This month marks the end of my life as a student. Not to imply that I have done much in the name of studying in the past 6 months. I have seen many countries, enjoyed many movies, spent many hours just strolling around, paining people [and some people in particular] and so on. Padhaku types apun kabhi thaeech nahi. Woh to zalim zamana aur RG batchmates jinhone mujhe ghisne per majboor kara.
I see a lot of super-ambitious raring-to-go people around me. I also see many corporate czars in the making. I wonder what I will make.
Meanwhile, I have been poked with the question - "Aap kaun hain".
Hindi wala hmmm with index finger on my chin. To yeh lo mera jawab. I am-
-an electron in a high energy orbital
-a software engineer with no experience of working in a software company, half-baked knowledge of project management, tons of experience in Java coding, a very bad taste for giving names to variable, functions, source codes and people. And yes, I can see the hands rising in agreement to this.
-an MBA with little skills but many dreams - both wet and dry kinds.
-Bhom the Bhunderfull. I have had success in surprising people, endearing some, distracting others, making deep friends and enraging them and getting people to trust and rely on me. I have a distaste for tyrants and morally weak humans.
-an attention-grabber, a greedy hog, a jealous man.
-a lover of jalebis, watermelon, icecreams, salads, chicken [the cooked kind!], puzzles and a few more things not suitable for mention in these pages.
-a hater of cigarette smell
-the maker of fine omlettes, delicious egg-fried rice and egg curry and a cooking enthusiast
-a man-eater when hungry, but in general finicky about food, according to popular accounts
-an ardent gifter and incidental shopper
-Jonty Rhodes ka jani dushman because he made people expect so much from fielders. As you can understand, even a sleepy kachua would be better at fielding than I am.
Bas bahut ho gaya. Enough about this luchcha lafanga.
The transition from a learning phase to an earning phase is fraught with so many worries. And my major concern is if the earning is going to be as superficial as the learning has been! I hope not! Plus so many EMI considerations. Too many things to be bought blinking on the big radar of this small mind.
Tum chale jaaoge
to sochenge
Humne kya khoya
humne kya paaya
Tumko dekha
to yeh khayal aaya
Zindagi dhoop
tum ghana chaya....
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Who am I ?
When I chose a course titled "Leadership Vision Meaning and Reality", I expected it to be 80% gaseous. I wasn't disappointed! The upside, however, was that I ended up buying a lot of books that I want to read but which I wouldn't otherwise have bought. Books like 'The Art of War', 'Things Fall Apart' and so on. In umpteen sessions of that course, the same questions emerged, 'Who Am I' being one of the most popular ones.
In that stream of thought, I wonder about myself. What makes me the way I am? Now that could be answered using as many words as there are water drops in Indian Ocean. Or hair in Laloo's ears. But I will venture forth and complete an unfinished task. The task of recounting some of my most memorable experiences at IIMA.
*Working late into the night, brain storming about some case. Especially the cases in Operations Management which required more brains to solve than it is physically possible to fit inside the human skull. We worked as group of five or six, and it was a team experience I can never forget in my life.
*The post-lunch blitzkreig. Announced in the form of a short quiz. Notice put up on the PGP notice board. I bet IIMA recruits some very fine people into its PGP office. People who are smart enough to fox 250+ bright minds of this country with as little as a 15 minute quiz. Frequently, the quiz notice came as a complete surprise. Sometimes the quiz itelf was a surprise, sometimes the subject of quiz was a surprise. Imagine waking up one fine morning and learning that you belong to the royal clan of Macau and you are heir to a few million dollars. Oops, I almost fainted at the thought. The quiz experience was similar.
*Strolling around in the campus, with something buzzing inside your head. It pacified all types of worries - acidity in stomach from overeating on a friends treat, crush on a batchmate that you insist is more than just a passing emotion, thoughts about career in a saabun-bechne wali company etc etc. On those walks, we discovered a shady lamp which switched off whenever a lady passed by it, the reclusive corner in the garden, queer things about faculty homes and their sleeping habits.
*Giving gifts. Now I love giving gifts. No. Actually I love seeing the expression in people's eyes when they get an unexpected gift. And it doesn't matter what you give. A swatch watch or a moco choco. The feeling of those trembling limbs when you show them the gift or the glitter in their eyes. I am convinced that these are worth much more than the bucks I spent on them.
*The various trips with our 'cool-gang'. I went to Diu, Kashid and finally Goa. All of these were immensely enriching experiences. Bonds were made or strengthened, water was splashed and some really beautiful photos were clicked.
*Sleeping in the MIPM class. It was in this class that I had my deepest sleep of the day.
*The placement process. For me personally, it has been a long and deep drawn process. I can look back at it with no regrets. And somehow I end up seeing a divine conspiracy. That remains to be seen though. Meanwhile, the IIMs are undergoing the 'cricket' phenomenon. The frenzy and unrealistic notions that are levied on our cricketing stars are also attached to IIMs. A friend almost gave me a ransom call, thinking since I am an IIMA alumnus, I must have landed a crore+ salary. When I told him the real figure, he offered 50% of his own salary to me!
Jokes apart, notions built around IIMs are seriously inflated. To quote the press release from IIMA, the average domestic salary was Rs 14 lac per annum. Period.
Sometimes I feel like an excited electron oscillating between various quantum levels. And Strato has often been at the receiving end of this almost-cosmic energy. Right now however is the time for me to relax. And for Strato to recuperate.
I recently bought my first pair of sunglasses. The last I bought cost me Rs 35, so it took me a lot of convincing to spend on a pair of Fasttracks. I had these on during the entire Goa trip, but luckily they are not from the Fall collection. So ladies around there weren't swooning and falling like they show in that ad. I am seedha sadha, sadhu sanyasi ki category ka ladka as you all must know by now.
Amongst other new things, I also drove a Honda Activa for the first time. With Strato sitting behind me, I was enjoying the ride as she almost screamed with fear everytime any vehicle with more than 2 wheels passed by. A recommended experience for everyone - in the driver's seat, to be sure.
Dekha ek khwab to yeh silsile hue
Door tak nigaah mein hain gul khile hue....
In that stream of thought, I wonder about myself. What makes me the way I am? Now that could be answered using as many words as there are water drops in Indian Ocean. Or hair in Laloo's ears. But I will venture forth and complete an unfinished task. The task of recounting some of my most memorable experiences at IIMA.
*Working late into the night, brain storming about some case. Especially the cases in Operations Management which required more brains to solve than it is physically possible to fit inside the human skull. We worked as group of five or six, and it was a team experience I can never forget in my life.
*The post-lunch blitzkreig. Announced in the form of a short quiz. Notice put up on the PGP notice board. I bet IIMA recruits some very fine people into its PGP office. People who are smart enough to fox 250+ bright minds of this country with as little as a 15 minute quiz. Frequently, the quiz notice came as a complete surprise. Sometimes the quiz itelf was a surprise, sometimes the subject of quiz was a surprise. Imagine waking up one fine morning and learning that you belong to the royal clan of Macau and you are heir to a few million dollars. Oops, I almost fainted at the thought. The quiz experience was similar.
*Strolling around in the campus, with something buzzing inside your head. It pacified all types of worries - acidity in stomach from overeating on a friends treat, crush on a batchmate that you insist is more than just a passing emotion, thoughts about career in a saabun-bechne wali company etc etc. On those walks, we discovered a shady lamp which switched off whenever a lady passed by it, the reclusive corner in the garden, queer things about faculty homes and their sleeping habits.
*Giving gifts. Now I love giving gifts. No. Actually I love seeing the expression in people's eyes when they get an unexpected gift. And it doesn't matter what you give. A swatch watch or a moco choco. The feeling of those trembling limbs when you show them the gift or the glitter in their eyes. I am convinced that these are worth much more than the bucks I spent on them.
*The various trips with our 'cool-gang'. I went to Diu, Kashid and finally Goa. All of these were immensely enriching experiences. Bonds were made or strengthened, water was splashed and some really beautiful photos were clicked.
*Sleeping in the MIPM class. It was in this class that I had my deepest sleep of the day.
*The placement process. For me personally, it has been a long and deep drawn process. I can look back at it with no regrets. And somehow I end up seeing a divine conspiracy. That remains to be seen though. Meanwhile, the IIMs are undergoing the 'cricket' phenomenon. The frenzy and unrealistic notions that are levied on our cricketing stars are also attached to IIMs. A friend almost gave me a ransom call, thinking since I am an IIMA alumnus, I must have landed a crore+ salary. When I told him the real figure, he offered 50% of his own salary to me!
Jokes apart, notions built around IIMs are seriously inflated. To quote the press release from IIMA, the average domestic salary was Rs 14 lac per annum. Period.
Sometimes I feel like an excited electron oscillating between various quantum levels. And Strato has often been at the receiving end of this almost-cosmic energy. Right now however is the time for me to relax. And for Strato to recuperate.
I recently bought my first pair of sunglasses. The last I bought cost me Rs 35, so it took me a lot of convincing to spend on a pair of Fasttracks. I had these on during the entire Goa trip, but luckily they are not from the Fall collection. So ladies around there weren't swooning and falling like they show in that ad. I am seedha sadha, sadhu sanyasi ki category ka ladka as you all must know by now.
Amongst other new things, I also drove a Honda Activa for the first time. With Strato sitting behind me, I was enjoying the ride as she almost screamed with fear everytime any vehicle with more than 2 wheels passed by. A recommended experience for everyone - in the driver's seat, to be sure.
Dekha ek khwab to yeh silsile hue
Door tak nigaah mein hain gul khile hue....
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sometimes:
- The Heart refuses to believe what the Mind knows is true. That jalebi rich in ghee is bad for health. That the roadside chaat is injurious to health. That chemical changes are permanent. That people forget each other and time can weaken the strongest bonds - laconic, ionic or platonic. That putting good money after bad is counter productive. That you should not invest everything you have in one stock. Or one dream.
- Bad things happen to good people and vice versa. The prize you did not deserve but won nevertheless. The heart shattering words that tore through your heart like a pet rabbit tears a white bedsheet. The hole in your heart caused by a ricocheting bullet, angry genes or a much-feared conversation.
- You are so hungry you can't eat or you are so tired you can't sleep or you are so sad you can't speak. Life comes with myriad tricks. More tricks than the grandest magicians. And there are no rules. Just when you thought you knew how to tackle the fickle beast, it grows a third horn and (honks it?) hits you hard. Somehow life seems to know where it hurts the most. Those who have suffered from migraine, stones in the urinary tract or arethrosyncomphalynxcaricitis [ ok, just call it a heart break!] would know.
- You really need a vent to empty your heavy heart or heavy bladder.
- Scepticism and pessimism join hands to create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Bad things happen just because you think they will happen. Or may be because you let them happen. The ice cream stain on your favorite shirt, the weak-knee syndrome or the perpetual khich khich in your throat.
- Star rated movies go by the most innocous names. Like '18 and confused'. Or 'Deep Throat'.
- Thinking is the most tortuous thing to do. More tortuous than listening to a certain cough-and-cold-infected singer, hanging upside down on a hook attached to your belly button, or seeing your own heart getting pierced.
- Undervaluation manifests itself in the most unexpected ways. "Your pen is not worth it". "That movie is not worth waiting for". "That thing is not worth getting angry about".
- You should let go. Of your sweetest dream, your favorite (but now undersized) jeans, the chappal whose battered sole is now wafer thin, and a lot of other things.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Of Obsessions and excitements!
Happy 'V' day to all who are blessed, and best wishes to all who are waiting to be blessed !
I was very pleasantly surprised by a gift from Strato. Err, umm ... the non-typical-of-Strato tone apart, the packaging was wonderful. It had all the redness and pinkness thrown in for full measure and words that could easily make the angriest hearts melt. Reminds me of the old Dhara ad in which the sulking boy gets oh-so-excited at the mention of the word Jalebi. Hmm...
I had been somewhat sulking at her for making me wait for lunch. Meanwhile, the charge of the hunger brigade had been romping full blast inside my tummy.
I am told I have a way with words. Where there is a word, there is a way - what else can I say? Once before, I have been complimented on my ability for succint descriptions. And the compliment-giver was one of my favorite profs at IITK. She taught us Psychology, and in the first mid term she had asked a rather original question. If the structural psychologists and some-other-baffling-name psyhologists were to argue, what would be their points of agreement and disagreement? I believe I wrote a somewhat more animated description of the argumentation than the prof expected - may be, there were even a few murders at the heat of the moment ! Anyway, when I saw my evaluated answer script, I felt great reading the superscription - "You know how to write well. However, you should know what you are writing."
In other news, I have picked up some obsessions. While codebreaker-a-day is an old routine, now I do numerous sudokus a day. Also a codebreaker and a crossword. And the latest fad is loop-the-loop.
Just the day before, results were announced for the Poll-of-the-year. It set the mood right for thinking about the next inflection point in our lives. Uncertainty eats into my head and drives me mad. And there are only few things that can act as consolation.
Sometimes it surprises me. Sometimes it disturbs me. Whether 2 years put into MBA from an elite institution were worth it or not is more or less decided by the job you finally land. A rapid process, preceded by weeks of anxiety. And the moment of decision is so ephemereal. One moment you have all the choices in the world, the other moment you are tied. To a role, to a company, to a job.
The worst thing is that there is no alternative. Not in the amount of courage I am willing to spend in the process of finding a job.
-Trying-my-way-with-words.
Will post when I am done rhyming the ands with the wands.
I was very pleasantly surprised by a gift from Strato. Err, umm ... the non-typical-of-Strato tone apart, the packaging was wonderful. It had all the redness and pinkness thrown in for full measure and words that could easily make the angriest hearts melt. Reminds me of the old Dhara ad in which the sulking boy gets oh-so-excited at the mention of the word Jalebi. Hmm...
I had been somewhat sulking at her for making me wait for lunch. Meanwhile, the charge of the hunger brigade had been romping full blast inside my tummy.
I am told I have a way with words. Where there is a word, there is a way - what else can I say? Once before, I have been complimented on my ability for succint descriptions. And the compliment-giver was one of my favorite profs at IITK. She taught us Psychology, and in the first mid term she had asked a rather original question. If the structural psychologists and some-other-baffling-name psyhologists were to argue, what would be their points of agreement and disagreement? I believe I wrote a somewhat more animated description of the argumentation than the prof expected - may be, there were even a few murders at the heat of the moment ! Anyway, when I saw my evaluated answer script, I felt great reading the superscription - "You know how to write well. However, you should know what you are writing."
In other news, I have picked up some obsessions. While codebreaker-a-day is an old routine, now I do numerous sudokus a day. Also a codebreaker and a crossword. And the latest fad is loop-the-loop.
Just the day before, results were announced for the Poll-of-the-year. It set the mood right for thinking about the next inflection point in our lives. Uncertainty eats into my head and drives me mad. And there are only few things that can act as consolation.
Sometimes it surprises me. Sometimes it disturbs me. Whether 2 years put into MBA from an elite institution were worth it or not is more or less decided by the job you finally land. A rapid process, preceded by weeks of anxiety. And the moment of decision is so ephemereal. One moment you have all the choices in the world, the other moment you are tied. To a role, to a company, to a job.
The worst thing is that there is no alternative. Not in the amount of courage I am willing to spend in the process of finding a job.
-Trying-my-way-with-words.
Will post when I am done rhyming the ands with the wands.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Cliches and More!
There are some cliches that have been cliche-ised that the very sound of them makes a whole sentence boring. Examples - 'as to', 'how do we go about...', 'what this is all about...', etc.
Combined with personal favorite items, they can make any serious conversation funny and vice versa. The set of personal items I have come across includes
'bhaiya ho' : this was my Math tuition teacher in class XI, and you can visualise a set of giggling boys holding on to their stomachs to prevent them from bursting every time the 'revered' phrase was spoken!
'actually' : and i guess this is actually quite a common choice. Actually!
'like as' : As a matter of fact, a slight misspelling makes it even more interesting. 'Like ass'. But my computers teacher in the computer coaching class stuck to the single s version. I think he didn't find the idea of likening everything to 'ass' so interesting after all!
A frequent question at discussion tables here is, "So how do we go about doing it?". I wonder what is wrong with the simpler version: "So how do we do it?".
One might call this nitpicking, but why not. At least I am not yet into commenting on missing colons and hyphens. Eats Shoots and Leaves is actually a very good book for people who belong to this category, actually!
The activities that lead to final placement have started. Presentations by companies, numerous interactions which are alleged to be evaluative exercises in the garb of talk-over-coffee, case contests and so on. I find some of the gimmicks ridiculous, but then its too lopsided a judgement I am making without having been at the other side of the table.
I guess life also has a way of moving in cycles. Motorcycles for some, and bicycles for some. And I just pictured myself riding a Hero Gold Cycle with a special someone seated in the front passenger seat. [And also all the jing bang of Bollywood movies in the background]
The detour apart, sometimes life moves so fast, you gasp and pant, but all you get hold of is the bhagte-bhoot-ki-langoti. Or knickers or whatever, without a judgement on the gender of the bhoot. Life at IIMA had so far been like that. Mostly. In the physical sense, the 2 years moved like 2 years always do. But there were phases when life changed its face faster than the protagonist in FaceOff. And even more beyond recognition.
Then there was a phase when things were more settled down. Everyday was like the previous or the next.
Looking back, I realise that I have just crossed a small peak. But in reality, I am in a big trough. And that is going to change real soon. Life is going to change. Unpredictably, Rapidly. Almost in an instant.
I wonder if I am equipped at all. Some possibilities actually make me shudder. I wonder how I will go about dealing with those. But we all have to.
So many of the principles we learn in economics are true in real life as well. The results that are conjectured for the 'rational human being' hold true even when applied to the irrational world of relationships. Families, friends, lovers, siblings - you name it.
Demand and supply works as well in a family as it does in the market. Of course one has to guide one's vision appropriately. If you are too freely available, you are treated differently. 'Familiarity breeds contempt' - there couldn't be a more succinct way of saying it.
People look at profit and loss in all transactions - business or interpersonal. Taken to an extreme, it can be used to explain just about any kind of love, but then it would be too encompassing a theory. And a TheoryOfEverything is for the Hawkings of the world to find. However, I strongly believe that people look out for what they gain from anything and everything - relationships, stocks, and everything else.
What do you do when every single day, the one you love kills a part of you?
Do you kill a part of them? Can you?
And what do you when a part of them is a part of you?
Combined with personal favorite items, they can make any serious conversation funny and vice versa. The set of personal items I have come across includes
'bhaiya ho' : this was my Math tuition teacher in class XI, and you can visualise a set of giggling boys holding on to their stomachs to prevent them from bursting every time the 'revered' phrase was spoken!
'actually' : and i guess this is actually quite a common choice. Actually!
'like as' : As a matter of fact, a slight misspelling makes it even more interesting. 'Like ass'. But my computers teacher in the computer coaching class stuck to the single s version. I think he didn't find the idea of likening everything to 'ass' so interesting after all!
A frequent question at discussion tables here is, "So how do we go about doing it?". I wonder what is wrong with the simpler version: "So how do we do it?".
One might call this nitpicking, but why not. At least I am not yet into commenting on missing colons and hyphens. Eats Shoots and Leaves is actually a very good book for people who belong to this category, actually!
The activities that lead to final placement have started. Presentations by companies, numerous interactions which are alleged to be evaluative exercises in the garb of talk-over-coffee, case contests and so on. I find some of the gimmicks ridiculous, but then its too lopsided a judgement I am making without having been at the other side of the table.
I guess life also has a way of moving in cycles. Motorcycles for some, and bicycles for some. And I just pictured myself riding a Hero Gold Cycle with a special someone seated in the front passenger seat. [And also all the jing bang of Bollywood movies in the background]
The detour apart, sometimes life moves so fast, you gasp and pant, but all you get hold of is the bhagte-bhoot-ki-langoti. Or knickers or whatever, without a judgement on the gender of the bhoot. Life at IIMA had so far been like that. Mostly. In the physical sense, the 2 years moved like 2 years always do. But there were phases when life changed its face faster than the protagonist in FaceOff. And even more beyond recognition.
Then there was a phase when things were more settled down. Everyday was like the previous or the next.
Looking back, I realise that I have just crossed a small peak. But in reality, I am in a big trough. And that is going to change real soon. Life is going to change. Unpredictably, Rapidly. Almost in an instant.
I wonder if I am equipped at all. Some possibilities actually make me shudder. I wonder how I will go about dealing with those. But we all have to.
So many of the principles we learn in economics are true in real life as well. The results that are conjectured for the 'rational human being' hold true even when applied to the irrational world of relationships. Families, friends, lovers, siblings - you name it.
Demand and supply works as well in a family as it does in the market. Of course one has to guide one's vision appropriately. If you are too freely available, you are treated differently. 'Familiarity breeds contempt' - there couldn't be a more succinct way of saying it.
People look at profit and loss in all transactions - business or interpersonal. Taken to an extreme, it can be used to explain just about any kind of love, but then it would be too encompassing a theory. And a TheoryOfEverything is for the Hawkings of the world to find. However, I strongly believe that people look out for what they gain from anything and everything - relationships, stocks, and everything else.
What do you do when every single day, the one you love kills a part of you?
Do you kill a part of them? Can you?
And what do you when a part of them is a part of you?
Friday, January 19, 2007
Leemerikss!
Hockey
There was once a hockey player
Who had this incredible flair
To fart in the middle of game
which brought his team to shame
But the masked rivals didn't care!
Bond
A bond he was, James zero zero seven
Many a goons he sent to heaven
He had stylish guns and cars
Helped prevent so many wars
And he also slept with sexy women
Coffee
A very big mug of coffee or tea
Sends sleep away for eternity
But it also has so much caffeine
That it may be difficult to wean
And it also often makes me pee.
There was once a hockey player
Who had this incredible flair
To fart in the middle of game
which brought his team to shame
But the masked rivals didn't care!
Bond
A bond he was, James zero zero seven
Many a goons he sent to heaven
He had stylish guns and cars
Helped prevent so many wars
And he also slept with sexy women
Coffee
A very big mug of coffee or tea
Sends sleep away for eternity
But it also has so much caffeine
That it may be difficult to wean
And it also often makes me pee.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Game Theory and Difficult Choices
When I was in third term at IIMA, and that was around a year back, I decided that I would choose the Game Theory course in 6th term if it is offered. Now I am doing that course, and apart from the sometimes confusing and sometimes soporific lectures, I am enjoying my rendezvous with GameTheory. I think it is a pretty interesting topic and it offers interesting insights. Sometimes, the game theoretic arguments lead to results that do not seem to conform to the rules of rationality as they are normally touted. Consider this game:
Two individuals are asked to write down an integer in the range 0 to 100, both inclusive. The individual who writes the smaller number gets a reward equal to his score+2. The other individual gets a reward equal to his score-2. What is the equilibrium strategy, assuming that both players are individually trying to maximise their rewards?
Here's the game theoretic answer in rot13: Obgu jvyy jevgr gjb.
A similar question was asked in the mid term exam on 15th. I think the exam was pretty interesting. Unfortunately Strato got confused and apparently goofed up. I can understand how that would feel because time and again, I have had a similar feeling. Sometimes I am left wondering if I am any good at all, if I can't read a normal English sentence properly, or if I quote 3+3 as 9. Goofups I agree, but how often? And how severe?
I guess things like one's worth are too important to be left to be judged by the number or severity of one's goof ups.
Strato also tells me that my count of slain PYTs is increasing. A scrap on orkut recently left me puzzled.
u r a great person
"my god" is the only appt thing for ur achievements
if u have time tell me how u manage all things in a bunch
dont say that 'they happen'
i really got inspired from u
And I think I saw a tinge of green on a face but everyone knows who the prized and somewhat-slain PYT is. ;)
Celine Dion: Thats the way it is
...
When you want it the most theres no easy way out
When youre ready to go and your hearts left in doubt
Dont give up on your faith
...
When you question me for a simple answer
I dont know what to say, no
...
.
Two individuals are asked to write down an integer in the range 0 to 100, both inclusive. The individual who writes the smaller number gets a reward equal to his score+2. The other individual gets a reward equal to his score-2. What is the equilibrium strategy, assuming that both players are individually trying to maximise their rewards?
Here's the game theoretic answer in rot13: Obgu jvyy jevgr gjb.
A similar question was asked in the mid term exam on 15th. I think the exam was pretty interesting. Unfortunately Strato got confused and apparently goofed up. I can understand how that would feel because time and again, I have had a similar feeling. Sometimes I am left wondering if I am any good at all, if I can't read a normal English sentence properly, or if I quote 3+3 as 9. Goofups I agree, but how often? And how severe?
I guess things like one's worth are too important to be left to be judged by the number or severity of one's goof ups.
Strato also tells me that my count of slain PYTs is increasing. A scrap on orkut recently left me puzzled.
u r a great person
"my god" is the only appt thing for ur achievements
if u have time tell me how u manage all things in a bunch
dont say that 'they happen'
i really got inspired from u
And I think I saw a tinge of green on a face but everyone knows who the prized and somewhat-slain PYT is. ;)
Celine Dion: Thats the way it is
...
When you want it the most theres no easy way out
When youre ready to go and your hearts left in doubt
Dont give up on your faith
...
When you question me for a simple answer
I dont know what to say, no
...
.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Of new year and demographic challenges...
If one were to judge this year with the number of demographic challenges I have faced already, I think this is going to be the year of bumper harvests. I have had more than my due share of challenges for a whole decade. Time and again, I find myself in the midst of a demographcially chalenged gathering. Ratios range anywhere between 1:4 to 1:9.
And the irony of it is that it is happening in the last term here at IIMA. Here in IIMA which does not have a very favorable gender ratio, and in the last term, so the festivities won't last long!
Fart is a funny art. Just this morning, we presented the case of Galileo [ref:Brecht's play] armed with a mandate to emit all sorts of toxic fumes about leadership, choices, freedom and responsibility. Can a combination of 4 words get stinkier than this?
The proff was looking for some 'jing bang' in the slides, and any animation in the slides almost sent her to delights of a certain special kind.
Meanwhile, I have realised that
=Strato makes for a very good partner in crossword puzzles
=Polo, mentos and other tingy-tangy tasting things are good for health
=Second year at IIMA is an epitome of worklessness if you can find the right mix of courses
=People will not leave any opportunity to pull your leg. In fact, my legs now measure upto 7 feet
=Ironing too many cotton shirts can be injurious to backbone
=No drink beats Appy[except ginger ale] and no sweet beats jalebi
=When you don't know where life is taking you but you are enjoying every bit of it, worry not!
ki har tasveer ke upar
aur har takdeer ke sar per
tumhara naam likhenge
tumhein maangenge ab jee bhar
And the irony of it is that it is happening in the last term here at IIMA. Here in IIMA which does not have a very favorable gender ratio, and in the last term, so the festivities won't last long!
Fart is a funny art. Just this morning, we presented the case of Galileo [ref:Brecht's play] armed with a mandate to emit all sorts of toxic fumes about leadership, choices, freedom and responsibility. Can a combination of 4 words get stinkier than this?
The proff was looking for some 'jing bang' in the slides, and any animation in the slides almost sent her to delights of a certain special kind.
Meanwhile, I have realised that
=Strato makes for a very good partner in crossword puzzles
=Polo, mentos and other tingy-tangy tasting things are good for health
=Second year at IIMA is an epitome of worklessness if you can find the right mix of courses
=People will not leave any opportunity to pull your leg. In fact, my legs now measure upto 7 feet
=Ironing too many cotton shirts can be injurious to backbone
=No drink beats Appy[except ginger ale] and no sweet beats jalebi
=When you don't know where life is taking you but you are enjoying every bit of it, worry not!
ki har tasveer ke upar
aur har takdeer ke sar per
tumhara naam likhenge
tumhein maangenge ab jee bhar
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Old memories, new questions
Its that time of the year when seniors are remembered. The one whom you hated for leaving his white gigantic small-clothes in the loo. The one who saw right through you when you walked by him. And many others. I talked to a senior and he transformed the stuff I had written about my summer project beyond my belief. I mean, its easier to believe that Jayalalitha was an actress once! [ and a fit one at that!]
CVs, companies, PPTs. The trio that decides many destinies. Not to forget interviews where, it is said, the true traits pop out. Uiii ma! If the interviewer is a good looking lady, I am doomed.
Its also that time when people find pleasure in poking fun at me.
"Why are you alone in the mess?"
"What is the story? what is the status?"
"Treat treat treat"
The first two are only harbingers of the Grand Inquisition, which I have so far avoided. It is the last one that really makes the baniya inside me flinch with fear. Say that again!? As it is, living on this earth is such an expensive proposition. Why complicate it?
A recent conversation with Sis centered on the convo. And I find it incredible that my stay at this place is coming to an end. It looks like just yesterday when I moved out of IITK. And today, another moving out... But sis had other things and questions in mind. "You don't have anyone in mind, do you?" "That girl, what happened to her" "You are not telling me the truth!"
A few more of these and a digit would be added to my phone bill for the month. The figure at present is sufficient to disqualify me from several baniya communities!
I dont know what is Core
because GameTheory is bore
Warehouse dont matter to me
Its only such insanity
Leadership and Vision are gigantic shit
in 22 minutes I humbly quit
Economics is dull and slow
I only wait for the time to go
Those trembling limbs and pounding heart
Is such a work of God's art
Snuggled in the arms of quiet,
I wish I could forever hide...
.
CVs, companies, PPTs. The trio that decides many destinies. Not to forget interviews where, it is said, the true traits pop out. Uiii ma! If the interviewer is a good looking lady, I am doomed.
Its also that time when people find pleasure in poking fun at me.
"Why are you alone in the mess?"
"What is the story? what is the status?"
"Treat treat treat"
The first two are only harbingers of the Grand Inquisition, which I have so far avoided. It is the last one that really makes the baniya inside me flinch with fear. Say that again!? As it is, living on this earth is such an expensive proposition. Why complicate it?
A recent conversation with Sis centered on the convo. And I find it incredible that my stay at this place is coming to an end. It looks like just yesterday when I moved out of IITK. And today, another moving out... But sis had other things and questions in mind. "You don't have anyone in mind, do you?" "That girl, what happened to her" "You are not telling me the truth!"
A few more of these and a digit would be added to my phone bill for the month. The figure at present is sufficient to disqualify me from several baniya communities!
I dont know what is Core
because GameTheory is bore
Warehouse dont matter to me
Its only such insanity
Leadership and Vision are gigantic shit
in 22 minutes I humbly quit
Economics is dull and slow
I only wait for the time to go
Those trembling limbs and pounding heart
Is such a work of God's art
Snuggled in the arms of quiet,
I wish I could forever hide...
.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Back to old ways in Wimwi-pur
Wimwi-pur is awash with the cries of phoren-return junta. Their eyes are still gung-ho with the memories of the beauty [and beauties] of Europe. I took a walk along the brick laden campus and the feeling of having arrived really arrived. I mean, I expected to feel wonderment at why I had landed in a brick factory. Instead, I felt as if I had never gone anywhere. Only the faces seemed new.
But I can't really call these ways old. They are so new, its almost like a dream. Sapnon ka mahal. Khayali Pulao? That last word brings back such vibrant memories of the frantic activities that used to take place at dinner time in Tauschie Dorm. Onion getting sliced to pieces, old dishes being cleaned, new recipes being mulled over. . .
And I return to the old question I once mulled over. Yes, people do get incredibly lucky at times. Like the time when I got sick and the doctors said, "Ise dawa ki nahi, dua ki zarurat hai". Or when I almost sank into a water tank like a polythene bag full of wet mud but was rescued just-in-time.
People do get lucky at times.
People now ask me if some developments have taken place. Oh come on, we live in a developing country. What do you expect?
On other developments, Ghalibiano has developed a soft corner [or rather, a 3 bhk chumree] for a certain French girl, widely known in WHU for her oui sounds and uiimaa! looks.
Strato's bheja is turning out to be tastier than the mess food here. And I am no less than hooked. While her threats to ban remind me of a certain Mr Khomeini, I have a demonstrated capability of lift and throw. Now, that is deadly. So deadly, its wise for people to buy medical insurance policies by the dozens.
What is real, and what is true,
until it gets all over you?
Ah this feeling, so divine,
never thought she would be mine!
But I can't really call these ways old. They are so new, its almost like a dream. Sapnon ka mahal. Khayali Pulao? That last word brings back such vibrant memories of the frantic activities that used to take place at dinner time in Tauschie Dorm. Onion getting sliced to pieces, old dishes being cleaned, new recipes being mulled over. . .
And I return to the old question I once mulled over. Yes, people do get incredibly lucky at times. Like the time when I got sick and the doctors said, "Ise dawa ki nahi, dua ki zarurat hai". Or when I almost sank into a water tank like a polythene bag full of wet mud but was rescued just-in-time.
People do get lucky at times.
People now ask me if some developments have taken place. Oh come on, we live in a developing country. What do you expect?
On other developments, Ghalibiano has developed a soft corner [or rather, a 3 bhk chumree] for a certain French girl, widely known in WHU for her oui sounds and uiimaa! looks.
Strato's bheja is turning out to be tastier than the mess food here. And I am no less than hooked. While her threats to ban remind me of a certain Mr Khomeini, I have a demonstrated capability of lift and throw. Now, that is deadly. So deadly, its wise for people to buy medical insurance policies by the dozens.
What is real, and what is true,
until it gets all over you?
Ah this feeling, so divine,
never thought she would be mine!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Back to apna desh...
When we boarded the flight in Frankfurt at 11 am, it was 8C outside. Slightly raining, and cold winds were blowing. And before we landed in Mumbai, the stewardess made an announcement that made my heart melt. The outside temperature in Mumbai was 28C, and this was at midnight! Even the thought of noon hours left me flinching. The sweater and jacket that I had put on were now hanging on my shoulders.
I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome on return to apna desh!
The first thought that comes to one's mind [apart from 'Oh! so we have finally arrived' ] is , 'Oh, Mumbai airport isn't even as good as many railway stations in Germany'. True indeed. The number of shops in Cologne hauptbahnof [central station ] would put any decent sized mall in India to shame.
But this pessimism doesn't last long as you begin to imagine about the implications of your having arrived. Ah, so&so is gonna be around in 2 days. Ah, we can go to so&so place and hog. And oh, I can clear my backlog of movies, and talk to didi and bhaiya without worrying so much about the time. And finally, no more multiplying prices by 60!
Its already been 2 days since I came here. Acclimatization to the new surroundings didn't take long though. The cool air from ceiling fans, the taste of roti smeared in ghee, the not-so-odorless air, the horny cars and bikes and not having to cook before eating or wash dishes after eating!
And now, I am sitting in my room, eating sleeping and watching movies. Only few things can make life more fun, and they'll all come an eon later!
I stumbled upon this piece and I think its among the most beautiful juxtapositions of words I have ever come across:
"If there's ever a time that I should learn everything you
know, I will unlearn everything I know and start all over again.
The time shall never come when you cease to amaze me,
amuse me or excite me."
I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome on return to apna desh!
The first thought that comes to one's mind [apart from 'Oh! so we have finally arrived' ] is , 'Oh, Mumbai airport isn't even as good as many railway stations in Germany'. True indeed. The number of shops in Cologne hauptbahnof [central station ] would put any decent sized mall in India to shame.
But this pessimism doesn't last long as you begin to imagine about the implications of your having arrived. Ah, so&so is gonna be around in 2 days. Ah, we can go to so&so place and hog. And oh, I can clear my backlog of movies, and talk to didi and bhaiya without worrying so much about the time. And finally, no more multiplying prices by 60!
Its already been 2 days since I came here. Acclimatization to the new surroundings didn't take long though. The cool air from ceiling fans, the taste of roti smeared in ghee, the not-so-odorless air, the horny cars and bikes and not having to cook before eating or wash dishes after eating!
And now, I am sitting in my room, eating sleeping and watching movies. Only few things can make life more fun, and they'll all come an eon later!
I stumbled upon this piece and I think its among the most beautiful juxtapositions of words I have ever come across:
"If there's ever a time that I should learn everything you
know, I will unlearn everything I know and start all over again.
The time shall never come when you cease to amaze me,
amuse me or excite me."
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Last day @ WHU
And just like a flash, the time to say goodbye has come. Actually I am saying this just to feel pleasant about my stay here. I now know that the theory of relativity isn't as bizarre as it sounds. Its very much for real; the last few days have been as long a year each!
In fact, I wonder why people have not been updating their blogs. Most of the people on my blog roll haven't updated in many days. A good, albeit poignant post came up in Smoochy's blog and it struck a chord in my mind.
Some people really do stand out, and that they stand out does not take time to figure out. You instantly trust them and you trust them without misgivings. And it doesn't matter whether or how they reciprocate. You recall the remotest memories from your childhood because you are no more afraid of being stupid. And even the darkest corners of your heart are accessible to them on a coffee table. God forbid, you know in your heart that whatever comes of it, it would all be worth it. For in those sweetest moments, when you are yourself without any masks and are loved for what you are, lie the treasures that can last a long, long time.
Speaking of other concerns, packing all my stuff within the space and weight constraints is turning out to be a tricky business. The Swiss and Belgian chocolates, the gifts and souvenirs are all packed. I have skillfully packaged the glass stuff, and positioned the PlasterofParis statue. And feel like a mule who is about to carry all that luggage. Well, at least the cabin luggage would need to be carried around at times, and my gawd, it IS heavy!
It feels great to be leaving this place before the real chill has set in. Come to think of it, even my definition of 'the real chill' has changed. The 4-5 C that we frequently live in doesn't seem like an aberration. May be the 30C temperature at Mumbai will thaw a lot more than just packed chocolates!
Fodder for the chewy minds:
Oh, like it was meant to be,
a lonely heart by a lonely sea,
The sinking sun, then almost gone
and waves worn out of rocking on.
Its then that you stumbled on me,
on a dark night, by the lonely sea.
I waved across, you smiled at me
and filled my floundering heart with glee.
In those thoughts and words you said
You painted me all bright and red !
Since then I never thought of me
as a loner, walking by the sea...
.
In fact, I wonder why people have not been updating their blogs. Most of the people on my blog roll haven't updated in many days. A good, albeit poignant post came up in Smoochy's blog and it struck a chord in my mind.
Some people really do stand out, and that they stand out does not take time to figure out. You instantly trust them and you trust them without misgivings. And it doesn't matter whether or how they reciprocate. You recall the remotest memories from your childhood because you are no more afraid of being stupid. And even the darkest corners of your heart are accessible to them on a coffee table. God forbid, you know in your heart that whatever comes of it, it would all be worth it. For in those sweetest moments, when you are yourself without any masks and are loved for what you are, lie the treasures that can last a long, long time.
Speaking of other concerns, packing all my stuff within the space and weight constraints is turning out to be a tricky business. The Swiss and Belgian chocolates, the gifts and souvenirs are all packed. I have skillfully packaged the glass stuff, and positioned the PlasterofParis statue. And feel like a mule who is about to carry all that luggage. Well, at least the cabin luggage would need to be carried around at times, and my gawd, it IS heavy!
It feels great to be leaving this place before the real chill has set in. Come to think of it, even my definition of 'the real chill' has changed. The 4-5 C that we frequently live in doesn't seem like an aberration. May be the 30C temperature at Mumbai will thaw a lot more than just packed chocolates!
Fodder for the chewy minds:
Oh, like it was meant to be,
a lonely heart by a lonely sea,
The sinking sun, then almost gone
and waves worn out of rocking on.
Its then that you stumbled on me,
on a dark night, by the lonely sea.
I waved across, you smiled at me
and filled my floundering heart with glee.
In those thoughts and words you said
You painted me all bright and red !
Since then I never thought of me
as a loner, walking by the sea...
.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Experiences in Europe - Part 2
It was around a year back that I signed up for an exchange program. Many of my friends who had initially shown interest had backed off. And I felt a little stranded. While the thought of going back to Europe sounded interesting, the financial implications were daunting. I was going to drill a hole the size of Bombay High into my future earnings. And all this, when I wasn't even sure what job I would land , how much I would earn and so on. In the end, I decided to take the risk even though I had come to consider as incredible the idea that I would be leaving all my friends behind.
The first thing one notices about Germany is cleanliness. The next blink on the radar screen is the use of technology in simplifying the most mundane tasks. And then you notice the subtlety of German humor, the German beer and bread, the polished politeness, the almost religious following of traffic rules, the blandness of food, sometimes even the racial overtones, the high standards of living, the low cost of food, the culture of family, the contempt bordering on scorn for the old, the efficient public transport system and the fickle weather.
If you stand in front of a zebra crossing without traffic lights, even a speeding car will stop to give you the right to passage. And people do that with a smile. You will only rarely hear people honking - it is considered the equivalent of swearing. If you do money transfers [not the online version], you will also notice that the banking system here is not so fast. In most offices, one can find people almost always on time, though Friday after lunch hours are exempt from this consideration. Technology dissipation as also internet penetration is high.
The thing that makes Germany so mobile is its efficient public transport. DB, the national train company offers trains that run on time, train connections that are very methodically scheduled and train staff that are courteous and helpful. Within cities, howsoever small, one can find a backbone of buses that run with high frequency. In most cities, the bus network is supplemented by trams, metro trains and local trains. However, don't bother to think about the complex classification system for trains.
Tourism in Europe is facilitated tremendously by the unbeatable combination of great value travel offers, efficient transport systems and easily available information. For instance, we bought the two month unlimited Eurail pass. With that, we could travel in any of the 18 countries, for 2 months. The only extra payment would be for the reservation or sometimes for the supplements. While ours was a hit-and-run kind of tourism, necessitated in part by the desire to compress as many tours as possible in the 2 months, anyone who travels extensively can save enormous amount of euros using travel passes. In short, extensive travel is cheap, one time travel is costly. Sometimes, it is outrageously costly !
Speed and comfort: When we cruised in the international ICE train from Brussels to Cologne, we realised what acceleration does to body. The neck becomes a little stiff, the ears frequently block out, and you can feel your back pressed against the seat. But the ride is almost as smooth as a glide, even at such speeds. We missed sitting in the TGV trains in France, but I am sure we did get to travel at around 270kmph on that ICE. Another pleasant aspect of travel in Europe is that there are very few people in the train, unless there is some special occasion. So, empty seats are aplenty and there almost always is space to stretch out. Watch out for Italy though. Trains there can get late, they are often crowded and petty crimes are frequent.
A sense of history: Pantheon was built around 50BC and Collosseum was built around 70AD. Its a brilliant feat the Greeks have achieved by building such long lasting structures. You might argue that even Ajanta and Ellora caves have survived, but these are architectural wonders. Huge, intricate and imposing.
A pleasant climate: While the weather is unpredictable, the climate is very amenable to tourism, except during the extreme winters. The vegetation that grows in this climate varies from trees that shed their leaves to trees that remain green throughout the year. Hence the variety of colors. There is no dust in the air, and pollution levels are low, hence it is difficult to make out how long someone has been wearing some dress. So you can manage with a lighter luggage.
Various moods: Romance in Parisian lanes or Venetian gondolas, wonder at monuments like Eiffel Tower and St. Peter's, bask in nature's beauty in Switzerland, explore the mysteries of BlackForests, experience the weather beyond the Arctic Circle by going to Rovaniemi or gawk at the technological marvels. There's something that suits every taste. And there is no dearth of activities.
I guess thats an inch too long. Should end the verbal spew now.
Meanwhile, 5 more days!
The first thing one notices about Germany is cleanliness. The next blink on the radar screen is the use of technology in simplifying the most mundane tasks. And then you notice the subtlety of German humor, the German beer and bread, the polished politeness, the almost religious following of traffic rules, the blandness of food, sometimes even the racial overtones, the high standards of living, the low cost of food, the culture of family, the contempt bordering on scorn for the old, the efficient public transport system and the fickle weather.
If you stand in front of a zebra crossing without traffic lights, even a speeding car will stop to give you the right to passage. And people do that with a smile. You will only rarely hear people honking - it is considered the equivalent of swearing. If you do money transfers [not the online version], you will also notice that the banking system here is not so fast. In most offices, one can find people almost always on time, though Friday after lunch hours are exempt from this consideration. Technology dissipation as also internet penetration is high.
The thing that makes Germany so mobile is its efficient public transport. DB, the national train company offers trains that run on time, train connections that are very methodically scheduled and train staff that are courteous and helpful. Within cities, howsoever small, one can find a backbone of buses that run with high frequency. In most cities, the bus network is supplemented by trams, metro trains and local trains. However, don't bother to think about the complex classification system for trains.
Tourism in Europe is facilitated tremendously by the unbeatable combination of great value travel offers, efficient transport systems and easily available information. For instance, we bought the two month unlimited Eurail pass. With that, we could travel in any of the 18 countries, for 2 months. The only extra payment would be for the reservation or sometimes for the supplements. While ours was a hit-and-run kind of tourism, necessitated in part by the desire to compress as many tours as possible in the 2 months, anyone who travels extensively can save enormous amount of euros using travel passes. In short, extensive travel is cheap, one time travel is costly. Sometimes, it is outrageously costly !
Speed and comfort: When we cruised in the international ICE train from Brussels to Cologne, we realised what acceleration does to body. The neck becomes a little stiff, the ears frequently block out, and you can feel your back pressed against the seat. But the ride is almost as smooth as a glide, even at such speeds. We missed sitting in the TGV trains in France, but I am sure we did get to travel at around 270kmph on that ICE. Another pleasant aspect of travel in Europe is that there are very few people in the train, unless there is some special occasion. So, empty seats are aplenty and there almost always is space to stretch out. Watch out for Italy though. Trains there can get late, they are often crowded and petty crimes are frequent.
A sense of history: Pantheon was built around 50BC and Collosseum was built around 70AD. Its a brilliant feat the Greeks have achieved by building such long lasting structures. You might argue that even Ajanta and Ellora caves have survived, but these are architectural wonders. Huge, intricate and imposing.
A pleasant climate: While the weather is unpredictable, the climate is very amenable to tourism, except during the extreme winters. The vegetation that grows in this climate varies from trees that shed their leaves to trees that remain green throughout the year. Hence the variety of colors. There is no dust in the air, and pollution levels are low, hence it is difficult to make out how long someone has been wearing some dress. So you can manage with a lighter luggage.
Various moods: Romance in Parisian lanes or Venetian gondolas, wonder at monuments like Eiffel Tower and St. Peter's, bask in nature's beauty in Switzerland, explore the mysteries of BlackForests, experience the weather beyond the Arctic Circle by going to Rovaniemi or gawk at the technological marvels. There's something that suits every taste. And there is no dearth of activities.
I guess thats an inch too long. Should end the verbal spew now.
Meanwhile, 5 more days!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
The Lull ...
... before the storm?
I don't know.
I have failed a covert mission last week. And I may have compromised my identity to FSB.
I will ruffle many a feather when the news of my daylight robbery spreads.
Who knows, one of my sneaky plans might incite the ex-gymnasts from UP into plonking me in broad daylight!
Any of these would be more exciting than the current lull in my life. And the only activities in the next 6 days that will break this monotony are cleaning up the kitchen, making the oven's exposed surface shine like Anupam Kher's takli, packing my suitcase and cleaning my room. Quite a wishlist, and irrespective of whether you think it is sad or weird, I am actually looking forward to these activities.
Khali dimag, stoopid shaitan ka ghar!
KamJo knows how to make hearts melt. And without casting aspersions on either his tendencies or mine, I must admit that he is one of the few people who have the ability to make me feel really special with their compliments. Like he did with his comments on my previous blog. Vielen Danke, Herr Joshi!
The boredom is aggravated by the conspiracy of these people at thinks.com. I play the codebreaker and crossword puzzles on this website almost daily. And now, they have reduced the number of initial hints in codebreaker from 3 to 2. So, from a position where I could finish the codebreaker in anywhere between 1 min to 3 mins, now I struggle to finish it at all. I end up having to do at least one 'reveal letter' cheat but I am going to beat it one day. About the regular crossword, the lesser said the better.
Its that time of my stay here when these realisations dawn:
"Oh no, how am I supposed to take these glass thingies without getting them manhandled and heartbroken by zaalim luggage handlers at AirIndia?"
"Oh holy smoke, what am I gonna gift so&so? Why didn't I buy something when I went giftshopping? How could I be so insanely stupid?"
"Should I buy more chocolates?"
Ghanta leaves for apna mulk tomm. That only aggravates the longing to be back to what I call my home [and home away from home].
~Sigh~
I don't know.
I have failed a covert mission last week. And I may have compromised my identity to FSB.
I will ruffle many a feather when the news of my daylight robbery spreads.
Who knows, one of my sneaky plans might incite the ex-gymnasts from UP into plonking me in broad daylight!
Any of these would be more exciting than the current lull in my life. And the only activities in the next 6 days that will break this monotony are cleaning up the kitchen, making the oven's exposed surface shine like Anupam Kher's takli, packing my suitcase and cleaning my room. Quite a wishlist, and irrespective of whether you think it is sad or weird, I am actually looking forward to these activities.
Khali dimag, stoopid shaitan ka ghar!
KamJo knows how to make hearts melt. And without casting aspersions on either his tendencies or mine, I must admit that he is one of the few people who have the ability to make me feel really special with their compliments. Like he did with his comments on my previous blog. Vielen Danke, Herr Joshi!
The boredom is aggravated by the conspiracy of these people at thinks.com. I play the codebreaker and crossword puzzles on this website almost daily. And now, they have reduced the number of initial hints in codebreaker from 3 to 2. So, from a position where I could finish the codebreaker in anywhere between 1 min to 3 mins, now I struggle to finish it at all. I end up having to do at least one 'reveal letter' cheat but I am going to beat it one day. About the regular crossword, the lesser said the better.
Its that time of my stay here when these realisations dawn:
"Oh no, how am I supposed to take these glass thingies without getting them manhandled and heartbroken by zaalim luggage handlers at AirIndia?"
"Oh holy smoke, what am I gonna gift so&so? Why didn't I buy something when I went giftshopping? How could I be so insanely stupid?"
"Should I buy more chocolates?"
Ghanta leaves for apna mulk tomm. That only aggravates the longing to be back to what I call my home [and home away from home].
~Sigh~
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Experiences in Europe - Part 1
KamJo asked me to share some of my wonderful experiences from the Eurotrip. I think its high time I did.
But since there was so much that we saw, I will first talk about what we saw. And this post will be full of links to photos that illustrate all the superlatives that I am going to use. We all know how many words a picture can speak!
Beautiful Natural landscapes: Switzerland is by far, the most beautiful place in Europe, especially if you arrive during autumn. There's something about European trees that gives them leaves of vivid colors. And when fall comes, you can see just about every color hanging from the trees. Put a blue lake and a beautiful and snow-capped mountain in the backdrop and you would know what I am talking about.
However, more vivid and beautiful colors can easily be seen in Scandinavia. In the northern regions of Finland and Norway, especially if you drive in the country side, you will feel like you are inside a giant rainbow. Only, the colors are all intermixed making it the among the most beautiful natural kaleidoscopes. Similarly, though not quite equally beautiful scenes are to be seen in the BlackForest region in Germany.
Recommendations:
The bus ride from Haparanda to Lulea, both in Sweden. Quite easily among your most endearing view of Mother Nature's colors.
The train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken in Switzerland, called the 'Golden Panoramic Pass' and dubbed the most beautiful train ride. Hop off at Brienz and stay there for 2 days, doing nothing except gazing at the scenery, and I assure you, no landscape will ever look beautiful enough.
Close in competition is the train ride from Oslo to Bergen in Norway. As the train chugs along, the landscape keeps changing, and you see green mountains, golden forests and snow covered regions in this one ride. And to top it all, you reach Bergen which is famous for its fjords.
Beautiful Urban Landscape: If I were to call one city beautiful, it would be Venice. For the weak hearted, it is enchanting to say the least. Canals and pigeons abound in this city, as do gondolas. A ride in a gondola with your loved one is among the most romantic things ever [along with Parisian adventures]. And if you come to Venice and don't notice the special things about Venetian masks and Murano glass, you must be incredibly stupid or completely blind.
On the more modern side is Stockholm, which is beautiful for the magnificient juxtaposition of the old with the new. Walk along the seaside, venture into the museums or watch the Royal Guard Change ceremony at the Royal Palace. Or gaze and marvel at the modern buildings. For those who are still wonderfully single, it would be interesting to note that Swedish ladies are amongst the most beautiful in Europe, alongwith Greek, Spanish and Italians.
Imposing Architecture: Quite clearly, a city which has a history of many millennia can be tough to beat on this count. Rome stands out as the city with innumerable imposing monuments. From those that are old enough to be ancient, may be even prehistoric, to the newer ones. From St Peters's Square to Collosseum to Acropolis. While the Basilica is simply stunning, other lesser known monuments are also very big and beautiful.
Paris and Rome are architecturally the two most well endowed cities in all of Europe.
Mercedes Museum: The multi-storeyed museum in Stuttgart is simply among the best structures in Germany. Technologically advance and aesthetically well designed, its the mecca for Mercedes lovers. It houses a dazzling variety of cars - from the first ones degined by Otto to the concept cars.
This is what I saw. In a next post, I will talk about how I felt.
Meanwhile, through a noble but sudden scheme of things, I realised how awfully bad I am at impersonating people, even through the web channel. To my credit, the impersonation was across genders :O and I was talking to Strato, so I was excited and typing at supersonic speed! :))
Also, I am almost done with the gift shopping. For myself, I have bought a plaster of paris statue which I liked, but needs to be clothed a little before I can put it up for public display in my room.
And here's one of the best quips I have heard in some time :
Me: But I put in so much effort to produce these PJs and you don't even appreciate that.
X: Arrey yaar, "in constipation, even crap is hard to produce"
But since there was so much that we saw, I will first talk about what we saw. And this post will be full of links to photos that illustrate all the superlatives that I am going to use. We all know how many words a picture can speak!
Beautiful Natural landscapes: Switzerland is by far, the most beautiful place in Europe, especially if you arrive during autumn. There's something about European trees that gives them leaves of vivid colors. And when fall comes, you can see just about every color hanging from the trees. Put a blue lake and a beautiful and snow-capped mountain in the backdrop and you would know what I am talking about.
However, more vivid and beautiful colors can easily be seen in Scandinavia. In the northern regions of Finland and Norway, especially if you drive in the country side, you will feel like you are inside a giant rainbow. Only, the colors are all intermixed making it the among the most beautiful natural kaleidoscopes. Similarly, though not quite equally beautiful scenes are to be seen in the BlackForest region in Germany.
Recommendations:
The bus ride from Haparanda to Lulea, both in Sweden. Quite easily among your most endearing view of Mother Nature's colors.
The train ride from Lucerne to Interlaken in Switzerland, called the 'Golden Panoramic Pass' and dubbed the most beautiful train ride. Hop off at Brienz and stay there for 2 days, doing nothing except gazing at the scenery, and I assure you, no landscape will ever look beautiful enough.
Close in competition is the train ride from Oslo to Bergen in Norway. As the train chugs along, the landscape keeps changing, and you see green mountains, golden forests and snow covered regions in this one ride. And to top it all, you reach Bergen which is famous for its fjords.
Beautiful Urban Landscape: If I were to call one city beautiful, it would be Venice. For the weak hearted, it is enchanting to say the least. Canals and pigeons abound in this city, as do gondolas. A ride in a gondola with your loved one is among the most romantic things ever [along with Parisian adventures]. And if you come to Venice and don't notice the special things about Venetian masks and Murano glass, you must be incredibly stupid or completely blind.
On the more modern side is Stockholm, which is beautiful for the magnificient juxtaposition of the old with the new. Walk along the seaside, venture into the museums or watch the Royal Guard Change ceremony at the Royal Palace. Or gaze and marvel at the modern buildings. For those who are still wonderfully single, it would be interesting to note that Swedish ladies are amongst the most beautiful in Europe, alongwith Greek, Spanish and Italians.
Imposing Architecture: Quite clearly, a city which has a history of many millennia can be tough to beat on this count. Rome stands out as the city with innumerable imposing monuments. From those that are old enough to be ancient, may be even prehistoric, to the newer ones. From St Peters's Square to Collosseum to Acropolis. While the Basilica is simply stunning, other lesser known monuments are also very big and beautiful.
Paris and Rome are architecturally the two most well endowed cities in all of Europe.
Mercedes Museum: The multi-storeyed museum in Stuttgart is simply among the best structures in Germany. Technologically advance and aesthetically well designed, its the mecca for Mercedes lovers. It houses a dazzling variety of cars - from the first ones degined by Otto to the concept cars.
This is what I saw. In a next post, I will talk about how I felt.
Meanwhile, through a noble but sudden scheme of things, I realised how awfully bad I am at impersonating people, even through the web channel. To my credit, the impersonation was across genders :O and I was talking to Strato, so I was excited and typing at supersonic speed! :))
Also, I am almost done with the gift shopping. For myself, I have bought a plaster of paris statue which I liked, but needs to be clothed a little before I can put it up for public display in my room.
And here's one of the best quips I have heard in some time :
Me: But I put in so much effort to produce these PJs and you don't even appreciate that.
X: Arrey yaar, "in constipation, even crap is hard to produce"
Friday, December 01, 2006
Bunder-fool
Weeks of idleness can make a bunder-fool out of any sane person. I am trying to remember the last time when my IQ wasn't in the sub-zero region. My own jokes are becoming yuckier [like they show in Bollywood movies, I have begun hearing echoes of 'eww eww' in my dreams]. However, I didn't like Borat. Nopes, not at all. Letterman's interview with Borat was funny, but thats about all.
Intermittently, I am propounding theories. Life's like a bicycle ride, na!? You go too fast and you risk an accident. You go too slow and you fall. And unless you know where you are going, you are bound to crash into something you didn't foresee.
Like this one time when my didi crashed straight into a rustic lady, who was on her way carrying groceries to the market for selling. And there can be few things more unwanted than crashing into ladies in Banda. If it had been me instead of didi, I would be wearing a wig by now.
It looks like just yesterday when we were standing in front of a noticeboard, looking for group members. That was one of the first few days at IIMA. And now, the last term will start in less than 3 weeks. So much has changed. I entered some 'circles of trust' and exited some. Somethings haven't changed so much. My weight still refuses to cross the magic figure of 53. I still like to surprise people. And my plans are stil foiled by fate.
I guess the next 12 days are going to be the longest so far!
Who gripes too hard the dry and slipp'ry sand, Holds none at all, or little, in his hand. - Robert Herrick
Intermittently, I am propounding theories. Life's like a bicycle ride, na!? You go too fast and you risk an accident. You go too slow and you fall. And unless you know where you are going, you are bound to crash into something you didn't foresee.
Like this one time when my didi crashed straight into a rustic lady, who was on her way carrying groceries to the market for selling. And there can be few things more unwanted than crashing into ladies in Banda. If it had been me instead of didi, I would be wearing a wig by now.
It looks like just yesterday when we were standing in front of a noticeboard, looking for group members. That was one of the first few days at IIMA. And now, the last term will start in less than 3 weeks. So much has changed. I entered some 'circles of trust' and exited some. Somethings haven't changed so much. My weight still refuses to cross the magic figure of 53. I still like to surprise people. And my plans are stil foiled by fate.
I guess the next 12 days are going to be the longest so far!
Who gripes too hard the dry and slipp'ry sand, Holds none at all, or little, in his hand. - Robert Herrick
Monday, November 27, 2006
Al Italia
I can bet that 99% of the o-sounds originating on globe come from Italians. So much so, Ghalibiano has begun to sound more natural a sound than Ghalib.
We just came back from a three day trip to the land of pizzas, the o-sounds and so on. Roma was enchanting, Venezia was interesting and Milano was haute coutour-ish.
But I still can't believe I had the spaghetti with sea-food. I almost thought I saw something wriggle. And one of the pieces almost looked like the claw of a duck. I somehow managed to eat it and avoided all the suspicious looking pieces. Not to mention the sidey looks others gave when I struggled with the noodles. Did I tell you I hate spaghetti !?
I also liked the idea of throwing coins in the famous Trevis Fountain. Felt like a kid. I actually frown upon this tradition in most places , but this one time, I let it be. And it felt great. The best part was actually thinking that if there were one wish I wanted, what would it be! Enter Grandma.
I just had an idea of jotting down some of the phrases that I have liked over the years. Here they are:
" ...
For what I worshipped stole my love away
It was the ground beneath her feet
..."
from U2's "The ground beneath her feet"
"And he beamed with a desire that was so fiercely intense,
his eyes burnt ."
"More than you can understand, others can believe or I can express..."
"Love means never having to say you're sorry."
And now I don't have to reference this one, do I ?
"He smiled as he saw the drop of sweat trickle down her glistening face..."
"Here's looking at you, kid. "
from the movie Casablanca
"And though I want and could ask for everything, I just ask for your time. For its not only in the promise of a future, which is so uncertain anyway, but in the ecstacy of the present that I want to be with you. I wish this could last forever. I wish this didn't have to change just because God had other plans."
We just came back from a three day trip to the land of pizzas, the o-sounds and so on. Roma was enchanting, Venezia was interesting and Milano was haute coutour-ish.
But I still can't believe I had the spaghetti with sea-food. I almost thought I saw something wriggle. And one of the pieces almost looked like the claw of a duck. I somehow managed to eat it and avoided all the suspicious looking pieces. Not to mention the sidey looks others gave when I struggled with the noodles. Did I tell you I hate spaghetti !?
I also liked the idea of throwing coins in the famous Trevis Fountain. Felt like a kid. I actually frown upon this tradition in most places , but this one time, I let it be. And it felt great. The best part was actually thinking that if there were one wish I wanted, what would it be! Enter Grandma.
I just had an idea of jotting down some of the phrases that I have liked over the years. Here they are:
" ...
For what I worshipped stole my love away
It was the ground beneath her feet
..."
from U2's "The ground beneath her feet"
"And he beamed with a desire that was so fiercely intense,
his eyes burnt ."
"More than you can understand, others can believe or I can express..."
"Love means never having to say you're sorry."
And now I don't have to reference this one, do I ?
"He smiled as he saw the drop of sweat trickle down her glistening face..."
"Here's looking at you, kid. "
from the movie Casablanca
"And though I want and could ask for everything, I just ask for your time. For its not only in the promise of a future, which is so uncertain anyway, but in the ecstacy of the present that I want to be with you. I wish this could last forever. I wish this didn't have to change just because God had other plans."
Monday, November 20, 2006
Wingies at IITK...
A consecutive set of rooms in IITK hostels is called wing. It is normally the first level of platonic bonding on campus. You see the same people when you brush your teeth, and you bid them goodnight. You probably also sleep with them sometimes, when your brother visits you. You go out on dinner treats [to mess or beyond] and trips to other places. You begin to love them.
This is my wing:
We were an eclectic bunch of people, ranging from one who couldn't distinguish between contraceptive pills and kaun-domes to the one who was famous as the complete man. One was alleged to have distinctly girlish choice of colors and other stuff while one pushed heavy iron in the gym. The latter had a chest to show, and later, he supposedly even had breast cancer! We had a badshah among us as also the guy who wore only full sleeve shirts, or thats how the juniors recognised him. There was a budding goalkeeper, a talented AOL chat specialist with friends named kerala, bangalore and so on, a hawa-22 who was a mentor to many an IITian, a reputed contributor to wikipedia and a reincarnation of Jonty Rhodes. Not to forget, the only IITK MTech amongst us, whose legendary thighs and cake cooking skills were the envy of many a girl !
We are all in our own worlds, some doing jobs, others MBA and the rest sweating it out for MS/PhD.
But I miss them all.
Its been over a year and a half since I saw most of them. I met one, and saw that his biology had improved, as also his acquaintance with girls. The ones with jobs are doing well. Badshah is doing well with wing bhabhiji. [The real one, not the one to whom this moniker had stuck!]
This one doesn't seem to have had a good luck with photography:
Not to be misconstrued, I intend no slander. I possess no malice. But I want to have some fun.
Another photo is in place here:
With best wishes to one and all. Hope to bump into you somewhere, sometime soon!
This is my wing:
We were an eclectic bunch of people, ranging from one who couldn't distinguish between contraceptive pills and kaun-domes to the one who was famous as the complete man. One was alleged to have distinctly girlish choice of colors and other stuff while one pushed heavy iron in the gym. The latter had a chest to show, and later, he supposedly even had breast cancer! We had a badshah among us as also the guy who wore only full sleeve shirts, or thats how the juniors recognised him. There was a budding goalkeeper, a talented AOL chat specialist with friends named kerala, bangalore and so on, a hawa-22 who was a mentor to many an IITian, a reputed contributor to wikipedia and a reincarnation of Jonty Rhodes. Not to forget, the only IITK MTech amongst us, whose legendary thighs and cake cooking skills were the envy of many a girl !We are all in our own worlds, some doing jobs, others MBA and the rest sweating it out for MS/PhD.
But I miss them all.
Its been over a year and a half since I saw most of them. I met one, and saw that his biology had improved, as also his acquaintance with girls. The ones with jobs are doing well. Badshah is doing well with wing bhabhiji. [The real one, not the one to whom this moniker had stuck!]
This one doesn't seem to have had a good luck with photography:
Not to be misconstrued, I intend no slander. I possess no malice. But I want to have some fun.
Another photo is in place here:
With best wishes to one and all. Hope to bump into you somewhere, sometime soon!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Been blogrolling and nothin'
I guess I have had too much free time off late. The clothes were washed, dried and ironed out sometime back. The room is clean. There is no lecture in a week. No travel plan for 4 days.
Though I have been obsessively watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. episodes, I begin to feel like a desperate housewife. I want some work.
Its a pity the fellow banterer is busy herself. I look at the cobweb of friends around me and wonder at how small this world is. But it still gives me creeps. Nothing can be too good to be true, isn't it?
In my childhood, I used to dream about icecream fountains and chocolate walls. I dreamt of winning a lottery. Some people do win lottery, don't they? Some people do get unimaginably lucky sometimes, don't they? I thought I was lucky to be blessed with some things, but a strange thought once clouded me. What if I woke up one day and realised that it was all but a happy dream...?
Should I pick up some morphine now? Will that make the dream last forever?
A friend of Strato says its only as complicated as you make it. Thats a simple sentence. Or is it complicated?
I was reading a rather serious article. At least the kind of discussion it has evoked in the minds of some people does give that impression. The article is titled Should IITians keep away from IIMs? and the most interesting thing I found there was the mention of Bundelkhand University. Thats the university in my city, Banda. I couldn't help noticing how it was contrasted against IITs. I mean, should I feel happy for the IITs or should I feel sad about the univ. ! ! !?!?!
At this point in time, I guess I should be branded as the champion of the most ignominous debates. When they start discussing serious topics in small chitchats, all I think is "how does it matter what you think". May be what they did would matter, but in the words of my HR prof, I don't see the connect... between what they say and what they do.
That just ignited another thought. What would an exact opposite of me look like?
Someone who :
-is good at debates and quick repartee
-has hair that just refuse to settle down
-is athletic
-has a good taste in music
-is well learned in childhood literature and other serious-er forms of writing
-is interesting and has a good sense of humor
A law in physics says that there is a good chemistry between opposites. They attract, don't they? The description doesn't imply good things about me but still !
In my free time, I also discovered a few blogs. I liked mavernik for his was a good way of presenting a serious thought. Something even a naive [or knave, if you wish ] person like me could comprehend. This blog sounded more like a commentary inspired by Sex and the City for one post, but others are interesting. Or is it just the voyeurist in me :O !
...
Let them say I'm crazy,
What do they know!
...
Though I have been obsessively watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. episodes, I begin to feel like a desperate housewife. I want some work.
Its a pity the fellow banterer is busy herself. I look at the cobweb of friends around me and wonder at how small this world is. But it still gives me creeps. Nothing can be too good to be true, isn't it?
In my childhood, I used to dream about icecream fountains and chocolate walls. I dreamt of winning a lottery. Some people do win lottery, don't they? Some people do get unimaginably lucky sometimes, don't they? I thought I was lucky to be blessed with some things, but a strange thought once clouded me. What if I woke up one day and realised that it was all but a happy dream...?
Should I pick up some morphine now? Will that make the dream last forever?
A friend of Strato says its only as complicated as you make it. Thats a simple sentence. Or is it complicated?
I was reading a rather serious article. At least the kind of discussion it has evoked in the minds of some people does give that impression. The article is titled Should IITians keep away from IIMs? and the most interesting thing I found there was the mention of Bundelkhand University. Thats the university in my city, Banda. I couldn't help noticing how it was contrasted against IITs. I mean, should I feel happy for the IITs or should I feel sad about the univ. ! ! !?!?!
At this point in time, I guess I should be branded as the champion of the most ignominous debates. When they start discussing serious topics in small chitchats, all I think is "how does it matter what you think". May be what they did would matter, but in the words of my HR prof, I don't see the connect... between what they say and what they do.
That just ignited another thought. What would an exact opposite of me look like?
Someone who :
-is good at debates and quick repartee
-has hair that just refuse to settle down
-is athletic
-has a good taste in music
-is well learned in childhood literature and other serious-er forms of writing
-is interesting and has a good sense of humor
A law in physics says that there is a good chemistry between opposites. They attract, don't they? The description doesn't imply good things about me but still !
In my free time, I also discovered a few blogs. I liked mavernik for his was a good way of presenting a serious thought. Something even a naive [or knave, if you wish ] person like me could comprehend. This blog sounded more like a commentary inspired by Sex and the City for one post, but others are interesting. Or is it just the voyeurist in me :O !
...
Let them say I'm crazy,
What do they know!
...
Friday, November 17, 2006
The [Dis]Advantages of long hair.
First the advantages.
+My receding hairline isn't so visible. The havoc it can wreak on my prospects is considerably reduced. Something in my brain tells me that now I shouldn't worry about my prospects so much. But then, a bald face can do wonders, not excluding dissuading interested people!
+I don't feel so cold in the head. Its almost like wearing a woolen scarf.
+I am saving the precious euros I would have to spend on a visit to the barber. In the amount that it costs here, one can get a nice therapy/treatment done back home.
+Vatika Nariyal Tel Company has spotted me as their most prized customer.
And now the disadvantages.
-People with uncommon tendencies can take signals that I am not giving out. Some people will never appreciate the difference between metrosexual and homosexual!
-They poke into my eyes, at times irritating me so much that I pull at them, and shriek out with pain.
-They make me feel untidy, almost as much as a pair of smelling-like-hydrogen_sulphide socks do.
-I am afraid of asking some girls out for date, as I might end up being the one with the longer hair!
-Some of the thoughts I want to let go of get caught in them and stay literally at the back of my mind.
Disclaimer: Not everything stated here is factually correct! :P
.
+My receding hairline isn't so visible. The havoc it can wreak on my prospects is considerably reduced. Something in my brain tells me that now I shouldn't worry about my prospects so much. But then, a bald face can do wonders, not excluding dissuading interested people!
+I don't feel so cold in the head. Its almost like wearing a woolen scarf.
+I am saving the precious euros I would have to spend on a visit to the barber. In the amount that it costs here, one can get a nice therapy/treatment done back home.
+Vatika Nariyal Tel Company has spotted me as their most prized customer.
And now the disadvantages.
-People with uncommon tendencies can take signals that I am not giving out. Some people will never appreciate the difference between metrosexual and homosexual!
-They poke into my eyes, at times irritating me so much that I pull at them, and shriek out with pain.
-They make me feel untidy, almost as much as a pair of smelling-like-hydrogen_sulphide socks do.
-I am afraid of asking some girls out for date, as I might end up being the one with the longer hair!
-Some of the thoughts I want to let go of get caught in them and stay literally at the back of my mind.
Disclaimer: Not everything stated here is factually correct! :P
.
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