Friday, December 29, 2006

Ordeal for a BROADBAND Connexion

Homecoming is always sweet. You are home and so you are the KING. At least I am when I come home after a long gap. Mommy just dotes on you and Pops brings all those things YOU like. Mommy doles out the recipes from her Huge Arsenal that wouldn’t fit Pops diabetes routine but nevertheless fares I’d die to gorge on. A welcome change from the bland Mess khana and other kgp stuff. Lots more love fill the day.

Two or three days pass until normalcy is restored. After the initial euphoria settles down, comes the laziness. There is not much on earth you can do but idle away your time. Watching TV and reading the odd magazine consume most of the time and then it is time for you to miss, inarguably, the most important thing in your life for the past 3 years – Kgp’s LAN. It just is something whose absence, you feel, leaves a gaping whole in your daily itinerary. You have grown so used to it and made it such an essential part of your life that its absence really hits you hard.

You feel disconnected from the entire universe and you just can’t stay with that feeling. The closest you can reach is having an internet connection at home. Even though the internet connection might not promise all the benefits that our beloved LAN provides us, something’s better than nothing, you’d agree.

So you reach for the nearest and fastest ISP provider and he promises you the connection in a day when you pay the exorbitant amount. You might argue that any measly sum would seem exorbitant when you pay nothing for the 24 hour net supply in Kgp – in addition to DC++, the source of all movies, sitcoms, series, videos, music there is on the planet. But then that’s the way it is. Whichever way you look at it, TATA INDICOM Broadband is about at least 10 times costlier than BSNL’s Dataone connection. I still rue the fact that there is no BSNL landline at home or else I would have surely preferred the latter.

2 days pass and there is no sign of any personnel from the Tata Indicom. So you go and shout your dismay there and warn and threaten him (The frustration of not being connected is what is supposed to be blamed for all those actions, I suppose). A week passes by wherein each day you barge into the ISP office and threaten and plead him for the connection. Fed up with the daily nuisance he lands up one fine day in the house and the connection is done.

Now that the internet connection has arrived, you feel a bit ecstatic. You begin surfing and then the problems begin. Half the time the server is down (I had to ring up the call centre and register 5 complaints in the span of 6 days) and the other half isn’t much better either. Fluctuating speeds and intermittent delays dampen your enthusiasm to browse. What’s even more annoying is the blank messenger window. Normally it shows one full screen view of online contacts but now with most kgpians relaxing in the comforts of their homes, the empty window makes me feel much more cheesed off. It wasn’t all that worthwhile in the end.

P.S: Typed 2 weeks ago. Troubling Net connection and now the nuisance-making computer caused the delay. Still damn frustrated.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

DOWN..... OUT..... 'N' MIGHTY TIRED......

Exams can do a lot to one's psyche. They intimidate you. They terrorise you. They punch you in the face, kick you hard in the gut, effect a KO. The VOLUME of material/books you ought to study to maintain your not-so-great, yet respectable CG(Another 2 dreaded letters) and the TIME you've got on your hands are utterly dispropotionate. For once you are brought down to earth. You get to know ground realities.

Having bunked classes at a feverish pace, sitting right at the back and dreaming (in some cases, sleeping right under the professor's nose) in the very few classes you manage to drag yourself to, just for the sake of an attendance, hardly helps. It desperately feels like a Failed Journey, even before you take-off. Exams are still those dreaded few letters themselves...."EXAMS".

Exams make you sit down and study. For once you open your books. For once you feel you are in HERE with a purpose. You get reminded you are here to get moulded into a MANUFACTURING ENGINEER. And then you realise, you weren't meant to take this shit.

Huh!!! How one wished there weren't any exams. There are far better ways to grade a person, I believe. And I stubbornly believe that CG isn't a true reflection of either a person's technical skills, expertise, grip on the subject, his potential or ability. It might be an indicator of the hardwork he'd put in. Even that can't be said for sure. A Controversial Topic to deal with. I agree. But then I'd really like some other alternative for these exams. Being a Junior Student right now, I shouldn't be sulking and fretting over all these. 5th semester has come to a close and there are 3 more semesters to go. Entering the most crucial phase of my Course(Training and Placement right ahead), I just need to brace myself, command all energy and stamina, race the pack already a fair distance ahead of me and hopefully put up a good fight. By now, you must be saying, "Stop sulking and Put up a fight you @$$."

YEAH!!! I DID. I did it this time around. Relax. It was just a good fight though. I concentrated all my energies, studied hard, put the thoughts behind, worked my ass off on all courses -- only during the exam time though, I must remind. But then I am not sure if it was worth it. The distance will still remain. The gap just isn't looking like its going to diminish. I even didn't go for Ravi's Birthday treat. (Sorry DUDE!!! I wasn't bent on disrupting your party plans but then it just didn't fit into my scheme of things.) But then even though I sound like a soldier wounded or a defeated boxer I am really not worrying about the result. It just feels good having given your best. It was just for one week, I know. But it has been long since I’d done that and it’s quite satisfying. The "working off my ass" has also left me DOWN…. OUT…. And MIGHTY TIRED.

I'd be quite happy if I don't just slip up though...Well, even that isn't in my hands. To hell with the results.........Now for some rest!!!

P.S : The actual version I'd written was quite big and infact boring (Not that this isn't). Hence I edited an incident I'd written about out of this and reposted it below. If you aren't exhausted having read this crap, then test the limits of your patience. See if you can finish the crap below this too.....

THE EDITED PART FROM ABOVE

Well, here is something I wrote along with the one above. But then I edited it out. I felt the post was getting too lengthy. So if you are still not fed up reading the one above… Just go ahead.

Exams make you sit down and study. For once you open your books. For once you feel you are in HERE with a purpose. You get reminded you are here to get moulded into a MANUFACTURING ENGINEER. And then you realise, you weren't meant to take this shit. You just weren't meant to be this. This wasn't meant to be your true calling.

Which transports me back to my school days.

I was in class IX when one of my teachers trivially joked in the class, about how we'd either wind up as engineers and doctors. "Children of this generation hardly have other choices", she declared. I was quite upset at this thought. I wanted to be DIFFERENT. I wanted to different from the rest. I wasn't going to be an engineer or a doc, I told myself. That evening I set out on an onerous task - I'd make a list of all professions other than the aforementioned. I sat down frisking my mind and listing all professions I knew and by the end of the 2 hour study hour, I had a list of 89 professions, to be exact. Quite an amateurish list I must accept. But then I was quite proud of my efforts. I was going to be one of these, or so I thought.

Cut to class X after my board exams, I was busy contemplating which course to join, which college to join, which part of the country. I wanted to pursue Economics or Humanities and was at wit's end as to which one to choose. I knew I had a multitude of career avenues had I chosen Economics -- become an economist or a CA or a wat-else-is-possible. (Oops, I don't have the list with me right now. It is safe along with my letter and greeting collection back home) But I wasn't sure what I'd become pursuing Humanities. It was just my love for the subject, I guess, or maybe it had more do with my History teacher. I just loved her classes and her knowledge base and the way she drilled those stories into our heads. It wasn't that I was weak in Math or in Science. I liked those subjects, found them quite a bit fascinating and thats about it. Maybe those teachers weren't as inspiring and caring as my History ma'am. I had nothing against Math and Science.

I must really consider myself lucky because my parents readily gave me the go-ahead and were really happy about my choice when I'd first informed. For a person who consistently topped the class with minimum effort, (with due respect to my competition, I must admit having considered myself head and shoulders above everyone in the class and percieved myself as being in an altogether different league… Now I ain’t thinking the same though) choosing Humanities over Maths was bound to meet with mixed reactions. I expected my parents would pitch for my pursuing Pure Sciences. But then my parents completely endorsed my view. Mom even went to the extent of wanting to see me do my Bachelors in London School of Economics (LSE) and she was willing to fund it as well if I could get myself a seat in there. So far, so good and the hunt for the school began.

Class Ten results were out. I topped in almost every subject, had the highest total with my nearest competitor almost a fair distance behind me. I'd be getting 4 gold medals (Real Gold worth about 5k each) and lots more cash and goodies that year for my wonderful performance. There was lot of frenzy in the house. People were ecstatic. My parents were very proud of me, though I was sulking at not having crossed the School's Highest Total that was achieved quite a few years back. The house always brimmed with conversations about MY PERFORMANCE and MY FUTURE. They'd discuss it for hours and hours and feel so proud. It was during one causerie when mom told me gently, "Kanna (Means sweet lil' child in Telugu), Doing Humanities or Economics would mean our relatives commenting about your lack of calibre, lack of talent. They might indulge in petty talk that these 4 metallic pieces are just a one-off thing and that you really have no guts or the gumption to face the tougher world -- the Sciences and Math. You must be ready to brave the odds." That's it and nothing more. Suddenly my thought process took over. I sat down thinking. Those few words hit me hard. REAL HARD. I jusn't couldn't imagine myself being labeled a DUMB INCAPABLE SLOUCH.

I wanted to be DIFFERENT. TRUE. But I also wanted to be THE BEST. I wanted to be THE BEST more than being DIFFERENT. And at that very instant, I decided I would pursue only SCIENCES, because the failure to do would be construed my LACK OF ABILITY.


INCESSANT PRIDE. PRESTIGE. TWO SECONDS OF IRRATIONAL THINKING. And I am here what I am. Totally lifeless. Totally Disillusioned. Irate with having not pursued what I truly wanted to.

But then again, Life ain't so bad after all. I am in IIT - the best engineering college in the country. Yet, all these thoughts just keep rushing back when I start studying for the exams. I recollect things, scold myself and then get back to studying. It happens always and exams make me completely frusssssssst.

HUH!!! DUH!!!

Monday, November 13, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM

Words can’t truly express what I want to blurt out right this instant.

MOM, You have been my biggest source of inspiration and you will remain the single most influential person in my life – and I mean it in every sense of the word. I truly cherish the camaraderie we share. Everything I am right now is all because of what you had done for me – the numerous sacrifices, the heart breaking distances, the setbacks you braved, the love and care you showed. As you step into one more glorious year of your life, Your Birthday gives me a platform to reminisce the very many things that shaped my life -- the advice, the letters, the silly fights, the love, the anger and countless others. Let me thank you for all that you have done. And I am proud of you. Have a wonderful Birthday. YOU ARE MY HERO.

P.S : The pic here is of the card I’d carefully handpicked for MOM the last time I was in Kolkata…. But then I decided against mailing her. I just thought it wasn’t the right time to send a card especially when the whole household is shrouded in grief. Maybe I will make use of it for her birthday next year.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Miss You Grandpa

God's finger touched him, and he slept.
--
Alfred Lord Tennyson

On the 28th of October 2006, God looked around Heavens and sensed something missing. His garden felt the need of a fragrant flower – a flower that would radiate out sufficient warmth, love and compassion.

He looked upon Mother Earth and found your loving face.

God was Jealous; He wanted you to grace the heavens.
God wanted you in His Kingdom; He wanted you to share your love up there.

Henceforth his angel rode to earth: to pick you and place you in your rightful place – God’s heavenly abode.

You might physically be no more with us, but then you will remain in our memories forever and ever.

I will Miss you Grandpa.

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The Void created by your absence will be hard to fill. But your teachings and love will carry me throughout. I just want to let it be known what a fabulous Grandpa you had been!!! Thank you Grandpa for the many things you taught me in life, for caring for me, for listening to me.

P.S : I do not know if it is right or wrong to express my sincere sentiments – esp. during my grief – in a forum as open and public as this. But since I couldn’t be beside the person I so very loved during his last moments has gotten me so forlorn. I do not even know how he would feel reading this from the heavens up above. I desperately feel like talking to him – The fact that he is no more only is intensifying the feeling. Such an irony.

Am getting so damn nostalgic as well. Thoughts don’t cease. Time seems like it has come to a standstill. Just can’t wait till I get home.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

KFC, DON 'n' BAD LUCK

These 3 words aptly sum up our Friday’s Kolkata trip. What happened the last time ten of us embarked on a Kolkata journey – presumably for some shopping and watching RDB – ended up as a total disaster. An Understatement, I know. So with a lot of apprehension and doubt as to how the trip would turn out, we started off -- Sivakin, Rampage n ME. Even Mom kept cautioning me the whole time I was with her on the phone, the day before we set out, and that only added to the perplexity of my psyche.


After a night out and catching the Howrah Mail at 3’O clock in the morning, we reached Kolkata in the wee hours early on Friday. After a brief snack at the station, we rushed off to the passport office to find ourselves right at the head of a queue that gradually grew till 10, which was when the office opened itself.
Four hours of standing in the queue wasn’t actually as agonizing as I had expected it to be. Gossip and petty talk carried us through the 4 hours and it was quick work at the office.




Next stop :
City Center, Kolkata – The most happening place in the city. First thing we did on reaching the City Centre was book tickets for DON. I was actually astounded that we could manage tickets for an SRK movie – that too first day and that too the last rows.



KFC
With growling stomachs (the effect of spending almost 6 hours in a queue), the next thing on our minds was to fill our stomachs and there was always just one hang out on my mind – KFC. Having heard so much about KFC and its’ lovely burgers, I just couldn’t resist not being there. One KFC coupled with a Zinger Burger washed down with a Pepsi was all it took to fill my stomach. It was absolutely delicious – heavenly and appetizing. The Zinger Burger was a feast to the gastronomic senses as was the chicken. I can just go on yapping and raving about the burger. But I prefer to keep it short. If you are a non veggie and you do love chicken, do try out the combo I mentioned in KFC. Just recalling the experience is enough to cause salivation and wanting to have that heavenly bite once again. KFC – I will be coming back soon.

Later some heavy duty shopping for Formals, Tees and Greetings and it was time to face the DON.

DON
Less said about the movie, the better.
Dubious Screenplay. Unnecessary Twists and that too a plethora of unwarranted such, the last of which truly stretches the limits and tests your nerves. SRK’s hamming. Half Baked Characters. Illogical Plot. One can just go on……….
Result : I dozed off in the theatre. Sounds weird but True. I felt so sick and miserable for having spent 200 big bucks on such a SISSY of a movie trying to pass off as a STUD. A complete DUD.
The only reprise was the cinematography. Take a peek at DON if you are planning a trip to Malaysia in the future. You will surely get a wonderful preview of the fabulous locales there. Otherwise stay home and enjoy. Just don’t kill your senses for some non-sense.


Rampage and Siva at City Center


BAD LUCK
So when we purchased a passenger ticket only to find the last passenger leave (We were stuck in a traffic jam), we had to board the Howrah-Chennai Mail. With not enough money to pay for the Sleeper Class, we adjusted ourselves and boarded the General Compartment. It was almost 12 in the night when we alighted at Kharagpur. We were very happy as the whole trip went off without any glitches. But then Kolkata, Bad Luck and Myself seem synonymous… Here’s what happened the last time we went to Kolkata. I lost my mobile and Siva fell off a running a train and it was raining disasters that day.
Generally something untoward had to happen and it did. The Ticket Inspector at the station was quick enough to pounce on us and caught us for boarding the wrong train. He threatened us with words like charge sheet, magistrate, police and stuff – stuff that could send jitters through any civilized civilian aware of the weight of the words. Send Shivers through the spine… It did. After a lot of pleading and coaxing and apologizing, we were let off with a fine of Rs.200 per person (We had to use the ATM). How nice would it have been had we shelled out the Rs.80 per person for a sleeper class seat which the TTE politely told us was the actual fare. We were running short on cash and had to ditch that for a General Class Travel and found our way to a fine. But then Ifs and Buts don’t accomplish much other than compound the misery and instigate the pain.
Though we had a satisfying trip all along, the BAD LUCK in the end made us trudge back with a lump in the throat – a sense of déjà vu.

Which reminds me, the day Putta’s cycle went missing my status message in Gtalk read “I seem to be a BAD LUCK mascot” and I was only prophesizing the future.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

An Eventful Week

Thursday Night
Ready to leave for Kolkata early in the morning to get my passport done. An obstacle crops up – Rampage has no warden seal on his residence certificate. So forced to stay back.

Friday
Get to know that Inter Hall Technology Quiz is to be held the next day. And then that I have to appear for the selections. Luckily am selected.

Saturday
Inter Hall Tech Quiz.
GOLD
Kiran was on fire. Katoch and Bharat were their usual self. Me as usual was the sober, efficient supporting cast.

Sunday
Started searching for AUTOCAD 3D models on the net in a sincere effort to submit my ITPR assignment. Quite Successful infact. Managed to Google some decent stuff.

Monday
Open IIT Basketball Tournament – Semi Finals
MMM, the first year hall gives RK a run for its money. We sweat and fret to reach the finals. Luck seems to be smiling so far.

Tuesday
Open IIT Basketball Tournament – Finals
RK run KGP Kings quite close in the finals. Final Score: 65-64 in favour of Kgp Kings.
It’s awesome just having given the veterans such a tough fight and it would have been even better had we won, instead of just losing by a whisker.

Tuesday Night
It’s Raghu’s Birthday. After having a sumptuous treat in LS, we head back to find the cycle I’d borrowed from PUTTA stolen!!! Was a rude shock and even right now as I type this stuff out, it looks ridiculous as well as hard to digest.

I’m sorry dude. But not much was in my hands. I’d locked the bicycle properly if I am not mistaken. Hopefully we can trace it back.

I know this ain’t a diary but then I just wanted to make a record of this weird week.

Eventful with a mix of different emotions!!!

Ups….. Downs…. Successes….Disasters…. Who knows what lies in store for us ahead??? Was quite an ODD and DIVERSE week. So I just wanted to make a note of it.

That too with the sentimental stuff I have been upto lately, this would be quite a deviation from the morose stuff.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Happy Birthday, My Friend.

Dear Friend,

It’s been ages since we met…. but you as a person have always remained close to my heart.
It seems like an eternity since we spoke…. but you remain my constant source of encouragement and inspiration.

I never knew what hit me. But I rendered it was the right thing to do. Maybe I was being harebrained. Maybe I was acting sensibly. But at that time I felt it was the right thing to do -- FOR US TO GROW APART.

The distance between us might never melt. I know I hurt your emotions a lot. But then I am not here to give any excuses. The moments we shared haunt me time and again. I can still feel the impact you had on me and you still have on me. Nobody has gotten close to knowing and understanding me as you did. I thank you with all my heart for the lovely moments we shared. Just wanted to say, “It would be nice to have you back as my friend”.

Haan, before I forget to wish you, Happy Birthday. So on the day that trumpets and echoes and celebrates the moment of your arrival into this world, I thank the heavens for your lovely presence and guidance in my life. Miss you in many ways, in ways words can never express.

Yours truly.

P.S : This was something I wrote yesterday, but was largely skeptical about posting. But then certain things are better not hidden. So I am posting this, a day later, after a lot of deliberation and thought.
Skepticism – for I believe my friend is never going to see this.
Deliberation and Thought lead me to summoning all courage and doing the right thing.

Photos Courtesy of Yahoo! Greetings and a little messy work in MS Paint.


Sunday, September 17, 2006

Dunno Why???

Why???

Why do I feel like blogging right now, when I have loads of stuff to learn for tomorrow’s exam and when I absolutely have no idea as to what fate awaits me during tomorrow’s exam?

Why does it feel like browsing the net when I know that I stand to gain much more if I studied for the ongoing exams?

Why does it feel like listening to James Blunt’s -- “You’re beautiful” again and again, when I have absolutely no suicidal tendencies or even a ‘girlfriend’ – forget her deserting me for someone else?

Why do I find it so burdensome to hold my attention and not let my thoughts wander during any course lecture – be it engrossing or boring?

Why do I fear failure so much when actually the desire to succeed burns so bright deep down inside of me?

Why do I feel so utterly claustrophobic—lonely and tied up—, when, ironically, I am in fact in the company of spirited, animated, bubbly and vivacious friends?

Why do I end up plastering a plastic smile across my sullen face when in others’ company?

Why does it feel so difficult to trust anybody when all I desire is someone to share my feelings and lighten up my heart?

Why does it feel so onerous to forget things that I ought to have forgotten a long time ago?

Why is it so difficult to break out of that pessimistic outlook I get into occasionally—for short time spans— when I know that it ain’t right and that too when I am completely aware of my malfeasance?

Why does it feel like dialing that number when I know the repercussions that will arise out of my actions will be quite severe?

Why does she feel so close to me and yet so isolated from me?

Why does the heart yearn to go home when I know that it isn’t possible until certain things fall in place?

Why do tears trickle out of my eyes and damp my pillow when I am on my cot and get lost in thoughts, when I know the majority residing in the time-zone I do are in a deep slumber?

Why???

Why then does it feel so???

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

A Stupid small story

Once upon a time, there was a huge banyan tree that was scattered somewhere in a dense jungle(yeah, a chotu story….. mushy mushy story. Just read on). And so it happened that a young canary that just learnt the art of flying zoomed in onto a huge branch of that particular tree. As that cute lil’ canary (a male one at that) was gasping for breath (Yeah, it was tired, after all it had just learnt to fly), it saw a sweet looking puerile girlish dove staring at him with all the innocence in the world. The canary too looked on. Time passed by (No, not days, but just a few minutes) with blank stares. Summoning some courage the dove moved a bit closer to the canary. The canary now felt warmer. Taking the cue, the canary asked the dove as to what it was doing on that branch of the tree. The dove had no answer. It was just idling itself there and it was destined that she meet the delightful canary. Who could help that? The cold frigidity between them just melted as time flew and before they knew they had shared so much and could feel the distance lessening. (And please stop your thoughts there… These birds were still kids man!!! Dude Grow Up). And before they knew it, it was dusk, the sun had set and a sense of grey had enveloped the sky. So they bade each other goodbye – they had to move back to their own nests – each wishing to come back the next day and hopefully find the other waiting for them.

The next day the canary returned early only to find the dove waiting for him eagerly. All they did was talk – delicate gibberish routine daily stuff – and talk and talk. They loved talking to each other. They neglected the entire world and kept on chattering to no end. They loved each others company. As they noticed later, time sped on at alarming velocities.

This dainty charming friendship assumed huge proportions and developed into a very strong bond.

When the canary was down, the dove would be there to lift his spirits and conversely.

Whenever something irked the dove, the canary made sure the dove felt comfortable and mutatis mutandis.

When some trouble lurked, both made a collective effort to steer clear from the harm.

And just as everyone around thought that nothing could separate them, the canary had to depart to another place. (Maybe his parents wanted a cooler location to live) He could no longer meet the dove. Both were heart broken. Each wondered how they would live without the company of their dear friend and how that gaping void left by the loss of their dear companion would be filled.

But then life moves on. They bid goodbye, this time forever (they thought), and got on with life. The juvenile beings they were took the schism with a wounded heart but then the hurt healed in due course of time. Life moved on and on and on.

The canary matured with the years and grew into a fine adolescent bird. Years had passed on since that separation. He didn’t remind himself much about the dove.

Then suddenly one day as he was flying in the vast sky, he sensed a familiar face in the neighbouring flock of birds. It was a face he had known well – No points for guessing it right – well, yes that good old friend of his, the dove. The canary was ecstatic – it had found its childhood friend. This time it was the canary’s turn to take the lead. He found out the whereabouts of the dove – let me not concentrate on how and why the dove’s family migrated to the same place. He got back in touch with her.

Well let me cut the story short here…... It wouldn’t need a sage to declare this small story has a huge parallel with our lives. As kids we are good friends with the opposite sex and just as time passes and we grow older, we become rigid, we become stiff, we don’t know what hits us and we never see much of each other in our mid teens. Just as we hit adolescence we chance upon such friends and then all of a sudden we are at our wit’s end. Why wit’s end?? Yes, I will be coming to that a little bit later.

We start the correspondence again. We get back in touch and we begin knowing each other again from the start. Then on, it again takes the oft repeated, very strikingly familiar paths – yes, paths – in most of the relations. So let me get on with the paths, so we get on back to the story.

Path A

The canary gets in touch, gets coochie again. The canary (the dove in a few cases) decides that he while as a kid loved the dove and still does. Hence he proposes love to the dove.

This happens in most of the cases and I dunno why. Did the dove ever experience that ‘love’ when they were still juvenile???

Path B

The canary and the dove are at loggerheads. They do not know if they can be just friends. They are also not able to decide whether they had been in love, whether they are in love. Nothing much happens here. They are very hesitant in the relation. The conversations are dry. That amazing chemistry they shared is completely missing. They never can comprehend what hit them. They had shared wondrous moments when they were young but then the magic can just not be recreated. Nothing works out here. It’s relegated to a so-so situation.

And this happens in quite a few situations. Confusion Confusion and more confusion.

Path C

The canary and dove recollect those lovely days, discuss how they coped up with the separation, open up again, be frank to one another and become the good friends they once were.

And yes, this almost never happens. Though this would be my preferred way of rebuilding the relation. Guess ‘love’ can never cease entering the minds of the two people. Can’t pure friendship ever prevail???

P.S This piece of shit, I happened to write when I became completely frussssst after almost 3 hours of studying machine tools – something I am not really sure as to how useful that study is to my future!!!! This doesn’t intend to hurt anybody’s feelings and do read this at your own risk. Can make you frustrated as well.

P.P.S I cannot deny the existence of a similar story in my life and for the path.... well let it remain a secret for now. Also Don’t try asking me who the girl in question is.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

4 months on a platter

4 months in a few words… Wonder if that is possible!!! But then I will definitely try that with every ounce of effort while keeping myself fully aware that I need to be careful so as to not bore the world reading this “holy crap”. If you ask me why I’d decided to write all this, all you meet with is an ignorant and bewildered I-Just-Dunno why I’d done that expression. Cut the crap and let me start off.

May 8th – 27th Well that’s what my certificate says!!! I don’t exactly remember the dates though. Lovely vacation (read industrial training) in Vizag Steel Plant, Ukkunagaram…. Yeah the good ol’ Vizag….. Nag, Shankar and me…. Add Bunnu, Palli and Santhu for that extra dash of fun…Really fulfilling experience to say the least. Was our first window to the working of a large scale industry. The sheer magnitude of the steel plant can be quite intimidating. Really got to know quite a few things though I guess we should have braced ourselves a little more and showed sufficient enthusiasm to learn that wee bit more. Rue the fact that we have lost quite a bit of our inquisitiveness and the questioning aptitude since the JEE days. All in all an entertaining fun-filled knowledge-laced experience, something we will remember quite well for the rest of our lives. (The forthcoming interviews won’t let us erase this so easily from our memories). Now for a sneak peek into the days we spent there.

Lazy life – Uncles who are always eager to give us ‘lifts’/rides on their bikes till the factory and also further inside.(Love that lift culture – so helpful). -- Routine work shifts – literally had a ‘hot’ time in the furnaces and sooty bodies at the end of the day because of the coal dust that floats everywhere in the plant – Abysmally cheap and good quality food in the mess(Shankar’s eyes were always on that 10Rs chicken serving)—The customary afternoon session bunk and the quick naps— off to gajuwaka in the evening for some movie(Must confess here to watching about 12 movies during my stay)—the “chicken sp. Biryani” packets(Shankar, Do you remember???) to gorge on in the room at night—the innumerable mirchi bajjis we relished—long strolls in the plant—late night discussions about topics ranging from CG to CV to Palli’s girlfriend to anything in relation to the world—the occasional beach trip—Yeah man, training was fun, much much more than I expected it to be.

Then came June and I’d gotten home. Was desperately trying to land myself another training and so finally dashed off to Chennai with the hope of making it to one TVS Motors. But then they said I was too late. And just when it seemed like I would have to return without having accomplished anything, an uncle from Hyundai invited me over there. Also caught up with a few ol’ friends and teachers…. Visited SBOA, my school in addition to the training .

So another training for about 15 days in Hyundai Motors, Chennai. Lovely Place, Lovely people. Great work ethic, Even greater approach to work, dedicated target oriented workers. All in all a great place to be. But I can’t stop complaining about the hectic schedule.

Early morning wake up at 4 30 – Bus at 5 30 – Reaching the factory at 6 30 – Lovely, Absolutely Lovely Breakfast – Shop Floor Visits – Process appreciation – Reveling seeing the absolutely awesome-fantastic-ginormous-sophisticated machinery –Brief Lunch (Again Awesome) –Further shop floor study – evening bus home at 4 00 -- Almost mandatory traffic jam – reaching uncles home by 7 30 in the night – a few minutes of soccer world cup and then this tired guy eats a lil’ and jumps off to bed.

Then to Vijaywada…. Off to Hyderabad….. Caught up with a lot of Johnians….

Back home…. And don’t ever ask me what happened next??? The most tumultuous phase of my life… Nerve-wracking 15 days. Absolutely no idea as to how I – and other family members – got through this!!! And then returned back to Kgp.

Integrated back with friends… lots of new stories to tell… lots of stories I’d heard as well… Two and a half months being apart and then getting back together… Lots of fun moments to share… And yes this span is sufficient to change a person. Lots of changes I observed in my dear friends…

Right now, Midsems round the corner and I feel like doing everything in the world other than open my books. Open. Close. Open the book… stare at a few pages…. Call yourself an ass for not studying regularly. Look at the same page again for 5 more minutes. Nothing gets into your head. Concentrate again. Have had enough. Throw the book on the cot. Get in front of the computer. Start searching DC++ or the net. Chat with a few friends. Feels great!!! Look at the book on the cot and say “Man, Academic Books are not my cup of tea”.

Well, that’s my state right now… Absolutely clueless!!! Really trying to figure out why I’ve written all this crap in the first place.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Time to Update!!!!

Yeah!!! Damn right….. Definitely the time to update… its been ages. Haven’t opened my blogger account, for like, 4 months say…No posts, very less blog browsing too.


So what the hell on earth have I been up to the past few months??? Actually speaking, this self imposed exile (distance sounds better, I guess) from blogging has specific reasons(or doesn’t it???)….

Did someone ask me to shy myself away from blogging???

Was I frightened the world would find the real ‘me’???

Was I making a fool of myself ranting in the public domain???

Even I dunno for sure what hit me or kept me out of my blog’s way. Now that I am back (I’ve been able to iron out a few differences too by the way), hopefully the blog gets some regular visitors and also a few posts and a much wanted new lease of life. So dudes, lemme shake some rust off my back and get back to blogging.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Hectic Exam Schedule Done with. The less I talk about my exams the better it would be.
Setting New standards with every pasing exams. Reached Lofty heights of Sluggishness and ended the exams with expectation of fewer marks/grades.
Reached home on the 1st of MAY. Fixed the computer.
Status Quo : Aimlessly wandering the house searching for "WHAT-NEXT-TO-DO-TO-STAY-AWAKE"
Meanwhile let me keep guessing (and getting frightened) as to what lies in store for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, April 07, 2006

Arbit Thoughts

One more week has passed away. Though I wish I could post at the amazing frequency at which 'Who-am-I' does, but then I am self confessedly the laziest bug on earth. And that makes a post all the more difficult. And as the title suggests I have no clue as to what I would be yapping the next few lines. Just have that pinch of patience and Hope you will be through to the end.

Bad news on the homefront! Grandpa was supposed to be discharged today but the things didn't work out as planned. He's caught a fever last night and last time I called mom, she said that he is on 'Oxygen' right now. Sent shivers down my spine when I heard 'oxygen'. I have this peculiar habit of envisioning things that do not exist and things that might happen in future. Makes me go all the more weak on my limbs.

Well, I am starting back home tonight -- Not home exactly, But to Care Hospitals in Vizag, which means a slight change in plans. And then I will have to be back by Monday afternoon for the Mine Surveying lab. So all in all a tough weekend for me.

Inching closer to the dreaded "End-Sems" -- Yeah, The time most Kgpians would want to keep at a distance. Lots and lots to mug. 4 exams the first 2 days -- the 24th and 25th. Could it get any worse???

I came to know last week that additional 27% reservations was being mooted for OBC's in IIT's and IIM's. Can't the goverment leave the caste politics out of IIT's and IIM's??? As if the reservations already present aren't sufficient. Why is the goverment hell bent on breaking the IIT's and IIM's back? What's been absolutely pathetic is the Diro's take on this issue.......

The other eye-catching news was concerning the eye-popping Rs 1 crore salaries the ISB grads drew during their placements. Not one but four such "Crorepatis". Is the ISB well on it's way to overhaul IIM's in their stature??? The complete true Story lies here. A Grad with 10 years experience -- Certainly takes the sheen out of the "Crorepati" tag.

Almost Forgot. We won silver in the Inter hall basketball tournament. Get to know the story behind the silver here. We were outclassed by a top-class team in the final. Lots of lessons to be learnt after the sound thrashing that was meted out to us by our opponents. Yet the silver means a lot, though I would have preferred a different script before it came in hand.

Was subject to some Serious Breach of Privacy... that too coming from trust-worthy quarters. Was seething with fury and sulking for the major part of 2 days. Unexpected Rude Intrusion into personal space -- Nothing can be more irritating than that.

Been a week of a lot of Blog-Browsing.

KS is taking blogging to new heights. Found no words to describe his latest post. It tickled my funny bone, packed a few punches targeted at certain practices and made fun of a crazy development in the blogosphere -- tagging. Check out his satire on Tagging.

Also Found this damn interesting 2 line review about RDB.

REVIEW
Rang De Basanti = The Legend of Bhagat Singh + Yuva
"with much less impact"

FabVocab is shaping up quite nicely. One word per day and the sense of satisfaction I derive out of that -- Quite nice.

Post's got too long and boring I guess. Will be back Monday and hope everything is fine there with Grandpa. Just can't wait to get out of here.


Saturday, April 01, 2006

Did I say I was Busy???

Blogging after a fairly long hiatus. With a heavily loaded week just over, I can see a packed week staring ahead at me. Been quite busy over the last week. So let me recapitulate the hectic week spent.

  • Well, Dear Nag has started blogging -- Click here for his amateur blog. As I commented on your first post -- "Way to go dear!!! For someone who did his entire schooling in Telugu medium, you write quite well and the desire in you deserves Kudos and special mention."
  • Started a new blog -- FabVocab -- one word to learn each day in a sincere attempt to reach the upper echelons of you know what!!!
  • Almost Forgot! The Thermodynamics Mid-Sem marks were out during the week. Got exactly what I expected -- did not deserve even a wee bit more for the effort I put in. Not exactly satisfied though.
  • Rampage got a tad bit upset with the mockery 'we' -- Dave, Shaggy, Nag and others and me -- made out of his "uh!! Huh!! Hun!!" frequent mentions in his posts. Sorry if you were really hurt but then you must learn to take it with a pinch of salt. Secret : He even deleted a few Huh's from his earlier posts and reposted the edited ones, I believe, though he vehemently denies doing so. (Don't ever tell ramp. Or else He is gonna kick my ass)
  • The Thermodynamics Class Test was due this Thursday and I was game for it without even touching the books, without the slightest fear that 20 marks out of 100 hinged on the outcome of this test. Impudent, Impertinent, Shameless!!!!!! Call me whatever you like. Maybe I deserve much worse "gaalis". How the hell on earth did I become so negligent and nonchalant about marks? Don't need to mention how the test went. It's anybody's guess.
  • Yo RK!!! 2 Basketball League matches played. One with Patel. The Other with VGSoM. Won both comfortably even though the scoreline was in favour of our opponents by the end of the first quarter each time. Everytime the team was in a trench, a combination of Common Sense, Rathee and Chochu Prevailed and pulled us out of the rut. Me, as usual, was on the sidelines without being substituted -- No rude jolt this. I was mentally prepared for that. So all this prompted to me being tagged the "WaterBoy", "The CheerLeader" and my being the butt of ridicule of many a joke. Life's a great leveller and I will do get my chances. (Or did they get theirs???)
  • Thursday was Ugadi -- New Year on the Telugu Calendar(Gosh!! When will I understand this calendar???). The Telugu Association of IIT Kgp, organised a get together and a Supper -- So you now know what exactly was on my mind!!! Gorged on the lovely south Indian cuisine -- a rarity in this part of the country. Devoured up to my fill. Must mention the lovely Tomato curry and the sweet -- reminded me of Home in all respects.
  • Finally I managed to get the Consent Letter for pursuing Summer Training In Vishakapatnam Steel Plant. Now the remaining work is to fix up the dates -- Ideally I would like it to be a 3 week training. Only after the dates for this have been fixed, can I go about working on the training at Volvo, Bangalore.
  • Been quite long since my last Telugu movie on my comp. DVD Rip's of Athadu and Ghajini shared on the LAN this week. Saw Ghajini earlier. Hence watched Athadu. Was a Great Entertainer. Was a good movie inspite of the few flaws. Especially liked the character Trisha potrayed -- that ziddi, pompous village belle. Might watch it once again in the near future.
  • Today had SUPER SPECIAL DINNER. It was the Treat that the Final Years were giving us --Their Beloved Juniors -- for all their wonderful achievements. The Music playing in the background as well as The Music System were awful as was the selection of songs. Huge array of dishes to please the palate. But the cooking was awful. Mutton Tikka -- Yuck, Tasted like Saw Dust. Mutton Curry was not wholly cooked. You could get that odd raw smell. Rice and Veg curries were so-so. Desserts-- Rabdi, Gulab Jamun, Jalebi and ICE CREAMS -- were the best part though.
  • Waited impatiently for 'something', irritated someone a lot for that specific 'something' and it's yet to fall in my hands.
  • And something I got to know just a few hours back. Grandpa is admitted in the hospital in Vizag. Nothing Serious is what Mom had to say, Just old age and cardiac Problems. He's been put under Observation for a few days. Suddenly there is gloominess all around, The heart grows heavy, Miss you all a lot. Love you Grandpa, Do get well soon. Feels Bad that I can't be there with you atleast in such situations. Looking forward to coming home at the earliest and seeing you in full health. Awaiting that cherished sweet talk with you in the balcony.
Languishing here without knowing what to do during the weekend. Another Busy week ahead as I said. 2 Baski matches the next 2 days. Need to complete a C program -- Mechanisms n Machines Submission most probably next week. Mine Surveying Chart to be made. Probability Class Test on Friday. So what do I do next???
Time is the best healer, they say. So lemme watch a movie now. Time will take care of the rest.

Monday, March 20, 2006

Hurt........................

Yeah..... Seriously Hurt!!!!!! Don't ever ask me why??? Many incidents to quote...!!!

Some Good words backfired.............

Someone I deeply respect made an unwanted, inexpedient statement..........

Some trust I placed in another was compeletly misplaced...........

Some really good, straight forward work went unnoticed and unappreciated........

Was Hurt as a result of Lack of Faith in me...........

Different Situations... Different Feelings.... The HURT stays.. rather hurts a lot.... Life's looking like its in the doldrums, full of disillusionment.......... Who is going to exonerate me??? When will life return back to normal???

Oh! Lord.... Please spare me this torture... get me out of this pain, this anguish, this wretchedness.....!!! All I can do is hope this is a Delusion. Or is it my fallacy???

Time I stop complaining and time to get back to some serious work!!! Maybe by the time I make my next post, I will be back to normal...............

Thursday, March 16, 2006

The Jinxed post -- But a Gr8 Song neways

One more great song, Just wanted to share these beautiful lyrics of Michael Jackson’s Heal The World. One of MJ’s lesser known songs. Actually MJ also setup the Heal the World Foundation for the aid of children all around the world, especially Africa. Dunno what has happened to the foundation. Even the website doesn’t exist anymore. Anyways, here are the lyrics.

HEAL THE WORLD
Written and composed by Michael Jackson













(Think about, um, the generations, and that we want to make it a better place for our children and our children's children so that they know it's a better world for them. I think they can make it a better place.)

There's a place in your heart
And I know that it is love
And this place could be much brighter than tomorrow
And if you really try
You'll find there's no need to cry
In this place
You'll feel there's no hurt or sorrow

There are ways to get there
If you care enough for the living
Make a little space
Make a better place

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me

If you want to know why
There's a love that cannot lie
Love is strong
It only cares for joyful giving
If we try
We shall see
In this bliss we cannot feel
Fear or dread
We stop existing and start living

Then it feels that always
Love's enough for us growing
Make a better world
Make a better world...

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me

And the dream we were conceived in will reveal a joyful face
And the world we once believed in will shine again in grace
Then why do we keep strangling life
Would this earth crucify its soul?
Though it's plain to see
This world is heavenly
Be God's glow

We could fly so high
Let our spirits never die
In my heart
I feel you are all my brothers
Create a world
With no fear
Together we'll cry happy tears
See the nations turn their swords into plowshares

We could
Really get there
If you cared enough for the living
Make a little space
To make a better place

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me

Heal the world
Make it a better place
For you and for me and the entire human race
There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me

There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me

There are people dying
If you care enough for the living
Make a better place for you and for me

(You and for me)
Make a better place
(You and for me)
Make a better place
(You and for me)
Make a better place
(You and for me)
Heal the world we live in
(You and for me)
Save it for our children
(You and for me)
Heal the world we live in
(You and for me)
Save it for our children
(You and for me)
Heal the world we live in
(You and for me)
Save it for our children
(You and for me)
Heal the world we live in
(You and for me)
Save it for our children


This one’s got a great video too… Quite a thoughtful song. Especially love the words that the lil’ kid says at the start of the song – something for each one of us to ponder about and for each one of us to try follow. Soothing music, lilting voice with MJ at his best, absolutely marvellous and thought provoking lyrics – subtly embedded with a message, great choreography with its own fair share of disturbing yet inspiring scenes – All in all, one Classic Song!!!

Lots of Trouble Blogging

Changed my template yesterday... created a few links.... And all the time i get to see that 403-Forbidden Error page. Lots of encounters with that dreaded page the past 2 days. For the past half an hour, I've made 3 valiant attempts to post the lyrics of MJ's Heal the world -- once it showed a double entry in the blog -- erased those 2 without saving, once the 403 error and the other time I switched to explorer from my trusted Firefox and it ended prematurely quoting some runtime error. Where does the fault lie??? Is it the proxy creating problems or is it the bad server at blogger.com??? Or could the problem be with Internet Explorer or with the blogger himself??? Whatever be it, the post is jinxed. But I will make one more attempt tomorrow -- to post the jinxed article. It's too late(uh huh!!! 4 in the morning is to be called early or late???) to give myself another go at it.

Lots of eventful happenings the past few days. Holi today-- The festival brings with it all those colours -- quite some fun spraying colours on one another. My vest was torn to tatters... Thank God, My short was spared. Had a photo session with those colourful bodies and faces. Well, Slept all day after the Holi bash. Woke up to write the short story for the MOTOFWRD competition - I didn't want to give myself a chance to feel bad for not taking a shot at a competition where the first prize is worth 4 lakhs and also 2 months internship at MOTOROLA. All we needed to do was write a short story or an essay envisioning the future of Seamless Mobility - Don't ask me what that means. Came up with a sick story. Will post it here soon. First let me get a few reviews on that. I had to make myself creative for 30 mins -- How sick can that be??? And after sweating out my grey caps for half an hour, I framed the story in words in about 1 hour -- Man, Things like these can get really tiresome. Just as I submit and begin to relax I get this call for BASKI Practice. Whacko Guys we are... Practice at 11 in the night till 2... And at 4 on the comp blogging it out. Wacky.... Not quite!!!

Now for some serious campus news . Heard that our SSM - the Hall's Second senate member after the Happa or the Hall Prez -- is going to MIT. 3 cheers to Reddy!!! Well even RP's SSM is going to MIT for further studies. Well, What's with these SSM's??? Feels great to know people around you are scaling new peaks. But at the same time there's that insecurity... You begin to think of your future.... Where will I be??? Am I good enough??? Whatever be God's will, Just moving forward with time, hoping for the best. Once again, 3 cheers to Reddy... even tho' he might never ever have a look at my blog.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

It's been a Pleasure Writing this out!!!!!

Some great feelings that make my life worthwhile…………..

When I return home from hostel, say after 4 months or so, and I find mom, dad, grandma and grandpa waiting eagerly at home – keeping on hold their busy work schedule. When mom hugs me hard and says, “Feels like ages ra, kanna. Feels great to have you back.” When grandma invariably has to say “You’ve grown weak and thin” irrespective of whether I have gained weight or lost it.

Late night dinner on the couch -- The 5 of us together -- discussing various topics ranging from human psychology to academics to politics to sports to even my girlfriends and sometimes when dad shifts off to the prospective daughter-in-law in waiting!!! That’s sheer fun.

When I sit on grandpa’s lap (and he is on his special stool in the balcony) and we explore the world looking at the same old neighbourhood that has been the same for ages, yet find something new to rant about.

Watering plants on the 2nd floor roof top along with mom in the evening. Fighting it out for the television remote with papa. That’s fun. …. Haan almost forgot….. Inviting grandpa to watch WWE (wrestling) along with me…. He loves that and so do I.

When I can see mom hurriedly trying to make something in the kitchen, even when she has got to go on her work – the sense of satisfaction fills you up, the love on her face shows. When my cell rings at home and mom is like “Is that your girlfriend??? Won’t you introduce me to her??”….. When I can smell the aroma of “Keema Fried Rice” – This onez my mom’s speciality – that wafts through the air to my room early morning (I mean 10 or so)…. And then the heavenly taste of that in my watering mouth…. When mom advises me about life, about the world and the many ways of the world…….. Seeing Mom and Dad playing pranks on each other… quite kiddo at times they are and it’s always fun seeing them like that. When we, as a family, go out to a movie….. When I see my mom exploding in tears for the silliest of emotional scenes and when I hand out the hand kerchief and she smiles…. Later when we have a great dinner somewhere outside.

Speaking to mom over the phone when away from home (I’ve been in hostel almost all my life and this is the 15th year). When mom scolds me for taking too long a break before calling her (a gap of 2 days is enough for her to term it long)......When I hear dad proudly tell people around him “my son is in IIT.”…..

When we sit in the room and gossip about irrelevant stuff in the hostel…. When someone says “Let’s go Billoo’s/Sup Dup/ wherever. Today’s mess khana sucks”…… When does it taste good in the first place? Late night walk down to Chhedis. Chatting over a Tinku about what not….
On the Vidhan Chowk Lawns with “Da Gang” having nothing else to do on earth…. Just for some casual bhaat….. When I bunk a class for some extra sleep…. When I submit some assignment I just copied from some maggu, alongside him……

When I complete some long pending work… When I lie on the bed after a tiring day….. When I sleep…sleep and sleep …. I love my deep slumbers…. Those 10 -12 hrs continuously in my dreams…. Love the smell of the earth before it rains… the fragrance rocks…… When I put my nose on the fuel lid of bikes to smell some petrol…. The weirdo that I am….

When I find someone waiting online anxiously for me….. When someone wishes me on my minute accomplishments…. When my phone keeps ringing for about an hour on the zeroth hour of my birthday, courtesy the amazing friends I have….When I am on my way to Vijayawada during the holidays to meet my aunt, uncle, akka and also Surya and Khan, when I reminisce of our school days…. When I remember how Miss Brijit and Bro Jaico would try instilling some good qualities in us….. When I am out for a cinema with my friends in Vijayawada….. When we roam the streets on the bikes doing nothing…. The sweet times at Baker’s Inn…. The times I again think of those lovely school days…….

Having fun with akka(my cousin, though I consider her my own)… playing pranks on her, running off after smacking her, calling her names, pulling her knee length braided hair and at the end of it all when I sleep in her lap after all the mischief…… seeing the smile on her face….. Nothing more heartening than that smile…. Well I cannot put all those feelings in the words… I’d be surely making an understatement.

Time I spend with sweet kiddo cousins….. listening to their gibberish talk…. Nothing sweeter than that… The sight of a nice comment to my post… any word of encouragement when I am down and out….When someone asks me “Post soon and do tell me what it is all about before hand!!!”……

I can go on filling pages and pages… Maybe I will add some more later….So lemme stop here… By the way, What are yours???

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Confused!!!!!!!

Confused!!! Now what do I write...... Saw Crash yesterday in the afternoon after a "We've got nothing to do here" Forming Lab and then later Saw RDB early morning today(or late night yesterday) for the first time (The DVDrip was made available on our beloved DC++ only yesterday and I had to see it the day it was there... No excuses)-- Yeah that sick RANG DE BASANTI.... maybe that is why I am confused.

How could people lap up a movie with such a blatantly false message??? What the director was trying to put across got me really mad. Watching Aamir Khan as a college going punk(Where's the college shown in the first place???), lovey-dovey Siddarth with that "I-dunno-what-to-do-n-I-dontcare" looks got me very nauseant. And people are calling it the best thing ever coming out of Bollywood. Not a patch on some of my most loved Hindi movies (DCH, HumTum, Swades, Bluffmaster.... in no specific order). Was a bad choice I felt. (Saw this one from 12 to 3 in the night.... was yawning all through and was scratching my head at the intermission point as to what the story was that far!!!). Could have utilised the time a little bit better -- obviously by watching some better movie. I know I need to be ready for some brickbats for saying so much.... But I think there are enough people of my tribe -- those who hate RDB fiercely.

I am not done with this. Will come out with an extensive review of RDB, Crash and Brokeback Mountain -- the most talked about movies in the recent past -- RDB
for its message to the youth, Crash for winning the best movie Oscar and Brokeback for losing to Crash even after being a firm favourite. I have seen Crash and RDB. So Brokeback soon -- Promise you will not need to wait much before that is out!!!

And, meanwhile Capote and Walk The Line can wait for sometime.

Still Confused!!!! What do I further write about..........

Aravind says, "Babu, Inkosari aa social service messageslu rasi blog lo mammalni champaku ra" (Please dont kill us with your social messages one more time.)

As a result of my previous post on the BLANK NOISE PROJECT, I have been getting diverse reactions. People are like "When have you become a saint???". "Hey these don't suit you at all." For the people mocking me for being a saint... I am no saint but I am doing whatever little I can. And there are people who genuinely seem to appreciate the effort. Thanks a lot. I can also find many like me opening their eyes as to whats happening around.

I am also getting to know new things. A few friends, ofcourse females, have either mailed or called up, laughed at my ignorance, and told me things they have never ever told -- about the experiences they have had. Well, that wasn't so unexpected I guess. "How could you have not bothered about this so long???", asked one friend. Well, guess I opened my eyes right now.

Ok Ok enough of moral lessons. Otherwise Aravind is gonna smack me on my head I guess. He'd already be fuming over my rubbishing RDB and then for also for writing this crap here.

Been following news on IIM-A's Day Zero -- The first day of placement on the elite campus. I'd love to be there someday as a proud student of the ginormous institute(Have a lot of time before I can fulfil that dream and meanwhile, am ardently following my seniors going through the GD and interview phase). There has been a new recruitment complex constructed for the process, keeping the mediapersons away. Yet there is enough news on the net speaking about the salaries offered. Just have a look at the companies on Day Zero -- Lehman Brothers, McKinsey and Co, Barclays, Credit Suisse Boston, Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, USB Warburg Pincus, Bain & Co, ABN Amro Singapore, Barings Bank, Boston Consulting Group, Booz Allen Hamilton, BP Singapore, Citigroup,AT Kearney and we dunno who else.

Whopping pay packets and Glittering Career prospects. Highest of $1,85,000 prospective offer from Barings Bank and a highest domestic pay of Rs 20 lakh... That's big bucks for sure. 100 offers from around 20 companies and thats the status after Day Zero. Who wouldn't want to be there -- I would give my everything to be there. Though ethically speaking you ought to be there for the love of doing an MBA and not the money!!! I agree, but the pay packets play a lot on your mind I guess. Anyways I always thought of doing my MBA. Sometimes I regret having taken to the sciences after class 10. Family pride and prestige drove me away from my love -- humanities and economics. Otherwise I would have given CAT last november. Though I sometimes regret not having done humanities, I am happy with myself. You don't need to complain being an IITian. Maybe the charisma of this great institute attracted me enough to let leave my true love.

Was also looking at the India England Scorecard at cricinfo. Sachin Tendulkar fails once again in the first innings in the second test vs England at Mohali.... I Don't follow cricket upclose. But then I love the way this man carries himself on and off the field. 2 of my most loved sportsmen -- Sachin and Pete Sampras -- have one thing in common. They speak less and do all their talking on the field, with the bat and the racquet, respectively. And I love them for that. Well, Sachin!!! It happens always I guess. 2 hundreds in 2 years is too little for this champion batsman. Hit back fast at the earliest, Sachin. Just can't see you struggling out there.

Well, That brings me to the other legend -- Michael Schumacher. Another F1 season got underway yesterday with the Bahrain Grand Prix. And Yippeee!!! Schumacher grabs pole and teammate Felipe Massa sharing the front row with him. Way to go Ferrari. The staunch Schumi n Ferrari fan that I am, couldn't have asked for a better start for the season. Schumi, Just go on firing all cylinders and hopefully the Driver's and Constructor's Championship will be back at the Scuderia soon.

I never miss out on a F1 race when I am home and Dad never goes without taking a dig at me, perplexed by my love for the sport. "How come do you feel like watching the same car whizz past over and over on a clean road with almost no traffic repeatedly???", he asks. I got no answers but then I love the sport and thats the bottomline.

Still Confused!!! Why do I need to put up such a confused skewed concoction of likes, hates, life, moral values, sports, sportsmen and what not!!! Hopelessly confused.. Confused with life. Maybe I have nothing to do and thats why I am confused!!! So am I jobless???

Haan, exactly...... exactly that word sums it all up -- Jobless. Think I do know that I have a Mine Surveying Lab test Monday and an extract to write for the MOTOFWRD competition. Still...... I can call myself Jobless I guess. In IIT everyone's jobless all the time I guess -- Nothing seems to bother us -- Anyways.... A movie would be fine now to satiate my joblessness right now.

Friday, March 10, 2006

BLANK NOISE PROJECT -- TIME TO THINK


This one's got me thinking all over again. Well, In which direction is "MAN"kind moving??? Just have a peep into the "BLANK NOISE PROJECT" -- a sincere attempt to fight vocally against "Street Sexual Harassment". I was startled reading first hand accounts of women sexually harassed and assaulted on the streets. Never before have I come across or heard about such ghastly incidents, things looked highly difficult to digest. I even ended up commenting Deepthi's post -- that was the first post I read on the Project -- as being highly exaggerated. I never knew the intensity of the situation. I am sorry for that, sorry for my ignorance. But then I have been browsing through various other bloggers' personal experiences and man, they scare the shit out of me. I am slowly beginning to realize the truth. Sexual harassment exists almost everywhere -- at the workplace, at the bus-stop, at the canteen, at the college, at home too in certain cases......................... I was just ignorant all the time. Every woman has her own story -- stories (Go through Mang's Post) suits better. No woman is spared. It becomes quite obvious once you go through the comments on various blogs that almost all women have faced such situations -- guys poking fun at their private parts, calling them names, groping and snatching at the breasts and what not!!! It gives me jitters just having to type this stuff out.

"Is being born a woman a CURSE???"

"What is it you guys have with breasts and butts???"

"What would be your reaction if someone fondled your SISTER'S BREASTS???"

" Just put yourself in my place and you will understand that speaking a word during such time is almost impossible!!!"

"Is having a body endowed with breasts something to be ashamed of???"

"Can't you understand you are making life miserable for WOMEN with your dastardly deeds???"

"Why cant we as women be respected? Are men really so deprived?......"

Well, the emotional distress people have been under shows. Such hard hitting questions just keep on knocking the wind out of my sails. Once you browse through the various posts in the blog-a-thon of the PROJECT..... There are currently around 70 contributors to the cause -- you can find a varied range of emotions and lurking questions hitting you hardly across the face. What answers have you got for each one of the questions posed??? Well,it's time to think for yourself!!! Going through Mumbaigirl's post got me wondering as to what kind of incidents my family members and friends of the opposite sex had to go through. They have never told me about any such incidents. Maybe, They never will. Now, I am worried about their security, their privacy..... Where have the ethics and the moral etiquette gone??? It' s high time insinuated men leave their wicked ways and let women lead a secure life without these road blocks. One needs to understand there is lot more to life than breasts and buttocks.

One may ask -- What's the use having this Blog-a-thon session???
An excerpt from KnownTurf's Post gives you the perfect answer. "How do you know? Some teenaged boy somewhere reads this and decides not to molest women... you never know." People ignorant of these facts get a real insight into life -- how difficult it is for a woman to be there out in the public, to board a passenger bus/ train, to go somewhere in an auto in the night...........
Deepti says, "
I hope the girls who read this post of mine gain the courage to be brave themselves and know they are not alone. I hope the guys who read this know to not just never harass but also spread the message and get the same attitude grilled into their friends.And I hope that everyone who reads it understands that even young children are susceptible to being harassed and get easily traumatised by it.So keep an eye on them for such signs of withdrawal and educate them when they are still very young about what they need to watch out for."
Yes, this blog-a-thon is for the girls to voice out their trauma, share their feelings with others -- keeping things to oneself can prove so fatally depressing. Girls also do get to know that they are not alone in their sufferings. Gain Strength from the fact that you have seen lot of support from the male community as well. It's quite clear that you will have lots of support if you can report things happening to you. Just raise a hue and cry if someone makes a lewd pass or comment or something untoward happens and I am sure the people there will look into the rest. Do not control your emotions staying quiet... you will only be giving him the licence to grope you further by doing this.

Seems I am not good at this stuff and I have spoken enough. I have been trying for the past half an hour to voice my emotions and All I am trying to do out here is make my small little contribution to Blank Noise Project. Kudos to the brains behind the Blank Noise Project. There's a lot more work to be done though before this evil can be uprooted. Atleast, you have got quite a few heads speaking and thinking -- The number of comments on each post is proof enough that you have got many people expressing their anger and concern. And that's the best part.

Sunday, March 05, 2006

What Kind of Shadow Are You?


Well, Checked out this amazing blog and took this quiz. This is what it figured out me to be..... Wonder how true this analysis is!!!

You are a human shadow. If a loved one needs you, you are always right at his or her heels! Your deep social connection with human beings produces your qualities of genuine caring and charisma. However, at times you are naive to the true nature of your loved ones. Remember that humans' gift of free will does not always lead them in wise directions. But your essence of love and friendship represent the other precious gifts of humanity. Overall you are a strikingly valuable and innocent being who has a lot to give.

1883 other people got this result!
This quiz has been taken 5095 times.
37% of people had this result.


Da Vinci Code Or Angels n Demons -- Which one's better???

To HELL with Goofy start ups. Guess I am quite allergic to that. Ok let me start, so that I cut down on the Crap. I must admit I am not a voracious book reader. I was one, actually. Or so says my mom. When I was in my primary school, I used to read books that my mom bought for me... All at one go. That's what I often get to hear. And then I got my nasty sight defect and then all of a sudden I was discouraged from reading too many books. My parents were pretty sure my huge eye sight defect was due to my reading too many books and they were damn frightened that I would only worsen the defect reading too many books. Well, I cut down on books a lot.... Story books and novels became a strict no-no and Academic material was too boring to figure out. For me, listening in class was sufficient to top my class. Do I sound a bit arrogant??? Atleast this is what my classmates always wondered about. By the time I was in class 3, I had a penchant for quizzing and the ilk. I always dreamt of being on the TV in a quiz show. (Well, that never materialized). Or It would be apt if I said I was bitten by the quizzing bug. Now in order to become a good quizzer, one had to have a good knowledge of, say, everything. And this 'love' led me to magazines and newspapers. Well, you can pretty much call me a 'magazine lover', I guess. Loads of mags and lots of food stuff... You leave me on a deserted island.... Maybe I'll never call you back again.
I still remember, those days in 'Hostel'. Rush through my breakfast and run to the brother's quarters to read 'THE HINDU', 'Indian Express', 'Eenadu' and the rest, not to forget 'The Frontline' and 'The Sportstar'. And it became my unofficial duty... I was to deliver 'The Hindu' from The quarters to the Hostel every single day. When I was in class 8, the students favoured Deccan Chronicle over The Hindu. We were allowed just one newspaper to the hostel premises and almost all the students preferred the spicy, raunchy Deccan Chronicle over the "bulky, dry" Hindu. I just could not stand the yellow journalism offered by The Deccan and I had that heated argument with my warden... "Why the hell on earth would you replace the HINDU??? And do you think anyone is interested in the news they publish in the Chronicle??? Don't you understand that everyone is only interested in having a peep at those brash, flashy stuff from the fashion shows that the Chronicle publishes to woo the youth???" I guess he understood and we were allowed 2 papers everyday. Guess I won!!!
At home, the first thing I do as I wake up (Whatever time on earth it is) is get hold of 'THE Hindu' and 'Eenadu' as well..... Munch through each and every page till there's nothing left. All the while I am reading, one can find me ignoring my mom calling out "First Brush your teeth and then go through the paper" and my grandma pleading "Have ya breakfast... It's already too late". Well, I guess I cannot do without that.
I somehow make it a point to have a peek at "The Outlook", "India Today", "The Week", "The Sportstar" and the rest every week. Any train journey home, tag along these a car mag, mostly AutoCar or BSM and a "Filmfare" or some cheap movie masala talk. And I must admit I buy a few comics though I am not very much comfortable with them.

It had been quite some while until last autumn, that I had laid my hands on a novel. My last novel was something during my +2 days in Chennai. I guess it had been 2 years since I atleast glanced at a novel. Just magazines and newspapers for me for 2 years. It was while I was in Kgp that I heard of a novel going by the name "Five Point someone" -- by Chetan Bhagat, and that it was a rage all over the country and being an IITian ( a fresh one at that) I guess I was supposed to read that to get a feel of the place. I spent about a hundred bucks on that, finished it quite quickly in maybe 2 days. After that, Someone took that away from my room and I never got to see it once again. I really enjoyed that one because it had friendship, academics, naughty pranks and most of all, it had that "IIT LINGO" and "IIT Culture" written all over it. But then not everyone will enjoy it. There isn't a good plot, it's shoddily written and contains glaring errors . Sorry Chetan, but I will have to admit that it was plain mediocre stuff. Your book wouldn't have got off the shelves hadn't u been an IITian!!! I guess you know that pretty well too. I am sure that a non-iitian will loath reading the book except for maybe the spicy romp you deliberately forced into the story. And here I must warn everybody. "Don't ever lay your hands on Chetan's second book "One night @ The Call Centre"."
Gosh!!! I don't want to speak about that at all. If someone's really bugging you up and you are too timid to take your frustrations out on him/her, presenting this book to him/her would do you a world of good, I bet.

WARNING : SPOILER AHEAD... DO NOT PROCEED IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS OF READING ANY OF THE BOOKS BY DAN BROWN

And then came along the frequent headlines about the controversies stirred up by this International Best Seller by "Dan Brown" -- "The Da Vinci Code". How much ever I tried ignoring this work, this always fell within my purview with it being in the news, in the best selling lists.. etc. And one day I happened to read the basic platform around which the entire novel was based on. No wonder the whole world was talking about this book. The very fact that Jesus had a wife named Mary Magdalene and not only did Jesus marry her but that she bore his offspring shook my booty.... It just shivered my timbers. The book further goes on to state that Jesus' daughter was named Sarah and the holy bloodline still lives to this day. Which means Descendants of the Lord Jesus Christ are amongst us. It also states that there is a secret society named "Priory of Sion" which safeguards this secret to this day!!!! Or maybe it wants the world to know the truth!!! You can look at it whichever way you like. I am not a Christian and yet this revelation had me shell-shocked. Wonder how the reaction a staunch Catholic would be like???
The story starts off with the murder of the Grand Master (The Head) of the Priory of Sion and Dan Brown unravels the plot at breakneck pace.

Click here for the Basic Plot of The Da Vinci Code

Having heard so much of the book and also the lengthy discussions with friends about the validity of the theory propounded by the book, it was high time I laid hands on the book. I bought the book on one of my trips to Vizag and I was almost restless on the way back home. It was too tempting to keep the book safely wrapped in my bag. I reached home and was off to my room in a jiffy... with ofcourse this one along with me. 2 sittings was all it took. Just the usual supper call in between. I was so much into the book I almost forgot the whole world. It was quite a fascinating exhilarating ride reading the book. The plot thickened with each and every page, the event unfolded in a very grand manner, minute details were covered immaculately... God!!! Dan Brown had got everything right. I must say he did his homework perfectly. This novel just blew me off my feet. It was my best ever read. Initially I thought the reviews printed on the book were just a result of the controversial subject that it dealt with it. Even as I started the book, I felt that it was quite over-rated. But then as things started falling into place, I began to like and enjoy the story. I had also bought a copy of "Angels & Demons" along with "The Code" but then I wouldn't have in my wildest dreams imagined that I would complete 'Angels' too the very next day.

Click here for The basic plot of Angels & Demons

Having had a great liking for the DaVinci Code, I sauntered into reading 'Angels'. As I started reading this, it had a similar feel to the Code... Both were of very similar architecture. It was kinda boring at first but again here the plot being Anti-Church, just drew me in after a couple of pages and I did not rest until I had completed it full. One helluva read and I must admit this was much better than the Code I had just finished the day before. Once I had completed these 2 books I was in a kind of spell... I desperately wanted to get my hands on all the other books Dan Brown had written. He seemed a Genius to me. I browsed the net and found out his 2 other novels.... 'Digital Fortress' and 'Deception Point'. I was just waiting to go to Vizag one more time and when I went I made sure I returned with 'The Digital Fortress' with me. I couldn't buy 'Deception point' as well due to money constraints. Actually I had to make a tightrope walk -- do a few savings on that trip -- in order to buy Fortress.
Well, back home I started reading Fortress and was it interesting?? Naah. It seemed just about ok. It sounded all too familiar and I could guess the ending so easily. So pretty much bland it seemed. And then the tempo to read Deception point diminished to a large extent. Back in Kgp, after the holidays, I managed to get 'Deception Point' from a friend but then the mood is never right to carry on with the book. Hardly did I read one tenths of the book.... It seemed too ordinary.
Well, What was it that made The Code as well as Angels my most loved books of all time??? First thing that strikes you is the controversial nature of the plot. Added to the controversial nature of the plot are the twists and turns associated with the story. One gets to see very few people in the entire story but these characters carry different sentiments and emotions. Dan Brown has done great research and has made use of every tiny detail he has got on hand. He immaculately uses all his knowledge to craft a masterpiece. The plot in all his 4 novels starts with a murder, and the hero, is sent to investigate or get a peek at the murder/murderer even though he is far flung to do that job. He has just about a day or two to do the work asked of him and the time constraint makes it all the more interesting. All along he is tagged on to a female partner whom he never knew properly earlier. While you are at one location during the course of a chapter you will invariably be somewhere else in the next chapter. Brown is very much successful in carrying on the narrative parallel without disturbing the flow of the narrative. And while narrating the story he discloses a lot of funda about various places like the Louvre, churches in Britain or about the Priory of Sion etc.. All that Dan Brown mentions look so convincing and real, that I wonder if anyone would ever again imagine them being fictional. One thing is for sure, Dan Brown look so convincing.
In the Code and Angels as well, Robert Langdon is the protagonist and you will surely end up loving this fellow. You can surely identify yourself with him -- not the quintessential hulkster -- but the average human being prone to errors and more importantly down to earth. In both these books you will love to break the codes that are embedded in the story. Sample this out.... The letters of the word "Oh! Lame Saint" can be rearranged to form "The Mona Lisa".(One clue for the Protagonists in the story). Just go ahead with this book and you will find many more such anagrams to rack your brain. Quite fascinating stuff. You get to know what a cryptograph is and also what a Caesar's Box is!!! And you also get to know a lot more about Christ than you ever did and the Holy Grail.
While The code deals more with code breaking, Angels is more about symbols..... Symbols form the crux of Angels. The way Brown showcases the Illuminati and discusses its works -- The ambigrams -- words that read the same when seen topside or bottomside -- FIRE, AIR, EARTH, WATER and the ILLUMINATI DIAMOND -- it's just a treat to the eye. One just can't believe such symmetry can exist. The path that Langdon charters is well etched out in Angels -- how he hops on from one church to the other breaking the clues he is provided with. Quite racy and superbly written stuff. I never felt like taking a break while reading this one. Once the hunt to find out the missing Cardinals starts the book is unputdownable. One also gets to know a lot about the papal elections -- the elections of the pope and the functioning of the papacy. And in both these novels, your suspect keeps changing with time and you will never have suspected the final culprit until you enter the last few pages of the novel.





Here I need to mention about 'John Langdon' - the creator of these ambigrams. These ambigrams create awe in the minds of the reader. You just cannot ignore them. Just check out his cool website and a few other ambigrams he has created.
And I also would like to say I am eagerly awaiting the release of the movie, "The DaVinci Code" -- starring my favourite actor 'Tom Hanks' as Langdon and the extremely sweet and lovable 'Audrey Tatou' (Remember her from 'Amelie') as Sophie Neveu. The first theatrical trailer has been out long back and seeing that has got me all pumped up for viewing this epic story on screen. Would love watching this on the IMAX screen at Prasad's, Hyderabad. Just waiting for 19.05.06 to arrive. Will never miss this one!!!

But then why did I not like Fortress or Deception Point? Well too much of anything gets quite annoying. Fortress went on very much similar lines to the Code and Angels. The same initial murder of the most revered in his field, the same shifting of places via chapters, the most knowledgeable person being the killer, everything was the same. Add to that a dash of hi-fi funda 'bout computer code breaking and this becomes incorrigible after a point of time. Once I could figure out N.Dakota was an anagram for Tankado, half the story was out and there was no chance I would enjoy the story. Everything looked plain and somber. I could painfully complete it anyways.
Later when I got hold of Deception point, I just could not brace myself upto read it. Well I think its time you changed your style Mr Brown. You have become monotonic and painful. I sincerely wish Brown changes his writing style. I am not going to buy "The Solomon key" (expected for a September 2006 release) until I can catch hold of some decent reviews wherein I can feel some distinctive change in his writing style.
I'd deliberately not blurted out the endings of any of the books even though I wanted to when I began writing this post but then I just do not want to spoil the fun you can have reading the book. Go ahead and Experience the thrill of The Da Vinci Code as well as Angels & Demons. And I will fall back into my magazines unless I can hear of novels with equally intriguing plots and deft writing. Adios until then.