One Week In US

It's been a week here in US this time. And this trip was unique, if not special. So short notice ( within 3 days of checking I am free, I was flying ), and so many things to do - before my flight and after I landed here. Now just waiting for December 22nd to fly back...

Right from the drop to Bangalore bus station to catch the bus to home, it was all chaos. The road construction made us take detour. And on way to Keralam, near Hosur the bus was STOPPED for more than two hours, thanks to an accident. The Emirates flight, both from Kochi and Dubai was late. Landed in SFO, had to wait for baggage, and once out, the taxi driver forgot where he parked the car and we were searching the entire 2nd level for it !!! What a great start of the trip...

But now everything seems ok. Adjusted to the weather. Got used to the tips and tricks with the new technology. Food is good. Got company. Though neck deep in work, has some lighter moments often. Hope can finish everything in style and go back content.

*** The pic is the view from the 12th floor of our new office.

Be Alert About The Attempts To Infect Your Computer

This was a mail circulated by the IT team. Thought it will be useful to all...

The creators of malicious software (viruses, spyware, ad-ware) are constantly trying new methods to get you to execute programs that will install malicious software on your personal and work computers. Besides the technical aspect of spreading this software, there is an even bigger social aspect to this. The creators of this software will use any method to get you to open their programs, including reaching out to your emotions. Here are some examples:

1.       Some person or group needs help and you can help by looking at the attachment.

2.       Email with blank subject line from an unknown email address.

3.       Email that seems to come from a close friend or family member. However, their computer was infected by malicious software and is sending these emails using their identity without their knowledge.

4.       Email that seems to be from a business or group you associate with and asks you to look at an attachment.

5.       Your system shows messages saying that your computer has been infected and you need to open an attachment or go to a web site to download a scanner to remove the malicious software. This only makes it worse by installing the real malicious software.  Simply click on the “x” at the top right corner to close it.

6.       And a method that is appropriate for this time of year is that a package that was sent to you failed to reach you and you need to look at the attachment for clarification. See the following article at Snopes.com, a well known debunker of scams on the internet: http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp

In short, think carefully when receiving emails with attachments. You should only open attachments if you were expecting something specific from that individual. If not, ask the sender what they are sending. You may learn that the sender is just as surprised as you about the message.

Finally, read through the email message before clicking on an embedded URL or opening the attachment or zip file, etc.  Something like the following statement/disclaimer could raise a red flag: “Because email is not a secure form of communication, this email box is not equipped to handle replies.”

Here is a recent example for your review:

I Am Not A Friend To All

One thing I learned ( the hard way, of course ) once I left home was I can not expect anybody to be a true friend. Though there are some exceptions to this law, most cases agree with it. True relations outside home are rare. And it will be foolish to expect somebody to be my friend because I am so for him.

Friends are the best thing you can get when you are away from home. True. But making a friend also expect something back, them being a friend to you too... And if that misses...

Losing a friend is harder than making one. If your friend behaves in a way totally opposite of what you expect will be a blow you can not handle too.

How to handle this… For me the easiest way is to avoid making friends, friends with everyone. Till I am confident about one, I prefer to call him company than friend. One of my friends had an interesting way of it. She had friends who are hand-related, heart-related and soul-related. Hand-related ones are the ones who are limited to hand-shake ! Heart-related ones are closer and soul-related ones are the ones forever. Now that’s a trick. It is good to know the ones prone to go, so that when it actually happens you will not feel bad :)

It is very difficult to find good friends now. The small town where I am coming from, I hardly know my neighbours. And in this metro, good friends are rare. Though I do have a bunch of friends I can rely on, most of the people I meet everyday, though I talk / greet them cordially, I don’t call them friends. And most of the day we spend at work and it is the rarest of places where we can find friendship! Go to office to work and never to make friends!

Saying all this, still, if I miss any of the ones I care for, I do cry…

I Promise I Will Remain Silly

I often been named / teased / 'tortured'  silly. Too silly to live in today's world. Not at all serious about life. All I bothered about is to spend time making jokes and dreaming. You will not survive a day on your own.

What's the matter guys... I may not be thinking / living like you, or most out there. Will that make me a fool ? I may not follow what is the right thing to do at any time, written by the world. I may not do all the things everybody else does, because they are conditioned / told / taught to do so. And the things I do, I may not do it the way everyone else thinks appropriate. Will that make me crazy / unfit for today ??

 

I would like to differ here. It is not intentional not to follow the folk. But most of the times, what I feel right differs from the lot. I enjoy doing it my way. Whether I succeed or not, I enjoy taking the walk on my path. If you find it foolish, you may not come with me. But never ever tell me to stop.

 

Morning my friend told me, she was told, the one she will marry should be stupid ! I told her, the world can not tolerate to see her with a smile and song on her lips all the time. As the world is too busy planning the future, safeguard their wealth, focusing on career growth, it forgets to reflect the moment and enjoy this, today. ( Hopefully they will get the relaxed tomorrow they plan today! ) More than that the world can not tolerate her being happy today. That's why they call her silly, stupid.

Hope she will not change. And I will not change myself either. I will definitely do all the things I enjoy, though everybody calls them silly ;)

What A Start Of A Day...

The starting of a day can not get any better! My daily average of goof-ups will be around 2-3, but today I managed many within few hours!

I used to carry an umbrella in my bag. Remembered the last few days very sunny, I left it at home. Just as I left the room, it started to rain! I ran back and ring the doorbell. It was very late when I realised it was a wrong door! The guy who opened the door was brushing and was having alook who came so early for sales!

I got an empty bus, and when I was paying for the ticket the conductor told me it was a wrong bus! No wonder it was empty. Hurried I got down and get into another one. Luckily that also had a few empty seats. I jumped into an empty window seat only to find it soaked in the rain! By the time I shifted to another seat my butt got wet enough to give that embarrassing look...

I am wondering what is there in stores for the rest of the day...

Live Each Day Like It's The Last - No Way!

I often heard this; we should live each day like it's the last. We should live like there is no tomorrow and make the most of each day. Should we ???  
 
I guess that is a bit scary thought. I got plans for tomorrow as much I got for today. And a part of today I spend to shape my tomorrow. But in this process I am not missing my life today. I am living it. I find it fulfilling with the continuation I plan for the next day. My life is not so small to live in a day! I got so many things to do. Got so many people to meet. Got so much Love to enjoy. Got so much joy to share. Music. Dance. In a day - no chance, it is not enough.  
 
The last day - it could be good for this - instead of a Maruti I might buy a BMW, because I don't need to worry about the next EMI ! But my life is too short to live in a day and I don't want to squeeze it either...

If everything has to be done in a single day - if we are forced to, what will we do.... Try to live the life to the fullest, or keeping an eye on the clock to check how much time is remaining... Live it to fullest with the loved ones or worrying that the moments with them is going to end soon... 

Nope I can not think this is my last day. Because I got plan for tomorrow, next week, next vacation... God, please give me more time, I haven't had enough of life....

Being Parents !

We owe parents. For the biological, emotional, ethical reasons. For the Love, values, education, support, guidance, vision they gave. Without them we will and can not be the us we are today.

When a kid is growing up, parents shape his world. Choose the right thing, making the right decision for him. Helping and supporting him to grow big, strong and more importantly right. But is it should be forever...

Why parents pretend like they know everything, they know the best for the kids and themselves ? Why do they not stop believing they know the best all the time... They can not be.

They always want to keep the kids healthy and are anxious about them , even when they turn 50! Meanwhile why they forget that they are human too and they can fall sick too ??? If the grown up kids suggests them to go for the regular checkups, or remind them to have their medicines on time, why they hesitate... Growing with the kids doesn't mean parents are as strong and healthy as they used to be when the kids born. Faster than the kids, they grow old. They should stop pretend that they are strong and immune to everything.

My friend needed to go to native early morning. Reason : his father ignoring all the warning signs and repeated requests of him and his sister's. Thank God, it was not any serious situation and he got discharged within 24 hours. But that was avoidable. Only if he, leaving his ego, went for the regular checkups and had his medicines properly.

Parents, we Love you. We are caring as much you did to us. We are worried about your health too. What we suggesting are not to label you sick or weak. You will never know the peace of mind, a 'Fit Like Rock' report card from doctor gives us, especially when we are working away from home.

We need you. Completely. 

Take care...

Another Move !

I changed room, again. This is the 6th place in the last 5 years in Bangalore. Not bad ;)

The house owner wanted around 30% increase in the rent, saying I got it very cheap! That was not a fair deal, so I quit. But this was the most peaceful exit I ever had. He returned me all the money without hesitation and we ended up saying bye shaking hands! One owner really screwed our happiness, took almost two months to return the advance and that too in three instalments. So this came as a surprise, as I didn't give him any notice either.

Will I go back to him.. No way. Now it is time to move on, nothing like I don't like that place ;)

Why So Serious...

Yesterday, the guy at the mess was very serious. He was lost in thought that he didn't see me coming. And when I wished him, his head turned. Though his eyes saw me, it failed to recognise me. I asked him why so serious, all he said was, we should get serious sometime.

True. Very true. We need to be serious. But do we need to remain so.. I doubt. We should never be in the serious mood for long. Especially if we end up thinking about the same stuff again and again in a circle, and not able to get out of it. We should stop thinking, should stop being serious. Only if our thoughts are flying, like one leading to the other and to the next, it is justified.

What if the situation is such that it demands us to be serious for long... Get help. When your thinking ends up in a circle, take the help of somebody. May be he/she can break the circle and get the thoughts lead in a new direction. After all, the point of being serious is to get over a difficult situation. If one is fall short of solving it, make it two.

So what you decide now.. How long you want to be serious ;)

The Magic That Is Endhiran

I liked everything about the movie Endhiran ( The Robot in Hindi ). After watching it I became a bigger fan of Shankar and Rajnikant. Man, those guys are awesome ! When the much-hyped movies like Raavanan, Kites failed to make an impression, Endhiran came with bigger hype and it turned out to satisfied everybody. That was an understatement, everybody was thrilled about that movie!

It was the first time I saw such a response at the theater in Bangalore. Though it was a Tamil movie, and was released a week before, the shows were houseful. Though they got vast parking for bikes, this time I needed to park all the way back. I didn't have my usual coffee before movie, because the huge crowd around the coffee shop didn't let me reach the counter. I didn't make it to the loo in the interval, which will say it all! All around were Rajni's posters and banners. Interestingly, there were pictures of Kannada movie association guys wishing good luck for the movie. That was interesting…

I hope both Rajnikant and Aiswarya will not stop acting. Rajni was as dynamic as he always been and after watching Raavanan and Endhiran I guess Aiswarya came now. She is at the highest of her acting. Please do not leave screen. May be after the baby, you can come back like Kajol did ;)

There was some let down. I watched it in a multiplex. Wish it was a single screen theatre with some real fans… It would have been more of a treat then.. Though the 'civilised' crowd at the multiplex too at times gave into the temptation of whistling and howling.

Go watch the movie in theater itself. It is worth. I got much more to tell about the movie and the music. Check those links… ;)

I Love This City !

Yesterday on my way back from work, I met a girl in  Scooty. We were waiting for signal. Then I heard a humming, rather loud. She was singing without giving a damn about the world around  her. And the world around her - gives no attention to her either.

I like this about this city. You can be yourself. You can sing, shout, dance, laugh, cry, kiss anything on the streets and others are not going to stop you. They will not give you 'what are you doing' look or will not comment on you either. They pretend like you don't exist !

I like it that way. You may call it the city culture, which is so selfish that it is not bothered. Is it ?? Not at all. When you are in need, like you fell from bike, there will be people to help you. If you are lost, there will be people to guide you home. But they value your privacy, your life - your way.

Often I end up thinking why should others be so interested about my life. What I am wearing. Why I smile on the streets. If I do, I got the reason, why are you expecting an explanation ??? I will do what I feel like, and I am not bothered about how you are going to take it. Please let me be myself.

I am part of the crowd. Still, I am me. Leave me my own. Please...

Please Spare A R Rahman From The CWG Controversy..

Poor Rahman. The media and the CWG officials are screaming Rahman didn't do justice to the theme song. He shouldn't have received any money for composing the song. He should have made it better. Now as the song is not upto the mark, he should redo it. He took the assignment very lightly that the song is just a remake of his old songs.

Give me a break.

Rahman might have never asked for the chance to do the song, did he ? And when the assignment was given to him, the committee would be confident that he is capable of it. Before performing the song in the unveiling function, he did give a preview to the committee. If they were not satisfied with the song then, why did they wait for the function to show their disappointment ? This is just a crap.

For the money part, if Pandit Ravi Shankar didn't charge anything, whats the deal. His team was only 3 members and Rahman's troupe is of 40 musicians. And has he had to ask them not to get paid or their effort... All those 6 months they spent for the song should go just like that... Leave all those part, for a games, where 15K TV was hired for 22K, will this matter....

If you argue, O Yaaro is not popular as Maa Tujhe Salaam, you are forgetting one thing. Before Rahman presented that song at the Independence day celebrations, its video was in all channels. The beautiful video did help in the popularity. Rahman is not a performer. We can not expect his singing to do what the Maa Tujhe Salaam video did. Even Vakka Vakka came with a sweet video ;)

Sometime back, when Michael Jackson came up with the song We Are The World with collaboration of noted singers of that time, it was a rage. People celebrated it. It went on to became the largest selling single of all time. Recently, co-writer of the song, Lionel Richie said that the song was a crap and was too shallow... Why did he took such a long time to came with such a statement... Guess something like that happened to the CWG theme song too. 

Rahman, please do not modify it, the committee doesn't deserve it.

Good-Bye V3i, Welcome W205 !

After 5 glorious years ( 3 with my sister and 2 with me ) of service my V3i passed away last Friday! Yes, I am talking about the mobile. Though a bit old for the current scene with phone, it satisfied all my needs and I didn't want to upgrade it, unless I really needed to do so. It was raining heavily in Bangalore, and though I was wearing my rain coat, I forgot to put the phone in the inside pocket and it was having a deadly swim! I realized it only when I reached room and though drenched, it allowed me to make the one last call and it went out. It never woke again :( So the rain made me part with a fortune, a fortune which was my V3i ! I don't think it was a happy death for it ;)

I need a phone to make calls (!) and texting only. I never use the camera in phone ( I prefer my CyberShot for clicks ), or the music player. But I need mp3 ringtone support. That's why I chose this Walkman phone from Sony Ericsson, W250. Lightly loaded and light on pocket too! Now time to build friendship with this.

Of Mobile And Dogs

There was a couple of news that gave a shock last week

1) Two students of Keralam lost their life crossing the railway gate. They were listening to songs in their mobile at high volume and didn't hear the train approaching.

2) A Mangalore boy was killed by stray dogs.

Both were sad and were avoidable. We hear it so often not to use mobile on roads or at least while cross the roads, but how much we care for it. We don't have proper footpaths where we can safely walk. And if it is there, two wheelers will use it as shortcut. So we are not safe in the footpath either. It is not only while we drive cellphoen bacomes villain. When we talk, and most often to our family or friends when we walk, we unkowingly will get so involved in the conversation that we forget we are on road. 

So please try to avoid cell on road, at least while you cross or when footpath is not there.

Stray dogs are more than menace. We don't need strays on road. KILL THEM. Human life is important. Forget all those PETA or Maneka Gandhi to be merciful to them. The government failed to keep their number in control. There are a lot of strays and their number is increasing day by day. Kill them to make our streets and kids safe.

Being With Divinity

I like visiting temple, especially the ones which has the special aura of divine presence. In Bangalore, I like the Ayyappa Temple at Agara, Shiva Temple at the Old Airport Road, Anjaneya Temple at Marathahalli. To this added the Ganesha Temple at Malleshwaram.

Yesterday I been there, it was my second visit. The first one was too hurried and didn't made much of an impression other than it is a big crowded place. Yesterday, though it was Sunday, we had a calm darshanam and as were not at all in a hurry, had enough time to wait for our turn for pooja and to visit every prathishta at the campus. The poojaris there were special. They will wait for us, and for the ones who won't mind waiting, will do the pooja and give prasadam. The chief poojari or any of his assistance will wait for us to complete the long list of family for whom the archana has to be done and after the pooja, remembers to give the exact packet we give for pooja, I liked it.

The Ganesh vigraham made by flowers was special. A lot of creativity and patience goes into it. The elephant ears of Ganapathy is made by Anthuriam flowers, for example. Too bad, camera was banned there.

Make sure you got time to spend there. On the Malleshwaram main road take the 8th cross and take the left turn towards the temple. You can leave your bike on the parking lot in the main road, cars I am not sure where to park ! Visit there, you will also feel something magical about that place.

Respect Elders, But NOT Everyone

From kids we are asked and conditioned to respect elders. And we do it, most often with pleasure. But now I guess it is a time to think again about that lesson. Reason - the times have changed. This is kalikaalam, when even God will be struggled and Evil makes victory, however momentary it may be.

There was this old man, who is a Yoga teacher. He used to take class about life, its preciousness, how to live it completely, devoting oneself to good etc. When you become close to someone, we unknowingly shed the mask we wear. We forget to modulate the fake accent, talk without thinking about the image we have with the other person. Once this man made a rude comment about a girl I know, and recently he was 'treated' for an illicit relation he had with a lady who goes to his house for private Yoga sessions. I felt pity to myself to call him Guru...

Last  week I was travelling in Volvo, which is supposedly how gentlemen travel and there is no separate seats reserved for ladies in it too. I was sitting in a seat facing rear, and from Mayo Hall a lady boarded with her girl child. Girl child was sitting next to an uncle. He smiled, the baby too. Then he pinched her cheek, I was sure she didn't like it, but she was still smiling. Then he put his hand on her lap. But when he saw I was watching him, he took his hand off. If there is no bad intention, why should have he took his hands then... We should teach our kids, both boy and girl, what a bad touch is. And should teach them to raise alarm in such situation too. 

During my college time, we used to bunk classes to watch movies. One day there was this old man next to my friend. Oldy put his hands on my friends thighs, he asked him to take  it off, oldy did. It repeated twice and then my friend stood up and shouted to the oldy ' you moth^* fuc&^*, behave yourself, else I will chop your bal@$ off'. The oldy left the seat instantly. At times it is the only way to make them aware that they will not be respected always for their age. Speak up. I am sure there will be many incidents you are in or heard of like this.

Do you still say we should always respect our elders...

My Cyber Friend

This is translation of the post I published on my Malayalam blog Kurippukal. You can read the original here.

‘I don’t need your phone number. Let us remain friends only over the net…’
‘OK, if you insist, let it be. Till now many have asked me for my number and I never gave it. Now when I feel like talking to you, you say you don’t want to. Leave it. Bye…’

It was my friend on chat. She wanted to talk to me and gave me her number. But as I suggested her to be net friends, she got angry and logged off from chat.

I was never sure how will I accept in a group and was never eager to make friends. When others were making internet a friend space without boundaries, I was laid back. In Orkut and Facebook, I accepted friends request from only those were with me in my school or college.

This lady I met through my blog. She liked my writing and thinks that I got terrific humour sense and innocent. Somehow, we started meeting on mail and chat. And she became my first and only friend in the cyber space…

Chatting with her made my lone life in this metro fun. And now we meet on phone too. Yes, I got to give into that offer. She was always fun with her stories about her city and people she meets. And will discuss about the poems she posted in her blog, which I ever can hardly follow !

She sounded very excited when she called that day….
‘Guess what, I was caught by police today…’
‘Wonderful. Who was the unlucky fellow with you..’
‘Hey nothing like that. It was for driving without license!’
‘Great.. How much he fined you’
‘No man, I cried and the poor police guy let me go!’
‘Any policeman would stop you when you drive like a drunkard. At least you may take the scooter out once you learn how to drive.’
‘No man, then it will not be this thrilling…’

She always do some crazy stuff for the thrill and somehow she managed to escape unscratched….

After that incident, she didn’t call me for a while. Not on chat or mail either. As I used to her frequent anti-mobile periods I was waiting for her call. One night I got a call from her.
‘Yaar, I am on my way to Bangalore. Pick me up in the morning!’
‘What ??? Hey, how will I recognize you ? What’s the matter ?’
‘I will tell you once I reach there. Check mail. I have sent my photo. See, I am smart’

I went numb for a moment and then quickly checked the photo… It was a cute girl. I was thinking about the excuses I would need to tell the house owner to get her in.

I reached on time to pick her up and was looking for her. In the deep blue gown she was looking pretty.
‘What’s this man, you are staring at me.’
‘Nope, I was just wondering is this the same girl in that photo.’
‘Yup. You can trust me, this is the same girl.’
‘Trust and you… The one who sent the photo of a four month old baby and expect me to recognize you today ??’
She gave me a cute smile as answer.
‘I was thinking, generally the beauties in the net when come face to face become  horrible. But here you look very pretty..’
‘Hey, stop staring and let’s go home.’
I think she liked that compliment. There was enough time for a quick nap and we went to bed. When I woke up, she already had bath and was looking all fresh.
‘Yaar, wake up, I am feeling hungry, get ready quick’.
‘See on weekends I will take bath only after food. Just gimme two minutes to brush my teeth.’

She was in deep thoughts once we back home after food. After a while she started to talk…
‘Yaar, I am confused now. I am not sure whether I am in Love.’
‘I guessed a feeling of Love when I was talking to you these days… Open up’
She gave me a photo and said ‘ See this is the guy. Same campus. He likes me a lot. I am not sure whether I should say yes to his proposal..’
‘Why you are not sure… Just listen to your heart.’
‘I think he is the one. But something pulls me back… see, I don’t have anybody but you to discuss this. Nobody else will be sensible enough to understand me…’
‘Girl, why are you hesitating? He looks good to me. And he Loves you. What more you will need… Love him without any space between you..’
Till she left the next day, she was talking non-stop about him.

In the coming days she was updating me their Love story. They were planning to settle in Australia. He got visa, and once he settle there, she will join him there. She was very happy, and that happiness grow into me too.


She called me after a while.
‘Man, I am in hospital now…’
‘Wow.. Congratulations, is it twins…’
‘Hey idiot. I fell down from my scooter. Don’t know what the state I am in now. All I can feel is bandages all the way down my neck.. And it pains like hell’
‘Hey crazy lady, why didn’t you call me earlier. Is there anybody with you now…’
‘Yeah. He didn’t go to Australia. He was taking care of me. Waking up all the night, fighting off death I guess…’
‘Hey dear, what will I tell you. Get well soon’

It took two weeks for her get discharged. And was under the physio therapy. By then he went Australia. And then came her call.
‘Yaar, he bought a house there. Once I become well he will come and we will go together married.’
‘Wow, that’s good news. How are you..’
‘Will take some time to heal the wounds and the fractures. And another funny thing is that I may not be able enjoy sex completely !’ she was laughing as if she cracked a joke.
‘Wow, that’s good. Now you need not worry about it.’
‘Guess what, I sent him my horoscope yesterday.’
‘Why ?’
‘Man, we need to look for the auspicious time for the marriage. I think you don’t believe in all this…’
‘Ok ok. I am waiting for the day you will get married. After that I will not need to tolerate you, right…’
‘No way. Even after a hundred years, I will not spare you. May be even he might not understand me like the way do’.
‘Oh no… Now think about getting well. Take care’

She sounded very weak and shaken when we talked next. She was trying to say something but her sobs was not letting me make it out clearly. All I got was she got a call from his father, who told her that the horoscopes won’t match at all. She was trying to reach him, but was not able to talk to him. She lost all interest in life and her physio and medicines all went wrong. She went home for a break but feeling the atmosphere there suffocating she went back to Chennai. Now she has issues in walking and can’t sit for long either. The poet who always wrote about dreams, now talks only about death. 
‘I Loved him with every bit of me like you suggested, still why I didn’t get him….’
I didn’t have an answer for that.
‘See yaar, for the unknown stars and horoscope, he left me. I never knew that I was so addicted to him. Without his chat or mail I am feeling suffocating. I don’t find any meaning in surviving like this. I feel like somebody drained all the colours from my life…’
‘Don’t think like that dear… He is the loser. His fate has only the luck to know you, but not the luck to make you his. For him, please do not waste your life crying…’
‘And think this, his father called me to tell the news. At least, if he had the courtesy to call me.. I feel like been used and thrown away..’
However hard I tried, she was not convinced and kept on crying. I let her cry, thinking if it could help her to feel better…


After that night I met her today on chat. She was sad but sounded strong.
‘Yaar, I am giving only pain to you. And I don’t want to give you that anymore…’
‘Dear, don’t think like that. You can never hurt me or you will never be a pain for me’
‘….’
She logged out. After that she never answered my call or mails. I am trying. I can not let her go like that. After all she is the only friend I have on the cyberspace. She can not go just like that, can she…

Happy Death !

Is there a thing like peaceful death... Will anybody die with the satisfaction of living the life full ? A painless, smooth, lucky (!) death...

These questions came to my mind when I heard about the sudden dismissal of my friend's grandpa. He was saying, grandpa didn't spend many days at hospital, he was not in pain, he met all this Loved ones the day of his death. Will that make it a lucky death ??? I don't think so.

In my opinion, nobody will leave this world happy, content. Including the ones who kill themselves. They are killing themselves not because they had everything is life and nothing more they need or expect from life. Mostly because they are not able to see a future the way they want or they don't have any more expectation in life, at least at that moment. So they are not dying happy either.

How can one leave this world happy... When there is something exciting happens everyday. A new member adding to the family. The happiness in seeing a new day itself. The celebrations or moment you were waiting for a long time. Happiness is never ending and more exciting each time. If you seen three generations after you, will you be content... You might want to see the baby from the third generation grow.. Or want to see the forth... You may call it greedy, but I will call it the way of life. Ever ready to embrace the new day. To enjoy the happiness and dreams it brings everyday.

My motto - Live this moment. There may be a hundred reason to feel tensed and sad now, but I will concentrate on that silly thing which will make me happy :D From within....

I Loved This Onam Vacation...

It can not get better.. It was awesome... I loved this Onam and I am sure I royally compensated for missing last one... Thank You Family for another Onam, whose memories I can take with me...

I told you about my sister's 'surprise visit' in my last post. They did come :) And sure it was a big surprise for the family. Big one because they came to Ammomma ( granny ) house directly and not our house - reason, our house was locked as me and parents were visiting Granny :D The kids, my parents, Mamaji and all were so surprised that their eyes became popped and their jaws dropped, well almost.

I liked their surprise, crazy visit. Hope and with they will never lose it.

There was a bigger surprise waiting the next day... Mamaji has bought a plot near the Athirappilly waterfalls and we went there. One side of the plot has a stream and 'we' kids had a good time. Then we went to the falls itself and it was awesome. It was raining, but in that , the beauty of the falls were more wilder and it was a pleasant scene. When you go there, please go in the rainy season to enjoy it in the full might. Remember, avoid festival season as we were stuck in the traffic for almost three hours. And girls, please avoid white tops for good when you come here...

My computer had a virus attack, so was not able to upload the pics. Will do it next week, this pic is from my last trip.

Happy Onam...

For us Malayalees, Onam is the most special time of the year, Vishu, not withstanding. It is the time when everybody try to be home and when all the cousins, grannies , uncle-aunts meet. In my family, we always try to be together, Kunju, my sister who is married, will visit home with Aliyan, her husband each year. This time she came last weekend, and today they might give a surprise visit !

Mama was making pookalam for the last ten days and morning we had pooja and all. Dad prepared Paayasam, his speciality for every occasion. This time he made Cheru Payar Paayasam, and it came so yummy... :D

Last year I missed Onam. I was in the US and was all alone. Interestingly every day we prepared very Indian lunch there and it was the Onam day I didn't prepare anything and was having a re-heated sandwich for lunch. Add to that my friend was stuck at work and I was left all alone in the big hotel all by myself... Though I never drink other than at home, that day I drank wine to high... I remember I was sad and exhausted after the drink and slept, woke up only for dinner...


This year I have compensated for it. Royally. Erased one item from my long to-compensate list. I will post photos when I reach Bangalore, too bad my home PC got virus :(

For everybody there, I wish a Happy Onam...

I Am Happy

For the last few days I am happy. Though nothing has changed in my life these days, the reason for my happiness is that the ones I care and Love are happy now. Guess the best way to be happy is to see the one we care for is happy. At least for me that work fine.

They are happy not because the reason for them being unhappy is no more there or they won a lottery or something. The reason is they got to see that there are a few reasons to be happy now, not only the reason to go sad. And I am happy because at lease to very some extend I was the reason for them to realise it.

Wish this happiness will last forever. Not just by changing the perspective, but with the real reasons to be happy. Till then, smile for the small reasons to be happy.

And remember your smile makes me happy, a joy nothing else can give...

Let's Make Our Own Paradise

നമ്മുക്ക് നാമേ പണിവതു നാകം, നരകവുമതു പോലെ

These two lines can be translated as ' We build our Heaven so do hell'. Well, I have another view about it. In my opinion, our heaven or hell, we SHOULD build it. Only then we will have have a content life and can say I am living my life.

I hate when some order me what to do, how to live etc. Others can suggest. They can disagree. Never ever can tell me how to. As long as nobody else can read my mind, decide my thoughts, set my goals/dreams, CAN BE ME, better leave my life to me.

When you say the restaurant / the food I had is of bad choice, especially when it is my regular place, you are forgetting one thing. I go there, I have it because I like it. You don't like it doesn't suggest nobody else should. I hate gopi dishes, but that's a fast moving item. I hate it doesn't make it bad. It is high time you need to appreciate and respect other's choices.

You can ask/order/suggest a kid on its every step. Me, better leave my life to me. Thank You.

Stop And Reflect

We are busy. Very busy. Neck deep in work, commitment. Engaged every moment. 24 hour is not enough. Dreams hijacked by work, maybe it’s coding, design whatever it is.

Well, one of my friends is hospitalised. Reason –I don’t know. But he is hospitalised. Though it may not be the best way, but he is getting a break !

I didn’t realise how fast I was moving my life till I was hospitalised. Was down with Typhoid for four weeks, of which two I spent in hospital. Too weak to move my body, let alone tension about work. It was like a compulsive break but it worked. It was then I realised the importance to slow down and give importance to life as much as to work.

Now, my life is better balanced. I am able to do better at work. Though still at times work eats into my dreams, it is far less frequent. I am happy. My boss is happy (?)

Stop and reflect your life. Do not wait for your chance to get hospitalised! Good Luck

Happy Shashtipoorthy My Dear Dad...

Today, August 4th, Achan turns 60. Man, that’s something. Living 60 gracious years. Still got so much life left. His energy and passion to do new things, update himself about everything he needs - he is my inspiration.

He is the reason for what I am now, not ignoring mom, still Achan is my hero. He taught me how to stand up for what I believe. He showed me I need to justify nobody but me. He showed me how to keep an attitude and be right at the same time. How to Love unconditionally, even when the other may not Love you back the way you expect. I can stand for my belief even if it is against the views of someone I care for, and can be still right. How to handle the storm within and be a rock others can lean on, spread joy and hope and strength the situation demands. I never seen him broken, though had reasons to be.

Dad, you gave me life. Taught me how to fight the good fight I believe in. I Love you.

Watch Your Step : You Might Have Missed A Happy Moment

We all look high. Only those flashy, mammoth, screaming things will get our attention. And most often what we find will be disturbing or annoying. We miss to see the little things in life. Which were always there, trying to get our attention with their little glow. But we are too over occupied with our worries and frustration that we miss happiness in smaal things.

These thoughts came to me when I had a close look at the coins in my wallet. I am sure you will also seen them. Pocketed them. And gave away. The only thing that might have grabbed your attention will be the digits on it which shows its value. Have you even stopped to notice the different pattern of the hand in them... I admit the photo is bad ( the flash was reflecting on the shiney surface, and without flash it was too difficult to see it. This picture is touched) but you can see the pattern there. Do you feel like appreciating the brilliance of the guy who designed it...

Like this, most of the happiness in our life is also goes unnoticed. The happiness hardly scream its presence. And we conviniently ignore them. Watch your step - stop to see and appreciate the happiness in your life. Enjoy the little moments and live life full.

I can do that. You also can. Good Luck.

Indian Rupee Got A Symbol

Wow...
Look at it. It is very simple and elegant. I liked the new Rupee symbol. Well, when it is big enough to take on Dollar or Pound it needs a powerful attitude too. Waiting for the day when we can see keyboards with the rupee symbol.

Sleazy And Classy

Last weekend I happened to watch Badmash Company and Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic. Forget about the quality of the movies or the content. It raised another question in my mind. The banner, Yash Raj Films, which is considered the biggest and best in Bollywood - does it offer any all-family movies now... The reason is simple - the amount of skin show.

When the Bhatt camp release any movie, the media and revieweres will tear them part for the nudity, lip-locks, dipping neckline, 'unethical treatment' of ladies etc,etc. But they all will keep quite about the YRF movies. Why ? I also read actresses claiming they will do a bikini ya lip-lock scene only if it is for a YRF movie, because they do it artistically ! Gimme a break. None of the above mentioned movies did it the art way. It was like a cheap porn trick. The swimming pool number in a so called kids movie had nothing artistic in it. In the gangster movie the girl who tried to seduce the hero at the beach volelyball scene also had nothing artistic. Not even good erotica they were.

Look at their last few releases. If Aiswarya, Rani, Preity, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena, Anushka Sharma shows it for YRF, will it make it artistic. And if 'poor' Mallika Sherawat, Kangana Ranaut or the likes do it for Vishesh Movies ( Bhatt camp ) the same will be porn ??? Think again.

I guess there are only a few instances where it was shoot artistically. Check the song Mayya Mayya from Guru. Mani Ratnam has took it artistic. But for the others, it is more for the sensual thing than the artistic feel.

Let Our Children Make The Roads Better !

A Child Makes The Man.

It is true. One will grow to the rules and ideas he made as a kid. So it is important to give them proper insight, training and a sense of duty while driving. Because the kids will learn and repeat what their parents or elders do. It is clear that we can not much about the drivers already on wheel. At least if the next generation learns some better manners they will have an easy life on road!

This thought came to my mind when I was waiting for green at the Koramangala signal and this guy on bike, through the left side jumped red. Worse, he was not wearing helmet. The kid whom he was dropping may be getting late to school. But he is getting an idea that jumping red is not a sin.

At least when with the kids, let us be good driver. Promise ourself that
We will not jump red
We will not ride on footpath
We will not honk unnecessarily
We will follow line discipline and when need to take turn or change lines will use blinker
We will not break the one-way rule
Never drink and drive
Never park in a way to disturb the traffic
Will not drive in the wrong side
Will always use dim light, at least when we see a vehicle in the opposite direction we will make it dim
Always park with the parking lights on in the night
Will always use seat belt / helmet
When we walk, will use the footpath and will not cross roads at every space available

If you follow the rules, your kid also will do the same. Imagine he is with his uncle and when the uncle jump a red he say - ' Hey my papa will never do that '...
Don't you beaming with pride already :)

Self Realisation For Others - A.K.A Me As I See

This is more of a self portrait. The way I am. Or, the way I want you to see me. Some facts, some infatuations. May be the way I want myself to be.

I am friendly. But do no mistake it for a friend.
I am very particular about privacy. Respect my space. Please do not come very close.
I am a dreamer. Who dreams a lot and believe in it. Most of my efforts are to make my dreams to be true.
Very protective about my Loved ones. Will never let them go.
Never be in sad for long. Once something comes, will find a way to overcome it and let the plan work.
Though I may not tell you the truth, I seldom lie.
I like buying gifts. Not only for my loved ones, to myself too.
Impulsive. Do things which I fell right and at once.
Prefer to give my 100% to the responsibilities I take. So am reluctant to take any.
Often mistook for being 'Always smiling bright boy'.


This space might update later. Don't be shocked to see an all new and different me then! People may not change, but the circumstances do.

Life Lessons - 1

I had a friend when I was doing my diploma in Mohali. We were in same team and were good friends. One day, after lunch she and her roommate were coming out of the women's room laughing. I jokingly asked her to share the joke. Her friend said it is a ladies' joke and can not be shared with boys. Then after a minute of thinking she challenged if she is a true friend of mine she will share it.

My friend did told me the joke next day and I felt it was too silly to be called a girl's joke, considering the 'standard' of our boy's only jokes. But, there came the twist. Her roommate stopped talking to her, because she betrayed her ! I felt bad and offered to help in patching up between them. But my friend was so strong that I should not do that. And the thing she added was my lesson...
When I came to Mohali, I never thought I will meet her or I will be her friend. I am not entirely dependent on her. If she feels like it is not worth being my friend let her go away. We can not force anybody.

Though it's been a while I learned it, it comes handy when I find myself stranded.

You Too Woodlands...

I don't understand why companies fancy about abbreviating their trade names. Earlier when Reebok renamed themselves to RBK, they said it is to attract the peppy youth and to have a youthful image to the products. Fine. Yesterday when I see Woodlands shoes also changed their name to WLD. That was a bad move, I guess.

Euphoria - Under-Rated Genius

They hit like a storm when Dhoom Pichak Dhoom played on our TV screens in 1999. The newness in the song was so awesome that with that single song, they became every music lover's delight. The simple plain lyrics, a mood so Indian with a 'rock' feel to it and most importantly Pradeep Sarkar's awesome video. The doctor with unruled hair and child like innocence proved that he can write songs and not just prescriptions ! Then followed Phir Dhoom, Mantra ( The first ever single by an Indian band ), Gully, Mehfuz, Redhoom ( the best-of collection).

But something went wrong, they didn't make it big the way they deserve to be. For the songs not half good as theirs, other singers were celebrated like icons. Many one song wonders been the Princess or Prince of Indipop. But these guys who not only claimed but did Hind-Rock never got the recognisation they deserve. True, we Love them. Whenever they perform we gather to celebrate ( I remember they performing at Chennai IIT, it was awesome). Still...

Guess they went wrong in promoting themselves. Initially they teamed up with Archies Music ( yes, the very same company who makes cards). They, though make beautiful cards, were not good at selling music. While I was searching for the single Mantra in Bangalore ( 2001 ) at various music stores and even at the Archies store at Brigade Road, they haven’t even heard about it ! At last I managed it from another store ( at Commercial Street which is closed now !). Only Gully was properly marketed ( T-Series) and also sold at a good price ( 99 for CD ). I wonder why hey moved to Tips for Mehfuz ( a bit pricey at 160 ). Though it had a few exceptional songs, it never made to big. Too sad..

They do their music with passion. Got beautiful poems and had some awesome videos. And instead having just a tag line, they show the world that they can DO HindRock. Nor just celebrating Love, they had songs for every emotion. Even for a city ( Dilli ). My favorites include Dhoom, Tum, Aamne Samne, Maa, Phir Dhoom, Aao Na, Pyar Hi Tha, Maeri, Gully, Ab Na Jaa, Mantra, Mehfuz, Bewafa, Soniya and on and on...

We Love you Palash and your band. Waiting for more from you... All the Best...

Please Respect Their Effort..

Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike ( BBMP ) is now in the process of cleaning sewages across the city. Good. But the way it is done is not really great. The workers (!) has to descend into the manhole and needs to dig out the thick black waste with bare hands. The fellow men will empty the bucket to the road. The worst part of it is that the dirt remains in the road for days. In the Vivek Nagar stretch it was on the road for many days. It must been back to the drain in yesterdays rain. Please give respect to their work and clean the debris as and when it is collected.

I Am Sorry, But You Are NOT Welcome...

How many times you found yourself in a horrible company when the other one is keep on asking questions you would not even discuss with friends... I hate when others cross the line and getting into the comfort zone. I respect my privacy. So much that I prefer not to start a conversion with strangers and even with the guys I meet everyday, I do have limits about the topics I discuss.

Two weeks back, on my way back to Bangalore this guy was my co seater. He started with the town I am coming from, then about the college I studied, then the year of pass out... I asked him to stop. He got the point and remain silent, but only for a moment. At last I was forced to tell him that he is not my friend and he can not expect me to talk open with him. That did the trick.

Why we are not at all bothered about others privacy... May not be your neighbour or friend or you may not even know his name, but if you meet someone twice, then he has the license to ask you all kind of weired questions. How old are you, where you work, how much you earn, are you married, if not, why so, if you are married, about kids, their schooling and all... They even want to know about each and everyone in your family and neighbourhood.. CRAP. How many times I needed to excuse from such 'respected elderly' people. If you answer them that it is none of your business ( of course in a gentle way ) you will be treated as a disgrace to family. And all the neighbourhood will mark you indecent. I won't give a FU@&.

So if you ever cross my way, please remember to talk decent. We can talk about movies, music. But never about ME, if you are not my friend. Guess you got the idea. Thank You...

When There Is No Fun In Life...

Have you ever felt like there is no fun in life and no point in looking forward for the tomorrow... I wish you never had. In case you ever felt that way, don't worry. It is just a passing phase and you will definitely pass it, fast. I am here giving you some tips to make the waiting period short and less paining.

1) Change your world. If you can - shift home, change job, keep away from bad influences ( in and out of work ), gossip group etc. If you can not, rearrange it. Like add music to work. Studies shows that if you listen to music on earphone, it will increase concentration, productivity, mood-lift. It will cut off unnecessary distractions like howls, shouts, laughs from near cubicles and calls for gossip. Give it a try.

2) Music always adds fun - But be careful about the music you choose. Being a metal fan, do not try raagas for the effect. In fact, metals can be a good tool for mood lift. Play it loud and sing louder. Studies shows that singing part will help you get out of the non-fun mood faster. You can try Eminem too. It will make you feel that your state is not as bad as his :)

3) Movie / TV show - It is a good idea. Studies shows that watching your favorite movie again will have a better impact than trying something new. Or shows like Tom N Jerry will also be a good idea.

4) Game - Gaming is a great idea. Especially because it will be in a complete different world. And in that virtual world, you always will be a winner. EVERY game is designed to make the player the winner. And you can choose your world there. Studies shows that being a winner and the omnipotent ruler / designer of
the ( virtual ) world, stress levels can be beaten and a new power, energy will fill you.

5) Try 'it' ( you know what ) - 'It' can help beat stress. If you are single, don't worry much. Let your fantasy flow. And be the Casanova ya Helen of Troy and let the others follow you. You are in total control of your world here too. So give it a shot or two, and let the happy hormones do their job.

6) Make a call - There is someone you can always bug. So make the call. Eat his / her head till your mood is lifted. The poor soul on the other end will play to your tunes and will make sure you hung up happier.

7) Books - Be sure that you want to do it ! Else books will make your situations worse ! Read what you like to read - even if it is not the first time read. Or have something filled with pictures you like to see, car, bikes film stars, babes...

8) Day dream - studies shows this could be the best tool to elate your mood. You can choose the role play where you will fight against the reasons for your boredom / frustration. And here again, you are in total control. You can shout at your boss and he will say sorry for whatever made you feel bad ! Sometimes this role play will give you some more insight and even solution to the problems. But make sure you are having a good dream and not nightmare !

So what are you waiting for. It is ok to be angry / down / frustrated. Find the reason for it and a plan to sort it out. Then leave the mood and continue with other good things in life. It is ok to be disturbed, but never ever should hang on to it. Find a way, make it work and then forget it. You don't need to follow it every moment.

PS : All the above mentioned studies are done by me on me. No guarantee. Results may vary from person to person. Following it, if you get screwed more, like you got fired for listening to music at work, all I will do is say sorry.