Word-dom

You have no idea what i'm talking about.

2008-12-16T21:01:00.000-08:00

Great few lines.....

"I guess I could be really pissed off about what happened to me...but it's hard to stay mad, when there's so much beauty in the world. Sometimes I feel like I'm seeing it all at once, and it's too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that's about to burst. And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain. And I can't feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life. You have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm sure. But don't worry. You will someday." - American Beauty

What of the lad who never wins.....

2008-10-28T01:41:00.000-07:00

chanced upon this poem from William Hare...
here's to our reading appetite -

What of the lad who never wins,
but never quits the race?
Who knows before the day begins,
he's doomed to second place.

Two left feet; too many thumbs
but still he plods ahead.
He'll arrive to catch the crumbs,
after the winners have been fed.

Who is this lad of average skills,
who's most of the human race?
One by one he'll climb life's hills,
just trying to keep life's pace.

Soar Higher

2008-02-15T05:26:00.000-08:00

This was one of my very initial writes. Wrote it for a friend - Sundeep Tibrewal's venture (Resolve Query) where he was looking at providing a platform between Students and Young professionals like us who have passed through the system to provide the benefit of hind-sight ( Something which all of us would love to have ).
The book was supposed to well.....provide a snapshot of some positives ala one of the Self-Help Books, - journey so far - kind.

Here's the Link.

So Long!!!

Of 16 Consecutive Wins......Suck it.

2008-01-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

Australia might sit and take notice of the 16 Consecutive Wins... NEVER DONE BEFORE.
But the whole world and maybe a bit of the non-partisan Australian public might sit and take notice that the last win was a farcical one - One where the spirit of the game was betrayed - NEVER DONE BEFORE.

Because it just was not the bad umpiring decisions, but the behavior of the particular Australian team towards achieving that win which leaves such a bad taste in everyone's mouth.

This particular test has been reduced to such a farce
First in the post match comment where Ponting snarls at an Indian Commentator saying " Dont Suspect my Integrity"
When Ponting uttered those very words i started thinking, about the delivery he tickles down the legside and stands and waits.
Agreed he got a bad decision to get out, but then he should never have been batting in the first place at that point. Where was his integrity when he should have walked. ( Oops - thats what cost Adam Gilchrist the captaincy... But what the heck - I am not playing for an Australian team :-) ). Should someone snarl at him then and remind his integrity.

Secondly when Symmonds says Bhajji called him a Monkey and insisted it was with an racial undertone and i got M Clarke for company since he heard it.
So i flashback -
1st day of the test, Symmonds nicks ( rather thick edges one to Dhoni ) and waits and waits.
4th day of the Test, Clarke edges one which is caught at slip and waits and waits.
So you have someone of Symmonds repute to allege and of Clarke's repute to witness - You sure do have a fool proof case -
Not for a Racial Uttering, but for Suspicious Behaviour - One which smacks of Mind Games.
Would someone who is so shocked by the Racial word, look around and see if someone else heard it so that he could nail that guy and ensure he doesnt play a few tests.
And why wouldnt Ponting report it to the Umpires. He would be happy to see the back of Harbhajan - So atleast he gets the oppurtunity to score a few runs.
( Seems like one of the Backroom Mind games which ozzies are so adept at playing ).

BTW it would do some sense to the Australian public and media to find out how we treat Monkeys in India - We treat them as God - Lord
Hanuman.

In all my brouhaha of countering the charge, i find it surprising that neither the umpires nor the Match referree reprimanded Symmonds for butting into a conversation. Maybe Bajji did tap Lee's Bottom, maybe he didnt - What right does that give to a team-mate(Symmonds) to rush to Bajji and give him a piece of mind. Does Symmonds think his team-mate Lee is a sissy and cant handle things on his own ?
I think the ICC rules are clear in that, Only a Captain can interfere and not any team-mate when he feels something is wrong. So according to the rule if Symmonds feels he needed to step up, is this Symmonds way of sending out signals to the CA fraternity that he deserves to be the Next captain and not Clarke ( and maybe Clarke would support that and accompany Symmonds. He is just the "PUP" after all.)
PS: As a bystander , i find it derogatory that a player is called a Dog (PUP) by his team-mates. How sad can it get :-(

You can judge how strongly the game has been influenced by umpiring decisions, when u see that two players ( for all of you who forgot - Symmonds in the 1st Innings and Hussey in the 2nd Innings) from the same team have recieved clear reprieves and gone on to score 100's.
Wish he would have given legitamate chances to Dravid and Ganguly ? ( Not asking for any favours - Just the correct decision ).
And their non maintainence of standards is mind-boggling. If at all it was decided to take the player's word and both captains were in agreement, why did Mr. Benson always choose that route and Mr. Bucknor feel happy to refer decisions to the Third Umpire.

And Micheal Slater tops the chart with his admission that its a different thing to be honest while batting and fielding. According to Slats, you should take a man's word for it when he is fielding, but not when he is batting - Maybe it talks something about the way Australian way of preparing their players.

KUDOS AUSTRALIA!!! - I think the game should be played that way for any team to be World-Beaters. WIN At all costs - No matter what happens.

It would also be wise of the ICC to situp and take notice of the fact that whenever there is a team touring Down-Under, there is always a heated build-up and for a reason the Ozzies are the most hated team in the world - Not for their ability to pile up victories, but the spirit behind them.

I am just plain happy, the Indian Captain - Kumble had the gumption, decency, calm and spirit to look at the right side of things and say that if we can play the game like we did in India's first innings, we would be a far better team. As an ardent fan, There have been defeats where i have felt the Indian team let me down, but not for once did that feeling hit me for this particular test and i think the New Year despite the result holds a lot in store for India.

Patented....

2007-12-20T03:10:00.000-08:00

Finally... I can add something worthwhile to my resume.
So ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls - hold your breath - coz i am an Inventor now.

I have a patent registered in my name for ( let me look up ) -

Methods and apparatus for automated testing of a device through a command line interface

Most of the context for this came from a piece of project-work that i happened to do at Symbol, U.S. However my manager - Ajay malik - , found this to be a patentable idea and presented it and lo and behold - 2 years down the line - we have ourselves a Patent.

Now before i gloat and die over this achievement ( there are lot of you out there who might be reading and saying - What the heck is he getting all excited and panzied about, i have few words for you - IT MEANS A LOT TO ME ), here's the link to the same - CLICK HERE.

I am just happy that i am worthwhile enough to make a contribution - however small, insignificant it is......
I would like to take this oppurtunity to thank my mom, sis, dad.........

Brrrr.... Enough of Speeches....

I needed a reason to get back to my blog and couldnt find a better reason to gloat over. So bear with me.

And i promise - There will be better blogs ... hehehehe ;-)

All Gyaan and no work makes Jack a Manager

2007-05-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

I really am excavating all my old writings.... Here's another.

I have all along worked in Indian Companies of small-moderate sizes and have taken it for granted that the manager's - Technical and Administrative are great guys who play the game in the fair spirit possible, whose Technical Expertise could always be called upon at any time of problem. So my respect for managers was great and i always looked up to them for their sense of fairness and sound-judgement and thats where i wanted to be.Maybe the greatness of a few of my previous managers (mis-)led me to the belief.

However one stint at an MNC quickly brought me to reality. I realised all that a manager says and does is to be taken only on ACTION rather than on WORDS. Like when a manager empathizes with an employee with his work-content/salary/ anything else, 99% of the time it is to extract the frustration that is hidden in the Employee ( Rest Assured the Action taken during this motive is NULL ), Rest 1% is when he really wants to take your feedback and implement a change ( It is here that his real intent comes out based on how far he takes the feedback and gets it implemented ).
Most of my previous Managers at that point in time belonged to the 1% category and i conviniently assumed that the Industry is full of such people and the Other Type are very few. I was so WRONG.
Maybe that is where my inner sense of frustration at things not going the way i think it should go ( read WIN-WIN situations ) stems from.
But then Darwin's Theory of Natural Survival - Only the fittest survive - kicks in impulsively and the transformation begins.
The Contemptuous way with which any Problem/Individual needs to be seen is built and so is the Undying Confidence in your work ( ANything Wrong is not done by me - It must be done by the other guy in the cubicle or the one sitting across me - IT CANT BE ME ). Naturally with so many pre-judiced opinions and thoughts, the productivity has to be affected. Consequently with such kind of behaviour being applauded, the learning continues and you end up doing no work and only Gyaan.

Quick Self-Appraisal:
Spent half - 3/4ths of the day today dishing out Gyaan.

WOW!!! I am on my way to being a Manager.

Honesty...

2007-05-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

Driving down to work in a busy Bangalore traffic Monday morning is quite painful and today wasnt any different. However at one of the traffic junctions i noticed a little boy - must be 10-12 years old, trying to sell those cloth pieces which are used to clean the cars. One of the car fellas bought a couple of them, bargained for 2 @ 25/- and gave him 50 rupee note. The kid happy to have got his first sale of the day, ran around trying to get some change for the 50/- to return the balance to the man in the car. He managed to get the change and hand over 30/- but still was waiting to recieve the 5/-. As soon as he got that, you could make from his body expressions that the 5/- was his earning for the 2 pieces of cloth and he so joyously thanked god, kissed the coin and pocketed it.

Led me to think - Where else have i seen this kind of honesty and sincerity to get a job done and feel happy after recieving the profits? When was the last time i saw/felt something like that ?
Not in a long time i would say.

Somehow, The most deprived sections of our society ( the poor) are the ones who are the most honest in their everyday lives. We trust the Watchman, Maids with our houses, Drivers with our cars, Shop Keeper trusts his boy with the daily cash deposits in the bank.

Contrast this with the "Richer" section of our society - They break the rules, Kill people, Swindle money, and still stand up straight and say they are honest. ( Obviously i am generalizing here ), but the point is isnt this something noticeable about the two stratas of society.

Couldnt the kid who earns 5/- for two pieces of cloth run away with the 50/-. He would have pocketed 30/- for his effort instead of the 5/-. But yet he ran around earnestly asking for the change, getting it, completeing the transaction and getting his due ( 5/-) - Nothing more.

Somehow Honesty seems to be the solace of the poor and money seems to substitue that for the Rich.

Wonder Why Napolean said this -
"The Surest way to remain poor is to be honest"

Must confess......Wrote this post a while ago...

How Weird am i

2007-05-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

You Are 60% Weird

You're so weird, you think you're *totally* normal. Right?
But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks!

How Weird Are You?

Futball....

2007-01-04T05:22:00.000-08:00

Somewhere during my dis-illusionment with the Indian cricket Team during the late 90's and early 2000's when the Match Fixing Scandal broke out, i started following other sports - Basketball, Soccer were the obvious choices given the ample TV Coverage.

7 Years following the sport - Game of Basketball seems to have taken a backstage and somehow the players are in the spotlight - Retirement, Comeback and Subsequent Retirement of Micheal Jordon, Disbandment of the Kobe - Shaq parternship and subsequent fate of the Lakers. Its only individuals who might pull you to watch a game of Basketball. Even the NBA bosses are worried about the steady decline in the viewers.

Soccer on the other hand has been growing on me. Come Rain, Sunshine, Storm - The Game goes on. The dependence on the pitch, environmental conditions is so less that it really boils down to skill, commitment and the way a TEAM plays. It is one of the few sports which really embodies true TEAM WORK. So you cant have an forward who scores all the time, but a defence which leaks goals and yet have a Winning team. You cannot have grounds on which your defence can perform exceedingly well, but your forwards cannot do enough to survive ( reminds you of Cricket )

2002 World Cup got me hoooked onto Football and subsequently the coverage of English Premier League is breathtaking. You realize what a wonderful game it is, when the teams at the verge of relegation fight it out with the bigger teams and give them a run for their money. The teams with the bigger stars and names are never guaranteed a Victory. And there is no crib when a star player gets injured, game just moves on - someone from the squad steps in and trys to fill the void.

If there was a complaint i had from the sport, it would be that the game gets over too quickly, but then i guess even that adds to the charm and the speed of the sport.

I guess its more like fore-play, U always end up wanting MORE :-)

Freak - o - Nomics

2006-12-05T03:46:00.000-08:00

Its quite a coincidence that i am reading "FREAKONOMICS" right now - The Book is an interesting analysis of some events around the world and how it was percieved to be due to certain factors, but through analysis of certain statistics and enviromental conditions it has been pointed as being something else.
Particularyly, I find the analysis of "High Crime Rate in the US and subsequent decline in the early 90's" most interesting. It has been argued by some that the actual reason for the decline was due to a growing economy, but then the authors of the book point to the fact that pre-1980's, abortion was illegal in the US which led to a no of unwanted children who were left to fend for themselves. With neither a family to take care nor a decent education the kids in their teens resorted to crime resulting in the spurt. However once Abortion was legalised in the U.S the no of unwanted kids reduced and so did the crime rate. The Economy did act as a catalyst and helped the changing scenario.

I find this book highly interesting for a few reasons
One - It confirms my belief that small decisions not taken at the right time are usually the foundation stones for catostrophe. Although things need to be viewed independently there is a varying degree of co-relation between the happenings around you.
Two - I think it provides a fresh perspective to look at various events. There might be more reasons to the happenings around than the obvious.
Three - It happens to be such an abstract topic, that i love it immensely.

Reading the book and watching the happenings around, i find it no surprise that we let what is happening around us happen because of our actions.
The Better dancer/singer never wins on Reality Show's. The VIP's and their Kids escape with killing birds, stomping humans, causing public nuisance. A great lawyer disgusts with his defense of an accused criminal.
Around the State, The State of Karnataka also has a model Chief Minister who deems it fit to level all kinds of corruption charges, misbehavior charges against him or his family as the handiwork of some political rival.

Co-relating with the take-aways of the book, i would guess there might be some events in the future, the roots of which might be laid by our Actions today.
I just hope as a city/nation we realize it and take responsibility for our actions and give the future something gud to remember us with.

Lasty...I would love the author to actually try and establish the reason for the large scale terrorism in the world today. It should be quite a challenge, but i hope we can find it out and take the corrective measures - so that atleast 5 years down the line, we are not faced with the same problem multiplied many times over.
( Gosh!! i sound like a Beauty Queen, trying to make it a better world to live in ... blah blah ... Maybe then again it has something to do with my inner beauty :-) )

Omkara ..... Why is Vishal Bharadwaj so gory in his thought

2006-08-01T05:08:00.000-07:00

Omkara had the potential to be one of the truly defining pictures of the year. However it just fizzed like a bottle of Cola and finally ended up spilling over and spoling the dress(read mood).

Omkara is a great adaption of Othello into Indian scenario and shows how an Omkara is decieved everyday by Langda.
and i think thats where the appreciation should stop.

Film is about an half-brahmin, Omkara, who happens to be a local big-time goon, has an option to nominate one of his trusted lieutinants as candidate for the Elections.He chooses Kesu Firangi played by Viveik Oberoi over his long time associate - Langda Tyagi played by Saif Ali Khan.
Here's where Othello's script starts playing out and Langda starts planting doubts on loyalty of Dolly ( lover of Omkara) towards Omkara. Omkara played by Ajay Devgun remains stoic, thoughtful throughout the movie and in the end is conned into believing that Dolly is in a relationship with Kesu and kills her in a fit of rage. However on realising that Langda had tricked him into believing the non-existant, Omkara kills himself.

First, the morose, sad and downbeat feeling with which i left the movie hall made me wonder why u even repeated the dialogue - "Khushi mehengi ho gayi hai duniya mein" - coz u really chose to give the movie a gory end, by killing off Langda, Omkara and Dolly. What is your fascination with such torturous portrayal of deaths - first with Maqbool, secondly with Omkara. I would believe that the Devil's mind definately attracts you - Shabana Azmi in Makdee, Tabu in Maqbool and now Langda in Omkara.
Maybe i am too naive to understand Shakespearean work, but i would like to one-day see the thought process behind all the fascination with the evil thoughts and its stimuli.... Just to look at things from that perspective.

About the performances - Saif plays Langda to the hilt. His dialogue delivery, rawness stands out on the screen. He certainly has learnt to get under the skin of the character. Konkana Sen Sharma is an able folly to Langda and in the minimal scenes she has, she steals the applause for the females.Kareena and Bipasha are at best playing out roles of Barbie and looking sweet 'n chic 'n hot, but nothing really standout in their performances. Ajay has tons of screen time to whip his character up and Kesu plays the part of an abiding follower well.

The movie ends up leaving you a bit down-beat. It might be the reality of the story - Othello, but Vishal could have displayed a bit of flexibility in his adaption. Maybe that would have the crowds flocking to the theatres.

Hrithik all the way as Krrish Rocks

2006-07-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

I somewhere read - A Hero is someone we can admire without apology.

There is something absolutely mesmerizing with a Hrithik Roshan Closeup, that irrespective of your sex you actually adore the guy. Before i get those eyebrows raised, i would like to say it in the very nicest of ways and not the sleaziest ones.

Krrish is an out and out Hrithik Roshan movie. He plays the good man to a nicety, without getting pulverized by the world around.

As we all know, Krrish is sequel to Koi Mil Gaya and from the starting scene, Rekha starts off from where she stopped in KMG - Hamming her way.

The movie is all about a young Krishna - son of Rohit, name of Hrithik in KMG, who grows up and being his father's son, he also has the mystical powers which JADOO bestowed on Rohit. Krishna grows up in the wild, since Rekha -his dadi feels he is best protected from the eyes of the bad by keeping her grand-son in the lovely terrains of *land i would like to know*.
However Krishna soon falls in love with Priyanka ( who looks really bad ) and heads off behind her to Singapore. However since he has promised his granny before leaving that he would not let the world know who he is, he gets to a couple of tough situations and does a couple of good samaritan act under a mask and becomes the superhero - KRRISH. In doing so he also happens to rescue his dad who is caught in the clutches of a villian ( some software behemoth played by Naseeruddin Shah ).

In between there is the small matter of falling in love with Priyanka, re-uniting with father and regular hindi melodrama - Kutte tune itne din ek baap ko apne bete, ek ma ko apne bete se door rakha.

Now reading the story u must be wondering, it must be a lacklustre movie, which would hardly be able to take off.
But somehow Hrithik puts so much life into Krishna first and Rahul later, that u can hardly not enjoy the movie. The Stunts are the best i have seen so far for an indian movie (i would say it is better than Spiderman also ) and is in moderated dosages. The Super-Hero act is also limited and does not act as overkill. Add to that, Hrithik's Dancing skills and emoting ( which after Lakshya has improved in leaps and bounds) and we really have a great movie.

Couple of things during the movie, which i could not stop myself from sharing -

I had stepped into the theatre with a good friend - Mridul Gupta - and
in the first shot when young Hrithik races with a horse, he said - if Hrithik grows up while running, i will tear my hair apart ( psst... he has grown quite longish hair ) and grow did Hrithik along the course of the sprint and tear my friend didnt.
( He did treat me a Coffee to make me forget his promise of tearing his hair apart ).

- Secondly Priyanka was there in the movie only to add the glamour angle to it but she looked so awful throughout the movie , both of us kept wondering why Rakesh Roshan did not cast Rakhi Sawant ( for what reasons ?? - Are you kidding me - the obvious one ) in her place.

- Thirdly i think Hrithik would be the favourite hero of kids. His natural ease with kids on screen is so much fun.

Finally, None of the multi-starrer movies for Hrithik, he has got the charisma, talent, skill - dancing, acting to pull off a film on his own.

There is an element of honesty about him which you can hardly miss and if not for his other abilities, he is one of my fav heros.

Love him or hate him, he truly is a star in the making.

War Cry for Peace

2006-07-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that i sit to write this blog.

Couple of days back, series of timed bombs exploded in Mumbai trains causing largescale damage to human lives. The pictures that i managed to catch on the Television were gory to be mild.
My heart really goes out to those affected and hope god helps them in overcoming the pain.
At such times we should definately speak about the spirit of the people of the country who are willing to do all they can to help tide over this misfortune. Undoubtedly we, Indians are adept at turning around a misfortune and coming over it successfully.

Terrorism is not a new concept to India - We has been mute witness to all forms of Ethnic Cleansing, Terrorism. The people from Kashmir have lost so much life and freedom that we have stopped reacting to the daily acts of terrorism. Ignoring them for so many years has given the terrorists so much confidence that they have taken their heinous acts to the Cities - Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai - Name it.
Somehow the Hindu dharma of forgive your enemies and move on hasnt quite borne the necessary effect and it is time we take the attitude of a "A Eye for a Eye".

Despite all the jingoistic stance that Uncle Sam takes, the country's concept of valuing its Citizen's lives is worth applauding. Our Country and its Politicians somehow dont mind the acts of terror as long as one of their brethen is not troubled. When will our Politicians rise above petty politics - Stop misusing power for their selfish gains and start misusing power for the better good of the society.
The politicians forever exhort the public to move on - Move on from Price Hike, Move on from Reservation, Move on from Infrastructure woes, Move on from Terrorist Attack. Yes we will move on, but you people better get your act together and do something so that we never encounter these problems again.
Go on the offensive againsts the Terrorists - Kill their base - LET EACH ONE OF THOSE INVOLVED FEEL THE PAIN FOR ATTACKING INDIA - teach them a lesson like never before.

It hurts to read in the papers the day after the blasts when a
Foreign Minister - kasauri - from Pakistan says that the blasts were a cause of failed Indo-Pak talks on Kashmir. And the Foreign secretary of our country says just - Please watch your words.

First to Mr. kasauri are you justifying the bomb blasts - coz if you are then you are indirectly claiming responsibility for these attacks on India. And if you are not implying that and are taking a random swipe at the people's misfortune at such an moment - i hope that god bestows the same misfortune on you and your country so that you realize what it is to go through such pain and think twice before uttering such ungiven statements.
Second to Navtej Sarna, Manmohan Singh and others responsible - Dont u think when Pakistan says this they mean - U deserve this ? If you keep quiet, surely u are also agreeeing that we deserve this and if you dont agree with them - better make them understand that india will never tolerate unwanted statements coming at these moments. Dont deprive the country of ACTION at its moment of need.
Take a posture towards Terrorism - Fight back -
Not just in every day life - that is the role of common man to take the same train, walk the same bazaars, go to the same temple - but also in Diplomatic circles - which is your role. Make it felt to the neighbouring nation that such loose talk can be detrimental to their interests. Step up the pressure on them to close down the terrorists camps.

Finally rise to this hour of need and get counted.

The War Cry for Peace is on -
We the Common people have heard it and responding but are the politicians listening ??

To Berlin.....

2006-07-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

After numerous sleep-deprived nights and days, we finally are on the road to Berlin.
My assesment of the teams that would make it to the finals was so badly off, that not one of the four teams i thought would make it to the semis actually made it. That need not necessarily mean my assesment was poor, but it just goes to indicate the beauty of the glorious uncertain game.

Uncertainity is what i think got Portugal to the Semis,Ukraine to the Quarter and their fans lots to cheer about.
Ghana and Ivory Coast promised so much - attacking futbal from the africans is such a refreshing change. The African teams have always been known for their physical strength and tougher defenses/midfield as compared to their skills in the D., But this time they provided so much entertainment - attacking at will and promising much more for the next time around.
But as one commentator said - "They were naive" - Maybe they could do well by hiring one Luis Felipe Scolari, master Tactitian who could bring about that balance, shrewedness to their game.
Spain, Czech ran into some tough draws and rejuvenated competition which saw them getting knocked out at the Round of 16 and First Round respectively.

Germany was a team which surprised me the most. The played the best attacking free flowing football that any team played in the Tournament so far. And just one bad day at the office saw them lose to the Italians. The Germans can definately hold their head high and be proud of what they achieved at this tournament. Lahm and Frings played deliciously in the middle and klose and Podolski upfront scored enough and didnt let the team feel the effect of Ballack playing below par.

Now to the two teams most of the world followed so closely:

Brazil always looked and played like an 150cc TVS Bike on an typical bangalore Road ( Looking Gud and always seeming as it would break off from the pack but never actually doing it ) - Partly due to the environment and partly due to their own failing. The Team did really well to nurse Ronaldo back into form, but sadly couldnt make it count against France. I think the team got a bit obssessed with giving their top players - likes of Cafu, R Carlos, Ronaldo a fitting gift instead of focussing on winning the tournament ( Agreed Cafu is a great right-back, but first the Ghanians and then more decisively Ribery and co exposed him. Carlos with his penchant to leave his mark on the great stage played a bit selfishly i would say. I think all through the tournament they should have got more minutes for the youngsters - Cicinho, Gilberto and Robinho ). Being the champion he is, Ronaldo did justify his inclusion in the team towards the quarters but sadly he couldnt carry his team forward ( no Pun Intended )

Now to the other team, England

I would say England shot themselves in the foot if they intended to carry a Forward right from the beginning ( If Sven did actually plan to take Theo Walcott only as a tourist, i can only say - Chu**** banaya poora England ko aur Jermain DeFoe ko ). I think England did not give themselves a chance to win at all, by not playing their best combination upfront - Rooney and Crouch ever. It is common knowledge by now, that Rooney as the lone striker is ineffective, whereas Rooney behind the likes of Crouch, Saha etc is as deadly and dangerous as they can get. But somehow Sven thought otherwise and his penchant for going with Owen hargreaves was befounding - save his experience in the Bundesliga i couldnt think of any other reason of him being picked over Carrick ( who has had a wonderful season at Tottenham ).
Wish the Semis and the Finals were more different.

Anyways as a Sardar more famously said - If Ifs and Buts were Pots and Pans then my Uncle would be my Aunt -.

To the two teams who made it finally -

Italy has been all grit, determination to win at all costs ( even shameful the way they sneaked into the quarters over Australia fooling the refs ). However they have been great professionals to put aside all the speculation of their future at their respective clubs aside and concentrate so well and come so far in the tournament.
France has been a heady mix of Youth and Experience - likes of Malouda, Ribery tearing down the flanks/centre and Henry and Zidane giving the experience, magic and trickery to break down defences. They picked up the pieces of their missing puzzle post the first round stages and have progressed well on the back of sound tactics and their famed Diamond formation of Makelele, Viera, Zidane and Henry.

So book your tickets to Berlin or at the nearest Football Party in town.

I expect the final to be a dour one and it might be only upto the French to provide the bit of fun, magic and entertainment coz the Italians will definately try to grind out a result.

Cup of Life

2006-06-09T05:40:00.000-07:00

Hours left to the start of the Football World CUP. For a person obsessed with Cricket, Football is still a closely followed game albeit with a little less passion and fire ( guess i dont stay pissed for the entire day if my favourite team doesnt win )

The forward mails with pictures of newly built stadiums in Germany are just breathtaking and i can only fantasize about how much fun it would be to Cheer Brazil/England/Netherlands/Spain from the stands. With the Sound of the Drums and the non-stop chants there will never be a dull moment ( Not to forget the booze that might be offer in Germany ).
Well i am safely picking sides and like most of the world think Brazil is the team which is my favourite, for when they are in full flight, there is hardly a dull-passage of play on the field. Go Brazil.

But for some strange reason and watching the build up to the World Cup, i think either of England/Netherlands/Spain ( in the same order ) might nick it.
As far as the other bug guns are concerned -
Italians seem to be slightly hassled by the ongoing Match Fixing Scandal, whilst the Germans seem to have some problem with their team-spirit - Too many contrasting statements from the Coach - Klinsmann and the players doesnt sound too right, Argentines somehow dont have the buzz about them as they are entering - fine they have Lionel Messi or a Riquelme but for me they just dont have the x-factor to clinch the cup.
The Czech, Portuguese, Ozzies and the Swedes might pull out a few surprises but then i dont seem they pulling off the mother of all coups and winning the world cup.
The Rest would definately have their moments, but i dont expect anything spectacular from them.

My Ideal Semis lineup would be
English Vs Netherlands
Brazil Vs Spain.
Brazil always have had the buzz, while Spain seem to have the x-factor and somehow Luis Aragones gives me the confidence that Spain will be able to shed off their inconsitent performer tag, Netherlands have a great team with a great poacher-striker and attacking lineup with loads of experience at the highest level and the English have been quitely rebuilding post Rooney-injury and if they get themselves to the 2nd round, i think Rooney coming into the fray at that point in the tournament would be too great a boost.

Any one of these teams in the finals would be a feast for the eyes. So like the millions around the world, i am waiting for the Festivities to start.

Let the Games Begin.

FAN hAAn

2006-06-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

As i entered to watch the movie, amidst all the cat-calls, hoots and whistles, i remember being excited about watching the romantic pairing of Aamir and Kajol for the first time. Three Hours later, i left the hall with a smile - Paisa Vasool 'n to top it, I liked the movie.

Kunal Kohli in his second innings as Director ( 1st Innings was during his direction of Hrithik, Priety, Rani, Abhishek starrer dud - I even forgot the name - Main prem ki Diwani hoon ), seems to have had the pulse of the public.
He has started exploring man-woman relationship, unlike any of the contemporary directors. If his HUM-TUM earlier was great to explore the relationship between Boy-Girl ( without being tied by a relationship ), this one is better cause even though he gives the relationship a name - Husband-Wife, he explores a Sufist meaning( Fanaa - Destroyed in Love) for it.
Well Done Kunal.

And the Visual Treat is just too much. Picteresque Backdrops (of apni Dilli 'n Kashmir - i dont know where its actually shot ) and great Aamir-Kajol Chemistry. Somebody also needs to applaud the Dress Designers for the choice of colours - vibrant and never a dull moment even with the visuals.

Each Actor/Actress has his signature mark ( or rather a move which no other actor - atleast contemporary - can pull it off ). Aamir sure has a way with flirtatous scenes, mischevious smile, and new harido's. He pulls off with such ease and elan that it is hard not to like him for that and Kajol after a long break still hasnt forgotten her emotions. She never was a stunner, but her great personality and free-spirit just breaks through the screen and can make you admire/applause/appreciate her screen persona.
First half is total paisa vasool, with lots of great sher-o-shayiri and pure aamir-magic
( Think we could make a collection of all his movies and have a Top 10 Tips of Pataooing a Girl ).
Sample this:
Bhool karke bhi agar bhool hui ho
To Bhool samajh ke maaf kar dena
Maaf karna sirf us bhool ko aur
Bhula karke bhi Hamein mat bhool jana.

Second half is the time Kajol gets to play her role to the hilt. She steals the show in a couple of scenes from a seasoned actor like Aamir and she no doubt is still a great actress. I wouldnt like to divulge too many details about the movie, but my favourite scene - rather couple of scenes has to be one where first Aamir rather flirtatously professes his love for Kajol and in return later on when Kajol professes her love for Aamir. The way the duo seem to play with their emotions and that of the other, is quite something.
You just have to watch it to realise the chemistry and things which are said yet unsaid. :-) ( Sorry for the Verbosity ).

And please dont pay too much detail to the practicality aspect of the movie. ( Like how can a Blind Girl dance so well and lots of other shit ). I didnt, and hence it made for good viewing. After all thats what Bollywood movies are about - Total Paisa Vasool.

One-Day Carribean Disaster

2006-05-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

For all those ardent fans of the "Men in Blue" the recent One Day series in Caribbean must have been disappointing. It must have been a real jolt from the blue to realise that the team which was doing so well till now, having embarked on a Winning Streak of 18 matches while batting second, were undone by the inconsistent men from the West Indies.

It was to me as well, but you know what - I am smiling inside.Before i hear shouts of Traitor and "Not an Indian fan" etc., i would like to offer my reasons.
I was hoping India would not do well and they realise that all that Dhoni and Pathan have been possible to contribute to the Team is great, but it should not be taken for as granted and everyone makes the same efforts to keep winning as they did after Rahul took over.

Some of the learnings that a defeat can teach cannot be taught when the Team is on a Winning mode. It also re-affirms to the entire team its strengths and weakness in different and trying circumstances.
The Team definately is in building mode with the average age of the side around 24. Some of the Younger Cricketers in the current team - Pathan, Dhoni, Sreesanth, Munaf - will no doubt learn a lot from the current experience and Rahul will also realise that he needs to have a better if not a sound stratergy and cannot push with the 5 batsmen, 5 Bowler, 1 All Rounder theory.
It proved that the absence of a Senior Cricketer other than Rahul, Yuvraj ( who deserves to be called a Senior Cricketer going by the way he has started to play ) and Sehwag ( who for all his seniority was on his first tour to the Carribean ) proved critical in the end, for the youngsters could not shift gears and get into the Accumulation mode.
Maybe this is where Sourav da can prove his case. If he would play to his best potential as an opener for Notts and show that he is still the same old "Prince" with the bat and in the field, i dare say even Chappell cannot afford to keep him out of the team.
The Shortist boundary ropes will also have taught portly but athletic Powar a thing or two about his length for the Tossed balls - When even a mishit from Gayle can sail over the fence, Powar better sharpen his trade.
It will also teach this Young Team with his young captain, that when you are losing, plain desperateness wont do the trick. Its Sticking to the basics which will.
With the Sluggish nature of the tracks, Coach Greg Chappel would be ready to pour out the videos for the assimulation of the younger cricketers who would be willing to learn it all and want to prove that they do not repeat the same mistakes in their next trip to the Carribean and ......
We all know what we want from the next Indian Trip to the Windies - Nothing less than the World-Cup.

Are Peaceful Demonstration Effective

2006-05-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

In the very Country where the great Mahatma Gandhi displayed to the world, how agitations minus violence can lead a country to Independence, i can feel the total-apathy towards peaceful demonstrations.

Just take a look at the newspapers and you can see the Government's attitude towards Peaceful and Violent Agitations.

Up North - in Kashmir - Where there is large scale violence everyday, hundreds if not thousands killed, the government is willing to talk to those militants, but they will hardly be bothered by the millions of Kashmiri Pandit Refugees who stage silent protests right in New Delhi.
In the East - Maoists, BODOS and ULFA's hold North East to ransom resorting to acts of violence and yet again the government says we are ready to talk.
Moving towards the South - Naxalite movement results in immense loss to Government Property. Still we hear "Please Come to the table".

Shouldnt the Government realise that people who resort to violent actions are not going to come to the table and even if they do, they would come with a Weapon.

Now lets sample some Peaceful Non-violent Demonstrations.
In Delhi - Narmada Bachao Andolan - People resort to hunger strike to request the Government to work out a modality for settlement of villagers displaced and reason out the causes for heightening the dam ( not just one state/individual's view point , but the collective good of teh country ).
ACTION - Zilch,
Public Opinion - Govt gives a Damn.

In Delhi/Mumbai/All over India - Agiitations against Quota - People resort to hunger strike, Peaceful Morchas
ACTION - Lathi Charge, PreventMedia Coverage of Issues
Public Opinion - Govt gives a DAMN again.

I dont for one suggest that one of the above two groups resort to the method i suggest, but i cant help but wonder what might have been if either one of these groups would have resorted to Violent Demonstrations instead of peaceful ones.

For one moment, I dont think the Government is that stupid to consider the perpetrators of violence to come to the table
Then again maybe it is in this deadly stale-mate and continued state of violence and demonstrative non-apathy towards solving issues for the larger good and betterment of the generations to come, lies their oppurtunity for survival at the top flight of politics.

Make them pay.

2006-05-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

Reservations of 27% for OBC's is what the Cabinet committee decided.
Thank God the politicians did not take too long to jump off the fence.
All this for a few votes and few more years of governance.
Grow up you morons and stop playing with Casteism as a tool of Politicking.
When almost 1/3rds of the existing reservations in Govt. Institutes are going abegging, they want to add more reservations. How do we digest this fact ?

I just hope that as the youth of India we are able to give one telling blow to the darned politicians so that they are once and for all told in no uncertain terms that the youth of india dont like some bunch of unwanted politicians sitting in the North Block deciding on our future's whilst they educate their children in the best colleges abroad. Would they themselves care educating their kids amidst the Reservations proposed and get them qualified under the General Quota. I would bet that not one of these bunch of politicians would be able to do so. They would like to pack theirs kids off to the best colleges in US,UK ensure they get the best possible education and then get them back to this country to govern it. Its such a shame we allow these politicians to treat us like Crap. I really desparately would like to make them pay for this decision.

Reservations

2006-05-15T01:21:00.000-07:00

I wish i was born in one of the numerous listed OBC's/ SC-STs that are recognised by the Government of India, then

- I would not have to struggle hard to get a seat in the best Engineering/Medical College in India.
- I would not have to be worried about how my parents were going to pay my next installment of fees or how they were going to deal with the increase in the College Fees. (Simple my studies are subsidized and i would not have to deal with the hike).
- I dont have to slog my butt out and burn the midnight oil to secure a top rank in the University - Why u ask - Dude havent you heard, Arjun Singh plans to introduce Reservations even in the private sector.
I am pretty confident that by the next round of elections come, we will have reservations for OBCs/SC-STs in the Senior Management of every company and dont worry i wont have to work hard for that. All that i need to guarantee is i stay somewhere among the group of my fellow OBC's/ SC-ST's and i am safe. Forget the guys who might secure a 99% , who wants to compete fair.
No wonder they are called the "General" Junta Category. Dude we are the Privelidged ones.

BTW i also happened to catch a glimpse on the TV of students( who have spent their parents earnings trying to get a degree and a good career for themselves), being caught in our very own Arjun Singh's penchant to go for reservations. They have a right to protest in a democracy, but then getting whipped by lathis without the slightest hint of violence is something they did not bargain for.
Maybe if i was there i could have helped a few of them get out of the jail and avoid getting thrashed - How u ask me - Simple Dude - Flash my OBC/SC-ST Identification Card.

Enough of the Sarcasm.

I am sick and really tired of the way our Politicians seem to be treating every decision ( bar the Economic Policies ). Why rake up the controversy again - Mr.Arjun Singh.

Is that because you have been advised by the great old Congress party that this could be your last ticket to STARDOM and even if you fail, this might well be the last term of Politicking that you would have to deal with. So its a WIN ALL but LOSE very little for Arjun Singh. For Everyone who is familiar with the game of Chess, this would call for a Sacrifice from the great old Congress Party and in turn if this gamble pays off, it would be a master-stroke.
I hardly thought Mrs. Gandhi and her bunch of Cronies would be so adept at playing Chess games with the Normal Indian. I can visualise her playing the eternal savior by solving the matter amicably with her great *blah-blah-visionary-thoughts-and-sacrificial-behavior* after the matter has reached its violent cresendo. Till then she would be happy letting the matter rake up all the Print and Media Footage.

Even if this is of your own ingenuos brain, what possible justification can you give despite hearing the commission's report on not to go ahead with Reservations. Has this now become a matter of Ego to you and if yes, Is Your Ego worth more than a hundred thousand Student's lives and their careers?

Stop playing the politics of Casteism and deliver true/good governance.

if you think there was injustice meted out to the OBC/SC-ST then set it right by having enough free schooling,primary education. Setup Funds- Scholarships for deserving students so that they dont suffer due to lack of money, irrespective of the caste/creed they belong to. Dont you think people below the poverty line who are Brahmins deserve the same upliftment or you will Implement Mandal now, let their state run as is for the next 50 years, and come up with a new Mandal like bill then to uplift the people.

Aamir's actions and my thoughts

2006-04-25T02:42:00.000-07:00

Adding this as an afterthought.

Narmada Bachao Andolan caught my attention even before Aamir Khan supported the issue.

I dont quite understand the issue and dont have a stand on it, but i do have my thoughts on Aamir khan supporting the issue.

I am not the biggest fan of watching Film stars make use of the media before promoting their latest release and it does look like Aamir khan is trying to make the best of times by being in the news and gaining enough mileage for both Fanaa and Rang De Basanti.

Even though i look at his actions from a critical point of view, i still appreciate the efforts the man took to visit and spend time at the place and

lend his voice and image to a very democratic protest. He is still better off than many of his colleagues who find the Summer in India the best time to take off for their Foriegn Tours ( not that i expect them to stay and sweat it out in the heat of india ) and entertain the expat indian while raking in the moolah.

I hope Aamir khan's concern is not *as i suspect* to gain publicity and he proves me wrong by taking a strong view on one of the brands ( which has raised a lot of environmental hue and cry) of which he is an Ambassador.

Week of Rajkumar's death, Salman's release, Arjun's reservations and a plea to god.

2006-04-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

Was working peacefully when the mobile phone of one of my floor-mates started its melifluous tone - Kaanta Laga.
I was disturbed from the peace of my "eyes wide awake" sleep and wondered why people cant keep their phones in vibrator modes atleast in Office.

I couldnt help but hear his loud voice and disbelief when he said "rajkumar is dead". there was a sense of urgency, desperation in his voice and somehow everyone immersed in their work, suddenly began to mourn and discuss on the possibilities of some kind of curfew, bundh, violence in the city. Then there were also the endangered species who enquired the nature of his death and when they got to know it was because of "cardiac-arrest" paid a second of mourning and went back to work.

Having been born and brought up in Bangalore, despite being from the Northern state of Punjab, i had grown up admiring the superhero of the kannada film industry. I hardly heard him indulge into the world of politics, taking sides during matters of internal or external safety, rarely exploiting his larger than life persona to mint incessant sums of money. Hardly did he set a foot wrong - the kind of hero everyone wants. He belonged to that rare breed of human beings - Achievers, Path-breakers, Trend-Setters and yet Humble, Satisfied, Considerate. He will remain a true super-star.
The next day was a Bandh to mourn the irreparaible loss of a great man.

It wasnt just me mourning the death, but also the cable-wallah and i had to make do with only News Channels all through the day.
And when i heard the news it just did not make sense. The day such a great practioner of non-violence was laid to rest you would expect it to be a day of state mourning, every-one respecting the thespian's thoughts, recollecting the glory of the man, his principles.
Instead what happened was exactly the opposite

- Mobs turning ugly, violent during Rajkumar's Procession - people getting killed.

Policemen, News Channel crew getting beaten up by "so called admirers" of Rajkumar.
I call them "so called admirers", because it is hard for me to digest that people who look upto Rajkumar - a non violent individual as their hero can indulge in such kind of actions. And for me people who laugh and make merry after beating up innocent policemen, bystanders, looting general stores just cannot be mourning the greatman's death.

Before i could digest the sight of helpless policemen getting beaten up, i realise that the 'shirtless wonder of bollywood' - Salman Khan is released from the jail.
It is an irony that he should be put behind bars for his killing of a Deer among the numerous cases pending against him, including that of killing a man while driving in an inebriated state.
By now i think a lot of people do understand the case and privately agree that maybe salman broke the law by killing the endangered species of deer, but they would like to see the judiciary not take a strict view of this, since they think the judiciary is acting high-handed, because of the star's profile.
I wonder to myself .....
These heroes of the modern world, would like to be a role-model to the youngsters of the country as long as the going is good - When their movies do good, they encourage the public and the media to buy tickets, watch movies, buy associated paraphernalia etc. but the moment they commit a crime, forget owing up to the crime, they are not ready to encourage the justice system to treat them as a role model ( something people should never do ) - They plead and rant the media, asking to be left in peace.
And on a day when he was granted bail, on return to his hometown of Mumbai, he was treated like a Hero as if he was being accused of commiting
a crime wrongfully. I also dont know which news channel is going to take up the case of the Actor's drunken driving exploits of running down a poor daily-wage earner outside his bakery.
One image in the aftermath of the Jessica Lal Murder case decision was Priety Zinta conveying her displeasure and persuading Jessica's sister to fight and expressing her support. Well why doesnt she speak in the same manner about the poor guy who got mowed down. Is there some hypocrisy in her actions or has she just lost faith in the judicial system or does she fear from speaking her mind in this case?
I think in this scenario, the actors can learn a thing or two from the Politicians.
When a Politician accused of commiting a crime ( Criminal Offense ) is discouraged from fighting an assembly/state election ( read plying their trade ), the modern day actor should be discouraged from plying his trade ( read release any movies ) till he is absolved of the Criminal charges.
I hope justice previals.

I also caught fleeting glimpses of Mr.Arjun Singh pushing the case for 50% Registration in Schools of Higher education - IIT's and IIM's. I fail to understand Arjun Singh's mindset. He was very outright and blatant in the previous Govt. ( read NDA's ) move to lower the fees for IIT's and IIM's, which i think was good cause it would have helped really meritorious students belonging to the poor section of society from pursuing world class education. He however proposes a new bill, which would help reserve seats for those from the lower strata of society. But ironically the Fees for the Management institutes were raised by almost 15-25%.
I hope that common sense and merit based reservation only prevails in the above case and we are not pushed into a MANDAL like situation again.

Amidst all this i was reminded of what one of my colleagues mentioned this morning - The Beauty of Democracy is that, you are right as long as a majority percentage (51%) believe in that - Doesnt matter whether what you believe and do is fundamentally wrong or right.
I hope that the majority believe in the RIGHT thing.

God, Please show us the right way and help us turn our hopes into reality. Please follow the corporate ethic and distribute your work, power and responsibilities and help rediscover the god in each and every human-being. For with all the happenings around, at the moment it seems the god in most of us is lost.

RV QuizCorp - No Hype and Great Quizzing

2006-03-28T05:54:00.000-08:00

Friday Evening and i happened to browse through my list of communities on Orkut. Stopped by to see what was the latest at my alma-mater - R.V College of Engineering - Community and thats where i came to know of the RV Quiz Corp organising its 10th Year of Formation with their annual quiz event.

Got a couple of my friends - Venkat, Sourabh to join in for the team.
Sunday Afternoon - 2 A.M was pretty hot, but we managed to reach on time only to realise that the quiz was postponed by an hour due to some unavoidable circumstance. We walked down to HOTEL CHALUKYA and downed a few masala dosas and few fresh juices.

3:00 and back at Hotel ATRIA, the quiz hadnt started. So we waited patiently for another half an hour and finally the prelims started. The Quizmaster - Avinash Mudaliar, quite a character in my college days continued to maintain the same cheekiness in his introduction and appraised the audience that there was a dip in the number of contestants from 72 to 17.

The Quiz started on time and the questions were challenging, workable and FUN. Amateur Quizzers that we were, managed to work out 8 odd questions in the time given.

A Tea-break followed the prelims after which everyone gathered for the Finals.

The Pattern of the Finals was professionally organised by the students.
Some great questions were part of the finals and the audience along with the participants were left spell-bound with the answers. Connection between a photo of lord clive, Basanti - the herione in Sholay and Dhaka was just too good ( Lord Clive's claim to fame is the Battle of Plassey derived it name because of the place being famous for PALASHEY flowers, PALASHEY flowers give out Basanti Colours when dried and extracted and the Word "Dhak" in Bangla means Palashey ).....Arent u saying WOW!!!

Avinash Mudaliar was entertaining all along and did a great job of Quizmaster.
The Organisation - though delayed - belied the fact that it was organised by Students of the College. The Presentation could have given even the Brand Equity guys a run for their money . Kudos to the Team for a great show. Next Time guys, give it that bit of Hype and keep up the Good Show - I had a blast of time at the QUIZ. See you next year.

Banks and CONNECTIVITY

2006-03-16T01:18:00.000-08:00

One Unfortunate day, On one of my regular visits to the Bank, i noticed the regular efficiency with which the transactions were carried out sadly missing. I found out at the Reception desk, that this was due to problems with "CONNECTIVITY".

Further enquiry revealed that the particular branch was facing problems in Internet Connectivity with the Head Office, resulting in the disruption of normal service.

The Bank obviously in a bid to improve productivity and customer service, must have shifted to computerising their records and centralizing their databases with the Head office.

More people started pouring into the branch and the air started to fill with the word CONNECTIVITY. Somehow everyone young and old realized that CONNECTIVITY was very important in the Bank's Current scheme of things and the situation they were finding themselves in. Most of the customers were patient and the impatient ones let out their frustration and left.

The Staff members, not missing out on the blessed break, headed out in groups of 2/3 for Coffee breaks. We waited patiently for 30 mins, but still no signs of CONNECTIVITY around.
An Old man sitting next to me ran out of patience and started telling me about the days of old, when those big registers mainted all details of bank accounts and how he would never have to face a problem like this ever then.

I wanted to tell him, that then he would have had to take extra care of his deposits and cross-check the pass books to ensure there was'nt any human errors. However at the very same moment someone announced that CONNECTIVITY IS OKAY.
So everyone including the old man cheered up and i thought better off than telling the old man my mind.

5 Mins of smooth work later, *darn my luck* problems with Connectivity resurfaced.
This time i hung around for 5 mins, but lost my patience and started to leave.

However as i left, i felt *DISCONNECTED*(Discontented) with the bank in terms of their infrastructure and commitment to service.

Brand Equity Quiz - All Fun and Poor Quizzing.

2006-03-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

The Brand Equity Quiz for 2006 kicked off in "Namma Bengaluru"( Bangalore ) last weekend. This was my first time at a Corporate Event. Having been a moderate Quizzer in my college days, i expected to be way out of my league, but nevertheless was excited given it was organised by one of the popular Quiz-masters of the country - Derek O Brien.

The First round started with a Written Preliminary. The Questions were Easy, Straightforward and didnt leave me with a "Wow - What a Wonderful-Question" feeling anytime. More often than not it was a case of " Is that the answer ?? Cant be that straightforward ?". At the End we were left ruing not going for the obvious and trying to think a bit too much.

The Second and third rounds with 6/4 teams was fun.
However, The Quizzing got lost in Derek's histrionics as a Major from Russia and his penchant for Double meaning and Vulgarity. The Questions were sadly not a good match for his entertainment. ( Wonder if this is a fall out of the reality shows where the impetus on Entertainment is so much, that Entertainment becomes the primary focus and Skill ( Singing ) becomes secondary ).

I wont deny having had a good time laughing at his antics, but quizzing wise sadly no.

Whats the Fuss about ?

2006-03-01T21:46:00.000-08:00

Frankly, i dont understand what the fuss is all about with Bush visiting India.

From what the TV Channels say, i gather he is here to possibly start talks on some kind of Nuclear Treaty, talk to a few Management Graduates from ISB and meet a few film-stars and politicians over lunch/dinner.
To add to the non-stop coverage by the TV Channels, the communists parties are holding a protest of their own against Bush's *conquest of* Iraq. I even heard they were protesting in the form of blogs ( Funny !!! Given the leftists are againsts proliferation of technology since it is an impediment to their vote banks of Trade Unions ).

Maybe the prospect of decisive policy-making by administrators of both countries is what excites the print and the telivision medium. Dont quite know if the Left parties think this could be a way of catching the nation's attention.

However, catching a glimpse of Bush on his arrival and watching him indulge in his regular histrionics - Waving to the Crowd or talking to Prime Minister, i wouldnt be too excited about the outcome of his visit.

I think Mr. and Mrs. Gates visit was more interesting for the sheer amount of money they pump into the country vis-a-vis their business interests ( Microsoft ) and philanthropic interest ( Melinda-Bill gates Foundation ).

Hmmn.....

2006-02-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Ranging from the multiple jobs to the innumerable personal and Professional decisions i have taken, on hindsight i feel amazed at some and critical at others.

I often find myself asking these qs....
When i dont like a person - why dont i say "Buzz Off" instead of offering a broad smile ?
Why do i not say when i see something wrong happening in front of me ?
Why is all my darkest feeling left to my personal diary ?

I would give anything to be inside my brain and understand why i do certain things - how much of the decision making is because of my fears/insecurities/sense of bravado/values?

Would knowing this help me be a more confident individual - Hell Yeah!!! For this i would need that someone who would chaff the right from the wrong and put it in easy-to-comprehend manner for me. But then some part of me has to play the role of "someone".
It sounds like i should be able to react to the situation as well as look at myself objectively at the same time. Hmmn.....
Sounds like Tendulkar *watching* himself *play* that magical innings in sharjah against australia and come up with a better inning.

Just Verdict ?? Where

2006-02-22T07:06:00.000-08:00

Just today i happened to read the news that the verdict was delivered in the "Jessica Lal" case where the *suspect* got let off due to insufficient evidence and witnesses turning hostile.
Was the Verdict Just ??

This case has been on and off the news for the past 6 years or so and there have been some prominent socialites, Politicians and their sons involved in it as well. From the articles i have read, there doesnt seem to be an iota of doubt in the fact that the *suspect* was the Murderer, but somehow the judiciary would best allow the case to be dragged for a long period - thus providing ample scope for the witnesses to turn hostile and evidence to disappear.

What does it say to the common man out there ?
If you are strong and foolish enough to go out in the world and commit a heinous crime as taking someone's life and have enough Money and Political Clout, you can not only get away with it but as in the instances of some movie stars, repeat the mistake again.
The Common rightful man out there also gets the depressing thought that the laws are not just fair and are different for different strata of society.

But then, I guess in this world of manipulated verdict's we would have to seek solace in what my mum says - somewhere out there GOD watches everyone and keeps a track of the gud and the bad and accounts for it.

I pray and hope he keeps his verdict JUST.

Rang De Basanti

2006-02-20T03:45:00.000-08:00

DVD/VCD Craze coupled with rising costs of the Movie tickets( and not to forget my ever rising levels of laziness ) contributed to my break from the Cinema halls for a period of 6 odd Months.

So 18th of February was the day and Rex Theatre in Bangalore was the place where i broke my self imposed exile. With Aamir Khan in the star cast, I walked in with an expectation of being entertained and Entertained i was. The First Half was Fun, fast-paced, slick. DJ's wise cracks and Sukhi's histrionics were really entertaining. The Director - Rakyesh stuck to outlining the plots and letting the crowds warm up to the actors. Some of the locations were truly out of the world - Eg: the Paatshala location - Rakeysh, Is that a location in Delhi and if yes, please guide me on how i can reach there. The Songs are a great addition to the movie and so is Alice patten as Sue.

The 2nd half was when i truly got "Rang De"d ( coloured ) in the Director's intent.
I really did feel the proverbial "lump in the throat" when the scene of Office Ajay Rathore's ( Madhavan's ) death is broken. Aamir's breakdown in the subsequent scenes was really amazing ...( He doesnt say much, but he conveys a lot - Now thats acting ). Even the otherwise noisy/crying kids somehow knew this was a scene/moment to savour and there was absolute silence all around the theatre.

I would have liked a more happy ending, but there was some part of me which "Romanticized with the past" and admired the ending ( Especially the part where they show the similarity in the death of the Freedom Fighters of the past and the Present ).

I can only guess that the Director truly wanted each and every one of the audience to leave the theatre with a sense of patriotic feeling in him and wanting to contribute and make the country a better place and hence the name - Rang de basanti.

First Blog

2005-12-16T01:11:00.000-08:00

With Obeisance to the Internet God, i embark on my first Internet blog.

Well.... What am i trying to do here in this Internet world, using Words ??

My answer would be trying to discover myself and some WORDS.

To start off, I will try and take off on a Random note....
Maybe try and give everyone who reads a peek into whats inside my brain......Lots of Garbage or something else ? in my own words.

It would be interesting to take an outside view of my brain ( ala the Zoom Frame which some of the slick camera men seem to do ), and all that i could see would be lots of those small things called Grey Cells fluttering furiously trying to cook up the next decision, thought, question that should be fed to my body-system.
Whats that i see when i am focussing on my brain.....

The Eyes just sent a signal on a "Yummy" looking Cake .... Grey Cells into action..... Looks Good, But how many calories is that going to add.

Another signal..this time from the Hands which are getting impulsive, Should we go for the Cake?........Grey Cells to the rescue....Hold On...Still making a decision.

Another Flicker of Light indicating another Signal from the Nose,Smelling the fresh chocolate......Grey Cells into action again ..... Eat First, If possible Exercise Later

Are things always so complex and intertwined ?
Does a Micro-scopic insight of everything reveal such Complex artistry ? OR
Is this just another figment of the "Brain" ?

Oops.....Did i just check-mate myself ??

Well...Untangling myself and still on the same note.....

Another person looking into my brain would admire the piece of artistry in the same scenario and describe things in a more lucid and simple manner which would make the readers feel things are really simple.

So its pretty possible that the same snapshot is narrated/recollected in different fashions,
which definately amazes me. Amazes me for the simple fact that it is possible to convey two different things about an object to a reader who's never seen the object.

I guess the power that words have is quite enormous and a good Comment or two can definately help me improve in my use of words....

So while i switch off the Zoom, refocus and have my "Yummy" Cake, please read the blog and share a comment or two.