I wish to keep my wishlist!!!

Is my wishlist getting bigger? ...hmmm....not really. I want to buy a lot of things, go to a lot of places, do a lot of things.....all that is there in my wishlist. But as far as I can remember, my wishlist has not changed in last many years now. It was the same when I was in school/college!!! So, that essentially means that I have not been achieving what I really want to. I may have been effective in taking care of my necessities and those of people around me, yet that "over and above" factor is missing. I want to buy a Digi SLR camera, I want to own a Royal Enfield bike, I want to go to Egypt with my family (especially my dad)......I have been dreaming about all those things since.......777 B.C.(it surely feel like that long), yet I have not been able to do any of that. And if I look closely, with every passing day, my wishlist is getting further away from me and soon it will disappear in the horizon. Life has become too busy in managing the needs. Pssch

Thanks Dhinakar

Me and my wife Roshni went to Andamans in December 2006 on our honeymoon. I had a hard time selecting the destination as I really wanted to make it special. Andamans came to my mind as I always wanted to go there. That was strange as I hardly knew about the place. I wanted to see the jail but thats not typically the kind of place you go on your honeymoon. All the research I did suggested that Andamans is a peaceful place and lots of elderly people visit the islands. I personally like such places but I was apprehensive as I did not know whether Roshni would like it. I was confused and started considering other options like Lakshadweep and Colombo. Then one day, I gave Roshni the options but told her that I wanted to go to Andamans. She did not say no but she did not say "YESSSS" either. That added to my dilemma. Then the next day, Roshni told me that she has done some research on the place and she would like to go there as even she likes peaceful places. So thats how I got rid of the confusion but there was still a lot to be planned and taken care of.

Andaman is a small place and that too away from the mainland. When you are going for a trip to such a place then you have to be very sure about the arrangements. You can not just reach a place like that and expect to make arrangements over there. I checked for hotels and package tours on the internet but did not find any good one. There is no 5 Star hotel at Andamans and only one 4 star hotel. Through the various sites and blogs, I came to know that there are several good guest houses over there and they are much better than the hotels, at least in terms of location and value of money. Through my dad, I got an accomodation at one of the Ministry of Defence guest house (Believe me, it was a real good one). I got air tickets from Kolkata to Port Blair and back. But still there was lot to be arranged for. Then I recalled Sanjay Upendram (the head of the my team at Deloitte) telling us about his visit to Andamans and a guy who can be a great help in making arrangements over there. I asked sanjay and he gave me the number of Dhinakaran (Extreme left in the pic). I talked to Dhinakar and explained him my requirements. I asked for a trip to a couple of islands and to arrange a bike. Dhinakar told me about Havelock island and made arrangements for a two day trip over there. Before that I had never heard of the place and later I came to know that the beach at Havelock was rated as the best beach in Asia in 2004, by Time Magazine. Dhinakar was very responsive and he assured me that he will make all arrangements. I was still skeptical.

When we reached Port Blair, I was surprised to see Dhinakar in his big car waiting for us on the Airport (that was not the part of the deal)!!! He dropped us to our guest house, told me about the place, dos and donts, places I shall visit etc., and left. The next day he sent a brand new bike for us!!!! On the third day of the trip, when we were leaving for Havelock Island, he picked us up early in the morning and dropped us to the jetty. He had taken tickets for us for the 2 hrs 15 minutes boat ride to Havelock Island. He talked to the captain of the boat and got us the VIP cabin, something one can not book!!!! He had made all the arrangements at Havelock too. We had a booking at a resort and a car with a driver.

On returning back from Havelock, one day we decided to go for a ride. It was pretty late in the night (by Port Blair standards). Port Blair is a very peaceful and clean place and there is hardly any traffic on the road so driving.riding is a very enjoyable experience. We did not have the clue about the directions, yet we were roaming around in the town checking out all the roads. Then, in one lonely part of the town, the tyre of the bike got punctured and we were stranded at least 15 kms away from our guest house at around 11 pm!!!! I was cursing myself for being so adventurous. The nearest place where I could get the tyre repaired was around 7-8 kms away and in all probability, that too would have been closed at that hour. When I could think of nothing else, I gave Dhinakaran a call. In 20 mins, two guys came with a tyre. They replaced the punctured tyre and took it with them. We were surprised and delighted!!!!

Then the next day I came to know that the Dhinakaran, whom I was considering just a tour operator, has a few supermarkets at Port Blair, a travel agency, a cable network, his family owned a restaurant, a hotel and a TVS bike showroom!!!! He is a huge name at Port Blair but more than being a top businessman he is a very nice and helpful person. He helped in making our trip a memorable one. We owe it to you Dhinakar. Thanks a lot!!!!

(I suggest anyone planning a visit to Andamans to contact Dhinakaran (09434281417). He can be of immense help and he does not charge much too.)

US Air Force Pilots vs Maintenance Crews

Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews:

Problem: "Left inside main tyre almost needs replacement."
Solution: "Almost replaced left inside main tyre."

Problem: "Test flight OK, except autoland very rough."
Solution: "Autoland not installed on this aircraft."

Problem: "The autopilot doesn't."
Signed off: "IT DOES NOW."

Problem: "Something loose in cockpit."
Solution: "Something tightened in cockpit."

Problem: "Evidence of hydraulic leak on right main landing gear."
Solution: "Evidence removed."

Problem: "DME volume unbelievably loud."
Solution: "Volume set to more believable level."

Problem: "Dead bugs on windshield."
Solution: "Live bugs on order."

Problem: "Autopilot in altitude hold mode produces a 200 fpm descent."
Solution: "Cannot reproduce problem on ground."

Problem: "IFF inoperative."
Solution: "IFF inoperative in OFF mode."

Problem: "Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick."
Solution: "That's what they're there for."

Problem: "Number three engine missing."
Solution: "Engine found on right wing after brief search."

No More Cricket Talks!!!

Okay, It did take some time to digest but now I have accepted it. We are a poor cricketing nation and our team did not deserve to be in the Super 8. Everyone is talking about the future of the senrior cricketers, renewal of the contract, companies removing cricket players from their commercials, who was the culprit....etc etc. But whats the bloody point? We are out of the world cup and next one is four years away. And if the present state of affairs continue, we do not stand a chance in the next one too....and the one after that...and the one after.....

Now, I am moving on with my life and wont be talking about cricket anymore (No promises though!!!).

Fair Comment....I second that opinion.

Ajay Jadeja on NDTV, "You give your best player the slot he wants, and he does the job for you. Sachin was never performing in middle order and when he was not, as you say, PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY THERE, you gave him the opening slot and rest is history. He still dislikes middle order and enjoys opening, but just to accomodate all other players you want in the team, you ask your best player to change his batting position.. this is unfair..."

Death of a devotee.

I had never thought that I will ever be writing anything like this. Just to give you a background, I am a big fan of Sachin Tendulkar. I have fought for him each time he was criticised, I have cried for him on several occassions. In India, Cricket is considered a religion and Sachin is the GOD. To me, he was always bigger than the game. But today, I feel let down as there is something bigger than him too and thats...... the nation. Sachin Tendulkar owed me a World Cup win. He is undoubtedly a great cricketer....one of the all time best but still he could not get us the coveted trophy. I totally understand that its a game and players can falter but this time he faltered when it mattered the most.

And now Sachin, what are you waiting for. You may have a few years of cricket still left in you but what will you give back to the nation...may be a series win against Bangladesh...a few more centuries....Is that all we expect from you? I think, its time to hang your boots...at least from the shorter version of the game. You may want to sign off in style but you have just missed that opportunity.

Having said all that, I will still respect you for all that you have done. I will still fight for you as you are the greatest that Indian Cricket has ever seen.

State of my Mind!!!!

(Pic Taken in July 2006 at ICRISAT, Hyderabad with Bond's Canon EOS 340D Digital)

Aaya waapas India!!!!

The Indian challenge in ICC World Cup 2007 is over!!!!! We could not even get past the league phase of the tournament. The league phase, at the most, was designed to give a morale boost to the upcoming cricketing nations and the real WC was supposed to start in the second phase, with the 8 strongest teams. Now the Super 8 will be played sans Pakistan and India!!!! India has no one but themselves to blame. They were uncertain and scared in their match against Bangladesh and they let go a fairly simple opportunity against Srilanka. Indians bowled well to restrict the lankans to 254 though they did let go the leash in the end overs. And then the mighty Indian batting line up put a strong display.....of its weakness. Utthapa played positively but inexperience got the better of him. Ganguly, after playing two innings for regaining his captaincy, played an unnecessary and rash shot. He was among the runs in the two previous matches but he was not playing for the team. Runs never flowed from his bat. All he needed to do was to rotate strike. Tendulkar disappointed by getting bowled by an incoming delivery, a long time problem. Yuvraj Singh, who was in supreme touch in both the previous matches, ran himself out and Dhoni got out in the ugliest of fashion. The match did expose Rahul Dravid. He may be a man for crisis as he clutches on to one end but he is certainly not a match winner in the shorter version of the game. I have always maintained that Rahul Dravid cannot pull off a victory by himself when the asking rate is climbing on top of him. He always needs a stroke player at the other end. In the match, when the asking rate was hovering around 7 runs an over, "The Wall" was busy taking singles and giving strike to Ajit Agarkar!!! Well played Captain!!!

Now, the whole of India....the media...the politicians...ex-cricketers...selectors...BCCI..everyone will start playing a blame game. Greg Chappel will be on top of the hit list. People will talk that the "senior" cricketers should have made for youngsters. But isnt that exactly what Greg Chappel asked for? We never gave the man a freehand. He was always under the scanner and constant media pressure. I do not have any grudges against the man. Its our team who has let us down. Its unbelievably painful. :-(

I am Hungry!!!!

(Pic Taken at Mitra Samaj Restaurant at Udupi. This Dosa is called "Outlook Masala Dosa"

Movie Review: "The Pursuit of Happyness"

When I was going to watch this movie, I was really apprehensive. I could sense that its going to be a good movie as Will Smith was nominated for the Academy Award for the movie. Yet I was apprehensive coz of the setup. It was an official team outing and that too after a whole day of listening boring presentations. In a group, you like to watch a fun-filled movie and not a serious one. I was wrong. It is one of the few movies in which I have seen the audience clap!!!

It is a very inspiring movie about a man's struggle to make the ends meet and make a future for himself. He has a 5 year old son and a job as a salesman of medical bone density scanners(!!!!), a product that has limited demand. He is unable to meet his expenses with his job and then one day, he decides to take a risk....He tries and struggles his way to an internship program in a strockbroking firm. The internship is very competitive and does not pay a dime!!!! With his determination, he finally clears the exam and becomes a stockbroker. Will Smith has given a very intense performance in the role of the man, Chris Gardner (The movie is inspired by a true story). You would laugh and cry with him throughout the movie. It is not at all a sob story. Believe me, you will enjoy the movie and come out with tears of joy and bunch of dreams. A "Must Watch" for everyone.

Warning!!!!

Wud you go to this guy with a flat tyre? I wont!!!! What if it isn't really a spelling mistake!!!!

(Pic was taken on 12 Aug 2005 at Bangalore)

Mayday Mayday....My life has been hijacked!!!!!

Have not clicked a single picture in ages, have not seen a movie with friends/family in last couple of months, have not gone on a long drive since last 4 months........I guess, life is getting too fast for me. Work is overtaking me. I have been slogging but am unable to catch up with loved ones, friends and hobbies. Why do people want a good job with a good salary?....they end up paying a lot more.

I would love to take some time off coz I am feeling burnt out. I would like to go some place far away...away from the daily marathon, which is increasingly becoming physically and mentally draining....may be Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, with my Camera and backpack......where I can live for and with myself, for a while....and ya, sleep peacefully.

Adios Bob

After the disappointing and shameful defeat against Bangladesh in the first match of the ICC World Cup 2007, we Indians got busy deriving joy out of Pakistan's premature exit from the World Cup. After all, we are still in contention but Pakistan is out!!!!! That moment of joy was killed the very next morning with the news of Bob Woolmer's death. Woolmer, who pioneered the use of technology in cricket, died in mysterious circumstances a couple of hours after Pakistan's shocking defeat against Ireland. One can never forget the image of Hansie Cronje with a earphone stuck to his ear with a tape. This was Woolmer's idea and he wanted ICC to allow coaches to give instructions during matches. He loved the game and wanted to be more involved. Woolmer's death is a very unfortunate incident and a great loss to the game of cricket. Bob Woolmer had a lot more to offer to the game. Adios Bob!!!!

World Cup Diary

India has already played two matches in the league phase of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. All those Indian fans, including myself, who were thinking that qualifying for the "Super 8" will be piece of cake are now scratching their heads. India lost the first game against Bangladesh, a game that should have been just a practice match before the real tests in Super 8!!! No body had imagined an Indian defeat but boy, did Bangladesh turn the tables on us!!!! Bangladesh's bowling was absolutely great and they did not give the Indians anything. Moreover, our batters played as if they were facing an all time great bowling attack. Barring Yuvraj Singh, not even a single Indian batsman applied himself and tried to dominate the proceedings. All that was required was somewhat positive approach from the Indians. Had someone attacked the bowling from the start, the result could have been much different. Our batters allowed the Bangladeshi bowlers get into a rythm and dominate. Much has been made out of the innings that Ganguly played. I agree that his innings gave the Indian total some respectability but he is equally to be blamed for the dismal performance of the team. In both the matches, Ganguly has been amongst the runs but still he does not look confident. He is miles away from his flamboyant best. Runs are not flowing from his blade and he is fighting for each run. He is giving an impression that he is trying to build his innings by being cautious and that is not what an opener is supposed to do. An opener is supposed to give a momentum to the innings. To make the matter worse, Ganguly (like always) has been running poorly between the wickets and has been unable to rotate the strike. Runs do matter but those should fit into the overall interest of the team. I personally think that Ganguly played a major role in creating pressure for India in the match against Bangladesh.

The second match was a delight to watch. After the first match, India needed to win both the matches in the league phase and that too with a good net run rate. Well, half the battle has been won. India ripped apart Bermuda's inexperienced bowling attack. It was good to see, Virendra Sehwag back amongst the runs. He played like the old Viru, we all know. Ganguly "walked" to his 89 where as Sehwag, Yuvi and Sachin "galloped"!!! The pain point is the bowling. If we are allowing Bermuda to score 150+ then imagine what can Srilanka, with the likes of Jayasuriya, Sangakara and Jayawardane can do to us. I think that India must play Irfan Pathan in the next match.

Let us all wish our boys all the best and pray for an Indian victory. We have to win the match and win it convincingly to ensure that Bangladesh doesnt catch up on net run rate in the last match of the league, i.e, Bangladesh Vs Bermuda. If somehow Bangladesh wins the match against Srilanka then nothing like it. Now thats called the optimism and wishful thinking of an Indian Cricket Fan!!!!

Horn Please

Honking in hyderabad, and I am sure in many places, has a taxonomy of its own.Its funny that you never realise that you can honk different honks as well.

Honk 1: Bep (a short burst of the horn) almost like a positioning system, saying I am here, usually used when the car in front you is rolling back on you on an incline

Honk 2: Bep Bep Bep A string of short bursts: I am over taking you slowly, so if you have plans to change lanes, chill for a few seconds, till the beps stop

Honk 3: Beeeeeeeep: Get the fuck out of my way. Else, I am going to beep the hell out of you.

Honk 4: Beep Beep Beep Beep: No reason, I just like honking kinda like a preemptive strike

Honk 5: Beep Beep: I know that we are stuck in traffic, let me just release some angst

Honk 6: Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee......: Sorry, fell asleep on the steering

Courtesy:Bond...Bala Bond

My answer to the comment on "Mob Censorship: What are we scared of?"

Mr Upadhyay, I cannot agree more to your point that there are not many movies showing the problems of the "majority community" (as you put it). But even if there are no movies to show the problems faced by "Kashmiri Hindu Migrants", it does not give us a right to stop anyone from watching a movie that deals with problems faced by others. And, I do not know why we are deviating from the topic. The focus is not upon the "victim" but the "system". If something is wrong then it is wrong, irrespective of the religion, cast, race etc of the victim. The point that I tried to put across was that we should be OPEN to look at all the viewpoints. If you have a closer look at my original blog, I have talked about the movie "Water" too. Now, that is a movie dealing with the HINDU (Your "majority community") widows. When someone tries to show the problems faced by the Hindus, we try to stop them too. And we do it as we are scared and do not want to change the system, how much so ever rotten it may be. Since we are talking about movies, I will quote a dialogue from the movie "Swades", which I agree with, "Our country is not great but we have the potential to make it great". And for that to happen, we will have to change the system and do away with our myopic vision.

Comment on "Mob Censorship: What are we scared of?"

Mr Amit Upadhyay from Hyderabad has the following comment;

"Rightly said Mr Animesh but dont you feel that these movies show only one side of the whole situation.Now thats what we called 'Secularism' or 'Minority Appeasement'.Whether its indian politics or Media they dont want to show/support any reality related to the atrocities done on the majority community(read HINDU).Whether its godhra/mumbai riots or the situation of Kashmiri Hindu migrants, you hardly find any one raising his/her voice for them.The Kashmiri migrants are staying in slums and there situation is more like a refugee in his own country.You will hardly find any 'Human Rights group' coming in support for them.Human Rights in India means minority rights.If a militant is killed by our armed forces ,they come in support of that militant asking for compensation and inquiry for the killing but if some army jawaans or innocent non muslims are attacked you hardly find any support for them."

Mob Censorship: What are we scared of?

Whenever a new movie dealing with a subject closer to reality comes, it gets into troubled waters. Political parties, activitists, so-called social groups wear the hat of moral police and attack the theatres. They justify this stupid act by saying that the subject of the movie is offensive to the Indian culture or the movie is based on incidents which are not true. But do they actually intend to safeguard the culture and society? I do not think so.

Any incident that occurs in India which attracts national attention, there would be someone or the another trying to gain mileage out of it. We can take the recent example of the movie, Parzania. Its a movie about the trauma a parsi family faces during the Gujarat riots. Now here is a movie based on true incident which people should know about. But still mobs attacked the theatres and banned the screening of the movie in Gujarat. The reason had nothing to do with culture or moralities. It was done to save the face of the state government.

A few years back, shooting for Deepa Mehta's "Water" met the same fate when Hindu activists destroyed the sets, as the movie deals with the sorry plight of Hindu widows. Come on.....What are we scared of? Are our roots so weak that a movie would shake them up? Moreover, where is our right to freedom of expression? And we take pride in calling ourselves the largest democracy!!!!!

We should get a chance to look at the various perspectives, to be able to judge and make an opinion about something. Who are these political parties and activists to decide whats good or bad for us? Somebody has made a movie; Go watch it if you want to or just sit at home. No one is compelling anyone. If I want to watch a movie like Parzania to get a flavor of the reality, I definitely deserve a chance.

Nice picture, isn't it? It was taken on one lonely afternoon at Hyderabad (30th April 2006 to be precise) from the terrace of my place. It kinda reflects the state of my life too....Though I am surrounded by problems galore but I am still there....and I will come out.

Hello Readers, I am Back!!!!

I am back after being out of action for three weeks. I was off due to a personal emergency. From now onwards, I promise to be regular in blogging.

I had been to Delhi and the weather over there was in contrast to the hot weather at Hyderabad. It was quite cold but believe me guys, Delhi looks really beautiful in winter mornings.

Before leaving I had given my predictions on India's WC squad (see below). Though, I was bang on target with my predictions, I do feel that there are some gaps in the side. I feel that the newly laid pitches at the carribeans will offer assistance to the spinners and thus, Ramesh Powar should be on the plane, instead of Munaf Patel. Sreesanth's form in one dayers is also questionable but he gives his 100% on the field and could be pretty effective on his day. Plus, he is a good fielder.

Even with the gaps, India has a good and balanced side and would do well in West Indies. Lets cheer our boys and help them bring home the glory.

INDIA....INDIA....INDIA

Come March 2007 and the whole nation will come to a standstill. People will forget about their problems, productivity in offices will go down, producers will hesistate from releasing their movies, products will come up with fancy advertisements and guys will have the full control over the TV. That is because the "baap" of all cricketing events is starting in early March. And it will go till end of April!!!!! so guys, lots of fun coming our way.

Everyone is busy doing their own analysis, making strategies, selecting a team. Everyone in India can Bat and is also a cricket pandit. I am no different. Since World Cup is round the corner, I thought I (like everone else) will help the selectors make a decision by picking my list of 15 players. Though I must say that it is a tough task. West Indies have built some new stadiums and most pitches are brand new. If I were to believe the statements of the West Indian officials then "no one" knows how will the pitch behave. So it is going to be difficult to pick the team, especially the bowlers. But do not worry guys, I am here. Here is my XV;

1. Robin Uthappa
2. Sachin Tendulkar
3. Sourav Ganguly
4. Rahul Dravid
5. Yuvraj Singh
6. Virendra Sehwag
7. Mahinder Singh Dhoni (He should be promoted up the order if we get a good start)
8. Irfan Pathan
9. Ajit Agarkar
10. Zaheer Khan
11. Anil Kumble

Others: Harbhajan Singh, Dinesh Karthik, Munaf Patel, S.Sreesanth

I think, the above mentioned is the final team that will travel to the WC and to a large extent this is the right combination. A couple of players like Ramesh Powar and Gautam Gambhir are likely to miss the bus even after some good performances. Gambhir has been inconsistent and the conditions at West Indies generally does not suit spinners, ruling out Powar. There are good chances that both these players may not make it to the caribbeans but a lot depends upon the performances of Virendra Sehwag and Munaf Patel in the Srilankan series. Powar deserves a chance though, on expense of Munaf Patel. I would go with Virendra Sehwag instead of Gambhir.

Some sense has finally prevailed amongst the 5 wise men of Indian cricket and they righthly dropped Suresh Raina after a series of dismal performances. Talent is never enough; it has to be backed by good performances. If Raina does not get his act straight soon, he will go the Hrishikesh Kanitkar way.

So guys, I took care of the tough part. Now you guys help me with the easy part. Lets CHEER for the Men in Blue. Something tells me that we are in for a special treat. In all probability (you never know with Sachin), it will be Sachin's last World Cup. I am sure he will sign off in style.

And we have the winning combo.....11 PLAY & A BILLION PRAY......after all, a billion prayers cannot be easily denied!!!!

Superman

When I think of him, the words that immediately come in my mind are loving, emotional, kind, honest, self-respectful and strength of character. Since my childhood I have always admired him. He is a man with a great personality.

During my childhood, We hardly got a chance to stay with each other. And during those days, I used to be so scared of him that I never tried to understand the person he is and how much he loves me.

Times have changed and we are more of friends now. We discuss anything and everything under the sun, much to the amusement of my friends. I have always looked up to him. He has always been there as my pillar of strength. Its always a great feeling to have someone to back you whenever you are making a decision. I know that if things go wrong, some people will stay by my side and most will abandon me........but he will definitely be there to support me and pull me out. He is my Superman.....he is my dad. I love you papa, more than anything and anyone and you know that.

Its a SIX...straight into a billion hearts!!!!!

Dhoni is confidence personified. The kind of shots he plays speaks a lot about the man. These shots make every cricket coach and "cricket pandit" scratch their head with disbelief. He is fearless and has his own style. When in full flow, he is quite a sight.

I personally believe that the team is wasting his talent by pushing him down the order. Players like Dhoni (There are not many) are good because of their hand eye coordination and they like the ball to come on the bat, which happens at the beginning of the innings.

But, we do need a explosive player down the order. Virendra Sehwag has been picked for the Srilankan series. He, after getting dropped from the Indian Team had one good game against Haryana but he still made it to the side. That clearly gives a hint that selectors/team management wants Viru in the World Cup side. I do not question that thinking since even I believe that we need Virendra Sehwag in the WC team. With his current form and level of confidence, Sehwag should play lower down the order. He is very good against the spinners and he can be destructive in the slog overs.

Now with Sehwag possibly filling the position of a destructive player lower down the order, I think Dhoni should be sent on one-down position (It certainly does depend upon the situation though. If it is a slow track, if the ball is swinging around or if India has lost the opening wicket cheaply, then Dravid is certainly the man). That way, Dhoni will get more balls to set himself in and then start "his business". On his day (and on his kinda pitch), he can be rip apart any bowling attack and make any captain look towards the skies for ideas. We need big runs from Dhoni's bat to have a chance in the "Big Daddy" of all cricketing events.

Dhoni's shots may not come from any cricket manual, but they definitely come from the heart.....or I should say....a billion hearts.

Joke: Manmohan Singh Vs Musharraf

Manmohan Singh and Musharraf meet up in Islamabad for talks on nuclear arms. When Manmohan Singh sits down, he notices Musharraf's chair has three buttons on the armrest. They begin talking but after 5 minutes Musharraf presses a button. Suddenly a boxing glove pops out of Manmohan Singh chair and bashes him on his face.

Manmohan Singh, barely believing it, carries on talking but after another few minutes Musharraf presses a second button and out comes a large boot and kicks MMS (Manmohan Singh) in the butt. Manmohan Singh is kicked off but still remains outwardly calm. They resume the talk, but after 5 minutes Musharraf presses the final button, and from under the table another boxing glove hits Manmohan Singh. The Indian PM is really fed up by it now and stands up to leave. We'll continue this talk Next week in the New Delhi" says the Prime Minister. Musharraf, choking from laughing, is too proud to say no, so the appointment stands.

A week later Manmohan Singh receives Musharraf in the Prime Minister’s Office, and as Musharraf sits down, he sees three buttons in the armrest of Manmohan Singhs chair. As the 20 min meeting goes on, Musharraf sees Manmohan Singh press the first button, and ducks really fast, but nothing seems to happen. This doesn't stop Manmohan Singh from laughing.....really loudly.

After this, Indian PM continues where he left off, until he presses another button. Musharraf reacts really quickly, and jumps up. Absolutely nothing happens, and this time Manmohan Singh falls out of his chair laughing.

Musharraf doesn’t get it - what the hell is happening here? But he hasn't been harmed yet, so he sits down again to talk further. After A few minutes Indian PM presses the final button. This time, Musharraf stays sitting, but Manmohan Singh isn't. He's rolling on the floor, doubled up from laughing. Musharraf is really annoyed by now, so he stands up from his chair and shouts: "I've had enough of this, I'm going back to Pakistan "

Manmohan Singh: (Through tears of laughter from the floor) -

"PAKISTAN?? WHAT PAKISTAN??? DO YOU THINK IT'S STILL THERE??"

Amma

Amma is my grandmother. She has been a guiding force in my life. During my childhood, she used to tell me stories that inculcated high values in me (At least, I would like to believe that they managed to do that!!!!). I have cried on her patriotic and emotional stories but believe me, I have learnt a lot from them too. My childhood has been full of such stories and lessons.

Once an old beggar came to amma's place while she was getting out of the house to watch a movie. All the kids, including my father, were very excited as watching movies used to be a luxury back in those days. The beggar seemed very hungry and asked for food. The group was getting late for the movie so amma told the beggar that they are going out. The beggar said that he would wait and he lied down on the porch. The group left for the movie but the image of the hungry old beggar kept haunting amma. Mid-way she asked the rickshaw-wallah to return to the house, much to the anguish of the excited children. They returned back and amma gave food to the beggar. The old beggar was happy and amma was relieved. She could not have enjoyed the movie when an old man was waiting for her to return and give him food. Thats my amma. Today, I am sure that I would do the same thing but a lot others won't. I have inherited it from amma, my amma.

Go India Go

Yesterday was a great day for India. First we convincingly won a cricket match against Windies with Sachin Tendulkar hitting his 41st hundred. And then came the news that Tata has acquired Anglo-Dutch steel-maker Corus. It is a mammoth deal of around USD 12 Bn (Rs 54000 Crores). This acquisition makes Tata the world's 5th largest steel maker with Mittal Steels on the Numero Uno position. Now we have Indians manning two of the five largest steel companies!!!!! India is truly going global. Get aside, Indians are coming. Go India Go!!!!!!

God has silenced the critics once again

Sachin Tendulkar hit a brilliant 76 balls century in the fourth and final one-dayer to help India clinch the four match series 3-1. The innings was studded with 10 hits to the fence and one hit clearing the stadium at Vadodra. Now once again the news channels have something to sing about....and to wait for. Each time Sachin comes up with such an innings, "experts" and the media starts talking about how much the team needs him and how the innings reminded them of the Sachin of yesteryears.

Experts get paid to comment on television and Media leverages such opportunities to sell themselves and out-do the competition. And they wait for the failure. A failure gives them the "masala". In India, Cricket is a religion and there are millions of Indians like me, who worship Tendulkar. Not because of his endorsements, not because of his ferrari, not because of his restaurant.....but because of what he has done and continues to do. Whenever India is playing a cricket match, an Indian forgets about the problems in office, increasing fuel prices, falling sensex, nagging wife/wives.....and gets glued to a television set. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, on numerous occassions, has made them smile and feel proud to be an Indian. So sentiments are obviously attached with Sachin. And the news channels know it. Thats why they keep him in news....be it a good reason or bad. One failure and suddenly he would be old, blocking one position in the team etc etc.

What these people fail to understand is that we need his batting brilliance if we want to have some chance to win the WC. Why are we unnecessarily creating pressure on him? Agreed he is going through a bad phase but wasnt he going through a lean patch before the last world cup too? We know what he is capable of. Okay, do one thing. Make a dream team for the world cup and try filling Sachin's slot with Suresh Rainas or Wasim Jaffers of the world and think if you would bet your money on that team. I definitely wont!!!!

Take a weekend off from Bangalore

Having spent a year and half at Bangalore, I know pretty well that weekends over there can become a huge problem. After slogging for a week in office, one looks for some excitement over the weekend. A newcomer to the metropolis can initially have good fun, especially if coming from a small town and even more if he/she is fond of "madira sevan". Bangalore has a happening crowd and some damn good pubs.

All that is okay but I started feeling bored after a couple of months. After all, how much bird-watching can one do on Brigade Road. And now days, the whole Bangalore heads to FORUM on the weekends, so chances are that you will bump into all the familiar and unpleasant faces from office. And above all, the traffic situation at Bangalore makes one think a zillion times before stepping out of home.

I was getting immensely bored and not surprisingly, I was not an "endangered species". There were several others in my friend circle who were facing the same problem. Collectively we made a plan that we should do SOMETHING INTERESTING on the weekends. We found out that there are several places around Bangalore that one can go over a weekend. Here are some suggestions (I have been to all these places and many more around Bengaluru. If you are ready to take out some time, the weekends can get every exciting);

1. Mysore (Check out the Mysore Palace and the Infy Campus)
2. Ooty (Everyone knows that Ooty is beautiful and I second that)
3. Kemmanagundi Falls (Not really too much fun but go with loads of friends and you will enjoy the journey)
4. Mangalore & Udupi (I liked Udupi more. It has a nice beach but the sea is very calm. Do have the "Outlook Dosa" at Mitra Samaj."
5. Bandipur (see picture) (Bandipur is a national sanctuary. I stayed at Tusker Trails resort over there, which is run by some royal family. It is a nice place to stay at. The cottages, food, swimming pool....everything is good. They conduct safaris too. There is a Jungle Lodge resort and Bush Betta resort. Jungle Resort is government owned and only their safari vehicles have the permission to go off the route into the jungle. Do not be too optimistic about a tiger sighting. The driver of my safari vehicles had not seen a Tiger in two years!!!! To go to Bandipur, one has to hire a vehicle from Bangalore/Mysore. Otherwise one can get take a bus for Ooty and get down at Bandipur.)
6. Nandi Hills (This summer residence of Tipu Sultan is just 60 kms from Bangalore. Go there to watch the sunrise. Breakfast can be arranged over there.)
7. Cauvery Fishing Camp, Bheemeshwari (This is a nice resort where in cottages and tents are available. Nice way to relax away from the maddening crowd of Bangalore. Their breakfast is something to look forward to.)

Kabhi Kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai......

Kabhi Kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai.....Ki zindagi teri zulfo ki narm chhav mein gujarne paati....to shadaab ho bhi sakti thi...

Yeh ranj-o-ghum ki syaahi jo dil pe chhhayi hai....Teri nazar ki shuaao mein kho bhi sakti thi....
Magar yeh ho naa sakaa...Magar ye ho na saka aur ab ye aalam hai...ki tu nahi.. tera ghum, teri justuzu bhi nahi....gujar rahi hai kuch tarah zindagi jaise.....ise kisi ke sahaare ki aarzoo bhi nahi...naa koi raah.. na manzil.. na roshni ka suraag....

Bhatak rahi hai andhero mein zindagi meri.....Inhi andhero mein rah jaaunga kabhi khokar...main jaanta hoon meri hum-nafaj, magar yu hi.....

Kabhi Kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai...

Do you miss those days?

Do u miss those days ....

When we desperately waited for 'Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi'. When Chitrahaar, Vikram-Baitaal, Dada Daadi ki Kahaniyaan were so fulfilling ...When there was just one TV in every five houses.

When Bisleris were not sold in the trains and we used to worry if Papa will get back into the train intime or not.

When we used to go to bed by 9 PM sharp except for the 'Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi' day ...When Holis & Diwalis meant mostly hand-made sweets and moms seeking our help while preparing them.

When Maths teachers were not worried of our mummys and papas while slapping/beating us ...When we exchanged comics and stamps. Chacha-Chaudhary and Billu were our heroes ...When one movie every Sunday evening on television used to be more than anyone asked for and 'ek do teen chaar' and 'Rajni' inspired us ...When 50 paisa meant at least 10 toffees.

When leftover pages of the last years notebooks were used for rough work or even fair work...When 'Chelpark' and 'Natraaj' were encouraged against 'Reynolds and family'.

When the first rain meant getting drenched and playing in water and mud and making 'kaagaj ki kashtis' ...When there were no phones to tell friends that we will be at their homes at six in the evening ...When our parents always had 15 paise blue colored 'antardesiyes' and 5 paise machli wale stamps at home. When crackers did not mean pollution.

The list can be endless ...on the serious note I would like to summarize it with when we were using our hearts more than our brains, even forscientifically brainy activities like 'thinking' and 'deciding' ...When we used to cry and laugh more often, more openly and more sincerily ...When we enjoyed our present more than worrying about our future...When being emotional was not synonymous to being weak. When sharing worries and happinesses did not mean getting vulnerable to the listener ...When journeys also were important and not just the destinations ...When life was a passenger's sleeper giving enough time and opportunity to enjoy the sceneries from its open and transparent glass windows instead of some superfast's second AC with its curtained,closed and dark windows.

Don't you miss those days?

Beauty lies in the eyes of the "Beer Holder"

24 hours in a day, 24 cans in a beer case. Coincidence?

1. The mouth of a perfectly happy man is filled with beer
2. Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants to see us happy
3. Pretty women make us BUY beer. Ugly women make us DRINK beer
4. A fine beer may be judged with only one sip, but it's better to be thoroughly sure
5. Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza
6. When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. Sooooo, let's all get drunk and go to heaven!
7. Whiskey and Beer are a man's worst enemies... but the man that runs away from his enemies is a coward!
8. God has a brown voice, as soft and full as beer
9. The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind
10. I don't have a drinking problem, except when I can't find a drink

Havelock Island

The picture was taken at Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) in December 2006. This beach was voted the best beach in Asia by Time magazine in 2004.

Whenever we think of holidays on beach, the name that pops up immediately is Goa. No doubt Goa is a happening place with some very beautiful beaches. But people looking for a peaceful holiday; people who like to stroll on a peaceful beach, holding their partner's hand......must go to Havelock Island.

There are a few good resorts at Havelock (Barefoot, Wild Orchids, Dolphin). We very reluctantly stayed at Dolphins thinking that it will not be good (It is a government run resort and we did not have any other option left since other resorts were full) but it certainly surprised us. Decent place to stay and good for the pocket too. But ya, do not have food at Dolphins. Wild Orchid Resort is next door and they have a pretty good restaurant and BAR. The seafood over there is really nice and it was a nice experience for a big foodie like me.

At Havelock, there are two beaches...Radhanagar and Elephanta. Elephanta beach is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Its a 45 min boat ride for Elephanta beach. Though Havelock is a beautiful place, one should ideally stay over there for not more than two days.

Havelock is 2:15 mins boat ride from Port Blair. Port Blair is also a very beautiful place. Its a peaceful place and the best part about it are the people. I was delighted by the friendly nature of the people out there. Most of them speak Hindi and English. The Cellular Jail is amazing and all you patriotic guys, you must not miss the Light and Sound show at the jail. The Corbyn Cove beach is the only beach at Port Blair and one can very well give it a miss.