Still Blinking

Moving Base

2008-07-03T01:00:00.001+05:30

Just for kicks! Pls update links if any, to

http://slumberman.wordpress.com

Incredibly Done Hulk

2008-06-30T15:37:00.002+05:30

The Incredible Hulk - another marvel comic mutant hero, picuturised and picturised well! The green animated mutant did impress, and was very expressive.

Character wise tho', I like Ironman better, he much more gadgety and coool!

Ed Norton, whose Fightclub and Illusionist, are my personal favorites, did an excellent role in this as well, perhaps, there could have been someone better.

Critics say, the Computer graphics are supposedly much better than Wolverine which is expected next summer. Hopefully, it does equally amuse.

The Himesh Abomination

2008-06-16T20:14:00.002+05:30

I'm so eager to watch Dasaavatharam - the much talked of movie, for 2 reasons.

1. Kamal Haasan's performances are always commendable, though the story is a total drawback.
2. A sum of Rs. 80 crores has been spent on it. I must contribute to the GDP.

But... the is one HUGE reason which shadow the above two, and that is Himesh has composed music for this movie.

Was there a scarcity of music directors that Kamal Haasan had to choose him!

Blood Brothers

2008-06-15T23:21:00.006+05:30

An interesting short movie - spanning only 18 minutes, but extremely apt, and meaningful. Every player in the movie has played an exceptional role, and is covered brilliantly.

I admired each bit of it totally.

Have a look for yourselves.

Subjects I've been wanting to address

2008-06-04T14:38:00.004+05:30

I wonder whether I've been lazy or whether it's my lack of knowledge causing lack of confidence that I haven't been able to write up on these subjects, but I shall soon.

1. The social statuses in the Europe, emphasis on the recent shocking events about incest - Joe Fritzl.

2. The primaries that led to Obama's first victory.

3. Inflation in double digits.

4. BJP's win in Karnataka

5. Americas blaming India for causing increasing food prices.

Sharath would have had an edge on these topics and I would have just had to comment to keep pace, but then the bugger has gone silent!

I'll gear up faster than never to try and opinionate.

Mark Knopfler - Living legend

2008-05-27T14:26:00.002+05:30

Was opportunistic to see Mark Knopfler live. Having heard his songs all thru college, and loving the music each day, it was a treat to see him perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

http://www.kmsdirect.net/ is HOPELESS

2008-05-25T12:26:00.003+05:30

KMS direct, sells iPod accessories along with other small little things you might find useful but provides hopeless service, hopeless prices, and hopeless delivery times!

Better not shop there even if u c it on Amazon

Ankle let down

2008-05-14T02:10:00.006+05:30

Sprained my left ankle last evening while playing badminton. Nevertheless, called a good reason for a sick-leave.

It indeed gave me sometime to find out where the Hospital in Swindon was. Also tried making Channa Masala and Brinjal curry. Surprisingly both turned out well.

Iron Man - Impressive OST

2008-05-14T02:08:00.001+05:30

Praises for "The Pianist"

2008-05-14T02:02:00.003+05:30

"The Pianist" is a brilliant movie. Simple, meaningful, and just apt.

I haven't been a fan of World War movies, especially those with gruesome killing and disparity against Jews, but this one is certainly done well.

Summer Joy begins!

2008-05-12T23:34:00.003+05:30

The well-awaited summer has finally arrived. After all those cold nights and short days, the change is now so very much appreciated.
The first weekend of May is generally a long weekend in Britain, and weekend plans while the summer is on is grand!

We, Abhi, Venki, Hari, and I took off to Wales, supposedly another country. A 3-day trip it was, covering close to 450 miles. There were a few places we wanted to visit, we headed out

Destination One - Bristol, Abhi lives in Bristol, so squeezed into his apartment for the night. Friday nights aren't generally called off too quickly. Strolled the water front pub gazing!

Rose and departed early, Destination Carmarthen. A good samaritan had suggested the temple visit - Skanda Vale. It took us around 2 hours to get there, apart from which, there wasn't any road during the last bit of the drive. The temple in itself was very holy, and energetic. The rituals performed were very homely, as in resembled those as would have been done in Southern India. It was very surprising to see the Welsh/British takeupon themselves such kind of rituals, perhaps, they did find sanctity in their deeds. Extremely delicious food was served as offerings. We did a short climb to the top of the hill to another of the series of temples. The Maha Shakthi temple at the top of the hill also contained a small number of animals to enhance the place's beauty. There were a couple of peacocks, geese, and there was an elephant as well.

Before we left for our journey, I had called up a few places to enquire for accomodation. Fortunately, I happened to call this lady who said she had a two-bedder acco on the beach front. We wanted to position ourselves close to Swansea, but then this offer was very irresistable.
So, we drove ourselves to find this huge colony of new flats right in front of the beach. Destination LLanelli, (pronounced as Thla nethli). The flat was simply gorgeous, big, spacious, well furnished, and right in front of the beach. We thought no more and considered to make this holiday- Very Relaxed! To home it all, we played a lot of monopoly, and enjoyed the beach front. The beach, though, was quite weird. The water always drew back during the morning and night, but was up in front during the noons, and early mornings

The next day we did the Kidwelli castle, the castle was very nice, and not lavish, and opulent like the Windsor castle. It had resemblences to the Golconda Fort back in Hyderabad.

We left the apartment Monday morning, and headed to Caswell Bay, a much more happening beach than that we lived in front. Frisked a frisbee around for a while, rugbied a rugby ball and dared to get into the water. The water, though, was freezing. It was as if, i was forced to fold my legs when i stepped into the water. Not wanting bad cold week ahead, we kept away and shortly then headed to Mumbles for lunch. Lunch was good at CJ's, some random Italian place in Mumbles.

Drove 200 miles back after a heavy sumptous meal, and that was dangerously difficult. Nevertheless, a coffee did the trick, and we were back in Swindon after dropping Abhi back in Bristol, just in time for Venki and Hari to catch their bus to London.

Good trip it was indeed... Pics linked

Homely Holiday

2008-03-27T02:05:00.004+05:30

Was desperate for a holiday, more from the place than work!! Destination Dubai it was.

The plan was to stay at home with my folks as i hadn't done so for a very long time. My leaves were planned well in advance and I had two good weeks of vacation. My mom had insisted that I visit them in Dubai rather than in India, for her own good reasons.

This was a place where I had spent 10 years of my childhood. UAE was then itself a rapidly growing country with evident development all around. Since i left, the place has grown to riches!! Though capitalism flows through the dictators of the Arab world, the intention of projecting Dubai as a spot icon on the global map seems indeed a success story.

Currently, the major attractions I wouldn't want to miss mentioning are the Dubai Metro, Hot-Property-real-estates, tall-taller-tallest buildings, extravagant-6-laner-roads!!

However, that is no reason what i went there for! Intentions clear, I wanted to spend time with my Mom and Dad! The love and food my Mom fed me on and the warmth I fleeced on my Dad was simply priceless!
I was on a holiday, putting my feet up. My usual holiday-day started at late morning 11, with a dozen of idlis or dosas - I totally love iddlies and dosas;relish them wholy - laze around till lunch time watching crappy movies. Hog a glorious lunch when dad arrived from work and then doze of to deadly siestas!! This part of the day was generally in trance, I used to be intoxicated just with food, and each moment I glorified very much!
Evenings were generally times where we'd roam around, meet up with old folks, catch up for parties, go back into memorablia and rejoice times spent...
Well, for having said all that, this holiday was really joyful, and thats not all, my mom even packed food sufficient for 10 days for a full-appetite-glutton(that covered most of my check-in luggage)...

Thanks amma and appa - I had a wonderful time!!

Living Cold in the Cold

2008-01-25T02:30:00.000+05:30

The chill in the air does get to you, and your continual tempestuous attitude is frozen.

Does it happen to all around the world? but it certainly does to me.

I've been numb for a while, contemplating within, about the things i intend to do.

I shall blog something interesting soon... Procrastination continued...

The common man target - I'm Lovin It!

2008-01-09T15:53:00.000+05:30

The common man is THE target for all marketing strategies these days.

First there was McDonalds 20 Rs. burger, that reached the common man, with glossy ads and umpteen faces. Well, you might end up spending more after reaching an outlet but then again, you have an option to constrict your wallet. Though not very healthy, it is certainly very appealing.

Then there was Deccan airways with RK. Laxman's common man mascot dragging crowds from all over the ruralest of India. The service was well appreciated by the masses until King [Fisher] Mallya decided its not very good for itself. But then again, the common man appeal.

And then, there is the Tata Rs. 1 Lakh car, that has caught quite a worldwide eye. Yet to be released but certainly well awaited. The common man appeal yet again.

And now it's laptops, that are being driven towards the common man. Recently Allied Computers idea-stormed to come up with a Rs. 15,000 laptop.

The common man must be very happy for things are very well in reach for him, but what does categorise this common man is a step-back thought. The common man classification would consider that most part of the population would fall under that category. Now this maybe a vague ideology but may stand out to say that these are the most dynamic part of the population. Allegedly, if this sect does consider participating in economic and social reforms it wouldn't help really much to the economic stand of the country as a whole.

Issue apart, for products marketing officials this group is certainly the main target. From, burgers, to laptops, to air tickets, they do have the purchasing power and they are interested.

Humble Descent

2008-01-08T03:40:00.000+05:30

The tiff between India and Australia off the field seems to have caught much an eye than the sultry test matches! Perhaps, for a reason other than the unperceptive, witless umpire decisions!

A descent that has been considered disgraceful, and for even more with a stronger familiarity. Symmonds who anyone at a first glance would have been staunched as one perhaps has had more occassions being called so.

This Australian strategy will certainly drive them to succumb to their animal races very soon!

Benazir, the debacle

2008-01-06T14:18:00.000+05:30

Its been close to 2 weeks since the assasination of Benazir Bhutto, and thus far, there has been no concrete statement of the leader's death.

The assasination certainly needs condemnation but alongside she has gloriously announed as one the greatest leaders. She was indeed a voice of democracy, but was she a democrat for the people is a question that would always remain.

This article published by a known columnist William Dalrymple points out the political unjust arose during Benazir's rule. Allegations involve being sacked as Prime Minister twice on grounds of corruption, involvement in the assasination of kin Murtaza, and several other money-laundering activities. Weirdly, on an ethically economic perspective, the Bhutto's hailed from sounds backgrounds and were inclined towards the welfare of the country, but to news as that, it seems quite insane to loot the treasure of an economy which is barely trying to breathe. The paradoxical ingenuinity seems to call for pity. Further, even satirically, she was invited by Prez. Mush to get into a coalition so as to hang in with power. An attempt of one offender hiding another's stinking arse!

On the flip side, it was surprising to notice that Pakistani economy had been doing quite well, despite all these mishaps and uneven ruling. Yes, they are known to be a nuclear weapon armed nation and religiously well stood but to mark a growth of 7% for the last 6 years is indeed outstanding, that too without complete democracy!

Gravely, I do mourn for the death of a person as any other, and do hope that Pakistan will come out of its miseries and bring stability in its economy at the earliest!

- Friendly neighbour!

All time twinkle

2007-12-26T03:45:00.000+05:30

Taare Zameen Par, simply awesome. Best movie ever! Very impressed, inspired, thoughtfullated!

Impressive movies this autumn

2007-11-19T03:49:00.000+05:30

Ran into some really interesting pieces of acting and story lines.
Parzania A flick frightfully depicting the riots in Gujarat, a deeply intriguing movie. Thoroughly shakes you! [Suggestion: Don't watch if you're about to get into a crisis or are weak hearted]. Naseerudin Shah and Sarika had put up a brilliant performance.

Apna Aasman Never heard of just before i ran into a rediff review accidentally. No promos, no ads, no publicity! This movie is probably made for some award ceremony. Though there is a certain amount of fantasy injected, the idea running through is quite natural. Its a must watch for any over-ambitious parent.

My Mom's new blog

2007-11-19T03:46:00.000+05:30

My mom's newly started blogging... Do visit and comment... cheers

Hungry and Drooling me...

2007-10-27T02:43:00.001+05:30

I jus realized it isn't the starving hunger alone that makes me feel hungry... Reading this recipe blog made me feel even more hungrier.

For two specific reasons
1. Most of the recipes published belong to a region where I had always belonged to.
2. The recipes published are quite easy to make and since i'm not all that bad at cooking i would definitely try all of them...

like I said

"You wouldn't dance because you had two left feet, so wouldn't you cook if you had two left hands

Incidentally this blog is written by Sharath's Mom

Updated one of my older posts

2007-10-16T15:23:00.001+05:30

... after a real long hiatus. This was perhaps a lifetime experience.

When is a Good Question a Good Question??

2007-10-14T20:14:00.000+05:30

Which direction does the sun rise in??
Now that's a good question!!

One of the many subtle observations is that the rhetoric use of the phrase
"That's a good question"

Is a good question one that for which the respondent doesn't know the answer or is it one which is actually ambiguous, perhaps this could be a topic in a course in MIT, Massachusetts

The greener side???

2007-10-10T00:31:00.000+05:30

There has been a lot of footage on poverty in India, and the developed nations being depicted as godly, wished-to-be-there, greener pastures kinds.

Perhaps, is it another revolution after the industrial one. India-growing is lovely subject but there have been debates that it should materializing products on its own, rather than banking itself as an outsourcing-end.

It is natural for there to be poverty in a developed nation as well, but what i hadn't noticed earlier was any coverage of those. Took me by surprise, I guess if the UN throws a serious eye, India wont be at the receiving end for the fund they cash in for rural development and poverty eradication.

Location: South West England

2007-10-03T01:06:00.000+05:30

Weekends have been more of travel and fun off late!

This time it was the south west of England - Torquay, Torbay, Exeter

Torbay is very picturesque and pleasing, the weather needs to be right and you could be staring at the sea from dawn to dusk!

Met up with an old friend, the meet-gap had been more than 10 years. Good fun, good food and was very glad for the trip. Deepak and Shuchi's house was just by the quay side, and the walk all along was ever-refreshing!

Apparently, Exeter has a 2000 year old history which now just boils down to being stylish. Co-incidently, landed there at a time when the most awaited "Renovated" Princess Hayes was open to the public. The cathedral was very impressive and so were swans.

Link to the album

More flyovers/bridges collapse

2007-09-26T15:10:00.001+05:30

After listening to the collapse of the flyover in Hyderabad, a cause of poor engineering and planning, there is another one to go hand in hand, perhaps the causes were oceans apart.

Critics and other corporals conveniently blamed the construction companies for poor planning and engineering failures, but if asked for an opinion, the construction was going well planned with as less traffic congestions as could be controlled. The planning was efficient, and it was backed by big names! Perhaps, there could be insider news with the Quality of materials.

An appreciated piece of construction would be that of the Big Dig! Some news channel once aired a documentary which showed glimpses of the ordeals, planning, construction and much more during the Big Dig contruction times!

Drive through the wild

2007-09-25T15:43:00.000+05:30

The weekend of the September 22nd was a very exciting one. Snippets... Driving for the first time in the UK... driving 420 miles... Visiting friends... planning a trip to Longleat... Zipping back on the Motorway.

Driving in the UK was alien till last week, it still enervates me for some reasons. I generally adore driving but there are so many rules adhering to which gives me initial shivers. Perhaps, time healers apply!

The Longleat Safari park, a well approved lunch time suggestion, is a wonderful place to visit. Short of a complete zoo, you could see wild animals in the natural habitats. The place in itself is amazingly huge and serene. Wouldn't say it's a jungle in a whole, but it cool! The pictures you'd see will give you a closer idea. Zoom on the camera was 4x(that was to assist in imagining distance). The rhino, tigers, lions and the foxes were my personal favorites. Caring just about for nobody, and quite cool, wouldn't have been cooler had they started pouncing around.
The Longleat house was another attraction, something that was well graphed in the hindi movie Mohabattein! Serenity again well maintained.

Drove to Bristol to walk the Clifton suspension bridge, a site of unchallenged engineering. Weather just gave up our side, and so quickened it quicklier(I know that's not dictionaried, yhikes!!).

Gave the weekend an end, driving the motorway, home dropping pals!

Wasn't very adventurous, but joyful indeed! Pleasing and Refreshing as well.

Trivial: Hired a Skoda Octavia. That's a car considered rich in India! Initial WOOW kinds.

Photos albums here

Another walk past Thames

2007-09-04T18:20:00.000+05:30

Thames, the bridge London lives on! Walked another talk by one of its subsidaries - Avon... Railed to Reading. On the upcommance of converting nouns to verbs based on convenience, railed is not bad after all!

Nice and calm, slightly more conjusted than Swindon! but its gifted with the Avon. The riverlock was a sumptous scene with people sporting a rowing session! Good fun, good food, good weekend!

Jus read - The Prince of Fire

2007-09-04T18:14:00.000+05:30

A thriller indeed, more for the facts! But I'm gonna impatient until I verify at least a couple of them!

They're definitely an eye-opener to the continuous melee between Palestine and Israel, the amount of hatred and misery! Gabriel was brilliant indeed...

Still slumberous!!

2007-08-30T16:01:00.000+05:30

Untrue! Logistics fatalities... Wakin up in a short while... snoozing at the moment!

Waiting for a laptop, net connection, cell phone, bank balance, car, girl friend, and an MBA degree! Perhaps the order might be important, but they're time sliced!

Changed Location

2007-08-23T20:26:00.000+05:30

To the place where English is not only a language but also addressed to the majority of the people around!!

psss: pinned to blog more frequently when convenience permits! Cheers and welfare

Gizmo--viral-techno story!

2007-07-11T17:13:00.000+05:30

Die-Hard 4.0
Sounds more like my software version. Perhaps, that was the idea behind it! A lot of techno hacking identity, gizmo play, and virtual terrorism. Pretty gripping for 2 hours but then it sinks down as though its been too much!

Trivia found funny(Couldn't be a spoiler though) : Hackers were being assassinated by downloading viruses on their systems.

Was that an awareness cult that folks downloading stuff could potentially be downloading a bomb that could blow them up!

Freak! Asking for a break!

Awes of a pathetic service

2007-07-11T10:09:00.000+05:30

BangaloreOnlineFlorists.com, evidently has a pathetic website! Lot of idiosyncrasies.

Problems:

1. The name says Bangalore Florists but the number published on their website is a phone which is answered by a Bengali who hadn't a clue of Bangalore's geography.
2. Their website(picture attached) says "Still taking delivery for 10th of July when the date is far passed it"
3. The website is ugly and the products are erratically priced.
4. Its been more than 24 hours since I placed an order and the order hasn't been placed as yet!

It is understood in this era of outsourcing, franchising and cost cutting, it does make sense to diversify and integrate businesses, but customers shouldn't be as misguided as this.

On calling the customer support, the response was they aren't responsible for such mishaps, since they can't keep changing it!

Is this a taste crisis

2007-06-29T00:19:00.000+05:30

I remember having this fetish to watch Sivaji. Gosh! that was such a big showdown!

Mood: Dejected...

Reason: Can such a costly movie be soo pathetic!

Remedy: Need another day off to recover from my distress!

..ps... Colors signify more of an expression!

A joyous walk - Saar- Pass

2007-06-22T18:11:00.001+05:30

The Himalayas, getting closer to was always a longing. Trekking i consider a long walk and have always wanted to do two treks each year, so that I wouldn't consciously need to put in efforts to cut down a few chubs.
One of the first adventures, that I must have taken to take my brother along to something I hadn't seen earlier, but then adventures need to happen at its best.

Sujay introduced me to this idea of going for this trek. The information published wasn't completely sufficient and since it was the first time with YHAI, I was pretty anxious!

11 days of trek, 14,000 ft(or at least close to), the Himalayas

Before the entire saga began, there had to be some commotion of not being confirmed with place on the trek, and so did it happen! Couldn't blame India with not being rapid and failing to understand that a bank can be instructed to send a recipient a DD... perhaps, the first time could always help! I had sent the trek authorities a snail-mail saying my bank had already sent them a DD and that they should confirm our(My brother's and mine) subscription for the trek!

And then, after all the initial obstacles of finding how to get to Kullu from Delhi, a few small tiffs with rick speedsters and private bus drivers we finally managed to sleep through to Kullu. Kullu itself was amazing with regards to the climate and the landscape! We had to report to this place called Kasol, and so we did at around mid-noon!

To my surprise, there were more than expected people from all over India, emphatically from Maharashtra. I wouldn't want to debate over the subject whether they're more on for treks and the likes but they were in bigger numbers! The base camp was very picturesque, the river Parbati flowing beside, a the ranges high above with a aura of ecstasy! Picturesque they were and so they were!

Having had to gear up for some initial warm up and an introduction to Rappelling and Rock Climbing it was Day 3 that we all took off to the first camp.

Resuming after a real long hiatus! Let's test some memory

Day 3 - we started off with a rooftop bus journey to the spot where we'd start trekking. Observationally, Himachal is a beautiful picturesque place, with roads rope narrow!! The buses need more experienced drivers than do pilots who land planes on runways like that of Mangalore. Trekked up to Gunna paani, wasn't too tiring as we were very enthusiastic to walk and do the trek. The camp site was being taken care of an amateur astronomer, a resource person who told us quite a lot about galaxies and star gazing. Intersting, but could continue inculcating that as a hobby... I'm probably better counting stars which i never see!

Day 4 and 5 were similar, reaching altitudes of 10000 feet was something very lung fillingly memorable. The camps were again well organized, and the food though mostly of potatoes was still very edible.

Day 6 was perhaps THE most memorable day. Every body fine and calm and still enthusiastic, till the storm struck. A life time experience, i wouldn't suggest everyone should undergo. Chronologically, the visibility reduced to 1 foot, and then suddenly everyone's rain sheeters were all flying helter-skelter. The weaker-sex, were mostly in tears and due to their emotional binding and comfort climbing they were more than shocked. All men, i must promote the category of boys to men, because they at least acted like men, took responsibility very maturely, catering to assist women by carrying their rucksacks, and dragging them through the climb. The terrain was totally icy, and snow fall hadn't stopped. People were slipping and falling but nevertheless everyone was walking towards reaching the camp, hoping that it was always just round the corner. Tilla Lottni was where we were heading.

Reached the camp to find out two out of 4 tents had been pulled down by the rains. 11,500 feet and there were organizers and cooks waiting to cater. This must all go to the credit towards the Youth Hostels Association organizers. We were served with tea and soup to keep the fluid flowing, and when the storm subsided one of the tents were pulled up. Though it was still wet, people weren't complaining too much, because nature had shown them what its colors were. Food served was hot and tasty, I am out of words in appreciation for the efforts that went in!!

The next moring was expected to be the last of the inclines, to reach the glorious 13,800 feet, cross Sar-pass and slide over the other side. There were incidences of "Can't do anymore!", "Can i walk back the way i came", "I can't walk anymore, can i be airlifted"! But then the group leader spoke everyone into completing the trek , and the pep-talks did work!

Next morning, we rose at 3, for a reason that we needed to cross Sar-pass before the sun rose, or else, the snow would melt and it would be even more slippery. It wasn't as dark as you would think, and the air was ammazzingly pure. It was a lovely morning and folks started inclining leaving behind memories of the tortorous previous day. After having achieved the pinnacle climb and altitude, klicking snaps in all angles, the decline hadn't yet begun!

Walking in the snow wasn't easy at all. Good boots saved my foot and grip, and so did a good pair of sunglasses to avoid being sun-blind! Biskeri top was the tallest cliff we had to climb and while doing that i thought i'd almost fainted, its was hard to breathe because of the altitude, and we were short of water, so everyone was desperate for rest and water.

Right in time, we were in for the most entertaining part of the trek, the sliders, we were to slide down a kilometer and a half on our bottoms on ice. Chilly, frozen and numb was what my arse said when i rose after the slide!

The rest of the two tents were cool too, very picturesque and a lot of fun indeed, Bhandak-thatch was a very beautiful camping site, and we did a lot of talking after having done the trek closing to success.

Day 10 - we were on our way back to the base camp, before a hot spring bath at the sikh temples in Manikaran!

Overall, the trek was very joyous though painstaking, very well organized and guided, and the landscape was simply amazzing. A few selected photos linked

Sar-pass is a must-go trek.

Using Windows Live Writer!

2007-06-22T16:11:00.001+05:30

Interesting! The usage of the Web2.0 paradigm seems to be really happening!

Windows Live Writer seems to be bridging the Web and Desktop realities! Another one like Dekoh

Wondering whether my posts get uploaded properly

Waiting to Watch Sivaji - The Boss

2007-06-22T15:59:00.000+05:30

Not because I'm a huge fan of Superstar Rajnikanth, and not because my name also ends with -kanth. Curious to see why he's charged Rs. 20 crores! And why people are gung-ho about this new flick!
Mood: Weekend! Looking for a girl friend!

Movie: The Holiday

2007-06-21T12:28:00.000+05:30

Claimed to be a a good date movie, but for good ol stags, its still goes will some good Sula Wine and Pizza! Not a very interesting story, quite a blend of English and American lingo's and backdrops, pretty women, and quite some dragged weeping! Overall some good time pass.

courtesy@imdb

Recent Addictions

2007-06-17T15:01:00.000+05:30

Two recent addictions!
1. Playing Chess on Zapak!
This has been Sandeep's influence ;) Though it has caught up big time on me, I've no regrets. Life has seen quite some change, and I'm assuming for the better!

2. Troubling Rishi, day in day out! Its become an observed pattern. But then, younger brothers do suffer these traumas yeah! Every elder sibling would second my thought. Then again! I did show him the Taj Mahal

Sugarred...

2007-05-28T07:34:00.000+05:30

The new flick Cheeni Kum is an sumptuous flow of comedy and wit. Amitabh Bachchan would give the very young a flare of his charm. Good entertainment, and certainly a movie to watch for a light hearted wishful laughter!

Dekoh... wishful sharing!

2007-05-08T10:14:00.000+05:30

Touring till my limbs ache

2007-03-13T21:06:00.000+05:30

Many places and short durations... Wondering at times... after hearing stories from Ashith after his worldwide tour in an attempt to reach India safely and legally, amusing though painstaking!

Many places and short durations...longer durations... amusements... excitements... people never spoken to in college and end being the only other person in that town you know... trip to the barber shop... acclimatising to the circumstances of not having made an appointment for a haircut... being directed to destinations which hold sumptuous history and worth watching... trying to get into the gentleman's club... not being allowed to get in for not displaying an identity on demand... first time kinds with snow and wind and adversely low temperatures... running out of cigarettes and not wanting to shell out a half days wage for a pack of one... Tasting variety foods... closing in variety to cod and chips... Being entertained by the cabbie who was excited that he was going to holiday in Goa... Helluva time... 30 days... Swindon...

Thanks to the itch of not having traveled in a plane for quite some time a looking for a timeout... Indian cheapest flight... Air Deccan... destination Delhi... budgetting... place to stay... good friends place... nice place... Red Fort... Qutub Minar... Safdarjung tomb... South and North Block... Raj Bhavan... Lok Sabha... hep Metro... not so hep as those in London though :P... awesome monumental structures... with a sense of belonging... Hilton and Martini... not too good as that of James Bond... faffing and banter... nostalgic old times... good times and bad... stoned and drunk... nice and short... 2 days... Delhi...

Another itch, attending a Bengali wedding, and of course a thirst to see the land of the so called intellectuals, communists, politically superior, whore land of South east Asia... didn't get a chance to get close to that though... Kolkatta... dismayingly filthy... scary looking haunted houses... multiple means of transportation... drag ricks, metros, trams, Yellow Ambi cabs... in more than abundance... Victoria memorial... Howrah Bridge... Ramakrishna Math, Belur... hallucinatingly serene... Vivekananda temples... boat rides to Dakshineshwar... bargain and fights with taxi drivers... Marriage of course, traveled 2200 kms and didn't attend the marriage because it was they got married too late in the night... and I'm not too happy with the Yellow cabs... Another friend... college mate... good fun... afternoon beer and fish... nostalgic times again... whoz getting married... who's screwing whom... opinions... no imaginations please... Sahara pranam... 3 days... Kolkatta...

After having shuttled between Hyderabad and Bangalore for 3 years and once across the border this must have the busiest and enjoyable month, counts in for 3 weekends of travel... leaving for bangalore this weekend... waiting for boss to sanction more leaves...

Glorifying begging as a profession

2007-03-13T20:51:00.000+05:30

A usual complaint by many concerned about the social welfare about a state is that there are too many beggars, homeless, destitute whichever adjective describes better! A non-versatile profession but there are surprisingly some who've made their way through it as well.
Interestingly, this article from the ET which marks the trend of another very old profession, the article also throws some light on aspects of lifestyle and attitude.
I sure don't want to make a generalization that beggars are getting richer which wouldn't otherwise change your mind of not dropping a buck at the traffic signal the next time.

Media Transformation - Blog-woe-sphere

2007-01-16T20:26:00.000+05:30

With the not-so-pleasant experiences with shopkeepers for they dont treat you with the expected consideration, with economists for leveraging exorbitant taxes on what you meagerly earn, with bus services for the presumptuous attitude for not providing you seats they promised, with unworthy traffic policemen for catching you and making a quick buck out of no mistake of yours along with surmounted harassment... The list of woes is a never-ending one.
Each time this happens, I've always wanted to go back home and write to the media, and make aware people, but countered it with the easy going nature of indian editors who manage the editorials column for biased political issues!

Sharath, apparently has kicked out the misconception by being acknowledged by Shashi Tharoor! I'm inspired to put in all my woes and issues out here, and punch in a few well-known names for them to get recognized!
Peek in here for the most published article for this day on reddit

Christmas: A reason for time-off

2006-12-26T12:36:00.000+05:30

An additional holiday was just that mattered this Christmas, and since it was clogged along with the weekend, there had to be some traveling around done.

NagarjunSagar - AP Tourism's blatantly boasted tourist spots where the main tourist attraction is closed because of the scare of terrorists. Perhaps, its a welfare measure not understood really well. A good 4 hour drive, and this was the first time when i realized that driving could be stressful, it was a Diesel Ambassador! Fun all the singing and sternly taking each one's trip in order!

Ethipottala Falls - turned out to be another frustu stop since the crocodiles had stepped in before us and claimed their existence! Appreciated that the tourism authorities did as well respect the conundrum of disallowing people to override nature's creation to live its own.

Hit the roads back to NagarjunSagar but the day didn't favor us too well since we were late to board a launch that would have driven us to something more worthwhile! However, opportunities never to be missed, caught a coracle ride to make up for that!! sing-along the ride was extremely entertaining.
Rested the droopy eyes for an interval before i hit the steering to cover the terminal journey leading home! Day filled with fun, venturing to better!!

PS: If you dont like driving, and like sitting behind comfortably on loong drives, the AMBY is the car. If you love driving then "think twice" before you dare the AMBY

Questions of humility

2006-12-19T13:55:00.000+05:30

Quite a lot of couples do find their ways different in due time of their marriage. Perhaps, its the convenience of taking the other half for granted, or presuming virtues and over looking expectations. Human attitude being the most unpredictable and indecisive, cant be honed to expect the needful at the needed hour.

I was indeed preparing a pre-requisite list to see that the better half I would choose fulfills each of these. Glad to bump into a public opinion posted on the NY Times.

Reading more reasons to breakup

Don't chew with your mouth open

2006-12-02T11:03:00.000+05:30

Predominantly, most of us choose to be unaware of the etiquette's that follow disciplined eating, for a reason of prefering to be ignorant. Attitude or general awareness, they sometimes are a cause of misery to fellows company you share during the meal.
One which I often get annoyed is with people chewing their food without closing their mouth. It sometimes enforces me to stop eating, on trying to understand what makes me feel so conscious, its the cracking intolerable noise that irks my nerves. At times, I've questioned people's integrity and the parental values, but then I understand its got very less to do with any sort of values. Perhaps, its one of those mystics which need to be imbibed personally.
Well, the gab-grab is accepted but with a certain aura, for its not only you who's enjoying the meal, there are others as well you sure would be disturbing!

UnAmusing traffic sense

2006-11-25T18:43:00.000+05:30

In succession to this blog I've sought that traffic on the Indian roads are just because of lack of general awareness. The immediate effect was an accident I had last night for no fault of mine. That's a well acclaimed excuse but I own it up completely.

Wished people seriously get aware of the fact that everyone can move smoothly and quicker if the traffic was much organized.
Thought this helpful

Rotting Taste Buds

2006-08-23T13:05:00.000+05:30

Are my taste buds rotting or is it something queer with the rank listers at the box office! A quick peek on the movies recently released and the public reviews seemed probably a revealation of an outcome not really mature.

Movies like Omkara , received unfair reviews despite it being one of the intelligently filmed ones, to go along with is Corporate. Saif's acting has gone way beyond adulations. A show stealer with his trendy (it was indeed) outfits, and filthy language, and much better role than the pink boy in Salaam Namaste! The story lines, enactment, cinematography, direction all of which deserve accolades don't seem to be receiving the appropriate audience to appreciate its apt display. On the other hand, a movie like Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, receives all the hype and amusement, though being a non-entertainer. Is this the outcome of a stereotyped audience who jus can't digest the nuances being pulled in, the creativity enamoured!!

Wake up crowd! Its time we matched ourselves globally!

Honker Maniac

2006-08-10T18:27:00.000+05:30

Placidly Seated on the eighth floor, and unfortunately by a windscreen which isn't soundlocked, I wonder why people are so excited to honk their lungs out. Perhaps, it's instinctively Indian. An allegation of course because the same set of Indians dont honk if they're driving when they're on the roads of Dubai, Singapore or any other country. Is this an action to display a sense of belonging, or is it taken for granted that they can do so for having paid an exorbitant tax!!
I'm begun imagining, what if horns were banned in India, rather, I'd be pleased if horns were banned for a few days jus like the blogs were banned!! Peaceful would be an understatement then. It isn't really difficult, its more of a lifestyle cult these days.
Existence in a not so fast city like Hyderabad has got me to be concerned, I empathize the state of those in either Mumbai or Delhi!! Perhaps, those unacustommed to following traffic rules, or those who're perpetually in a hurry need to be insinuated with some sense as to when to honk, or do they think they're the only ones who drive!!
Accordingly, driving the roads of Dubai, though one faces the lumps of getting packed in a traffic jam, one hardly notices the annoying honkering all around. Its understood that, there is a jam upfront and the nuisance needn't be multiplied!! Moreover, its a nasty remark on another when one honks o'there.
I sometimes wonder what the extent of globalisation should be!! Should it gyrate only around industries, politics, and economics or shud it shudder itself to smaller captivities like this!!
Hmm... cotton plugs come of help this day!! My bike's horn has gone for a toss thanks to the bike getting drenched in the rains!! Am i not glad Jason's annoyed too

Indulgence Helps

2006-08-08T22:51:00.000+05:30

It's been a while since I've worked sincerely, and this honest confession I wudn't make in front of my boss. Perhaps, my priorities were different, perhaps, I didn't want to work, perhaps, Orkut was that big an excuse!!

Distraction and dillusion are rather cognitive pests that rupture productivity and lot of business as well. Maturity is a cat-call then, and thats why these aren't accounted for during the estimates that are prepared during task scheduling.
I'm out of it, trying new things, the way they should be, rugged and dedicated!! I'm counting on every move I make, and every breath I take!! An involuted messaih has cradled a desire to display social ethics and determination!!
I'm glad the awakening happened this early, I shouldn't be complacent though...

An excuse to laze - No not I

2006-07-17T22:45:00.000+05:30

The ability to concentrate and to use time well is everything. -Lee Iococca

Perhaps, it follows a trail blaze, and an opportunity to scorn yourself against what's happening!! Perhaps, unimportant thoughts daunt you, and distractions are a cause. Rather, it must be the mind that's waggering away in wilderness!! No wonder, admissions to spiritual discourses are soaring!! A common dillusion that haunts every loser's pragmatism!

A decision to make, a wise one too... shudn't complain about my own wilderness, and that's by not not concentrating... Focus my son, and your goal shall follow you

Power staring

2006-07-15T20:27:00.000+05:30

Instinct speaks for itself, in a language that's close to anonymity. Being against the thought of ogling at babes(I prefer babes to women), i was dragged into an incident that was indeed pleasurable.
The hungry paunch beckoned for lunch, leading to one of the commonest places for the hyderabadi biryani. This biryani had an extra spice to, the lady sitting on the adjacent table. Strategically choosing my seat, I placed myself so well, that i thought she wouldn't notice me peeking on to her. I did peek a few times and because of the flavorless biryani(which is unusual) the frequency of peeking increased, successively, and after a while, i set my eyes on the babe and simply forgot to take them off, and then to sWiTcH i hear the lady snap her fingers and shine a pleasing smile. The moment in itself was annoying, and simultaneously ravishing. Her flowing hair, her eyes that sparkled, her skin the mellowed better the softest angel!! But then again You never get a second chance to make a good first impression

The adulation couldn't have been conveyed better. I must have been staring at her for probably 5 minutes, and I've cupped a few guys myself for doing so at my friends! I would've apologized but the naughty look on both our faces said that cudn't be asked for! Quite thrilled about the moment, reiterated the film in my mind for some time. A temporary infatuation did seee conversations and a flow of language! Schizo I am, and enjoy being so!
The smile on her face let me know that I was dreaming, the snap of her fingers to say that she was seeing. I agree that was a very bad adaptation of Ronan Keating's the smile on your face but then I tried. Worse to say, those who say participation is more important are probably those who ne'er won a thing!!
Wakin up from a gud day meal, I tipped the the steward for an awesome meal!

Exception: MemoryOutOfBounds

2006-07-11T23:52:00.000+05:30

Hard disks in comparison to human memories. How often do you come across a person who introduces him/her self as someone you used to know a couple of years ago! These days it happening quite frequently! How convenient would it be to have storage devices for every year and then index it to fetch only the then required and significant notes!! But then, it goes back to differentiating the necessity ,to index, rather use prioritize, your essentials and the machine cud fail you as well. Conceptually, analogous to any journey, you remember what've you seen as long as its not crossed very far from you! Perhaps the lamp posts are the yard sticks clogging a reminder that they are those that occur at regular intervals!
Trying out the picture

Strenuous dogmas

2006-06-22T19:26:00.000+05:30

Dear dear,
two days gone down the drain, thinking of you perpetually! I've been infatuating a lot, for reasons unknown, or rather i fear to know them. Talking to myself to become stronger, to face the reality and be decisive, but i feel my decisions would be rude to you and that would inflict wounds in me. I feel like a stranger to myself and i suspect that itself is a disaster. Didn't expect these dogma's to open up in front of me.
I always thought life was simple, as simple as the binary, either a 0 or 1, and i still think so. Nothing is bad, its just the mind that makes it so. Distress of this sort is called for and bearing it seems to be a fortune. I have a serial of questions that i need answers for, they might sound uninteresting, but i can't waste time further surpassing this numbness. I need to act, and act fast as well. Can't wait for time coz its taking too long.

Whines of a troubled mind

2006-06-22T01:18:00.000+05:30

I'm strong by your side, and you are by another. Distressed I am to the thoughts of thy's will. Clambering around the idea of being one, i feel like a stringed puppet left in abeyance. Sleepless nights and gloomy days, and i still trust time shall heal.
This wasn't me, when I hadn't met you.
This wasn't me when I hadn't sought for you.
Encumbered by uneventful actions, I'm troubled though I should matter you. Your life was never entwined by mine, and you never asked me to do so. But when facts lay open, when jealousy reckons, when the fight against yourself begins, its just too hard to seek for merry. I know not of what i scribble, expressions aren't of a dribble. I'm lost, I don't wanna be.
I know not why I feel so troubled, perhaps I don't want to know why why!
Ego strikes hard when it strikes bad, and cigarettes don't help a depressed mind!
I shall not think of you for a while, for that will relieve me of the unworthy distress.

Starting afresh

2006-06-14T23:03:00.000+05:30

With blog-masters on the run, and the explicit freedom for thought and expression, it finally struck that its never later than ever. Though a long marathon to catchup and a variety of subjects to talk of, this kind of a regretful entry does seem to be destiny. As quick as the mobile fone craze caught up in India a couple of years ago, it poses unevenness if one doesn't maintain a blog on his name. Passionate are those who blog their wits. Impunity is the survival of the evening. And thus i pledge to be regular!!