Brittany Murphy Reportedly dead at 32

Murphy suffers cardiac arrest

Reports are claiming that Brittany Murphy has lost her life after suffering from cardiac arrest. A 911 call was confirmed to have been made from the residence at 8am Sunday morning. Several reports have claimed that Murphy could not be revived.

She was best known for her role in Clueless as the quirky newcomer that Alicia Silverstone's character takes on as her protege. Later we saw her opposite Eminem in 8 Mile and who can forget her as Daisy in Girl Interrupted.

Murphy dated actor Ashton Kutcher for quite some time. After which she met and married screenwriter, Simon Monjack.

Now the thing is, until there's confirmation from her reps and husband, we have to rely on media reports. So I guess all we can do now is wait.

If this is true, then it is a complete shock and a loss. I've been a fan of her quirky attitude and the way she makes her characters appear so off-beat while ensuring that they stand out.

It's Really Happening!

There are few moments in a person's life one can sit back, close their eyes and think: "damn...it's really happening."

And today I did exactly that!

All major bookstores have made my book, Under the Moonlit Sky available for pre-order. It's there, I'm there - my ISBN is there, my book is there, my name is there - I am there.

I think I've earned the right to say: "Like dude...wow..." lol.

Okay I know what you're thinking, this post is totally random and I'm using terrible vocab, but again, I think I've earned the right to do that just this once.

The result, the reception is still outstanding. However, the achievement stands out on its own and I am already very grateful for everyone's love and support. This is a great time for everyone who believed in the story.

Now we move on to publicity. You'll all be seeing and hearing a lot from me. So stay tuned :)

New Site on the way

Hey Everyone,

I know I'm lagging in the posts, but things have been hectic and getting the flu doesn't make things any easier.

I've been working on my personal website, one which will focus on my role as a writer. However, I have another project going on the side, which is another blog. I will import this current blog into the new one so that you and I don't lose any previous posts, but the new one will be more current and relevant to what's been going on in my life and it will be a permanent fixture. This blog was really my initial experiment to see if I can do it and carry it forward. Now I am confident I can keep it going.

The new website: www.navkgill.com - will give the user the choice to go either into the website directly or to visit the blog.

I'm still developing everything - it might be a few more weeks. But I'm already very excited.

Take care and I hope you're all well.

Accomplishments

We're taught that life is about accomplishments, success, going the distant and we're taught this at a very young age and then it's beaten into our consciousness until we become slaves to our own drive and need to achieve; achieve what? Now that's the question.

I'm 26 and I've got some accomplishments to my name, but why then do I still have the need to do more? It's not money that drives me, it's just this irksome desire to keep on achieving. I sat down one day and thought, "Is it just me?" But then I surveyed my friends. We all drive ourselves crazy to the point of breaking through this fine line between sanity and insanity. So I thought to myself, "Where does this come from?"

The answer is: well I don't know what the answer is. I just think it's our darn human nature to find some value in these lives that we lead. One generation spends a lifetime trying to figure it out, then they take their kids and make them beat the same drum.

It just carries on in a cycle.

The truth is that perhaps we all fear what would happen if we had no reason to succeed? Why else should we admire the laissez-fair theory of capitalism? It gives us purpose.

If we had no value attached to our goals and pursuits, to our simple existence, then would we face anarchy? Would we resort to our pre-civilization way of doing things, which is basically, every man for himself? But isn't it now, every man for himself?

Have we just supplemented the old animalistic way of doing things? (I know animalistic isn't a word, but work with me here people).

After years of trying to decide what my course in life should be, I've finally chosen one. It's not based on accomplishment, nor the need to fulfill some materialistic desire. I've chosen it for the simple fact that it makes me smile, and it makes me all warm and cuddly inside, lol. What more do I need?

I've been through the hustle and bustle of Uni life and the working world. I feel for current students who spend day and night fighting to achieve the best grades that they can so that they can move on to the next level of academia. I've been there, and I'm still there with law school. But now I understand it better. I'm a staunch supporter of academia, but I hate what it does to our students.

Academia should be about wisdom and enlightenment and it should be conducted at one's own pace. When that doesn't happen then there is agitation on the part of the student and we're left with the stressful society that we currently live in.

What's the lesson here? I got no lesson. Take a good look at your own life reader and figure it out yourself.

I Just had to share some thoughts, so I did.

Goodnight Everyone! I know I don't write as much anymore - but I've been waiting to shift to my own website. That shall happen soon.

Patrick Swayze loses battle against Cancer

1952 - 2009

Patrick Swayze lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on Monday, according to his publicist. He was surrounded by his family and passed peacefully.

His battle with the disease was no secret and his battle was every bit public as he was often photographed immediately following his hospital visits.

It still comes as a shock, that the man made famous with his incredible moves in Dirty Dancing and his charming persona in Ghost will no longer be seen on the big screen and no longer seen in the public eye.

It is always a sad moment when we realize that people who have the ability to touch so many have now left us forever. But I am sure fans will never forget him. Further, women will never forget the first time they saw him stroll onto the silver screen in Dirty Dancing - a movie that is legendary in its own ranks.

09/09/09

So today marks the date everyone's been anxiously waiting for and...surprise surprise, the world did not end!

09/09/09 - all single digits, the last time we'll see this for another 92 or 93 years I believe. This date has brought excitement and fear to many people. Although there is no symmetrical meaning to the date, many theorists, mythicists and numerologists have looked to this date as having a powerful sign. The theories have been nothing different than what we're used to hearing, "End of the World", "Armageddon", etc. Even attempting to bring Nostrodamus into the mix.

Numerologists claim that it is a time for forgiveness, compassion and success. Others say its the mark of Satan, seeing as it's 666 flipped upside down.

On a Spiritual front, the number 9 is directly related with Hinduism's most powerful deities, Maha Kali. This is a little known fact. The number 9 has great significance with relation to Maha Kali's power and influence. Maha Kali of course being the strongest deity represented creation and balance between life and death.

Greek Mathematician, Pythagoras, also gave significance to the number 9.

You can multiply any single digit and arrive at 9. Wednesday, in numerology is signified as 9. September is the 9th month. September 9th is the 252nd day of the year and broken down, this adds up to 9.

The Chinese look to the number 9 in a positive manner, while the Japanese do not.

Whatever the theories, whatever the prophecies, the fact remains that today is 9-9-9 and I got a text message at 9:09 AM and when I opened my eyes -- the world was still in one piece and my phone still worked. Only one more time slot left to watch: 9:09 PM.

It is interesting however that ancient history has placed such importance on numerology. Again we have a fast approaching date that carries many theories with it based on the Mayan calander: the year 2012.

I have to run, more on this later. Enjoy your day everyone!

"The Wheel of the World"

It's the title of one of my favourite songs, sung by one of my favourite artists, contains some of my favourite lyrics --- yet I have not found it so fitting, so applicable to my own life, as it does now.

In my 26 years, I've experienced many things, both good and bad and characterized as either happy or sad. I think we can all agree that it's harder to get past and recover from our saddest moments in life. How does one pick up the pieces? How does one begin to live again? These are questions we'll ask ourselves as we wait and wait for the moment to leave us, but it always seems like it's never going to end.

But happy moments, on the other hand, come and rush past us, leaving us in a daze. We've still got our arms up in the air when the moment has already come and gone. It never seems to stay long enough. We always want that one more song, that one more minute, that one more piece of cake :p We always feel like we didn't experience it long enough.

So when weeks, days and weekends like these past few come, it's hard for me not to realize just how much of a blessing it is to laugh, hug, and be in the presence of such wonderful and loving people.

It is even more incredible when we witness the arrival of a new baby, a new hope, a new love, a new addition to an already incredible family.

The warmth of a new child is something that cannot be matched. The soothing presence of a new child is something that you want to bathe in forever and ever. The spark in those cute little eyes is something that you never want to forget.

I have a new baby sister and because of that, the world just got a little more fun, a little more acceptable, and a lot more magical.

Days gone by...

First and foremost, I sincerely apologize. I've heard the complaints - I know it's been a very long time since I last blogged. Life has just been one crazy ride and it's left me oddly speechless in the past weeks. I'm happy to say that I feel like that phase is now coming to an end. So rest assured, in the coming days I'll be adding much more thought into this site, meaning I'll be blogging more often.

Briefly I'll recap why we've hit this stalemate, which I promise will not continue any further. From the day I started the blogsite up till the last blog post - I was essentially taking a break from my own pursuits. Well not entirely. What I mean to say is that, certain projects I was pursuing had already been placed well on their own individual paths, and all there was for me to do was...wait...patiently for the results.

So while I was waiting - patiently, mind you - I realized I needed an outlet to keep writing, so out came the blog site. However, in recent weeks I began getting results for my projects and my time, thoughts, and energy were being quite consumed. I realized that I was for the first time in my life completely immersed in...well in my own life. If anyone asked me what was going on in the news...honestly I didn't know! That's a definite first for me! I stopped reading People Mag, I stopped checking in with different news outlets -- I was entirely consumed with my own tasks.

Until that is I heard the complaints for the lack of updates on the blog and I realized this behaviour was utterly unbecoming of me. So, I've figured out a way to balance both. We all know that our individual dreams and pursuits are very important. We must all strive to achieve something in our lifetime that truly belongs to us and that cannot be taken away ever. However, it is also very important to me to still be the person that I've always been and that is well...the Indian version of Hermione Granger ;)

Okay - this is way too long. Just know new posts will follow in the days/weeks ahead. In the meantime, sit tight and I hope you're enjoying this strange weather we're experiencing.

Tim Hortons in New York

Finally, some good coffee in New York! This week the popular Canadian trademark is opening twelve locations across New York. These locations include Penn Station, Madison Square Gardens, Times Square, Brooklyn and Broadway.

So far the response has been good, especially from Canadians working in the Big Apple. Cheap coffee that actually tastes good? Who wouldn't be happy? Except of course those Dunkin Donut lovers who are realizing that their shops have been replaced by Tim Hortons. That kind of confused me because Dunkin' Donuts is soooo unhealthy. Have you ever tried their coffee or donuts? It's like your begging for a heart attack.

Americans may have made fun of Canadians and their dependence on Timmy's, but it looks like soon they'll be experiencing the same devotion.

By the way, I think I could use an Iced Coffee right now...

;)

The King is Dead

The world received shocking news today. The Legend, the Icon, a man who really belongs to no one category or was simply in a unique category of his own, Michael Jackson passed away after suffering cardiac arrest today at noon Pacific time in his Los Angeles home.

People around the world have grown accustomed to his life story, to his music, and especially to his influence on countless music lovers. MJ wasn't just a music icon, he was a personality that defined a generation.

I think it's safe to question what our current pop stars or musicians would be like right now, had MJ not spent his life devoted to revolutionizing the music scene. Would Justin Timberlake still be singing or dancing in the same manner? Madonna and Britney Spears on the female front of pop music have always cited MJ as an influence and guide in pushing the boundaries of pop. Almost every music sensation today has cited MJ as an influence.

The 1980's would not have been the same without "Off the Wall", "Thriller", or "Bad". His album, "Thriller" is still one of the best selling albums ever and it is still one of the most commonly played albums.

Even though MJ's albums had already been long released and old by the time I grew up and began appreciating music, they were still some of the first albums I ever heard and fell in love with.

The world is filled with talented people; talents that vary considerably. However, artists in particular have always interested me greatly. The impact that music has on people and the way it can change your life...I find it absolutely fascinating. To think that a young man who strolls onto a stage and then just moves his body in such a unique fashion once the beat starts pumping, grabs his crotch, flings his arms into the air, twirls on his feet, slides across the stage in a move that later becomes the "moon-walk" -- that this man can inspire an entire generation and then have that generation carry forward his influence and then inspire even more generations...it's incredible.

With a final concert series still in the works, this is probably the last thing anyone expected to hear. But then again, when do we ever expect to hear such news regarding something or someone that has become so permanent in our world that we feel we'll never be separated from it, or them.

MJ will live on through his music and his lasting musical influence -- just as he already has all these years.

What's Happening...

• Iran - okay let's take a deep breath before we begin... ready? Alright, so we've all seen the news coverage regarding the unprecedented protests against the recent election, or shall we say "re-election" of President Ahmadinejad. The opposition party has led the protests, claiming that the election results were rigged, however the turn out has been incredible with hundreds of thousands rebelling against the results. So vast have been the protests that they're impossible to ignore, hence drawing international attention. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei issued an ultimatum, more like a threat, calling for an end to the protests or be faced with strict resistance from the government. Basically a government crack down on the protests, I'm assuming. Go ahead and draw some pictures in your head of what that might involve. So far the police has started using water cannons on the protestors. Khamenei claims that the victory was so "great" for Ahmadinejad that there is no reason to believe that fraud was involved. Right... I'm wondering how the Int'l leaders feel right now. Just a few weeks ago Western leaders were speaking openly about the strong, almost definite probability that the world would be rid of the President that has been such a pain to the rest of the world with his aggressive behaviour. I guess we'll wait until the next election.

• Still no word on the black boxes for the Air France flight. However the carrier has started handing out $24,500 to the victim families. Authorities are reporting that the fact that the bodies have broken bones indicates that the plane began falling apart in the sky before impact. And that's really all that they've put together thus far. It is a very scary reality still that I'm sure many people are trying to piece together. Almost unheard of in this day an age that a plane could just fly into bad weather with faulty equipment and fall apart.

• On the Canadian front, don't expect a federal election until at least the end of summer. Ruby Dhalla seems to have escaped her controversy even though the Committee report called for a thorough investigation. People seem to be distracted at the moment with other things, namely other MP or MP scandals from around the country. When is anyone in this country going to do their job. I don't know why we hold inquiries to begin with when their recommendations are never followed. If they don't have anything to hold against her, then just say "innocent" and move on. If they see something, then enforce the investigation, but whichever it is, stop wasting my tax dollars!

• This is all I care to write about right now. I have to rip Stephanie Meyer apart - save that till the next blog post :p

Review: Drag Me to Hell

After many years I had the pleasure of finally seeing a movie that made me jump and scream like...well like a scared little girl! 

Sam and Ivan Raimi have written a script that has just the right amount of scares, thrills, surprises and intrigue. Further, Sam Raimi has directed very well. The victim in this story is a sweet, innocent girl by the name of Christine who is just trying to make it like the rest of us. With one honest misjudgement she is thrust into a three day horror fest where she must save her soul from the eventual arrival of the creepiest demon of all, Lamia.

We've all seen movies about possession and demons - exorcist anyone? But a demon that is pursuing you to take your soul...sounds familiar...poltergeist? But even still, this movie comes out as very unique. It's never been done like this before.

Every minute there was a thrill. My friend had her face covered the whole time as did I. Well, there were some very gross moments in the movie that at one point almost made me regurgitate the poutine I had just downed. But the screams were not lacking. Well...my friend actually did all the screaming, loud enough for the whole theatre to hear and join in.

The screams weren't out of serious fright, it was all thanks to the surprise thrills that make you jump out of your seat, something that director Sam Raimi has done flawlessly. 

Of course there were weaknesses in the plot and they could have cut out the gross parts, but overall I am very satisfied :)

For a long time now I have desired to watch a horror that would make me jump out of my seat. Not only did this movie accomplish that, but it made my friend and I jump and scream at so many points that we would hurl over in laughter as we realized how stupid we must look.

I would catagorize this film as a Horror-Comedy -- something very rare.

So if you're looking for some thrills, and not too worried about plot - then check out this film. It's sure to make you laugh.

Archie Picks Veronica!

After all these years, hundreds of editions, decades of waiting...supposedly we have the answer. And it's a surprise, at least to me! Archie has proposed to Veronica.

Probably one of the most famous love triangles in pop-culture seems to be coming to an end, or is it? Reports claim that in the next issue Archie will propose to Veronica, as Betty looks on in tears. After years of being tossed about, stomped on and playing second fiddle to the high-maintenance Veronica, Archie is still choosing her over the quiet, sweet, and understanding Betty.

I must ask if by choosing Veronica, the comic team is deliberately going against conventional norms. Isn't the shy, sweet one supposed to win in the end? Not the abnoxious, rich, popular one?

Also does Archie's proposal mean the end to a comic series that has been running for 7 decades?

I think not.

The controversial upcoming issue is just "The Proposal". We have no clue what the end will be. Betty still may  have something to contribute, or perhaps Archie may be hit with a flash of lightening. In any case I always thought Betty deserved better.

Whatever the case with this "proposal" - I just don't think the fat lady is done her song yet ;)

solomag.ca goes live!

Wednesday  I embarked on an unlikely adventure. I woke up thinking I was going to spend the day in my pajamas, as I had the day off. I figured I would spend it reading "To Kill A Mockingbird" since I seem to be the only one who hasn't read it yet! But as I settled in on my couch, the phone rang and suddenly plans changed.

My sister invited me to join her at a "single woman's online magazine launch" in Toronto. "It'll be good for you," she said. I looked outside my window and watched as the rain pounded the pavement and thought about how difficult it will be to sit through a 45 minute commute into Toronto. My mind started making up countless excuses of why I shouldn't get out of my pajamas and head into town, but with the help of my sister's voice I shut out those excuses and answered with a simple: "Sure, when and where?"

And boy am I glad that I went.

My sister and I walked into a room packed with women who have either found success or are well on their way to finding it in the corporate world. Each one had an amazing story and a bright smile to go along with it. It wasn't difficult for my sister, the hardworking corporate type, to fit in. Rather, I felt some hesitation at first about approaching people and engaging in conversation. Would these women be interested in speaking with an ex-politico type, now law student, and writer? Did I have anything interesting to contribute?

I soon found out that they were interested. 

The launch which was aimed at introducing a new single woman's online magazine turned out to be a pleasant interaction between successful, ambitious and caring women who value the art of networking. The air was polluted with laughter, encouragement and genuine appreciation of one another. I must say, towards the end of the night I almost felt lightheaded from all of the positivity. 

Jacqueline Parker, the Editor of Solomag.ca, has introduced a medium for single women where they can interact and learn about topics that actually are quite relevant to their everyday lives. From travel, lifestyle, careers, relationships, finance and real estate, to a page that teaches singles to "do it solo" -- it's all relevant information.

I've had the privilege to read through every article and although I do not fit into the 35-50 demographic, I found the articles to be quite helpful for my own personal knowledge. I encourage everyone to visit the website and experience what solomag is all about: www.solomag.ca

Congrats to the entire Solomag team on a job well done.

The Clash Continues

A Dera sect leader is shot dead in Vienna, and a train goes up in flames in Jalandhar, Punjab - the riots continue...

The ongoing dispute and distaste between Sikhs and the unpopular Sikh Sect known as the Dera Sach Khand is no secret. The past few years have been marked with loud and sometimes violent protests between both groups. Those who don't know much about the topic may ask, "Well aren't they all Sikhs? So what's the difference?" And this is a good question to ask. The answer however is that there is a fundamental difference. Orthodox Sikhism does not believe in a living Guru. After the Tenth Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Sikhs observe the holy Guru Granth Sahib as the Word of God and as The Guide towards Truth. Dera followers on the other hand believe in living gurus and their practices are a long list of things that orthodox Sikhism has never included. There's no time to get into that yet.

What something is or isn't - I highly doubt that after centuries of it existing it will just up and disappear. Let's face it people - Dera sect isn't going anywhere.

What concerns us now at this time is the violence that is increasing and reaching across the world. Two of the Sect's leaders were shot as they preached in a Temple in Vienna. One was killed and the other has been said to be in stable condition.

The Dera sect followers, upon hearing about this attack, have reacted by rioting in Punjab against Orthodox Sikhs by lighting cars, buses, and even whole trains on fire.

It's getting out of control. 

No one was able to suppress this sect back in the 14th century or anytime between then and now, so what makes people think that they can do so now? The argument used is that the Dera leaders show grave disrespect towards the holy Guru Granth Sabhib. What the Dera leaders have been preaching and doing - they've been doing for centuries.

However, is violence the only way to stop them from doing this? If the choice is between violence which will undoubtedly include hurting innocents or unsuccessful dialogue, then I say it's better to let God deal with them and judge them. Endangering innocents who stand on the sidelines and have nothing to do with the debate is just plain wrong. Riots are never about one person, nor do they only touch one person or one group. Many innocents are hurt and lives are completely destroyed. So leave it and let the higher beings deal with it. Just focus on your own life and live it as honestly as you can.

Let's not forget what all of us Sikhs were put through 25 years ago.

New additions that become lasting additions to your life

It's been a while since I wrote a personal note. So here it is --

Something's been on my mind lately and I think I need to write about it in order to make sense of it. All my life I've always had this habit of writing even when I have no flipping idea what it is I'm going to say, but to just let it flow as my hands move across the page, or in this case, across the keys of my laptop :p

Lately, I've been trying to absorb a certain phenomena about life. We can even call it a "miracle" depending on how we view it, but in essence it is quite profound. If you've read my blog in the past, especially if you've read some of my most earliest entries, then you know undoubtedly that I've experienced some loss in my life. However, my life has never been boring or absent of adventure, and I've had some truly wonderful experiences. 

One day I started to pay attention to and think about all the new people that I've met during the course of my life. Some have come and gone and have made their mark regardless of how short of stay they had and some were quite insignificant and believe me when I say that I wouldn't be sad if they never showed up again! 

Then there are those new people that have swooped into my life and have given me the feeling that I have been waiting for them all this time. These are the individuals that define the "new addditions that become lasting additions". There is no shared blood, but they are family in every sense of the word. And they have become some of the most important people in my life.

I find it very interesting how life can take people away from you, literally rip them away - as my father was. And then surprisingly just bring in new lasting additions.

If anything, this phenomena just reinforces the argument that we really are pawns in a greater game orchestrated by some superior being, or maybe it's just the dynamics of life. I'm not going to get into an existential debate here, we'll save that for another day.

For the time being, just stop and pay attention to the people that are in your life -- not the blood relatives -- but the ones that could very easily have chosen to walk out of your life or keep a distance. Pay attention to the ones that make or have made a positive decision to remain a part of you for the long run. Pay attention to the ones that make you feel like you were meant to meet and become lasting additions in each other's lives. Those are the ones that we can refer to as life's miracles.

:)

On the eve of turning 26...

Thinking about the years that I've left behind as I hinge on the eve of my 26th Birthday...sorta make me feel like this animated girl to the right ----->

(By the way... I have no idea what that writing means in the picture. Let's just ignore that).

Twenty-six years have gone by and shit...where did they go? I've had some amazing years and some very not-so-amazing years, but every single one has taught me something about myself and especially about life. For that I am grateful. However, I do still feel that a lot of the life lessons I've learned I could have done without, at least for another few years. I guess at the end of the day we all have to walk a certain path in life; uncover certain truths about ourselves and about our existence so that we can become better human beings...

You see! This old age stuff is already catching up with me! I think tomorrow (May 12th) is going to be one gloomy day :(

I used to burst with excitement when May 12th arrived, but somewhere in the past 3 or so years that excitement has vanished. Instead now there is a certain sadness about the youth that is slipping away. The responsibilities of growing up...getting married...my gosh!

I guess we all have to progress with time. Perhaps marriage won't be so bad. Maybe my in-laws won't find my obsession with xbox 360 to be "too" bothersome... maybe they'll even find my Hannah Montana t-shirts cute? Well... as long as I have my console, I suppose I can ready myself for the next phase in my life -- a phase, sadly, that starts with me turning 26.

If this is me at 26...what will become of me when I turn 30?

Some Moments

There are some moments in life that are so immensely powerful that they leave you feeling as if the earth just shook around you. Some moments can tear you down and make you feel like you've lost everything that ever meant something in your life. Some moments leave you feeling like you can't take the next step; the next leap; the next journey.

Then there are those moments that utterly and completely warm your heart. There are moments that bring tears to your eyes, not because you're sad, but because your heart begins to overflow with such wonderful joy that the only thing you can do is cry. There are moments that bring all the meaning back into your life. There are moments that bring serenity, bliss, and absolute happiness.

This past weekend, I felt such happiness. Thanks to those that made it happen.

:)

Random stuff...need to clear my head

First - Stephen Hawking, the brilliant physicist most famously known for his breakthroughs in cosmology and quantum gravity, has been admitted into hospital on account of serious illness. He is a genuis when it comes to black holes and his work has shed light on this area, among others, in ways that cannot be described nor forgotten. Hawkings contribution to the human species and to science is absolutely incredible and his work will help generations to come to continue on a path towards greater knowledge regarding our world and the universe that surrounds us. I hope he makes it out of the hospital and feels better soon. We still needs minds like him.

Second - I watched Poltergeist III on Sunday (I wasn't in the mood to do much else and I needed a break!). The movie was great, as expected since I've already seen it. lol. But this time I watched it more carefully and picked up on some of the best quotes in the film, especially quotes said by Tangina - the psychic. At one crucial point she says: "You see innocence is the only gift we're given. All else must be fought for. In that gift is purity. In that purity lies strength." This quote sent a chill down my spine, but it is so true. Movie was made in 1988, so you can imagine how crappy the tech stuff would be, but still they do a good job. There's nothing like these old horror films. It was less on the technical crap and more on the story, quotes, and acting. 

Third - Susan Boyle may have met her match in 'Britain's Got Talent'. A 12 year old boy has taken the spotlight with his amazing vocals. Should be an interesting season on that show.

Fourth - A former astronaut who was part of the Apollo 14 mission to the moon says that aliens do exist and that the U.S. government, along with other world governments are hiding the truth from people. He's a Roswell native and he claims that the infamous Roswell crash landing of an alien spacecraft did occur. The more this guy talks the more he sounds like a real-life "Mulder". I'm wondering when "Skully" is going to show up. Seriously though, he's got some serious claims so it will be interesting to see how this pans out. He's got national attention already.

Fifth - I'm still waiting for the "Do Not Call List" to kick in for me. I registered a few months back, but I'm still getting a shit-load of telemarketers that wake me up from my naps, disturb me while I'm eating, and just plain annoy me regardless of what I'm doing! I told one man to give the phone to his manager. He said "okay Ma'am." Less than a minute later someone picked up and said "Hello". And I swear it was the SAME GUY! Only he was pretending to be the manager. So I told this guy to own up to it, but of course he wouldn't. I just don't know what it's going to take to tell the same dude that I don't need duct cleaning... [sigh].

Afghan Women Protest

Women protest against "barbaric" laws

 

Finally, Finally, Afghan women stepped out and protested against the insane laws that have passed through both houses and been signed by President Karzai. Although only applying to the Shiite minority, the laws are an outrage and impact every woman in this world. If they are allowed to exist in law then they set a tone for women everywhere and they lessen the worth of a women to nothing but a sex-slave. Now, I have been raised to be respectful and sensitive to the ideas and cultures of others. Further, I understand that people are the products of the historical traditions they grow up in. Yet I say this with strict confidence: These laws are brutally barbaric.

Three particular provisions have drawn fire from leaders, human rights groups, and people all around the world and especially strong-willed women in Afghanistan. One provision sets out that permission is requried from the husband if the woman is to work outside the home or go to school; a second provision makes it illegal for a woman to resist her husband's sexual advances; a third makes it illegal for a woman to refuse to "dress up" if requested to do so by her husband.

Can I just stop here and say: "WTF?!"

I'm not a stranger to laws in Afghanistan, nor to what women were put through when the Taliban had control. I remember back in 1998 when I had my little kit and I was trying to make people listen to the horrors that women were being put through in Afghanistan, but no one cared to listen. But, enough is enough now. Especially with a new President and with international attention.

However, the protests that 300 strong-willed Afghan women made against these laws struck a cord with women all around the world and with the International Community. President Karzai has agreed to review these laws and he has already stated he will repeal the one which gives the husband the right to demand sex every 4 days.

Of course these women didn't protest in peace. They were met with an angry group that was reportedly 3 times as large as theirs. Here's a clip of them:

 

Of course there were women that agreed with these men that the laws were "right". Let's not blame them entirely; instead blame the environment they've grown up in. There is a change approaching. I mean here in the West, women did not achieve equality right away. We put up with some insane rules and traditions as well, but things evolved, as every thing is meant to evolve eventually. But defiance in the face of inequality is crucial in helping this come about.  It's happening in Afghanistan. These women are pushing back now, but they need our support.

Life...in a moment

I spent the day listening to music, well listening only to Adele, okay I admit I listened to only 3 songs all day long "Chasing Pavements", "Make you feel my love" and "Hometown Glory". These three songs by Adele are absolutely remarkable and contain within them the energy to move you to tears, inspiration, or glory -- depending on where you are in life right now. 

Someone very dear to me told me last week that I am someone who sees each day as a new day. And that wonderful person was right, very right. I blame that tendency on watching Gone with the Wind one too many times. But the past few days, something strange happened. Every day seemed like a continuation of the previous day. The same mood, the same environment, everything just continued to be...well the same.

 

I'm starting to think that this day -- April 13th -- is always going to be quite unpredictable for me. Last year all I wanted was to be around people, this year all I wanted was to be alone. Have I lost you?

You see 2 years ago today, my father passed away. A person who did nothing but encourage me to take risks in life, to face things head on, to enjoy it, to smile, to live, passed away in my arms on April 13th. That was the day that I saw life in the span of one moment.

It is absolutely true what people say about "your life flashing before your eyes before death". Only technically it wasn't my life, it was my father's, and yet I saw it flash before me. It turned out that a part of me died that day as well. The part that died was the part that saw life ignorantly, narrowly, and selfishly. Nothing was ever the same since that moment.

When my father passed, I felt his heart beat stop, I felt the warmth of his body fade and turn cold, and I saw his eyes close. One moment he was there, the next he was gone.

Moments like these will shake you up and give you a new outlook; a new perspective; a new journey. I'm still trying to figure it out. Still trying to figure out how to move away, or if there is anything I need to move away from; still trying to figure out how to remember him; still trying to figure out why it happened so soon.

However, one thing that I'll never be confused about is who my father was. He was an incredible human being. His wide smile (that I've been left with) defined him. His courage (that my sister's been left with) took him on an incredible journey; and his patience (that my brother has been left with) gave him his wisdom.

I can't say these things out loud - - but I can feel them through music and I can express them through writing. I just wanted to say that it's important to pay attention to the moments in your life, because they teach us many great things. It is only through this process that you can finally understand your life as a journey; as an illuminating journey -- just as my father did at age 48.

Living a full life to the age of 48 --- tell me just how rare is that? Answer: Very Rare.

I consider myself to be very lucky that I spent the time that I did, that I learned the things that I did, from a father such the one I was blessed to have. It is only because of his steadfast dedication as a father and his relentless pursuit to understand the word of God that he was able to depart this world at such a young age and still leave me with the realization that one can truly see life in a mere moment.

Age has nothing to do with it -- only wisdom.

 

Just a note

After midnight, when you're driving home from a good night out - the best place to hear good music truly has to be Edge 102.1. Tonight as I drove home, I was instantly reminded of this fact. They air some of the best rock music. It's just the best selection for that time. I've always been a fan of Edge, but again I'm amazed at how well they know their listeners. They really get what people want to listen to at that time of night. It's a good end to the night.

What's been going on?

• Britney Spears walked off the stage in Vancouver. The reason: weed. It appears fans in the stadium were smoking and it 'interfered' with the crew and Britney. So the show was stopped for a half hour. Fans complained the rest of the night and still are complaining. My take: Britney had every right to walk off stage. Can you imagine having to huff and puff (no pun intended) as you dance and sing while people are smoking up or just plain smoking?

• A G-20 protester died in London after he was apparently knocked down. Reports allege that a video shows the man being knocked down by police. yeah I know this is old news by now.

• Kal Penn was infamously killed off from House, much to the dismay of loyal fans. However, it turns out that the reason for his departure is that he's taken up an Associate Director's job at the White House! He'll be helping with Arts programs in communities and schools and so forth. It's quite a pay cut, but it's stories like these that prove that some stars actually are telling the truth when they say they want to "give back".

• A rally took place in Baghdad to mark the anniversary of the fall of Saddam Hussein - only thing is, they're not celebrating, instead they were protesting against the U.S., chanting that President Obama should withdraw U.S. troops.  I wonder when they'll hold a rally for catching Osama...oh wait...they haven't caught him yet :s

• Closer to home: A lot of unions and pensioners are expressing outrage at the Ontario government, stating that Ontario "ought" to have enough funds to cover their pensions. For example, Premier announced that Ontario won't be able to cover pensions for GM employees should GM go bankrupt. Honestly the question is should my tax dollars cover their pensions, if their tax dollars won't cover my pension or my mom's pension, or others who work in other firms or labour positions and are not part of GM? That's the question that Ontarians and Canadians will have to explore because it dips into a larger ideological issue: Just how Socialist is Canada? Or better yet, can we afford to stick to our "socialist" okay fine "welfare" tendancies? I only use the word socialist, since our neighbours down under always like to throw that at us. But I've always been very proud that our government takes a positive approach to our country by adopting such socialist policies, such as regulations, public programs, etc. But covering one industries pensions during a recession that's quickly tipping towards a depression?? Really? 

Back from the UK

It's been quite some time since I last blogged. I spent 2 weeks in England drowning in law books. Coming back to Toronto actually feels like a vacation compared to the stressful 2 weeks I spent in England studying. I am glad that I went for my revisions, however. Cambridge University is absolutely gorgeous and the law professors that drilled me with information were amazing. It's a real treat to learn from great minds and so the days that I spent there will not be easily forgotten.

The best part about England, this time around, had to have been the G20 Summit 

protesters. When I ventured into the city early last week, there were only a scattered few, but the next day as I turned on BBC News, there were thousands. It made for an interesting atmosphere in London. The protesters broke windows of Banks and threw the PCs into the streets. They spray-painted the walls of banks that had been outed for scandals or deceptions to the public and they fought with police. The most hilarious shot was when the police was desperately jumping over the fence, getting caught in it and helping to heave one another over it, as the protesters closed in.  Have a look at the picture to the left. It's a protester complaining about poverty and he's receiving a ticket from the police. My cousin is posing next to him so I could get this. Another cop (not pictured) was glaring at me, because he knew what I was attempting.

A few more pictures of protesters:

  

So besides this bit of protester-stalking and trying to be a tourist -- all I really did was study. But upon my return in Canada, I realized that one of my most beloved characters in the British soap, EastEnders, was killed off! Oh the tragedy! Oh the betrayal! How could the writers do that?! For months I waited, along with other die-hard fans, to see if Danielle would finally confide in Ronnie the secret that she is her long-lost daugther; the daughter that Ronnie believed to be dead. Oh the reunion would have been so memorable, so amazing, so incredible -- but what did the writers do??? Just when Ronnie calls out to her daughter and says "baby..." ever so softly because she's crying and is just so happy and relieved that her daughter is there, in the flesh, WHAT DO THE WRITERS DO?? THEY HAVE DANIELLE RUN OVER BY A CAR! I screamed! I screamed at the television, but though, "Oh, she's still breathing". Ronnie runs to her daughter and cradles her and all Danielle can say is "Mummy"-- and then she DIES!

Ronnie of course screams, as does the rest of Britain! Oh the shock, the betrayal, the lunacy of such a concept. What were the writers thinking?!

That's all I got for now - I'm still in shock over this outcome.

:o

In the U.K.

So I've landed in England tonight, which marks the start of my two week intensive period of lectures and such. They served blueberry pancakes on the plane and I was a bit startled. How do they know if I like blueberry pancakes? They didn't even ask me, nor did they inform me that there are blueberries in the pancakes. What if I was allergic? Oh Air Canada, looking for a law suit in the middle of a drizzling recession...  As it turns out, I'm not allergic to blueberries, so I enjoyed my meal quite a bit :)

I hate flying - that's no secret. I get motion-sickness, so I have to stack up on the meds. I tried to read, but that makes it worse. So at least in these new planes you have your own television screen. So I flipped on Australia. One word: WOW. Now it was quite a long film, mind you, but it's an epic.

The film stars, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman and is set in Australia - of course - during the war time period around 1939. There are a few plots carrying on but they all intertwine into one and produce a fantastic story. There were points where it actually moved me to tears and then I felt silly because here I was in a plane, sitting by myself watching a film on a tiny little screen - I probably looked like a right sap. Moreover, crying over a film adds to the nausea that I already had from the motion sickness.

The movie was advertised as being a good love story -- yet I found the real story to be about a woman and a child. Love is definitely the main theme here and it runs through every relationship and plot line and it moves you, it literally moves you to the point where you are just at a loss for words as to how you're supposed to talk about such a film. It's a true epic and really, films like this just aren't made anymore. So when you see this film, you remember those great classics like "Gone with the Wind" and "Casablanca". And what better stars to add to a classic, than Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

So -- this is the start to my trip! I'll try to keep you informed on the happenings over here. 

:)

Vampire found in Italy

Researches unearthed a skeleton in Venice, Italy of a female Vampire, from the 16th century. She was discovered with a brick stuck between her jaws, as an attempt to stop her from feeding on victims of the plague that hit Venice during that time.

Archeologists are having a field day. This is their first such discovery. Of course, they explain that this woman "was not" a vampire, but it proves that people did believe in them at the time and this was a common ritual performed.  As if a brick could really stop a vampire?

Researches state that it also proves how limited people's knowledge was at the time regarding body decomposition and all that jazz...

More on vampires another day - I have to go pack.

Religulous

I wasn't going to mention this movie at first - but I just saw it for a second time and well...if you haven't already - Watch it!

Bill Maher takes, what is really just a journey around the world to some of the major religous sites, such as the Vatican, Jerusalem and so forth and questions believers about their faiths. He is a staunch critic of religion - so if you're a believer, you may be offended.

Personally, I have faith in God, but I am a very open-minded person and I enjoy a good critique. Bill Maher delivers that. He asks some very direct and valid questions. His questions are not wishy-washy, he goes directly at these believers. Basically at the end of the day, if you are preaching your faith, then you should be able to define it. That doesn't mean that faith can always be described -- but even not being able to describe faith is a description in itself.

But maybe it's easier for me because I'm very personal about my belief -- maybe it's because I'm more spiritual than any belief in institutionalized religious doctrine. But as the major religions follow their "institutional" beliefs and have their "sources" to give them their information - (i.e. what is right and what isn't, who is blessed and who isn't...etc.) they are always ready to put up a fight. And these are the people that Bill Maher targets.

The spiritual ones, normally keep to themselves. 

I've grown up in the Sikh faith and I have studied Hinduism quite extensively -- I am happy to say that I've never been "forced" into one way of belief or another. Rather my family, parents mainly, have always taught us that spirituality, religion, God, these are things that represent personal journeys, things that we must discover on our own through the course of our life. Keep an open mind and take faith in what feels right. So far that's worked great for me. But everyone has their way of doing things.

Religulous -- Maher created this title by taking the words "religion" and "ridiculous" and meshing them together -- is a film that will/does offend many. But at the same time delivers some great laughs. 

Sometimes I had to change the channel (I was watching it on my satellite) when he really made some of the religious folks look stupid -- I really felt bad for them. It's just not their fault sometimes - some people just really don't know how to intelligently articulate their belief and that's a very common flaw for people who do have faith. Faith is a belief that millions, billions carry - - that doesn't automatically make them capable of being able to put that faith into words.

Okay enough of me talking -- just watch the documentary. At the end of the day, whatever our beliefs it is always effective for our modern society to be able to take a critical approach on issues. Maher's highly offensive attacks and humourous line of questioning may make you more firm in your own belief, or it may make you ask some serious questions. 

But -- don't watch it with kids! There are plenty of suggestive scenes and a couple of scenes of partial nudity.

Climate Change

It's worse than we thought...

Two thousand researchers are meeting in Copenhagen this week to discuss what has now become quite public -- we are nearing a drastic climate change faster than what researchers/scientists believed only two years ago.

Oceans are warming 50% faster than previously believed, coral reefs are disappearing faster than previously believed, and sea-levels are rising faster than previously believed.

One fact is quickly being accepted by scientists - we are nearing a drastic change in climate much faster. Perhaps even as fast as 20 years.

Start doing your part to help the environment - this isn't just for the movies anymore. It's fast becoming a reality...actually it is reality and it's fast becoming a nightmare that we'll all have to face.

Stop cracking jokes at the UN and support them and pressure your governments to listen and weigh in as the UN sets out to draft a new plan in December, to protect the environment and climate.

This is about us now.

Here's a good article if you want more info: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/feb2009/2009-02-23-02.asp

Further - if you haven't already, watch An Inconvenient Truth, by Al Gore. It is by far one of the best documentaries ever made and the most riveting lecture to date. It's a few years old, so when seeing the data, just remember that things are worse now.

The best thing you can do for yourself, your family and your planet, is to inform yourself of what's happening and what's at stake. Educate yourself and educate those around you.