Metaphorical shadows

It is interesting how a certain metaphor can transcend cultural and physical boundaries. Granted that all the broad human emotions are the same world over and as a result, the recurrence of particular theme should not be surprising. [The lines written by William Blake - Every Night and every Morn, Some to Misery are Born; Every Morn and every Night, Some are Born to sweet delight and 'मुखी कुणाच्या पडते लोणी, कुणा मुखी अंगार' by Gadima talk of one concept in slightly different ways.] But when the same metaphor is used across different languages, the similarity is quite striking. (Does this also pose a question mark on the opening statement of Anna Karenina viz. Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.?)

The recurring metaphor is for loneliness, no one but your shadow to accompany you.

1. Saaya hi apne saath tha, saaya hi apne saath hai - Jaane kahan gaye woh din
2. My shadow's the only one that walks beside me - Greenday
3. Gum ke maare pukare kise hum, hum se bichhada hamara hi saaya - Dil Apna aur preet parai

Of course, there could be many more such examples. No 'shadow' of a doubt there.

History repeating itself

Bindra wins gold. We are, of course, very proud of him.
At the same time, India is about to lose to Sri Lanka. The cricinfo live commentary is filled with user inputs demanding the sacking of 3/4th team.

...

Tomorrow, most of the editors will put these two things in perspective. In their editorials lamenting about the state of other sports in India. They will be happy with their clever observation, paradox etc. Readers will click their tongues, say Tchk Tchk or something to that effect. And agree in general about the whole thing over a cup of tea.

...

Olympic gets over on Aug 24th. After the brief euphoria, declaration of land/cash prizes and motor-parade home; most will switch to Champions Trophy starting in September.

...

Now replace Bindra by Seshan and Cricket by Corruption in above example. Continue the exercise. Draw conclusions. Comment and Lament. Feel as smug and as witty as the editors. Now you are free to forget and move on :).

...

An attraction named Mumbai

I waited for the question and it came, sprayed with the requisite dash of wonderment. From India? Bombay, I said, and sat back smugly in my mind waiting for the Pavlovian effect that I knew this association with Shangri-La would awaken in the veins of young male Pakistanis who have never visited this burdened, heroic city except via their dreams and the 70 mm screen.

If I had said Mars or New York or London I would have lost my audience right away. But I had said Bombay. Bling Bling. Within minutes of being asked whether or not I had met various filmstars and being told that he was the proud owner of a bottle of Shah Rukh perfume, Fawad stuttered out a proposition. It wasn't a marriage proposal, but it was as suicidal. Would I join him, his cousins and friends in the stands to see for myself, first-hand, how much Pakistanis love Indians?

-- Nina Martyris from 'Cricketing Ties'

What a day!

What a day for watching sports! India managing to end Australia's 16-0 streak once more. At the same time on the opposite coast, Federer winning a marathon 4.5 hour match against Tipsarevic despite not being at his best. Watching both the matches at the same time - one on laptop, another on TV was...great.

I just hope Chargers do an India and end the 17-0 streak of Patriots. That'd make a perfect weekend :)