It's been a long time since I posted anything here. I would have thought that the viewership to my blog would have petered down, but no, there are people still coming here, albeit by accident, but coming here all the same Welcome to one and all.
A lot has happened since I last posted. For one thing, i got a job at a call centre making me one of the coolies. But frankly, so far, it hasnt been too bad. Also, I have been in training till now and havent really worked, so there might be a correlation there.
There has been general greying of the BPO industry, in my opinion. It is not an industry filled with college going students anymore. The average age here is 29 years, way more than the age of your average college kid. People here now have around four years of call center experience. A far cry from th time when one year exp was more than enough!! There are also mid career people and also people from other fields, yours truly included. So far,I have met three people from the pharma industry, one teacher, one person from the press...and thats just a few of the people I know!!
Other than that, nothing new has happened. Been away from teh news for a long time now, cant be bothered, actually. Not watching too many movies either..........Whats happening here????!!!!????!!!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Movie Review - The Inside Man...
First off, I did not know that it was a Spike Lee film till the credits started rolling and it said, 'A Spike Lee Joint'. So this was to be my second Spike Lee film after Girl 6, which completely wooshed me. So I wasn't really looking forwards to it then onwards.
The movie is about the perfect crime. It begins with four people taking hostages in a bank. But what appears to be a routine (???) crime, is really something else altogether. You see, the thieves are not after the money, r so it seems. They don't break open any of the locks, nor touch any money in the bank. It seems they are after something more valueable. but what could it be.....
And while all this unfolds, there is a polica officer outside the bank, trying to convince the bank robbers to give themselves up and also trying to read their minds as to what their next move will be. Over the next 129 minutes is a battle of wits between the cop and the robbers.
The movies is quite gripping, and builds up a nice tension about what the thieves could possibly be after. But alas, all this is shattered by the ending, when the reasons and the thing they are after are revealed. From being smart crooks, the theives turn out to be pretty ok guys, having justified their robbing. Noble thieves, if you please. It just felt that like in the end, everything must be alright. And I found the whole premise that the thieves were able to hold an entire bank hostage using fake guns, and without killing anyone. Just doesn't compute. The climax is a let down, but all the parts leading up to it are quite interesting. All in all, an ok movie.
The movie is about the perfect crime. It begins with four people taking hostages in a bank. But what appears to be a routine (???) crime, is really something else altogether. You see, the thieves are not after the money, r so it seems. They don't break open any of the locks, nor touch any money in the bank. It seems they are after something more valueable. but what could it be.....
And while all this unfolds, there is a polica officer outside the bank, trying to convince the bank robbers to give themselves up and also trying to read their minds as to what their next move will be. Over the next 129 minutes is a battle of wits between the cop and the robbers.
The movies is quite gripping, and builds up a nice tension about what the thieves could possibly be after. But alas, all this is shattered by the ending, when the reasons and the thing they are after are revealed. From being smart crooks, the theives turn out to be pretty ok guys, having justified their robbing. Noble thieves, if you please. It just felt that like in the end, everything must be alright. And I found the whole premise that the thieves were able to hold an entire bank hostage using fake guns, and without killing anyone. Just doesn't compute. The climax is a let down, but all the parts leading up to it are quite interesting. All in all, an ok movie.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Movie Review - Fanaa...
First things first, Amir looks very old in this film, and Kajol looks very fresh. Also, Amir can't do a convincing loverboy act anymore. To repeat, he looks really old. That said, on with the review.
This being a Yash Raj production, it is bound to push the right buttons to entertain. Ergo, the girls are vivacious, the guys are smart talkers, fathers are yuor buddies, and mothers are aa girl's best friend. Just like in a Sooraj Barjatya film only with less jewellery and more sophistication.
The girl Zooni (Kajol), a Kashmiri, wants to go to Delhi to attend a government function at the CM's residence, but her parents are apprehensive, they being the protective parents. Finally they relent to her going to Delhi without her even raising a fight about it, them being progressive parents as well. So off she goes, wishing to 'see' the world, and promptly falls in love with a shayari spouting tour guide, Rehan Khan (an ancient Amir Khan). Really, do girls fall this easily for people? A simple shayari is all it takes? But our girl is not sure about whether to love him or not, she having been always sheilded by her over protective parents. About the only intersting part in the whole affair is Vrajesh Hirjee as the comic relief. I persoanlly found the shayaris a real groaner. Amir totally fails as a loverboy, and really looks like Kajol's pervy uncle. But loved his shirt in the song, though. Finally, she takes an independent decision and falls in love, only to recover her eyesight and lose her man. What a trade-off!! That's the first half of the film.
In the second half, we learn that Rehan is not who he claims to be. He is, in fact, a terrorist, associated with a secret terrorist organization that seeks freedom from both, India and Pakistan. And he is also James Bond, an international man of mystery. Flash forward to seven years, Amir now has a nuclear trigger, which can fire a nuclear missile. While escaping from the army, he is wounded, and takes refuge in, u guessed it, Kajol's residence, who is living unmarried and with his kid named Rehan (her parents are very broad minded). In the time he spends there, his love for her is rekindled, and he thinks of giving up his life as a terrorist and settle down with his wife and kid. But as things turn out, he ends up dead, thanks to his wife, who is an India supporter, but not after accidently killing his father-in-law, who too is an India supporter.
Personally, I like the second half better than the first one. The first half is too predictable, and all the shayaaris grated on my nerves. And, I say it again, Amir looked like Kajol's pervy uncle rather than a lover boy. Everything was so hunky dory in the first half, that it reminded me of a Sooraj Barjaty film!! In contrast, there is a little story in the second half, and Amir looks the parts of a tired, hardened terrorist. And Kajol looks fresh too. The second half shows promise of developing into an arresting tale, but sadly, all is sacrificed for the sake of political correctness, and not stepping on people's toes.
In the end, who could have been a pretty good story ends up being an ok story.
This being a Yash Raj production, it is bound to push the right buttons to entertain. Ergo, the girls are vivacious, the guys are smart talkers, fathers are yuor buddies, and mothers are aa girl's best friend. Just like in a Sooraj Barjatya film only with less jewellery and more sophistication.
The girl Zooni (Kajol), a Kashmiri, wants to go to Delhi to attend a government function at the CM's residence, but her parents are apprehensive, they being the protective parents. Finally they relent to her going to Delhi without her even raising a fight about it, them being progressive parents as well. So off she goes, wishing to 'see' the world, and promptly falls in love with a shayari spouting tour guide, Rehan Khan (an ancient Amir Khan). Really, do girls fall this easily for people? A simple shayari is all it takes? But our girl is not sure about whether to love him or not, she having been always sheilded by her over protective parents. About the only intersting part in the whole affair is Vrajesh Hirjee as the comic relief. I persoanlly found the shayaris a real groaner. Amir totally fails as a loverboy, and really looks like Kajol's pervy uncle. But loved his shirt in the song, though. Finally, she takes an independent decision and falls in love, only to recover her eyesight and lose her man. What a trade-off!! That's the first half of the film.
In the second half, we learn that Rehan is not who he claims to be. He is, in fact, a terrorist, associated with a secret terrorist organization that seeks freedom from both, India and Pakistan. And he is also James Bond, an international man of mystery. Flash forward to seven years, Amir now has a nuclear trigger, which can fire a nuclear missile. While escaping from the army, he is wounded, and takes refuge in, u guessed it, Kajol's residence, who is living unmarried and with his kid named Rehan (her parents are very broad minded). In the time he spends there, his love for her is rekindled, and he thinks of giving up his life as a terrorist and settle down with his wife and kid. But as things turn out, he ends up dead, thanks to his wife, who is an India supporter, but not after accidently killing his father-in-law, who too is an India supporter.
Personally, I like the second half better than the first one. The first half is too predictable, and all the shayaaris grated on my nerves. And, I say it again, Amir looked like Kajol's pervy uncle rather than a lover boy. Everything was so hunky dory in the first half, that it reminded me of a Sooraj Barjaty film!! In contrast, there is a little story in the second half, and Amir looks the parts of a tired, hardened terrorist. And Kajol looks fresh too. The second half shows promise of developing into an arresting tale, but sadly, all is sacrificed for the sake of political correctness, and not stepping on people's toes.
In the end, who could have been a pretty good story ends up being an ok story.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Going Way-Back...
My friend, N, was finally getting engaged, and this provided me an opportunity to attend his engagement, which was held at Dehra Dun, the place I once studied.
Now, the Dehra Dun that I remember from my childhood days was a typical small town, falling apart, with an irresponsible administration. The only thing it had going for itself was the nice weather, which wa salways welcome when one arrived from the plains of Delhi.
So, when I visited D. Dun after almost 15 years, I was in for alot of surprise. For one thing, D. Dun is now a capital of the state of Uttaranchal. That, by definition implies that special attention is being meted out to it by the administration. As a result, its boundaries are being widened, what was once the outskirts is now within town, and it will soon get an airport as well. Within the city as well, the roads have improved a lot. Gone are the potholes, replaced by smooth tar. Quite a few time, I felt they were better than the roads in Delhi, which is no comparision, really, but still.
Previously, the center point of the city was the three theater points near the Ghantaghar, and it still is, but not in the real sense anymore. What was once the cultural center of the city, where everyone came to hang out, is now just one of the points. The three theaters have been renovated, but one doesn't see crowds there, and a fourth one, Capri, has been turned into a shopping center, which is just as well, 'cos it used to show adult films there, and was really run down. And where there were just a few small shops or kirana stores, there are now fancy stores selling prepackaged food and designer stuff. Yes, liberalisation and globalisation has touch the small town India in a major way. Another thing was the number of Nepali street hawkers selling momos and chowmein. These wernt there earlier. And the momos were better, and cheaper than what one gets in Delhi.
The two places I visited were Chukuwala and Tapkeshwar and Garhi cantt. I have very fond memories of both places. Chukuwala, because I used to go there every Sunday and have a nice home cooked meal at a friend's place. And Tapkeshwar, because during our 2 km morning jog there, we were allowed to rest there. And it was nice to seethat both these places haven't changed much. The area around Tapkeshwar has become more crowded, with more villas coming up, it otherwise remains quite peaceful.
The Tibetian market, which was again a very busy spot, has become less crowded. One can't find too many 'Free Tibet' stickers there anymore.
Another landmark of D. Dun, the Anandpuri restaurant is, I am told, no more, being a victim of a family feud among brothers. Think Ambani family feud.
That's all I could do in the less than one day I spent there. But all in all, a very happy tri[p. In fact, any truip outside of Delhi in the midst of the heatwave is a happy trip.
Now, the Dehra Dun that I remember from my childhood days was a typical small town, falling apart, with an irresponsible administration. The only thing it had going for itself was the nice weather, which wa salways welcome when one arrived from the plains of Delhi.
So, when I visited D. Dun after almost 15 years, I was in for alot of surprise. For one thing, D. Dun is now a capital of the state of Uttaranchal. That, by definition implies that special attention is being meted out to it by the administration. As a result, its boundaries are being widened, what was once the outskirts is now within town, and it will soon get an airport as well. Within the city as well, the roads have improved a lot. Gone are the potholes, replaced by smooth tar. Quite a few time, I felt they were better than the roads in Delhi, which is no comparision, really, but still.
Previously, the center point of the city was the three theater points near the Ghantaghar, and it still is, but not in the real sense anymore. What was once the cultural center of the city, where everyone came to hang out, is now just one of the points. The three theaters have been renovated, but one doesn't see crowds there, and a fourth one, Capri, has been turned into a shopping center, which is just as well, 'cos it used to show adult films there, and was really run down. And where there were just a few small shops or kirana stores, there are now fancy stores selling prepackaged food and designer stuff. Yes, liberalisation and globalisation has touch the small town India in a major way. Another thing was the number of Nepali street hawkers selling momos and chowmein. These wernt there earlier. And the momos were better, and cheaper than what one gets in Delhi.
The two places I visited were Chukuwala and Tapkeshwar and Garhi cantt. I have very fond memories of both places. Chukuwala, because I used to go there every Sunday and have a nice home cooked meal at a friend's place. And Tapkeshwar, because during our 2 km morning jog there, we were allowed to rest there. And it was nice to seethat both these places haven't changed much. The area around Tapkeshwar has become more crowded, with more villas coming up, it otherwise remains quite peaceful.
The Tibetian market, which was again a very busy spot, has become less crowded. One can't find too many 'Free Tibet' stickers there anymore.
Another landmark of D. Dun, the Anandpuri restaurant is, I am told, no more, being a victim of a family feud among brothers. Think Ambani family feud.
That's all I could do in the less than one day I spent there. But all in all, a very happy tri[p. In fact, any truip outside of Delhi in the midst of the heatwave is a happy trip.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
An Unfortunate Review - Ankahee...
Unfortunate because I had the misfortune of watching this movies. In theater. With my own money.
That the Hindi movies require you to suspend your beliefs is a given, can we please have some limits to these suspensions of beliefs?? I refuse to believe that Aftab Shivdasani and Amesha PAtel with dyed hair are the parents of a grown up Hrishita Bhatt. Or that Aftab's voice is manly. Or that Amesha Patel cannot speak in a higher tone. Or that any of the actors in the movie are even worthy of being called an actor.
And there in lies the problem with the movie. It tries to be a 'hatke' kind of movie, but ends up being nowhere, really.
All those stories of it being inspired by Vikram Bhatt's real life dalliance with Sushmita Sen are unfounded, but there are some parallels. For one, Esha Deol is a Miss World. Also, ger hair style and dress sense seems similar to Sush.
So anyways, the movie begins with 'old' man Aftab being on his death bed and wanting to meet his 'daughter' Hrishita Bhatt, whom he hasn't seen in sixteent years to clear up all the misunderstanding between them. Her 'mother' Amesha too feels that she should go and meet her father.
What follows is a lengthy flashback, in which we learn that the dad was basically a prernially bored doctor who was married to an ever-smiling wife. Now, obviously, air and water never mix, and neither do boredom and smileys. So he goes ahead and has an extra marital affair with a wacko patient of his, who at first just seems bored (or maybe it is just a lure for the doctor - tum bhi bore, main bhi bore, chalo ek ho jaate hain) Maybe the doctor was too bored to notice that the girl is a wacko, even when his shrink pal explained it to him.
And this is supposed to elicit sympathy from the viewers, who are very bored themselves, exactly thirty seconds into the film and want to literally run out of the cinema hall.
To anybody reading this, give the movie a miss. You owe it to yourself.
That the Hindi movies require you to suspend your beliefs is a given, can we please have some limits to these suspensions of beliefs?? I refuse to believe that Aftab Shivdasani and Amesha PAtel with dyed hair are the parents of a grown up Hrishita Bhatt. Or that Aftab's voice is manly. Or that Amesha Patel cannot speak in a higher tone. Or that any of the actors in the movie are even worthy of being called an actor.
And there in lies the problem with the movie. It tries to be a 'hatke' kind of movie, but ends up being nowhere, really.
All those stories of it being inspired by Vikram Bhatt's real life dalliance with Sushmita Sen are unfounded, but there are some parallels. For one, Esha Deol is a Miss World. Also, ger hair style and dress sense seems similar to Sush.
So anyways, the movie begins with 'old' man Aftab being on his death bed and wanting to meet his 'daughter' Hrishita Bhatt, whom he hasn't seen in sixteent years to clear up all the misunderstanding between them. Her 'mother' Amesha too feels that she should go and meet her father.
What follows is a lengthy flashback, in which we learn that the dad was basically a prernially bored doctor who was married to an ever-smiling wife. Now, obviously, air and water never mix, and neither do boredom and smileys. So he goes ahead and has an extra marital affair with a wacko patient of his, who at first just seems bored (or maybe it is just a lure for the doctor - tum bhi bore, main bhi bore, chalo ek ho jaate hain) Maybe the doctor was too bored to notice that the girl is a wacko, even when his shrink pal explained it to him.
And this is supposed to elicit sympathy from the viewers, who are very bored themselves, exactly thirty seconds into the film and want to literally run out of the cinema hall.
To anybody reading this, give the movie a miss. You owe it to yourself.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
And I Thought It Was Just English...
Apparently, I speak a mishamsh of American accents. Must be all those American serials that I saw as a kid...
| Your Linguistic Profile:: |
| 55% General American English |
| 25% Yankee |
| 15% Dixie |
| 0% Midwestern |
| 0% Upper Midwestern |
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Great New Finds...
Here's a webcomic for all the physics haters, who couldn't make out a neutron from a neutrino or a proton from a positron. A really funny way of looking at atomic level science, with humor. I always say, Physics Rules!!!
And for the comic geeks (or more specifically, Marvel geeks), heres a webcomic featuring all your fav marvel characters as kindergarten kids.
And for the comic geeks (or more specifically, Marvel geeks), heres a webcomic featuring all your fav marvel characters as kindergarten kids.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Not Dead Yet...
Not dead yet... am in the midst of things...a manthan, if you may. Things are moving, and I gotta keep moving, just to keep up...
Friday, May 05, 2006
Anurag Ka Satya...
For Indian film buffs, Anuraag Kashyap occupies a special place. He Who Nearly Made It. Or maybe, Genius In Waiting. People have seen his work before, be it Satya, Kaun, Shool and many more. He is the one who brought in the realistic dialogues in Hindi movies in these films. Plus, there is the issue with the films that he has directed, Paanch and Black Friday, both stuck in the censors for a long time. My brother, when he was in Mumbai, told me that this guy simply watches english movies and copies them, kind of like Deven Verma's character in Saheb. A caricature justified, if you may.
So there is an interesting interview with him on Naachgaana.com, where in he talks about movies, movies and movies. Comes across as a total movie buff. Even if you don't really care for his moves, the articls is intersting, thuogh. Read it.
So there is an interesting interview with him on Naachgaana.com, where in he talks about movies, movies and movies. Comes across as a total movie buff. Even if you don't really care for his moves, the articls is intersting, thuogh. Read it.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
Heat is on...
The mercury hit 42 today, and as i was driving around the city, I saw black smoke coming out from at least two places (the media says fire broke out in four places in delhi), in addition to three cars stalled in the middle of the road. Yep, summer is here. Summer, cruel, harsh, unforgiving Indian Summer. And to think that a restaurant in our locality had the guts to call itself Indian Summer!!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Rude...
Outlook runs a lead story that will no doubt put it in hot water, namely, the rudeness of the city of Delhi. Now, I am no lover of Delhi myself - I am more of a Bombay - oops, Mumbai guy. But I will have to admit, Delhi is more of a macho city than Bombay or B'lore or even Calcutta. This largely due to the Punjabi/Haryanvi culture that it inherited, and the UP/Bihari culture that is seeping in nowadays. As a result, there is a certain amount of testosterone out there in the way people deal with each other.
But really, calling Delhi a rude city is a hyperbole, in my opinion. Callous, yes, un feeling, yes, but rude, no. Not with its predominant babu culture and the bhaiya culture. People can't afford to be rude here, lest they end up offending the friend of the nephew of the son of a tuchcha politician. No sir, Delhi is not a rude place. On the contrary, it is a meethi katari.
Do bol meethe bol, har maal becho kam tol ke
But really, calling Delhi a rude city is a hyperbole, in my opinion. Callous, yes, un feeling, yes, but rude, no. Not with its predominant babu culture and the bhaiya culture. People can't afford to be rude here, lest they end up offending the friend of the nephew of the son of a tuchcha politician. No sir, Delhi is not a rude place. On the contrary, it is a meethi katari.
Do bol meethe bol, har maal becho kam tol ke
Saturday, April 22, 2006
My Space Is Reserved...
I have been lured by the charm of My Space...not!!! Actually, out of morbid curiosity, I joined the tribe. Have a look. Just a word: I wasn't feeling too imaginative about choosing my name here.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Tekken 5...
The more I play Tekken, the more I am forced to compare 4 & 5. While 5 is good, there are a few things wrong with it. for one, the super boss, Jinpachi is too difficult to beat, what with him having two mouths, one in the abdomen that throws fire!!! Also, while the moves are better, the movement of the characters is a little difficult in any direction, so they just keep standing in harm's way.
Onthe plus side, increasing the number of levels to nine is good, and so is the addition of mini-movies in level four. And the characters are a lot beter, though they could do with more lines, or even newer lines.
Onthe plus side, increasing the number of levels to nine is good, and so is the addition of mini-movies in level four. And the characters are a lot beter, though they could do with more lines, or even newer lines.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Tekken...
Day two of playing the games, and I am pretty impressed by Tekken 5. Its just more of the same, but the novelty of the Tekken series is in the characters, and this one has mo characters than Tekken 4. And more characters mean more story lines, and more snappy dialogues. Xiaoyu is sweet and deadly as ever, and my fav character, Jin Kazuya is still looking to remove the devil gene from within him. I seem to have lost mastery over Steve, thou, as I am still finding his combo moves. And Panda is by far the silliest character...
Still discover though...
Still discover though...
Friday, April 14, 2006
Impulse...
Impulse buying, its called. It is 'the act of making unplanned or otherwise spontaneous purchases.' Which is what I did today, when I purchased two console games today, Tekken 5 and Rumble Roses. Now, I already have Tekken 4, and I like it, but it was just curiosity that got the better of me. I just wanted to see if they did a nice follow up of the franchise. And Rumble Roses, well it was just the man thing to do, what with it being a game about chicks wrestling...
I gotta curb these impulses.
I gotta curb these impulses.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Gujju Bahi Greatest...
Indian television is the pits. Its just one family drama after another, all looking alike. Kyonki Saas..., Kahani Ghar..., Kahin To Hoga, all of them are regressive, vommit inducing manifestations of the same source (avtaar, anyone?).
Into this mix come the Gujarati soap opera. The saviours, really. Cos unlike the punjabi soaps that are high on histronics, the Gujarati soaps do tend to focus on the story as well. And this is not a recent development. I used to watch the soaps in Gujarat as well, and they were certainly a cut above the texisting Hindi serials of that time.
Into this mix come the Gujarati soap opera. The saviours, really. Cos unlike the punjabi soaps that are high on histronics, the Gujarati soaps do tend to focus on the story as well. And this is not a recent development. I used to watch the soaps in Gujarat as well, and they were certainly a cut above the texisting Hindi serials of that time.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Continued Cerebral Malfunction...
Forgodssake, why do people insist on using the term wardrobe malfunction for what happened? The term got laughed off when Justin Timberlake first used it.
*snigger*
Wardrobe Malfunction
*snigger*
Wardrobe Malfunction
Thursday, April 06, 2006
The Block Cometh...
Absolutely nothing to write...whats this, the writer's block is descending on me again?
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Being Cyrus Review...
The Indian movie scene is changing with the new crop of experimental moviemakers. The jury is still out on whether it is for the good or bad, but one thing is certain: things are certainly more interesting.
And in this genre of interesting falls Being Cyrus.
Right off the bat, it is evident that Being Cyrus is a different film. And by different, I mean that it is neither your typical bollywood production, nor is it an art house production. It falls somewhere in between.
Saif Ali Khan, playing the titular Cyrus, does justice to it. His performance is really groundbreaking, but to his credit, he does not pull it down either. Maybe it has to do with his stoic expression throughout the movie. Not one expression crosses his face, so one is left wondering what's going on in his mind, which works in favour of the film. But the final shot of the film, which is supposed to convey a lot of what he does later and why, gets wasted due to the same reason. He should be showing a range of expressions in that time, but doesn't, and that kind of kills it.
Of the remaining casts, Naseeruddin Shah is good, playing his role with aplomb. Dimple, playing the naive and scheming wife too does justice to her role despite what the presses say. And it helps that she is still a pleasure to look at :) But the thunder here belongs to Boman Irani who, with his potralyal of the qurallsome Farrouk Sethna, literally eats up the screen. And a special mention also goes to Manoj Pahwa, for his humourous portrayal of the Inspector Mahinder Lovely.
For a movie populated by seven protagonists and one naked chick (Carol Gracias), it still manages to keep the audience interested.
Final verdict: Definately not a family viewing, but definately watchable.
And in this genre of interesting falls Being Cyrus.
Right off the bat, it is evident that Being Cyrus is a different film. And by different, I mean that it is neither your typical bollywood production, nor is it an art house production. It falls somewhere in between.
Saif Ali Khan, playing the titular Cyrus, does justice to it. His performance is really groundbreaking, but to his credit, he does not pull it down either. Maybe it has to do with his stoic expression throughout the movie. Not one expression crosses his face, so one is left wondering what's going on in his mind, which works in favour of the film. But the final shot of the film, which is supposed to convey a lot of what he does later and why, gets wasted due to the same reason. He should be showing a range of expressions in that time, but doesn't, and that kind of kills it.
Of the remaining casts, Naseeruddin Shah is good, playing his role with aplomb. Dimple, playing the naive and scheming wife too does justice to her role despite what the presses say. And it helps that she is still a pleasure to look at :) But the thunder here belongs to Boman Irani who, with his potralyal of the qurallsome Farrouk Sethna, literally eats up the screen. And a special mention also goes to Manoj Pahwa, for his humourous portrayal of the Inspector Mahinder Lovely.
For a movie populated by seven protagonists and one naked chick (Carol Gracias), it still manages to keep the audience interested.
Final verdict: Definately not a family viewing, but definately watchable.
An existential Question....
Is life worth living?
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Depends on the LIVER!!!
*chuckle* *chuckle* *chuckle* *chuckle* *chuckle* *chuckle*
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Depends on the LIVER!!!
*chuckle* *chuckle* *chuckle* *chuckle* *chuckle* *chuckle*
Friday, March 31, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
The Changing Face Of Ahmedabad...
Its been a long time since I posted anything. For my part, I was away to A'bad for a few days. A'bad and I have a strange relationship. Its the place I was born, and by that account, I should have a very emotional bond with it. But no. I am more ambivalent to it. Sure, it is the place I was born, but it is also the palce I went to college to, the place I started working and also the place I later struggled to find a job, the place I got into fights... The last has really put it in a bad light for me.
But this time around, things seemed different. Different from the time I visited the place last year. I couldnt put a finger on it, the feeling. Maybe the absence was making my heart grow fonder for the place, or maybe I was getting old, hence a little emotional attachment for all things nostalgic. Things just seemed a little different. For starters, my old house seemed bigger, which is not a surprise after living in a Delhi flat and warmer because of all the memories. Fair enough. But what about the place outside? Things just seemed different. People recognise you, which is a nice feeling. But people when you realise that you werent really chatty pals with them. Your equation with them has advanced, and you didn't know that!! But still, all in all, the first two days were good, barring the very dirty house.
A'bad has certainly moved ahead. Its evident everywhere I went. Gone is the sleepy town of my college days. In its place is a town trying to maek up for the lost time spent snoozing. A'bad wants to be declared a metro town, and it is stopping at nothing to achieve this. Roads have been cleared, broadened, dividers have been set up, CNG in commercial vehicles is necessary, there are newer buses...
But it is in the evening that the change becomes evident. It is quite in the evening. And as far as I can remember, A'bad was noisy till at least 1 am in the morning. And now, things quite down by 11 pm!! What could be the reason for this drastic change? could be that the Gujju craze for the US has finally had a social impact as the population is greying and the youth is off to distant shores, leaving the place like a ghost town? After the riots, people have started moving out to places like Mumbai (number two in the Gujju wish list after US), B'lore and Hyderabad. Opportunities have reduced there inspite of opening of lots of call centers. But if the call centers thrived in India due to cost benefits, they are opening in A'bad for the same reason. The labour there is the cheapest, so the rate of attrition is even higher than traditional call centers.
Another factor is the expanding of A'bad. it is slowly expanding to encompass the nearby villages into its limits, and this is where the crowd is headed. As a result, where there was only the CG Road and the Municipal market as a hangout spot, there is now the SG road as well, with newer shopping malls and multiplexes coming up. As a result, the crowd has spread out...
and speaking of shoppin malls, their increase in numbers has not meant an increase in the number of shops there. Usually, there are just a few big shops that are open there, and the rest are shut. Looks like not many are willing to take a chance and open up there and compete with the big boys...
But I am just thinking out loud here. Whatever the case maybe, A'bad is definately changing, and the optimist in me is sure that it is for the better.
I should know. I have the sixth sense for that place
But this time around, things seemed different. Different from the time I visited the place last year. I couldnt put a finger on it, the feeling. Maybe the absence was making my heart grow fonder for the place, or maybe I was getting old, hence a little emotional attachment for all things nostalgic. Things just seemed a little different. For starters, my old house seemed bigger, which is not a surprise after living in a Delhi flat and warmer because of all the memories. Fair enough. But what about the place outside? Things just seemed different. People recognise you, which is a nice feeling. But people when you realise that you werent really chatty pals with them. Your equation with them has advanced, and you didn't know that!! But still, all in all, the first two days were good, barring the very dirty house.
A'bad has certainly moved ahead. Its evident everywhere I went. Gone is the sleepy town of my college days. In its place is a town trying to maek up for the lost time spent snoozing. A'bad wants to be declared a metro town, and it is stopping at nothing to achieve this. Roads have been cleared, broadened, dividers have been set up, CNG in commercial vehicles is necessary, there are newer buses...
But it is in the evening that the change becomes evident. It is quite in the evening. And as far as I can remember, A'bad was noisy till at least 1 am in the morning. And now, things quite down by 11 pm!! What could be the reason for this drastic change? could be that the Gujju craze for the US has finally had a social impact as the population is greying and the youth is off to distant shores, leaving the place like a ghost town? After the riots, people have started moving out to places like Mumbai (number two in the Gujju wish list after US), B'lore and Hyderabad. Opportunities have reduced there inspite of opening of lots of call centers. But if the call centers thrived in India due to cost benefits, they are opening in A'bad for the same reason. The labour there is the cheapest, so the rate of attrition is even higher than traditional call centers.
Another factor is the expanding of A'bad. it is slowly expanding to encompass the nearby villages into its limits, and this is where the crowd is headed. As a result, where there was only the CG Road and the Municipal market as a hangout spot, there is now the SG road as well, with newer shopping malls and multiplexes coming up. As a result, the crowd has spread out...
and speaking of shoppin malls, their increase in numbers has not meant an increase in the number of shops there. Usually, there are just a few big shops that are open there, and the rest are shut. Looks like not many are willing to take a chance and open up there and compete with the big boys...
But I am just thinking out loud here. Whatever the case maybe, A'bad is definately changing, and the optimist in me is sure that it is for the better.
I should know. I have the sixth sense for that place
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Post Holi...
Post Holi, the normal humdrum of life is back. It's the usual grind. Was it yesterday that I had so much fun? The sky has started being overcast once again. The hide and seek in on. Looks like even God wanted us to enjoy on the Holi day. Fun Guy, the Big One.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Happy Holi!!!
A Happy Holi To All!!!
Just when I had resigned to a grey and drab Holi this year, the sun shone bright today, and it became warm for all to enjoy. The day was saved. Looks like even God wants us to emjoy our Holi!!!
Just when I had resigned to a grey and drab Holi this year, the sun shone bright today, and it became warm for all to enjoy. The day was saved. Looks like even God wants us to emjoy our Holi!!!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai!!!
Looks like this Holi will be memorable to different reasons entirely. The weather seems to be headed south, and cold is creeping in. Heavens are crying, with no respite in sight. So a wet Holi is completely out. Just as well, 'cos I hate wet Holi. But in the spirit of things, Bura na mano, Holi hai!!!
RDB Re-Reviewed
Saw Rang De Basanti a second time, and this time around, my perspective about the movie has changed. No, I did not suddenly find the movie worthy of an Oscar. But a few of my conceptions(is that a word?) about the movie have changed since the first time.
The second time around, the movie seemed more enjoyable. Amir's acting seems more refined on second viewing. See especially, his breaking down when he returns from the demonstration. The way his lips quiver, he has certainly matured as an actor. By contrast, his portrayal of the carefree DJ seems by the numbers, and his Punjabi/Delhi accent leaves a lot to be desired. Also my main peeve, that the characters have not been fleshed out still remains.
Where the movie scores the second time is in the earnestness. Looks like its heart was in the right place. But as with all things with hearts in th right places, it comes of as a little naive. All politicians are evil, the cure for it is to join govt. and so on. Living in India and seen the changes first hand, I can attest that things are a lot more positive now. Sure, things are not perfect, but they are not so down and out either. People are happer than before and they are taking more interest in their suroundings. In this scenario, to say that things are bleak is missing the point.
The second time around, the movie seemed more enjoyable. Amir's acting seems more refined on second viewing. See especially, his breaking down when he returns from the demonstration. The way his lips quiver, he has certainly matured as an actor. By contrast, his portrayal of the carefree DJ seems by the numbers, and his Punjabi/Delhi accent leaves a lot to be desired. Also my main peeve, that the characters have not been fleshed out still remains.
Where the movie scores the second time is in the earnestness. Looks like its heart was in the right place. But as with all things with hearts in th right places, it comes of as a little naive. All politicians are evil, the cure for it is to join govt. and so on. Living in India and seen the changes first hand, I can attest that things are a lot more positive now. Sure, things are not perfect, but they are not so down and out either. People are happer than before and they are taking more interest in their suroundings. In this scenario, to say that things are bleak is missing the point.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Sapnon Ka Saudagar...
The net was supposed to offer people anonymity, but it seems to be doing the exact opposite. People, bin their quest for recognition, publish the darndest things, like tablemannered did she when she published her dreams. Don't people realize, that dreams are a mirror into their subconscious??? You could be Mogambo in real life, but one dream interpretation, and people realize that you are just another softie. So, moral of the story, BEWARE, YOUR DREAMS ARE YOUR OWN TO KEEP.
And speaking of knowing about urself, here is a nice Jung test to know just who you are. Me, I am INTP, Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving
Introverted - 56%
iNtuitive - 25%
Thinking - 1%
Perceiving - 44%
So, I am perceiving, and intuitive, but I don't think too much about all that I perceive, which is good, cos I am introverted, and so, don't express too easily :-)
Famous INTP persons:
Albert Einstein (woo hoo)
Thomas Jefferson
And speaking of knowing about urself, here is a nice Jung test to know just who you are. Me, I am INTP, Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving
Introverted - 56%
iNtuitive - 25%
Thinking - 1%
Perceiving - 44%
So, I am perceiving, and intuitive, but I don't think too much about all that I perceive, which is good, cos I am introverted, and so, don't express too easily :-)
Famous INTP persons:
Albert Einstein (woo hoo)
Thomas Jefferson
Back in Business...
Got my laptop back today, nearly as good as new. Its absence made me realise how much I have come to rely on it...a regular desktop just wont do it for me anymore.
I also have a lot of backlog to clear on my blog (hmm, a backlog on a blog...a blocklog?). Must finish those.
In the mean time, should you want to talk to God...
I also have a lot of backlog to clear on my blog (hmm, a backlog on a blog...a blocklog?). Must finish those.
In the mean time, should you want to talk to God...
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Weekends...
I went to a sitar concert by Pt. Ravi Shanker and his daughter, Anoushka at the Siri Fort auditorium. Now, normally I can't make the head or tail of classical music, be it Indian or western. To me, both are just tunes without lyrics (I blame Bollywood and Rock for this). But this evening was an eye opener. I mean, though most of the sitar recital went rught over my head, I discovered the sound of the tabla. That's some instrument, the table. It's amazing how much sound comes out of two small coconuts. And the sitar is also quite a percussionist instrument. It gives the effect of the 'wall of sound' so popularised by the Beatles. And the auditorium itself brought back memories when I had come to Delhi in 1999 to collect an award in photography. We had the award distribution there, and the memories just came flooding back. All in all, a nice evening out. It has piqued my interest in Indian classical music.
Long Time No See...
There is a very valid reason for my not posting in a really long time - my computer crashed, and I lost all my data. Stupid viruses @%$$%^^&*%^#$%#%!!! Hopeful, I should be able to get it completely in working condition soon.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Rang De Basanti Review...
The movies begins with a promise, or at least with the expectation of whats to come...come on, you weren't expecting a maar-dhaad masala movie with a tagline that says 'A Generation Awakens'!!
The movie begins quite promisingly, with Sue(a British actor) coming to India to film a docu-drama about Bhagat Singh and others. But having been fed on the nationalism of the past, she finds an India that is completely different from what she expected. People here have no sense of their past, they are more looking to the west than within themselves to find pride in being them. In this desolate scenario, she hopes to find actors to portray her protagonists, who selflessly laid down their lives for their country, asking for nothing in return. As expected, she finds no one suitable for these parts. The sequence about her search is quite funny, and as meant to be poignant, hit the mark.
Now, enter the heroes- Daljeet aka DJ (Amir Khan), Sukhi (Sharman Joshi), Karan (Siddharth) and Aslam (Kunal Kapoor). They are basically clueless youth, looking out for the next high in life, with nary a worry about their future. Their only worry seems to be the firebrand nationalist, Laxman Pandey (Atul Kulkarni), who detests the ways of these youth, especially Aslam. And as luck would have it, he fits the role of Ram Prakash Bismil perfectly. So now, they are in this together. As the story progresses, the protagonists find discover a history they never realised they had.
And after the interval, they kill the Indian defense minister (moral of the story: History is dangerous).
A lot is being said about this movie, about how it portrays the angst and the cluelessness of the youth. But frankly, Amir looks old to be playing a youth. Even the explanation the he left college five years ago does not hold true, cos he clearly looks older than thirty five. In fact, none of the characters, barring Sharman Joshi, look like college kids.
As for the feel of the film, well, maybe I'm too far away from my college days, or maybe the college scene has changed, but frankly, I didn't feel the movie had any youthful feel to it. Smart, funny, witty, yes. But youthful, no. Mainly associate youth with a little naivette and josh, both of which were lacking. Amir Khan has done the man-boy routine before, and it didn't come as a surprise.
As for the characterisation, almost no character in this film has been fleshed out. All except Amir Khan, that is. Sukhi is a sweet guy looking to find a girl for himself. Karan is the quite intense and neglected son of a rich businessman. Just why is he frustrated, we don't know. And Aslam is a poet who likes hanging out with his friends and feels suffocated in his home. But other than these facts, we don't know anything else about these characters. Even Amir Khan's character is not fleshed out well. He likes bikes and adventure and is liked by the girls is all we know. dd to that, the characterizations of the supporting cast that includes Anupam Kher, Kirron Kher, Mohan Aghase, Madhavan, Waheeda Rehman etc. Atul Kulkarni's character too isnt given much scope, but it is to his prowess as an actor that he manages to bring out shades in his charter. And special notes for Kirron Kher, who does her Punjabi act once again. Always a pleasure to watch her
The movie begins quite promisingly, with Sue(a British actor) coming to India to film a docu-drama about Bhagat Singh and others. But having been fed on the nationalism of the past, she finds an India that is completely different from what she expected. People here have no sense of their past, they are more looking to the west than within themselves to find pride in being them. In this desolate scenario, she hopes to find actors to portray her protagonists, who selflessly laid down their lives for their country, asking for nothing in return. As expected, she finds no one suitable for these parts. The sequence about her search is quite funny, and as meant to be poignant, hit the mark.
Now, enter the heroes- Daljeet aka DJ (Amir Khan), Sukhi (Sharman Joshi), Karan (Siddharth) and Aslam (Kunal Kapoor). They are basically clueless youth, looking out for the next high in life, with nary a worry about their future. Their only worry seems to be the firebrand nationalist, Laxman Pandey (Atul Kulkarni), who detests the ways of these youth, especially Aslam. And as luck would have it, he fits the role of Ram Prakash Bismil perfectly. So now, they are in this together. As the story progresses, the protagonists find discover a history they never realised they had.
And after the interval, they kill the Indian defense minister (moral of the story: History is dangerous).
A lot is being said about this movie, about how it portrays the angst and the cluelessness of the youth. But frankly, Amir looks old to be playing a youth. Even the explanation the he left college five years ago does not hold true, cos he clearly looks older than thirty five. In fact, none of the characters, barring Sharman Joshi, look like college kids.
As for the feel of the film, well, maybe I'm too far away from my college days, or maybe the college scene has changed, but frankly, I didn't feel the movie had any youthful feel to it. Smart, funny, witty, yes. But youthful, no. Mainly associate youth with a little naivette and josh, both of which were lacking. Amir Khan has done the man-boy routine before, and it didn't come as a surprise.
As for the characterisation, almost no character in this film has been fleshed out. All except Amir Khan, that is. Sukhi is a sweet guy looking to find a girl for himself. Karan is the quite intense and neglected son of a rich businessman. Just why is he frustrated, we don't know. And Aslam is a poet who likes hanging out with his friends and feels suffocated in his home. But other than these facts, we don't know anything else about these characters. Even Amir Khan's character is not fleshed out well. He likes bikes and adventure and is liked by the girls is all we know. dd to that, the characterizations of the supporting cast that includes Anupam Kher, Kirron Kher, Mohan Aghase, Madhavan, Waheeda Rehman etc. Atul Kulkarni's character too isnt given much scope, but it is to his prowess as an actor that he manages to bring out shades in his charter. And special notes for Kirron Kher, who does her Punjabi act once again. Always a pleasure to watch her
Monday, February 06, 2006
Dilli Haat and Chandni Chowk...
It being sunday yesterday, we went to the Delhi festival yesterday at the Dilli Haat.
First things first, I like the concept of the Dilli Haat. It's one place where one can get the best of Delhi and also the whole of India (well, almost) at a reasonable price. Secondly, it is one place where the pace of Delhi changes from frantic to the laidback. one can walk around in peace, have some grub, and generall have a good time. But not yesterday.
Looks like, thinking on similar lines, half of Delhi descended at Dilli Haat. As a result, it was really crowded. There was hardly any place to walk. The only redeeming factor was the presence of the Chandni Chowk food stalls, serving spicy snacks...yummy!!
First things first, I like the concept of the Dilli Haat. It's one place where one can get the best of Delhi and also the whole of India (well, almost) at a reasonable price. Secondly, it is one place where the pace of Delhi changes from frantic to the laidback. one can walk around in peace, have some grub, and generall have a good time. But not yesterday.
Looks like, thinking on similar lines, half of Delhi descended at Dilli Haat. As a result, it was really crowded. There was hardly any place to walk. The only redeeming factor was the presence of the Chandni Chowk food stalls, serving spicy snacks...yummy!!
Sunday, February 05, 2006
State of Bollywood...
Coming soon to a theater near you, Mr. 100% - The Real Player. And if you think that this is a B - grade movie with unknowns, then it stars Aryan Vaid (known model), Irrfan Khan (Maqbool), Mahima Choudhary (Miss 'oh-bla-di') and Payal Rohatgi (tauba tauba!!).
And the songs? Well, there is the title track, and then there is 'karta hai kabootar' and 'hont chum lu ya gal'.
Mithunda has got competition in the b-grade category.
And the songs? Well, there is the title track, and then there is 'karta hai kabootar' and 'hont chum lu ya gal'.
Mithunda has got competition in the b-grade category.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Almost Famous...
A look at my Statcounter statistics reveals something interesting. People are stumbling on to my blog from places like South Africa, S. Korea, Germany, Neatherlands, besides USA and UK. So, to all you people (if you do manage to come a second time), A BIG WELCOME FROM THE DEMON. Enjoy you stay, it's nice to have you here. Let's smoke a pipe - wait, I don't smoke. But you can, if you want to. Just don't leave. It's very lonely alone.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Seasons...
Winter is retreating from Delhi. The weather is getting pleasant, though only for a few weeks. But it's good while it lasts.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
There Is No Such Thing As Later...
I just had to delete some older posts, that I had thought I would finish laster, when the creative juices were in full flow. But after a long time and countless editings and deletions, I have just realized - there is no such thing as tomorrow. jo bhi hai, aaj hai. Kal ho na ho.
In plain english, one just can't finish a post later.
There is no such thing as later.
In plain english, one just can't finish a post later.
There is no such thing as later.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Doing Yoga...
I have joined yoga classes with teh Arya Samaj here, and have been attending their prayanam classes since the past three days. So far, I have been taught the exercises, which involve stretching to the rhythm of breathing.
I really can't say if it has had a positive effect on me, cos I still laze around all day, and haven't been able to put all the energy spending to good use.
I really can't say if it has had a positive effect on me, cos I still laze around all day, and haven't been able to put all the energy spending to good use.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
A City Unravels...
There are layers to Bangalore. Let me explain.
There's the Bangalore that one reads in the newspapers, a hot and happening city, filled with pubs and software professionals. That's very true.
Then there's the city one actually encounters when one reaches here for the first time. It's a young city alright, bursting with energy, on a different beat with the rest of India. A city of big brands, orderliness, good traffic sense (unlke Delhi).
Then there's the Bangalore that reveals itself when one lives here for some time and moves around. Then one find the little gems like the magazine place, the DVD shop, the small but expensive Chinese restaurant that has good lamb.
And finally there's the Bangalore that reveals itself if you take things really slowly, like walking instead of taking an auto. The Bangalore then is the one populate by the small vendors, the chanawala, the naarial-paani wala etc. This Bangalore moves at a differnt pace. Maybe this is the old pace. That's the pace I like.
I am slowly disvocering B'lore on foot. Already, I have toured the whole of MG Road, Brigades (one and the same) and commercial and also the Indiranagar area where I live next up, move out of teharea where I live and discover more.
There's the Bangalore that one reads in the newspapers, a hot and happening city, filled with pubs and software professionals. That's very true.
Then there's the city one actually encounters when one reaches here for the first time. It's a young city alright, bursting with energy, on a different beat with the rest of India. A city of big brands, orderliness, good traffic sense (unlke Delhi).
Then there's the Bangalore that reveals itself when one lives here for some time and moves around. Then one find the little gems like the magazine place, the DVD shop, the small but expensive Chinese restaurant that has good lamb.
And finally there's the Bangalore that reveals itself if you take things really slowly, like walking instead of taking an auto. The Bangalore then is the one populate by the small vendors, the chanawala, the naarial-paani wala etc. This Bangalore moves at a differnt pace. Maybe this is the old pace. That's the pace I like.
I am slowly disvocering B'lore on foot. Already, I have toured the whole of MG Road, Brigades (one and the same) and commercial and also the Indiranagar area where I live next up, move out of teharea where I live and discover more.
Weather and Gaming...
The weather in B'lore baffles me. Where I stay, its usually warm to hot. I sleep with the fan on. But I go a little towards Koramangle, which is south, I think, and it starts getting colder. My friend tells me that its because Koramangle is the southern edge of the city, and beyond it is just wilderness, or at least lesser population. Hence the coldness there. I have to wear jackets while I'm there. But this extremes of weather is really baffling.
I have also become a member at two cybercafes, primarily to checkout the games that they have, namely, Reliance and Sify. Reliance, with all the backing of the Ambani fortunes, cannot run even a half-way decent cybercafe. It takes nearly two minutes to log into their system, and then there is the thing about the stiff keyboards, the bad ergonomics of the chairs, the bad speeds (broadband my foot!) and the extremely bad games. Its the usual ones, World of Warcraft, Halo, Need For Speed, etc, but they again take a long time to load. And didn't the person who choose the hardware know that the sleek LCD monitors are not yet ready for gaming yet?? and those small screens....
Now Sify, on the other hand, ave got quite a few things right. For one, their choice of games is moer than Reliance. And it is sorted under different genres, like racing, sports, action, strategy. And under each heading, there are more choices available. Also, the still use the bulky CRT monitors, which can offer better frame rates that the games require. Oh, and Sify is cheaper too...
So all in all, I would much rather spend my gaming money at Sify than at Reliance. Makes for a bette experience.
I have also become a member at two cybercafes, primarily to checkout the games that they have, namely, Reliance and Sify. Reliance, with all the backing of the Ambani fortunes, cannot run even a half-way decent cybercafe. It takes nearly two minutes to log into their system, and then there is the thing about the stiff keyboards, the bad ergonomics of the chairs, the bad speeds (broadband my foot!) and the extremely bad games. Its the usual ones, World of Warcraft, Halo, Need For Speed, etc, but they again take a long time to load. And didn't the person who choose the hardware know that the sleek LCD monitors are not yet ready for gaming yet?? and those small screens....
Now Sify, on the other hand, ave got quite a few things right. For one, their choice of games is moer than Reliance. And it is sorted under different genres, like racing, sports, action, strategy. And under each heading, there are more choices available. Also, the still use the bulky CRT monitors, which can offer better frame rates that the games require. Oh, and Sify is cheaper too...
So all in all, I would much rather spend my gaming money at Sify than at Reliance. Makes for a bette experience.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
A Mini-Adventure
What little advnture I had!! I had gone searching for a job, and lost the keys to my house instead!! And a fine day I chose, when all the locksmiths had closed their shops.
This Wipro thing has had me running for two days in a row. Two days of going all the way to the Electronic City and back. That's one way of visiting B'lore, I reason.
The only good thing tcome out of the whole thing is that I got a spend night with Neelu, which is a fine thing. No matter hog big he grows, he isstill the small town boy, aware of where he comes from. Or maybe he doesn't need to put his mask in front of me. Maybe that's what friends do. Put each other at ease. Anyways, it was a time well spent. In fact, he put the whole thing about me losing my key and having to roam the city in a good light when he reminded me about the time I was stranded in Mumbai for three days and had to spend the night at the station. Like he said, I'm still the Adventerous Boy (a name a girl gave me for god knows what reasons).
This Wipro thing has had me running for two days in a row. Two days of going all the way to the Electronic City and back. That's one way of visiting B'lore, I reason.
The only good thing tcome out of the whole thing is that I got a spend night with Neelu, which is a fine thing. No matter hog big he grows, he isstill the small town boy, aware of where he comes from. Or maybe he doesn't need to put his mask in front of me. Maybe that's what friends do. Put each other at ease. Anyways, it was a time well spent. In fact, he put the whole thing about me losing my key and having to roam the city in a good light when he reminded me about the time I was stranded in Mumbai for three days and had to spend the night at the station. Like he said, I'm still the Adventerous Boy (a name a girl gave me for god knows what reasons).
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Places to Visit..
This job hunting is taking me to newer places. I went as far as Hosur today, searching for a job. And it cost me a bomb. Have noted down the bus nos. Will take me around three hours to travel there, but I will say more than 150 bucks.
Will Do.
Will Do.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Ek Alkela Is Shehar Mein...
Ah, B'lore is slowly opening up to me. I trekked through the city today, covering MG Road, Brigades and Commercial street (or are they just different sections of a very big area? methinksso). I even managed to meet a few of my A'bad friends, colleagues whon I started out with. It was nice talking ot them.
But the best part, in my opinion, was a shop devoted solely ot megazines. Just rows upon rows of outdated and current Indian and foreign journals. I doubt such a store exists in Delhi, and lets not even begin to talk about A'bad, ok? Such niche shops are what makes a city, in my opinions. Not malls, not pubs, not big splashy MNCs, but stores that cater to a particular taste. The others are easily replicable, but shops like these require some drive, ome guts, to declare themselves as a niche place rather than a general place.
There were megazine on all topics, for all tastes. When I have a job and some money in my pocket, I will go and buy a few of those. A National Geographic about Saudi Arabia, a New scientists, and a few computer gaming mags.
Will Do.
But the best part, in my opinion, was a shop devoted solely ot megazines. Just rows upon rows of outdated and current Indian and foreign journals. I doubt such a store exists in Delhi, and lets not even begin to talk about A'bad, ok? Such niche shops are what makes a city, in my opinions. Not malls, not pubs, not big splashy MNCs, but stores that cater to a particular taste. The others are easily replicable, but shops like these require some drive, ome guts, to declare themselves as a niche place rather than a general place.
There were megazine on all topics, for all tastes. When I have a job and some money in my pocket, I will go and buy a few of those. A National Geographic about Saudi Arabia, a New scientists, and a few computer gaming mags.
Will Do.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Caffaine Rush...
I have just discovered a new pleasure - coffee. Not just any coffee, but filter coffee. Let me elaborate.
I always associated coffee with Nescafe, that all pervasive band that has become synonymous with coffee. One can go into a restaurant and ask for nescafe. And that's what intrigued me. Why, I wondered, did people talking about how good coffee is, how it is better than tea any given day. It's just on taste, I thought, it doesn't change no matter how you make it, where you make. And joints like Starbucks and Barista did not help either. They sold a lifestyle more than coffee. Caffeinated, Decaf, low-fat, all the same. Boring. Yawn. I seriously thought coffee drinkers were loonies.
But that changed when I had my first Hazelnut coffee. I discovered that there was more to coffee than Nescafe. Like there was the strong black one which tasted unlike Nescafe.
And now, I have finally discovered what people mean when they talk about coffee, thanks to the tiny shops that line the CMH road in B'lore. Yes, coffee is best when it is filter coffee, the strong, bitter, supercaf concotion that wakes you up hard. Am really addicted.
But let me make it clear that I am not switching my loyalites over to coffee. I am a tea person and will remain one forever.
I always associated coffee with Nescafe, that all pervasive band that has become synonymous with coffee. One can go into a restaurant and ask for nescafe. And that's what intrigued me. Why, I wondered, did people talking about how good coffee is, how it is better than tea any given day. It's just on taste, I thought, it doesn't change no matter how you make it, where you make. And joints like Starbucks and Barista did not help either. They sold a lifestyle more than coffee. Caffeinated, Decaf, low-fat, all the same. Boring. Yawn. I seriously thought coffee drinkers were loonies.
But that changed when I had my first Hazelnut coffee. I discovered that there was more to coffee than Nescafe. Like there was the strong black one which tasted unlike Nescafe.
And now, I have finally discovered what people mean when they talk about coffee, thanks to the tiny shops that line the CMH road in B'lore. Yes, coffee is best when it is filter coffee, the strong, bitter, supercaf concotion that wakes you up hard. Am really addicted.
But let me make it clear that I am not switching my loyalites over to coffee. I am a tea person and will remain one forever.
Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi
Nothing much happened today...oh, I saw a very good film today, Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi. A Truly memorable film. Even though the film is set in th 70s, much of it is still relevant. Its a real wonder how Sudhir Mishra managed to capture all the angst and frustrations and love and despair into this film...
The film is about three friends, each of whom has different loyalties. Theres Siddharth (Kay Kay), Geeta (Chitrangda) and Vikram (Shiny Ahuja), three friends with differnt outlooks towards life. While Siddharth wants to bring a revolution and change the world order, Geeta is just happy being with Siddharth, whatever hi philosophy be. Vikram, a middle class boy with idealist Gandhian father, is ambitious and feels that all the talk of a revolution is useless and just wants to get to the top. A love triangle in place, the movie traces that path that each protagonist take over the course of a decade.
Siddharth goes from being a man driven completely by an ideology to a person who is able to question the ideology - he is even prepared to postpone the prolitarian revolution because the common people are not ready. He sees the tragedy in Bihar and acquires a human face.
Geeta marries an IAS officer but continues to see Siddharth on the sly, but after leading two lives, gives it up all for love, to live with Siddharth in Bihar, teaching, and in the process, giving up a cushy life. From a clueless person, she becomes a person with a mission.
Vikram becomes a fixer of sorts with the prower-set in Delhi, seeing a meteoric rise, but all this is still empty for him, as he does not have the one things that he really wants, Geeta. He finally gets her, but at what cost?
The film progresses with a purpose, and manages to portray each protagonists point of view without ever taking sides. No one is the bad guy here. Each is driven by his or her motivations.
Of the cast, Shiny Ahuja really shines. He manages to bring out the layers that his character demands. He is cocky with his colleauges and the power-set of Delhi, but before Geeta, he becomes completely vulnerable. All his ambitions come crashing down before his idealist father, who is his anti-thesis.
Kay Kay is given a role in which he cannot but shine. But he manages to do so without going over-the-board is a tribute to his poweress as an actor From being an idealist firebrand student to a budding revolutionary to a war-torn guerilla to a defeated revolutionary, he handles it with aplomb.
Chitrangda too is very good, onsidering it is her first role. That she is also a pleasure to look at helps.
All three are ably helped by a stellar supporting cast. Espically worth watching amony them is Siddharth's father, when he goes pleading for his son's safety.
All in all, a very good film.
On another note, you know your life sucks when the only highlight of your day is watching a movie. Thats life telling you to get a life.
The film is about three friends, each of whom has different loyalties. Theres Siddharth (Kay Kay), Geeta (Chitrangda) and Vikram (Shiny Ahuja), three friends with differnt outlooks towards life. While Siddharth wants to bring a revolution and change the world order, Geeta is just happy being with Siddharth, whatever hi philosophy be. Vikram, a middle class boy with idealist Gandhian father, is ambitious and feels that all the talk of a revolution is useless and just wants to get to the top. A love triangle in place, the movie traces that path that each protagonist take over the course of a decade.
Siddharth goes from being a man driven completely by an ideology to a person who is able to question the ideology - he is even prepared to postpone the prolitarian revolution because the common people are not ready. He sees the tragedy in Bihar and acquires a human face.
Geeta marries an IAS officer but continues to see Siddharth on the sly, but after leading two lives, gives it up all for love, to live with Siddharth in Bihar, teaching, and in the process, giving up a cushy life. From a clueless person, she becomes a person with a mission.
Vikram becomes a fixer of sorts with the prower-set in Delhi, seeing a meteoric rise, but all this is still empty for him, as he does not have the one things that he really wants, Geeta. He finally gets her, but at what cost?
The film progresses with a purpose, and manages to portray each protagonists point of view without ever taking sides. No one is the bad guy here. Each is driven by his or her motivations.
Of the cast, Shiny Ahuja really shines. He manages to bring out the layers that his character demands. He is cocky with his colleauges and the power-set of Delhi, but before Geeta, he becomes completely vulnerable. All his ambitions come crashing down before his idealist father, who is his anti-thesis.
Kay Kay is given a role in which he cannot but shine. But he manages to do so without going over-the-board is a tribute to his poweress as an actor From being an idealist firebrand student to a budding revolutionary to a war-torn guerilla to a defeated revolutionary, he handles it with aplomb.
Chitrangda too is very good, onsidering it is her first role. That she is also a pleasure to look at helps.
All three are ably helped by a stellar supporting cast. Espically worth watching amony them is Siddharth's father, when he goes pleading for his son's safety.
All in all, a very good film.
On another note, you know your life sucks when the only highlight of your day is watching a movie. Thats life telling you to get a life.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
HAPPY 2006
Wow!! Its 2006!! That's one year gone, and no significant blogging done there. Looks like I am seriously losing my touch (or have I lost it already?).
But anyways, whats past is past. Lets begin anew. 2006 sees me in a new city, Bangalore, making a new life for myself. So far so good. All that I had heard about it being the most westernised city in India wer quite true. Am amazed to find stuff like olives and snicker bars even in common supermarkets. these wern't avaiable even in Delhi.
And the weather. Yeah the weather. After the biting cold of Delhi, the mild coolness is a nice welcome. Really looking forward to a nice stay here. But then who knows which way the wind blows...
Ah, chuck it, will enjoy it while I'm here. In the mean time,
HAPPY 2006 TO ALL!!!
But anyways, whats past is past. Lets begin anew. 2006 sees me in a new city, Bangalore, making a new life for myself. So far so good. All that I had heard about it being the most westernised city in India wer quite true. Am amazed to find stuff like olives and snicker bars even in common supermarkets. these wern't avaiable even in Delhi.
And the weather. Yeah the weather. After the biting cold of Delhi, the mild coolness is a nice welcome. Really looking forward to a nice stay here. But then who knows which way the wind blows...
Ah, chuck it, will enjoy it while I'm here. In the mean time,
HAPPY 2006 TO ALL!!!
Monday, November 14, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
Down But Not Out....
Not been posting, but intend to.
Just that that I'd let you know that.........
Just that that I'd let you know that.........
My blog is worth $1,129.08.
How much is your blog worth?
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Sunil Dutt Passes Away
This is really sad. One of my favourite politicians, Mr. Sunil Dutt has passed away. He was one man who had my utmost respect. A true secularist, and more importantly, a true idealist, his long peace walks have really baffled me. Why would he do it? what was there in it for him, I would ask? In retrospect, I feel thats what true selflessness ks. May his soul rest in peace.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
The PS3
Have you checked out the new PlayStation 3??? If not, do it now. Drool... man, I must have this when it is released next year. And while you are checking out the PS3, also check out the previews for Tekken 6 and Devil May Cry 4.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Random Facts About Vin Diesel
Do you like Vin Deisel? Want to know more about him? Your prayers have been answered, for
here
* Vin Diesel always wins at Tic Tac Toe, even if he doesn't have the centre square.
* His feces weigh more than the sum of the food he consumes. Physicist Stephen Hawking- who was actually stricken with MS as the result of a curse placed upon him by Vin Diesel after the two had a heated argument over a minor point of Einstein's theory of special gravity (Vin Diesel was proven correct in a later experiment)- has been quoted as saying that he may hold the key to understanding "dark matter" somewhere in his digestive tract. Carson Daly reported that he didn't see anything suspicious in there.
* If you were to lock Vin Diesel in a room with a guitar, a year later you would have the greatest album ever, it would sweep the Grammy's. When asked why he doesn't do this Vin replied "Because Grammy's are for queers." then he ate a knife to show the seriousness of his response.
* Vin Diesel wrote software to be able to predict the results of the California state lottery. He has won the jackpot 6 times.
* When Vin Diesel created time, he pondered making the hours, minutes, and seconds base 10 for mortals to comprehend easier, however; he chose to suit his own pallet and mix things up a bit.
...and lots more from where that came. Just keep hitting the reload button of your browser. Oh, and take it with a pinch of salt.
here
* Vin Diesel always wins at Tic Tac Toe, even if he doesn't have the centre square.
* His feces weigh more than the sum of the food he consumes. Physicist Stephen Hawking- who was actually stricken with MS as the result of a curse placed upon him by Vin Diesel after the two had a heated argument over a minor point of Einstein's theory of special gravity (Vin Diesel was proven correct in a later experiment)- has been quoted as saying that he may hold the key to understanding "dark matter" somewhere in his digestive tract. Carson Daly reported that he didn't see anything suspicious in there.
* If you were to lock Vin Diesel in a room with a guitar, a year later you would have the greatest album ever, it would sweep the Grammy's. When asked why he doesn't do this Vin replied "Because Grammy's are for queers." then he ate a knife to show the seriousness of his response.
* Vin Diesel wrote software to be able to predict the results of the California state lottery. He has won the jackpot 6 times.
* When Vin Diesel created time, he pondered making the hours, minutes, and seconds base 10 for mortals to comprehend easier, however; he chose to suit his own pallet and mix things up a bit.
...and lots more from where that came. Just keep hitting the reload button of your browser. Oh, and take it with a pinch of salt.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Becoming A Drifter...
There's lots happening around me, but I just can't seem to take an interest in them. I am fast becoming a drifter. Not good.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Another Low in Indian TV...
A new low in Indian television programming - Kyunki Saas Bhi Bahu Thi has reached the 1,000 episodes mark. Seeing all the people involved praise it to the sky makes me sick in my stomach.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
An Observation...
Blogging is a habit, that should be nurtured constantly. One skip, and it will take forever to regain that habit.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Busy Times For TV Channels...
This has been a very busy time for the news networks. First, there was the 'sting' operation which unearthed a known fact, and then there was the passing away of the pope (my condolences to the Christian fraternity) and now there is the cross border bus trips. The TV channels are having a groovy time indeed!!
And speaking of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus trip, I wholly support it.
And speaking of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus trip, I wholly support it.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Remix Blues...
The remixes are getting out of hand, and one unintended outcome of this is that even obscure oldies are becoming fairly mainstream, sadly.
As an example, everyone remembers Deewar for its story, its dialogues (mere paas maa hai, bhai tum sign karte ho ki nahin?), the stars etc. But its songs were nothing extraordinary, rather they were just by the numbers and had died their natural death. But come the 'Kehdoon Tumhe' remix, and suddenly, the orignal has got the airplay again. In fact, I started liking the song too!! But now I have realized my mistake and promptly deleted the song from my iPod mini.
I say again, remix sucks. Death to all the remixers.
As an example, everyone remembers Deewar for its story, its dialogues (mere paas maa hai, bhai tum sign karte ho ki nahin?), the stars etc. But its songs were nothing extraordinary, rather they were just by the numbers and had died their natural death. But come the 'Kehdoon Tumhe' remix, and suddenly, the orignal has got the airplay again. In fact, I started liking the song too!! But now I have realized my mistake and promptly deleted the song from my iPod mini.
I say again, remix sucks. Death to all the remixers.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Collection keeps growing...
My music collection is growing, slowly but surely. The latest additions are Beatles. Recommended hear: Norwegian Wood.
Later:
I knew it, I just knew that the strings on this song had to be a sitar!! This page (scroll down) tells a little about the song. George Harrison was just discovering about the Indian instrument, and without any training, just struck at the strings to make this melody. Speaks a lot about his musical poweress.
Later:
I knew it, I just knew that the strings on this song had to be a sitar!! This page (scroll down) tells a little about the song. George Harrison was just discovering about the Indian instrument, and without any training, just struck at the strings to make this melody. Speaks a lot about his musical poweress.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Odds and Ends...
The US' refusal to grant a visa to Gujarat CM Narendra Modi has more repercussions that is visible to the eye. How will the typical "I-love-the-US" Gujju react to this? notice that there has been no repurcussions to this news. Even the so-called 'Swabhiman Yatra' did not find any takers, as it was aimed against the US. Nothing comes between a Gujju and the US.
On another not, getting broadband meant that I could download full version movies, games and songs, but I had not counted on the connectivity. A full version game that I am trying to download will take me 11 days!! The size is around 3 GB, ot be sure, but 12 days??!!?? Broadband is over-rated, and I have given up on downloading such stuff now.
On another not, getting broadband meant that I could download full version movies, games and songs, but I had not counted on the connectivity. A full version game that I am trying to download will take me 11 days!! The size is around 3 GB, ot be sure, but 12 days??!!?? Broadband is over-rated, and I have given up on downloading such stuff now.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Bad News...
The bomb blasts in Qatar are a very disturbing development. The peaceful image of Qatar now lies shattered, especially since next year, they are hosting the Asian games, and are really keen on putting their best foot forward. When I left Doha for good in December last year, I had no inkling this would happen.
I hope things dont deteriorate further in this small, beautiful godforsaken country.
I hope things dont deteriorate further in this small, beautiful godforsaken country.
The 'Sting'...
So the state of journalism in India has achieved a new high, or is it a new low? The ‘sting operations’ done by the India Today TV were supposed to be a about exposing the ugly side of showbiz to the rest of the world but it has just become another salacious episode in the showbiz saga. Nearly everyone has not even batted an eyelid in India, except those approached for their views by the television channels. That the movie industry is an immoral, sinful place is understood. That’s what people expect it to be. In fact, if the channel wanted a real sting, they could have tried to get a starlet to offer herself to the hero, and the hero instead tells her, ‘You are like a sister to me’!! That would have really gotten people’s attention! But all said and done, this was not a sting operation in any way, in my opinion. Rather, it was entrapment, where both, Shakti Kapoor and Aman Verma were lured into a trap by the girl named Ritu. From the recorded conversations, it would seem like the girl was a babe in the woods, completely ignorant of how the industry works. She played the part of the innocent, helpless girl to the hilt.
The film industry, while being at fault here, is being made a soft target by the media. The current sting operation only reaffirms the people’s opinion of the industry as a vile place. Add to that, the number of eyeballs they attract by having the film industry’s name attached to it (Salman Khan’s escapades, Vivek Oberoi-Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai triangle, Sanjay Dutt’s TADA case, film stars joining politics anyone?). As far as the TV producers are concerned, it’s a win-win situation.
In my opinion, this ‘sting operation’ ranks right up there with the reality shows, in that, both are voyeuristic in nature. The common person sits there, in the confines of his living rooms and watches as other people present their worst profiles to them. They then pass out righteous judgements to them, like they really matter.
In channel concerned has been going to town, justifying its ‘sting operation’. The news presenters keep reiterating that their motive was not to defame anyone, but to bring the truth out. But since when do journalists have to justify their actions again and again? Also, a trial-by-media has begun, with the actors calling press conferences and the news channel repeating the relevant clips to show what the actors actually did.
In fact, these ‘revelations’ has spawned a new mini industry in the press circles. Daily, there are articles, opinions of people who don’t matter, talk shows with the same guests, all discussing this matter threadbare. But really, does it matter? Will girls stop dreaming of the arc lights after watching the clips? I doubt it. Life will go on, people will keep getting exploited by the ones higher up in the hierarchy.
In the mean time, keep watching out for ‘shocking news about a former superstar’.
The film industry, while being at fault here, is being made a soft target by the media. The current sting operation only reaffirms the people’s opinion of the industry as a vile place. Add to that, the number of eyeballs they attract by having the film industry’s name attached to it (Salman Khan’s escapades, Vivek Oberoi-Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai triangle, Sanjay Dutt’s TADA case, film stars joining politics anyone?). As far as the TV producers are concerned, it’s a win-win situation.
In my opinion, this ‘sting operation’ ranks right up there with the reality shows, in that, both are voyeuristic in nature. The common person sits there, in the confines of his living rooms and watches as other people present their worst profiles to them. They then pass out righteous judgements to them, like they really matter.
In channel concerned has been going to town, justifying its ‘sting operation’. The news presenters keep reiterating that their motive was not to defame anyone, but to bring the truth out. But since when do journalists have to justify their actions again and again? Also, a trial-by-media has begun, with the actors calling press conferences and the news channel repeating the relevant clips to show what the actors actually did.
In fact, these ‘revelations’ has spawned a new mini industry in the press circles. Daily, there are articles, opinions of people who don’t matter, talk shows with the same guests, all discussing this matter threadbare. But really, does it matter? Will girls stop dreaming of the arc lights after watching the clips? I doubt it. Life will go on, people will keep getting exploited by the ones higher up in the hierarchy.
In the mean time, keep watching out for ‘shocking news about a former superstar’.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
What a Hoot!!!...
This morning I got the biggest laugh in a long time. And the irony in that is that I had Akshay Kumar to thank for it!!
The song, "Main Khiladi Tu Anadi" from the same film was playing on Channel [V], and to my utter surprise, the channel actually censored the pelvic thrusts of to two male actors!! Yes, that's right folks, the channel cut any scene that had the two of them doing pelvic thrusts, which in this song was 95 % of the time. Come to think of it, now that I wrote this line, does this song in anyway have gay undertones? They do point their thrusts at each other. Hmm...
And are the music channels on the road to self-censorship? I think not, cos the next song had an aadhi nangi firang ladki. Will someone please tell me what is happening?
The song, "Main Khiladi Tu Anadi" from the same film was playing on Channel [V], and to my utter surprise, the channel actually censored the pelvic thrusts of to two male actors!! Yes, that's right folks, the channel cut any scene that had the two of them doing pelvic thrusts, which in this song was 95 % of the time. Come to think of it, now that I wrote this line, does this song in anyway have gay undertones? They do point their thrusts at each other. Hmm...
And are the music channels on the road to self-censorship? I think not, cos the next song had an aadhi nangi firang ladki. Will someone please tell me what is happening?
Life in Delhi...
The weather in Delhi nowadays is quite pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold. After the freezing cold of USA, I needed this. On top of that, theres a really cool breeze all day long. But people tell me this will change soon, probably towards the end of this month, after Holi ("Holi kab hai? Kab hai Holi KAB, KAB?"). But in the mean time, I'm enjoying it.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Life in Delhi...
The weather in Delhi nowadays is quite pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold. After the freezing cold of USA, I needed this. On top of that, theres a really cool breeze all day long. But people tell me this will change soon, probably towards the end of this month, after Holi ("Holi kab hai? Kab hai Holi KAB, KAB?"). But in the mean time, I'm enjoying it.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Life in Delhi...
The weather in Delhi nowadays is quite pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold. After the freezing cold of USA, I needed this. On top of that, theres a really cool breeze all day long. But people tell me this will change soon, probably towards the end of this month, after Holi ("Holi kab hai? Kab hai Holi KAB, KAB?"). But in the mean time, I'm enjoying it.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Yesterday being Shivratri, the atmosphere around Delhi was different, more festive. I am given to believe that Delhites are Shiv bhakts. But enjoy as I may, all the festivities, one thing does bug me, and that's the high numbers of places of worship here. Even where I like, there are three temples within walking distances of each other. A short walk away, and a Muslim dominated area, there are a number of masjids. There are even three churches of different denominstions where I live!! One would be given to believe that people here are very pious, but just look at the happenings around you, and you misconceptions are corrected. I feel that most outwardly pious people are the most un-Godly of them all. I say most 'cos a few are truly pious.
On to other things, the broadband here is good, but it's only available in the mornings, and it goes down in the evening, which is when I need it the most.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Dear injinuity III...
injinuity said:
ha ha ha. Dude, you crack me up. Your own wife's life wouldn't revolve around you, leave alone anyone else's What I post on my blog in strictly my business, and you being the subject for the last three posts is only incidental, os chill out.
hmm... your life revolves around me eh?... don't you have anything else to post you imbecile.
ha ha ha. Dude, you crack me up. Your own wife's life wouldn't revolve around you, leave alone anyone else's What I post on my blog in strictly my business, and you being the subject for the last three posts is only incidental, os chill out.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Dear injinuity...
injinuity said:
the only person in need of sympathies is your dad for siring an insufferable, lazy prick like you.
and don't ever be under the illusion that you came to my rescue at the airport. on the contrary, you mucked it up further.
I definitely feel sorry for you old man you nitwit.. he has made only one mistake... and its you..
and as I said.. if I didn't volunteer your stuff would get thrown out.... someone kick me for waiting 45 minutes outside the airport... grrrr
the only person in need of sympathies is your dad for siring an insufferable, lazy prick like you.
and don't ever be under the illusion that you came to my rescue at the airport. on the contrary, you mucked it up further.
Friday, March 04, 2005
Dear injinuity....
injinuity said:
"You idiot.. I had no plans on sending the luggage at all had it not been for your father.. felt sorry for him.. its not his fault if his son is an irresponsible moron... been almost a month and a half and you still didn't send the passport copy.... I really wanted to keep it here for a year ... and would have done it had it not been for your pops... grrr
anyways hope you are having a blast in New York, catch you later dude.. have fun but be careful."
Reply:
sure, I believe you. you dick, if you didn't know the first thing about sending cargos, then why did you volunteer to do it in the first place, huh? and even when you came to about the passport requirement, why didn't you tell me about it. You write this in all your self-righteous tone, when in reality you were an ignorant ass, and a lazy bastard, thats what you are. And that's the reason I decided on not sending you the passport details. If not my father, then I would have come and picked it up myself.
And you don't need to feel sorry for my father, he doesnt need you sympathies. Your sympathies are not needed.
I had a real blast in NY, and am now back in India. When are you travelling?
On to other news:
I have got broadband in my home now!!! The speeds are prety impressive. In fact, I did a 20 mb download in less then 20 minutes
"You idiot.. I had no plans on sending the luggage at all had it not been for your father.. felt sorry for him.. its not his fault if his son is an irresponsible moron... been almost a month and a half and you still didn't send the passport copy.... I really wanted to keep it here for a year ... and would have done it had it not been for your pops... grrr
anyways hope you are having a blast in New York, catch you later dude.. have fun but be careful."
Reply:
sure, I believe you. you dick, if you didn't know the first thing about sending cargos, then why did you volunteer to do it in the first place, huh? and even when you came to about the passport requirement, why didn't you tell me about it. You write this in all your self-righteous tone, when in reality you were an ignorant ass, and a lazy bastard, thats what you are. And that's the reason I decided on not sending you the passport details. If not my father, then I would have come and picked it up myself.
And you don't need to feel sorry for my father, he doesnt need you sympathies. Your sympathies are not needed.
I had a real blast in NY, and am now back in India. When are you travelling?
On to other news:
I have got broadband in my home now!!! The speeds are prety impressive. In fact, I did a 20 mb download in less then 20 minutes
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Back Again...
During my absence from posting, a lot has happened. First of all, I visited the US for an entire month. The trip was quite memorable, in that I visited New York, and Cincinnati and got a first hand perspective of life in the US. In the end, my opinion is that though life in US is quite laidback in comparison to India, it is still no match for the Gulf. The people here are very friendly, and eager to help. All in all, a very fine place. But there is one peeve that I have, at leat where NY is concerned. They have very few rest rooms there. During the week I was in NY, it snowed and rained alternately, and I was either sloshed or drained for the entire time. All this resulted in frequent calls from Mother Nature (“Maa, main aa raha hoon maa!!!”), and I was at a loss for where to go. Thankfully, the golden arches came to my rescue. The convenience of the McDonalds chains, along with the fact that they have restrooms was a big help. The only problem was that it was available only to the persons who purchased something there, which is understandable. So , I was forced to give up my self-imposed boycott of all the joint and order some chicken (to their credit, they were good) and then use their restrooms. At times like these, I missed the convenience of India, with the vast network of Sulabh Shauchalya in place. Score one for India. Go India!!!
Another peeve of mine was the cold….IT WAS MORE THAN FREEZING THERE!!! In fact, the chill of Doha was more then enough for me, and this was even worse. My ears and hands actually froze in the winter!! It’s a wonder that I did not catch frostbite.
The trip to the Statue of Liberty was quite memorable. It started out as a sunny day, but by the time I reached Battery Park, it was pouring. And the view I got the Lady Liberty was one in dreary surroundings, not in the bright sunlight that is always recommended. Will be posting the pictures soon.
The Brooklyn Bridge trip was good too. Hiked up and down, and enjoyed the view from both sides. The construction feat has to be admired, in my opinion.
In contrast, Cincinnati is a very quite town, where nothing much happens. Life moves at a very easy pace there.
Yeah, yeah, I know, this is a boring post. I’ll end it right here.
Will improve later.
Great News So Far:
A Google search for Sweet Demon puts my blog on the top.....Yeah!!!!!!!!!
Another peeve of mine was the cold….IT WAS MORE THAN FREEZING THERE!!! In fact, the chill of Doha was more then enough for me, and this was even worse. My ears and hands actually froze in the winter!! It’s a wonder that I did not catch frostbite.
The trip to the Statue of Liberty was quite memorable. It started out as a sunny day, but by the time I reached Battery Park, it was pouring. And the view I got the Lady Liberty was one in dreary surroundings, not in the bright sunlight that is always recommended. Will be posting the pictures soon.
The Brooklyn Bridge trip was good too. Hiked up and down, and enjoyed the view from both sides. The construction feat has to be admired, in my opinion.
In contrast, Cincinnati is a very quite town, where nothing much happens. Life moves at a very easy pace there.
Yeah, yeah, I know, this is a boring post. I’ll end it right here.
Will improve later.
Great News So Far:
A Google search for Sweet Demon puts my blog on the top.....Yeah!!!!!!!!!
Friday, February 25, 2005
Reply
At 4:54 PM, injinuity said...
dying or died?
You wish. Still alive 'n kickin' in the land of the free
Friday, January 28, 2005
Old Habits Dying...
I seem to be slipping in my habit of posting regularly. Probably because I am with my family jnow, and don't need a blog to keep in touch with them. But still, to survive, this blog will have to reinvent itself. Must dwell on it.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
I'm Baaack!!!!
Guess who’s back, back again? Yes folks, I’m back again, after a long, long time. It’s nearly a month since my last post, and a lot has happened since then. Here’s what happened.
I left Doha on the last day of 2004, and actually welcomed the New Year on the plane. The journey itself was quite uneventful, but the beginnings and the endings are a different matter. At the departure terminal, I realized that I was grossly overweight (my luggage, that is), so I had to leave most of it with my friend, Jinu. That was nearly a month ago, and my luggage rests in peace in Doha. On arrival, I found myself alone at the Delhi airport. On getting out, India hit me, right in my face. All the traffic jams, the bad and congested roads – after the wide roads of Doha, even the best roads of Delhi seem kachcha roads to me – hit me hard, and I wanted to turn back to Doha within the first hour!! But all that vanished when I arrived at home. The warmth of home made me realize the reason why I had resigned from my comfortable job in the first place. Home. Home Sweet Home. It was worth it.
After some time in Delhi, it was time to head to A’bad, and celebrate a little Uttarayan, but all my best laid plans were laid to wasted, cos my friends were not able to make it, save one, and there was no wind on that day and the day after. Sob sob, I did not fly even one kite. But I got to meet my friends after a long time, and I had a blast!! And to make up for the kiteless Uttarayan, I got to taste authentic Kashmiri cooking or Wazwaan cooking as it is called. And now for a factoid
Did you know…
Traditional Kashmiri cooking does not include chicken, the reason being that chickens were thought to be unclean, since they usually lived in the gutters in the Kashmir valley. It is only recently that the Kashmiri people have started eating chicken.
On, and the most important development, I got a laptop!!! Yes, a brand new spanking laptop for myself!! A new toy for me. Woo hoo!!
Reflections on A’bad.
A’bad has undergone a lot of change in the last two years. Newer roads have been constructed, and they are even better than the ones that Delhi has to offer. The pollution level remains the same, and so does the slow pace of life. Buildings are coming up everywhere, and the already scarce open spaces are being reduced. And for a person arriving from a place where there are lots of open spaces, its scary.
I’m back in Delhi, still resting. Will start working when am out of funds. In the mean time, PAAAAAAARTYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!
I left Doha on the last day of 2004, and actually welcomed the New Year on the plane. The journey itself was quite uneventful, but the beginnings and the endings are a different matter. At the departure terminal, I realized that I was grossly overweight (my luggage, that is), so I had to leave most of it with my friend, Jinu. That was nearly a month ago, and my luggage rests in peace in Doha. On arrival, I found myself alone at the Delhi airport. On getting out, India hit me, right in my face. All the traffic jams, the bad and congested roads – after the wide roads of Doha, even the best roads of Delhi seem kachcha roads to me – hit me hard, and I wanted to turn back to Doha within the first hour!! But all that vanished when I arrived at home. The warmth of home made me realize the reason why I had resigned from my comfortable job in the first place. Home. Home Sweet Home. It was worth it.
After some time in Delhi, it was time to head to A’bad, and celebrate a little Uttarayan, but all my best laid plans were laid to wasted, cos my friends were not able to make it, save one, and there was no wind on that day and the day after. Sob sob, I did not fly even one kite. But I got to meet my friends after a long time, and I had a blast!! And to make up for the kiteless Uttarayan, I got to taste authentic Kashmiri cooking or Wazwaan cooking as it is called. And now for a factoid
Did you know…
Traditional Kashmiri cooking does not include chicken, the reason being that chickens were thought to be unclean, since they usually lived in the gutters in the Kashmir valley. It is only recently that the Kashmiri people have started eating chicken.
On, and the most important development, I got a laptop!!! Yes, a brand new spanking laptop for myself!! A new toy for me. Woo hoo!!
Reflections on A’bad.
A’bad has undergone a lot of change in the last two years. Newer roads have been constructed, and they are even better than the ones that Delhi has to offer. The pollution level remains the same, and so does the slow pace of life. Buildings are coming up everywhere, and the already scarce open spaces are being reduced. And for a person arriving from a place where there are lots of open spaces, its scary.
I’m back in Delhi, still resting. Will start working when am out of funds. In the mean time, PAAAAAAARTYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Last Day...
Today is my last day in office...nothing out of the ordianry, except that I will probably walk home, as there are no taxis available at one in the night. Reminds me of when I resigned from my first and second jobs - in both cases, I walked home, just 'cos I wanted to. In this case, it will be more of a necessity.
My last day in office, I had hoped, would be more introspective, with very little work. Instead, I am stuck here with a newbie, teaching him how the system works. Plus, I also am very tired as I haven't slept for the past 34 hours, which for everyones sake, is my new record of sleeplessness. My last day in Doha begins tomorrow, as Friday does not count because I will be travelling on that day. But surprisingly, I don't in any way feel emotional about it. The feeling is more like,'I'll be travelling on Friday'. No bye-bye Doha when I walk the streets. Maybe when the plane lifts off, I'll feel the pangs (main aisa kyon hoon??). In the mean time, I only want to sleep.
My last day in office, I had hoped, would be more introspective, with very little work. Instead, I am stuck here with a newbie, teaching him how the system works. Plus, I also am very tired as I haven't slept for the past 34 hours, which for everyones sake, is my new record of sleeplessness. My last day in Doha begins tomorrow, as Friday does not count because I will be travelling on that day. But surprisingly, I don't in any way feel emotional about it. The feeling is more like,'I'll be travelling on Friday'. No bye-bye Doha when I walk the streets. Maybe when the plane lifts off, I'll feel the pangs (main aisa kyon hoon??). In the mean time, I only want to sleep.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Hello Again...
There is a perfectly good reason for me not posting for hte past few days - I was feeling lazy.
Things are moving on in the office. My replacement has arrived. He is a Hindi teacher at the Ideal Indian School working part-time. And the first thing he told me on arrival was that the site was full of spelling mistakes. I know that!!
I have finally managed to sell my car, and got a good price for it, though the depreciation was less than 50 %.
Am in shopping mode now, buying up things to take home.
Things are moving on in the office. My replacement has arrived. He is a Hindi teacher at the Ideal Indian School working part-time. And the first thing he told me on arrival was that the site was full of spelling mistakes. I know that!!
I have finally managed to sell my car, and got a good price for it, though the depreciation was less than 50 %.
Am in shopping mode now, buying up things to take home.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Chanakya-niti...
Been reading about Chanakya today. Quite a man. Nehru called him the Machiavelli of India, but rather, Machavelli should be the Chanakya of Europe. A casual reading of his Arthashastra leads me ot make me some observations:
* Chanakya keeps reiterating the point about how a good son is better than a bad one. No mention about daughters, though.
* In his opinion, a woman's place is in her home. But then, he was a product of his times.
* Most of his observations seem to talk about living a virtuous life and not straying from teh moral path. And this from a man who practiced the sama, daam, dahna, bhed principle!!
* He seems to have a thing against beautiful wives!!
Moving on, the modern-day Chanakya, P V Narasimha Rao has passed away. My own opinions about the man are quite mixed. When he was in power, I did not like him at all. He never said anything, did nothing to stop the Babri Masjid demolition, was involved in all sorts of scandals. But then, I had no idea what the future would bring. In retrospect, it seems like he was doing all he could to stay in power, and advance the cause of liberalism in India. And to give the man credit, he was good at what he did!! The BJP-led opposition tried their level best to bring him down, but he managed to run a minority government for full five years. May his soul rest in peace, and may he get a good house in his next life.
In other news, an old post of mine has surfaced, this one about two good movies I watched recently.
* Chanakya keeps reiterating the point about how a good son is better than a bad one. No mention about daughters, though.
* In his opinion, a woman's place is in her home. But then, he was a product of his times.
* Most of his observations seem to talk about living a virtuous life and not straying from teh moral path. And this from a man who practiced the sama, daam, dahna, bhed principle!!
* He seems to have a thing against beautiful wives!!
Moving on, the modern-day Chanakya, P V Narasimha Rao has passed away. My own opinions about the man are quite mixed. When he was in power, I did not like him at all. He never said anything, did nothing to stop the Babri Masjid demolition, was involved in all sorts of scandals. But then, I had no idea what the future would bring. In retrospect, it seems like he was doing all he could to stay in power, and advance the cause of liberalism in India. And to give the man credit, he was good at what he did!! The BJP-led opposition tried their level best to bring him down, but he managed to run a minority government for full five years. May his soul rest in peace, and may he get a good house in his next life.
In other news, an old post of mine has surfaced, this one about two good movies I watched recently.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Token Post
Tough day at work. Token Post. Thank you.
Oh yes, I saw Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan today. Good movie, highly recommended.
Oh yes, I saw Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan today. Good movie, highly recommended.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Something's New...
How's this template? Actually, I liked the previous template, what it being more satrangi and all, but the problem is, that one did not have the comments capability - not that anyone comments on my blog, but you never know... and also, I want a bigger bang for my buck, so to speak.
Will tweak around this one too soon.
Will tweak around this one too soon.
A New Day Has Begun...(Ok, A New Night)...
So do you like my new site template? Isn't it more me? More colorful, more satrangi. Rest assured, this is only the begining. Pretty soon, I will compeltely changes the look and feel of this blog...
[Dharamendra]Maa Kasam....[/Dharamendra]
A Random Observation: When we were growing up in Doha, you couldn't swing a dead cat in Doha without hitting a mallu. But now, since the Qatari govt. has stopped allowing mallus from entering Qatar, their place has been taken by the Filipinos. That's right, you can't swing a dead cat around this town without hitting a Filipino. Not that I am complaining... But I degress, what I meant ot say was, the Filipinos are the new mallus.
[Dharamendra]Maa Kasam....[/Dharamendra]
A Random Observation: When we were growing up in Doha, you couldn't swing a dead cat in Doha without hitting a mallu. But now, since the Qatari govt. has stopped allowing mallus from entering Qatar, their place has been taken by the Filipinos. That's right, you can't swing a dead cat around this town without hitting a Filipino. Not that I am complaining... But I degress, what I meant ot say was, the Filipinos are the new mallus.
Monday, December 20, 2004
This Must Stop...
These past few days, I usually go to sleep at around 6 in the morning, and wake up at 3 in the afternoon. That's a total of nine hours of sleep and a whole morning wasted. This must stop.
In other news, my flatmate might be leaving Doha sooner than expected. His demand for a higher pay has been rejected, and so looks like he will be leaving ths country along with me at the end of this month. He was exceptionally quite today.
In other news, my flatmate might be leaving Doha sooner than expected. His demand for a higher pay has been rejected, and so looks like he will be leaving ths country along with me at the end of this month. He was exceptionally quite today.
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Odds And Ends...
* I was in the night clubs for a little over an hour (I wanted my money's worth!!). When I came out, I noticed that all the while, my fly had been open!! Good thing I was in a dark room and that I was wearing a long coat.
* Did you know that in the Catalan region of Spain, a Caganer is often tucked away in some corner of a Christmas Nativity scene where he is not easily noticed, because he is defecating? This is a feature of this region only. A caganer translates from Catalan to English as "defecator", and that is exactly what this little statue is doing — defecating.
* Did you know that in the Catalan region of Spain, a Caganer is often tucked away in some corner of a Christmas Nativity scene where he is not easily noticed, because he is defecating? This is a feature of this region only. A caganer translates from Catalan to English as "defecator", and that is exactly what this little statue is doing — defecating.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Around The Town...
I had an adventure yesterday. I went to a nightclub in Doha. Well, not exactly a night club, it was more of a discothique. Here are some thoughts on it:
* The entrance inside the nightclub/disco was 50 bucks, with a complementary drink thrown in, which is pretty steep, considering I don't drink, and so I ended up having canned orange juice.
* The place was dark and smoky. Okay, discos are supposed to look like that, but this one looked like Michael ka addaa, minus Helen.
* The ratio of males to females was roughly 7:1. Clearly the females were in short supply and were enjoying their time in the sun/strobe lights.
* There were Filipinos, Arabs, some Americans and Indians. Only the Indians were dancing for dancing's sake. They were literally hitting the floor with their two left feet. The Filipinos were alternately dancing and drinking, the Arabs were just swaying, and the Americans were the DJs. And yes, speaking of DJs, the music sucked.
* A special mention about the Indians. They were hitting the floor with their two left feet, except one. This one was doing small kangaroo hops, with his butt jutting out and his eyes closed.
* The overwhelming numver of guys made me wonder, will this place pass off as a gay bar??
* A fight broke out over a girl while I was there. Two guys were at each other. It seems one of them accidentally touched a girl while dancing. Later I saw the girl, a short, fat, dark girl with a shrill voice like a witch. Outside of this place, she would have been un-noticeable, but over here, she was the queen!!
* While the two guys were fighting over the girl, a crowd gathered around them to diffuse the situation. Our kangaroo hopper, oblivious about all the melee around him watlzed his way there, butt first. Clearly he was butting in!!
* Seeing all the left-footedness there, I was immediately reminded of my college day. This place needed the v-10 touch!!
Final analysis, the nightclub sucked. It was just some chairs and a dancefloor thrown in a room and a DJ put there. But the fight and kangaroo hopper made the entire experience a paisa vasool.
* The entrance inside the nightclub/disco was 50 bucks, with a complementary drink thrown in, which is pretty steep, considering I don't drink, and so I ended up having canned orange juice.
* The place was dark and smoky. Okay, discos are supposed to look like that, but this one looked like Michael ka addaa, minus Helen.
* The ratio of males to females was roughly 7:1. Clearly the females were in short supply and were enjoying their time in the sun/strobe lights.
* There were Filipinos, Arabs, some Americans and Indians. Only the Indians were dancing for dancing's sake. They were literally hitting the floor with their two left feet. The Filipinos were alternately dancing and drinking, the Arabs were just swaying, and the Americans were the DJs. And yes, speaking of DJs, the music sucked.
* A special mention about the Indians. They were hitting the floor with their two left feet, except one. This one was doing small kangaroo hops, with his butt jutting out and his eyes closed.
* The overwhelming numver of guys made me wonder, will this place pass off as a gay bar??
* A fight broke out over a girl while I was there. Two guys were at each other. It seems one of them accidentally touched a girl while dancing. Later I saw the girl, a short, fat, dark girl with a shrill voice like a witch. Outside of this place, she would have been un-noticeable, but over here, she was the queen!!
* While the two guys were fighting over the girl, a crowd gathered around them to diffuse the situation. Our kangaroo hopper, oblivious about all the melee around him watlzed his way there, butt first. Clearly he was butting in!!
* Seeing all the left-footedness there, I was immediately reminded of my college day. This place needed the v-10 touch!!
Final analysis, the nightclub sucked. It was just some chairs and a dancefloor thrown in a room and a DJ put there. But the fight and kangaroo hopper made the entire experience a paisa vasool.
Friday, December 17, 2004
I Wanna Be An American...
Since coming to know that I have got a visa for the US, at least two persons in my office have suggested that after going there, I should marry an american girl so that I can become an American. And both very very serious. And both very surprised when I told them that I was not interested in doing any sich thing, and that I only wanted to visit my sister in the US.
Strange
Strange
Thursday, December 16, 2004
I Got US Visa!!!...
I got the US Visa today. Whoopeeee!!!
Some thoughts on it:
* The US embassy is a virtual fortress. I had to go through two metal detectors, four sheilded automatic doors that did not open and close simultaneously. I even had to colse my mobile and deposit it at the door. But in all fairness, even the American citizens that had come there had to go through the same hoops.
* The entire process took just one day. The officials were completely professional about it.
* While explaining my work to the Visa officer - that I had to work on languages primarily - I was tempted to make a Klingon joke. Resisted. Damn.
* It seems that the Indian Govt. charges the Americans visiting India an additional surcharge. So, in retaliation, I had to pay an extra 183/- riyals as reciprocal fees. 'Fair's fair', said the Visa officer. Gotta love the Americans for that.
* I had always imagined that I would find the entire process of electronic fingerprinting humiliating, but as I gave the electronic fingerprint at the embassy, I did not feel any such thing. Maybe cos we use fingerprint access system in the office, and so it has dented my feeling humiliation somewhat.
* I did get a sense of humiliation, though, when I was asked to remove the kadaa to go through the metal detector. I tried to go through wearing it, but it did not work. As I was taking off my kadaa, all the arguement that the religious organizations gave about how bad it is came back to me. I still haven't gotten over it.
* Even with all the security measures to deter people, the US visa application remains one of the most simple, IMO. The Schengan visa applications for Europe ask for all sorts of things like an insurance, a hotel accomodation, a copy of airline ticket etc. For a Canadian Visa, I have to undergo a medical test.
Some thoughts on it:
* The US embassy is a virtual fortress. I had to go through two metal detectors, four sheilded automatic doors that did not open and close simultaneously. I even had to colse my mobile and deposit it at the door. But in all fairness, even the American citizens that had come there had to go through the same hoops.
* The entire process took just one day. The officials were completely professional about it.
* While explaining my work to the Visa officer - that I had to work on languages primarily - I was tempted to make a Klingon joke. Resisted. Damn.
* It seems that the Indian Govt. charges the Americans visiting India an additional surcharge. So, in retaliation, I had to pay an extra 183/- riyals as reciprocal fees. 'Fair's fair', said the Visa officer. Gotta love the Americans for that.
* I had always imagined that I would find the entire process of electronic fingerprinting humiliating, but as I gave the electronic fingerprint at the embassy, I did not feel any such thing. Maybe cos we use fingerprint access system in the office, and so it has dented my feeling humiliation somewhat.
* I did get a sense of humiliation, though, when I was asked to remove the kadaa to go through the metal detector. I tried to go through wearing it, but it did not work. As I was taking off my kadaa, all the arguement that the religious organizations gave about how bad it is came back to me. I still haven't gotten over it.
* Even with all the security measures to deter people, the US visa application remains one of the most simple, IMO. The Schengan visa applications for Europe ask for all sorts of things like an insurance, a hotel accomodation, a copy of airline ticket etc. For a Canadian Visa, I have to undergo a medical test.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Torture!!!!!.....
This is torture. The guy sitting next to me in the office has farted twice in the last half hour. I can't bear it. I'm glad I am leaving this place.
This has never happened in the past here. Yes, I blame it all on the manhoosiyat of my flat-mate.
About Two Hours Later: He did it again. This time it was three in the space of two minutes!!! I definitely need a vacation...Oh oh, he is doing it again now. Short, periodic bursts...GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!
This has never happened in the past here. Yes, I blame it all on the manhoosiyat of my flat-mate.
About Two Hours Later: He did it again. This time it was three in the space of two minutes!!! I definitely need a vacation...Oh oh, he is doing it again now. Short, periodic bursts...GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!
कार्यलय में आकाल....
Heaven help us!! There was no water in the office today!!! Looks like the manhoosiyat of my flatmate is affecting the entire office, slowly but surely. First it was in the house, and now it has started affecting the office as well!!! It's a good thing I am leaving.
And speaking of my flatmate, he doesn't seem to be the type to mix easily. Ok, so he cannot ignore me, he is stuck with me. But with the rest of the office, he just takes on air of living in an ivory tower. He is already looking for an alternate employment, and get panicky should anyone else come to know about it.
P.S.- The Hindi fonts like nice, don't they??
And speaking of my flatmate, he doesn't seem to be the type to mix easily. Ok, so he cannot ignore me, he is stuck with me. But with the rest of the office, he just takes on air of living in an ivory tower. He is already looking for an alternate employment, and get panicky should anyone else come to know about it.
P.S.- The Hindi fonts like nice, don't they??
Monday, December 13, 2004
Think About It...
Any sufficiently advanced coup is indistinguishable from an election.
(Shamelessly lifted from another site. I am not paying anything.)
Also,
If an infinite number of monkeys were typing on an infinite number of keyboards, that would probably explain all those ‘infinite number of monkeys typing on an infinite number of keyboards’ jokes.
(Shamelessly lifted from another site. I am not paying anything.)
Also,
If an infinite number of monkeys were typing on an infinite number of keyboards, that would probably explain all those ‘infinite number of monkeys typing on an infinite number of keyboards’ jokes.
Token Post...
Am working on a post, which I will post, hopefully tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a token post to say I am well.
Heavenly Away...
Two good movies that I saw recently that I must mention.
First, it's Heavenly Creatures by Peter Jackson. Based on the true account of two girls in New Zealand who murdered on of their parent becaase she tried to separate them, it is a grim tale. But to the credit of the director, the tale is told in a very interesting manner. It's clear from the amount of the research that has gone on into the story (the imdb entry says that Peter Jackson the actual diary of one of the girls was used as a reference). This was also Kate Winselt's first movie role, and she really comes off as a competent actress. here.
This was also PJ's only fifth film, but it does not seem like it. In fact, it comes of as a work of someone very experienced. Notice the dream sequence, where Pauline (Melanie Lynskey) and Juliet (Kate) make up their dream worlds, full of kings, queens and knights. All this hides the dark tale of two socially misfit girls who are ready to kill to be togerher. PJ does not duck the subject. In fact, he faces it with gusto.
The second movie I saw was Spirited Away, the 2002 animated offering from Japan (I am slowly coming to the conclusion that I love all things Japan!). It is a complete family entertainment, about a little girl who is stuck in the land of spirits, and how she rescues her parents, who have been turned into pigs. The animation work was excellent. And the story, after seeing the American animations, which by and large seem to poke fun at the American popular culture (latest in this guilty list is Shrek 2; I haven't seen The Incredibles to form an opinion about it), the simple family tale was quite a welcome. Highly recommended.
And speaking of movies, I have observed that none of the Kill Bill movies have been released, even though they are available on video legit. I wonder why?
First, it's Heavenly Creatures by Peter Jackson. Based on the true account of two girls in New Zealand who murdered on of their parent becaase she tried to separate them, it is a grim tale. But to the credit of the director, the tale is told in a very interesting manner. It's clear from the amount of the research that has gone on into the story (the imdb entry says that Peter Jackson the actual diary of one of the girls was used as a reference). This was also Kate Winselt's first movie role, and she really comes off as a competent actress. here.
This was also PJ's only fifth film, but it does not seem like it. In fact, it comes of as a work of someone very experienced. Notice the dream sequence, where Pauline (Melanie Lynskey) and Juliet (Kate) make up their dream worlds, full of kings, queens and knights. All this hides the dark tale of two socially misfit girls who are ready to kill to be togerher. PJ does not duck the subject. In fact, he faces it with gusto.
The second movie I saw was Spirited Away, the 2002 animated offering from Japan (I am slowly coming to the conclusion that I love all things Japan!). It is a complete family entertainment, about a little girl who is stuck in the land of spirits, and how she rescues her parents, who have been turned into pigs. The animation work was excellent. And the story, after seeing the American animations, which by and large seem to poke fun at the American popular culture (latest in this guilty list is Shrek 2; I haven't seen The Incredibles to form an opinion about it), the simple family tale was quite a welcome. Highly recommended.
And speaking of movies, I have observed that none of the Kill Bill movies have been released, even though they are available on video legit. I wonder why?
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Update On Pushing Up my Site Listing on Google...
Yahoo!! (or should it be google!!!!!) A web search of Sweet Demon on Google finds my site listed onteh top, but alas, it is listed on another site, this one a compilation of Arab sites. My own blog comes in fourth, which is an improvement on the fifth position I had the last time I checked.
In other news, life goes on....
In other news, life goes on....
Friday, December 10, 2004
It's Raining...
It is raining today. And heavily. Hmmm, desert rain. December rain.
The traffic moved rather slowly on the streets, and my usualy half-hour/25-minute dinner break turned into an one-and-a-half-hour break!!
The rain has got me thinking, I have livd in this desert for such a long time, but I have never seen a desert rain... Must be good. Desert, Rain...Rain, Desert. Two opposites meeting together. More so in Umm Said. Desert, Rain and Sea...must be magic... Must find out....
The traffic moved rather slowly on the streets, and my usualy half-hour/25-minute dinner break turned into an one-and-a-half-hour break!!
The rain has got me thinking, I have livd in this desert for such a long time, but I have never seen a desert rain... Must be good. Desert, Rain...Rain, Desert. Two opposites meeting together. More so in Umm Said. Desert, Rain and Sea...must be magic... Must find out....
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Manhoos...
For the past week, I have been taking cold showers. The geyser in my apt is not working, so I am stuck to taking ice cold showers. And to top it off, we are having water problems in our apt. The motor is acting cranky, and I can't make sense of it.
In fact, this has been happening since my flatmate came. What can I say, he is manhoos. Manhoos Mustafa.
In fact, this has been happening since my flatmate came. What can I say, he is manhoos. Manhoos Mustafa.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Random Thoughts...
A Random Discovery: While jogging, don't listen to fast music. Maybe something slow and rhythmic, but never fast music. I discovered this to my peril, when I ran to 'Aisa Jadoo' from Khakee. suddenly, my heart was beating faster than needed for pumping blood, and I was short of breath and had a burning sensation in my heart. I switched off my iPod, and continued to run. Better to listen to nature sounds than the sound of music, I say. But some music during the push-up and sit-up does help.
Christmas is roughly 12 days away, but already, things are lighting up in Doha. The City Center has even put up a large tree there, all decked up with lights. But to make it a little less Christmas-like, the tree is conical, and has deers and other animals around it. Will try to post a picture of it if possible.
I am wondering, how long before they start lighting diyas there for Diwali?
Christmas is roughly 12 days away, but already, things are lighting up in Doha. The City Center has even put up a large tree there, all decked up with lights. But to make it a little less Christmas-like, the tree is conical, and has deers and other animals around it. Will try to post a picture of it if possible.
I am wondering, how long before they start lighting diyas there for Diwali?
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Mithun? Akshay Kumar???
Saturday. At the office. Same old story.
Yesterday, Jinu and I went to play pool. I have given a name to a particualr shot at pool. Thats when the player hits the cue ball in such a way that the ball, instead of hitting the numbered ball, jumps right over them. I call this shot the Mithun Shot, in honor of the great Mithun Chakraborty. Well, yesterday, Jinu did a completely different kind of shot. He hit the cue ball, and it hit the wall of the table and did a backflip over the other balls. So what should I call this shot, huh? The Akshay Kumar Shot?? Or maybe the Chiranjeevi Shot? Or how about the Rajinkant Shot?
And speaking of Mithun, here's a page where they are discussing who is a better actor, Mithun or SRK? My vote goes to Mithun.
Yesterday, Jinu and I went to play pool. I have given a name to a particualr shot at pool. Thats when the player hits the cue ball in such a way that the ball, instead of hitting the numbered ball, jumps right over them. I call this shot the Mithun Shot, in honor of the great Mithun Chakraborty. Well, yesterday, Jinu did a completely different kind of shot. He hit the cue ball, and it hit the wall of the table and did a backflip over the other balls. So what should I call this shot, huh? The Akshay Kumar Shot?? Or maybe the Chiranjeevi Shot? Or how about the Rajinkant Shot?
And speaking of Mithun, here's a page where they are discussing who is a better actor, Mithun or SRK? My vote goes to Mithun.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Long Time...
Long time no write. Actually, its only two days since I last posted, but frankly, the novelty of blogging seems to be fading. What do I write??
I have got a new flatmate. He is a Lebanese guy named Mustafa. Pretty ok guy, actually. I don't like him. Just gives off too much attitude. But it's ok, since we rarely meet. I am out in the morning when he is asleep, and he is still sleeping when I return for lunch. And he also watches tv quite a lot, and fall aslep in front of it.
The last two days, I have had lots of work to do. Maybe the office has decided to work me off in my final days. Six whole pages of work to be translated!!!
But me being me, I know how to cut corners...
Note: My blog is called Sweet Demon, but googling sweet demon puts my blog on the 4th position. The top sweet demon is a story written by someone on a college website. Must push up my page ranking, so here goes:
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
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sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
I have got a new flatmate. He is a Lebanese guy named Mustafa. Pretty ok guy, actually. I don't like him. Just gives off too much attitude. But it's ok, since we rarely meet. I am out in the morning when he is asleep, and he is still sleeping when I return for lunch. And he also watches tv quite a lot, and fall aslep in front of it.
The last two days, I have had lots of work to do. Maybe the office has decided to work me off in my final days. Six whole pages of work to be translated!!!
But me being me, I know how to cut corners...
Note: My blog is called Sweet Demon, but googling sweet demon puts my blog on the 4th position. The top sweet demon is a story written by someone on a college website. Must push up my page ranking, so here goes:
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
sweetdemon.blogspot.com
Monday, November 29, 2004
Some Notes...
Some notes on the top 500 songs in the Rolling Stone magazine:
* Abba at 171 with Dancing Queen. Howz that possible?? I guess that Abba were not really that big in the US and they were more of a Euro thing, but still, why 171? It is a good song, nice, catchy.
* Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody comes in a no. 163. Can you believe that?? I aks the Rolling Stone guys to listen to it again. So operatic, so multi-layered, a sound experiment for its time.
* The recording of Bohemian Rhapsody taxed the recording technology of it's time so much, that some tapes became virtually transparent from being overdubbed so many times.
* Bee Gees are at 189 with Stayin' Alive. Come on, this song had a cultural impact, not only in US, but also around the world. India can thank that song for Disco Dancer. I know Mithun-da would.
* Born in the USA at no. 275. 'nuff said.
* No George Michael. Has everyone forgotten Careless Whispers already? And for the matter, no Wham! as well. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go anyone?
* Eric Clapton is here with Tears in Heaven, which is a good number, but what about Cocaine?
* I couldn't find any mention of Eminem on the list.
* The list is, according to the article, "a celebration of the greatest rock & roll songs of all time". But the list has everything fro mbluse, to Hip Hop to Disco t oRegge. Which again brings me to the question - What is Rock???
* Abba at 171 with Dancing Queen. Howz that possible?? I guess that Abba were not really that big in the US and they were more of a Euro thing, but still, why 171? It is a good song, nice, catchy.
* Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody comes in a no. 163. Can you believe that?? I aks the Rolling Stone guys to listen to it again. So operatic, so multi-layered, a sound experiment for its time.
* The recording of Bohemian Rhapsody taxed the recording technology of it's time so much, that some tapes became virtually transparent from being overdubbed so many times.
* Bee Gees are at 189 with Stayin' Alive. Come on, this song had a cultural impact, not only in US, but also around the world. India can thank that song for Disco Dancer. I know Mithun-da would.
* Born in the USA at no. 275. 'nuff said.
* No George Michael. Has everyone forgotten Careless Whispers already? And for the matter, no Wham! as well. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go anyone?
* Eric Clapton is here with Tears in Heaven, which is a good number, but what about Cocaine?
* I couldn't find any mention of Eminem on the list.
* The list is, according to the article, "a celebration of the greatest rock & roll songs of all time". But the list has everything fro mbluse, to Hip Hop to Disco t oRegge. Which again brings me to the question - What is Rock???
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind...
I was working again, yesterday, but that's another story...
I recently saw a good movie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and I highly recommend it to those who haven't seen till now. The story is quite known, so no point in telling it again. But what interested me was the whole idea behind the film, namely, you can choose to forget someone, but can you choose to fall in or out of love with him/her??
The movie begins with Jim Carey going to office on a Valentine's day in the morning, and discovering that his car is damaged. He is forced to take the subway, where he meets Kate Winslet. They are pole apart from each other, him being the cautious type, and her being the impulsive one. But they click. The story then shifts to Jim Carey crying in is car 'cos Kate has left him, and chosen to forget him and erase his memories from her brain through a medical procedure. In retaliation, he too chooses to erase her memories from his brain. What follows is the major part of the story, which takes place during one night. As Jim Carey is sleeping, two technicians come over to his apartment and systematically erase all the memories from his brain. We get a glimpse of all the memories that he Jim Carey had with Kate. About their trip to the beach, about how they fought at the flea market, their trip to the drive-in...
And we also learn how one of the technicians, played by Mr. Frodo himself, has fallen for Kate, and has in fact stolen Jim Carey's identity, and is using his memories with Kate to woo her. Kate, on her part, is quite impressed by the fact that he seems to like a lot of things that she does, but then is also perturbed at how he always seems to hit the bullseye with her, saying the right thing, doing the right thing. In short, there seems to be no passion in what he does, just clockwork precision. To whatever she says, he seems to have the right answer. We also learn how the office intern, played by Kirsten Dunst, had fallen for the head doctor and then chosen to have her memory removed when this didn't turn out well.
During the night, Jim Carey decided the the doesn't want to have Kate's memory erased, as he has realised how much he loves her. But its too late, and he tries in vain to save at least one of her memory by saving it with some other memory.
As the day breaks, the memory erasing is successful, and Jim Carey is not left with any memory of Kate at all. Here the movie proceeds as it had in the begining, and then the penny drops - the story telling was not a linear one, but rather, very non-linear. When Jim actually met Kate at the begining of the movie, it was after he had erased her memory. But still, when they met again, they hit it off, and were a couple again, which again brings us to the premise of the entire movie, namely, you can choose to erase a person's memory from your mind, but can you erase that person from your heart? Both Jim and Kate chose to forget each other, but when they met again, they were attracted to each otehr. Same way, Kirsten too got all the memories of the head doctor erased from her memory, but that didn't stop her from being attracted to him even later.
Many-a-times, we say that we want to forget someone whom we love, or wish we had never met that person at all, but is it really that easy? Will forgetting someone completely really help? What about heart matters? In the end, the movie really lays down rather conventional ideas, the type that we usually see in teh Meg Ryam rom-coms, but under the penmanship of Charlie Kaufman, the story gets a very good treatment.
I also like the other Kaufman-scripted movie, Adaptation. But while that movie was pretty out-there in it's narration, this one is more easier on the brain. Hmm...maybe love is easier to understand than identity (adaptation was about one's identity).
All in all, I highly recommend this movie.
I recently saw a good movie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and I highly recommend it to those who haven't seen till now. The story is quite known, so no point in telling it again. But what interested me was the whole idea behind the film, namely, you can choose to forget someone, but can you choose to fall in or out of love with him/her??
The movie begins with Jim Carey going to office on a Valentine's day in the morning, and discovering that his car is damaged. He is forced to take the subway, where he meets Kate Winslet. They are pole apart from each other, him being the cautious type, and her being the impulsive one. But they click. The story then shifts to Jim Carey crying in is car 'cos Kate has left him, and chosen to forget him and erase his memories from her brain through a medical procedure. In retaliation, he too chooses to erase her memories from his brain. What follows is the major part of the story, which takes place during one night. As Jim Carey is sleeping, two technicians come over to his apartment and systematically erase all the memories from his brain. We get a glimpse of all the memories that he Jim Carey had with Kate. About their trip to the beach, about how they fought at the flea market, their trip to the drive-in...
And we also learn how one of the technicians, played by Mr. Frodo himself, has fallen for Kate, and has in fact stolen Jim Carey's identity, and is using his memories with Kate to woo her. Kate, on her part, is quite impressed by the fact that he seems to like a lot of things that she does, but then is also perturbed at how he always seems to hit the bullseye with her, saying the right thing, doing the right thing. In short, there seems to be no passion in what he does, just clockwork precision. To whatever she says, he seems to have the right answer. We also learn how the office intern, played by Kirsten Dunst, had fallen for the head doctor and then chosen to have her memory removed when this didn't turn out well.
During the night, Jim Carey decided the the doesn't want to have Kate's memory erased, as he has realised how much he loves her. But its too late, and he tries in vain to save at least one of her memory by saving it with some other memory.
As the day breaks, the memory erasing is successful, and Jim Carey is not left with any memory of Kate at all. Here the movie proceeds as it had in the begining, and then the penny drops - the story telling was not a linear one, but rather, very non-linear. When Jim actually met Kate at the begining of the movie, it was after he had erased her memory. But still, when they met again, they hit it off, and were a couple again, which again brings us to the premise of the entire movie, namely, you can choose to erase a person's memory from your mind, but can you erase that person from your heart? Both Jim and Kate chose to forget each other, but when they met again, they were attracted to each otehr. Same way, Kirsten too got all the memories of the head doctor erased from her memory, but that didn't stop her from being attracted to him even later.
Many-a-times, we say that we want to forget someone whom we love, or wish we had never met that person at all, but is it really that easy? Will forgetting someone completely really help? What about heart matters? In the end, the movie really lays down rather conventional ideas, the type that we usually see in teh Meg Ryam rom-coms, but under the penmanship of Charlie Kaufman, the story gets a very good treatment.
I also like the other Kaufman-scripted movie, Adaptation. But while that movie was pretty out-there in it's narration, this one is more easier on the brain. Hmm...maybe love is easier to understand than identity (adaptation was about one's identity).
All in all, I highly recommend this movie.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Working On Friday...
Life is maya. I know that. Ok, I don't know that, but I am supposed to know that. What I do know is maya, is my weekly holidays. It's friday, my day off, and once again, I am in my office, updating the site. On the tele, an interview with Shashi Kapoor is going on, and its really interesting. Love it. A really interesting guy. Still the charmer.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Ambani/Kanchi...
The Ambani saga seems to be headed downhill. Latest is that hte mother has refused to intervene, saying that she doesn't know much about the business. And in her place, all sorts of people have started advice to the brothers, the worst being politicians. Forgodssake, what have politicians to do with this?? The moment they butt their heads in, things go downhill.
Talking of politicians and tings going downhill, ahve you seen the latest twist in the Kanchi Seer saga? It seems that one of the main witnesses has recanted, and said that the confessions were taken under duress. What else can we expect from the Karnataka police? Remember the DMK saga arrest? And speaking of DMK, it seems that the main accused is a DMK man. No wonder the DMK is singing a different tune. And its really sad that when a politician gets arrested, he is given a five star treatement by the police, with him being sent to the hospital at the slightest ache, and here, a 70-year old holy man who is a diabetic is not being accorded any special treatement. This really sickens me.
Talking of politicians and tings going downhill, ahve you seen the latest twist in the Kanchi Seer saga? It seems that one of the main witnesses has recanted, and said that the confessions were taken under duress. What else can we expect from the Karnataka police? Remember the DMK saga arrest? And speaking of DMK, it seems that the main accused is a DMK man. No wonder the DMK is singing a different tune. And its really sad that when a politician gets arrested, he is given a five star treatement by the police, with him being sent to the hospital at the slightest ache, and here, a 70-year old holy man who is a diabetic is not being accorded any special treatement. This really sickens me.
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