vanali and Chari for contributing to my presentation. your information was really valuable and helped my talk be much more robust. and of course 'the husband' - my biggest contributor and best critic :)
you can now follow me on twitter - its going to be my place for more 'professionally' appropriate posts though!
Friday, April 03, 2009
one of my recent 'co-curricular' activities
For your viewing pleasure... ... our latesy entry for Denver Art Musuem's fund raising event - Design After Dark - feb 2009.
I lead the effort on behalf of the office. feel free to point all the criticism towards me!
Three eggs represent ‘SEEDS of LIFE’ through the action of protest – the non-coward act of seeing no evil, hearing no evil, and speaking no evil opens passage to growth. Green grass is the metaphor to life – the silence is broken, protest has taken place – Green has begun to find its voice. The object derives inspiration from the Museum Series of Eva Zeisel in fluid form and representation of three separate pieces that are part of a set, forming the whole. But in here lies a VS – the three eggs– ‘Stand’ but not in ‘Silence’… in ‘Protest’! Their fluid edgeless form contradicted by the action of protest that they perform.Thursday, April 02, 2009
in the spirit of ...
... April fools day ... this one is my favorite pranks from yesterday - i wish it was true though ... i could say then that I became a LEED AP before him - hehehe
"The White House announced today that President Obama passed the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED NC v2.2 accreditation examination, and is now a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that the President got his AP because he strongly believes that green building and the LEED system are critical to stimulating a green economic recovery, reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil, and mobilizing the international community to meet the challenge of global climate change.
"Becoming a LEED AP is one of the proudest accomplishments of my life" said President Obama. "I decided that now was the time to get my AP, especially in light of the upcoming changes to USGBC's credentialing system... Green building is right for our economy, right for our health care system, and right for our future. LEED points the way towards the development of truly regenerative and sustainable communities, and now that I have my AP, I'm confident that I'm prepared for the job of rebuilding our country", the President added. "I learned all about LEED from my daughters Sasha and Malia, who attend the Sidwell School, the first LEED Platinum certified school. Malia persuaded me to become a LEED AP; she even registered me for the exam herself
Happy april fools day!
"The White House announced today that President Obama passed the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED NC v2.2 accreditation examination, and is now a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that the President got his AP because he strongly believes that green building and the LEED system are critical to stimulating a green economic recovery, reducing the country's dependence on foreign oil, and mobilizing the international community to meet the challenge of global climate change.
"Becoming a LEED AP is one of the proudest accomplishments of my life" said President Obama. "I decided that now was the time to get my AP, especially in light of the upcoming changes to USGBC's credentialing system... Green building is right for our economy, right for our health care system, and right for our future. LEED points the way towards the development of truly regenerative and sustainable communities, and now that I have my AP, I'm confident that I'm prepared for the job of rebuilding our country", the President added. "I learned all about LEED from my daughters Sasha and Malia, who attend the Sidwell School, the first LEED Platinum certified school. Malia persuaded me to become a LEED AP; she even registered me for the exam herself
Happy april fools day!
Monday, March 30, 2009
before i forget...
... I had some FYI to share!
the grocery store by my place ( Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers) has now gone BYOB
BYOB = bring your own bag!
no plastic or paper bags are available at the store - if need be there are recycled cardboard boxes that you can take as your bag... also if super need be they sell their cloth bags for 99c... but don't advertise those unless you ask :)
YAAAY!!!
p.s. have a post in the making on our recent vacation...
the grocery store by my place ( Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers) has now gone BYOB
BYOB = bring your own bag!
no plastic or paper bags are available at the store - if need be there are recycled cardboard boxes that you can take as your bag... also if super need be they sell their cloth bags for 99c... but don't advertise those unless you ask :)
YAAAY!!!
p.s. have a post in the making on our recent vacation...
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Fodnicha paav
My apologies for the non-maharshtrian readers- but last evening as I was making this simple delicacy from stale bread I remembered an interesting story… I was about 7 – mom dad were taking charita- me and a friend of mine to the Circus. So we all decided to pack some snacks for ourselves- my friend mentioned she will be bringing ‘russian bread’ . I was extremely excited- to see what this exotic thing looked and tasted like. We sat in our chairs and opened our little ‘dabbas’ – to my surprise the Russian bread – was fodnicha paav…
I thought ‘russian bread’ sounded so exotic way back then – and today ‘fodni cha paav’ does…
p.s - I dont know if my friend came up with the term herself or her mommy did so that she'd eat it ... :)
I thought ‘russian bread’ sounded so exotic way back then – and today ‘fodni cha paav’ does…
p.s - I dont know if my friend came up with the term herself or her mommy did so that she'd eat it ... :)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Smart is the new Cool
in the past week I have been thinking... smart cars- smart cities - smart grids- smart buildings- smart phones...
So is smart the new cool?
Is the common man 'smart' enough to be part of this 'smart' world!!!
So is smart the new cool?
Is the common man 'smart' enough to be part of this 'smart' world!!!
So....
... I thought you 'all ( all - hmmm don't know if I have any visitors even left due to my long absence) must be bored of seeing Ms. Dixit on my blog so I'll get back to some ranting on this page...
... and again the mantra is to keep it 'quick and painless'
so stop by for short scribbles - posts that wont make you scratch your head - and ofcourse just another webpage to while away some precious time in a day...
... and again the mantra is to keep it 'quick and painless'
so stop by for short scribbles - posts that wont make you scratch your head - and ofcourse just another webpage to while away some precious time in a day...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Spotted... finally!
.... since last year i made a big hue and cry on my blog about missing 'someone' just by a few minutes at the Ganesh Utsav festival in Denver ... its only right that I update you guys about my first close encounter with Mrs Dixit- Nene and family after two long years of living in the same city at the Ganesh Utsav festival....
yes ! yes! it was really close.... there is not much ' zoom' used in the pics :)
and i think she may just have eaten hamare haath ka khana... since we volunteered to prepare flower-batata bhaji... and I saw it making rounds when she was eating... mommy dear was taking care of the kids just like any other mom... a caring husband making sure the wife and kids eating before he did... and sitting cross legged on the floor clapping at numerous kids performing....
Saturday, September 06, 2008
just some updates
... the democratic national convention as you all know was in Denver a week ago... the city was transformed... alive, active, absolutely exciting... crowds all over 16th street right from the Civic Center to the Union Station - celebrity spotting, road side stalls, parades, protests, campaigns, freebies ranged from everything in between ' free hugs' and 'free nutribars' .... for once felt like a really 'city' There were cops on horses, cops in cars, cops on bikes, cops on bicycles, cops on golf carts, cops in vans, cops on foot!
I enjoyed the city for those 5 days and set out with my camera daily to the office. Our office location did perfect justice to that... right in the heart of activity got to capture some wonderful sights - will put up pictures soon.
My big moment - when I was siting by Union Station watching a speech at the big screen -Obama's fleet of cars passed by.. there were crowds, roars and excitement! Thought didn't get to see him through the dark tinted glass it was exciting.
... the weather pretty much told us to bid good bye to summer over night. Last Friday when I left the city for the long Labor Day weekend.... its was a 100F... coming back on Tuesday morning was welcomed by a cold 49F. It is that time of the year where 50F feels cold... just a sign to show that soon it will be that time of the year where 50F signifies a nice day... ah! For the nth time on my blog... but I shall say it... I like fall... but not winter so much.
... we saw Rock On this week... I loved the movie! after a long time there has been a movie which is again 'of its age' - though there are some glimpses or Dil Chahta Hain - this is a completely different movie... beautiful on a different level ... loved Farhan Akhtar - while I do think he cannot be a super star and carry a film completely on his shoulders- but he has acted well... looks good... is perfect for the part and more so LOVED his voice... the song Tum Ho To which he has sung at the end is SO GOOD... am a big fan of this guy -who can act, sing and make good movies!
A simple yet powerful story brings together four individuals from completely different walks of life... who have just one thing in common that makes them tick. Its so true that no life is complete for you or yours loved ones no matter how perfect it seems if you are running away from yourself and your passion.
It was great to see Purab Kohli in shape and lost so much weight -He was adorable in the part of KD. The two girls are perfect for the part- unlike the glam dolls of Bollywood these days. There is so much depth in the movie that goes well beyond the surface making one think, relate, inspire at different levels. If you are a Mumbaite... you will love the movie all the more
Oh - and the music is wonderful... its my latest favorite on Dhingana.
... my blog is getting a little bit of step child treatment because another website is taking up my time... and rightfully so . You will see the results soon!!!
more later,
Komal
I enjoyed the city for those 5 days and set out with my camera daily to the office. Our office location did perfect justice to that... right in the heart of activity got to capture some wonderful sights - will put up pictures soon.
My big moment - when I was siting by Union Station watching a speech at the big screen -Obama's fleet of cars passed by.. there were crowds, roars and excitement! Thought didn't get to see him through the dark tinted glass it was exciting.
... the weather pretty much told us to bid good bye to summer over night. Last Friday when I left the city for the long Labor Day weekend.... its was a 100F... coming back on Tuesday morning was welcomed by a cold 49F. It is that time of the year where 50F feels cold... just a sign to show that soon it will be that time of the year where 50F signifies a nice day... ah! For the nth time on my blog... but I shall say it... I like fall... but not winter so much.
... we saw Rock On this week... I loved the movie! after a long time there has been a movie which is again 'of its age' - though there are some glimpses or Dil Chahta Hain - this is a completely different movie... beautiful on a different level ... loved Farhan Akhtar - while I do think he cannot be a super star and carry a film completely on his shoulders- but he has acted well... looks good... is perfect for the part and more so LOVED his voice... the song Tum Ho To which he has sung at the end is SO GOOD... am a big fan of this guy -who can act, sing and make good movies!
A simple yet powerful story brings together four individuals from completely different walks of life... who have just one thing in common that makes them tick. Its so true that no life is complete for you or yours loved ones no matter how perfect it seems if you are running away from yourself and your passion.
It was great to see Purab Kohli in shape and lost so much weight -He was adorable in the part of KD. The two girls are perfect for the part- unlike the glam dolls of Bollywood these days. There is so much depth in the movie that goes well beyond the surface making one think, relate, inspire at different levels. If you are a Mumbaite... you will love the movie all the more
Oh - and the music is wonderful... its my latest favorite on Dhingana.
... my blog is getting a little bit of step child treatment because another website is taking up my time... and rightfully so . You will see the results soon!!!
more later,
Komal
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