Random Thoughts

2004-03-28T20:52:00.000-05:00

In Search Of Truth

In Search Of Truth ..the Unsui has moved to a new Dojo.To those who made his stay pleasant here with all your appreciation and critics ! Thank You for Your Interest & Patience !!!!

I

2004-03-21T22:48:00.000-05:00

Lesson from a Flasher

No this is No Story of Exhibitionist I encountered .This one is about a colleague
Who was of the kind of Wealthy People who like to Flash their possessions
So here we had in our team a person who used to sport a Golden bracelet
bunch of gold chain,gold rimmed glasses,all fingers ornamented by golden rings
And his arrival could be sensed by strong perfume he wore.For one or all of the
above reasons This person didn't make that first impression on me.As a result"

I always had this "Hi Hello" Sort of dealings with this person.To top that he is
very very conservative ,and used to come very strongly with his views
during any casual conversations.But Over a Period Time I got used to him.
He was definitely good with his work,and was very witty.Along with other
colleague in team (With whom he was great friends too) ,these two always
provided comic relief to the team,in our mundane work schedules.Over a period
of time I developed a good rapport with Mr flasher.In our group we also had
a lady who was miserably sloppy with her work attitude.And as it always is
with me,I really can't sloppy people ,and to make the matters worst this lady
never even made any attempts of improvement.And as a result I resorted to
avoidance when it came to dealing with her.

This Lady was essential part of Mr Flasher's group.They went to lunch together
They used to hang around together,made weekend plans together and So on..
One day Out of curiosity ,I asked Mr flasher "how can you stand that lady?"
"You wanted to say that she is sloppy ,a slob,doesn't do a single task given to her "
Flasher asked interrupting me in my first statement."See thats what I was going to
ask you!" I was kinda pleased having made him say what I wanted to say (as this
didn't happen to anyone when dealing with Mr flash)." But M Tell me one thing why
should not one associate with somebody who is a slob,why should one always seek
company of competent perfectionist people" Mr.Flash seemed on roll."You are answering
Your own question aren't you?" I asked him."Obviously Everyone likes company of Smarter
More Competent People ..Which Will Stimulate their thinking,inspire them ,wouldn't they ?"
I continued.Flash Said " You have answered your own question M Haven't you ?"
I was Puzzled. He said "M Tell me why should more competent people should associate
with you? with your logic they will aspire for higher level ,why they should downgrade
and hang around with you..Think about it.And As you say That you are seeking perfection.
.There is nothing wrong with it .But that doesn't mean You can't be compassionate....
and Also if You are not perfect ,how can you be judge others?"

So saying Mr Flasher left ,Not without giving first lesson of
"Not being judgmental & being More compassionate with others."

Recently when I read Advice of Zen Master Zengetsu, to his Pupils
"A person may appear a fool and yet not be one. He may only be guarding his wisdom carefully.
Mr Flasher's Lesson flashed in back of my Mind

I

2004-03-14T23:15:00.000-05:00

Love Story With A Twist

If I caught the world in a bottle and
everything was still beneath the moon
Without your love would it shine for me
If I was smart as Aristotle and
understood the rings around the moon
What would it all matter if you love me

Here in your arms where the world is impossibly still
With a million dreams to fulfill
And a matter of moments until the dancing ends

Here in your arms when everything seems to be clear
Not a solitary thing would I fear
Except when this moment comes near the dancing’s end

If I caught the world in an hourglass
Saddled up the moon so we could ride
Until the stars grew dim
Until

One day you’ll meet a stranger and
all the noise is silenced in the room
You’ll feel that you’re close to some mystery
In the moonlight and everything shatters you feel
as if you’ve known her all your life
The world’s oldest lesson in history

Here in your arms where the world is impossibly still
With a million dreams to fulfill
And a matter of moments until the dancing ends
Here in your arms when everything seems to be clear
And not a solitary thing do I fear
Except when this moment comes near the dancing’s end

Oh if I caught the world in an hourglass
Saddled up the moon and we would ride
Until the stars grew dim
Until the time that time stands still
Until

-Sting
OST- Kate & Leopold - Love Story with Twist in Time

I

2004-03-06T23:58:00.000-05:00

Master of Puppets - Edinburgh Festival

Most of the activities in the Art Festival were outdoor,and we had been walking around
continuously since morning,and our tired feet needed some respite.The Small Faded Tent
that said "Mr George's Puppet Show" was more than inviting .I bought two tickets ,from a
forty something man behind the counter.The show was to begin in another 15 minutes
so when we entered the makeshift auditorium inside the Tent ,we were surprised to
to find that we ,Me and Sunita were the only two audience.We sat on the Chairs and
in course of next fifteen minutes we were joined by another One & Half Audience
One Old Granny with her six-seven year old Grand daughter perhaps.There was no
Activity Behind the curtains ,and as we were getting restless.The Very person behind
Ticket counter Entered .He Welcomed us ,with a Bow and started "Sorry For the Late
Start Ladies and Gentlemen.Looks like we won't have any more audience.So It would be
Wrong to keep you especially that Little girl waiting,So We start this Special Show for Her
He Bowed again with a slight Nod to the The Small girl.

And He went behind the Curtains,and Started his Show of Wooden Puppets ,tied to Strings
Went thru all his motions.His Puppets shared with us the tales of Prisoner who escaped from Tower
Of London ,King Queens & Clowns,The London Bobby ,Fireman All made their routine entries and exits
The Whole show was engrossing and entertaining,for me and Sunita.The Little girl left the place with her
Her Granny after around 35-40 minutes. After around One and Half our the Show was Over and The
Tattered Auditorium was filled with(?) Claps of Two Spectators.

Mr.George Came from behind the curtains and took his customary bow.but the Zing that was present
when he opened his act ,to his "Little Audience" was missing ...We Walked upto him and expressed our
Appreciation.How we liked his show.Mr George Raised his Head Looked in our eyes ,we could read his
Heart through his eyes. He was exhausted by his efforts with behind the curtains handling 2-3 sometimes
four Puppets at time.He Thanked us for seeing his show.Those Big Eyes couldn't hide his emotions.

"Sir,Madam it was a Pleasure performing for you!! You Made my day !!!",So saying All of a sudden he broke
down,"Sometimes There aren't even these many spectators ",He lamented."This is weekday .On Weekends
With School Holiday ,I'm sure You must be having More Audience" Sunita Tried to Solace.
Who else but us who had been through the experience of "Performing to Empty Auditorium" Could Understand
What was going through his Mind right now.

"No Madam in Last 10 odd years with Television and Movies and Animation films who cares for the Wooden puppets
show",He lamented. "Is this your Full time Work or are you just performing at this Festival ",I inquired
Ever Since I saw my first puppet show at county fair with my Gramps I have been making my puppets,Writing
my scripts learning to master them.How proud I was to do my first show in my school,with my gramps in Audience
School was over my Mates moved on with their careers ,became doctors and lawyers and teachers .
All I dreamt was Puppets. and I liked to travel around the countryside ,visiting schools ,making kids happy with
my puppets ,I thought What I did was so very relevant .How I was helping kids grow,To see the joy on their face
to listen to their laughter.I Thought I made my life. Things though haven't been the same for so many years now
I make rounds to schools ,but they are not interested in a "Cheap" Puppetry show.They have Auditoriums for Film
Screening ,Film appreciation,Animations .The School authorities Drive me away.In Small County fairs Parents Flock
with their kids to see cinema in travelling Talkies.Who cares for Puppets",He sound Hurt as he said the last Sentence

Tears Swelled up his eyes.Seeing this Middle aged Man Cry in front of two strangers like us ,and ones who have
Struggled as artist ,We could for sure empathize ."Sometimes I Yell at myself,Shut All of them in a trunk,and decide never
To let them out again.But in a fortnight or so I get restless ,my fingers start itching,and I the Puppet that I'm in Hand of
My Masters Set them Free and let them rein my Life,Again take my beaten up wagon make rounds of schools,
community centers,and fairs",He said.

We were interrupted by another Gramps and his Grand Daughter " Is the Show On?" asked the Old Man
Mr. George Raised himself from the chair,held our hands in his .The tenderness in his touch said all that was
yet to be said .With Twinkle of hope in his eyes he said " Its Show Time Sir ,I have to take Your Leave
I can't keep this Pretty Lady Waiting Any More !!!"

As we Walked out We could Visualize Another Performance full of Energy ,Full of Zest, By The Master Of The Puppets

Freeform translation of Chapter from Marathi travelogue "Apurvai" By P.L.Deshpande

P.L Deshpande( Pu. La.) One Idol Whom I couldn't meet in Person but one which I'll always carry deep inside

I

2004-03-02T23:17:00.000-05:00

Melting Snow,Thawing Relations

As the Bitter Cold Winter Seems to End, In this winter the snow was constantly
Melting in Siachen and Kashmir Valley.And Two long lost Brothers have been
Constantly extending arms of friendship towards each other

I'm very much refering to increasing warmth in Indo-Pak relations. & its fallouts
Under this context,I should say Expats from the other side of border have been
always friendly,at least whom I have met during last four odd years in US.
Against this backdrop I'd like to share a very interesting conversation that
I was party to couple of days back

Location: Indian grocery store owned by Desi Gujju Uncle
Cast: ( M - Pakistani ABCD youth in 20's,U - Gujju Uncle,I - me )

M : Uncle ,woh Javed Shaikh (some film-director from Pakistan) ki
nayi movie ki DVD hai kya ?
U : Nahi ,Do din baad check karo ,Mein Arrange kartaa hu !!
M : (Maybe he feels embarrassed to inquire about pakistani films)Mein to nahi dekhtaa
Ammi nein Mangaai hai !!

pauses and again
M : Abhi Sahi Majaa aayegaa..(turns towards me) aapko pataa hai Javed Shaik nay
Kareena Kapoor ko agle picture mein sign kiyaa hai !!! (Sounds excited)
I : Miya Par ek problem hai !!!
M : kyaa ???
I : Language !!!
M & U :(puzzled) Language ?
I : Arey Bollywood ki heroines,Hindi Picture key Dialogues English mein Likhwaa leti hai
Arey Jahaa Hindi Itni mushkil hai !! waha aapki Urdu kya janegi woh??
(pause) aur ek aur baat yeh hai,ki tumharey side mein English jaananey waale kitney log hai ......
M : (sheepish) yeh baat to suchh kahi aapney ..laughs
M : (changes the topic)Ab asli majaa to cricket mein aayegaa ,India kay Sachin, Rahul, Laxman
Sehwaag Saarey Full Form mein hai
I : Par Humaarey pass Bowlers kahaa hai ,Pakistan mein dekho to Har Bachhaa Paidaishi Fast Bowler hotaa hai
M : (Feels Better) Yeh Baat To sach hai

P.S: I'm sure much hyped Indian Batters (read Spoilt Brats) will be huge let down against Genuine tearaway
Pakistani pacers.And will try their best to burst the bubble the Indians are living in after the Aussie Tour

I

2004-02-26T23:10:00.000-05:00

Will Survive ,Will Thrive

After Three never Ending Months Of Bone chilling Winter
for the first time as the snow melts
The Frozen stone surface that sees daylight
and Boasts lush green velvety moss thriving On it
A assurance from Life,That it will face all the destruction
and disaster and not only survive but also thrive
and Hope for a dreamer that within the toughest of Person
Around Sure there is this tiny little Stream of Love
That someday will become a driving force in her/his life.

I

2004-02-26T00:46:00.000-05:00

It All Happened That Night

December 15^th 1980,It was Friday Night In San Francisco
It was not the first Time the trio of John McLaughlin, Paco De Lucia & Al DiMeola
Played together .But the Magic They Created that night is Dream Of Every Musician
every Guitarist to be playing virtuoso Like they played,To Do extempore improvizations
to be in that meditative state,any true at Heart Musician Music Lover will give Entire
Life without second thought to compose Music,to live ,to enjoy the music that was played
that night by these guys. The Best Part of the Event was that the some live audience were
fortunate to experience These Pyrotechnics.Every time I rummage this CD from my collection
and start listening to it I never know where time flies,I really Thank these guys for that night
As that one night has given me treasure for life time.There have been nights when I have
Turned on Friday Night.... and swayed along with the music ,many time I have played
crappy music till my Guitar went chronically Out of tune,Just in Hope the Soul of Universe
Which was present at that moment will re create That magic thru my fingers....
So far that has Not happened.The Magicians Who created this Magic That night
themselves have not been able to re-create the magic of moment ,they tried to rekindle the
Flame in Passion, Grace and Fire & Guitar Trio. But The Chemistry that happened
that night haven't been repeated ,the latter two albums have everything,
the Solos,the Chops,the speed licks whatever a Toddler like me dreams to play someday
but emotions that evoke listening to this live performance is unparalleled.

Every time I pick up Guitar I dream I'm in company of these Masters,& the Soul of Universe
Re-create that magic & I be part of it ......Someday Sometime for Sure

PS: This Collection has another very cherished memory ,about human chemistry
Par Woh Kahani fir kabhi.........

I

2004-02-22T00:17:00.000-05:00

Another Waiting Room Story

As I previously mentioned ,lately catching up with all the
things that I missed in last couple of months .
In the course Rented Movie Chameli yesterday
Apparently director Sudhir Mishra has fallen in love with
One Night Story Themes, It goes on in same Lines as Is Raat ki Subah Nahin
Same upper middle class Hero in face to face with the Other Face of Bombay
Like Is Raat This Move too Lacks Tight Screenplay,
Best Thing about Is Raat Was it Had a dramatic Opening which
keeps you focussed ,but that has not been case with Chameli
Another let down is Kareena ,She Doesn't convince the Role
Of Street Walker.If there is one person who keeps the movie Going
is Rahul Bose ,Rahul is in usual self ,without typical Bollywood dramatics
Shows all shades of the Upper Middle class guy Stuck in same place with a Prostitute
Entire Night,his initial Middle class Prejudices,how he involved in the Girl,his attitude
Change towards her,he has done this effectively.
Another Plus Point of this movie was very good background music

Pritish Nandy must have put in the tacky idea of Showing the shooting goof-ups
during the end-credits like the US comedy sitcoms do...this definitely didn't go well
with the movie at all

Hope Mishra will come up with some new plot new theme in his next movie

Rahul Bose will be in my project for sure ,whenever that Happens .

I

2004-02-19T22:08:00.000-05:00

Good Night Carol

As the Evening makes way for another winter night at the Train Station,
She comes in the Waiting room ,Signs of Age tell on her weak physique.
Slowly She walks and knocks the door of Station attendant's cabin,
asks him if her cab has come.The Young Station attendant informs
there are already five more people waiting ahead of her.
"But I had called and fixed appointment with Cab operator early in afternoon"She tells.
"I could have helped you ma'am but so far no body has inquired for your name
and there are five people ahead of you ,thats all I can say" the man has exasperation
in his voice
Helplessly She crouches on the wooden benches .Some time passes by
and suddenly she rises and rushes out as she sees a cab swerve into the drive of train station
And as she is about to get in the cab,the young train attendant rushes and takes her frail frame
out of the cab " ma'am this one is for them,they are ahead of you" he says pointing to
the young couple juggling with the tiny tot in stroller and all its paraphernalia.

She resists but caves in returns helplessly to her place on the cold wooden bench
"But I swear to God I had called for the cab in afternoon ,And they promised to send
one in time with the train I came on" She defends herself. She is All worked up,
Tears Swelling up her eyes,embarrassement in front of so many strangers in addition
to helplessness have all added to form a strange brew.People waiting for their Buses,trains & rides
All watch at the scene equally helplessly ,they pretend they hadn't noticed nothing.

All of a sudden she sees a Bus entering Drive-way,She does some calculations
gathers all her strength ,knocks the station attendants cabin informs him," If that
Cab company driver checks on me ,tell him I've long gone,The Name is Carol ,Will
you remember ?" "Yes ma'am I will " replies the Man with Apologetic looks .

She drags herself up to the Bus " Driver I'm just out of Hip surgery,I can't walk for long
and the winter is of no help either ,Can You please stop near my apartment, the next
Stop is half block up from there ,I'll really appreciate " She Pleads
Yes ma'am I surely will do tell me on stop before ...."

Stops went by ,As I reached my destination I walked up to exit I said
" Good night Carol ,You take care ..." " Thanks Son I was good to know you" She says
Slight moisture in corners of her Sparkling eyes Can't be hidden.

I reached my destination ! Hope Carol did too !!!

And what about So many Old People In this country ,Who can no more drive
Who have been "fixed" by their Healthcare,retirement funds,Insurance providers
Who don't exist for the Government ,Who to reach progress ,Sold Interests Of
Millions Of Carols to the Auto Giants & Petro Giants. Which have left Carols everywhere
With miserable Public Transportation System.

With All these Industrial Giants Collaborating to create "Feel Good" Atmosphere in India
All my wary mind Say " Good Night Carol ! Hope You reach your Place Safe and Sound!!!"

I

2004-02-18T23:25:00.000-05:00

The Truth About

With tension of Certification behind me,now with time on hand ,
I'm just chilling out and relaxing & what better way than to revisit my favorite movies
Yesterday I delved into my collection to fish out The Truth About Cats & Dogs
This is those Romantic comedy Genre of Movies,It doesn't have many surprise elements,
But every time I watch it there is no dull moment I find in this movie.
Storyline is Simple with not many Twists and turns.
Its about Abby,A successful veterinarian & radio show host ,who is just the right girl of dreams
of a Man.But the last person to acknowledge this is Abby,who has no air about being a popular
Radio Show Host.Once during her show she gets a call from Brian, a Struggling but talented
photographer,who is in typical situation during photoshoot with Hank a large mutt.Brian Calls Abby
and Abby with her special ways of handling Animals and their owners (her listeners) helps Brian
Handle Hank.And Brian Falls in love with Both Hank and Abby.
Abby Not Confident with people face to face ,Avoids meeting Brian
Instead sets her Beautiful Blond Noelle with Brian.Rest of the Story Goes
On expected lines.So I won't write anymore
But some things I like about this movie are:
a) It brings out typical nature of most people who don't like what they are
here we have the brains(Abby) thinking that everybody likes the body (Noelle)
While Noelle Wants to be smart,witty like Noelle.
b)Another Thing that I like about this movie is fact that People fight the "Voice Within"
and end up making wrong choices by going on face value ,like our hero Brian
whose inner voice always guides him to the right 'Abby'
I sometimes wonder how this world would be if People really start using
their Instinct and intuition extensively.Like we have lost some vestigial organs
during course of Evolution If we don't use these abilities we are born with
Perhaps someday the Entire Mankind will become those Sci-fi Robotic Race
I hope not .....

I

2004-02-12T23:26:00.000-05:00

Once Upon A Time....

The day broke for her like so many before ,like it had for so many
years now.Like So many Years That she had been doing,She got up
cleaned the courtyard of her small hut,with same enthusiasm when she
started years back ,she decorated the door steps with Alpana,Made
flower garlands to decorate the doors and windows,today maybe the day ,
When He would finally walk into her life,She never had seen him in person,
But If there was some one she dreamed of always,it was him.In her younger
days her friends,parents kiths & kins thought it was just natural for a young
Girl to be living in her dream World,Days Passed Years Passed,All her friends
Settled in life ,But She had devoted her life for Some One She Had Only seen
In her dreams,When She shunned her home !blood relations!!!
When Did this Out of reach,Out of sight place in middle of dense forest ,
became her abode she didn't remember,She Had lost the count of days, weeks
months and years,All her senses sensed were each and every moment,
every moment of waiting ,And being ready to welcome him in her life.

And when Nobody expected to take the path which was off the beaten tracks,
two strangers walked that way,and when they thought they had reached a dead end
they saw a Old woman Ornamenting the Doors of her Hut,
Celebrating the Event called Life,Celebrating event called Waiting
The Younger One Thought She may be able to help them with directions.
He walked upto her and She Turned around and what did she see,
the Elder Brother was the One She had seen in her dreams
Ever since she remembered." My Lord You are here,finally my wait is over.
You are just what I had seen In my dreams.But wait!!!
Why do I see those lotus eyes tired and Red,She said this all to herself .
But to him She Could only ask "Oh Lord have you been Sad about something"

"My Brother here has lost his wife,apparently she has been abducted,
and we are following her trail and lost our way ,can you help us get to the right Path"
Younger Man Asked.

When her Love finally walked into her Life ,
The Object of her love was mourning for his love,was irony of fate.
She collected her strength.Offered the Best She Could Possibly
The labour of Love a Bowl of Wild Berries
She herself tasted so His Taste Bitter with Separation didn't become sour.
Who else but she could tell what separation was !!!
He overcome with grief ,but saw the love in her eyes,graciously accepted her gift.
She Guided Them On the Right Path ,In search of their Quest,And returned to her Hut
Life wouldn't be the Same For Shabari.

She was blessed to have Loved Rather than never Loved at all.

I

2004-02-10T00:18:00.000-05:00

Sweetest Taste Of All

How does it really feel One Reaching the Place Where one dreams to reach
When someone puts like very very serious efforts,to accomplish a mission
and Once You accomplish the mission,reach the goal you dream of
The Emotions that One experienced is something unique.
That Feeling of fulfillment,the Feeling that You have achieved something.
the Joy ,Every Time you look your own reflection in Mirror You feel so Proud
At the same time there is this strange feeling of Emptiness. They Say
"In every passionate pursuit the pursuit counts more than the object
pursued"
From last Friday I'm in this state of mind.
I had been working On This Professional Certification.
Five Years Back When I was just a Newbie with just Two years IT background
One Of my Bosses Had Done this certification.And Ever Since Every Moment somewhere
subconsciously I wanted to do the same.But for me to become complete the eligibility criteria,
It Took Another 4 years Of Experience and Work in Industry.

Last Two months Have been like Serious Systematic Studies.
Last I remember doing serious study was 7 years back my Final Year BE
Biggest Challenge for me was to get out of the rusty mode
And Step up on the Plate.I was not sure How Strong my reflexes were,
Would I be able to face those curve balls.Plus the reputation of The Exam Is Also High.
And the very fact that your colleagues,your Bosses are aware of your undertaking ,is enough
to make you Paranoid about All this Affair.

But Finally I Stepped On the Plate Last Friday ,& Negotiated Curve Balls,
Knuckle Balls,Sliders Successfully And Hit A Home Run .
Deep Inside I was Knowing that I would pass the TestI had even ordered myself
A special gift to celebrate my Success.And The Gift Which was to be delivered on
Friday Evening came by Mail on Thursday

So On Friday After the Test,& Sharing good news of success with my colleagues
I savored my gift ,the movie Wait Until Dark

I

2004-01-31T15:20:00.000-05:00

Everybody Loves Robert

Everytime I see Everybody loves Raymond,my thoughts move to topic
of Insecurity complex that siblings have and invariably Whoever it is
always sometime or other has definitely felt that His or Her siblings were
given special Treatment by Parents.

And this one is a global phenomena,independent of Gender,Social Status
Some Point or other one feels a victim of this notion.I've myself felt this on times.
Funny part is that when one Sibling feels neglected unappreciated,the cause of
his or her misery ,the other Sibling is nursing the same feeling.

Everyone has their own reasons why the parents neglect them
Elder Sibling "S/he is Younger and gets all attention,all freedom,All rules are for me "
Youngest ," Everybody treats me like a baby,See S/he can do whatever S/he wants"
Middle Sibling " Yes S/he is the first Child is Family Gets Love and freedom to do everything,
& Other one is Youngest So gets all the Protection,Me everybody expects me to be
understanding,responsible "

Then there Gender Aspect to this as well,I had thought that in India where the Girl & Boy
Child get separate treatment,I was surprised when couple of years back I was With
Friend in Niagara and Her Friend Was Telling how "Parents give me raw deal ,how they never
came to see my Tennis games when I was in school,how they Go to see my Brothers
B ball matches" and this followed by long winding spate of complains.

And is this notion in mind of children just imaginary ,Though Sometimes
But Not always ,Indeed Parents to have Slant towards more brighter,More talented
of the kids .If children have same school the teachers too knowingly unknowingly
draw comparisions between Siblings.I know of a Family where the Younger
Son who was average in Studies was embarassed by the teacher in front of whole
class,the occasion ,his Elder brother Ex-student of same school Passed IIT-JEE
entrance exam .Teacher commented to this guy "He got seat in IIT ,will you manage at
least ITI "

The Fallouts of this Can Be Pretty Ugly when Kids continue to nurse the same ill feelings
towards their Parents as well as their siblings and thus polluting the family's Health.
I have been through my share of stuff and seeing all the ugly facets of this sibling rivalry
Stuff,sincerely feel that one should just wipe the slate clean ,forget and forgive,and
be sensible and sensitive Else You'll have another case of "Everybody Loves......"
when You have your kids.

The IIT -ITI Tale mentioned above has a interesting End.The Average in Studies
Boy Indeed didn't score high in SSC ,Just scraped thru with grades, good enough
to get admission in ITI ,Learned Carpentary skills ,Opened his furniture Showroom
His Elder Brother the IIT Genious ,worked in Industry on High Posts and Payment
Had always this IIT Notion around him,never became a good team player.
Ended a nervous Wreck case.currently he helps his younger brother in
The Furniture Showroom in One of Mumbai Subarbs

I

2004-01-25T20:01:00.000-05:00

Yippieeeeeeeeeee

Sometimes smallest of small event can bring so much of
joy and happiness to Our Mundane Daily Life ,Spice up its regular blandness.
And This happened to me today .Spicing up part in Literal Sense
I'm a reasonably good cook ,most of most self taught
and been master to many .But there are some dishes I always
Wanted to cook ,I did cook but the flavor never was the way I wanted

But Not today .For last couple of days I wanted to Prepare Sambhar
I've made Sambhar before but as I said before the flavor didn't come
up to my own expectations.About 2-3 days back when I saw in Desi
Store this Frozen Pack of cut vegetables for Avial ,the Itch to make
Sambhar again Props up .I bought it, bought the spices.And today
Every thing went so very perfect and the Final result did justice to the
Perfect Build Up .... Perfect Sambhar ,Not Watery ,Not to Thick
Not more Vegetables ,Not More Daal,Not more Of tamarind Pulp.
Every thing was just so Right ..
Even As I was cooking I could visualize the End Product

There may be many A cooks Who have Mastered the Art Of making
Perfect Sambhar "I have One In my Home - Mommy Dear"
But now I can Tell Her That I can make the Dish too

And Perhaps to some Tam Bramh or Kannada Gal
"Trust Me & Trust my cooking " J

I

2004-01-20T20:59:00.000-05:00

Foot in Mouth

WASHINGTON: George Bush has competition. In fact, he has been beaten by his Defense Secretary
Donald Rumsfeld for a "foot in the mouth" award given by the British Plain English Campaign for the
most nonsensical statement made by a public figure.

Rumsfeld's winning remark came at February news conference, when, in a profound reflection of the
events in Iraq, he observed that, "
There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns."

For sheer indecipherable drivel, Rumsfeld's gobbledygook surpassed a whole catalog of
Bush baloney that is now commonly known by the term "Bushisms".

Among the well-chronicled masterpieces from the leader of the Free World

I'm a patient man. And when I say I'm a patient man, I mean I'm a patient man.

I know what I believe. I will continue to articulate what I believe and what I believe - I believe what I believe is right

I recently met with the finance minister of the Palestinian Authority, was very impressed by his grasp of finances

I promise you I will listen to what has been said here, even though I wasn't here

For a century and a half now, America and Japan have formed one of the great and enduring alliances of modern times

A spokesman for the organization which gave the award,
and which tries to ensure public information is delivered in a clear manner, said
"Rumsfeld's remarks were typical of the kind of comments they were trying to prevent. "

Some Famous Bushims

When Iraq is liberated, you will be treated, tried, and persecuted as a war criminal

These people don't have tanks. They don't have ships. They hide in caves. They send suiciders out

It would be a mistake for the United States Senate to allow any kind of human cloning to come out of that chamber

There's no question that the minute I got elected, the storm clouds on the horizon were getting nearly directly overhead

Security is the essential roadblock to achieving the road map to peace

"We think we know what he means," he told Reuters news agency. "But we don't know if we really know."

Rumsfeld not only outdid Bush, but also fought off competition from actor turned California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Governorator's contribution: "I think that gay marriage is something that should be between a man and a woman."

The other notable entry came from a recent visitor to India, European Commissioner Chris Patten, for his remark that
"the British Conservative Party had committed political suicide and was now living to regret it."

Previous winners include another familiar face in India, actor Richard Gere,
who was given the raspberry last year for telling an interviewer,
"I know who I am. No one else knows who I am. If I was a giraffe and somebody said I was a snake, I'd think 'No, actually I am a giraffe."

With "Knowledgeable" Who's Who
The World Surely knows What it is to be

Living On The Edge

I

2004-01-09T06:32:00.000-05:00

Spring Cleaning

Walking on the Beach
I see colorful shells
The Shapes each of them
So very unique
Carrying Within itself
A Unique Tale
They grip my Fancies
I collect, till my tiny hands
Can’t grasp no more
Huddled in an old shoebox
With Colorful marbles
Crumpled Tickets
They share their tales
Of Places, People,Movies And Games
As they wait for their fate
One Spring Cleaning
May be some, may be all
Will end up in a Bin

I

2004-01-06T20:10:00.000-05:00

Toughness, competitiveness, positiveness, never say die..

Many Words have been written about Him Across the Globe.
His Heroics have been well documented by Media, By Himself
His Wonderful Achievement Well Captured Well Preserved, Well Marketed
Thanks to Technology.

My Impressions:-
He has been one of the Personalities who have been my Inspirations
And He'll continue to be.

Memories That Stand Out:-
1999 Cricket World Cup
Aussie are having hard time in the league phase of tournament
We at work have a group of people (Senior Managers Included)
Who have sporting Bets on who will win the Cup?
From Day One The Only Person in That Group who
is Supporting Aussies is Me, After their Initial Setbacks
Every Day This One Boss of Mine Asks Me in His Crisp Hindi
"So who will win the Cup" My Reply "Australia"
What Happens Later is History Aussies Won Seven Games in Trot
Win the Cup My Favorite Player "Steve Waugh" Leads from the Front
The Twist in Tale Part: The Manager Who Daily Asked my Opinion about the
Result Had to Go to USA on Business Trip. After about two months he returns
Meanwhile my Project has changed I Sit in a different Office. One Day
This Manager Of Mine comes Searching for me and even before exchanging
Initial Pleasantries He Says " Boss Hats Off To Your Aussies, Your Man! He Did It!! "
Thanks To You Steve I will Savor That Moment forever in Life

On His Leadership: -
I Still Hold Mark Taylor was Better Captain.
Under Mark Taylor The Aussies Never went out off control
that People Had to Speak about Sledging first When The Talk Of Aussies
Mark Taylor was more Gracious I remember when Mumbai Then Ranji Champs
Sank the Full Strength Aussie Ship in Their Tour Opener in 1998
Taylors comments "Now We Know Why This City is known as Home of Indian Cricket"

Regret:
Will Not be Able to See Taylor, Waugh Brothers in Action in Australia,
About Waugh I had to console of catching his last innings
via Live audio commentary over the Internet

On Wishes:
To Be in Aussie and See entire Test Match Series
(Against Tough Opponents, Not The POMS)
Which I'm Sure will be True Someday Someway...

Three Cheers to Steve Waugh...
Hip Hip Hurray

I

2004-01-06T12:12:00.000-05:00

Jeeto India Jeeto

Ayesha:
Sorry to put Dampners on celebrations .. But I Guess
I have surmised the sorry state of Indian Sports in this Comment

Ah Well The Spoilt overpaid,unprofessional kids did it this time,
but with All Hype & Hoopla I'm sure the Indian Bubble With Break
Sooner Than Later ....

Talking of Amateur Attempt :
Twice in last Match Dada Ganguly Let Simon Katich Had his way by going defencive on him

Baby Patel:
Any Plans to Migrate to Aussie ,Missed So Many Sitters

Tendulkar:
C'mon Man Get Down from Pedestal U2 Have those Bad Days in Office
& You are a Human Too Unlike Media Depicts You Demi-God.

The Paper Tiger Strong Batting Lineup:
Finally All you guys clicked at once ,
But that you are answerable to the Big Bucks
Showered upon you ,Can you Promise to be more consistent
If Only All You Guys had shown This Brilliance under Sachin's Captaincy On Last Aussie Tour

Fast(?) Bowlers:
Rather than Going in for Speed and Breaking down Midway
every match ,can you Plan for more Accuracy
& Long Lasting Sustained efforts(Like Kapil Paaji Pre-1993).

Spinners:
Kumble Sir For Once For A Change Your Victims are those from Top order
& not the Tails ... I have to accept this.
& Now the Writings on the Wall Sir Kumble will stay
& New Blood (Read Karthik & Bahutule Maybe) Better Spinner
Will Surely Go the Hirwani Way

Indian Junta:
Suddenly that cricketers have shown you few miracles.
Don't forget our Hockey Team & Paddlers & Shuttlers
and Thousands of other sportspersons whom we pay Peanuts,And Fake
Giant Checks On Their Achievements(Read Karnam Malleshawri)
And Shamelesslessly Hold them Answerable on Eve Of Olympics
And Write articles on How the Indian Contingent was Busy Shopping
On their Olympic Trip (On 5-10 Dollar Per Diem Allowance
What They Manage To Shop is Probably Subject Of Research)

About Aussies :
They Have Been Tough ,From the Days Of
Chappells & Taylors & Waughs & Will continue to be
And they Support Not Only their Cricketers But Other Other
Sportsmen

I

2003-12-30T21:23:00.000-05:00

Ring Out, Wild Bells

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkenss of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

- Alfred, Lord Tennyson

I

2003-12-27T02:25:00.000-05:00

Roll Returned & I walk Off...

As the Mist Descents and pacifies the Surroundings.
The Storm of Emotions that Rages Inside ,
So much in contrast to the Serenity outside.
As I Walk off, a drop of tear that I hide from your view.
Like the Roll of your pictures I wish I was just as inanimate.
The Images that have been etched on my Soul
I wish I could develop them into fine prints and
Reload the Camera with fresh Film
I hand over the Roll I walk Off ,acting to be nonchalant ,
My Eyes they can't though no matter How they Try Hide the Storm Inside me .
Life It will not be same the way it had been before for me and for you.

Some Thoughts that Swell inside as I finish another Viewing of Mr & Mrs Iyer

I

2003-12-20T01:13:00.000-05:00

Holiday Season

Holiday Season is Here
Dearest
Make Wishes Of all The Good People Around The World Come True
Thanks A lot for Bringing Me

My Dell Inspiron 5100 is Really Cool One & with 512 MB RAM 60GB HDD,DualBand Wifi Wireless Mobile
And CDR/W-DVD Drive For Endless Entertainment
Thank You Very Very Much
I promise I'll be Good Boy As Always
Convey Seasons Greetings From Me To All the Kids Around the World

I

2003-11-15T00:12:00.000-05:00

Adventures Of He : Parul Mcwaan Where art thou ??

He And She Both Were Just Back from summer vacation
No that it was a big separation Or Something,
they both met everyday in vacation,Went to movies together ,
that Their Parents were Family Friends Helped ,
And It was a small Locality ,a newly developing Airforce Colony
So the Pair was instant hit with everyone in the Colony
With Rishi Kapoor Ranjita starer Laila Majnu being latest Hit
All moviegoers in the Colony teased them ,She and he never cared .
But the First Day after Summer Vacation Had its own Twist & Turns
It didn't begin on an auspicious Note,
They Had been Put in different Divisions,
Very very reluctantly She walked to her class,
The Classes were going on,Teachers Weaving Their Tales
Her Mind was not on anything else ,her ears were Yearning
To Hear the Peon Ring the Bell for Recess.And the Peon Did
She gleefully glided to his Class,finally after a Long Separation
Of Two Hours !!She would be seeing him .
With Palpitating Heart She entered His Class
Only to find He was sitting with Another Girl .
Even Before She could gauge what was happening
Her Earlobes started to warm ,tears rushed to her Eyes
and In between her Sobs,Her Hands
Pulled the Other Girls Piggy Tails and Brought Her to Ground .
While with Sob in her voice She Says to Him
"They are making us Sit in different Classes We won't Study Here!!!"
So Saying She picked his School Bag,Dragged him to her Class,
Picked up her bag and before anyone could know
She and He were out ..
coming Out She didn't know where They should go
Scorching Sun and Two Bags on shoulder were not doing
Much Help,and to add to her woes ,the undecided He
Anyways She Thought Best Option would be
To go to his Home ,His Mom was always Loving,Supportive towards her
So She could understand her woes She Thought
Also It was first Day after Summer Vacation
Perhaps Nobody would realized they had skipped Classes
So They walked around a mile and half to reach
His House the Colony ,Few house wives who were
Out to buy Vegetables from Street side vendors
Gave them weird looks,but She Didn't care
As long as he was with her
And He was red with all embarrassment
With all prying eyes,and also his chums
Were going to make his life Miserable
He knew for Sure & Worst was the
M-factor His Mom,Mom was going to say
nothing to "She" But Him ...
Finally She reached his Place
Now It was Hamlet's Turn
"To knock or Not to knock
That was the Question "
Finally He knocked
Mommy Dear Opened the Door
How come You Two are early
"Aunty They Made Him Sit With Another Girl
The Teacher doesn't want us To be together
We won't Go That School "
She burst out all in one breath and in next instant
Took Out The Women's Best Weapon ,Tears ....
Mommy Dear Called up Her Mom from next Door
And the Two Ladies Burst into Peels of Laughter
Both She and He Were not knowing How come
Their Mothers could laugh at Serious Problem like this
But when One is Three-four Years Old in Kindergarten
Anything can be a Matter of Life & Death
If Only Elders could take us bit more seriously
Needless to Say This Became Talk of Colony for Next couple
Of Days & Officially In That Colony
They were the "First Couple to Run Way ......From School"

I

2003-09-26T15:15:00.000-05:00

On Big Bang... Our life Our Times..

As I Read Universe In Nutshell
My Mind raced thru So many Theories on Origin of Universe Scientists have suggested
And Finally More or less There has been agreement On the Big Bang
Some Billion Years Ago the entire Matter Of the Universe was Concentrated
In One point & then the Big Bang and the Universe has been expanding ever since.
The Galaxies movies away from each other and Right Now too Horizons of Universe
Are expanding

From my perspective this is More or less story of Human Life,
In everybody's life there is one defining Moment, the Big Bang
This can be in form of Education, Job, And Marriage Whatever
Till That Defining Moment Most of us are part of a Nucleus
And suddenly we become like those Galaxies which are Moving Apart
Separates from Siblings Parents Friends,Moving ahead following our course of Life
Our Horizons are expanding as we see Distant Lands,Meet New People.

And all seems so very well, when on one unwary moment
As you have your meal or as you watch TV or do Your Chores
Your Mind Traverses Through Time and reaches that Moment just
Before Big Bang Where You see Yourself Seated with Your Parents
Siblings on a Meal, sharing You Day Out with Them, They Sharing Theirs
discussing Sports,Politics,trivia happening in neighborhood,
maybe a report card from school ,Where you didn't fare well,
maybe anxious whether you'll get monies for School Trip.
But then you are here at the Point of expansion with all the monies, all the freedom
Living Life your way .

In Big Bang the matter that started moving away from center developed
Their own nuclei to form the Solar systems and galaxies, sooner or later everyone of us
Develops our own nucleus and
Life Goes On Till ........
Another Big Bang

I

2003-09-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

My Inner Child & Gratitude To Life ....

My inner child is ten years old!

The adult world is pretty irrelevant to me. Whether
I'm off on my bicycle (or pony) exploring, lost
in a good book, or giggling with my best
friend, I live in a world apart, one full of
adventure and wonder and other stuff adults
don't understand.

How Old is Your Inner Child?
brought to you by Quizilla

This is True Picture of Me at this Point of Time .
Like My elders accuse me of Trying to Stop
the Sand grains Slipping from my fist .
When Actually I was a Kid
I was more Serious Kind Of Person ( So am I even now Out wardly).
But Now after being independent Self Supporting
I'm always on a attempt to relive the Childhood which I missed then
I mean with my Dads frequent postings Never Got that
Having Fast Friends Buddies Kind Of Environment
Then Like In core Period Of Childhood And Teens
and Early Youth Saw My Parents Struggle with Circumstances
Struggle to Provide us, They did Best Job on Basic necessities
and Education Front ,But the other Perks like the other kids
the Birthday Parties ,Outings, Vacations ,expensive Hobbies
Training in Sports was not in Picture
So Now I try to make Most And
Trying To catch up with All the Things Which I missed Then

But Hey I'm not complaining or cribbing ,Coz I'm sure
There have been many like me especially in Middle-Class Indian Families

Then I know some friends & Older Cousins & Other relation Who
have been thru same Grind, they too are trying to Relive their
Childhood albeit in Different way ... They are Spoiling Their Kids to core
By Giving them everything they can find in market
I guess the next generation will be of Kids Who will be so used to
Get everything on Platter that they won't realize the Blood Toil & Sweat
That went behind it ,They may take the Parents efforts for Granted
And maybe first Time They are rejected in life
God Forbid How They'll react .... I see in News Sometimes
Girl being Set To fire by Classmate kind of News on refusing him
Class topper committing Suicide on his/her first failure.
I think this is one of the Fallouts of the
Giving everything on Platter Phenomenon.

Bottom Line : Life's Been Good To Me That I Got many Things Bit Late
Had To struggle to get many things I know Their Value Now
I can appreciate and Savor Them Better J

I

2003-09-22T12:53:00.000-05:00

Affection

I

2003-09-19T16:28:00.000-05:00

Finally a Human Soul....

Ah Well thats what I felt after chatting with Nonie
I've been around three months in this place
And First time in my Life abroad that in a Place
That I didn't get a chance to interact with Locals
Not That I'm very Social Being, Someone who hits
All the Parties in the town.
I Rather Prefer Books & Music to Meeting People
And Socializing .

Nonie is Middle aged Lady who works evening 4-11
at the security Desk here ,She has good knack with
Phonetics ,I mean after coming to this place
my short and sweet name has faced so many variations
That I was really facing identity crisis in real sense J

But Nonie not only pronounced my name correctly but
spelt it right.
And One more thing Women are like Women Everywhere
Didn't forget to give me Mother like Advice about
Marr..... thing J

There was no occasion to Meet people at work, because
people who are supposed to interact with me city in different City
so Its just me/they calling each other .And absence of Collocation has
Its own disadvantage.
Around the Place I live the neighborhood is really not up to the mark
Only Reason I moved there because the Local Bus Service Showed
This Place on So many Bus Routes
Don't Know about the Routes ,But Never ever the Buses and Schedules
Were in Sync ( Well Those who feel sorry for Third World Nations).
So next Alternative for Me was to take Cab To Work
Ah Well Good Opportunity to Interact with living Soul
But wait What Do I see Rather then Friendly People
Helping Passengers here I see People Fed up with life kind of
Attitude ,who are ready to pick up argument with You No matter
However Polite You are
( Never ever Say Bad Thing about Mumbai Cabbie Now On)
To Add To It The Sinister Hip Hop Stuff is Forever & Ever Blaring
On Their Radios ( You Request them to lower the volume - they'll raise it)
I guess If I had Taken Few More rides with Them
I would have forgotten My Dylan & Knopfler & Clapton & B.B.King...
And Ended Up becoming a Gangsta Rapa ,whatever that means YO
And then When The Cab comes there is no guarantee That If You leave your place
at 7 am You'll reach work by 7:30am ( Though work is just 10 minutes Drive)
The Cabbie s/he will take more passengers as per company's instruction
and You might end up in office at leisurely 8:45 -9 am

Anyways this has been a valuable experience to me
And finally after three months in Place a Local Did show some
Interest & have Time to Talk with Me

PS: I'll share My Minneapolis experience in same light some other time

I

2003-09-18T09:18:00.000-05:00

Current Thoughts...

Two Nights later ,as he was getting ready to bed down,
the boy looked for the star they followed every night.
He Thought that Horizon was a bit lower than it had been,
because he seemed to see stars on the desert itself.
"It's the Oasis " said the camel Driver.
"Well then why don't we go there right now?" the boy asked
"because we have to sleep."

-
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho

I

2003-09-12T11:12:00.000-05:00

Down Memory Lane with Folsom prison Blues ….

Johnny Cash Passed away ….
I Didn't follow him much But This One Song has
Memories of Minneapolis & particularly Riverview Café
My friend & colleague Tom used to Do Vocals & Rhythm Guitar for this
One & Me on Lead, We used to go to Riverview Café of Thursdays &
Sign in for our Three Numbers Tom had fathomless repertoire of
Folk based Songs so it was Dylan, Nash, Dead and many numbers
I never heard of till then.

On the Guitar ,I was sometimes Good Sometimes Ok
& sometimes Pathetic
But the crowd there was appreciative, for them an Indian playing Guitar
Was first of all a novelty after our turn normally I had people coming up
& chatting with me once a Lady (who played Steel flute & harp)
After chatting with me next time brought her Son who was just back
From a North Indian Trip .they treated me so warmly He had even brought
Along with 3D Pictures of Gangotri,
He wanted to know whether it replicated
The Sources of Ganges How Good the Photo were,
All I could tell was I've hardly
Been out of Bombay for since 1980 .
Then Sometimes another Friend Steve Huffman
A.K.A " Chick Magnet " joined us.
Then it would be just Dylan Numbers from us coz
Steve & Me Die-Hard Dylan Fans Tom Was Out Numbered.

It was Fun & More importantly for a Person who was away from his
Home country for first time in Life Being able to mingle with local People
Able to move around (Well in US without having a car) was like an Amazing experience

I later visited worked stayed in Minneapolis on various occasions after that
& have been always at Home in Twin cities J

More about Minnesota Nostalgia Some Other Time

I

2003-09-11T10:58:00.000-05:00

Happenings...

Its Rained Right Thru Last Fri-Monday
When finally the Showed Up
Now the Temperatures Have dropped .
The Slight Tingly Chill in Air Pleases As I Ride To Work.
Kept Up Late Yesterday Night .Studies are Keeping me Busy
Too Busy to Do anything Else
This is One Place Where I have Not Ventured Out
Studies is main Reason ,The Gloom in Neighborhood
The Goofy Weather All Have Contributed
More Hurricane Prediction for Next Week
Very Soon The Winters Will Be Here
Call Me Crazy But I Still Miss My Minnesota Fall Season
And Snow filled Winters
During All my Visits To Minneapolis
Every Time I started back for India
My Friends & colleagues Who Drove me To Airport
Had To drive Thru Snow
One Strange Coincidence
Last Time was the wierdest
Defying Weather Predictions It Snowed
around Half a Inch Mid October When I Started J

I

2003-09-08T14:19:00.000-05:00

Ashawaadi ......

Today is 70^th Birthday Of

Her Achievements ,Struggle Success
Are all well known to everyone
I don't have to repeat them
Amongst the Two Sisters
There are Diehard Fans Of Lata
Who have Hurled brickbats on me for countless Times ,
But I still Have Stood my Ground
Lata to me reminds me Of Famous Quote
Of Sunil Gavaskar ( Another of My Idol)
"You Should Retire When People are
Still asking Why Are You Retiring rather
then Why aren't you retiring"
Lata Lost her Voice Maybe in Early 80's
Last Of her Number which still haunts me
Is "Aii Dil-e-Naadan" from Razia Sultan

But Asha Has Gone from Strength to Strength
She Has Sung All forms of Music
And Like John Mclaughlin Once Quoted
"I'm out here to play music ,so Am not scared
to play with anyone "
Asha To Has Sang from
Marathi Natyasangit (All Her fathers Semi-classicals)
Ghazals to light Numbers
Done Projects with Classical Maestros Like Ustad Ali Akbar Khan
Ghazal King Ghulaam Ali
To Leslie Lewis & Adnan Sami

And to Add the Main Difference
Between the Two
When Lata Sings
You can recognize Lata Sings
But when Asha Sings
You can Listen Voice Of
Madhubala,Waheeda,Helen,
Tanuja,Urmila,Kajol...
That is what is Playback singing

Happy Birthday Ashaji

Before I Leave One secret I'd like to reveal
She is One Of Dream Dates
Sincerely I've wished all my Life to spend
A Day in her company
Try to Learn from the Lady How She Became
What She is
Diva Of Music ,
Entertainer,Performer,And Above All
She has fought All Odds to acheive the Heights
When Most of us would have given up giving
Thousand excuses For Failure

I'm Ashawaadi
(Hopeful) That This Date will happen

I

2003-09-03T15:21:00.000-05:00

God knocked Twice On My Door
And I missed meeting him.
I'm talking of Blues Legend B.B.King
Last Year in March He was to perform
In Minneapolis Orchestra Hall
And me who Boasted that I Know
All the happenings in Minneapolis
Happen to know of this one the Day Before
Only to find out that concert was already sold Out L
Now come tomorrow He is
Performing at Familycenter Stadium in Charleston
Performing With Him is Jeff Beck
16 miles from My Place and I Know of this Today
And again I find out that concert is sold Out L
So God When are We going to Meet ?

Talking Of God I saw Someone
Who Delivers To God
Yep I Saw A mail man Yesterday
Who delivering Letters Mails to Church
What Letters People Send To God
Like I get in My Mail
Pizza Hut Coupons,Grocery coupons
Junk Advertisements

What does God Get in his mail
A brochure informing Free Trip to Hawaii for Couple,
Offer for credit-card without credit check,
Legal Advice for Divorce

Or Simply Prayers of the Laborer
who loads & Unloads Heavy crates
in the warehouse across the street ?
Thank You mail from Somebody Somewhere

I

2003-09-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

Apology To The One Who Didn't Drown......

When She Intended to end Her Life
She Ended Giving Birth to One.
The Child Born Not from Consent
But from Rape
Her Kins refused Her,River Refused Her
Where Does She Head ?
What Is Her Home ?
In The Land Of Bapu Who Said
"They cannot take our self-respect
unless we give it to them."
She Lost It Not By Her Choice
A Life Full Of Pain Is Tagged
Lakh Rupees Three
People They Say Are Always At
Cross-Roads
But Here She sees No Road Ahead
They Say the Between the Borders
Of The Countries Is
"No Mans Land"
Here For Her Is No Land To Go
Carrying A Wound on Her Forehead
Wound That Never Will Heal
Once Was Violated
And Now Forever Will Be
By the Merciless Society.....!

Shehnaz
We Owe an apology to You .Your Story is Now Known to the World Click
But What About many Like You who have Born The Brunt
Of Partitions & Civil Wars & Wars & RiotsAnd This Violations Knows No Border No Religion Or Race

Ever Since I've read this Article,I Feel So Hurt ,I've Had My shares Of Struggles
Hardships,Up & Downs in Life But There had Always been The Spec Of Light at end Of Tunnel.

One More Question That Comes to My mind ,In This Context, The Small Percentage Of Women
Who Globally Get Access To All Opportunites And Freedom to Choose The Life They Want To
Are They Sensitive towards Their Responsibility Towards Less fortunate Of Their Kind.

"That which we obtain too Easily we esteem too lightly;
it is dearness only that gives everything its value
Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods"

I

2003-08-28T16:02:00.000-05:00

Seven Habits ..Quotes.. And a Song..

My Managers were visiting me & My Clients ,Start of this Week
When I saw them off at the Airport Like always
Lingered a little bit in the Book Shop
And Bought

Reading Psychology,Management,Self Help
Category of Book Hasn't been My Forte
But this One has really Got Me Involved
For Example The Word Proactive
And the Kind Of Interpretation I Had
Was absolutely wrong,Thanks To Many Of the Bosses
the difference of being Reactive as experimented by Pavlov
Being Proactive,Example of Experiments Of Viktor Frankl
Really Interesting reading
Will Keep Posting from this Book
As I progress on this

As I End this Post
Here are Couple of Nice Quotes from this Books

"They cannot take our self-respect unless we give it to them."
-M. K. Gandhi

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
-Aristotle

But The Best I Liked was :-

"That which we obtain too Easily we esteem too lightly;
it is dearness only that gives everything its value
Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods"
-Thomas Paine

Kind Of Reminds me of Song From
Chhoti Si Baat

Na Jaane kyo Hota hai
Yeh Jindagi kay Saath
Achaanak Yeh Man
Kisii ke jaane ke baad,
Kare phir usakii yaad
Chhoti Chhoti si baat

I

2003-08-26T11:13:00.000-05:00

On Blasts ,Mumbai & Tête-à-Tête Mary Antoinette

Right Said Sid

Indeed its indifferent Chalta hai Attitude of Indians stands out in most issues.
Tragedy of Mumbai/Bombay can be describe by Shocking quote
I made some years back which shocked
the white collared Professors @ debate club
I said " Fate of Mumbai is worst than that of a Hooker
at least Hooker's customer pay for her services !!!"
But with Mumbai everyone is here to make money,
Fame, fortune but to give something to this city
That made us what we are last thing on anybody's mind...
Last of that creed was the Parsi community,
Alas not much of it is left too,
I still vividly remember
Naseer's Pirojshah Pithawala in Pestonji ,
when he stops few kids from sticking poster on wall/street sign
they jeer him ,poke fun of him,
poor fellow write mails to newspapers & municipal commissioner
But nobody gives Balls To him

When it comes to this city people who have lived lives here
Are still Biharis,UPites Kannadigas Keralites,Konkanis,Ghaatis(derogatory term used for Maharashtrians)
But never a Mumbaikar ...

That very much summarizes tragedy of this City L
No amount of Band-aids & aspirins given by politicians, media(newsmongers)
Spirit of Mumbai, Salaam Mumbai,is of use
Its all Eyewash to make people feel Better ( Guilt free)
the Solution Problems to Mumbai (& Even our country)
Lies in a Different Paradigm Altogether
Its to Stop for a Moment take a Stock of Situation(Truthful ..), getting Better Perspective
And Do what needs to be done,
Rather not what will look good if Done ...
A Rational Perspective and sustained Long Term Solution
Is the Need Of Time
But If Only some one cares

While I Comment On this
here is something I wrote over the weekend
Which is in Sync with Sentiments above

Tête-à-Tête Mary Antoinette

It's still a Big debate
Whether or not you said
"Let them eat cake"
But Your Highness
Indeed you were born
In Wrong Times
Had you been Born Today
You would have been
A Big Hit
As a Politician, Media Baron
As a Spiritual Guru, Corporate Honcho
All of who sell Fake Dreams
That Asks Lay Man to
"Think Big"
"Have Broader Perspective"

Blah Blah

Alas Mary Antoinette
My Sympathies Are With You
For Being in Born in Wrong Times
Got Guillotine Instead Of Glories

I

2003-08-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

On Blogxers,Revolutions And Reaching Higher Grounds ...

when I was around 9-10 yrs old Attenborough's Gandhi
And Govind Nihalani's Ardh Satya
were realeased around same year
My Uncles & Aunts ( Dads Cousins )were discussing
How Ardha Satya was Best Movie Of the Year ,Ardha Satya was close to reality etc etc
I was listening to their conversation & said No Gandhi is the Movie Of the year ...
They were right but So was I what do you say ?
Well Both Parties were Right it was just the Perspective of 9 year old
and 25+ People

I'm reminded of this Incident because of another incident
when a 19something Blogger adviced Fellow Blogger ( I guess 25+)
against alcohol
I Guess Its just a different perspective of how a thing can be viewed by 19yo and 25yo
anyways I was bit Lucky as 25yo people showed more restraint & appreciated my viewpoint
and we moved on to other things

Later When I saw Ardh Satya ,I really appreciated what my Uncles & Aunts Meant
But That was after couple of Years
Coming Back To Gandhi,Everytime I See this Movie
There are More & More Aspects I Learn about this
Movie ,the Personality Of Mahatma
But Well This is True for All my Favorite
Movies ,I visit Them Revisit them
And Every Time I Learn More
Less I know about before

I Don't understand the context
in which Nilesh Says We need 1857
In My Opinion Come What May 1857 was faliure,
After that Stir Our Nation goes Back to Slumber
Ayesha
Has hit right note coz Indians Indeed Have Chalta Hai Attitude
Our Struggle of Independence was In a Way Kind Of Sporadic
What we need is a Revolution But with a Difference
We need Sustained & rational way of Awakening people .
Public Memory is Short (Example Laloo Kal Ka Villian Aaj Ka Hero)
Sustained and Rational Awakening will have slow results
But They Will Be Long Lasting ,and Our Society & its Its Attitude
Will change And in real sense it will start Think as Society & Not as Individuals
And More Mature I Guess.

Anyways The Dope is Getting Heavy
So I take A break with this UB40
number

Every hour of every day I'm learning more
The more I learn, the less I know about before
The less I know, the more I want to look around
Digging deep for clues on higher ground

Moon and stars sit way up high
Earth and trees beneath them lie
The wind blows fragant lullaby
To cool the night for you and I

On the wind the birds fly free
Leviathan tames angry sea
The flower waits for honeybee
The sunrise wakes new life in me

The fishes swim while rivers run
Through fields to feast my eyes upon
Intoxicated drinking from
The loving cup of burning sun

In dreams I'll crave familiar taste
Of whispered rain on weary face
Of kisses sweet and warm embrace
Another time another place

And every hour of every day I'm learning more
The more I learn, the less I know about before
The less I know, the more I want to look around
Digging deep for clues on higher ground

2003-08-19T16:37:00.000-05:00

Universe Tremored..And A Cab Ride Down the Memeory lane

Indeed Universe Tremored Yesterday Evening
Rain Gods Turned up to shower their Gifts
for Couple Of Hours
( they have been consistent on this this Summer)
And Yours Truly Left the Bike at work
And took a Cab-Ride back to Apartment
This Place is Low lying thing A little rain
and there are flash floods
And As My Cabbie Drove me
Thru Ankle Deep Water on the Streets
He Swore at heavens Umpteen Times
Told me He was not going to Drive anymore
That evening ,How the Water is Bad for his Brakes
To Compound his agonies
On next couple of Stoplights
The StopLights were not working
And Then As I stopped at the Grocery
Store,the Checkout-Terminals had succumbed
So They couldn't serve the Shoppers

And This hour & Half worth of Rain
Tells a Great about the character
of the Place & People.

The so called Disaster Management Team
is found to be unprepared for here
as they are back in Our Country
But the Common Man's Attitude
Is where Indians are more resilient,
more Mentally Tough.
I still vividly Remember
12^thMarch 1993
I went to college That day
And after I learnt about the
Bombay Bomblasts
Next day I was back To College
Attending Lectures & Doing My Lab
Like It was just any other day
And It was not me Alone
93% Bombay Offices,Commercial Complexes
Were Working Like It was Just Another Day !!!!

I

2003-08-18T12:03:00.000-05:00

Rattling the Universe

When the blade of grass is Cut
The Universe Tremors
-Upanishad

If One takes this Literally
Come Every Monday Morning
As I Ride To Work
All Along the Way I can Smell Fresh Cut Grass
I See People Busy Cutting Grass & Traimming the Lawn
The Universe Must be Rattled by the Time they are Thru.
I've Been Around On & Off in USA But Had never realised
That Monday was officially day of week when every where around The Apartments
The Offices ,The Malls Are supposed to get the Lawn trimmed
or maybe its just here in Charleston
That Everyone Does this Lawn Maintenance
Anyways Good Way to start Week
with Lung full of Fresh Air
& smell of Nature with You
As You look forward towards a Fresh Week

To End this Note On A Brighter Note
I just got this Note
From a Friend And I Hum

Aaj Puraani Janjeero ko Tod Chukey Hai

I

2003-08-15T14:45:00.000-05:00

Celeblogs ......

Happened to Read some interesting Blogs Of Well Known People
Thought it would be good Idea to take a leaf from their Book

Sachin Tendulkar:

God Today I felt very Sad ,100 Crore People Of This Nation
For Whom I Face The Meanest Attacks of World
Can't Part with such small amount which comes to meagre 10 paise/head
People care for 10 paise More than me L

Have to Tell Narang No Chinese Food from Today at Tendulkar's
AJINOMOTO sounds like SUO MOTU from High Court
And Makes Me Lose my Appettite

Man!!! Why Does This Shane Keeps On calling me on phone
I Hope this does not starts some new issue
I need to block his number !!!

Also need to check with Jeh Wadia
How he manages to drive his Ferrai
On Mumbai Potholes filled Roads

Hmmm.....

George Fernandes(Defence Minister):

God I Felt very Sad Today ,India is fast Developing ( thanks to work of my GOVT)
But this population of 100 crore still cribs about 10 paise worth trivia matter of Sachin
25 Rs/head worth matter of Defence contracts.
Come Wednesday Again " Again the Opposition MP's will walk out when I stand in parliament"
Why doesn't some one file a PIL against them after all every day of our session is worth a crore

AtalJi must be asked to stop reciting his Kavita on all occassion
Very mention of Kavita L

I swear MIG-21 is safe
I swear MIG-21 is
I swear MIG-21
I SWEAR
zzzzzzz

Luca di Montezemolo (Ferrari Boss):

Whats happening with Ferrai God What Happening with us ,those were the days when we decided when should Schummi Win
God where is Schummi 's Midas Touch ,In fact he handed That Guy from India the Ferrari and The Guy is in Deep S***

The PRO should be fired "Ferrari is Prize To Sachin For Equalling Sir Don's Record"
Hope that Aussie Steve Something who has also broken that record doesn't claim his Ferrari
Man Why we get tangled with Small Slow Games followed in only 10-12 countries ..
zzzzzzz

Pramod Mahajan ( Telcom Minister):

Should ask Atalji to Make compulsory for all Indians to buy Reliance Cellphone
& That Shane should be Made Health Minister . If Indians Start to Do"It" the Phone Way Population growth will be put in check ( And will also do good to Reliance..)
Now I know why Australia Has less Population

Shane Warne:
God ,When Will the world realise the importance of " My Experiments with S**"
God who kids are those who stay with Me & Simone(Wife) ,They can't be mine ?
Simone Took me for a Therapy today,don't remember much of
what happened at therapy but the Therapist was kinda WOW
I even managed to smuggle her number from Simone's Purse
Should I give her a call ??????????????

I will not touch the phone
I will not touch the
I will not touch
I will not
I WILL
I
zzzzzzz

Kobe Brynt(NBA Star):
Man I need to call that Aussie Guy Man
If Only He can Tell me How He Remains
happy doing "It" on Phone I wish I could know Man

Laloo Prasad Yaadav:
Bhagwan Yeh Sachinwaa ko tanik bhi akal nahi hai naa
agar Humari advice letaa to hum Chaarey Kay Tarak mein daalkar Woh Faraari
Leh aate hiya To Kouno Is kaan ki us kaan Khabar na Lagti

Bhagwaan Woh Pakistan ki Tirip Bahut Mazhe ki Rahi
Sochta Hu yeh Bihar Sey Pakistan mein Paan Bechney ka ekthhu Bizness Dalaa Jaye
Kafi fayadey kaa Rahegaa.

Dennis Lillee (former Aussie Bowler):

This Idiot Shane
He Should be Called Shame

He has brought Shame to Aussie Spirit
He does it on the phone
What We Aussies Take Pride To
Do on the Field in Front of Stadium full of Crowd

Common Man:

God I'm Sorry I searched every where in my House
couldn't find 10 paise coin ,rather I don't remember when
Was the Last Time I had tendered 10 Paise Coin to anyone
But I would have paid my share
To get a look a Apanaa Sachin's Ferrari
Munna (my Son) Has started college this Year
He wants to Have a Bike
He is Good in Studies
If He scores Good in HSC
How am I going to put up money
for his Medical/Engineering Admission ??
Well that is is Still two Year Down the Line
God Let me not miss my 8:28 Badaa Fast ( Local Train)
Don't want another Late Mark this Month.
zzzzzzz

I

2003-08-14T10:57:00.000-05:00

So Far Away

Here I am again in this mean old town
And you're so far away from me
And where are you when the sun goes down
You're so far away from me
So far away from me
So far I just can't see
So far away from me
You're so far away from me
I'm tired of being in love and being all alone
When you're so far away from me
I'm tired of making out on the telephone
And you're so far away from me
So far away from me
So far I just can't see
So far away from me
You're so far away from me
I get so tired when I have to explain
When you're so far away from me
See you been in the sun and I've been in the rain
And you're so far away from me
So far away from me
So far I just can't see
So far away from me
You're so far away from me

Well This Dire Straits Number today summarizes my feelings
Of being all alone in this Small Foreign City,
With All those whom I love I care for are in Different part of the Globe
In Different Time-Zone (& Maybe Emotional Zones As Well)

I miss you all....
Not that Heart on Sleeve kind of Sentimental Person
But miss My Land as well

Not Only just because it's Eve of I-day

But All the same some time the occasions Do Matter Don't They ?

So Everyone who reads this Have great 15^th August !!!
& at end of day there will be lots of flags lying on street corners tattered & Torn
Please give them there Due respects ,

Pick Them Up !!!
Do Not Just Let People Trample Them

I

2003-08-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

Blog-Effects,On Warnes & Bryants & One for Road...!

Blog and its creative Bug is bitten me
and the venom of thinking in creative zone is
spreading in my System at alarming Rate

Its reflected today in one of the technical forum
which I subscribe ,there was a query very vague
put by someone & some more smart fellow answered
it explaining how he does it using a particular tool ( Third Party)

My response to Guy who answered Query was :

Working on Mainframe Application is like moving into an Apartment
When You move into one You need to buy ur Microwaves & Washing M/C
separately & can't just assume that
they will be installed by default in your apartment

To the other fellow who had posed that vague query my response
XYZ If you go to doctore with bite marks on your forearm
He can't treat you unless you specifically mention
If thats a Dog/Cat/Rat/Ant Bite

Well I restrained from writing Love Bite ;)
The second Simpleton replied that I sound like a Poet
he he he

Talking of Love bites
If Vatsyayana decides to upgrade his KS
for latest chapters like Phone-sex,SMS-Sex
Mr Shane Warne would be a good Candidate Writer

Anyways I needn't pass any Judgement against anyone
But Warne is building up reputation as Mr Bill Clinton of Cricket :))

But as I said We needn't pass judgement ,because
Our view is like the Vatsyayana Depicted by Girish Karnad-Shashi Kapoorin UTSAV
In The Hilarious Scene with Anu Kapoor in The Balcony Hanging by the Drapes
So its Anu Kapoor Who knows what was happening with him,when
Vatsyayana(Amjad Khan) was giving Elaborate descriptions Of Amazing Aasana
He was Viewing First Time In His Life :))

So I guess Lets leave the Warnes & Bryants & Salmans To sort out their Life

Coz we are only going to chew the gum till it looses the taste or we find new Gum to chew..

One For The Road

I've two options
To put myself to Sleep
One is to consume
That Intoxicating Stuff in the Bottle
Other is the Drown
Into Your Intoxicating Voice
And So I Selected the Healthier Option

I

2003-08-12T11:51:00.000-05:00

What is my contribution ?

This may sure tickle the funny bone ,
But really Calvin makes some statements
Which Keep coming back to you
What has been my contribution to life ?
What the purpose of me being in this World ?
Do I have a Responsibility Towards Life ?

Oh Well ....

In search of a true friend
Read This Article Yesterday
Author Tests People He is confident
Of Being His True Friends
By Asking Them To Sign a Blank Paper for Him
Nobody Including His Wife Did That
Without Asking Why
This Leads Me to ask myself Another Question
Is there really a Factor called Trust
Left in Human Relations
Or Is Everything in this world
A Contract Signed
For Mutual convenience?
Is there anyone who simply
Trusts You for what You are
for whom Nothing Else Matters
Or Am I just Chasing an Utopian Dream ?

The Tree & A Leaf

As It dropped dead From the Tree
That Nourished It
The Leaf thought It Was All Over
Little Did It Realise
Now Its, Its Turn
To Disintegrate,Decompose
And Nurture Its Nurturer

I

2003-08-11T12:40:00.000-05:00

Tryst with Sambhar

This weekend was fixing Things Weekend
The Shower Head in My Shower, Damn this Apartment Management ,I've been calling them for this ever since I moved Then Also the Roaches I see around occasionally
So Yesterday Got myself a Shower head with complete All the Massage Mode
Replaced the Old Junk that was there (got to remember to replace with that junk when I move Out ….) Then Spread Baits in Kitchen and Bathroom & some in closets, Die Cockroach Die.

Cleaned my Room again (it's a big pain to have Carpet in Living room ,linoleum flooring in Kitchen & wooden flooring in Bedroom , all those Carpet fibers Travel to the Bedroom.
Older all carpet apartments were so convenient Anyways

After Nearly carrying the book Simple Chess for so many years I opened it on Saturday and played a couple of games ,Man what I person I can be way back when I was studying ,I forced my folks took a BCL membership used to travel all the way from Thane to Town to get my Books & what books Not study ,But mostly chess Books & did I study them at least well no ,just made copies of them for future use when I have more free time … Ha free time well been running around places with hoards of books (will read when I get free Time ).Of these lot some books are More lucky "His Highness " Reads them more than once & some are never but still they are regular travelers ( do they sound like cricketers who would want to be in Indian team so what as 12th Man - Lakh rupees assured so what If Not in final eleven ) .,then there is third category of books I feel bad for those I've habit of multiple reading so when I read two ( or maybe three) books simultaneously one of the books is half read and then neglected & every time I pickup the book next time that I've already read some of it ,it doesn't pick up the pace & is never completed
Oh Well….

So much for the books & now Tryst with Sambhar:-
I prepared Sambhar this weekend (not that I made Sambhar 1st Time - but previously it was always Daal+ vegetable +cooker +tadaka= Sambhar formula)
But this was more patient approach like cooking vegetables separately ,Daal separately then The Tadaka Then cook the vegetable then the Tamarind Juice goes ( To help separate those sticky Okras - I mean the Ladies Finger ) Then cooked Daal ( lentil seeds)
Finally the Masala …

It was a real relaxing experience to cook unhurried ,the un hurried part is stressed upon Like in this lifestyle we don't have Time ,Time to enjoy a well cooked meal (even if it is cooked by some one else - just Gulp gulp & Run).
After all these elaborate details if someone is interested to know the taste
Remember Zen "It's the Process that counts it says" but FYI "the taste was also Awesome" with spice and Tanginess of a Well Made Sambhar

PS: Answer to Anu's Musing

Khushnaseeb woh hai jinkaa saayaa
viraney mein unkey Saath Hotaa hai
Yahaa to yeh haal hai kay
Tapti hu Dhup mein jab humney mood key dekhaa
To apney saaye ko door ek Bargad taley
Chhav mein Aaram kartey Payaa

I

2003-08-08T13:09:00.000-05:00

Listening To The Voice Within

You need not apologize for being you.
To discover who you are and to become more and more you
is your purpose in life.
Do not trouble yourself about being misunderstood.
It is bound to happen
This too is part the path.
Being 100% authentic & true to your vision
will undoubtedly offend some.
Its a price you pay,but its a small
proce for what you Gain.

In fact ,if you are pleasing everyone all the time,
you're probably not being true to yourself.
While You should not go out of your way to offend
or displease people,in some ways you can use this
as a Barometer.
If absolutely no one is upset or displeased with your choices in life
I would consider that a Bad sign

The Practice Of Happiness ^©
Author John Kehoe

I

2003-08-07T16:20:00.000-05:00

Ek Chaadar Purani Si
An Ode to Old Quilt (Eng: coverlet, Bedspread, Quilt)

You are with me Since Times
When You were Big & I was Small
Now I have, Outgrown You
But come winter, come Summer
Rain Or Sunshine, Home Or Away
In Achievements & Failures
In Rejections & Applauds
My Tired Body and Tired Soul
Is Sure To find Shelter From All Storms
Thats in Your Warm Embrace.
You have been
My Comfort, My Strength, My Hope
Giving Me Dreams Of a Better Tomorrow
Sole Spectator Of My Tears
When the Chips are Down
Being Quiet Observer
When I Gloat in Glory & Success
Never Demanded Attention Or Time
You have been my Trusted Friend
In Coldest & Loneliest Nights

Of Late I'm seeing You Wither & Wear
Glory Of Youth has Long Left You.
Riches Now I have A Plenty
To Buy A Physically Beautiful Companion
To Share My Beautiful Pleasure filled Dreams

But The Comfort, The Solace
The Security, I Find
As I curl like a Fetus
In Your Aging Womb
Will I find It Anywhere .......

This I wrote at 2 am in Morning
All thru yesterday Evening One word kept tickling my
Mind what will be Apt English Equivalent for a Chaadar which I use
To tuck myself in when I sleep ... More than anyone else I need to express
My feelings toward this Quiet Companion of Mine

I

PS: Finally Today I uploaded digital rendition of my self portrait ....

2003-08-06T16:05:00.000-05:00

A program is a device used to convert data into error messages.

This was the funniest thing In the day to record
Note send my Kuldeep had this signature ...
This Guy must have stuck his eyes on bumper stickers JJ

Thats all for today
I

2003-08-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

Beetle Tales

Reading Anusha's Blog My green beetle....
on Beetle Volkwagen

Here are my Tales of That
Itsy Bitsy Tiny Winy Car

1st memory(Photographic)
Back in India saw an Intl photographers work
in Nehru Centre,Smooth Curves Of Rear of Black Beetle
with uncovered Rear of Beautiful Belle reclining On it

Good Reason for a Teenager to fall in
love@firstsight.mate JJJ

1st Trip to US
Mr Shutterbug ( I mean Me) with Brand New SLR Camera clicking
every possible Beetle Volkwagen I could see around..

Of Course Beetle MINUS Reclining Beautiful Belle LLL

1st Trip to Niagara
My Friend,Daphne Tells me
about game "Punch Bug No Punch Back"

Which means if you see a passing Beetle Car
You can punch your buddy around s/he can't retaliate
coz ur just Punching the Bug JJJ

That not many Indian friends don't know of this game my scoreline
is enviable , Oh well @least in One Game ....

I

2003-08-05T07:32:00.000-05:00

VISION-2020 INDIA

Somedays back I'd written about the shrinking world
and People drifting away from each other
Talking of the first part I'm paired against a visually impaired
person in my Email Chess match
His Name is Vincent & He uses speech software which reads out his mail
and in turn edits mail for him.

The Western society is very individualistic
& so ways & means have been deviced that
every one become Independent.
The special motorised wheelchairs.
Handicap Access,
the way the corners of sidewalk(footpath) are sloped
So as to enable a person on wheelchair to negotiate from road
to sidewalk ,restrooms ....
Living life itself is a Challenge
& If someone is physically challenged
There are more difficulties in small small things
But creating facilities like these & giving access to them
is small way of lending helping hand .

President Kalam some days back gave
2020 VISION for India.
Do People with special needs feature in
Mr Kalam's
India VISION-2020 ??

2003-08-04T12:55:00.000-05:00

Weekend that was ....

'After silence, that which comes nearest
to expressing the inexpressible is music'
Thats the way I felt After I got my Guitar fixed
( Airline people handled it rougly,the bass/treble switch need to be replaced)
This City is so small ( backward) that there are no major chains like
Guitar Center
Samash Music

So had to go thru yellow pages search For Guitar Clinic
& the visit to Guitar clinic made Me feel good
Finally There are some people around here
Who play Rock & Listen to Rock
(All I'd been forced to listen in My Cab rides is Hip-Hop ! Yuck!!!)
Fresh Set of String And Meeting some Musical People
brought much Needed Fresh Air in Life JJJJJ

Another Of My Dreams

Me & My parents are about to fly
Just As we are getting ready to fly
I see on Horizon A Red & White Concord Take Off
& Immediately After Take Off it Nose dives
Which means Now We can't fly immediately
So we head towards our rooms
As we are heading back we Have along with us
Someone who looks like a Flight Captain
Somehow after looking at a crash too he
is quite undisturbed & relaxed
surprising there is no tension of whatso ever kind
in our hearts as well ?!
As we go to our rooms
( this is one wierd part ... these are not typical hotel rooms etc
rather they have a school classroom kind of look - Last I remember entering
this type of Building when I went for voting back in India)
No as I'm opening the door of my room ,I have this strange desire
to peek at occupant of my opposite room ,from semi-open door
All I had seen was pair of legs in stockings CUT
CUT TWO next scene
We are at an ampitheatre ,a small crowd around us as I get seated
on those concrete step like seat .
The Performer is caucasian looking(not sure about race though) lady
Performing Indian classical dance .As she is performing,Spectator behind me,
My Maternal Uncle ( How he is there I don't know... last I remember of seeing him
in Real life is Some years back about 6 maybe . last I thought of him
though was yesterday when I was meditating - I thought of Him & my Moms Sister?!!)
So he comments about some physical deformity of the Dancer ( About here right leg)
Just when she is doing a step.
And as he says that I turn around so as to say "still she is doing dance !!!" kind of thing
when the ringing alarm wakes me ....!!!!

2003-08-01T09:03:00.001-05:00

Congrats to Me ......

I got the much awaited & deserved Promotion
Working for a Software firm
with Offshore Centric Business Model
Consultant Like Me ,who Lives in & Out of Bags
& mostly overseas ,all the Good Work done with Client Goes un-noticed
By the Offshore Bosses
Who have impression "He is Doing Good ,Always Flying"
So More Fortunate Child ( Sorry Mr Murthy I borrowed Your Phrase)
is Neglected ,& Those working more from Offshore grow

Anyways This did require Lot Of Blood, Sweat & Hard Fight ( At least from My Side...)
couldn't reach my parents who are out of station,with cell phone thats in Roaming Mode but always out of range "0-RANGE"
1st person I Shared this news was An ... man her job is hectic!!! why doesn't she does something that does justice to her Talent & Qualifications ( Oh well I've talked on this before..)

PS:- Happy friendship Day .....

2003-07-31T12:41:00.000-05:00

The Balance

In this World
There are People Whom we Care For
And People who care for us
Then There are People Whom we don't care for
And There are People who don't care for us
One Pointer to quality of Life One leads
Is How much Balance One Has
Of the Four kinds in His/Her Life

Shrinking World
In the age of Internet messengers and emails
In the age of SMS's and Cellphones
All I'm Able to reach is non-stop Rings
Thats Your Landline
And a Voice message
In the sweetest voice
I ever heard
World is shrinking they say
in age of communication revolution
Mine is shrinking to
But in Anonymity & Reclusion

Another Assignment for Freud & Jung

In this dream Everybody is Applauding & Acclaiming my feat ( what I don't know)
And Me ,I'm Busy buying worms( Fish Food) for my Fishes
Then I Pedal all the way upto my Home (?)
But this One I haven't been or stayed in my Real Life
This is like those Government Colonies ,
Enterance to it is Security checkpoint kind (At a Higher Level then the Actual Colony)
Instinctively I pedal my way across to backyard of Home ( There were two objects which I couldn't recollect later
-which indicated that this is my Place) I park my Bike in a Funny Manner
I secure it between two high branches (Of what looks like Guava Tree- From its Bark)
No I start clearing the Old Worms kept in the dish add the fresh one (which I bought) to them
I add fresh water ,clean them .& while I'm in thijs my Dad is all along instructing me (In real life he never showed
any interest in My Aquarium Hooby - It was my Mom & Me Always )
Then My Younger Sis & Stranger come to the scene & are hovering around when I ask them to clear the place
& don't mess around while I'm Busy with my work

End Of the Dream

Mr Freud - Have a Say !!!!

2003-07-31T08:23:00.000-05:00

On Religion ...Way of Life ...

That you are conscious of it and delve within to find newer meaning
your meaning means religion. its just finding a time out of the the
rat race we are in ( you can't shun it ,& u shudn't )
keep out of the maze of ism's & mism's what was given to world by this prophet ,
that saint ,that sage ,what they gave is just samplers ,taste them ,
the scriptures are like recipies ,refer them(if you want too ) but don't blindly ape them ,
your thought process is what is important .. not only in Trust( I abstain it from calling Faith ).
When Harilal(son of Mahatma Gandhi) in his last days came back to ashram,
he was suffering from VD his indulgences in Alchol etc had taken his Toll ...
Mahatma Rebuked him(like he always did ..)told him why ,why did you leave Ashram ,why you plummeled down ....
Harilal Said "Bapu ,what you did was Your experiment of Truth ,What I did was mine ...
Only After doing All that I realised maybe that way was wrong,But Important is I realised my Path
My Way & not Blindly following Your Path Your way " He died Shortly"

2003-07-30T08:04:00.000-05:00

Strange Dream

Asha Pitches me into Guitar Performance
for a function that she's organizing
Then she asks another Guy ( Don't remember his face ..)
If his father (renowned Classical instrumentalist..) would agree
to play with me ( Jugal bandi)
I' m kinda pleading Asha I'm part timer noodle around with my Gat for an hour here
hour there mood depending ...
why is she pitting me against a Pro ??
While this talk is underway An who is around is saying all the time
"arey Woh Seth Hai,Arey woh Seth hai (reference to other Bloke,his Dad ...)"
( Seth= Rich )
Then there is my friend (don't recollect his face ) also has Ana like expressions ...
& I awake from my Dream

Mr freud ,Mr Jung are You Listening ?

Goofy is No more
Comedian Johny Walker is no more
Whenever I think of him ,Walt Disney Character
Goofy used to Pop-up in my mind
Don't know why but it was maybe the same mannerism ( twisting neck ,dangly legs...squeky kind of voice)
whatever.

Shelley Tells me

The flower that smiles today Tomorrow dies
All that we wish to stay Tempts and then flies.

Oh Well!!!

2003-07-29T14:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday To Me ......!!!!
When Guru calls me & wishes himself Birthday
I'm like always amazed by his positive attitude
Its different to read Postive thinking ,Self help
and different to actually Live one

Wrting this I remember my 1st blog post my Birthday
a short story ,tale of gloom (it eneded on +ve note though....)

Coming back to Guru.one of few people whose view point to life
has amazed me .....
Last time when we met Guru asked me "What makes us Buddies"
& I had said "can't point to one particular thing ,like why is sugar sweet ,coz its sweet ,why is salt salty coz it is "
But Being Positive & Perspective towards life I guess these are two things I say stand out

If I was in Minneapolis "Guru ... we'd have met & raised toast to You" & Maybe had a Night long Guitar Jugalbandi J"

But here's one from Charleston

"Happy Birthday To You Guru! Toast To Your Good Health!! & To Your Attitude !!!"

2003-07-29T08:05:00.000-05:00

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-- Jelaluddin Rumi

2003-07-28T15:24:00.000-05:00

Hockey Days are Here Again With Dhanraj ???

Whats happening to Indian Sports team these Days ?
Our Players have suddenly started to do well
in International events
Feels Good to browse the sports sections
With Hockey Team Winning
Chess Players winning
Archers Winning
Volley ball team Winning
Football Team Winning

& feels better When the Sport is Not Cricket

Its Time We as Indians Stop giving Secondary Treatments
To Other Indian Sports.

How Good It felt to Tell my Cricket Fan Dad
" Hockey Days are here again ... with Dhanraj"
Does Anybody remember The Old Thums Up Jingle ( Oh well !!!It Featured Cricketers ..who else ...)

& Like always He cautioned me " Your Team always is in Winning Form Before the
in Appetizer rounds & Then They Fizzle Out in main course Events"

Well If Millions Of Indian Pray for The Cricketers & Their Exploits
My Best Wishes & Prayers are for These Unsung Unheralded Heroes
Hope they Bring Glory to Themselves . & make me feel Proud Of my Undying Trust in Them

2003-07-28T08:37:00.000-05:00

Weekend

C Arranging my Stuff, well… Done most of the things now J

C Finally started studying JJ,should make most of this Vanwaas ( Opportunity) to work on my studies ,all these change of Projects ,Relocations are good excuses to tell to People but then I know ,I need to set my mind on studies now …

C Revisited for one more time my Favorite Dil Chahta hai ,It is one kind of movie that I'd like to make ,if some one sees it Well & Good If Not Well I said What I wanted to say ….

C Then Autumn in NY ,Not much to say about this movie but Every time I see this Movie its for Winona Ryder ,her Boyish charm they Checkmate me ,though there is not much scope in this one she definitely is a brilliant actress ,yes I said actress & not heroine( to be read as another Prop on the set …..)

C Weekend Ended …. Feels Good accomplished some tasks which were long overdue JJJJ

C & I drifted into realms of sleep with my Favorite crooner Frank Sinatra Singing in his Haunting voice
Lets Fall in Love
We might have been meant for each other
To be or not to be, let our hearts discover
I have a feelin', it's a feelin' I'm concealin', I don't know why
It's just a mental, incidental, sentimental, alibi
But I adore you, so strong for you
Why go on stallin', I'm fallin', love is callin', why be shy?

Let's fall in love
Why shouldn't we fall in love?
Our hearts are made of it
Let's take a chance, why be afraid of it?

Let's close our eyes
And make our own paradise
Little we know of it
Still we can try to make a go of it

Now, we might have been meant for each other
To be or not to be, let our hearts discover

Let's fall in love
Why shouldn't we fall in love?
Now is the time for it, while we are young
Let's fall in love

Let's fall in love
Let's fall in love

2003-07-24T16:15:00.000-05:00

Day Drags On ...

It rains and Rains and Rains

Reminds Me Of Rains In Mumbai,
The Flash Floods those walks in knee Deep Water
Those Request to Mom To make Pakodas
Reading Sherlock Holmes Watching the Rain

Rimzhim Kay Taraane Liye...

Woh Kaagaz ki Kasti ,
Woh Baarish Ka Paani...

Man I'm getting Nostalgic
Homesick

One Or both ?

Sitting in Office nothing much to Do

Times have changed and times are strange
Here I come, but I ain't the same
Mama, I'm coming home

Humor in Office:

In the Mens Room
Some one Left a Clutch pencil
On the Urinal

Wise Men say

You gotto concentrate on Job in Hand

Thats what some one was doing I guess (literally ...) JJJJJ

should have brought my camera ,to take that funny pic JJJJJ

2003-07-23T13:03:00.000-05:00

"Here is a test to find whether your mission
on earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't."

Moved to this City almost Into My 4th Week here
Some days in Motel then into Apartment
But Some How I feel so very unsettled in this Place ..wonder why ?
As I unpack my Stuff ...
Illusions
Props its Head up from all those books which are always with
Me in All my Travels

I don't know How Many Times I've read this one
But Of all Books by Richard Bach

This is my all time favorites ,For all People Who have read Bach's Work
Almost everyone swears by Johnathan Livingstone (I too read it
Now its in my Cupboard back Home)
The 1st one I read Of Bach was Illusions
And I was so much Zapped that I read All his works I good Lay hands On
Like Always Yesterday too Was not different
One page Then Another & Another
next I know was it was past midnight
Had To keep late again to catch up with
My certification Studies L

But Then Time spent with the book you like
Is like being together with a very Close Friend
Somebody who makes you forget your Worries
Your Worldly Obligations .....
I'm so lucky to have good friends
in Both the "Book-World & Real"

2003-07-22T12:42:00.000-05:00

Biking to Work

Well If I tell You I'm currently based in USofA And That I'm Not A Student
but a Techie Guy ... This You may say is not exactly the American Dream One Dreams Of
But The Thing is That For My current Assignment I'm staying very very close from My Work place
, About 2 miles( pervious Best Was in Florida where I stayed a Street acoss my Office ) Then the Weather Is Sunny ,So I said this is Worth a Try
& So Here I'm Pedalling To Work ,takes about 12 odd minutes ,give or take
Perks:- End of Ride Nice Lung Full Of Fresh Air & feeling Of being Healthy :)
That reminds me Of Pedalling around in My City Of Thane Some Years back as a student In My Teens
Then It Had Its Ups & Down
Ups : I could Leisurely Move around Not Missing any Ms ;)
Down : Those Ms Needed More Speed Gave me no heed ,were Looking to find some one Who had "Fill It Shut It Forget it " I Mean a MotorCycle

All the same I wish taking Heed from Me More People Become Health Conscious & Start Pedalling to Work
(WishFul Thinking ......) Never seen any one doing that even when this nation Has Bike to Work Day(May 13th)

But Its kind of cool experience I Reach Office Chain my Bike , Yes They Call it Bike !!!
Then remove the Cycle Seat,this is cool feature take Your Seat with you ..I remember back in India whenever Bike Seat Needed to be raised Or
Lowered Had to go to The The Cycle-wallah (cum Stove repair wallah cum ) And Then He use to do the Honor ,occaisionally free Of charge .

Passing Thought : Tour De France is in Action !!! This is my small way to show my camraderie

© Random Thoughts.

2003-07-21T14:59:00.000-05:00

Borrowed from Vikram Seth & Nancy Bridgett

All you who sleep tonight
All you who sleep tonight
Far from the ones you love,
No hand to left or right
And emptiness above -

Know that you aren't alone
The whole world shares your tears,
Some for two nights or one,
And some for all their years.

-- Vikram Seth

Tired
I’m sleepy and I’m tired
I’m tired of another day gone by
With me watching the clock,

I’m tired of living like this
Never quite knowing where
I’m headed next

I’m tired of giving my best
And seeing it come to naught
I’m tired of hoping and dreaming
For it only stays in my head

I’m tired, Oh Lord, just so tired
Take me home

-Nancy Bridget

2003-07-21T14:25:00.000-05:00

Making friends can be Easy
Well If This Sounds like a Self Help Intro Line, It did prove True for a Non- believer like Yours Truly, So who knows ….

Just Moved to this new Place ( Diary Of an IT Consultant) ,Not Typical of all those high Rise Buildings ,Big Teams Like I was used work before ,rather this is just a small place ,me only consultant from my company
Not knowing anybody around , People not much to be seen ( Thanks for World of Mergers & Takeovers – may also be read as Lay offs & Relocations)
So here I am :do not know any one See very serious looking people around me, turning in at 8:00 pushing off at 4:00 .Not more than a routine Pleasantries Hi ,Hello …

So all I do is wait patiently till my logistics are all set ( PC, network ,mail-id blah blah blah ) & yes it takes time here to Like in our Indian Offices :-) .

So Like my usual practice take a Print out of my favorite comic strip(Calvin & Hobbes) whenever I like it, never saw any one do that in this place in previous place Dilbert ,BC were quite popular …
Anyways the My Cube is Aisle cube so every body passes ,next morning this Bike Bulky Guy Mike , Who replaces Printer Papers ,puts in faxes etc in trays Passes my cube ,& the Quietness Of the office is Replaced by his roaring Laughter

Then he related to me How He & His Girl Friend have collected the digest, lamented how The series is discontinued ,how it must be revived , and Here it was a Place Where I was not knowing any one I now know one person, who since that day stops by every morning to check If I‘ve updated the posting .
Then there is one more Sherry Who saw the Post on my cube & left a note for me how she liked it …

Well … Life is Beautiful :-)
© Random Thoughts

2003-07-21T12:23:00.000-05:00

The clicking of Keyboards was all the music that played around him.People with different accent speaking of some business jargons .One & all of them made no sense to him ,15 days old in this place ,He is still asking himself "why the hell I’m here should have been back home a month back ,with two souls who care for me".

Well this thoughts wouldn’t have been accentuated if not it was his Birthday .Birthday is just growing by another year in terms of biology ,scientific terms may claim its aging the cells the bones blah blah blah becoming more weaker blah blah blah
& this is something even he would tell to anybody who had discussed it with him.But being in strange land ,there was some how a big void in his heart, more than anything he wanted to be back with his Parents ,the two souls in this world who cared.
Few emails from some colleagues were all but a formality he thought ,that special one which he dreamt of the night before was not in his mail box .in the age of emails, greetings telecomm the world they say is coming closer, but every passing day the life is becoming an Island .like the galaxies moving apart from each other peoples so fast are moving away from each other ,every body has their work their life ,career dreams no time to pause for a moment for people who care about them .A couplet from school days bounced up from subconscious “No time to stand beneath the boughs .And stare as long as sheep or cows”

Alas I guess that’s past History ,he said .It back to clicking of keyboard, programs specifications, testing …Putting up artificial smiles & Big “Hi” to strangers while running around from one meeting to Other in the aisles, in the elevators.

Why am I here, What is purpose behind all this ,he keeps asking himself as the day drags on & On .Finally the ordeal is over as he get down the elevator there is no soul in this high rise to wear his smiles on but for the janitor & security Guard who dutifully wish him “Good Night” in their Southern accents.

You can run away from office but not from yourself .as the question still buzzed him.what did I gain & what did I lose ,Why I am here ,The Eternal “WHOAMI” keeps on buzzing ,never more than ever the Thought to renounce everything ,he meant not just the material things the Life .wouldn’t matter much to these fast moving galaxies called people if one of them was no more

With these thought as he is passing through the rundown neighborhood filled with filth ,where he can see around him the uglier face of life which was uglier than many of uglier neighborhood in the city he came from .

No traffic around to rush him (Some respite..) all of sudden his attention is caught by basketball court where game is in progress. Players were from the neighborhood ,with no Nike & Rebok to endorse them ,No Cheerleaders No Audience ,But none of them cared .they were too involved to care ,he parked and stood by the court the sole spectator watching the game of life. No NBA Rolls awaited them but they were giving their best ,blocking, rebounding shooting the Hoop .maybe after a days hardship that was the only way those souls could entertain themselves before they could take shelter in Darkness of Night . The evening started to embrace the night & the players stopped not because they wanted to but there was no lights for them to play . They cheered each other gave High Fives & cheered their Sole Spectator as they left

He started for his place ! “Well its been Quite sometime I haven’t touched my Guitar
Got to Put on some Strings On my baby” He said as he started the Car

© Random Thoughts