Blog Through Mail!

I read about this new and innvoative technique to mail across your blabber or chatter to your some account and it would be posted to your blog.

If thats the case, then great! This is a test message! Testing 1,2,3........

Do you hear me soldier?? Sar, yass, sarrr!!

Aye, Aye Captain!

Only if this could happen in India!!!

Even before I start blabbering off, I'ld like to quote this from here.

"A lot of people give notice before they quit a job not out of respect for their employer, but because they fear their employer will give them a bad reference. Most of the time, this is a baseless fear. Large companies fear slander lawsuits too much and will refrain from saying anything bad about a past employee…no matter how much they hated him. Most places even make a policy out of confirming dates of employment and saying nothing else when asked for a reference. This is so common practice now that your new employer won’t even bother to ask your old employer what he thought of you because he knows damned well he’ll hit a brick wall."

I wonder if this could be true in modern India (Shining, if forgot this too). Now, I completely agree with the article in terms of respect. But, when an employee has a vision for his life/career (most people don't) and he/she wants to achieve some
pre-set goals, you again have to Respect with 'R' him/her.

I thought, I'ld never ever recollect the turn of events at my last company, but got some motivation out of this blog (should say). Now, when I last put down my papers, I was rookie (my first job) and I didn't know how to tackle the HR issues.

But, luckily for me, there were people to guide. Then again, the sadest part of taking advise from more than one guy is that the difference of opinion. One of
them could have a personal rivalry with your boss and he wants to settle it with him through you OR he just can't think of all the worst case scenarios. And believe when you are quitting, its the worst case scenario that you think of which will kick in with full force.

Now, I did the right thing in timing my resignation that I did it on a Friday, so that I wouldn't lose out on two days. And the first thing on Monday morning was to catch my boss before he reaches his desk and give him the News (you dont want to be a lame ass, do you?). Then, we have a chat over coffee that you cant match my pay and also the role (Vision remember?).

He digs at whatever he can and then passes it up the hierarchy. This is where the drama kicks off, my big boss (boss's boss), decides that he wouldnt let me go. And my adviser asks me to take it on (all this while he doesn't who my big boss is!) and press for an early release. After all I need the relieving letter and also a good reference (don't I?).

Half way through the fight, I take a step back and let my Advisor know the entire scenario. He immediately goes on the defensive and curses both me and the big boss (referred to as "B" going forward). As me and B start exchanging punches, I grow more focussed on delivering what is asked for and more, again the sheepish excuse that a convict with a good conduct will be let go quickly.

I keep rejecting all the counter offers and proposals only to find myself almost choked with work. I don't have anything against my boss....it's 'B' I am angry with. As I keep fighting like Rocky, there comes a welcome break. The client has suddenly decided to do away with the project and if I can deliver a shit load of work in 2 weeks time, I would be let go. I thank the heavens for my fortune and
jump onto the job right away. I even party with my friends that afternoon at Lunch, seeing that my boss is planning to relieve 2 days before my joining date at the new company.

Lightening strikes at the most deserted of places (my saying, to hell with wise men saying everything). Almost immediately after lunch, I come back sit at my workstation receive a few missed congratulations only to be charred to death (by that lightening what else?). Within seconds of receiving the mail from my boss, 'B' intervenes and annuls the relieving with the lamest possible excuse that they still need me and I am a critical resource. Oh hell ya, I am critical coz they want to screw up my ass big time. I curse the heavens and you know what, go back to work!

Goddammit, did somebody call me names and abuse me, please do, I am workaholic and psychopath, I like being abused!!!

After this it was pretty much lame, I talk with my future boss and take time at the same time trying to get out of the current company. After weeks of hard work, 'B' finally agrees to let me go 10 days in advance. Can you believe that, heavens are showering me with their blessings, oh this is Nirvana (I know, this sounds hysterical!!!). So, finally everything falls in place and I join my new company. Its almost been one year out of that place and I can vividly recollect every scene of this picture.

This is gross Human rights violation. You are basically threatening an employee to screw his career just because he resigned. Actually, 'B' is a psychopath who regards every employee who resigns as his enemy and takes out a personal vendetta against him/her.


"In the EnDdddddd!", its still a happy ending because good people (convicts) get to take time off!

Ramanujan's number theory puzzle Solved!

Mathematicians unlock major number theory puzzle from PhysOrg.com


Mathematicians have finally laid to rest the legendary mystery surrounding an elusive group of numerical expressions known as the "mock theta functions." Number theorists have struggled to understand the functions ever since the great Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan first alluded to them in a letter written on his deathbed, in 1920. [...]

Fear knows no bounds! (Boooo Hoooooo!)

This is a true 'spirited' story!


Disclaimer: I flicked it off a forward, but its still a nice read!


This is a true story of a young college girl who passed away last month. Her name was Priya. She was hit by a lorry. She has a boy friend named Shankar. Both of them are true lovers. They always hang on the phone. You can never see her without her handphone. In fact she also changed her phone from Airtel to Hutch, so both of them can be on the same network, and save on the cost.

She spends half of the day talking with shankar. Priya's family knows about their relationship. Shankar is very close with Priya's family. (just imagine their love) . Before she passed away she always told her friends "If I pass away please burn me with my handphone" she also said the same thing to her parents.

After her death, people cant carry her coffin, I was there. A lot of them tried to do so but still cant , everybody including me, had tried to carry the coffin, the result is still the same. Eventually, they called their neighbour, a "bomoh" from Thailand (pak Darin), who is a friend of her father. He took a stick and started speaking to himself slowly.

After a few minutes, he said "this girl misses something here". then her friends told Darin about her intentions to burn her with her phone. He then opened the coffin and place her phone and SIM card inside the casket. after that they tried to carry the coffin. It could be moved and they carried it into the van easily. All of us were shocked. (can u feel the fear. I'm shaking at this moment)

Priya's parents did not inform Shankar that Priya had passed away. After 2 weeks Shankar called Priya's mom. Shankar :...."I'm coming home today. Cook something nice for me. Dont tell Priya that I'm coming home today, i wanna surprise her." Her mother replied....."You come home first, i wanna tell you something very important."

After he came, they told him the truth about Priya. Shankar thinks that they were fooling him. He was laughing and said "dont try to fool me - tell Priya to come out, i have a gift for her Please stop this nonsense". then they show him the original death certificate to him. They gave him proof to make him believe. (Shankar started to sweat) ..

He said... "Its not true. we spoke yesterday. She still calls me. Shankar was shaking.

Suddenly, Shankar's phone rang. "see this is from Priya, see this..." he showed the phone to priya's family. all of them told him to answer.he talked using the loudspeaker mode. all of them heard his conversation.

Loud and clear, no cross lines, no humming. It is the actual voice of Priya there is no way others could use her SIM card since it is nailed inside the coffin they were so shocked and asked for pak Darin's help again. pak Darin brought his master (tok Chen) to solve this matter. He Darin worked for 5 hours and found out.............





Wherever you go, our network follows!!!! (Heaven or Hell)



HUTCH has the best coverage :P

Aussies and their Ego!

"I watched Roger Federer [at the Australian Open] the other day and thought, 'What a true champion'," Vincent said on Newstalk ZB."He's the sort of guy you want to watch because he plays the game well and he's humble about it." This actually sums up everything about arrogance on the field and sledging that I've been wanting to say over years.


I think many a times aussies get away with sledging the opponents by covering up the same way hayden did. He says: 'We could be playing kick a cockroach from here to the wall and we'd want to be competitive.' Now, there is a lot of difference between being competitive and then going over the line and sledging and abusing people.


For once, I think technology would help curb this menace at least for the time being. We should have better stump mikes which would be able to hear anything that reaches the batsman's ear. I still dont understand the difference between a racial slur and sledging (care to explain!).


When you call someone a 'pig' (remember Big Brother and Shilpa Shetty), its how the other person perceives that matters not your inner meaning. So, if Gibbs could be banned for racial slur, so should aussies too. And for these players to be convicted we should have evidence on the table.


Bottom Line: Get a big stump mike (mic) with whatever booster you need and record everything. Let a separate panel analyze these tapes after every game. I am sure Ricky Ponting would be the first one to be banned! :) "Talk about red-blooded competition then Mr. Hayden!"

Retrospect – Away for sometime now!!!

Come June 9th, it was football craze or rather fever that swept throughout the world. Not for the first time, but the world stopped to meet and greet one of the biggest happening events around the world. Although, I am a big fan of Brazil, I equally like, Messi, Rooney and Ballack too. So, that might be one consolation to enjoy those countries’ games. Or may be my country (India) not featuring in the 32 starters gives me the much needed space to back any team.

Watching games late in the night, does take a toll on one’s health. Hence, I decided not to waste any this time. Thanks to ESPN Sportscenter, I catch up on all the latest action every morning from 8.30 to 9.30 :)

At the end of any day, I am a hard core Brazil Fan. Ole, Ole, Ole Braaaazil! And to prove that fact, I might even consider changing my name to Vaddiparthosa with a jersey number 9, if they allow me to play in their national team (Don’t curse me, please!). If you want to know your name too, if you were to be in the Brazilian team, look at this link. Its pretty cool!

Having said that, I can’t believe my own eyes when France is getting ready for another first round exit! I am a hard core Thierry Henry Fan too :) and as Soccernet says, there is only one Thierry Henry! God, please save this France side by giving them the much needed victory with 2 goals and please stop them from being relegated in the first round!

Away from Sports, if you can observe, the reservation row has died down. People really like talking about everything and do nothing. Unfortunately, I too am not leader as I am well placed in my own sense. As predicted, the football craze swept over the reservation mania. Once again, I can’t help but take my Hats Off to Arjun Singh and Congress for pulling out another massacre with just one blow. Kudos to you perverts!

And then there is this Hot News that Media got hold off. A DPS girl is being deprived admission in DPS just because she can’t speak English properly. In other words, she is not the “Yo! Dude!” type. Media rightly blames the school for not taking her up. But, if you put on your business hat and think about it from DPS’ point of view, I feel its right in it own way. In most of these schools, they look at the status and prestige and social background. These are the people who pay them well. So, even if you accept the child with some other background, they wouldn’t gel together (I know this hits hard, but that’s the way life is! Wrong at the right times!) Even after so much farce, I don’t think she is going to enjoy her stay at DPS. But, I do wish good for that Girl’s future. Get going girl, you can do it!

I hate Congress!!!

I was reading through the posts of various people in a community (Orkut) which is against reservations. There were many opinions, counter - opinions, debates etc. But, as read through another community which was pro-reservation, my worst fears were confirmed.

Indeed the Congress party is successful in playing its caste politics to perfection. Hats off to Sonia Gandhi for being such a pervert!

25% of the Indian society is young. And most of them, atleast from the premier colleges and the second rung colleges dont give a damn about religious divide, forget about caste. People like aren't even aware as to why caste, as I believe in freedom of expression and talent.

So, essentially this whole controversy has just made it possible for the youth of India to fight against each other and realize a divide that was never existent in their minds. My blood boils over this thought and I will make sure I vote against Congress for my life. Also, I shall campaign against Congress and the communists for the rest of my life

Reservation Row!

I have been following the reservation row for sometime now and couldn't help post this! Congress wants to play caste politics for the umpteenth time and here goes yet another protest!

Firstly, there is always a lot of resistance to change. Hence, the current protests are a testimony to that hard proven fact. Secondly, its never a win-win situation in politics. Thirdly, there is already a scape goat in Arjun Singh who would be even burned alive for saving the Congress image. And lastly, its time leading institutions have a wide variety of stakeholders apart from the Governement.

If the UPA was to give that 8000 crore to FICCI and ask them to gear up the state primary educational institutions, you would see the difference right away (in one year)! I am not against, Politicians eating up people's money. They can't help it and we have to live with it. But, I am against direct corruption, which is what happens every time Congress is in power.

Coming back to the topic on hand. Despite all odds, the UPA would go ahead with their reservation policy as they can't let go of the 50% vote bank for a bunch of students! So, here is my bet on the future proceedings:

• Student protests go above the bar and there would be bigger clashes thanks to the communists and the Govt sits tight lipped for some miracle.
• Another scam hits the news office and off goes the reservation topic to the back door.
• When it becomes a low key event, the Govt safely passes the law and thats the end of it

What could be done (as I think fit!!!):

• Get an ammendment to the policy as to continuous reduction in the reservations during the course of 5 - 10 years from the start.
• Give out 40% of the seats as reserved!
• Start enacting the law 2 years from now, so that people have enough time and space to digest it.
• Get the constitution to original state before the Emergency to stop these kind of things from happening in the future (MI - 4)
• An RDB could be the End of the Beginning and a bigger war and hence divide.

I totally sympathize with those who suffer from the reservations, but hope this doesn't creep into the private sector jobs.

Grand Finale! Indo-US N-Deal!

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! This is one of my favourite quotes which I believe to the core and implement it too. Not wasting any more time, I shall come down to this intriguing topic.

The Indian N-deal is still a mystery as I draft this. Half way around the world, there are decision makers who are still divided on the issue of giving a free thorough fare to India on this issue. Back to where we are (India of course!), New Delhi must be seriously preparing for the Budget tomorrow. But, in the wake of President Bush’s (the most powerful man in the world) impending visit a few day’s later, there is a shift in focus.

This can also be attributed to the mundane budget that would be presented tomorrow with emphasis on Infrastructure, agriculture and certain discussions on FBT and personal tax (I am keeping my fingers crossed). The Finance Minister shouldn’t be too harsh on the excise duties too. These would be brought down to the global average of 8% from the current 15%. But, then again this should happen over a period of time. Will electronic goods also be exempt is something to be seen (Again fingers crossed, waiting to buy myself a computer!!!).

Coming to the Million Dollar Question, Will India snatch the nuclear deal in the coming months? My views are as follows

1. Dr. Singh gave way to our strategists, scientists and also experts’ thoughts on NPT and the separation plan. Positive!


2. Burn’s states that the deal is 90% complete and would require further ratification (what does he mean by this?). Positive!


3. Bush is keen on getting into a Strategic partnership with India. The reason being, weakening of Japan and strengthening of China. Positive!


4. Bush’s backyard (the USA), the Non-proliferation experts are having a field day and are forming a coalition to educate the congress about the negatives of the deal. Negative!


5. US desperately wants the Fast Breeder programme to be on the list. And India will not oblige. Negative!


6. US unsure of how only 60% of the facilities having safeguards puts breaks on India’s weapons programme. Negative!


7. US actively looking at alternatives to Nuclear power which right now make-up only 2-3% of the total power produced. Neutral!


8. US congress keen on making India sign an agreement for non-proliferation. This may curb the weapon’s programme if need be. Negative!


9. Bush ready to make changes to the law for India if it accepts the dictum. India ready for cooperation and not open for the imperialist taunts of the US. Negative!

Thus, going by the above, it is unlikely that we would grab something from Bush! So, it remains to be seen how far will Bush go to grab this initiative which would strengthen its presence in South Asia.

My say, there would be big ticket announcements on agriculture, trade, Outsourcing (H1B Visas etc). If we are unable to grab something during this visit, then we might have to settle for other sources of power like wind, clean coal etc.

Controversies for Attention - Here's one more!

I was reading up a bit on the internet and on every other page across sites, there was this exuberance about India’s triumph against Pakistan. Agreed that India is a good team, but it still has a long way to go in order to become a great team.

Amidst all this, if you take a look at any cricket specific site like http://www.cricinfo.com there are better stories than our very own people. Controversies attract everybody’s attention and that is exactly what the Kangaroos are up against the proteas. To my horror, Mark Boucher is wooing fans to take on the Kangaroos. I still don’t understand the case in point. Is it because, the proteas had testing times (very tough though!!!) out in Australia? Even then, I am strongly against this!

And now, there is another controversy that our very own articulate and obstinate Ricky Ponting is stirring up. He is going to use the same Kookaburra bats that have a lining of black graphite at the back. I gather this gives the batsman an undue advantage. “I GUESS, NOW WE KNOW HOW THE LITTLE MAN SCORES SO MANY RUNS”. Cheater! Cheater! Cheater! Anyways, no more comments on the same!

Coming to yet another controversy that the invincible team of WI’s in 80’s, I was shocked to read about the behavior of Mike Holding and Clive Lloyd. Gosh man, read this article. There were around 20 wrong decisions by the umpires during their 2 test matches against the Kiwis. And a guy in the WI’s management went on to claim that they had to get a kiwi batsman out 9 times, before he is asked to leave. Gosh! Read a full length story at http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/columns/content/current/story/237606.html

Alright then, I am hearing to the great MJ’s “I just can’t stop loving you!” Any time, anywhere, I am still his loyal fan for all his great music!!! Hats off MJ!

Extended Monkey Problem!

As I sift through my thoughts and feelings, here I am sitting infront of Man's Best creative Addiction ever (The Computer)! I call it a creative addiction because, there is no point of time that you get bored of this damn thing! How much ever you sit on it, you can still find various reasons to come back to the same chair to look into the same old screen and never get bored. (Mr. Bill Gates are you listening to this??)

Now, if you look at one's life there are problems and there are solutions to all of these problems. But, one’s prejudices, feelings and EGO normally come in the way of one's decision making. So, you have a problem and there is a ready made solution to the same, but any of the above three come in way to create another problem and hence you are constrained by these trivial things to solve the BIGGER ISSUE at hand. It is at this juncture that I would like to share an example from my real life.

This is a classic example of an Extended Monkey problem! For the benefit of those of you who don't understand 'The Monkey Problem', here is a quick session. Every problem/situation is a Monkey and they start sitting on your shoulders. For example, your uncle needs to contact somebody in the bank to get a loan. He asks you to contact that bank guy and asks the bank guy to contact your uncle. Now, there was a monkey on his shoulder which jumps on to yours. So, out of your affection, if you accept that, YOU ARE DONE FOR! as that monkey is on your shoulder (Amber light!!!). Now, once you call the bank guy and follow up with him, he needs a favour from your side as he is doing one for you. A second monkey on your shoulder!!! (Red lights’ beeping) Similarly, we take up so many monkeys onto our shoulders even before you realise.

In my case too, I have a problem of arranging a house and then the extended monkey problem. Out of my affection on my relations, I take up one monkey of arranging the house. Even before I realise, people form expectations and you have to live upto them. Soon after that they demand things from you. Even before you can begin things, there are many sanctions put up. Somebody wants it done, somebody else wants to do only ONE part of the entire chain, not realising the fact, I am the one to finish the entire thing. He/she takes up the critical part and keeps postponing that part because of various reasons (Can’t robots be invented quickly, I am sick and tired now!). So, your situation is nearing a critical situation and then its time for a big STOP! STOP! STOP!

If you take a step back and see the whole thing, nobody is to be blaimed, not even myself, except fate. There is a solution to such problems too, accept your defeat and allocate the entire thing to some other person (if possible that critical work stopper, but then he postpone the entire thing, who knows! ;) and get out of the way. This is what I call the Extended Monkey Problem!!! This is the solution that LIFE taught, incase you have any better solutions to the same, then have a good time! :) ;)

Banner'Ghatta' - 'The Most Ghatiyaaa!!!'

For the benefit of those of you who donot understand hindi, Ghatiya implies Very Bad, Nearing Worst.

Now, here came a weekend and there went a weekend too. What did I do? Now, don’t be surprised, I did do something worth remembering. On Saturday, it was time again for some household chores. So, I along with Bakka Rams borrowed our very own Devil’s (Tuneesh) bike. I prefer to call him Korivi Deyyam (meaning Devil in Telugu – God knows if I am right). I was in a state of trance. The extra hours of work at office did take a toll on my general health; I was able to feel it.

As we went around the City doing one petty job after the other, I was unable to concentrate. Especially in Bangalore and that too while driving it’s considered a sin. But, I just couldn’t help it! So, here I was riding at 40 Kmph impervious to the external environment (I told ya my situation). Also, one more important thing to note here is that the bike didn’t have a horn. So, I was enjoying myself whistling away and shouting at the co-commuters (don’t read it again, you read it right).

At half past 3 ‘O’ Clock, we reached Tata Indicom’s office, one of the worst. Firstly, there wasn’t much space to sit and move around. Secondly, a senior citizen was eating my brain on how to sit and how not to. Fortunately for me he didn’t know Telugu and I don’t know Kannada (and enacted as if I didn’t know Eng-lish!). Thirdly, well forget it; it took us 2 hours to get out of that place and we were able to cancel that stupid internet connection which was free of deposit. We learnt our lesson though, don’t buy/take anything just because its free!!!

The next day (Sunday – 08-Jan-06), we were off to Bannerghatta National Park. I was very excited and thrilled for I was going to a safari for the first time in my life. After many setbacks we were able to get out of the place by 11:00. Without further delay, (4 of us on two bikes, Goca and Pathi on one, while me and Devil on the other – Remember this!) we set out to ‘The Bannerghatta National Park’! The Bannerghatta road has a reputation for being the worst highways in the whole of the south (Am I exaggerating – No!!). Though it was just 25 Kms away, it took us a solid 1.5 hours to reach the place.

After this, it was !@$$$ (No expression!!!) and not Fun. We took the tickets for the grand safari and then set out seeing many of our friends caged in the Zoo! By the time we finished seeing all those animals at the Zoo, it was already 1:30 PM. So, we decided to take a bite and get finished with the Safari thing. At 1:45, we finally boarded the Mazda Van and set in for a memorable journey (I’ll remember this for years to come)!

Firstly, gates to Jurassic Park I opened up and it was supposedly an Herbivore safari. We found two bisons and one deer. He also showed us a Camel, but being in Rajasthan, I could recognize that it wasn’t, while the others were busy taking pictures (I think that was a mule). The guide was misleading us and that’s a forgivable offense and so we set out into JP-II (Bear safari). After two rounds of the entire place, he showed us one small bear sleeping somewhere in the bushes. So much for the extra buck that we paid! And then it was JP-III (Lion and Tiger safari). Irony here was, all the lions were caged and also the most ferocious tigers too. Only a few were left in the open! I didn’t quite understand the setup. We were caged and they were too. What’s the point??? (Do you get it??)

Finally, after 1 hour of that gruesome experience, we were about to leave, when one of the bike’s tire (Is that a tyre, Bill Gates doesn’t think so? So, I decided to go with MS Word this one time!) got punctured. As we got that fixed and started our way back home, it was yet another memorable journey.

Amidst all this confusion and irritation, Goca met with an accident. As far as I saw them fall, it was a Hollywood action scene! He must have been at 80 Kmph and the car infront of him (Santro) suddenly stopped near a divider break to take a right turn. God knows what both of them were thinking, but Pathi was in the air for a moment and I swear I saw that! After that Goca got an Oscar for his action at the scene. He acted as if his ear got torn because of the accident and the car driver got frightened too. After all it was our day, so nothing much happened except for a bruise on Goca’s forearm and Pathi – he hit the road hard and thus damaging it (Thank God that nothing serious happened)!

I had a very bad time driving till our place and then it was time for some fun. Chakri was the only bakra available to play my pranks and so, I took inspiration from Peter Jackson and narrated the entire sequence with much added/needed colour. He was so concerned that he was getting ready to meet them (some place in the hospital)! Hehehe! Afraid that I would create a Hollywood inspiring blog and rumour, Goca used half of his balance to call up people and tell them that he was completely alright!!!

So, it was an action filled weekend and here I am wasting my time at writing these! Once again, I am supposed to be at work and finish this god damn model in three days! Guys I am going home for sankranthi on 11-jan-06. I am going to get a stove this time and cook for myself!!! Until the next blogger, Bye bye!!!

Do send me your comments at the comments section!! (Now, this is a copy from sekhar suman. God alone knows how many people read my stupid blogs, but I do ;-))!

Time Pass!

The problem with too much of anything is one tends to lose track of his goal. So, here I am trying to do something useless OR useful (?) can’t really say can I. As work is taking its toll on me (10 to 01 hrs), I am taking out myself to the world this way.

May be this philosophy flowing out this way because of the background too. I am presently hearing to ‘Hotel California’ (Eagles). So, please pardon me if you are reading my blog tooooo!

This is some cocktail test that I took. It was all randomly picked I guess, but its very good and perfect too. What say people?? ;-)

I actually wanted to put up the picture here, but the damn site is unable to upload despite several attempts by me (the poor-rich soul, I know I sound crazy!!! but cant help it)!

How to Make a Vinay

3 Parts of Competitiveness
1 Part of Humour
3 Parts Leadership

Blend at a low speed for 30 seconds and add a bit of lustfullness if desired!!!!

How to make a vinay

Ingredients: 3 parts competetiveness 1 part humour 3 parts leadership

Method: Blend at a low speed for 30 seconds. Add a little lustfulness if desired!

A Tribute to the Great Braille

You can Win, given any situation provided you strongly feel so. This blog is a tribute to the great and inspirational Louis Braille who revolutionized the lives of many a blind around the world. I had heard about this man earlier too. But, thanks to Google that I got to know about his birthday i.e. today (04Jan06). Read a story about him on some site (can’t remember the URL). This is an abridged version of the bigger story.

Braille’s father used to sell leather goods to make a living and it was on one of those unfortunate days when Braille actually used an awl to poke one of his eyes (at the age of three). It was the early 1800’s and good medication was unheard of. Eventually, he lost his eyesight.

He found it very difficult to cope with the situation for sometime. But, adapted himself to the new way of living pretty quickly. He used to perform well at school but realized the importance of books and the kind of knowledge that he was closed to. In all of France, only Paris had a school especially for blind. So, without any further delay, he made it to that school only to find that the books they use would take a long long time to read too. He was of the view that Nothing’s Impossible (Adidas – Are you hearing this??) and bent upon finding a better way to read books

French army used to make use of a code to send messages across to soldiers then. As the light of a match would make the soldier an easy target for the enemy, they developed a special code which would help the soldiers read the instructions even in the dark (using their hands). Braille got hold of this code and worked on it over a summer to develop a system which makes use of 6 dots to represent an alphabet. This was the birth of a revolution for all those unprivileged people (should I say that). Eventually, he died at the age of 44 somewhere in France (can’t remember the place – sorry folks)!

Please pay your tributes to him too!

Old Is Gold!!!

Date: 29Nov05
Time: 19:00
Mission: Shift to our new house (Not Enough money to buy one for now in Bangalore, it is a rented one)

Time 19:00
Every one of us comes back to the old house to pack their belongings and move out to the new place. Everybody begins to find out the number of under garments/ shirts/ trousers/ books/ watches missing (thankfully they secure their mobiles). They curse the house owner for letting us a shitty and messy place while also cursing the servant maid for having lost that 600 bucks new Nike T-Shirt that you bought the other day at Central.

Time 19:10
Frustration reaches its peak as realization dawns on them. It was not a one hour job. This would easily take 3 hours. But, humans (especially Indians) deliberate on anything and everything. So, one moderator rakes up the discussion on how to pack things faster. Ideas and Ideas flow while the work is at a stand still.

Time 19:30
Another realization comes to the fore...we wasted half an hour. So, everybody gets ready to pack their belongings

Time 19:45
A moderate voice (me) among the group suggests that we check our new place even before shifting the luggage. So, I along with my friend start out to the new house.

Time 20:00
We reach our new house only to find that there isn't even a main door lock. It was at this time that another revolutionist was born. My BP (blood pressure) must have shot up to a staggering 240/160 (another exaggeration, but I feel so). But, cooling my nerves down, I think of an alternative. I decide upon staying in that god forsaken place (to be our new house) for just one night. Imagine living in a house with no window panes and lock for one night, that too when the temperatures are around 14 degrees Celsius.

Time 20:20
Its time to break the killer news to my friends back there at my place! I am all the more excited because we don’t have any other option other than to shift to the new place.

Time 20:30
I call up our house (old) and tell them the situation whilst also explaining to them the alternative that my brain came up with in the last minute.

Time 20:45
I walk up to our old house (Remember it takes 15 minutes from my new place). Confusion, Confusion and More Confusion all around as everybody is cursing right from their cab driver to the Autowala who dropped them at our place (Old).

Time 21:00
No food, No Water but more worries and problems.

Time 21:10
Its time for taking a decision and sticking to it! Somehow, we come to a conclusion only when it’s too late (you’ll get to know the meaning of this shortly)

Time 21:20
Another 10 minutes of deliberation yields a unanimous “YES” for shifting. Two of us hop onto a GOD sent bike (another friend of ours came to visit us – lUcKy Us!). I quickly drive to the DEN, the place where we can get the transport auto.

Time 21:30
Having looked around for about 10 minutes for a driver, we finally go to our broker (no odd thoughts, he is the real estate broker guys!!!). He too looks around the place but in vain. Dr. Stingy (me) is not ready to pay more than 150 bucks for the shifting (I make this very clear to the broker)

Time 21:45
Unable to find anybody out there he finally gives us the verdict “Come Tomorrow!” But he doesn’t understand does he, time is a luxury we don’t have! With nothing more to talk about we stand there waiting for some miracle to happen.

Time 21:50
We finally find a Lorry Driver who is wandering about the DEN. We present him our case and he looks like the man! At the outset he seemed pretty normal. But, I had an odd feeling that his hands were itching seeing us plead him for HELP! After a long thought process, he gives out his quote Rs 1200/-. God Dammit! I was not even ready to pay 200, upon that A Thousand Bucks??? Do I look like Jim Carey??

Time 22:05
With all hopes down, we finally start walking towards our parked bike when we see a Maruti Van parked near our bike. Without any hesitation I offer him a deal. To our surprise, he accepts the offer, but says this shifting thing has to be completed before 23:00 (Reason – Some, brain eating Hindi Serial he has to watch). But, as that is an Airport cab, we have to pay him 200 bucks per trip.

Time 22:15
Without further delay, we shift the first half of the things to our new place and he goes back for a second trip. Greed has its own way. He can see real money from us now, and agrees to forego his serial for two more trips (600 bucks!!!!). But, as the cost is too high, we decide on two trips and get the essentials to this place.

Time 23:15
No Serial (for the driver), No Food, No Water and No Sleep still. Its pay time and he demands more (more exploitation of the poor/rich?? No comments, but its exploitation of the rich poor, sounds better!!!). So, we give him a 20 buck tip for helping us out and he wants more. So, he sounds a funda and shouts out aloud that he is not a 420 (we paid him 200+200+20). Unable to argue anymore, we pay him 5 more and get him out of that place.

Time 00:00 (Date’s changed too)
After a long night/day’s work, I decide to go to sleep at this unearthly hour (no other option). On my bed, as I lay and sift through my thoughts, one thing that stands out among the lot is the proverb “Old Is Gold! Had we not decided to shift and were able to adjust at our old place, all this mental trauma could have been avoided”.

With this thought, I slowly slip away from the real world into the dream world, where there are no bounds and I could control virtually everything!!!

Does one need a license in India to drive???

Here it goes...it was one of those days when my friend unknowingly asked me if I possesed a license. Now, he was not going to fine me and I found out an opening to give a boost to my super latent EGO. So, I gave him a big smiling "NO" whilst explaining him my past driving record (didn't get caught for almost 9 years of driving without a license). The reasons for this could be many. Firstly, I am very lazy to shave (no other meanings here). Secondly, I have an innocent and decent but deceptive appearance.

Getting back to the topic, so the friend of mine started praying (which he never does normally) that I get caught. Now, destiny has its own way and Mr. me didn't get caught even after my 140 kms ride to and fro (to nandi hills) apart from my biking stunts within the city (exaggeration, I know, but looks good!).

Climax - This friend whom I would prefer calling Mr C, goes out to buy protection for his inners (imagine that for a bike ride). Destiny calls its shot at this opportune moment when a traffic police catches them. Here is the scene that takes place from there on.

Traffic Police: Do you have a license?
Mr C: Yes, I do (shows him the same), uses a bit of kannada to impress the policewala

Traffic Police: Cracks a funda and asks for the co-rider's license too. His funda - the co-rider could also be driving
Mr C's co-rider: I have the license too

Traffic Police: Show me the Pollution Cert.
Mr C: Enacts to make believe that he is innocent and forgot the Cert back hom

Traffic Police: 1000 Watt bulb glows in his face while his mind is quickly calculating the amt he could extract from these rabbits
In his mind...no pollution cert and lots of shopping done. (Unfortunately the shop wala gave them a big cover for a small purchase :) ) So, these people must be IT guys. Earning how much?? Forget it... can they pay me 50....nah thats too small an amount. How about 100....I need to buy my kid that new toy on the block and hence fixes the price.

Traffic Police: Pay me 100 bucks or go to the court
(Now, court is a taboo in the present scenario and so Mr C starts calculating the opportunity cost of giving him 100 bucks and getting out)
Mr C: Will 50 do? (Seeing the Traffic Police's face decides against bargaining and with a sad face gets out a 100 rupee note and vanishes from the point)

Moral: No matter what you do, you just can't escape destiny. If not for a pollution cert there would have been some other route for these people.

In this context I don't see the need for getting a license for myself. Do you????

Baby Bloomer!

This is my first attempt at publicizing my personal space (irony irony and more irony)!!! Please bear with me for this tester