Navratri

Night of Shiva

This is among the biggest Hindu events that take place during various times of the year. Navratri literally mean ‘Nine Nights’. This is among those festivals that take place mire than once during the year- it takes place four times in a single year. The theme of the event is the worshipping of the God mother. This is usually done in the beginning of the autumn and spring season. The celebration takes place in three steps adoring the various aspects of the gods and goddess of the Hindu religion.

Krishna Janmashtami

Birth Of Krishna

This is another Hindu religion that is celebrated by the people living mostly in India. This festival is celebrated with respect to the avatar god of Vishnu, Krishna as well as celebrations are carried out with respect to his birth on the same day. A special tribute is given to Krishna by playing the Rasa Lila which symbolizes the life of Krishna- he is known for bring fond of Rasa Lila as well as showing the glimpse of his fun filled days during the youth age of his life. Then a glimpse of his mischievous acts is also portrayed in a story of Dahi Handi. This is portrayed by a group of young boys when these boys get together and form a pyramid in order to break a high hanging pot of butter.

Setsubun

Lets Visit Fiji

This occasion is celebrated with the blooming cherry blossoms all over the places with people sharing their foods and beverages with the other on a picnic setting. A visit to Mt. Fiji is how mostly people celebrate Sebsubun. Actually this occasion is celebrated in order to welcome the spring season and the departure of the chilly and cold winter season. There are prayers offered in a Shinto temple for good luck and fortunes. People throw beans all over the places in order to ward off the evil sprits away from these places. This event is also celebrated in various parts of the world with different names. Countries such as Pakistan the event is named Bahaar. There are prayers carried to thank Almighty Allah. Some celebrate this season with music and cultural dances. This event marks the season of harvest and food. People believe this season brings them the source of living and healthy life.

Pentecost

From Israel to Egypt

It literally means the ‘fiftieth day’. It is an event that is a reminder of the time when Ten Commandments were given after fifty days after the Exodus of the Israelites from the Egyptian land. People also celebrate on this day the time when as many as twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ had received the endowment of the gift through what is believed from the tongue of fire which symbolized its presence. This day is also celebrated as the ‘Birthday of Church’ after the Savior was ascended to the heaven.

Diwali

Festival Of Lights

It is also known as Deepawali. This festival is commonly known as the ‘festival of lights’. Diwali brings together various other religions to celebrate the occasion. People following Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism come together although for different reasons regarding why and how it is celebrated. Lights are lit is lit to indicate that good prevails over the evil. The event is marked with people wearing new cl9othes and meeting their friends and relatives in order to share good thoughts and have a good time. It brings people closer to each other.

Ramadan

Id Mubarak

Arguably the most celebrated month of the year. Ramadan is one month for which people wait for from the day it gets over. This month has 29 or 30 days depending on the lunar calendar. This month is marked by fasting by Muslims all over the world. Muslims are abstained from eating, drinking and from all those kinds of activities which is not likened by Allah Almighty. They are ordered to abstain from long arguments and do only good with every person. This is done to please Allah and ask for His mercy by performing various obligatory duties and non obligatory duties. Muslims perform these activities with their utmost best sincerity and submissiveness to please their Creator. This month teaches Muslims to be patient, humble and having good intentions for every act done. The noble people also carry out a special activity I’tekaaf. Here they reside in the mosque for either 10 days or 30 days and abstain from all kinds of worldly activity to submit themselves to Allah pleasing deeds. They reside with the intention to ask for forgiveness for whatever they have wrong they have done and promise to never do it again.

The month begins with the deduction of Zakat- religious tax from those who are rich in order to help those who cannot afford a reasonable living and the ends with the occasion of Eid ul Fitr- an occasion of gifts for the people who have pleased their Lord throughout the month of Ramadan. This month teaches us the way of life and that one should always care from the relatives, neighbors and the poor so that they are not left alone when one can help them.

Chinese New Year

Party!

This event is celebrated by the most populous country in the world-China. The new moon experienced on the lunar calendar sparks of magnificent celebrations with colors, religions and lively celebrations carried out with fun filled activities like firing crackers, beautiful lightening to decorate the country and the worshipping in the temples etc.

Fire crackers such as rockets etc are fired in the sky which symbolizes the flourishing of the heavens and the warding off of the evil which indicates that the people shall have only good luck and no luck. People are often seen purchasing items such as moon cake to emphasize the binding of the families as well as round fruit s which is bought in order to signify good future.

Easter

Where’s the Egg?

This day is marked as the day of resurrection by the Christians all over the world. Christians believe that it is the day when Jesus Christ rose from the dead. It is the third day when he was crucified on the cross. There are many other adaptations of its celebrations and one among those is that children find painted eggs as well as the thinking of the Easter bunny. The day is also marked with religious activities with people going to church and praying.

Hajj

All about Prophet

This event is the biggest event in terms of the number of visitors, pilgrims and passage seekers from all over the world come together at one place- Makkah to perform Hajj in the month of Zul Hijjah. It is the biggest gathering in the world. It is an Islamic event where Muslims try their utmost best to ensure that there perform Hajj at least once in their life time. No matter how rich or poor a person is he will do what is in his powers to reach Ka’ba- the house of Allah Almighty to perform the rituals of Hajj and please Allah. They perform various duties and rituals as obligations which are mostly in the remembrance of noble people. The throwing of pebbles on the evil is carried out in numbers to symbolize the act of Prophet Ibrahim and the running between Safa and Marwa is in remembrance of Prophet Ismail’s mother in search for water for her child.
It is a three day event which also includes performing sacrifice of an animal in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail in obliging to the order of Allah before Allah sent down an animal and save Prophet Ismail. Some part of the sacrificed meat is provided to the poor so that they can share this beautiful event with their Muslim brothers and not left alone.
The pilgrims also visit Madinah and the shrine of the most Holy Prophet- Prophet Muhammad and perform religious duties in masjid Nabwi.

Christmas

Merry Christmas

This is the biggest event in the world. Christianity is the biggest religion being the largest population in the world, the event is celebrated throughout the world by not just the Christians but also Muslims as the Muslims believe that Jesus Christ is a holy man and honored with the distinguished status of Prophet. His name is mentioned in the Holy Book Al Qur’an as Isa. The celebrations take various shapes and include prayers in church and mosques as well as baking of sweets and cooking of delicious foods. The gathering of relatives and friends also takes place.
Christian is celebrated on the day when Jesus Christ was born to a noble woman Marry in Bethlehem. Gifts are exchanged and people do their best to keep everybody happy on this day. Various cultural activities are carried out. Santa Claus and Frosty the snowman are two popular figures on this day. They have the duty to come and entertain the children and distribute gifts. Poor people are also taken care of on this occasion and are not left alone.

Well I thought I should go forward and share my ideas of the most appealing Christmas Ornaments one can have to decorate the loveliest looking Christmas tree in the world. My list will help you in reaching on a final decision if the tension of decorating your Christmas tree is giving you sleepless nights. Let’s start from the tenth position on my list of Top ten awesome Christmas Gifts.

Traditional 5/8-Inch Ornaments

Ornaments add glitter

On number ten I have the Traditional 5/8-Inch Ornaments. In my opinion, no Christmas tree is complete without having a bunch of these hanging around its branches. Although there is no uniqueness associated with the idea of having these traditional ball-like spheres to decorate the tree yet it should be there as a matter of tradition and culture. Many different manufacturers produce these little ornaments in variety of colors and customized themes to give your particular ornament a sense of individuality. NHL Traditional 2 5/8-Inch Ornaments are available at a cost of around $5.06 to $10.05 each. You can chose from the available range of colors and sizes. Click on the following link to grab a look at these on the Amazon Store:

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Snowflake Christmas Ornaments

Snowflake symbolizes winter

Snowflake Christmas Ornaments get the second last position on my Top ten list. They are a little expensive as compared to the tradition ornaments I just discussed but are definitely worth the price owing to their delicate construction and breathe taking appearance. There are some really elegant Snowflake Ornaments by Swarovski and Pottery Barn. These snowflakes are sparkling and twinkling just like small flakes of ice. The hand-fixed beads make these ornaments look like small slices of diamonds shining in the tree. They are generally made up of iron or steel, the beads are of either plastic or glass. They come with cords so that they can be hung on the tree with ease. You can choose the one that suits your choice of size and design. Swarovski 2010 Annual Edition Crystal Snowflake Ornament can be purchased from Amazon following the link given below:

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Silver Balls

Let em Shine

On number eight are the gleaming silver balls that capture the eyes of the beholder and fantasize them beyond words. Generally they come in 1.5 inches or 40 mm sizes. Some of them have a coating of silver powder which makes them appear as if they just came out of a fairy-tale booklet. Christmas Central has a huge collection available. You can purchase 96ct Silver Splendor Shatterproof 4-Finish Christmas Ball Ornaments 1.5″ (40mm) from:

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Leaf ornaments

Decorating the Leaves

Leaf ornaments look extremely elegant on the branches of the Christmas tree and that’s how they make it to number 7 of my list. These are available in different shapes of diverse types of tree leaves. Usually they come with bright colored ribbons to be attached to the tree and with a golden or silver coating to them. Most popular of these is a set of three Maple leaf ornaments. Each of these is made with natural leaves, and shakes you for a moment looking at the beauty of nature’s creation. The leaves undergo a preservation procedure before they are finally dipped into copper for a perfect glance. A set of these leaves can be attained at around $4o or more. These links will help you get an idea about the prices of these products:

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Collectible Holiday Bell Ornaments

Start Collecting Now!

Collectible Holiday Bell Ornaments succeed in occupying the sixth slot. They are very common and you will find these bells hanging on almost every Christmas tree next door. Yet their simple and elegant look along with the variety of their shapes, materials and colors they come in to give such a fashionable look to your Christmas tree which is matchless. Silver is the color they are most appreciated in. they can be small or large depending on where on the tree and how many of these bells you wish to place. Pottery Barn offers these Bell Ornaments at affordable prices and also offers you to have your initial painted or carved over them by charging few more bucks.

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Mini Christmas Stockings

mini mini

On number five, I have Mini Christmas Stockings Ornaments. It comprises of red Christmas stockings hanging from the edge of holly mantels. These ornaments offer the choice to choose from a number of stockings ranging from one to five or even more. They can be customized by getting them printed with the names of the members of your family.

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Personalized Baby’s First Christmas

Its Personalized Baby!

On number four, I have Personalized Baby’s First Christmas Ornaments. It is a great idea for keep sake purpose as well. You can decorate your child’s first ever Christmas tree with these and then can keep them to show it to the child as he grows up. They are specially made in shades of baby pink and baby blue for your girl or boy.

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Collectible Holly Tree

Holly God!

Collectible Holly Tree Ornaments are on the next position. Christian Christmas Ornaments has them available in a variety of designs. They are a best buy for keep sake purposes for a daughter. A mother can convey her blessings and love for her daughter by gifting her holly tree ornament on Christmas.

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Mistletoe Kissing Balls & Holiday Décor

Kiss em

Mistletoe Kissing Balls & Holiday Décor comes on position two. Lenox Christmas ornaments are known for their specially pierced ball ornaments. These are pierced balls with intricate mistletoe details.

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Fun Personalized Family Ornaments

For an entire family

Finally, on number one is one of my personal favorites, which is Fun Personalized Family Ornaments. These are personalized Christmas ornaments made on stone or plaster of Paris. This can hold small faces of the members of your family with everybody’s name engraved over the top. They can be the best customization one can get for a family Christmas tree.

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“Centre of Excellence”

You mean between l & l?

Just like its well known cousin ‘Center of a circle’, Centre of Excellence is a locus of all Excellence equidistant from an Excellence. The phrase itself is ubiquitous, used in every power point presentation, every goal setting meeting and every round robin. it has even made its entry into the world of geometry (Don’t be overwhelmed, the locus definition does exactly this). I have spent a lot of energy trying to understand what the phrase means, you know, its deep meaning in the Paulo Coelho world. After much delving I have come to the following conclusion: All it really means is that there is only one kind of excellence, that is the excellence of your organization. Your excellence? Please do it in your own time.

“Value Proposition”

Its always the manager who proposes

Imagine you are trying to sell a parrot. Your prospective client sure as hell wants to know why you are charging five dollars for a parrot which for all it grandeur in green is worth two cents. This is where our phrase kicks in and you just reply “The Value Proposition we bring to the table…” and then you go on to present a power point presentation called “Value Proposition” and then you distribute documents called “Value Proposition document” and before you know it, the boss on the client side is charmed and the parrot is bought for six dollars including a one dollar charge for pink beaks. The phrase is usually accompanied by keywords such as ‘ROI’ , ‘Customer experience’ etc but nobody bothers to answer the question in hand “Why five dollars?”

“Innovate/Think Outside The Box”

Very few people who are thinking inside

Some folks realize this very early, some take a few years. You’d probably know this, but I derive a certain pleasure in stating this time and again; What your corporation calls as “Innovation” is most likely not. What we usually see is process streamlining or “cutting the fat” (another phrase which unfortunately did not make this dubious list). Once it sinks in that words like ‘Innovate’ are being used very casually, any attempt by the organization to actually innovate is taken with a huge serving of salt. Its casual usage has rendered it useless not only for the real innovators but also for the corporation which generally does not innovate but out of necessity has had to do so. That is when they come up with phrases which are catchier(‘Think outside the box’-some even call this innovation) and which are not yet on everyone’s lips. The new phrase is doing well until a director while addressing the senior management slips it out. A very productive session! The sheep have been fed and all you can hear for the next few weeks is the new queen in town.

“Go-Green”

Oh I love being Hulk!

This is the one of those new queens in the corporate town. It was probably picked up from a page 3 elitist and has made its way up in the book of corporate clichés. We all have noticed the “Consider the environment before you print” message under the signature. In all likelihood it was started by a well meaning individual but when used by folks who think greenery is having a nice lawn in front of the house, it does not fit well. Maybe we all need a reminder that talking a walk to the office and packing your lunch from home will go a longer way in doing something for the environment than a customized signature. As I type this in my cubicle and look around, I can’t help but think maybe the environment is not the one which needs a saving. I do realize I am pointing fingers and assuming self-righteousness but tell me you haven’t given a thought yourself.

“Corporate Social Responsibility”

Its Corporate’s responsibility and not mine

What a PR scam! This is as big a scam as India claiming to be a democracy. As in both cases, the insiders know the truth and we have our jokes on the subjects. Let us examine the scam called CSR. It is when we take a picnic to a lake under the false pretense that we are going to clean it. It is when we go to an orphanage thinking that a few bucks donated will solve the problem. It is when we take photographs of all things dismal and post it on our facebook wall. It is when we arrange cabs and lunch for huge groups of people only to go to a remote location and plant a few saplings. Some corporations even have a CSR team! The whole thing stinks of hypocrisy.

“People First”

Ladies First? Ambiguity Alert!

Yes, the people are the first priority. Who am I to disagree, all the big corporations were built on this solid foundation. Business and profits, aah.. that comes a far second. They even have human resources department, to address all concerns and issues the ‘people’ may face. Anna Hazare will be so proud of our corporate structure. I am wondering if somebody has compiled a list of contributions of the Human resources department in an organization, their ‘value proposition’ I mean. That would be interesting. I am not insisting they serve no purpose, it is quite important to keep the bosses happy. Ever been to the HR with a small/big concern? This is what will happen and take notes- they will humor you for a while and maybe share a cup of coffee, but, attention, they share no empathy for your predicament and all the while will exhibit a duplicitous friendliness (which has to be swatted like an annoying house fly). Personal experiences must not define our outlook but I’ll make an exception this time.

“Going Forward”

If at all I move..

This is a classic corporate cliché. I actually use the phrase very frequently, makes me sound result-oriented. Those who know better will disagree. The term itself means enough to be useful while also being suitably vague. Ha, suitably vague is a must in this world. You cannot afford to make a point, never. My guess it was designed by a smart accountant to include in the annual reports thereby making them open to interpretations. That way, no one can ascertain what is being said. Slowly it made its way to boardroom meetings, then to our daily cubicle platter. Just the perfect little expression. Going forward, I owe to try and make a bit more sense.

“If I could just piggyback on that comment”

Yeah.. piggy back

You are in a meeting with a lot of hi-fi people and somebody makes a very discernible statement (shocker). While most in the room, knowing they cannot match it, choose to keep quiet, you hear someone say “If I could just piggyback on that comment ..” before going on to make a statement which was implied and well understood (for the few discernible people in the room) without the need of being explicitly stated. Tactical genius, I happen to think. The individual shows that he/she has understood the original statement and the subtle nuances it assumes while also giving his/her thoughts. A few meetings later it is all too obvious and the ball keeps rolling. After all everyone does it in one meeting or the other.

“We are not on the same Page”

Are we on same book at least?

It could mean any of these; I disagree, I have a different opinion, I do not understand it as well as you do, You do not understand it as well as I do, You have the got context wrong , Let me get the context right and so many things more. Instead of using the expression best suiting the circumstance, we choose to throw out “we are not on the same page”. Yes, it means all of this at the same time and sometimes you wonder what the apt reply is. Should you even reply? Or just say “what?” But like most corporate clichés this is very well designed and serves the purpose of confusing the hell out the audience. The smug look on the face after delivering the phrase is such a wonderful sight for anyone who sees through the mighty bluff.

Work-Life Balance

Become an Acrobat they say?

This one I am sure everyone has heard. This is where Warren Buffet meets Dalai Lama. What in good god’s name does this mean? Why would anyone want a work-life balance? I want a life, I d rather not work, it is that simple. I do realize there a folks who love their work, in that case, their work is their life and I am no one to judge. To the corporations I ask, If you really want us to have a work-life balance why provide these PDA’s and laptops and on-call duty /weekend options? We know it definitely is not for our convenience. I cannot articulate well enough how I feel about this favored-by-all corporate cliché and if anybody has satirical references you would be doing the world a whole good if you can share them in the comments section.

A little part of me died as I word-kissed the rear of a potential reader. We all have the urge to shout our opinions on rooftops, this is mine. It may prove to be a futile attempt but I can live with that. I mean, if there are folks who can be convinced that a cannabis influenced franchise on adventures of a spectacled boy and his two friends is worth billions of dollars, I have every right to be optimistic.

Before I begin, these opinions are based on nothing really. There are no parameters to quantify the position of the songs and if I were to prepare a list such as this next month, I would probably scoff at this one. Let us get on it.

Green Eyes- Coldplay

play it cold

Coldplay is one of my favorite bands. No, I do not find them soporific and I think some people say so because it has become fashionable these days to put them down. If it were up to me I would vote for Coldplay as the band that dared to be effeminate with their lyrics. Queen a voice in my head points out, but that is an argument for another day. Green eyes was written by Chris Martin for.. hmmm… I have no clue. But this makes a great song and will leave you wishing you had someone to dedicate it to. I am quite aware that most people would not keep this song in any Top 10 list, but that is nothing to do how good the song is. Have a listen to it. This one ranks 10th in top 10 underrated rock songs of all time.

Richard Cory – Simon & Garfunkel

Art it is!

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel have created innumerable songs which ooze poise and poignance. “Bridge over troubled waters” , “Mrs. Robinson”, “Sound of silence”, “Homeward bound” have all stood the test of time. But somewhere lost amongst these is “Richard Cory”. Richard Cory is originally a poem which was written by Edwin Arlington Robinson , first published in 1897. The poem describes an affluent, educated man by the name ‘Richard Cory’. His position and lifestyle is a matter of envy to the townspeople. As the poem goes, Richard Cory in spite of all his wealth kills himself. Simon and Garfunkel pay tribute to the poem in one of their lesser known songs.. Although it is not an original, I think the duo with their vocal harmony connected with the bourgeois, even adding a touch of irony to the song by suggesting that the envy remains even after Richard Cory’s sad death. This one scores 9th among the list of top ten underrated rock songs of all time.

Civil War – Guns and Roses

It Rocks

I have added this song after giving a lot of consideration. My first thought -This song feeds one of the oldest rock clichés. But I have slowly come to think that it is one of the best anti war songs written. The song samples speeches from the movie ‘Cool Hand Luke’ and quotes a Peruvian militant general. It is not the most popular song among the Guns and Roses faithful, some even accusing that the song reeks of hypocrisy as you may well know that Guns and Roses were not the most morally sound band. In a weird way, this “hypocrisy” is what drew me to the song. Great lyrics, great vocals, great guitar riffs, all in all Guns and Roses surprised everyone with this.

Heavy fuel – Dire Straits

The Heavy Rock

This is a bad ass song from Dire Straits. it is an original with Knopfler singing in character. Incredible how they managed to pull a song which extols vices such as cigarettes and alcohol knowing that they have had a reputation of being very unassuming and self-effacing. The song is stripped down making it dear to an audience who are tired of the noise of stadium rock. Though it was a huge success and received a lot of acclaim, it is never the first one to come up in a conversation and never gets the respect it deserves. Instead there are songs by Nirvana and Iron maiden which are rated above it. This for me is severe injustice to the song. Heavy fuel deserves to be up there with some of the greatest rocks ever but sadly finds itself overshadowed by some very overrated songs. This one stands 7th among list of top 10 underrated rock songs.

Simple man – Lynyrd Skynyrd

You Better Spell It right

What a beautiful song this is. Oh! the lyrics, so profound and beautiful. Just a mother telling her son how to live his life. I wish this song was played as often as the Van Halens and the AC/DCs. The simplicity of the song sweeps you off the floor and leaves an after taste. Whatever wordplay I use will not do justice to it. I have no choice but to post the excerpts from the lyrics as they are
Boy, don’t you worry you’ll find yourself
Follow your heart and nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you my son is to be satisfied

And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won’t you do this for me son if you can?
Trust me, it sounds a lot lot better when Ronnie Van Zant sings it. It’s a must listen.

Changeling – The Doors

Not the Angelina Jolie one;

A Junkie or a Genius? Jim Morrison has been dividing opinion for long and will continue to do so. But what he has done is that he has taken all the attention away from other members of the band. Be it his intoxicating vocals or his ability to provoke a riot in a church, Jim and his unpredictable stage persona was what made the band so influential and if there is a song which paints this picture, it is changeling. Hugely original, hugely influential and when Morrison screams “see me change” the song hits the spot. It would be very unfair not to mention Robby Krieger on guitar. He was the perfect match for Morrison and in changeling he proves his worth among the guitar elite complementing the fire Morrison attempts to rage. The song was overshadowed by tracks such as ‘L.A Woman’ and ‘Riders on the storm’ which were released in the same album. Changeling is a song which deserves more. This goes on 5th position in top 10 underrated rock songs of all time.

Achilles last stand- Led Zeppelin

Zeppelin

The greatest rock band in my little knowing humble opinion. I resented it the first time I listened to them- Kashmir if I am not wrong. For obvious reasons I expected something else from the song and what I got was nothing like it. Then it slowly grows into you, to the point that it slowly begins to define you. They have recorded several highly acclaimed songs, but Achilles last stand is the best of the lot. Not stairway to heaven, not black dog, not misty mountain hop, not whole lotta love. Ok, maybe whole lotta love or maybe not. Anyways, my point is this song did not get the response it deserves. Whatever it is that you are doing now, stop. Put on those ear plugs and listen to Achilles last stand.
I assume you are done listening. Now tell me those galloping guitar riffs did not smack you on the head. I dare you. I am going to reach out of the screen and set you right and if possible steal some brownies from the refrigerator.

Heart full of soul – The Yard birds

Soft name for a Rock

The Yardbirds are famous for launching three of the most acclaimed guitarists- Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck. They have the distinguished honor of spawning psychedelic rock. If there was no Yardbirds, maybe there wouldn’t be Led Zeppelin. I pick Heart full of soul as one of the underrated songs that any rock fan needs to listen. It was written by Graham Gouldman with Beck on the guitar. The guitar riff in the opening of the song is seen as an iconic progression in the music industry. The vocals from Keith Relf is very deep and classical at the same time. As you listen to the song, you can’t help but think it has been copied by countless artistes. Interestingly the famous guitar riffs were never suppose to happen as the band had agreed to use the sitar to produce an eastern exotic tone. It is impossible to say how that would have panned out, but we are fortunate that Beck was able to produce such a piece in his very first recording with the band, that in itself is a testimony to the genius of Jeff Beck. Yardbirds stays strong at 3rd spot among the top ten under rated rock songs of all time.

Oh La La -Faces

Face It!

Having enjoyed only modest success, Faces are a forgotten band. But anyone who has gone through their work will realize the kind of influence they have had in the industry. This is a timeless track recorded in the final months before their break up. The layered acoustic is unmatched, creating a sepulchral undertone to the carefree musical arrangement. Yet as good as both the music and singing are, there is little question that it is the lyrics of “Ooh La La” that make it such a special song. Centered around the idea of a grandson not wanting to hear the “wisdom” of his grandfather, there are few verses as powerful as when Wood sings, “…the can-can such a pretty show, will steal your heart away…but backstage, back on earth again, the dressing rooms are grey…” Within the words, the melancholy feeling is reinforced, and one can easily make the case that Faces drops one of the greatest choruses in history when they sing, “…I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger…” Nearly everyone can relate to this feeling, and from generation to generation, the spirit behind these words continues to ring true. This one fall shorts of one place among the list of top 10 underrated rock songs of all time.

Summertime -Janis Joplin

The Best!

The Daily Texan ran a profile of a 19 year old in the issue dated July 27, 1962 headlined “She Dares To Be Different.” The article began, “She goes barefooted when she feels like it, wears Levi’s to class because they’re more comfortable, and carries her Autoharp with her everywhere she goes so that in case she gets the urge to break into song it will be handy. Her name is Janis Joplin.”

Janice Joplin is probably one of the greatest rockstars to have walked the planet. The rebel archetype that Joplin was, had a devastatingly addictive voice. She lived like a whirlwind romance and she died like one at the age of 27, just 16 days after the demise of Jimi Hendrix, two of the founding members of the 27 club. Her will funded $2,500 to throw a wake party in the event of her demise. Around 200 guests received invitations to the party that read, “Drinks are on Pearl,” a reference to her nickname. I rate Joplin’s cover of George Gershwin’s summertime as the most underrated song. Summertime is one of the most covered songs in history with more than 2000 official recordings but once Janice with her greasy blues voice, pours all her pain in to it, she is the song. Listen to it. If you don’t like it, take a flying leap. Thats your 1st underrated rock song of all time.

I do not have any personal vendetta against that man. In fact, pointing him out like I did is unfair considering that majority of those who occupy high positions in our democratic machinery are characterized by shocking demeanor and severe lack of intelligence. The political outlook is so bad that you would be pardoned to think the country has gone to the proverbial dogs.

We all know of the doom theory which slates our judicial system, the Police, the EC, the Bureaucracy and what not, all the while making Pakistan seem like utopia to those who do not know otherwise. I am exaggerating to make an impact, but I sincerely hope but you get the point. THINGS CAN BE MUCH WORSE!

On that hopeful note, let us examine the Top 10 Politicos who are in prisons for doing what most politicians do and usually get away with. To have a judicial system is not pointless after all.

Intezar Ahmad Abidi

The UP BSP Cogwheel

Intezar Ahmad Abidi is a member of her Lordship Mayawatis cabinet (you know her don’t you? Its blasphemy if you don’t). He is someone that epitomizes the BSP government functioning in Uttar Pradesh. …. (Pausing for a movement expecting a lightning to strike me, No one dare criticize her highness and her government) … looks like my lucky day. Sorry to go off tangent like that, but you can never be too careful these days. Coming back to Ahmad Abidi, he has at least four murder cases registered against him, along with charges of extortion and arson, famously torching the house of Uttar Pradesh state congress chief. Yeah , quiet a statement I first thought. But when we have a state government which extends hospitability to thugs, as the people of Uttar Pradesh have found out, civility comes at a premium. Mr. Abidi however was arrested 19th June 2011 in connection with the murder Saifer Haider Naqvi, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Lucknow. The gunmen confessing to have killed the DIG at Abidi’s behest. I am guessing it won’t be too long before he is out. Nevertheless, he makes the Top 10.

Susanta Ghosh

So Called CPI of Bengal

Susanta Ghosh is a former CPI(M) minister from West Bengal. He is the case of a CPI cadre loosing the plot in the name of grass root mobilization. Personally I have had an admiration to the CPI cadre and their ability to reach the masses. But that is where the admiration stops. In 2002, seven Trinamool Congress workers were abducted by CPI(M) cadre after a meeting at Piyasala village. CID investigation followed and years later when all possibilities of progress in the case were bleak, on June 2nd 2011, seven skeletons were dug up from near Ghosh’s ancestral house at Benachapra in the Garbeta police station area in West Midnapore district. DNA of two out of seven skeletons dug up from near the former minister’s residence matched those of the two missing Trinamool Congress supporters, Ajoy Acharya and Raju Sinha. Susanta Ghosh was arrested in August 2011 along with two other CPI(M) leaders Gunadhar Rana and Sheikh Saiful.

R. Balakrishna Pillai

Biography of a Corrupt

R. Balakrishna Pillai is a political veteran. He is a former minister of state in Kerala having held portfolios like transport and electricity. He even has a biography written about him with a foreword by Padmashri Dr. Sooranad Kunjan Pillai. When you have been in politics for as long as Mr. Pillai has been, you are bound to have a few skeletons (ask Susanta Ghosh) in your closet and Pillai. He was convicted in March 2011 by the supreme court on charges of corruption in a case going back 30 years! He was sent to Poojapura Central prison, Thiruvananthapuram. The past coming back to do what I ask?

Katta Subramanya Naidu

Only man who is asking for a surgery himself

This former Karnataka BJP minister of Information Technology was arrested on August 8 2011, along with his son Katta Jagadish for taking kickbacks to allot 325 acres of land near Bangalore to ITASCA, an arduously named software company. Katta was one of the first high profile scalps of the Karnataka Lokayukta who have been ever so tireless in the state. He is currently lodged in Parappana Agrahara Central Jail and has been complaining of pain in his joints, neck, back and stomach coupling with severe diabetes and hypertension. Last heard, he was insisting on surgery for his bad neck to get few more months of hospital time. Endure prosperity with greater self control and adversity with greater fortitude, if only you understood this Mr. Katta.

Gali Janardhana Reddy

This guy even bribed gods!

Gali Janardhana Reddy is a former Karnataka BJP minister of Tourism and Infrastructure Development. Anyone who has followed Karnataka Politics even half heartedly will have heard of the name “Reddy brothers”. Janardhana Reddy is one of the three cogs in wheel of that infamy. The other cogs, Gali Karunakara Reddy and Gali Somashekara Reddy, I am sure will join a list such as this someday. Mr. Reddy’s is not a simple rags to riches story, it is more rags to ostentacity.Making his fortune by plundering the iron ore rich districts of Bellary and Ananthpur and setting up a risk free business model of mining franchises (GENIUS), Mr. Reddy could easily pass off as a case study in the leading B-schools of this country. He was named as one of the prime benefactors in the illegal mining report submitted by Karnataka Lokayukta this July. Needless to say, no action was taken against him by the present Karnataka BJP government. However it seems Goddess Fortuna had other plans for Mr. Reddy. He was arrested by the CBI on September 5th 2011 over a case of graft registered in Andhra Pradesh and is currently being held in Chanchalguda jail in Hyderabad.

Madhu Koda

I support.. uh.. I don’t support..

Madhu Koda is a former chief minister of Jharkhand. He was the fifth Chief Minister of the state, holding on to the chair from 2006 to 2008 after a series of ‘I support-I do not support’ acts finally toppled the previous cabinet, making him only the third Independent legislator to become a chief minister. Commendable indeed! But then, Koda was no saint as you might have already guessed. In October 2009, he was charged with money laundering and illegal mining. The IT department subsequently uncovered 4000 crore in illegal assets. It was found that the Maoists had received a 30% share of the loot. Hotels and companies belonging to Koda were seized in Mumbai and Kolkata. There were reports of presence of coal mine in Liberia belonging to Koda. Several investigation agencies began their questioning and Koda was arrested in November 2009 and sent to the Chaibasa Central Jail. He was transferred to the high profile Tihar Jail in July 2011 presumably to attend the monsoon session of the Parliament.

Amar Singh

Amar Scandal Singh

Amar Singh was a prominent leader of the Samajawadi party in Uttar Pradesh and also a Member of the Rajya Sabha. He was expelled from the party in February 2010 for gaining wide unpopularity after tainting his name in several scandals. It is kind of hard to believe that an Indian Politician was expelled for such a reason and I have decided to add his expulsion into my satirical list named ‘Great mysteries of our times’. Things were only beginning to get bad for Mr. Singh though. Once being heralded as Prime Minister material , gaining a lot of face-time in prime time television and successfully convincing the world of being close buddies with Amitabh Bachchan(Remember him gifting a Bentley to Amitabh’s son?, what his name, that fellow who calls himself an actor … oh yes, Abishek!), Mr. Singh was charge sheeted for offering bribes to three parliament members of the BJP in 2008 under the Prevention of Corruption Act by the Delhi Police on 24 August, 2011 and subsequently sent to Judicial custody in Tihar.

Kanimozhi Karunanidhi

Remember Ladies Reservation?

Kanimozhi is the daughter of the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi. Apart from being a poet and a journalist, the resourceful Kanimozhi found time for politics. She is a member of the Rajya Sabha representing Tamil Nadu and she also is the chief of the DMK’s wing for Art, Literature and Rationalism. Rationalize the following Madam Kanimozhi. It all began with the publishing of the Niira Radia tapes (I remember an enthusiastic friend sending me these and asking me to listen to them right away. Little did I see the David and Goliath allegory), in which Kani is heard lobbying with Niira Radia on behalf of A. Raja. I reckon Sonia Gandhi had decided it is high time DMK is shown its place after all these years of strong arming the central alliances for important portfolios. Series of raids and questionings followed. First it was the IT raid on an NGO in which Kani is the Director. Next it was the CBI investigating the cash flow of 200 crores between Shahid Balwa’s DB Realty firm and Kalaignar TV, partially owned by Kani. She was also charge sheeted as the co-conspirator in the 2G spectrum scandal. On May 20, 2011, the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in New Delhi ordered the arrest of Kanimozhi along with Kalaignar TV CEO Sharad Kumar after rejecting their bail pleas. Kanimozhi was arrested and sent to Tihar Jail.

Andimuthu Raja

A Raja who almost became a raja

A. Raja, as he more famously known, is a lawyer turned DMK politician from Tamil Nadu. What you may not about Raja is that he was a cabinet minister in the NDA government in 1999 at the age of 35, thereon, holding several major portfolios in the NDA and UPA alliances. Raja came to the limelight (criticism some may choose to call it) in 2007 when sections of the media made a fuss over allocating licenses for 2G bandwidth in 2007 to new player. As it turned out, that was not all. Long story short, Raja is alleged to have conveniently given licenses to new players at lower prices .Funnily enough nobody had a whiff until two of the new operators decided to sell a part of their equity at higher premiums to pocket lusty profits. Treachery, said the media sensing new material to feed off for months and they had hit the jackpot. Investigations by various agencies put the loss to public exchequer at 1.4 lakh crores. In 2011, the results of an investigation by retired judge Shivraj Patil, who was appointed by current telecom minister Kapil Sibal, has also found Raja to have been directly responsible for “procedural lapses” regarding the spectrum scandal. The CBI and Enforcement Directorate estimate that Raja could have made as much as Rs 3,000 crore from the alleged bribes. Raja and two former associates were arrested on February 2, 2011. Since then Raja has been spending his time in Tihar. In the same year, TIME magazine listed Mr. Raja’s 2G spectrum scam as number two on their “Top 10 Abuses of Power” list. In case you did not know, Mr. Raja is being targeted because he was a dalit. As Cicero said – Oh, what times! Oh, what standards!

Suresh Kalmadi

Corrupt with a corrupt(in computer sense) brain

Suresh Kalmadi is a senior sports administrator and a M.P from Pune. He was the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOC) before he was sacked in April 2011 under acrimonious circumstances. Kalmadi was the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Commonwealth Games held in Delhi from 3 to 14 October 2010. So dedicated he was to this purpose, he completely forgot the presence of international media during the build up to the common wealth games. He had no clue how much trouble he was getting into when he approved those ridiculous tenders for buying towels , toilet rolls and treadmills. You can’t blame him now can you? This is what the PWD in our country has been doing for decades. Now, why this new yardstick for Mr. Kalmadi? He was expected to deliver a big budget event and he bigged the budget as much as possible. I have come to think Kalmadi was doing what has been done a godzillion times before, but he did it at the worst time possible. The stakes were too high, the world (ok the commonwealth) was watching, and India as a country was trying hard to project herself as this beacon of light midst defaults and bankruptcies. Anticlimactic as it may seem, the CWG inspection authorities started making noises, followed by squabbling with the IOC team. Photos of unclean toilets were flashed in the newspapers, the athletes expressed their concerns and before we knew it, some gentleman out of pure goodwill decided to publish details of the various tenders which were approved by the IOC. The government awoke from its slumber and the face-saving began and someone had to pay for the misdoings. Suresh Kalmadi, guilty as charged in a trial by general populace, was arrested on April 25, 2011 by the CBI over irregularities n the conduct of Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) held in London in 2009 and sent to the affluent Tihar Jail. He continues to deny charges.