Endless

"The Universe is under no obligation to make sense to you."
- Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Thanks Neil.
That makes me feel a lot better.
Not.

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I've always had so many questions in my mind about the universe and all their answers just seem to fall into a black hole.

Thinking about the endless unknown just gives me goose bumps.

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But at the same time nothing makes me happier than looking at the countless stars in a cloudless sky.
And one day I have to see the Aurora Borealis.
I've seen countless photos but I'm sure there's nothing like seeing the real thing.

I can appreciate the universe knowing that I'm safe on our planet.
So I suppose I could never be an astronaut.
And I confirmed that thought when I watched Gravity last week.
I think I didn't breathe at all through the entire duration of the film.
And was sitting at the edge of my seat.

My throat was actually dry from well, nervousness.
And I had forgotten to open the bottle of water that I had bought.

How was your experience watching the film?
Doesn't the possibility of floating into endlessness give you the heebeejeebees?

Which is why I'd rather sit at home and do this.

Bath planetarium

Stardust

I've always had this crazy obsession with stars.

I'm not sure what it is about them that fascinates me.

Maybe it's that they're so far away.

And are just so beautiful.

Like jewelry for the night sky.

Living in Bombay, you don't get to see starry starry nights.
You can count the number of stars you see every night.

Unfortunately the twinkle doesn't get past the cloud of pollution.

Which is why I'm always excited to head out of town just to get a glimpse of a starry sky.

A couple of days ago, I got such a chance and decided it was time to finally try to capture it with my DLSR camera.
Because if I shot the night sky with my phone camera or a point and shoot, I would've got a beautiful black photo.

I tried every setting I knew and went through about half an hour of taking some pretty bad photos.

But that changed once I took some help from a friend and Google and got the correct instructions for photographing the night sky.

So here's what you do.

Set it on M [for Manual]

Keep the Shutter open for as long as possible. Mine was set for 30 seconds.

And the ISO should be high. I set it to 6400.

And voila!

Photo by me.

I did get a couple of grainy photos in the beginning (because of the high ISO) and for some reason I wasn't able to adjust the aperture (f). Clearly I still have a long way to go!

But I had so much fun just learning through the whole process.

I didn't have a tripod so I set it on tables or chairs or then tables and chairs.

Till I got tired of doing the whole balancing act and finally just set it flat on the ground with the lens pointing towards the sky.

Sometimes the simplest things work best.

I clicked pictures till my battery finally ran out at 2am.

And had it not run out, I could have been up till sunrise.

I don't know what it is about stars that fascinates me so much.

They're just so beautiful.

Like a freshly baked cake dusted with powdered sugar.

Or maybe it's the amazing fact that we're all made of the same stuff.

We are Stardust.

Photo by me.

I love to look at the stars. Look how they shine for me.

Because when you stare long enough everything twinkles.

But how did the Universe get it's spots?

How did we come into existence?

Why is the entire Universe dark? Even when it has so many stars to light it up.

How big is the universe?

Are we at the centre of it? And does everything revolve around us?

I look up at the sky and see all the constellations - Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Orion and Cassiopiea (those are the only ones I know).

And when you look at Ursa Major (Big Bear), you see a formation of stars that looks like a big question mark.

It is no wonder then that looking up at the sky leaves us full of questions.

So if you're looking for answers, keep looking at the sky.

Because as they say, 

it's all written in the stars.

Watch all the videos. It's worth you're time. They're pretty amazing!

Here's something for everyone!
Some jewelry, more jewelry and clothing for those who are so obsessed with constellations, they like to wear it.
And an iPhone & iPad App for stargazing enthusiasts.

And an iPad App for children that helps them learn about the Universe. It's always good to start early.

The End

*Terms and Conditions Apply.

Tomorrow is supposedly the day the world will come to an end.

Do you believe that?

Well, I think it's sort of silly, but it secretly gives me the heebeegeebees.

Don't you think that the World suddenly coming to an end is a pretty dumb way to die?

Whatever happens, I want to be prepared.

One of my friends who's from Dubai was joking that if the world was coming to an end, some Richie Rich would have built the World's Largest Ark by now in 'true Dubai style' and saved us all.

But if it were true, how would you live your last day on Earth?

- By panicking and buying supplies incase you survive?

- Throwing a party?

- Telling someone you love them?

- Telling someone you've never liked them?

- Waiting for answers to all of life's unanswered questions?

- Stuffing your face one last time with your favourite dessert?

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I don't think there's anything to worry about.

It's all just some hoopla created by people who believe it/ want you to believe it so they can have a laugh.

Some claimed that NASA said something.

NASA said another something

Would the ending of the Mayan calendar make a difference to us?.

And what about Nostradamus' prophecy? Or did he not have one about this?

Will the galactic alignment's gravitational effect cause havoc on Earth?

Will there be a pole reversal?

Or will Planet X make an appearance?

Is it the end of Kalyug?

Are we moving into better times with a higher consciousness?

I don't know what to make of any of it.

But haven't you noticed how in every Hollywood movie on this topic, America saves the world in every kind of situation, be it aliens trying to take over the world or natural calamities, while the poor Indians sit in front of the Taj Mahal and wait for a miracle.

So, I'm going to do what we do best - sit tight and do nothing.
Because we'll have our answer soon enough.

Happy (maybe) last day on Earth!

Street art photo by me.

A fragment of the universe

What do you wonder about?

In those moments in the day just when you're waking up. 

Before you sleep. 

When you stare at the ceiling. 

Look out of the window.

And you see nothing.

You are just lost for those few moments.

In deep thought.

Only to forget about it moments later.

I often wonder about what I'm here for.

What's my purpose on this planet?

On some days I feel so important.

Like the sun, moon and all the stars revolve around me.

Like the world is my oyster.

And the universe is my snow globe.

And then suddenly I feel as insignificant as a speck of dust.

What is the point of us being here. Why are we here? Does anything we do matter?

I just don't know how to feel about it.

Someone asked me the other day if I ever feel connected.

Connected to other people?

Do I feel their pain? Their energy?

Well, sometimes. 

But most of the time we are so disconnected from it.

It is said that in large gatherings, whether for prayer or even a dance, you do feel that energy sometimes.

And you feel so much more of a part of a whole.

Of something big.

But I hadn't really ever felt that.

And then I watched this video which made me feel significant again.

And I felt so much more of a part of a whole.

Of something huge.

The video was posted on Facebook by Mumbaiboss.com.

What they wrote with the video was: 

Parents, when your kids ask you 'where do I come from?', show them this.

It's the scientific truth.

And it makes so much sense.

It's a nice thing to think about in those moments of blank thoughts.

And will make staring at the night sky so much more meaningful.

Make you feel connected with nature.

Like in James Cameron's Avatar.

[Don't watch it in 3D or like me you will be amused with the bioluminescent forest, trying to catch the glowing particles.]

What he has shown in the movie is the connection between man and nature and that's a beautiful thing.

Something I think we also have on our planet.

We just lost it somewhere along the way.

The Lowest Point

The lowest point?

Of my trip? There wasn't one.

Of the Earth?

Yes, I made it there.
And it was spectacular.

I heard they're bidding to make the Dead Sea one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. And I really hope they win.
Now this is not just a beautiful travel destination. The caves along the Dead Sea have also housed the Dead Sea scrolls for thousands of years. These scrolls are a great source of knowledge on Judaism and Christianity and shows us the evolutionary link between the two.

I had been wanting to go to the Dead Sea for a long time after having read about it in magazines. It seemed like an exciting place to visit. The perfect blend of exciting and relaxing, if you know what I mean.

And a few weeks after I left Spencer Tunick was going to be doing a photoshoot there. A photoshoot of nude people forming a sort of phalanx over the Dead sea - and call it art. Would you do it?

I checked out the website out of curiousity. Volunteers could sign up and be a part of this event and even 'prepare' for it at weekend parties on Tel Aviv's Carlton beach.

Going to the Dead sea was just magical. Horin picked me up shortly after lunchtime. In a 4 wheel drive. I'm saying that because that's the day I realised that it means a little more than a car with 4 wheels.

Since I hadn't had lunch, we stopped at a gas station along the way. The cashier at the gas station store thought Horin like every other Israeli had traveled to Hodu (Hebrew for India) and had brought me back (as a souvenir?). I picked up some peanut butter chips and peach water and a Magnum icecream - just something to prevent me from being melted away by the non-sympathetic sun.

We drove South in the direction of Be'er Sheva and Eilat (recent terror targets), passed through Arad while being surrounded by nothing but open land on all sides. All I could see were beautiful cloudy shadows cast on the uneven desert. It was surreal enough to form the background of a Dali painting.

We even saw a mini vertical dust storm and a little army base.

I suddenly felt so far away from home. But, in a good way.

Horin played the perfect tour guide and kept showing me little things along the way.

He also stopped to pick fruit from a cactus. I loved his enthusiasm but I'm really not that adventurous. This was seriously not a wise move since I never ate the fruit and he had cactus spines in his fingers for the rest of the day.

Driving through the desert and along the route côtière was breathtaking.

We stopped on the way so I could have ten minutes to just take in the crazy beauty I was surrounded by.

Plus I was going 'Yay! I'm going to the dead sea' in my head all through the journey.

Along the way, we could see signs starting from +500 mtrs and by the time we got there we were at -400 mtrs. This is because about 400 metres below sea level lies the Dead Sea - the World's deepest hypersaline lake.

We reached by mid afternoon and sneaked into a private hotel beach where we enjoyed sipping their ice water and groovy music. I couldn't believe I was there and within 10 seconds I was in my swimsuit and ready to go in for a dip. 

As you walk into the sea, it's a little pebbly but after a few steps you're walking on nothing but salt. The water is slightly oily which makes your skin feels baby soft in seconds. The Dead Sea also has a very high salt content so you won't find any fish swimming around you, since they can't survive in this sort of an environment. And, for this reason, it's called the Dead Sea. I was warned not to put my face in or suddenly try underwater swimming but if you have any cuts or wounds, too bad.

With the high mineral content, it's only natural then that you float. This was so much fun since anyway even when I go swimming, I only float around in the pool. I tried every angle and I still floated. Even on my stomach. It was amazing. I felt like I was in the circus with a safety net.

We then went and bought some mud. I thought I could just pick up mud from near the sea but that's not how it works. I applied the mud and went for my second dip in the sea. We floated around till sunset, watching the colours change over the water. It was nothing less than perfect.

Before leaving, Horin helped me take back some dead sea water as a souvenir. Yes, I was brave enough to carry the dead sea in a water bottle on my flight back and go through terrorist interrogation once again. All I needed to put on was my armour of nonchalance.

We drove back after sunset. It had suddenly become chilly. Above us was the most starry sky I had seen in my life. Enveloped in a blanket of stars made it feel like a festival in the desert.

It was the end of a perfect day.
Too good to be true.

Lollapalooza!

My Very Educated Mother...

When we were children, this is how we were taught to learn the names of the planets in our solar system in the correct order from the Sun.

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune & Pluto was learnt as

My Very Educated Mother Just Showed Us Nine Planets or Just Served Us Nine Pizzas.

I'd prefer going with the latter.

About 5 years ago Pluto was suddenly declared to be a dwarf planet so, how does that change my favourite mnemonic? This is what I came up with:

My Very Enthusiastic Mother Just Showed Us Nagpur?

OR

Madagascar's Very Enlightened Man Just Served Us Noodles?

It's just not the same without Pluto.

by ilovedoodle

And this is why Pluto got dropped.

If a planet was to be dropped, it should've been Uranus, I mean seriously, who ever came up with that name?

I'm sure the Mnemonic's going to change drastically in the next 10 years. I recently read online about it having already changed to something random. They decided to add 3 dwarf planets and had a contest for the best mnemonic. Blah!

I've always found planets to be intimidatingly beautiful things. I didn't want to use the word things. They seem too large to be called things. Do you get what I mean? But what's the right word? Celestial Body sounds way too complex.

I was watching Juno the other day and found it very funny when she called herself a planet. I guess when you're bursting with pregnancy, you actually do look like one. 

So, if you're interested in looking like a planet, you know how to do it.

And if you're more ambitious and want to look like the Milky Way galaxy, just go shopping in the wedding section of any store. For some reason, people think it's cool to stick Swarovski crystals all over your clothes.

Saving the Planet for DUMMIES

Woke up this Monday morning with a yucky feeling like I'd get a sudden headache if I opened my eyes all at once. I looked like a sleepwalking Tim Burton but that's just what I look like for 20 minutes after I wake up. I began my day by running around the house looking for a notebook and a gel pen (Aku can't survive without them). Yesterday Aku went back to her books after 7 years of procrastination. It's unfortunately going to take her 2 whole years to complete her MBA during which time I probably won't have a life either. You see, we do a lot of things together. Currently, we are watching 'How I Met your Mother' on the computer. I have finished watching Season 3 and just can't wait to watch more episodes alone but can't get ahead of Aku with the episode watching. It's just funner when you have someone to laugh at stupid things with. Someone who will start every new episode for you, get the door when the doorbell rings and maybe even some snacks on the way while you laze in bed. Miss you Aku.


So, while Aku's busy with her new life, I have decided to use my time wisely and deal with some unresolved issues in the Chop Suey that is my mind.


Two things traumatized me as a child:
1. Aruna Irani in Doodh ka Karz which I happened to watch while flipping through channels and ended up scarring me for life. Its so yuck that I’m not even linking the video to my blogpost. I don't know if I will ever get over the Aruna Irani - snake scene. I am still not sure if that was supposed to be Indian porn. 

All I could have handled at this point was Ramayan, Mahabharat or He-man.

2. The idea that the world would end on 21 December, 2012 which also I saw while flipping through channels. Would this be our last Winter solstice?

All I could have handled at this point was Ramayan, Mahabharat or He-man.

Clearly, I watched too much television as a child. 

I don’t think focusing my energy on problem no.1 will make it any better so let’s focus on problem no.2 and hope to resolve some planetary issues.

Doing more research on the internet about 2012 will probably not help since I feel Google doesn't always give answers and will just show me the opinion of 15 million people telling me both sides of the story which will bring me back to square one.

Since I can't do much about what the Mayans said or what Nostradamus had predicted, I thought maybe I could figure out my own way to tackle the ginormous problem of Global warming that seems magically hidden behind the cloak of denial.

Watching Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth only made me feel worse about this though at the very same time my grandmother was busy laughing about the fact that she won’t be around when we run out of petrol and the water levels rise etc. I watched the documentary quite carefully and paid special attention to the changing maps to see where exactly I could hide out when it all happens.

<--  This is how close my house is to the sea

So this is where 

I’ll probably run to -->

Incase that doesn’t happen, and I don’t manage to become great friends with powerful people who will take me on their private jet to the moon when it all happens, here are some things we could try to help save ourselves.

STEP ONE -->

Do your bit by saving electricity. No, not the way Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra and the rest of the Bollywood stars claim to be saving the planet by switching off the lights and fans when they leave the room. You should be doing that anyway.

Maybe you could try saving electricity by not using so many electrical appliances to begin with.

Why use a refrigerator and an air conditioner when you can make your own refri-tioner?

This tried and tested invention will keep your beer cool and probably help save our planet.

<-- STEP TWO

If the world is already too screwed up (which it is) and animals seem to be going extinct (which has already begun happening) then get some paints and preserve what's left by making your own 'soon to be extinct animals'.

STEP THREE -->

Marry Leonardo Dicaprio and live in a house powered by solar panels, 

travel around in his hybrid car and holiday in Belize 

on his own eco-friendly island.

<-- STEP FOUR

You’d need Step Four only if Step 3 hasn’t worked. So Step 4 is TRY AGAIN. Try and try till you succeed. Didn’t anyone ever tell you that? Let’s face it, Leonardo Dicaprio is a handsome miracle.

STEP FIVE --> 

Hope that Leeloo Minai Lekarariba-Laminai-Tchai Ekbat De Sebat 

aka Leloo 

aka the Fifth Element 

will come a rescue us just in time.

And if all fails, don't lose hope.

Remember what Captain Planet said everyday - The Power is Yours. 

GO PLANET!