Saturday, December 13, 2008

know thyself

In the controversy about whether artificial intelligence can ever be realized to the extent where it is even comparable with human intelligence, it is argued that the term artificial, requires the existence of formal system which governs its so called 'thought-process'. This in turn requires that the formal system either be inconsistent or be unaware of itself - which some argue makes it inferior to human intelligence, in the sense that credit of the intelligence goes to the maker and not the machine.

In this sense awareness of one's condition is somehow believed to elevate one's intelligence to a higher level inconceivable at one's current level. So, know thyself.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Of Time, Distance, and Love

This should really be a blog about love, given the number of posts I dedicate to it. I saw another relationship crumble today under the pressures of time and distance. That's the third this month. It's like somebody's out to disprove everything I knew or believed about love. First, G and Delta2, then R and O, and now NPCWD and S. Also, B and two others were having trouble, last I heard - again, thanks to time and distance. It's sad that I cease to be amazed now. Does nothing last forever, not even cold November rain?

Well there were some upsides - P and D got married, Sh and Simone hooked up, and Delta2 found someone else (upside for her, I guess). Will they survive against time and distance? I hope so. From where I stand right now, the odds are heavily in their favor - not all the relationships around me can fail, can they? I guess all I can do is wait and watch.

For now, let's evaluate the laws...

Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Time is the greatest healer. But a long distance, for a long time, and you might as well say your goodbyes.

I guess everyone knows this already. Love is the real bitch here. When you love someone, it makes you stupider than you ever thought possible, you think it'll be alright, that you can weather any storm, you plan your entire life around that one person, and you think that time and distance can't touch you, but the moment you look away... bam! It hits you in the back of the head and says "Ha Ha, gotcha!".

Anyway. What can you do? Put on your happy face, and keep putting it on, until it's worn out.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

A day off ...

Listening to the water flow, beside an empty road..
Watching the sun set, on the summit of the Kakatiya dome ..

Remembering.. Without a hint of sadness..

A day off..
Finally :-)

Sunday, November 30, 2008

60 Hours of T'error'

Every one has been talking of the resilience of the Mumbaikars and the way they have bounced back after the Ghastly attack of the terrorists on Mumbai which cost us some of our brave police men and soldiers.The goons were on the killing spree and were the cause of ghastly incidences of rampage at three places in Mumbai, The Taj, The Oberoi and the Nariman house.Every terrorist knew he is going to be killed and the chances of his survival are negligible in this encounter.Think from a different frame of reference, that of the Fidaeen's, one can imagine what has prompted them at such early age to turn as suicide attackers. It is most probably either inspired by the preachings of the anti social elements against the society claiming as fight against the discrimination of Muslims ( tenets of LeT, which is thought of as the main Kin pin organization behind the attack ) or lured and trapped for money to over come the grim situations of their families. Either way they were wrong to have committed such a ghastly crime which had taken more than 180 lives. I, same as Mr Tata the chairman of The Taj also opine, that the attack could not have been avoided in its final stage. But It could have been avoided if spotted earlier by the intelligence agencies. The prima faci cause which was thought of, was pretty conspicuous, the loopholes in the security at the coast line through which the militants infiltrated. There is lack of coordination between the security guards and the patrolling men. In one of the TV shows I was shocked to see that there were no patrolling guards at all in many of the places along the coast line and how easy it was to smuggle goods or even RDX through international waters.This, I think made the passage of these terrorists in to the country easier. Today the papers are full of pictures of people attending to their duties and papers lauding the way in which they sprang back to their routines.I am not amazed by this coz, I think they had to attend to their routines and had no choice.The failure on part of the politicians and the home ministry department is clearly visible to every one. One can find the answers if they question themselves, Why only India and not USA or England ! ( 9/11 was the last terror attack in the US) its a complete failure in every department This can't be denied, only thing that can be done now is to work to our potentials in avoiding any further losses, stop being called as brazen people and ensure the implementation of stringent rules that our constitution has laid for the safety of us, after all, we want to live in safe India.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Loosing my First Love !

How much would the current emerging cricketers make up for the departing legends who served the country with such passion, excellence, dedication, commitment (short of any no of adjectives here) that our Heros Sourav Dada and Kumble accomplished in their international arena. Despite the victories of Indian cricket team, the fact that we are going to miss our beloved cricketers dada and jumbo hurts. I have grown up watching them play and always tried to mimic their signature shots while practicing, if not in the matches. Don’t know how it is going to be when Sachin hangs up his boots :( which I think is not too far given the frequent recurrences of injuries to his body! The events of the last few weeks are freaking me out. Anil and Sourav are gone and the other three may not be far behind. I assume there is a large group of cricket fans in their mid-to-late 20s, like me, who are grappling with the implications. This transition is messing with our minds. I remember the early days hmmm I Think the 1996 world cup which Lanka won, when TV sets were new in my place and We skipped a class or two, took long breaks between special classes while preparing for board exams of 7th class in the evening, to watch matches in the house beside our school wall. I remember Shantan and I literally weeping when India lost the match in the Semis ( The Desilva factor which came Between India and Victory! ).Sachin Tendulkar spoilt us. He commanded that we sit in front of the television sets. He ensured we got late with homework, he took care of our lunch-break discussions. He was not all that much older than us, and some of us naive schoolboys thought we would achieve similar feats when we were 16. We got to 16 and continued to struggle with homework. Then came Kumble and the two undertook a teenager-pampering mission not seen in India before. Sachin walked on water, Jumbo parted seas. Our mothers were happy that we had nice heroes - One down-to-earth prodigy and the other studious brilliant bespectacled engineer. They were honest, industrious sportsmen, embodying the middle class. We were such spoil brats that we pined for openers and fast bowlers. We cursed the side for not winning abroad.We thought India would win only if Sachin scores, and it was so many a time, we chided them when they did not perform. Such greed. Economists would probably have predicted the bursting of the bubble. We had a deluge instead. One fine day at Lord's we got a glimpse of two new saviors: Delicate Timing and Immaculate Technique. Suddenly my group of eight friends was split into two camps. You were either with Ganguly or Dravid. In that period we even took Kumble and Tendulkar for granted. It was adolescent indulgence taken to the extreme. When we played cricket on the streets, we had a number of choices. Left-handers were thrilled, defensive batsmen were happy, extravagant stroke-makers were delighted, the short boys didn't need to feel left out anymore, spectacles became cool, and freaky bowling actions were no more laughed at. Now, after close to 20 years, my generation needs to brace itself for this exodus. Some of my friends, crazy as this sounds, have been talking of needing to reevaluate their own careers. Others are realizing they need to recalibrate their childhood definitions of cricket. "Part of me just died," said a college friend who was the kind of extreme cricket buff who memorized scorecards. "No Dada, no Jumbo. I'm positive I'll stop watching after Sachin and Rahul retire." These players were not only outstanding cricketers but also great statesmen. However hard they competed, they were always exceptional role models. "Our childhood is ending," said a friend from school, and in some way he was probably spot on. Tendulkar's retirement may mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but for a generation of 25- to 30-year-olds it will mark the end of the first part of their lives. Switching on the television the day after will be a serious challenge. All this Bragging about cricket would seem senseless to some one who do not know how people in India have cricket attached to their hearts ( John and dave its for you !) (bechaaraa US friends,chood doo !) .It’s time to say goodbye to the best bowler India has ever had. Anil Kumble was not born a spinner. But it’s his never say die attitude that has resulted in most Indian test victories. If Sachin is God, Kumble is my favorite cricketer. I am greatly inspired by his determination to bowl until the match is over; most give up when opposition is heading to victory. This has been an era of remarkable spinners topped by Warne and Muralitharan but Kumble isn’t far away from them. Hope the young Indian bowling guns follow in his footsteps. Goodbye Jumbo! A special mention to Saurav Chandidas Ganguly, aka Dada! He must be the most controversial Indian cricketer ever but also he is arguably the most successful captain we’ve ever had. He may be blamed for losing his position in the team on his row with former coach Greg Chappell. But one cannot simply ignore a batsman who has over 7k runs in tests and over 11k runs in one-dayers. I will never forget the sixes he would hit straight down the ground off the spinners. Half of my heart is broken and I can't imagine the day when the rest of them call it a day specially Sachin ! Yes! Cricket is a religion here and I feel like loosing my religion. Two legends depart, more to follow?

Friday, October 24, 2008

Whatt-a Beauty :)

This line of the day, which I picked up risking the accusation of plagiarism:) comes from an Industrial Management textbook’s opening notes about advertising. ” Running a business without advertising is just like winking at a beautiful girl in the dark - you know what you are doing but she does not know it.”
Well, most times, its in your best interest that the beautiful girl doesn’t know.Hmmm...

Friday, October 10, 2008

Quotes From My Favourite Book


The quotes from the book 'The Alchemist' have constantly motivated me. Thought of sharing it with fellow bloggers. Enjoy !


Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself, and that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.

It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it...

To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation.

When each day is the same as the next, it's because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises

Making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision

Because I don't live in either my past or my future. I'm interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you'll be a happy man. .... Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we're living right now.

Because you will never again be able to keep it (heart) quiet. Even if you pretend not to have heard what it tells you, it will always be there inside you, repeating to you what you're thinking about life and about the world

God only rarely reveals the future. When he does so, it is for one reason: it's a future that was written so as to be altered.

It's not what enters men's mouths that's evil, it's what comes out of their mouths that is.

The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.

Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.

...at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the worlds greatest lie.

...there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, its because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. Its your mission on earth.

We have to take advantage when luck is on our side, and do as much to help it as its doing to help us. Its called the principle of favorability. Or beginners luck.

No matter what he does, every person on earth plays a central role in the history of the world. And normally he doesn't know it.

One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.

If you start out by promising what you don't even have yet, you'll lose your desire to work toward getting it

A cloud does not know why it moves in just such a direction and at such speed. It feels an impulsion ... this is the place to go now. But the sky knows the reasons and the patterns behind all clouds, and you will know, too, when you lift yourself high enough to see beyond the horizons.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, do it - boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

Every search begins with beginners luck and ends with the victor's being severely tested.

Courage is the quality most essential to understanding the Language of the World.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Maa Tujhe Salaam

Maa Tujhe Salaam ! Wish all the Indians a Happy Independance day. Well this is what I have to say for each Republic day or Independence day, the reality is that despite 61 years of Independence we are still in the clutches of terrorism which does not reflect the Real Independence.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Congrats, on your Engagement :)

As you adorn each other with the ring of love on the occasion of your engagement, here's wishing that your life be a sweet joy of togetherness. Congratulations Chitty :) Hope your life always rides in the path of happiness.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Question Hour !

This Post was in my saved posts list for quite some time now for two reasons, one, because I could not complete it with out the assistance of my friend for the sequence of questions which I forgot (I remember the ending of the conversation though!) and two, because hmmm of no reason! :)

She was My friends friend (and now his wife) who later became my friend. We were in the same class. Pallavi met me last year before her wedding to give me the card in Hyderabad, She returned from US after her MS there, and So was Rajkumar who was yet to arrive to get married in a month. They studied together every where, at school, at NIT and in PG, (the new love movie types :)) but not placed in the same company anyways! This was a game called Q-Q game told by her - God! She seems like she did masters in this game!
she asked me to start, and this is what that was.

Me: Movie ?

Pallavi : Where ?

Me: Shall we go to Imax ?

Pallavi : What are the movies in Imax ?

Me: Do you like the Bond Movies?

Pallavi : You mean James Bond 007 :)?

Me: Don't you understand what I mean by a Bond movie ?

Pallavi : Is there a Bond movie in Imax ?

Me: If its not there, shall we go to coffee day ?

Pallavi : The one in Necklace road! ?

Me: Why, don’t you like it there?

Pallavi : Do you like it there?

Me: Then, shall we go to a Snow world ?

Pallavi : Is it good ?

Me: Haven’t you been there ?

Pallavi : Would I ask you, If I had ?

Me: Do you think you are too smart ?

Pallavi : What do you think ?

Me: Is a question an answer to a Question ?

Pallavi : It has to be sometimes, isn't it?

Me: Now, did I get the answer for my previous question ?

Pallavi : Why can't you guys understand, what we mean ?

Me: So, do you say girls are cleverer than guys ?

Pallavi : Are Boys, then ?

Me: Can you say names of 10 famous female achievers from any field ?

Pallavi : Can you say more names than the number of names I say, I mean female names ?

Me: Do you think I can't ?

Pallavi : Which field shall we the names from ?

Me: So, if I say more names of famous ladies from a particular field, than you say, what does it mean ?

Pallavi : can't you figure out what it means ?

Me: !!$%!! ?? Am I confused ?

Pallavi : Why are you asking me ?

Me: My mind is blank now. can we change the topic?

Pallavi : So, do you accept the defeat ?

Me: Did we start it, to end it by accepting the defeat ?

Pallavi : Is it not implied?

Me: Can't that be debated?

Pallavi : Ok, Choodo, So what else?

Me: Are we still in our Q-Q game ?

Pallavi : Did we finish ?

Me: Then, How do we finish it ?

Pallavi : Laugh :)

Me: what does it mean ?

Pallavi : what ?

Me: Does a smile imply that the game is over ?

Pallavi : ooh! you got it that way :) ?

Me: Then what ?

Pallavi : I didn’t say that, did I ?

Me: Am I, asking all the questions?

Pallavi : What ?

Me: I mean, are you defending, and I am attacking ?

Pallavi : Are we playing soccer ? :)

Me: Oh God ! can't you make her understand, what I mean ?

Pallavi : Was that for me, or was that for god?

Me: Are you God ! ?

Pallavi : Are you insane ?

Me: So, why did you ask that question ?

Pallavi : Do we feel bored with this game now ?

Me: Aren’t you in my path now?

Pallavi : Hey can I answer my call on mobile ?

Me: Is that your dad?

Pallavi : I Quit ! Sorry, I have to answer this call now, ( On phone: Hi dad, can I call you later? )

Me: I won, I won, I won!!! Eureka


Actually, I lost the game when she managed to convince me by saying that her last sentence was also a question and I was the one who missed the queue. I had to admit she was more intelligent than me. Beauty with Brain is a lethal combination, isn’t it? Ooops that was a question.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Reality Bites !

How real are reality shows on TV? The way the characters are portrayed, shows no sign of reality in them. Not all reality shows are real is what one seem to conclude at the end of the day. Since its inception in the early 2000s there were certain Reality shows on international arena like the "Survivor." which had implemented with great success, their strategy of reality on TV, but later many channels emulated the same reality shows, In fact most of the shows which are not supposed to be called as a reality shows are also now being called as reality shows. There are n number of shows from the past 4-5 years on almost every channel these days with reality show concepts varying from weight reduction,( remember that Sunil shetty program ! ), Recipes and cuisine preparations for the Tag of Top chef, talent search shows like American Idol and Indian Idol, to Singing competition shows renamed as reality shows,

Some shows have been mistakenly attributed the "reality show" label. Indian Idol, for instance, shouldn't be classified as a reality show in the same vein as "The Amazing Race" or "Big Brother." Why? Indian Idol" is a game show, but it lacks the dense layers of social competition that we saw on such reality shows as "Survivor." Contestants compete. Eventually someone wins. And sure, contestants make some social maneuvers to win votes, and the show has often been accused of being a glorified popularity contest because of such social appeals. But the social maneuvers on "Indian Idol" are still not like those on a true-blue reality show. Contestants aren't forced to trust, back stab, and ultimately play a predominantly social game. Contestants are judged by *outside forces* on a scale of their technical expertise and their overall showmanship. Programs like "Indian Idol" or "Jo Jeeta wahi superstar" are television ratings juggernauts that are not to be dismissed in its television stronghold. But, even if you did consider these as reality television shows, you would still have to ask yourself- What's real about trying out for a talent contest, becoming famous overnight, winning over thousands of fans, and getting a record deal? It's real for some of the people who have been on the show, but for the other 99.9% of humanity, this scenario will never represent reality. It's just fun, mindless television. Further more, when there is a genuine search for a talent, why judge it by the number of votes received? The hunt for the best should be an un biased judgment from the judges which the whole nation agrees to. There might be scenarios where a person Included amongst the competitors might hail from a small town where people cannot afford to send many SMSs compared to City lad who garners many voted from his family and friends, There is every chance of the bucolic losing despite his better performance.

The word "reality" in the phrase "reality television" is really a misnomer. It's the name that happened to stick to a particular genre of script-free, guilty-pleasure TV. But rest assured, reality has nothing to do with reality television. Naturally, there are elements of reality in reality television. We see people interacting on reality TV; people interact in real life. We see people going through joy, anger, and sadness on reality TV; we see people going through joy, anger, and sadness in real life. We see loss and accomplishment on reality TV; and - you guessed it - we see loss and accomplishment in real life. But despite these flimsy connections to reality, reality television just doesn't feel... well, real. Ultimately the catch lies in the set-up. The artificial nature of almost any reality show's premise (putting a hodgepodge of incompatible characters into staged and unusual situations) isn't exactly a formula for "real life." First, there's the problem with reality show casting. The people selected for these shows tend to have a "look at me" attitude and (surprise, surprise!) are usually aspiring actors, models, singers, or some variation thereof. Most tend to hail from Delhi or Mumbai or some other tier one city (although producers are fond of tossing in the occasional house wife from Bhatinda or construction worker from Trichi to round out the cast with an "everyman" feel).As if the casting weren't enough, the specific premise of most reality shows ( as in channel V's Roadies, or AXN's Fear factor) is far removed from any real-world situation. Twelve strangers are trapped on a deserted island, or in a supposedly haunted house, or in a chic mansion... Maybe such conditions represent reality for a few people. But for most of us, these convoluted scenarios are no more realistic than a Disney fairytale or a James Bond movie. Reality television is really a spin-off of a classic and beloved TV genre - the game show. Most modern reality television takes the game show format and places it in a highly social context. It's this social aspect that causes us to put the "reality" in reality television. It’s fair enough to say that this social piece of reality television can resonate with viewers in an authentic way. However, that fact alone does not make reality television reflective of reality. When the social tension has been orchestrated by producers and casting directors, you're not looking at reality. You're looking at entertainment intended to entice viewer ship. It's doubtful that the producers aim to portray reality on most network TV shows.

A normal reality show showcases the remarks of the judges which are most of the time harsh on the ones who did not do well, there is drama, emotion, sadness and a little bit of every thing in it. If the participants are all adults ridiculing of the participants or the harsh remarks of the judges might go well where the participant can supposedly take it given his/her age, but now a days there are many reality shows with very young children coming to perform. while the strategic team and the program organizers say that the reality shows for the young would be the best platform to bring up and nurture young talent, the other side of it should also be considered. when the same kind of treatment is given to children with judges give their harsh remarks to the young participants. the child may feel abashed by the comments given and there are chances of him/her getting mentally hurt as was seen on couple of shows on Indian TV. So, there is urgent need for a regulatory authority to monitor such reality shows and ensure that the programs are run smoothly to facilitate its success and make the organizers understand that there is much more in a reality show than increasing its TRP ratings. The organizers want to make good television (or bad television, depending on your point of view) that will get high ratings and, consequently, make advertisers happy. The social dramas we see on reality television may look like "reality" at first glance. But in the back of our minds we know: The people are a little too pretty, the sets a little too nice, and the drama a little too staged, for the shows to actually feel real. Despite all this fuss, Reality shows, however, seem to stay here.

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Bad Day

Damn this day ! India losses Asia cup finals and Roger Federer losses Wimbledon finals against Nadal (6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 5-7, 10-8). Only respite is Hamilton winning British F1. I wish Today never existed.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Chak De Phatte ...100 Notout !




Oops ! I din't realize that I have made a century of my posts until Swetha congratulated me. I Wish I could post as frequently as Sachin makes his centuries, To all of them who encouraged me to keep going "Thank You So Very Much" Ummmmaaaaa :) I will try my best to take some time out to blog with more frequency. ( To Mark its Importance this post would be in light blue color which is my Favourite)

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Three Mistakes of My Life -Review

"Crap" that is the only word that comes to my mind. Only good thing about the book is the price tag of 95/- attached to it. Not the kind of " was waiting to get my hands on the book". I din't find any thing different or interesting in the book. Party's, Sex, Friends and their sagas, that is the only thing he manages to incorporate in the book, except that the plots and endings differ. He seems to lack the flair of clairvoyance that a writer should have to keep writing his books one after another. May be thats the reason why he had taken a little longer to release his third book. It seemed as a prolix which included the topical burning aspects of Modern India Cricket,Politics, and relegion. Chetan managed to write his best on every thing he knew about cricket. I think my 7th standard Brother-in law knows more than him about cricket. The first book was a good one, the second was worth a day read, but the third is worst of all. Better to take a day off with your buddies than spend time reading this book. Take a bollywood movie and I am sure it falls flat at the box office in the biggest flop movies category. The book clearly depicts its real purpose of having been written - garner big bucks with fame from his earlier collection. It had too much of melodrama, The ending was not too great. The plot of the story was cliche and lacked originality with a lot of logical blunders. (NDTV where they watched riots never existed in 2001, and the usage of mobiles and SMS in 2000-01 in smaller townes of India is too apocryphal to believe). My take on this book would be 2.5 / 5

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Learn n Grain

What did I gain by having a 512 kbps high speed broadband at home other than browsing, chatting, blogging, emailing, orkuttiung ? The answer is of course nothing. But here is your chance to donate grains by learning. I made it a practice to learn meanings to a few new English words and at the same time donate food grains as I learn them. Check out this very good site, contribute to the society by getting yourself indulged in a good deed www.freerice.com

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Sidhuisms

When I talk Cricket, One think that I miss most is Sidhu's commentry. He is such a versatile genius, any adjectives to describe his momentary evolutions best known as Sidhuisms, are zilch.
I believe listening to him alone can fetch a GRE student a score of 1300+ :) After a long time, I have received a good mail which brought a smile on my face. It had famous Sidhuisms. You lay back to taste this now.

1.That ball went so high it could have got an air hostess down with it.
2.There is light at the end of the tunnel for India, but it's that of an incoming train which will run them over.
3.Experience is like a comb that life gives you when you are bald.
4.Wickets are like wives - you never know which way they will turn!
5.He is like Indian three-wheeler, which will suck a lot of diesel but cannot go beyond 30!
6.The Indians are going to beat the Kiwis! Let me tell you, my friend, that the Kiwi is the only bird in the whole world, which does not have wings!
7.As uncomfortable as a bum on a porcupine.
8.The ball whizzes past like a bumblebee and the Indians are in the sea.
9.The Indians are finding the gaps like a pin in a haystack.
10.The pitch is as dead as a dodo.
11.The way Indian wickets are falling reminds of the cycle stand at Rajendra Talkies in Patiala..! One falls and everything else falls!
12.Indian team without Sachin is like giving a Kiss without a Squeeze.
13.You cannot make Omelets without breaking the eggs.
14.He will fight a rattlesnake and give it the first two bites too.
15.Anybody can pilot a ship when the sea is calm.
16.Nobody travels on the road to success without a puncture or two.
17.You got to choose between tightening your belt or losing your pants.
18.The cat with gloves catches no mice.
19.Age has been perfect fire extinguisher for flaming youth.
20.You may have a heart of gold, but so does! a hard-boiled egg.
21.He is like a one-legged man in a bum kicking competition.
22.Statistics are like bikinis… what they reveal is suggestive, what they hide is essential!
23.I lean on statistics like a drunken man leans on a lamppost, only for support, not illumination.
24.Good intentions die unless utilized.
25.In the orchard of opportunity, you can't wait for the fruit to drop.
26.There is always free cheese in a mousetrap.
27.The Only Thing You Get In Life Without Trying is dandruff.

The Oscar winning of them are ..

Sri Lankan score is running like an Indian taximeter.
He is as confused as a child is in a topless bar!
He is not a Wicket Keeper, he is a goalkeeper. He must be given a free transfer to ManU
One, who doesn't throw the dice, can never expect to score a Six.
The third umpires should be changed as often as nappies and for the same reason.
The world is all about mind and matter, I don't mind and you don't matter...
In London they drive on the left, in India we drive on what is left!
Statistics are like miniskirts, they reveal more than what they hide.

Monday, April 21, 2008

The Cult of WWE

The first WWE (world wrestling Entertainment ) match that comes to my mind which I watched on T.V goes way back to times yore when I was hmmmm ...I think 7th standard. The match was between Shuan Michals and Razor Roman. WWE was then known popularly as WWF ( world wrestling federation ) and was telecasted on Prime sports. In retrospect, I have grown up watching all those famous wrestlers like Hitman,Yokuzuna,HulkHogan,BullDog and many others. I always thought that games were genuinely played and real similar to those boxing games etc, without scripts already written or results of the matches predetermined by their team. As I grew up it was hard to believe despite watching those blood spilling matches that all those matches were scripted and the results of such matches were predetermined. Creative controversies were created by the back end team with an element of emotion attached to make them more appealing to public, it was sports juxtaposed with entertainment. The Vagaries of wrestling matches are so surreal that its hard to predict the results, I guess that is the reason why it has gained such a huge popularity worldwide now. But the debates and discussions continue even today on the barrier to be laid by the parents of children by stepping a step further in disallowing them to watch these programs, I think it is left entirely to the parents to allow or permit with constraints, it would be a preposterous argument to debate on banning the entertainment though. After all it has been one of the best known creative ideas of intellectual business acumen and unassailable entrepreneur thought brought to cater and whet the appetite of global audience watching television. All that the parents or teachers have to ensure, is to make known the fact to the children that the grudges of the macho men, their acts and signature moves are limited to that ring and should never be imitated anywhere, at school or at home, for, its pseudo fight, faked and scripted. More than that, its just entertainment similar to what they watch in the movies.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

My First RTI

After bearing all those irritating long hours of staying alone at her hostel to receive the Passport, for which she had applied earlier, My sister desperately wanted to come home to spend time with us.The official stipulated due date of 45 days with in which the government is bound to issue the passport provided there are no hiccups in the application form and the required documents, has passed long back and my sister still din't receive the passport at her hostel, despite multiple inquiries for the status at the Passport office there was only one reply which she managed to get from the officials " It will arrive soon with in a week". Many such weeks have flied past, the online site also shows the same old status of "Police report not received". After all this mental tension and plying to and fro to the passport office and hostel in this scorching sun, and standing in those unending queues for long hours, there was only one way left in which I could solve her problem. RTI. My dad was a bit skeptic, as it was about to question the police department. But I said I can deal with it and there is enough room for me to hide my identity in gathering the information about the passport application in RTI, I talked to the Public Information Officer on phone, and said I would be sending an application with regard to RTI act 2005 including the nominal fee of Rs 10/- in the envelop and would send it with one of my friends to collect the receipt, he obliged. This is My first RTI application


To Dated: 15/4/2008
The PIO, Md. Hamid Ali,
Administrative Officer,
DPO Karimnagar. A.P 505001
Ph: 0878-2262260. Cell: 9989736863

Sub: Application under Right to Information Act 2005
I had made an application/return/petition/grievance for the following reason (copy of application is attached) but no satisfactory action has been taken on my application so far.

1) What is the maximum period with in which a passport applied directly and by Tatkal be in the applicants hands, provided the application meets all the requirements of the formal documents needed and verifications done.

2) From whom can the explanation be sought or any kind of action be taken for the delay in the issue of the Passport for no wrong reasons, Who is answerable for this?

3) Who is the authority concerned and His/Her phone numbers to contact, if a passport application given in Hyderabad which has its permanent residence verification to be done in Karimnagar, is delayed for close to 2 months and the status on website still shows "Police report not received" ? (My Passport Application Number is A023834)

4) Who maintains the Official website of the passport status inquiry in India, specifically for A.P,

5) What is the frequency with which the status of the passport application is revised in the Official Indian passport status inquiry website on internet?

6) Who is the person to contact in person and on phone for the inquiry of the status of passport application in Andhrapradesh, other than on the website?

7) How do one know at which stage is the processing of the Passport application or where did it get struck, if the website only shows the status as "police report is not received" for a long time?
Please provide the following information with respect to the same:
1. Please indicate the daily progress made on my application so far. i.e. when did my application reach which officer, for how long did it stay with that officer and what did he/she do during that period by sending the info to the Email Id mentioned below.
2. Please give the names and designations of the officials who were supposed to take action on my application and who have not done so?
3. What action would be taken against these officials for not doing their work and for causing harassment to the public? By when would that action be taken?
4. By when would my work be done now?
5. By when would vigilance inquiries be initiated in the above matter of out of turn disposal of applications if any?
Yours sincerely,

Mr.XYZ
Taruni working women’s hostel, Jublee Hills Road no 2, Hyderabad.
+919949444617
Mail Id: shilpa.sankeesa@gmail.com

(If you do not directly deal with this application or a part thereof, kindly forward it to the right PIO u/s 6(3) of RTI Act with intimation to me. You are required to do so within 5 days of receipt of this application, as per sec 6(3) of the Act)

Awating response from the officials ....

Friday, April 04, 2008

Dreams unlimited !

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.

Helen Keller
(1880-1968, American Writer)

I know I have taken a challenge by quitting a cozy job. I am leaving in a constant hope by doing the best I can with the support of some adages like above. But to take a chance is what life is all about. I have a point to prove, to make it BIG.I promised to take care of myself, told myself not to believe or trust so easily, my intution told me too.. but, I learnt a lesson, listen to your intution!
Will I?? Remains to be seen!

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Thinking on a sunday afternoon

Would you guys hate me if I started to post one line posts? Should I care?

pffff!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Last week this time...

There was you!
there was us
there was that place we went to...
yeah it was sunny... but there was lemon soda and ice cream :D
what does it take to get last week back?
Thanks to Raj and Shreeya for making us meet on their marriage, It was really special,but sorry to you Raj, you are from the pan, in to the fire :) swim the ocean of life with your Wife, happy married life machha

Friday, March 14, 2008

I Like .....

This is by far the easiest tag I've done till date. Well not too sure, guess that line will just have to wait for another day ;)

Lets start again . So here I've been tagged by pavan . I'm taking liberties to modify the tag to Pick Some - Kick Some ..which some people will recognize as an oooooooooooold idea of mine that has been dragged about the net for a while..But what the heck.It hasn't been to my blog yet.

My Picks

* Ofcourse cricket and Music
* Every inch of Sachin
* Sai baba temples where it is very serene and calm
* Formula 1
* Long walks (unless its a crowded Abids bylane .God forbid!) , long drives and all that jazz [Remember here .. I'd rather be alone than bored]
* Surprises
* Mathematics
* FedEx, Rehman
* Giving non-bday gifts
* Travelling ! ( Any form of travelling ....Even a bus trip to local Monda market counts.I'm kidding here..but you get the picture ..)
* Catching up on favourite blogs on a rainy day with a completely new tracklist to keep me company.
* Puzzles, CAT papers
* Watching Ads with my sister
* CNN IBN and NDTV
* The written word - books , movie quotes , mags , ....
* Coffee shops
* Watching dance competetions
* Colours !
* Oilpaints
* Catching four movies in a row with friends
* Mails from long lost friends [Ever notice how the longlost aquaintances are remembered as friends while current friends remain aquiantances ? until they become longlost ofcourse .]
* While we are on that topic..Friends who dont mind my not initiating-keeping-in-touch.[This one is actually a trap]
* Doing nothing [By now..I'm the resident expert.]
* That excuse called Hibernating ! [Call me for your very own copy of How-To-Disappear-Completely 101. On second thoughts, DONT call me!!! ]

don't have enoght time now, will post the remaining later..catch up for My Kicks :) it has been as a draft for quite a long time and I din't wanted to be anymore in my draft messages.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Sachin - The Living Legend

A King is a King, No one should testify his presence, neither can they, I suppose. Yes, I am taking "SACHIN". He does not need to bother for his critics. His Bat does the talking every time and leaves everything behind. He is arguably THE BEST Batsman in the World today. Every one is making a hue and cry, that its time he retires, and he is not the Sachin of old whom we have known for all the time, actually speaking there was no change in neither him nor his batting only thing that has changed are the peoples expectations of him, He has single handedly won matches in Australia now, Every one who said he does not play well in crucial finals and more specially when India is chasing, had to put their foot in mouth. He returned home as the second highest scorer in ODIs, His contributions in Tests were also commendable, The records that Sachin had set straight while on his journey in leading India to victories on numerous matches speak on their own. He can be compared to none not even to the likes of Lara or Ponting. He is a virtuoso. As a die hard fan of his, I feel he is one of the priceless gems that India has ever produced, I am really proud as an Indian. British media and official consortium also gave a statement to honor Sachin by bestowing up on him the honorary three letter word "SIR" which marks the knighthood in sports, ( Sir Garry Sobers, Sir Don Bradman, Sir Jack hobes and Sir Vivian Richards were the only four to have been given the Knighthood earlier ), I admit that he has not been as attacking as he used to be in his earlier days of his carrier, but now he plays according to the situation of the game and seems to be a more matured person on the ground to whom all the younger players in the team can look up to any time. He is admittedly the God of Indian cricket, let leave all those who try to find fault with his batting skills, there is nothing like form which he looses, its just a bad patch that he would have been traveling on the days when he could not score for his country. Tendulkar may nurture his genius or spurn it, the responsibility of greatness lies with him. It seems he understands that. He is surer now than before, less driven to petulant strokes or rakish indiscretion. The two ODIs in Australia in the 3 match finals because of which India romped home with a fabulous and eventful victory were just a reminder, a page from a book, that this is a batsman who was conceived under God's full attention. Imagine, what greater deeds remain, the other pages of that book are yet to be turned. He always maintained, that he never played for records, they just came as he played along and a victory for the team meant more than a century for him, and so dis I feel, he is so sober. and that is Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar admired by millions Oops ! Billions around the world for you. Take a Bow !

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Inspiring "Life"

Dismissed from drama school with a note that read “wasting your time" she is too shy to put her best foot forward --- Lucille Ball

Turned down by the deck of a recording company who said we don't like your sound the guitar music is on the way out ---The Beatles

Failed solder, farmer a real estate agent at 38 years old he had to work for his father as a help --- Ulysses S Grant

Cut from the high school basketball team, he went home locked himself in his room and cried --- Michael Jordan

A teacher told him that he was too stupid to learn anything, and he should go in to a field where he might succeed by the virtue of his pleasant personality---Thomas Edison

Fired from a news paper because he lacked imagination and had no original ideas --- WALT DISNEY

His fiancée died, he failed in business twice he had a nervous breakdown and was defeated in 8 elections --- Abraham Lincoln

If you never failed, you never lived, Life = Risk

Courtesy: A Youtube Video

Thursday, January 10, 2008

"If" ...by Rudyard Kipling

This is a poem by Rudyard Kipling....this conveys a lot..."if only" we could be like this.... :)

This is the poem that "rajesh" character in "happy days" movie is asked to recite by "shreya madam"..... (courtesy Thulasi )

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--Rudyard Kipling

One life to love

I cant be bitter. I just cant.
thats why i choose to forget.
it keeps things simple.keeps life simple.

every passing day i realize that some things just don't deserve my energies.
while of some, I don't.
either way, life seems much easier to bear by pretending certain things never happened, and by forgetting things or people that could happen to you.

its a kodak moment I tell ya.

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

:(

expectations, of the familiar.
indifference, towards the unknown.
frustration, of the cycle around them.

All this after my scores in MAT- 95.44 percentile CAT-85.22 percentile XAT -??

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

HNY 2008??

God, Please make it a "HAPPY NEW YEAR"