RIP Nirbhaya

RIP Nirbhaya. I hope the bastards get the noose as this is no longer a case of gang rape. I hope they are tortured to such an extent that they beg for execution. I hope Pranab Mukherjee does not grant mercy to such criminals like his predecessor. I hope the lawmakers wake up to the seriousness of such crimes and the alarming frequency at which such acts are getting repeated. I hope we are able to create an example out of these 6 animals which would scare away other criminals. And I hope no other girl gets raped again and go through the kind of ordeal that Nirbhaya went through - bravely fought but unfortunately succumbed to. Hoping too much, right? Shame on all of us.

Dear Secret Reader,

Thanks for showing interest in my blog posts.

But let me tell you, it is extremely easy to comment on someone when you are sitting comfortably, thousands of miles away. You do not know me well enough. You do not care about me, what I have gone through and what I am going through. You do not care about my agonies or joys. Not that I want you to. Just like you, I do not care what you think and do.

I just talk about things that matter to me and affect me in a good or bad way. You read stuff and carry on with your life. Perfectly fine. But sometimes, you do react. Like on this occasion. Why? Ask yourself. Is it because 'you felt' that I am questioning you? Well, I did not specifically question you. In fact I did not question anyone. I just expressed my true and honest feelings. If that makes you uncomfortable, I do not care.

If you are hurt with my expression, then ask yourself....will you do something about it? No, you wont. You will attend the next party, watch the new movie, make plans for the next holidays. You can do that, after all it is your life. But do realize that EVERYONE wants to do that.

And why are you hurt? If it is because I expressed something so openly even if it is my honest feeling? If yes, then go to hell. In case you are hurt because I may have said somthing about someone/something that matters to you, then ask yourself, what are you doing to change the situation and take care of that someone or something? Nothing, right? Not even temporarily? Then please shut up.

I am not going to anyone and shouting at their face. I am just 'expressing' myself without actually talking to anyone. And I share my honest feelings. If later I realise that I made a mistake, I say sorry to the person but do not delete the post. It just reminds me that I made a mistake and I should be more careful/sensitive in future. Unlike most others, I do not like to feel something else but write goodie-goodie politically correct stuff. If I do that, I would be only cheating myself. More than anything else, I write stuff to reduce my blood pressure and avoid a possible heart attack. That is my reason.

But why am I giving all these reasons? I do not need to. Why am I reacting? It is because I did not point a finger at you but you did that.

You do not care about my frustrations but you have a problem when I express them? I do not want or expect you to do anything. But if it hurts you in any manner, try to change it or go back to your life and have fun. Whatever you do, DONT JUDGE ME!!!

Kasab Hanged

A dialologue from my fav movie, 'A Wednesday': "Aapke Ghar Mein Cockroach Aata Hai To Aap Kya Karte Hain?...Aap Usko Palte Nahi Marte Hain."....well humne almost 4 saal paala but finally chalo maar to diya. And ya, it is a Wednesday!!!

Confession

I can well imagine the reactions on the faces of all the hypocritical people around me but I would still be true to myself and confess that I have been secretly praying for my grandmother to pass away.

Well...if you are one from the family and feeling bad.....ask yourself...is it not too convenient for you? Staying away from the day to day issues and feeling bad for her over some tea and snacks is just too easy for all of you. There are some who pretend that they care, pretend that they want to take care of her, listen to her cribbing over the phone and join her in opposing the decision of my parents to plan a trip to my place. Later they send a text to her with a poem or a filmy song indicating how much they care and how they will always take care of her. After this, they return to their life and priorities!!! Brilliant!!! If you do not like what I am saying.....first look at yourself. At least I am not pretending anything. 

You have your own priorities, functions to attend, birthdays to celebrate. I am not blaming you for that. I am not mad at you because you have a life. I will be mad at you only if you pretend that you do not like what I am praying for.

There are two souls who have no life, have to stay away from their children and grandchild, deal with all the tantrums of my grandmother, hear all her curses and still sit with her with a smile to play a game of cards. That is unfair. You do not have to deal with all this. You do not WANT TO deal with all this. So shut up and go back to your parties. 

I know my father will be hurt if he comes to know about this. I once did say this to him and he became sad and asked me not to say that as she is his mother. I must say I was surprised (after all my family has gone through because of my grandmother) but did try to understand his feelings. However now, it is way too painful. I can see them suffering each day as they want to spend sometime with their grandchild. But they cannot. There is only one solution that I can think of and I am praying for that. Period!!!  

Happy Birthday My Li'l Princess :)

Dear Ananya,

Today you are 1 year old. Wish you a very very very happy birthday.

This 1 year has probably been the quickest one year of my life. Watching you grow, smile, crawl, giggle, play, tumble, walk.....have been my favorite past time.

You are too young to understand the happiness that you have brought in our lives. Our lives now completely revolve around you. There have been times when we have changed some much awaited plans because you would have not been comfortable. There have been times when we had to rush back from rare weekend outings as you were getting cranky. There have been times when your crying has got on the nerves. But you smile once and everything becomes worth it.

I love you beta. 

Love,

Deda 

The cab should be here in another 15-20 minutes. I am all set. The drive to the airport should take around an hour. Then a wait for a few hours and then a 3.5 hours flight. It is still a long and anxious wait to get back to my country. Cannot wait to reach INDIA!!!

The taxi is here!!! Probably, he sensed my excitement.

1 More Day To Go..............

2 More Days To Go......

Miching You

O ri chiraiya, Nanhi si chidiya,
Angana mein phir aaja re.......

Some tough steps required

Gopal Kanda is on the run. Cannot believe that he is not getting sufficient assistance and cooperation from some biggies in politics and/or police. But, why is the judiciary so helpless? Why cannot they announce that for every day of avoiding the arrest, 6 months would be added in the punishment and he would have to serve this punishment even if not found guilty for the original charges. Take such stern steps and no one would dare to make mockery of the system.

3 more days to go...

Happy Independence Day!!!

First Independence Day outside India :( Missing my country all the more.

May our country also get freedom from corruption, CONgress, economic volatility, terrorism, naxalism, rising prices,dictatorial ministers, communalism.......Hmmph!!! Happy Independence Day People!!!

Jai Hind

Do not know exactly why but I am feeling really low. I am getting this strange feeling that I may not make it. Really want to meet all the loved ones and hold my daughter......

4 more days to go....Hmmphh!!!

Travel Ready

I am supposed to travel a week from now but I have already started packing. I must say this is early even by my standards!!!

Typically, I start making plans or a list of things to carry much before the actual date of travel. This ensures that I do not miss anything significant during my trip. In any case, people who are fond of photography have to do extra packing. 

I think through the entire trip. It goes like...I need a cab to take out RM 80 for that...on return we will need RM 120-130 so carry that sum as well....3.5 hours flight so I need so much movies/music/games on my tablet. However, the tablet wont last the entire journey so carry some other source of entertainment. I need to carry so much Indian currency for the taxi and other requirements during the train ride. In India, I have to go to two banks and deal with another. They may ask for XYZ documents, photographs etc etc and so I have kept multiple copies of the documents that I think they 'may' ask for. 

To add to that, I consider the worst case scenario for everything. "What if they do not allow hand baggage more than a certain weight limit....I should carry an empty bag to be able to check-in any extra hand baggage". I make list for everything!!!

More often than not, I end-up carrying 2-3 times more stuff than I actually need. Since, this is going to be my first international return, I am planning all the more to ensure that I do not get into any hassles.

As I said, this is early even by my standards. There are two reasons to it...(a) what if I do not get enough time in the coming week due to existing or new work in the office (another worst case scenario) and (b) there is nothing better to do. I am getting royally bored.

During this process, I have also been complimenting myself. I looked for some old documents, which I need to carry and was able to find them quickly. I could also find every piece of my camera equipment in absolutely no time. It is not that I keep things in the right place. My stuff remains all over the house. Every cabinet, every drawer, every room. It is just that I know my mess.

I have already packed my hand baggage. There will be two carry-on bags....a laptop bag, which will have the ticket, passport, other key documents, hard disks and of course the laptop. The other will be camera cum 'entertainment' bag. Both these bags are almost ready to travel. Only the laptop is missing....since I need it to write meaningless blog posts. I have already 'laid' the suitcase that I am planning to carry in a manner, which will help me in packing. Most of the 'to-be-carried' stuff has been placed around the waiting suitcase so that it can gobble everything quickly. 

Luckily, there is nobody at home <'luckily' only from the 'mission packing' stand point> because right now, if someone shifts anything from its place, I will certainly explode!!! 

I just realized that, though I hate him, there is little bit of Sheldon Cooper in me.

Why do I love you so much............

Created in December 2011

Waiting for you Deda :(

One more week to go....India!!! I am coming!!!

New Lens and a Coin

Cleaning the house for the Maid

I must be the only person in the world who cleans the house before the maid comes to clean the house. That is because I make such a mess that I do not want the maid to 'give-up'!!! 

I would like to believe that I am pretty organized. I am told that I am extremely systematic and organized in my office and with my work. At home, I do clear things and also make a lot of plans to be even more organized and systematic. It is just that I am lazy as well and my laziness overcomes me and my plans. 

King of Impulse Purchases

Here are a few examples:

1. Went to buy grocery and bought a refrigerator worth INR 9,800!!! We already had a big one at home but bought another one to stock beer
2. Went for some window shopping and bought a foot massager worth INR 34,000!!!
3. Went for weekly grocery shopping and bought a reclining chair worth INR 17,000!!!
4. This one is classic. We went to a sports store to enquire if they would be willing to purchase my treadmill. I had bought the treadmill for INR 24,000 but it had been hardly used (of course). It was taking up a lot of space so we decided to sell it off. I did not manage to sell the treadmill but did purchase a cross-trainer worth INR 24,000!!!
5. I have spent thousands on online shopping in purchasing stuff that I like to collect but hardly use. Bags, knives, camera equipments, gadgets etc etc
6. The day before, I went to a mall to purchase a watch for my dad and bought a camera lens worth RM 1,500 (~INR 26,500)!!!

Project: Jump from the top of a 20 Floor Building

Project Background:

The client sends an RFP, which requires us to jump from the top of a 20 floor building. The reason has not been shared by the client and the sales team did not care to ask

Project Scope:

There is a building which has 20 floors. The area around the building has concrete floors. There are two landing spots. One is an air bag but is 50 feet away and the other is made of iron, is 100 feet away and cannot be moved from its place. Both are 2 feet in diameter. The client wants us to take two attempts and jump on both landing spots once

Participants in the Proposal Process:

Sales Team and Consulting Team

View of the Consulting Team:

It cannot be done. However, since we have such good relationships with the client and we would like to help them, we will try to find a way to jump on the landing spot, which is closer. But for that, the client will have to reduce the expectations. They will have to bring the landing spot closer and make it bigger. If possible, they have to give us a permission to jump from a lower floor as well. As the other landing spot cannot be moved, jumping on it cannot be attempted at all.

We would also like to understand what does the client want to achieve with this as we may be able to suggest a better alternative

Comments from the Sales Team (which, more often than not, talk like client representatives):

Seems the consulting team is not trying to help the client at all. Seems they are saying no without even fully assessing the situation. They should commit to the project (and our job will be done!!!), then go on top of the building, stand on the corner and then decide whether they can jump or not. If they still conclude that they cannot, they can then communicate it to the client. > Simple!!!

Jal Krida

My swimming statistics:

If Olympics had swimming events based on weight, I could have fetched a medal for India in my weight category!!!

Main, Meri Tanhayee and some fine Australian Wine.....aksar yeh baatein karte hain ki tum donon hoti to aisa hota.....waisa hota............

Ek Aur Kaansya Padak!!!

Saina won her match!!! Not the best way to win as the Chinese opponent, who was leading, forfeited the match due to injury. However, it means a Bronze medal so who cares!!!

1 Silver and 2 Bronze. Waiting for that rare Gold. C'mon Vijender/Devender!!!

I am happy that the Indian duo lost!!!

The much prepared team of Bhupathi and Bopanna lost in the second round of Olympics Doubles.....

...let me clear my throat.......

.....hoooohahahhaahahhaaaahaahaahaha!!!

They never had my support. They jeopardized India's chances of winning rare Olympics medal and I am extremely happy that they lost. 

Praying for a better show

We have finally entered the medals tally in the London Olympics. Gagan Narang has done India proud by winning the bronze in the 10 meter air rifle event. 

A lot of people had big hopes from the Olympics. A friend of mine had even predicted 4-5 Golds!!! Even I had a lot of expectations. Day after day, that hope and expectation is dwindling. I had more expectations from archery and shooting. It is not over yet and we can still win a few more medals but so far it has been disappointing. Even in case of Narang, most people were expecting Gold. I hope India puts up a better show in the remaining days. 

P.S. I still do not want Bhupathi-Bopanna to win a medal

Three Long Weeks

Got up this morning and like everyday, started looking for cushions to put on the bed so that Ananya does not crawl off the bed. Then I realized that she is not there :(

Sitting in the office now and her pictures are playing on the tablet.

It is going to be pretty difficult three weeks.

States visited so far

Have visited 20 states so far (marked in red)

This is by far the most boring Sunday of this year

Amitabh Bachchan: Some of my favorite dialogues

1. Main aaj bhi phenke huye paise nahi uthaata (Deewar)
2. "Yeh Indian Army hai, hum dushmani mein bhi ek sharaafat rakhte hain" (Lakshya)
3. "Sahi baat agar sahi waqt par ki jaaye to uska mazaa hi kucch aur hota hai. Aur main sahi waqt ka intezaar karta hun (Trishul)
4. "Govardhan seth, samundar mein tairne waale kuoon aur taalabon mein dubki nahin lagaya karte hain" (Muqaddar ka Sikandar)
5. "Phir ya to main kal subah suraj nikalne se pehle Habibullah ko le jaunga....ya phir kal suraj nahi niklega" (Khuda Gawah)
6. " Hum jaha pe khade ho jaate hein, line wahin se shuru hoti hai" (Kaalia)
7. " Rishte me to hum tumhare baap lagte hain, naam hai Shahenshah" (Shahenshah)
8. "....aur sun.....tujhe bhi nahi karne dunga" (Sarkar)
9. "Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahin, naamumkin hai" (Don)
10. " "I can talk English, I can walk English, I can laugh English because English is a very phunny language. Bhairo becomes Byron because their minds are very narrow." (Namak Halaal)
11. "Tumhara naam kya hai, Basanti?" (Sholay)
12. "Saala nautanki, ghadi ghadi drama karta hai (Sholay)
13. "Mujhe to sab police waalon ki shaklein ek jaisi lagti hain" (Sholay)
14. "Partner, ab bol hi diya hai to dekh lenge" (Sholay)
15. "Aap log to kucch samajhte hi nahi hain na" (Chupke Chupke)
16. "Main aur meri tanhaai -- aksar ye baatein karte hain...." (Silsila)
17. "Yeh telephone bhi ajeeb cheez hai -- aadmi sochta kuch hai, bolta kuch hai aur karta kuch hai" (Agneepath)
18. "Pura naam...Vijay Dinanath Chauhan. Baap ka naam...Dinanath Chauhan. Maa ka naam... Suhasini Chauhan. Gaon...Mandwa. Umar...chhattis saal..." (Agneepath)
19. "...to tumhein kya lag rahe hain hum.....Gubbarewaale?!!?" (Bunty aur Babli) 
20. "Pandrah Sau rupaye mein saala ghar nahi chalta, imaan kya chalega" (Agneepath)

Air Asia Red Carpet: Pass to Hassle Free Travel

Air Asia is one of the cheaper options to fly between India and Malaysia. From Kuala Lumpur, it has flights for Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai and probably Kochi and Trichurapalli as well. While booking the tickets for my wife and daughter, I noticed a 'Red Carpet' option. I inquired about it with a my colleagues who have taken the Air Asia flight in the past. To my surprise, no one has used that option. They did not have much idea about it as well and most discouraged me from paying additional MYR 100 for this option, when it is unlikely to give much incremental benefits.

Since my wife was going to travel alone with a small creature, who has just learnt the use of legs (apart from kicking) and is fairly restless, I thought there is no harm in buying a possible comfort. I did not make a mistake.

Yesterday, at the airport, we noticed long queue for check-in, which we could avoid thanks to the Red Carpet. The check-in took less than a minute. Afterwards, my wife and daughter were escorted to a premium lounge. The lounge had snacks, internet, clean bathrooms etc and Red Carpet gives an access to these facilities for upto 2 hours. 

Later, they were escorted for the immigration and security check. There was a separate section for Red Carpet and it took less than 5 minutes. Red Carpet also given an option of a buggy service under which passengers are taken to the aircraft in a buggy (golf cart). It is a good option to have since one can be made to walk long distances in some cases. Additionally, at the destination, the baggage comes on priority. What more can one ask for in MYR 100? 

I have not opted for Red Carpet for my travel to India in August but I will definitely do that before I travel. I wonder why more people do not do the same.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S: Done

Two and Half Men: Done

How I met your mother: Done

The Big Bang Theory: Work-in-Progress

What next? Please suggest.

Blind Support

Dear God,

Please put people around me who would support me and back me the way MS Dhoni supports Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma. And please do not make me as useless as these two phenomenally talented individuals. 

Animesh

----------------------------------------------------

Backing the team members that you believe in is a mark of good captain. However, keeping to back them even after too many failures at the cost of other talented players is tyranny. Sourav Ganguly was a great leader, who was instrumental in changing the attitude of Indian cricketers (and followers). He backed several players (Yuvraj, Harbhajan, Nehra are the prominent ones). That is a quality that I liked in him. However, he also inexplicably gave a raw deal of some players who 'could have' done better than they did. Murali Karthik and Sanjay Bangar are examples. That was tyranny and something that I hated about Ganguly. Now, Mr. Dhoni is doing something pretty similar. Some of the talented cricketers who find a fan following in Dhoni have been enjoying a great and extended run. The skipper even gives meaningless and stupid excuses to persist with these cricketers. On the other hand, some others (Manoj Tiwary, Rahul Sharma (who may soon be playing for Tihar XI), Irrfan Pathan to some extent) keep praying for better luck as well as stronger support of the captain.

Rohot Sharma is undoubtedly a gifted cricketer. However, talent does not win matches. Performance (substantial and consistent) does. He was chosen above Sehwag, Gambhir and Tendulkar in Australia as the next world cup is in Australia. Does that mean that others are not in the scheme of things at all? Shall Manoj Tiwary, Ajinkya Rahane etc opt for retirement? Now, Rohit Sharma is playing match after match in the series against Srilanka as the T20 world cup is in Srilanka!!! Is it that Rohit Sharma has been already picked to play all major events that we will have to back him and make him ready? Why do not we try others 'instead' or 'as well'? 

Watched a movie in a movie hall after almost a year and half. (I guess the last movie that I watched in hall was "Sahi Bandeh, Galat Dhandhe"!!!). After dropping my wife and daughter to the airport, I did not feel like coming back to home straightaway. I decided to watch a movie to feel better. And I ended up watching a movie in which a husband/father loses his wife and daughter and then tries to reunite with them. Sounded intense, isn't it? Actually it was Ice Age-4 :)

Ananya (and of course her mom) just left for India. Am sitting at the airport and already missing them 

Ananya aka Aanya aka Gulli Singh aka Dim-sum is leaving for India tomorrow...Don't know how will I manage the next three long weeks :(

BCCI da jawaab nahi!!!

Yesterday I read a news that the BCCI President, N Srinivasan has taken personal initiative to bring back Kapil Dev in the official fold. If this is indeed true, it is a great news and finally better sense has prevailed. Kapil Dev is truly a legend of Indian cricket and sidelining him just because he was the head of the rebel T20 league (ICL) is unfair. After all, ICL made BCCI to start its own and highly profitable league (IPL).

Kapil Dev has faced a lot of humiliation since BCCI stopped inviting him to cricket functions. Neglecting the first World Cup winning captain and one of the better all-rounders to play the game was an uncalled for stance. BCCI's decisions affected Kapil Dev financially as well since he stopped getting pensions. Recently, he was ignored in the 1 Crore one-time payment scheme (indeed a great idea) that BCCI has formulated.

I am glad that Kapil Dev will now get his dues. He has to apply for amnesty, which he has agreed to do. That is some great news. Though, I wish BCCI could do without this applying and requesting business.

Aman ki Asha....#*$%&€Δ§π¿¢π*#!?

India Pakistan cricket series in December 2012. Good news.

The matches will be played in India. Extremely bad news.

I cannot understand the logic behind this decision. Recently, Abu Jundal revealed that some of the terrorists involved in 26/11 came to India as cricket fans and did some 'site seeing'. Why do we want to give them another opportunity?? They must be giggling, celebrating and would have already started making plans for the next strike. Sewaiyyan hum banake denge to woh eid manaane to ayenge hi. 

Moreover, it seems Pakistani players may be included in the next edition of IPL. What is the reason of this sudden change in stance?? Why do we want to help them now? Corruption in cricket is present in each country. Players are trying to find quicker ways of making more money. In terms of corruption among cricket players, Pakistani players are ahead of everyone. Salman Butt, Mohamad Aamer, Mohamad Asif, Danish Kaneria etc. We are also not far behind with our Azhars, Jadejas, Shalabh Srivastava etc. Do we want to change the situation and eliminate the menace of fixing from cricket, especially IPL or do we want to further increase it? If we want to eliminate it then why are we inviting the global ambassadors of match fixing and spot fixing to come and influence our young cricket players?

I think these decisions of BCCI are definitely flawed and they should rethink this new stance. I hope the thought process does not include spreading peace through cricket. That is not happening. Aman ki aasha with Pakistan is nothing but a big, dirty and bloody joke!!!

Kilkaariyaan - IV

Kilkaariyaan - III

Kilkaariyaan - II

Nani Teri Morni Ko......

Wishlist for Olympics

I do not think I have ever been as interested in Olympics as I am this time around. I will try to closely follow the mega event.

I think India should have a better medals tally this time around. We have a good chance in Shooting (possible golds for Narang and Bindra), Boxing (possible gold for Mary Kom and hopefully a few medals for the male boxers) and possibly Archery (Deepika Kumari).

However, if I am really really REALLY praying for someone to win then it is (a) in Hockey and (b) Paes and Vishnu Vardhan in Tennis Doubles!!! If Paes-Vardhan win, Walt Disney must make a movie on them

After Rafting in Port Dickson

Ananya @ Sushi Zanmai

Pleasing Personalities

Sania Mirza had lots to say 'after' she qualified for the Olympics. She commented regarding male chauvinism and against how she was paired with Paes to please the star player. Pssch!!!

Her mother has been appointed as the manager of the Olympics bound women's tennis team!! Of course, her mother 'now' has the experience as she was the manager of the team in CWG and probably Asian Games as wel. But why did she get the job in the first place!!??!! Since Madam Mirza has been so vocal against 'pleasing' players, I believe that is not the reason. I wonder what is the reason. And I wonder if her Pakistani Mother-in-law would get to be the manager in the next event.

National Geographic -II

First Wave

Today, for the first time, Ananya waved at me to say bye when I was leaving for the office!!! She had this confused expression on her face which suggested, "I hope I am doing this right"!!!

:)

Buy or Die

I do not find buying something for someone extremely difficult as long as there is no particular 'reason'. In fact I like doing that. I roam around malls as well as pages of online shopping sites and if I come across something interesting for myself or someone close to me, I buy it. If there is no occasion or reason, the gift can be anything. It need not be big or significant. More importantly, one does not HAVE TO buy something.

In August, I will be traveling to India. The customery gift purchases is getting on me. It is mighty difficult to buy stuff for people when there is no occasion but something HAS to be bought. More importantly, you cannot buy expensive perfume for someone and a pen for someone else. There needs to be 'parity'.

And I do not understand why should something be bought in a foreign location to carry it to India. Everything is available in India and for other things you have eBay Globay Buy!!! Malaysia is not particularly known for any product. If there is anything like that, I do not know about it. Ya, getting something from the duty-free store at the airport makes sense as things are cheaper there. But one cannot buy gifts for everyone at the last minute in the duty-free store!!! What if you get gifts for everyone except 1 or 2 people. That would be catastrophic!!!

Last few weekends, we have been wandering in shopping malls or websites without much luck. The next weekend is going to be the same. I want to buy lots of stuff for everyone who matters but it is proving to be extremely difficult.

(Pic Courtesy: istockphoto.com)   

Dinner at Port Dickson!!!

Walky Talky - II

Walky Talky - I

Heavy Lunch...Feeling Sleepy

Heavy Lunch at Sushi Zanmai at 1 Mont Kiara in Kuala Lumpur.

Now I am feeling really sleepy but there is lots to be finished today :(

Their Chicken Karaage Don (bottom right in the picture above) is simply awesome!!!

All the best Andy

Roger Federer won another Wimbledon title to his tally. He defeated Andy Murray of Scotland/Britain/ United Kingdom/England in a awesome four set match. It was a treat to watch as Andy played out of his skin.

The only issue with Andy is that he was born in the wrong era. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic have been and continue to dominate the tennis scene and thus Andy has not been able to win a grand slam event so far. He is indeed a good player and it is a shame that he has not won any of the Big 4.

There have been other examples in sports where someone exceptionally talented did not do too well as there was someone else who was dominating the scene. A name which comes to mind is Stuart Macgill, the leg spinner from Australia. In spite of being a great leg spinner, Macgill did not get to play too many tests for Australia as there was Shane Warne in the team. I am never too good with history and statistics but if I am not mistaken, in the few occasions that both the leggies played for Australia, Macgill did either better or not to bad compared to Warne. However, Warne was undoubtedly the better among the two and hence played more matches and enjoyed exceptional success. Had Macgill been born in another era or another country, he would have played a lot more matches.

Not drifting too far from the topic, I think Andy Murray put up a great fight against the King. He had the game, the crowd support. The only thing which was missing was the experience of playing such big matches. Federer, in comparison, played much below his best but his experience and temperament saw him through.

Though I do not like Brits winning any matches, I hope Andy Murray sees the success he deserves. Djokovic broke into the world of FedEx and Rafa dominated tennis and there is no reason why Murray cannot do it.

Trip to Port Dickson

In May this year, we went for a Automotive team outing to Port Dickson. It is a beach town. I am told that there are lot of things to do over there but with all the presentations that were scheduled, we did not get a lot of opportunities to explore the place. More importantly, the trip would have been much more enjoyable had I gone over there with my family. 

Nevertheless, we did manage to spend some time on some team building activities. The time spent in the pool was quite fun and relaxing. The resort that we stayed in, 'Thistle', boasts of an inviting and hard-to-avoid pool. We played water volleyball in the pool. Evening was full of dance (which I skipped) and drinks (which I did not). Overall, it was a good trip with a good mix of fun and work. Though I would have loved some more fun quotient.

I made these!!! Hash Brown Potatoes....not so healthy and thus Yummy!!!

All week, I make plans for the weekend. Places we will visit, things we will do etc etc. Last evening, I also thought that I will try my hand at cooking and make some breakfast!!!

But, like most times in recent times, the weekend has started on a frustrating note :(

Quote of the day:


"The idea is not to find faults....Just say sorry and lets end the matter!!!"

"Yeh Dil Maange More!"

On this day, back in 1999, we lost Captain Vikram Batra, PVC. A true hero. "Ya toh Tiranga lehraake aaunga, ya phir Tirange mein lipta hua aaunga, lekin aaunga zaroor"

We salute you 'Sher Shah' and you will always be missed. "Yeh Dil Maange More!"

Ananya & Me :)

Minutes of the Meeting

Important notes during one of the meetings :P

Wonder why!!!

I wonder why did it take scientists so long to find the god particle!!! All they needed to do was a blood test of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. Dumb asses!!!

Paes-Stepanek lost to the 15th seeds in 5 sets in the 3rd round. Pssch. :(

Hesh-Anna lost to unseeded '???-???' in straight sets in the 2nd round. :D They should now ask SM Krishna to try and get even these results changed

Small steps, big happiness

Dear Ananya,

Today you took 8-10 steps!!! I laughed with excitement, mom cried (as usual) and you looked confused.

Love you,
Deda

So 'hesh-ania' crashed out in the second round!!! reminds me of a dialogue of shri gabbar singh, "nikal gayi saari hekdi??......aaaak tttthhhooooo"!!!

Games that life plays

I must have read the following a few hundred times in last few years. Yet, everytime I read it, I curse life for the kind of tricks it plays. At the same time, it also increases the respect for soldiers....

In 2001, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (father of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC) felt a strong desire to visit his birthplace at Sargodha, now in Pakistan. At Lahore airport, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was met by Brigadier Khawja Mohammad Naser, who took it upon himself to be Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal host and guide. Brigadier Naser really went out of way to ensure that Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal had a satisfying and nostalgic visit to his old house in Sargodha. Upon his return to Lahore he was once again the guest of Brigadier Naser for three days.

Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was overwhelmed by the extreme kindness, deference, courtesy and respect bestowed upon him by Brigadier Naser and by all the members of his family and his many servants. However Brigadier Khetarpal felt that something was amiss but could not make out what it was. Was it the long silences that punctuated their animated conversation or was it the look of compassion in the eyes of the women in the family? He could not make out but was sure he was being treated as someone very special.

Finally, on the last night before Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal's departure, Brigadier Naser said 'Sir, there is something that I wanted to tell you for many years but I did not know how to get through to you. Finally, fate has intervened and sent you to me as an honoured guest. The last few days we have become close to one another and that has made my task even more difficult. It is regarding your son who is, of course, a national hero in India. However on that fateful day, your son and I were soldiers, unknown to one another, fighting for the respect and safety of our respective countries. I regret to tell you that your son died in my hands. Arun's courage was exemplary and he moved his tank with fearless courage and daring, totally unconcerned about his safety. Tank casualties were very high till finally there were just two of us left facing one another. We both fired simultaneously. It was destined that I was to live and he was to die.

It was only later that I got to know how young he was and who he was.I had all along thought that I would ask your forgiveness, but in telling the story I realize that there is nothing to forgive. Instead I salute your son for what he did at such a young age and I salute you too, because I know how he grew into such a young man. In the end it is character and values that matter."

Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was silent as he did not know how to react.To be enjoying the hospitality of the person who had killed his son was a confusing feeling. However being a soldier himself he genuinely admired the chivalry of an officer whose complete squadron was decimated by his son.

I salute Arun Khetarpal...and all the soldiers.

Games Period - II

@ Port Dickson

India needs a change

It is disheartening to read about what is happening in India..... Prices (especially fuel) are rising and going beyond the reach of millions, rupee is falling, economy looks to be on its way down, government has become a joke, rising discontent among the general public regarding the government and leaders, Delhi and Kolkata are become increasingly unsafe towards women, fire is breaking at all the places where important and confidential.......Its shameful and quite worrying.

India needs a change in government. Right now there are no options. People are unhappy with Congress but I do not think many are happy with BJP either. Another party can also come in power but not without the backing of either Congress or BJP. What use would that be?

India needs another party at the national level. India needs a change.

Super Sunday!!!

Yesterday, after a long time, we could enjoy shopping. I know that most men do not like shopping or at least claim so. I am not one of them. I love to shop but I have my likings. I do not of course like grocery shopping. I like to shop for electronics, sports and camping equipments and ahmm...kitchenware.

Yesterday, we got a chance to do all that after a long time. It was all thanks to the cooperation of Princess Ananya as she did not get bored or cranky.

We bought a lot of stuff...electronics, kitchenware, sports equipments as well as apparel. We also had breakfast as well as lunch outside!!! I cannot remember when was the last time we had done that!!!

I really loved our Sunday outing. Though there was nothing extremely special but all new parents would be able to identify with and understand this joy.   

Now Ananya madam, can we go to watch a movie....or will that be pushing our luck too far?

WTF

I have changed my mind.....with the latest developments regarding the selection of the teams to represent India in the tennis doubles event in Olympics, I believe that Leander Paes should definitely withdraw his name. And, unlike stated earlier, I will not be supporting 'Bhupathi-Bopanna'. This deal is really unfair and humiliating for Paes and I will no longer be supporting India's tennis campaign (unless Paes decides to play).

Foreign Minister, AITA member and most importantly, Bangalorean SM Krishna had a role to play in this selection in which the Bangaloreans had their way. :(

Fine Australian White Wine

Cant Stop W(h)ining!!!

Question: What happens when you cut the entire seal of a wine bottle thinking that it has a cork when it has a screw cap? And what happens when after this mishap, you figure that the wine bottle stopper that you have, does not fit in the wine bottle you just opened!!!

Answer: You do not have a choice but to finish all the wine in the bottle. And you have a good time :)

Unfair

I know you liked the work. You have said that to another person and I know about it. 

I know you have used the work. 

I know you have also mentioned that you would use it in other forums as well.

I know that you have been giving credit to another person for all the work. The other person did half the work but so did I. I deserve half the credit.

You should realize that the work was much more difficult for me as I did not have much background. Hence, I had to work 2-3 times more in order to put together something that will make you look good. I did not have any bandwidth yet I did the work. I am still trying to overcome the backlog it has caused.

And when I asked you whether you liked the work, you sound aloof and say that it was 'okay' and you were not particularly satisfied but decided to use it since the audience did not have much idea anyways. This when you have already mentioned that the work was also used in another forum and it was appreciated.

I worked through the night to get this work done for you and you do not have anything to say? 

Just in case....

Background Information 1: There is a taxi stand in front of my office. Cab drivers keep sitting over there and there are some 'regular faces' as well.

Background Information 2: I seldom take a cab from the taxi stand. My place is pretty close to my office and in a cab, I can reach my place in minimum fare (3 MYR). However, the cab drivers standing in the stand and passing time, typically ask for more. They say that they will not use the meter and typically ask for double the amount. Hence, I do not take cab from the stand. I just wait for a cab to drop someone in the office complex and then approach the driver.

Background Information 3: It seems that the 'regular faces' in the taxi stand have noticed that I do not come to them and they do not like it. One particular cab driver, a Malay guy, passes comments whenever I cross him. I usually walk to my place so I cross the taxi stand everyday. And more often than not, I find him there and he says something or makes gestures to indicate that he does not like me. I have never heard/understood what he says as I generally listen to music when I walk and I do not understand Malay. Though I do not like it and many  a times I have thought about stopping and asking the guy what is his problem but I have always finally decided to ignore him.

Background Information 4: Once I did approach the guy to drive me to my place. It had been a hectic day and I was also not feeling well. I was prepared to pay extra as long as I reached home as early as possible. And his was the only cab available in the stand at the moment. He refused and asked me to look for a 'metered cab' but he said that in an extremely rude manner. Normally, I would react to such things but I again chose not to react. This is an alien country and I have always been warned by the people (Indians as well as locals) to stay away from any kind of conflict with the cab drivers. This is the only time we have talked.

Yesterday's Incident: Yesterday, when I was walking to my office, the guy twice tried to hit me with his cab!!! I was crossing the approach road to Mont Kiara Pines Condo to go towards Plaza Mont Kiara, when I noticed a cab speeding towards me. I had to back a few steps to escape the speeding vehicle. Though I found this annoying and it was dangerous, I did not find it very serious (after all I am an Indian and you do come across such crazy drivers quite often). I just thought that someone is in maddening rush and is driving rashly. Then the guy took a U-turn. This time around I noticed that it is the same Malay cab driver. He again came towards me in high speed and I had to run and jump on the sidewalk to save myself!!! He stopped and gave me a stare. I went to him. He pulled down the window. I asked him, "What is wrong with you?" He said, "nothing is wrong". I asked, "then why did you try to hit me?". He replied, "I did not hit you". I said, " I know you did not hit me but you tried doing that twice". Then he started saying things to me in Malay. And I said a few things to him in Hindi.

I really do not know what have I done to piss the guy enough to try and run me down. We have never had any arguments. I just do not hire cab from him. That is because he and his friends ask for more money. So if you want to hit me with your car just because I do not want to be cheated by you, that is insane!!! Some people believe that he is crazy. Some think that it is a case of racism. Whatever it is, it is pretty strange!!!

So far, I have been ignoring all his provocations. However, now since this guy is being violent in this manner, I thought I would keep a record of this. So guys, if something happens to me in Malaysia (I go missing/ I am killed/ suffer injuries), the cab driver of the green cab (registration number HWD 7488) is to be blamed!!! He has tried to hit me with his car twice and he may try again.  

Next time this happens, I would go to the cops. 

Match-Maker

Let me start by saying that I do not like Mahesh Bhupathi. I do not watch any of his matches and I do not support him even if he is playing in Grand Slam finals (doubles and mixed doubles (especially if it is with Mrs Pakistan)). Though it may be an exaggeration but I do believe that Mahesh Bhupathi would have been like "Bhu...Who??!!" if Leander Paes had not started playing doubles with him. Anyways, both of them played together, played well and made all of us proud. 

Now, they do not see eye-to-eye and do not play together. Makes sense. After all, doubles and mixed doubles events are 'team sports' and compatibility with the partner is extremely important. I am surprised how these two reached all 4 Grand Slam event finals and won two of them in 1999, when issues between them had cropped before that!!!

The issue staring at us is that India needs to send a team to Olympics. Bhupathi has made it clear that he does not want to team up with and wants to play with Bopanna. Paes wants to team up with Bopanna but is okay with any decision. Bopanna wants to play with Bhupathi but I do not think any one cares about his wishes/opinions. In any case, Mr. Bopanna is known for teaming up with just anyone. He can even team up even with a 'nasty, stupid, unfaithful neighbor', as long as he gets some news space. On a serious note, all of  them are good doubles players (with Bopanna bringing down the average; else I would have said 'great doubles players') and have tasted moderate (Mr. Bopanna caused this as well) to high level of successes. 

Though All India Tennis Association (AITA) wants to definitely include Paes (afterall, Paes is the highest ranked tennis player in the country), I believe it would make sense to send a Bhupathi-Bopanna team as they are good and more importantly, they share a good rapport and understanding. They should have a better chance than "Paes-Bhupathi" or "Paes-Bopanna". 

Other issue is related to Mixed Doubles. Here, Bhupathi-Sania is the best team that India can field. However if India decides to send only one doubles team and suppose that is 'Paes-Bopanna' then, if I am not mistaken, they cannot have a 'Bhupathi-Sania' combination in mixed doubles. All the more reason that Bhupathi should be part of the campaign. 

In my opinion, following are some possible solutions;

1. In case AITA decides to send only one doubles team, they should definitely include Bhupathi so that he can also team up with Sania for mixed doubles
2. In case AITA decides to send only one doubles team, Paes and Bhupathi should try to overcome their differences in case they feel that they can recreate the magic of 1999
3. In case AITA decides to send only one doubles team and Paes and Bhupathi cannot overcome their differences, it should be Bhupathi and Bopanna. If this happens, I would be behind this team as they would be 'Team India' 
4. If I am not mistaken, AITA does have the option of sending two teams. If that is correct, lets send 'Bhupathi-Bopanna' and 'Paes-Somdev' (even if Somdev is 75-80% fit). And there are no points for guessing which team I would be supporting in such a case)

Guys, this is not a Grand Slam event. You already have so many of them between all of you. It is Olympics and you would be representing the country. Lets try to put the best foot forward.