Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Where do we stand? Where are we heading to?
Just after celebrating the 61st birthday of this great nation, a nation which i can proudly say "MINE". India and Indians have made an amazing name in every corner of the world. I may not have seen every corner practically, but atleast the places I have been to, people speak proudly about INDIA, its culture and its people. The other day I was picking a coffee in starbucks and this old gentleman comes up and asks, if I were from India. "Yes" did i say with all the pride. Then we spoke about a lot of things from bollywood to cricket to politics. To be frank I realized that this person knew a lot about India. I was cornered with some questions that I did not have answers to. However this post is not about those questions. This is more about, where we as a nation stand and where are we heading to. As far as I am aware, we are great in what we do in most of the things. And that is where all this respect come to us. I agree that there are some things that we lag behind. But I am also sure that with that little extra effort and will power we can be the BEST in everything.
On this other occasion I met this gentleman (who actually wasnt really gentle) at an airport during a transit. He claimed to have been here from 30 odd years. As we started speaking abt some general topics, it soon turned into a debate. Again the topic of discussion was politics(rather corrupt politics). I somehow hate people who start blaming the state of affairs of a country on politics and corrupt governance. There is no country that is perfect. Also there is no such thing as a "government" on its own. Its we the people who make a government. If you call that corrupt, then you are corrupt too. I ask the same thing to every person, what have you as an individual done to the country? Have you ever done something that you can say that I have done my part of services to the country which I am blessed to be part of. If you want to sit 10000 miles away from home for 30 yrs and crib abt its governance today, you have no bloody freaking right to do that buddy.
I am in no way denying that there aren't people who live and die in the interest of the community and the country. There are several people who strive everyday to make this world a better place to live. Hats off to them. The point of discussion, is about the others. Is it really that hard for a person to do that small part of contribution which can take the nation to greater heights. My granny always used to say that every rupee you save from today will help you in making that million you dream of. Similarly, every small effort of every citizen, everyday, would bring that mammoth change, a change for the betterment. I dream of that day that would put India on the world map as an example for other nations to be like. I can see that happen in the near future. What we need is just a little more effort.
Talking about the culture that is so great about India, it exactly is nothing but the way how every human, part of a community, behaves and acts collectively. It reflects the overall social behaviour of the country as a whole. I have this American friend who once said, there is so much of love within you guys that it never seems to fade off. We definitely should be proud of this.
Dear fellow citizens, stop cribbing about some government/politician being corrupt. Wake up today, make that small contribution to the society and love your fellow citizens. Work for making this place even better. We have achieved a lot already, but its just the begining. There is a lot more to make a name and fame. Come on, get along and lets show the world that we are the BEST.
"JAI HIND. PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN".
On this other occasion I met this gentleman (who actually wasnt really gentle) at an airport during a transit. He claimed to have been here from 30 odd years. As we started speaking abt some general topics, it soon turned into a debate. Again the topic of discussion was politics(rather corrupt politics). I somehow hate people who start blaming the state of affairs of a country on politics and corrupt governance. There is no country that is perfect. Also there is no such thing as a "government" on its own. Its we the people who make a government. If you call that corrupt, then you are corrupt too. I ask the same thing to every person, what have you as an individual done to the country? Have you ever done something that you can say that I have done my part of services to the country which I am blessed to be part of. If you want to sit 10000 miles away from home for 30 yrs and crib abt its governance today, you have no bloody freaking right to do that buddy.
I am in no way denying that there aren't people who live and die in the interest of the community and the country. There are several people who strive everyday to make this world a better place to live. Hats off to them. The point of discussion, is about the others. Is it really that hard for a person to do that small part of contribution which can take the nation to greater heights. My granny always used to say that every rupee you save from today will help you in making that million you dream of. Similarly, every small effort of every citizen, everyday, would bring that mammoth change, a change for the betterment. I dream of that day that would put India on the world map as an example for other nations to be like. I can see that happen in the near future. What we need is just a little more effort.
Talking about the culture that is so great about India, it exactly is nothing but the way how every human, part of a community, behaves and acts collectively. It reflects the overall social behaviour of the country as a whole. I have this American friend who once said, there is so much of love within you guys that it never seems to fade off. We definitely should be proud of this.
Dear fellow citizens, stop cribbing about some government/politician being corrupt. Wake up today, make that small contribution to the society and love your fellow citizens. Work for making this place even better. We have achieved a lot already, but its just the begining. There is a lot more to make a name and fame. Come on, get along and lets show the world that we are the BEST.
"JAI HIND. PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN".
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Flashback....
Was surfing through the zillion snaps of good old days from College. Accidentally found this one, just to realize that these are the only 2 snaps where all of "us" are captured in one frame. This was from that one memorable trip to Yercaud, when Sandy landed in India in 2005. There are quite a few things about this trip that make me laugh till date. Firstly the "muthu" incident and then the rock-climbing effort...
Miss those days, miss those bike rides, miss those "sessions" and most of all miss you guys....
Date Taken : 02/12/2005 4:04PM
Date Taken : 02/13/2005 1:47PM
Miss those days, miss those bike rides, miss those "sessions" and most of all miss you guys....
Date Taken : 02/12/2005 4:04PM
Date Taken : 02/13/2005 1:47PM
Simply Timepass...
True to the name of the blog!! Landed early in office and realized that something has happened to my J2EE engine. Its very very slow. What a way to begin a day and that too when you come in early skipping breakfast. Wow, I am loving it. Now that its still starting, I cant do much about it. Sometimes I get pissed off with the SAP Netweaver, given that it never installs in the first try and secondly its bound to crash atleast once in a month.
As I was getting bored seeing the status bar move 100 times slower than a snail, I thought of trying out some new template layouts for the blog. This is the "Harbor" template. Kind of very soothing and plain and simple. Will have this for a week or two and then change to something else (prolly the next time my NWDS crashes...)
As I was getting bored seeing the status bar move 100 times slower than a snail, I thought of trying out some new template layouts for the blog. This is the "Harbor" template. Kind of very soothing and plain and simple. Will have this for a week or two and then change to something else (prolly the next time my NWDS crashes...)
Friday, August 01, 2008
How different is our English?
A person who travels to US first time, that too people like me after learning English(like what i thought it was) for 23 yrs, is bound to bump into some of these clashes. This may not be a comprehensive list, but indeed some of those I came across in these 7 months. You don't really speak English here, you speak American...
In US,
a) you don't take a bath, you take a shower
b) you don't fill a bucket of water, you fill a pail of water
c) you don't buy ladies finger, you buy Okra
d) you don't wash your clothes, you laundry them (quite acceptable)
e) you don't call it curds, you call it Yogurt
f) you don't call it capsicum, you call it peppers
g) you don't ask for a parcel, you ask for a to-go
h) you don't buy a Pepsi/coke, you buy a Soda
i) you don't reverse your car, you backup
j) you don't "wear" seat belts, you buckle-up
Are we so different?
Just trying to provide an example of how it would sound in both the versions. Excuse me for the grammatical mistakes. I am bad @ both the Indian and American versions :)
American:
I woke up in the morning and took a shower and cleaned my car with a pail of water. Stopped by at the grocery store to pick up Okra, peppers and Yogurt. Also picked up a soda. As i was backing up from the parking lot, someone bumped into my car and i banged onto the wheel cos I had forgot to buckle up. Stopped by taco bell for a Burrito. As i was running out of time, I ordered for a to-go and came home to laundry my clothes.
Indian:
I got up in the morning and took bath. Then washed my car with a bucket of water. Went to the shop to buy ladies finger, capsicum and curds. Then i also bought a Pepsi. I was taking reverse from the parking lot and someone dashed my car from behind and I hit my head on the steering because I had forgotten to wear seat-belt. Then I Stopped at taco bell for a Burrito. As I was getting late, I took a parcel and came home to wash my clothes.
Is there anything wrong in any of these versions?
PS: Comments welcome to suggest more, if you have come across something similar!!!
In US,
a) you don't take a bath, you take a shower
b) you don't fill a bucket of water, you fill a pail of water
c) you don't buy ladies finger, you buy Okra
d) you don't wash your clothes, you laundry them (quite acceptable)
e) you don't call it curds, you call it Yogurt
f) you don't call it capsicum, you call it peppers
g) you don't ask for a parcel, you ask for a to-go
h) you don't buy a Pepsi/coke, you buy a Soda
i) you don't reverse your car, you backup
j) you don't "wear" seat belts, you buckle-up
Are we so different?
Just trying to provide an example of how it would sound in both the versions. Excuse me for the grammatical mistakes. I am bad @ both the Indian and American versions :)
American:
I woke up in the morning and took a shower and cleaned my car with a pail of water. Stopped by at the grocery store to pick up Okra, peppers and Yogurt. Also picked up a soda. As i was backing up from the parking lot, someone bumped into my car and i banged onto the wheel cos I had forgot to buckle up. Stopped by taco bell for a Burrito. As i was running out of time, I ordered for a to-go and came home to laundry my clothes.
Indian:
I got up in the morning and took bath. Then washed my car with a bucket of water. Went to the shop to buy ladies finger, capsicum and curds. Then i also bought a Pepsi. I was taking reverse from the parking lot and someone dashed my car from behind and I hit my head on the steering because I had forgotten to wear seat-belt. Then I Stopped at taco bell for a Burrito. As I was getting late, I took a parcel and came home to wash my clothes.
Is there anything wrong in any of these versions?
PS: Comments welcome to suggest more, if you have come across something similar!!!
Dollar Dreams...Unlimited!!!
Seven months into the so-called "American" lifestyle I thought I should make a point to all those back home, thinking about making a move here.
There was once this life (just 7 months back), where I had to get up at 8-9 in the morning, go downstairs for a smiling moms face with the coffee ready to be served. Hot water kept ready along with a towel and cleanly pressed clothes. Then a sumptuous breakfast followed by a fresh thick shake. After all this, a drive to office in my own car with the fav songs playing on the radio station. Some hours later a rich meal in one of thousand available option of restaurants. Then a drive straight to the "adda" to catch up with the buddies. Now and then a late night party or back home to have a great dinner with family and a nice bed to sleep.
But, I said "to hell with this life" and decided its time to get Americanized and earn in dollars. And indeed i did come over and earning in dollars. However a day would begin with getting up at 6 (no one reaches office at 10AM or by a "second" shuttle in US), prepare my own tea, given that I have the patience. Then forcefully gulp some cereals and juice one among zillion "fat free" milk brands. Then realize that its already late, so either skip the "shower" or procrastinate until evening(remember you don't bathe in US, you "shower"). Then starts the tough part. If you are lucky enough to have a car, you survive, else, start one of those steaming/shivering walks towards office just to reach either stinking with sweat or a cold bone. Meanwhile I forgot to mention about packing the meal of the day, which was either cooked the previous day or a couple days earlier. And sometimes you end up eating a "garden" salad (literal to its meaning of garden). Its a sin to be a vegetarian here. Then you turn up at the apartment in the evening and, if, fortunate enough to have a "good/decent" roommate, who would help in some work, start cooking and cleaning and/or the weekly "walmart" routines. Then after all the washing and eating and an occasional call back home with friends, you end up crashing either on a sleeping bag or a mattress on the floor.
So, my friends, if you want to live a luxurious life here, just consider the above. Life is not too easy to start here. And by the time, everytime, you feel settled in a place, you are moved elsewhere and you start all over again. The cycle repeats. Not all are unfortunate, some end up settling down in a place. Make a calculative judgment before making a move here.
You may be wondering whats running in my mind. Am I for or against someone coming here? Definitely not. This is a land of opportunities. Just want to make a clear statement on the pros and cons. I made the "decision" and I have no regrets on that. Come here for a "reason", but not just because your neighbor's son went to US and you want to get Americanized too. I am here for a reason and I am living with it.
PS: You still earn in dollars. I agree its much more than what you can make back there. But you indeed are paying a high price for it.
All said and done, its high time i rush now. I am getting a free ride to Walmart :)
There was once this life (just 7 months back), where I had to get up at 8-9 in the morning, go downstairs for a smiling moms face with the coffee ready to be served. Hot water kept ready along with a towel and cleanly pressed clothes. Then a sumptuous breakfast followed by a fresh thick shake. After all this, a drive to office in my own car with the fav songs playing on the radio station. Some hours later a rich meal in one of thousand available option of restaurants. Then a drive straight to the "adda" to catch up with the buddies. Now and then a late night party or back home to have a great dinner with family and a nice bed to sleep.
But, I said "to hell with this life" and decided its time to get Americanized and earn in dollars. And indeed i did come over and earning in dollars. However a day would begin with getting up at 6 (no one reaches office at 10AM or by a "second" shuttle in US), prepare my own tea, given that I have the patience. Then forcefully gulp some cereals and juice one among zillion "fat free" milk brands. Then realize that its already late, so either skip the "shower" or procrastinate until evening(remember you don't bathe in US, you "shower"). Then starts the tough part. If you are lucky enough to have a car, you survive, else, start one of those steaming/shivering walks towards office just to reach either stinking with sweat or a cold bone. Meanwhile I forgot to mention about packing the meal of the day, which was either cooked the previous day or a couple days earlier. And sometimes you end up eating a "garden" salad (literal to its meaning of garden). Its a sin to be a vegetarian here. Then you turn up at the apartment in the evening and, if, fortunate enough to have a "good/decent" roommate, who would help in some work, start cooking and cleaning and/or the weekly "walmart" routines. Then after all the washing and eating and an occasional call back home with friends, you end up crashing either on a sleeping bag or a mattress on the floor.
So, my friends, if you want to live a luxurious life here, just consider the above. Life is not too easy to start here. And by the time, everytime, you feel settled in a place, you are moved elsewhere and you start all over again. The cycle repeats. Not all are unfortunate, some end up settling down in a place. Make a calculative judgment before making a move here.
You may be wondering whats running in my mind. Am I for or against someone coming here? Definitely not. This is a land of opportunities. Just want to make a clear statement on the pros and cons. I made the "decision" and I have no regrets on that. Come here for a "reason", but not just because your neighbor's son went to US and you want to get Americanized too. I am here for a reason and I am living with it.
PS: You still earn in dollars. I agree its much more than what you can make back there. But you indeed are paying a high price for it.
All said and done, its high time i rush now. I am getting a free ride to Walmart :)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Beggars can be choosers too!!!
I had always heard of the saying "Beggars cant be choosers". However times are changing, thanks to the inflation. This article shows that beggars can infact become choosy :)
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/526049-bangladeshi-beggars-demand-minimum-donations
Excerpt:
**********************************************
A group of beggars in northern Bangladesh are lobbying local politicians to set a minimum rate that people can give them because they are struggling with spiralling inflation, an official said Monday.
Kurigram council chairman Abubakr Siddiqui said about 40 beggars - most of them disabled - held a rally in the town at the weekend to raise awareness about their plight.
"They demanded the local council fix the minimum rate of alms at one taka (1.45 cents). At the moment most people who give them money give between 10 and 50 paisa (0.15 to 0.70 cents)," he said.
Siddiqui said as well as setting a minimum rate, the group also wanted the council to ban beggars from outside the town from encroaching on their territory.
"They say the soaring cost of food is taking its toll. Their daily collection is not enough to buy adequate food for their families," he said.
"We cannot stop the entry of outsiders into the town. Any Bangladeshi has the right to come here."
************************************************
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/526049-bangladeshi-beggars-demand-minimum-donations
Excerpt:
**********************************************
A group of beggars in northern Bangladesh are lobbying local politicians to set a minimum rate that people can give them because they are struggling with spiralling inflation, an official said Monday.
Kurigram council chairman Abubakr Siddiqui said about 40 beggars - most of them disabled - held a rally in the town at the weekend to raise awareness about their plight.
"They demanded the local council fix the minimum rate of alms at one taka (1.45 cents). At the moment most people who give them money give between 10 and 50 paisa (0.15 to 0.70 cents)," he said.
Siddiqui said as well as setting a minimum rate, the group also wanted the council to ban beggars from outside the town from encroaching on their territory.
"They say the soaring cost of food is taking its toll. Their daily collection is not enough to buy adequate food for their families," he said.
"We cannot stop the entry of outsiders into the town. Any Bangladeshi has the right to come here."
************************************************
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sirigannadam Gelge!!!
One of the most striking wordings. Very apt and true to the core!!!
Sirigannadam Gelge!!! Jai Karnataka Maathe!!!
Sirigannadam Gelge!!! Jai Karnataka Maathe!!!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
To Pitt, stop @ DC
Monument, DC
Har ghar chup chaap se yeh kehta hai ..
andar usmein kaun rehta hai?..
Chhat bataati hai... ...
yeh kiska aasmaan hai.
Rang kehte hain kiska yeh jahaan hai....
Kamron mein kiski kalpana jhalakti hai?...
Is farsh par nange pair kiske bacche chalte hain?...
Kaun chun chunke ise pyaar se sajaata hai?
Kaun is makaan mein apna ghar basaata hai...
Har ghar chup chaap se yeh kehta hai... ki andar usmein kaun rehta hai?
Treasury, DC
Capitol, Washington DC:
Har ghar chup chaap se yeh kehta hai ..
andar usmein kaun rehta hai?..
Chhat bataati hai... ...
yeh kiska aasmaan hai.
Rang kehte hain kiska yeh jahaan hai....
Kamron mein kiski kalpana jhalakti hai?...
Is farsh par nange pair kiske bacche chalte hain?...
Kaun chun chunke ise pyaar se sajaata hai?
Kaun is makaan mein apna ghar basaata hai...
Har ghar chup chaap se yeh kehta hai... ki andar usmein kaun rehta hai?
Treasury, DC
Capitol, Washington DC:
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sample Shots from the new Canon EOS 400D
Finally here it is. My lifetime dream to own an SLR!!!!
Got it shipped today and was just trying out some shots to make appropriate settings. Believe me, this is one amazing SLR. Just 2 hours with her, I have already fallen in love with her :)
An amazing 9 point focus with 3 frames per second, its fun to shoot.
What if I am not eligible to get into the army to shoot enemies, I cannot give up shooting. So here I am with my new found interest, photography. More to come soon.
Can you see the star?? No? Take a closer look :)
Got it shipped today and was just trying out some shots to make appropriate settings. Believe me, this is one amazing SLR. Just 2 hours with her, I have already fallen in love with her :)
An amazing 9 point focus with 3 frames per second, its fun to shoot.
What if I am not eligible to get into the army to shoot enemies, I cannot give up shooting. So here I am with my new found interest, photography. More to come soon.
Can you see the star?? No? Take a closer look :)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
In boiling Virginia!!!
Phew!! after a long break, I finally found some time today to write an update. After 7 weeks of "warming the bench" in Colorado on some of finest spring days, I finally had to move to Richmond 2 weeks back. Here for a short assignment of 3 months. I swear there is no greater pain than the pain of moving to a new city. After a week of hotel life, finally moved into an apartment.
Weather sucks here. From the 20-30s of CO I land here on a boiling Sunday at a temperature of 103. That was tough.
As I write this, I am thinking of those good old days in College where we, the famous 5 had innumerable instances of fun, laughter and fights. I look back today and see that all of us have physically distanced ourselves so much. Everyone have been busy in their own life. From the every day meetup calls to a weekly/monthly chat/scrap, life has taken us in different directions and responsibilities. Tinku will be a father in a couple of days and Sandy expecting soon. Sunny with his never ending passion of cricket and Kachra in his own world of music, beer and movies. Appu seems to have gone underworld. No signs of his existence. I am not any less. Have been a lot busy in the last couple of weeks too. All in all its not the same anymore.
I am waiting eagerly for that day when I land back in India and meet the Gang once again in some PUB sipping some Jack :)
Looking forward for that day. More to come soon...
Ciao.
Weather sucks here. From the 20-30s of CO I land here on a boiling Sunday at a temperature of 103. That was tough.
As I write this, I am thinking of those good old days in College where we, the famous 5 had innumerable instances of fun, laughter and fights. I look back today and see that all of us have physically distanced ourselves so much. Everyone have been busy in their own life. From the every day meetup calls to a weekly/monthly chat/scrap, life has taken us in different directions and responsibilities. Tinku will be a father in a couple of days and Sandy expecting soon. Sunny with his never ending passion of cricket and Kachra in his own world of music, beer and movies. Appu seems to have gone underworld. No signs of his existence. I am not any less. Have been a lot busy in the last couple of weeks too. All in all its not the same anymore.
I am waiting eagerly for that day when I land back in India and meet the Gang once again in some PUB sipping some Jack :)
Looking forward for that day. More to come soon...
Ciao.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
The Break Up!!!
I watched with awe and amazement as she came out of her hiding place. First, a little peep over the ledge and then her whole absolutely symmetrical body. A perfectly blonde head and a body you could die for. White as a virgin island's sand. I stared at her with admiration and fear. She had changed the course of my life. Everyone said that she was killing me softly without me realizing it.
At first, like all bachelors, even I just wanted to hang around with her and show her off as my new found love. I was successful too. I raised many eyebrows but at the same time I was shit scared of introducing her to my family, even as "just a friend". We met scarcely in the beginning but gradually we bumped into each other more often, sometimes not willingly or sometimes through a common friend. We grew close, so close that I was addicted to her.
Days passed into weeks, into months, into years. We were together all the time. She accompanied me to office, to the movies, shopping, even to my bed. We were inseparable. I felt great but inside me a feeling of guilt was beginning to rise. I was not keeping well off late. I used to get tired very soon and my mood was always cranky. At first I thought it was because of my close association with her but then I realized it was much more. She always stood by me in my times of distress and was of great help too.
It was only later that I realized that all this while, it was she who was killing me softly every time I kissed her. My deteriorating health made me reach a conclusion finally. I had to break up with my love. I didn't want to but I had to. I had no other option. I was dying and I didn't want her to be with me while I died. She was great with me and we had some great times but now she must leave me alone. She was too good to be ignored and I was sure that she would have already chosen her next victim by now.
I finally collated all the courage I could and decided to confront her with the harsh truth of breakup.
Sitting in the balcony in my favorite shorts and T shirt, I pulled her out from where she was hiding behind me. Looking at her, I felt sorry, she was so innocent and yet…….. I had to kill her.
"Whats the matter darling?", she asked me with the most tender care and utmost love.
"My love,", I said kissing her lightly, "I have to leave you now. Its been a long time and we had a heavenly experience. We were a match made in heaven"
"Oh yes we were and we still are…. Then why do you want to leave me? You know how much I love you and how much you love me. You know we cant stay with each other. Please don't leave me now… I'll die".
"Im sorry my love but I have made a decision", one more kiss.
"Why? Have you found someone else? Is there someone who can make you happier, remove your sorrows the way I can? Help you in times of pain?"
"Yes there is someone else. But you wont understand coz you don't have a heart."
"I loved you more than anyone ever did. You will be sorry for this."
I could feel her heat in my hands and could sense the fire running within her. I had to stay calm. She was now withering away and I was almost there… My goal was almost reached….
After a few more kisses and heated words I finally was able to convince her. "Goodbye" I said and sent her tumbling down from my fourth floor balcony. She watched me as she descended the distance until finally her head struck the floor below. Red sparks flew and my love, the cigarette bud, died without a sound. I broke up from my love, SMOKING
At first, like all bachelors, even I just wanted to hang around with her and show her off as my new found love. I was successful too. I raised many eyebrows but at the same time I was shit scared of introducing her to my family, even as "just a friend". We met scarcely in the beginning but gradually we bumped into each other more often, sometimes not willingly or sometimes through a common friend. We grew close, so close that I was addicted to her.
Days passed into weeks, into months, into years. We were together all the time. She accompanied me to office, to the movies, shopping, even to my bed. We were inseparable. I felt great but inside me a feeling of guilt was beginning to rise. I was not keeping well off late. I used to get tired very soon and my mood was always cranky. At first I thought it was because of my close association with her but then I realized it was much more. She always stood by me in my times of distress and was of great help too.
It was only later that I realized that all this while, it was she who was killing me softly every time I kissed her. My deteriorating health made me reach a conclusion finally. I had to break up with my love. I didn't want to but I had to. I had no other option. I was dying and I didn't want her to be with me while I died. She was great with me and we had some great times but now she must leave me alone. She was too good to be ignored and I was sure that she would have already chosen her next victim by now.
I finally collated all the courage I could and decided to confront her with the harsh truth of breakup.
Sitting in the balcony in my favorite shorts and T shirt, I pulled her out from where she was hiding behind me. Looking at her, I felt sorry, she was so innocent and yet…….. I had to kill her.
"Whats the matter darling?", she asked me with the most tender care and utmost love.
"My love,", I said kissing her lightly, "I have to leave you now. Its been a long time and we had a heavenly experience. We were a match made in heaven"
"Oh yes we were and we still are…. Then why do you want to leave me? You know how much I love you and how much you love me. You know we cant stay with each other. Please don't leave me now… I'll die".
"Im sorry my love but I have made a decision", one more kiss.
"Why? Have you found someone else? Is there someone who can make you happier, remove your sorrows the way I can? Help you in times of pain?"
"Yes there is someone else. But you wont understand coz you don't have a heart."
"I loved you more than anyone ever did. You will be sorry for this."
I could feel her heat in my hands and could sense the fire running within her. I had to stay calm. She was now withering away and I was almost there… My goal was almost reached….
After a few more kisses and heated words I finally was able to convince her. "Goodbye" I said and sent her tumbling down from my fourth floor balcony. She watched me as she descended the distance until finally her head struck the floor below. Red sparks flew and my love, the cigarette bud, died without a sound. I broke up from my love, SMOKING
Sunday, January 27, 2008
A Home away from Home
Its been a long time since i am active on blogger. Quite held with all the catching up with friends in Bangalore to start a new journey and hopefully a new career here in US. Been 13 days into US and it feels so far away from home. I miss those Masala Puri and Uncle angdi addas. Life is totally mechanical being here. And most of all I miss my black beauty. Feels handicapped without a car.
Anyways this was what I chose and this is what i will have to live/love with. I am lucky in one way that I have so many ppl out here whom i know and it doesnt feel too much out of place.
Once I am into a project and get busy prolly things will ease out and settle down faster.
Thats it for the day, more to come soon.
-Pradeep
Anyways this was what I chose and this is what i will have to live/love with. I am lucky in one way that I have so many ppl out here whom i know and it doesnt feel too much out of place.
Once I am into a project and get busy prolly things will ease out and settle down faster.
Thats it for the day, more to come soon.
-Pradeep
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Still the same old Schumi...
As the saying goes "Winners never lose", Schumi has proved that he is still "THE BEST" around in the world of Formula 1.
387 straight days outside the cockpit the master champion returns to the racing challenge and sets the records straight by being the fastest on track. After the tests at Barcelona, it has to be agreed to that there is not a bit of racing and speed that has gone off him.
He is still the best in the years to come....And as rightly said by Marca, the impressive pace of Schumi is nothing short of a "humiliation" to the active drivers..
Way to go Schumi. Miss ya....
387 straight days outside the cockpit the master champion returns to the racing challenge and sets the records straight by being the fastest on track. After the tests at Barcelona, it has to be agreed to that there is not a bit of racing and speed that has gone off him.
He is still the best in the years to come....And as rightly said by Marca, the impressive pace of Schumi is nothing short of a "humiliation" to the active drivers..
Way to go Schumi. Miss ya....
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Sao Paulo....A record broken and history made!!!
The happiest day of my life....
Yes, what else could make me more happier than seeing a ferrari 1-2 and moreover a ferrari making it to the drivers world champion. Thats right, Kimi, the Iceman never would have dreamt of being the world champion a few races ago, from being a zero to a hero, he has shown the perfect sportsmanship, and that all it takes to being a world champion is not just good driving skills but also a great amount of sportmanship. No one would have ever thought that the Finn would take away the world championship from the Brit who seemed so strong all through the season...I still feel sorry for him. Hats off to you Lewis and the best of luck for the coming seasons....
Kimi Raikonen, the driver who has the perfect attitude and the sheer pace which is demanded in a true world champion drove the perfect race of his lifetime to snatch away the honors from the deadly Brit and the arrongant spaniard. I would have been happy even if Hamilton won the championship, but could not tolerate seeing the "arrongant" spaniard in the same position as mentioned in my previous post. He was never worth it....
And my heart goes out to the "brilliant" Brazilian Massa who had to throw away his race to kimi just for the sake of benifiting him and the team as a whole. He is a true sportsman who knows what "loyalty" to the team means...
And a short sneakpeak to the race itself.....
Kimi with a brialliant start from third overtook Lewis in the first corner and then as usual the unethical spaniard had to show his cunning skills. He almost braked down to ZERO which would have put Lewis out of the race, but then again, as they say, bad luck strikes at the wrong time, and something happened to Lewis's car and puts him down to the back of the grid. Even a blazing recovery brings him to just 10th on the grid. An early pitstop and a slow pack of cars upfront was always a challenge for him to challenge the Finn for the world championship. On the other hand, the spaniard losing a place to Kubica's amazing overtake gave the Finn his first glimpse of making it to the championship.
After the second round of pitstops, as everyone's guess it had to be the Iceman to take the lead from Massa. And then it was a race which went on to make history. Kimi Raikonen, who had a faint chance of tasting the world champioship stood there on the podium as a true winner.
This 1-2 victory of Scuderia-Ferrari-Shell was one thing i had dreamt about all this season....and to top it all both the championships are now guarenteed to be in the safe and proper hands, rather than with the team who were driving "half-a-ferrari"...
It was indeed a great day for every single ferrari fan around the world to cherish this for the coming few months, untill the next season, which calls for more challenges with the under-lights singapore GP....
I am sure that there is more thrill, fun, suspense and exitement in the coming season...and the only thing that makes me unhappy is that the 2007 season has come to an END...
Adios F2007 and adios Ralf. Feels bad that after 17 years there will not be a "Schumacher" on the starting grid. A Great Year ahead in 2008 and I just cant wait for more action.
GOOD BYE....
Yes, what else could make me more happier than seeing a ferrari 1-2 and moreover a ferrari making it to the drivers world champion. Thats right, Kimi, the Iceman never would have dreamt of being the world champion a few races ago, from being a zero to a hero, he has shown the perfect sportsmanship, and that all it takes to being a world champion is not just good driving skills but also a great amount of sportmanship. No one would have ever thought that the Finn would take away the world championship from the Brit who seemed so strong all through the season...I still feel sorry for him. Hats off to you Lewis and the best of luck for the coming seasons....
Kimi Raikonen, the driver who has the perfect attitude and the sheer pace which is demanded in a true world champion drove the perfect race of his lifetime to snatch away the honors from the deadly Brit and the arrongant spaniard. I would have been happy even if Hamilton won the championship, but could not tolerate seeing the "arrongant" spaniard in the same position as mentioned in my previous post. He was never worth it....
And my heart goes out to the "brilliant" Brazilian Massa who had to throw away his race to kimi just for the sake of benifiting him and the team as a whole. He is a true sportsman who knows what "loyalty" to the team means...
And a short sneakpeak to the race itself.....
Kimi with a brialliant start from third overtook Lewis in the first corner and then as usual the unethical spaniard had to show his cunning skills. He almost braked down to ZERO which would have put Lewis out of the race, but then again, as they say, bad luck strikes at the wrong time, and something happened to Lewis's car and puts him down to the back of the grid. Even a blazing recovery brings him to just 10th on the grid. An early pitstop and a slow pack of cars upfront was always a challenge for him to challenge the Finn for the world championship. On the other hand, the spaniard losing a place to Kubica's amazing overtake gave the Finn his first glimpse of making it to the championship.
After the second round of pitstops, as everyone's guess it had to be the Iceman to take the lead from Massa. And then it was a race which went on to make history. Kimi Raikonen, who had a faint chance of tasting the world champioship stood there on the podium as a true winner.
This 1-2 victory of Scuderia-Ferrari-Shell was one thing i had dreamt about all this season....and to top it all both the championships are now guarenteed to be in the safe and proper hands, rather than with the team who were driving "half-a-ferrari"...
It was indeed a great day for every single ferrari fan around the world to cherish this for the coming few months, untill the next season, which calls for more challenges with the under-lights singapore GP....
I am sure that there is more thrill, fun, suspense and exitement in the coming season...and the only thing that makes me unhappy is that the 2007 season has come to an END...
Adios F2007 and adios Ralf. Feels bad that after 17 years there will not be a "Schumacher" on the starting grid. A Great Year ahead in 2008 and I just cant wait for more action.
GOOD BYE....
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Weekend getaway to Ozone...
It was turning out to be another boring weekend, got up at around 11 and rushed to the school to attend the alumni committee meeting. Finished around 1 and was lazing around at the adda. And then the boys as crazy as always suddenly decide for a weekend getaway. What else can be a better place than Ozone.
Team : Chintu, Papu, Pussy, Vela, Lambu, Kiran and myself
Started off around 4 in the afternoon and picked lambu from kadur, and in the meanwhile the silencer clamp of the scopio had come off thanks to the maniac driving by chintu.
Reached ozone around 11 and started off with the JD and in less than an hour it was empty. Slept around 1 and Sunday everyone was lazing around playing carrom. Started back home around 4 in the noon and dropped by lambu's farm. Such an amazing place, far away from the city buzz...
Also had a taste of my first scorpio ride and believe me its a monster.
Reached bangalore around 12 and straight away hit bed only to get up today for all the traffic madness in bangalore. It indeed was a nice unplanned weekend getaway...
Team : Chintu, Papu, Pussy, Vela, Lambu, Kiran and myself
Started off around 4 in the afternoon and picked lambu from kadur, and in the meanwhile the silencer clamp of the scopio had come off thanks to the maniac driving by chintu.
Reached ozone around 11 and started off with the JD and in less than an hour it was empty. Slept around 1 and Sunday everyone was lazing around playing carrom. Started back home around 4 in the noon and dropped by lambu's farm. Such an amazing place, far away from the city buzz...
Also had a taste of my first scorpio ride and believe me its a monster.
Reached bangalore around 12 and straight away hit bed only to get up today for all the traffic madness in bangalore. It indeed was a nice unplanned weekend getaway...
Monday, September 17, 2007
Spa Francorchamps - A Review
It has been a long break from blogging and today i planned to write something. Something new and different. What else can be better than a race summary of yesterday's Spa Francorchamps.
Here it goes in detail...
The Track:
Spa was first started in 1924 and has ever since been a track hard to master upon. It has witnessed several accdents involving the deaths of the likes of Alan Stacey and Chris Bristow. The weather conditions are dynamic on this circuit with a surprise shower on one half of the track and the sun shining bright on the other. However Spa is and has always been a place where every F1 driver would love to drive. Eau Rouge has remained the most evocative corner with speed reaching upto 320 KMPH and just the perfect thing a F1 fan would love to see.
In the last decade Ferrari and Iceman have dominated this track with the last three going to Kimi's basket.
The Qualifier
The qualifier was a 100% domination by the Scuderia. Iceman has always been a champ in Spa. This is one track that suits to the best of his ability. With some slight problem at the rear of the car he could still manage to pull up the fastest lap. With Massa following close behind it was an all red startup poised for the Race. Alonso and Hamilton starting in the second grid only to battle out a "non professional" competition between the two of them. I will come to this later.
Race Day:
Luckily perfect weather and perfect conditions marked the start of the 44 lap Spa race. Iceman took off with the utmost perfection. Massa almost mirroring the capability he has shown since his debut also started fine even though being on the dirty side of the pole. Although he had a slight problem at the first corner but managed to stick close behind Kimi. Alonso and Lewis on the other hand were riding a race of their own with a who-kicks-out-whom strategy. A perfect start by the rookie from the start line almost overtook the Spaniard with sheer pace and ability, however the so called double world champion had other thoughts. He played such a cheap trick on his own team mate that he was almost thrown out of the race. However Hamilton managed to get the car back on the track w/o losing position. Nick running in 5th lost a couple of places in this hustle.
From here on it was 44 laps of total domination by the Finn without any threat from the rest of the pack. Massa too was running a race of his own class with no one to threaten his position.
An uneventful race ended with the Ferrari 1-2 which just feels so good. Many more races needed like these. Cheers Ferrari.
Miscellaneous:
Alonso's dirty tactics will not carry on for much time. It was about this time last year that I remember the Spanish driver had caused a storm within the Renault team, accusing them of leaving him isolated and alone – what did he expect after going backstabbing his team and signing with McLaren immediately after securing his first title? He is a spoilt kid who wants things to go his own way and doesnt give a damn to anyone else, no matter if the other person is his team boss or a compatriate. If Alonso wins this world title, then it will be the most disgraceful thing to happen to F1. How can a person who cannot conduct himself in front of the whole world be given a World Championship. A good fast driver is not all about being a F1 champion. It is much more than than. Being a diehard Ferrari fan I wud still be happy if the championship goes to Lewis who has simply done an amazing job, But I have my fingers still crossed hoping that the Finn catches up and overtakes the Brit both on and off the track.
Thats it for now.
Signing off,
Pradeep
Here it goes in detail...
The Track:
Spa was first started in 1924 and has ever since been a track hard to master upon. It has witnessed several accdents involving the deaths of the likes of Alan Stacey and Chris Bristow. The weather conditions are dynamic on this circuit with a surprise shower on one half of the track and the sun shining bright on the other. However Spa is and has always been a place where every F1 driver would love to drive. Eau Rouge has remained the most evocative corner with speed reaching upto 320 KMPH and just the perfect thing a F1 fan would love to see.
In the last decade Ferrari and Iceman have dominated this track with the last three going to Kimi's basket.
The Qualifier
The qualifier was a 100% domination by the Scuderia. Iceman has always been a champ in Spa. This is one track that suits to the best of his ability. With some slight problem at the rear of the car he could still manage to pull up the fastest lap. With Massa following close behind it was an all red startup poised for the Race. Alonso and Hamilton starting in the second grid only to battle out a "non professional" competition between the two of them. I will come to this later.
Race Day:
Luckily perfect weather and perfect conditions marked the start of the 44 lap Spa race. Iceman took off with the utmost perfection. Massa almost mirroring the capability he has shown since his debut also started fine even though being on the dirty side of the pole. Although he had a slight problem at the first corner but managed to stick close behind Kimi. Alonso and Lewis on the other hand were riding a race of their own with a who-kicks-out-whom strategy. A perfect start by the rookie from the start line almost overtook the Spaniard with sheer pace and ability, however the so called double world champion had other thoughts. He played such a cheap trick on his own team mate that he was almost thrown out of the race. However Hamilton managed to get the car back on the track w/o losing position. Nick running in 5th lost a couple of places in this hustle.
From here on it was 44 laps of total domination by the Finn without any threat from the rest of the pack. Massa too was running a race of his own class with no one to threaten his position.
An uneventful race ended with the Ferrari 1-2 which just feels so good. Many more races needed like these. Cheers Ferrari.
Miscellaneous:
Alonso's dirty tactics will not carry on for much time. It was about this time last year that I remember the Spanish driver had caused a storm within the Renault team, accusing them of leaving him isolated and alone – what did he expect after going backstabbing his team and signing with McLaren immediately after securing his first title? He is a spoilt kid who wants things to go his own way and doesnt give a damn to anyone else, no matter if the other person is his team boss or a compatriate. If Alonso wins this world title, then it will be the most disgraceful thing to happen to F1. How can a person who cannot conduct himself in front of the whole world be given a World Championship. A good fast driver is not all about being a F1 champion. It is much more than than. Being a diehard Ferrari fan I wud still be happy if the championship goes to Lewis who has simply done an amazing job, But I have my fingers still crossed hoping that the Finn catches up and overtakes the Brit both on and off the track.
Thats it for now.
Signing off,
Pradeep
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Whatever your Cross...
Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine,
after the rain ....
Perhaps you may stumble,
perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready,
To answer your call ...
Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
"God always sends rainbows ....
after the rain ...
Friday, August 10, 2007
Six parts gin to one part vermouth.
Bright college days, oh, carefree days that fly,
To thee we sing with our glasses raised on high.
Let's drink a toast as each of us recalls
Ivy-covered professors in ivy-covered halls.
Here's to parties we tossed,
To the games that we lost
To the girls, young and sweet,
To the beer and benzedrine,
To the way that the dean
Tried so hard to be pals with us all.
To excuses we fibbed,
To the papers we cribbed
From the genius who lived down the hall.
To the tables down at Mory's(Wherever that may be),
Let us drink a toast to all we love the best.
We will sleep through all the lectures,
And cheat on the exams,
And we'll pass, and be forgotten with the rest.
Oh, now we're out amid the cold world's strife.
Sliding down the razor blade of life. (Oooh!)
But as we go our sordid separate ways,
We shall ne'er forget thee, thou golden college days.
Hearts full of youth,
Hearts full of truth,
Six parts gin to one part vermouth.
To thee we sing with our glasses raised on high.
Let's drink a toast as each of us recalls
Ivy-covered professors in ivy-covered halls.
Here's to parties we tossed,
To the games that we lost
To the girls, young and sweet,
To the beer and benzedrine,
To the way that the dean
Tried so hard to be pals with us all.
To excuses we fibbed,
To the papers we cribbed
From the genius who lived down the hall.
To the tables down at Mory's(Wherever that may be),
Let us drink a toast to all we love the best.
We will sleep through all the lectures,
And cheat on the exams,
And we'll pass, and be forgotten with the rest.
Oh, now we're out amid the cold world's strife.
Sliding down the razor blade of life. (Oooh!)
But as we go our sordid separate ways,
We shall ne'er forget thee, thou golden college days.
Hearts full of youth,
Hearts full of truth,
Six parts gin to one part vermouth.
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