Potato's Mantrum

2010-10-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

This blog might look dead. but the brainchild is not.

yes soon i will crap out bad ideas.

Superlative

2009-12-10T02:15:00.000-08:00

Well, this sounds so me.

Exasperated Potato- I

2009-11-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

Books Bought (Or borrowed) Books Read

1. Idle Thoughts of an idle Fellow 1. Idle Thoughts of an idle Fellow

- Jerome K Jerome

2. The Pollysyllabic Spree- 2. The Pollysyllabic Spree

- Nick Hornby

3. On Liberty- JS Mill 3. Blankets- Craig Thompson

4. Never Let Me Go- Kazuo Ishiguro

5. Confession of a Murderer- 4. Crime and Punishment (half)

- Joseph Roth

6. Mafia Princess- Anotnie Gianciana &

Thomas Reener

7. From Plassey to Partition

- Sekhar Bandhopadhyay

8. Creating Histories- Windy Signer

9. Gods On Earth - Peter Van Der Veer

I must confess one thing-- The idea of this post is not "original". I was reading 'The Pollysyllabic Spree' by Nick Hornby and then I thought why not start a series of posts on "stuff I’ve been reading" (that book is precisely about that). So here it is. These posts wont be any book reviews but it will be kind of experience maintained by a ‘impatient yet hopeful and enthusiastic reader’.

When it comes to books, I cant say, if I have any fixed choice. Most of the time, they are suggested by friends and if not friends, then backcovers. As one must have guessed by seeing the list of the books I bought, its easy to conclude they are mostly based on random and whimsical mood swings.

For past two month I 'planned' to read lot of books but as it turned out, apart from books I read everything. Well, I think, reading is a very domestic activity and therefore susceptible to change if domestic conditions change. For me, I need a proper environment to read...whether fiction or non fiction. I mean, who would want to read if you are back to your home city after almost a year and there are friends, parents, siblings etc, around, giving you full attention. But as I said, reading is susceptible to change in domestic environment. Well yes, after fifteen days, all attention was gone and I realized that I have been living like a vegetable ignored in a refrigerator. Soon after the realization, I made an urgent trip to a bookstore. I thought I would pick Hard Times by Charles Dickens. The reason was- I was in mood to read something heavy. But then fate has something else to offer and I accidently stumbled upon "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow" by Jerome K Jerome... the title of the book appealed so much that, I thought --this book is written for me... at least considering my status then, it was apt. So yeah, Hard Times was dropped and I got "Idle thoughts..." To be honest, I think this book is for men in general. I dont know if any woman can ever relate to this book. The reason being that author wrote his personal thoughts and some of them are actually thoughts we MEN think. Topic ranges from idleness to love to vanity to memories. Except for the last chapter 'On memories' I dont think any woman can relate to it. But nonetheless its fun to read and fun is not sexist.

I remember, one day I was sitting alone in a coffee shop and was in a very bad mood. The only thing I wanted to do was to shout, "fuck you" loudly. err... I mean I was not angry on anyone but in general irritated and crowd around me was adding to the cause. I started reading random chapter from this book. And Man! this book became like a stranger you meet in journeys who makes whole journey comfortable or like a friend who comes with a surprise gift on your birthday or like a hot girl asking your phone number in a pub. I went "Geeeee" after reading it. This may sound as if I am saying too much. But the truth is that within 10 minutes of reading, my mood changed completely. I was giggling and laughing, that too sitting alone. People in coffee shop were giving strange stares but then who cares.

After a short while, I also started, Crime and Punishment. A masterpiece but you don’t want to read such stuff when you are in vacation. I did because I bought this book almost a year back and ignored it completely, like many other books which I bought and ignored. I felt compelled to do some justice with this one. Every alternate day I use to read Crime and Punishment and in between I use to read Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow. Whereas the later got over, former continues its “torture”. And its been 4 days that I have not touched Crime and Punishment. But nevamind, I shall finish that too.

Another random book was Polysyllabic Spree, sometimes boring, sometimes funny… nothing special with which you can stick too though. And so is this post and the likes of it coming in future. I don’t know if Nick Hornby is actually a funny guy in real life like he shows in his book. His other novels are quite famous ones, few of them are movies now. But really, after reading this book, I doubt if I want to see those movies or read his books. But I am such a pathetic new age 'cut-copy-paste-er' that I still take his idea and decorate this blog with a new post. Perhaps, it has something to do with my dream to become a famous columnist sometime in future. (yes! One can laugh here). So yeah… Nick Hornby writes for Believer Magazine. And right now, what best I can do is to write in my blog. All said and done, if for nothing, then I will somehow read books for this blog’s sake.

Coming back to my reading spree-- After sometime, domestic conditions changed again, and this time I changed my city. As usual, lot of planning went to drains, I continue to be a Happy Vegetable. Though I am trying to read a lot. Recently, downloaded a graphic novel- Blankets. Well 'downloaded' because it was a friend’s choice and book was too expensive to buy. Finished it almost in 3 to 4 hours. I needed a break from so called “heavy” stuff… I wanted something light and Blankets happened at right time. The reason why I don’t want to continue with Crime and Punishment, atleast for a while, is simply because I need a break. My laptop is full of war movies and concept albums. Everytime, I want to see something light or listen to not so-serious music, my laptop proves to be a failure. The problem is that-- all movies and music are so rare I cannot delete them and because of which no space is left. But nonetheless, I borrowed some new books from a friend and enjoying it. Right now, I want some crime stuff or some hijacking or some comedy.

Confession two: I am just bored of classics now. I am so bored of non-fiction (atleast what I have) its not even funny. Right now, I want some bullets, some adventure, some fast drama, a superhero.

So for sometime, I want to relax with a book and bowl of popcorns beside me. Lets see what happens next month… as of now I “plan” (yes! I am smiling when I say that) to work with my blood, sweat, tear, and some ass. I hope I find some time to read. (I am still laughing on my audacity to say- “if I find time”)

Long Live Potato!

The need of G-Wave

2009-11-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

I have been using internet (read emails) for more than eight-nine years now. And except for some minor addition/improvements in some features, here and there, I havent seen much change in the whole format. So I am bored now. And who has the answer, who it can be but -- Google. Below are two videos and I am sure, they are the future. Have a look.

So what is it?

And after you are done with the first one, now in some detail. (Especially check the new translation bot)

But the sad part of the story is-- it initially opens on invitation basis. The worst part is, I dont have. But if someone needs it, here is the last resort. Fill this form and wait for google team to respond :(

Creativity Slump

2009-11-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

Well, yeah I have nothing to write as of now, so I made this playlist:

Enjoy

Couch Potato

2009-10-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

If you cant figure out, what to do next, internships are over, idle weekends, then you can lay your hands on anything given below. Well, this is what I have done in my idle time, I had in past month. So I just thought to share it. Here it goes:

Movie: Downfall- A German movie on Hitler's last ten days. Based on account given by Hitler's personal secretary, who was alive till 2002. A powerful movie, shows story of the other side. This movie was in lot of controversy because it was alleged that it sympathies with Hitler and his party people but after watching it, I dont think so if that is the case. Viewer can easily feel the inherent malice or shortcomings or evil, whatever you name it, whenever Hitler came in the frame. The movie is also about the inherent tension of conscience which people on Hitler's side would have faced. All in all, a must watch. Awesome screenplay, racy plot and there will not be a single moment when viewer will feel bored. Camera work will give you out of the earth experience. One can easily feel as if he/she is in Berlin during that time.

One of my favorite scene from the movie was when during the end, when group of soldiers were debating over whether they should surrender or suicide, one soldier asks the other one, "Why do you want to live on?" The other soldier questions him back, "And you? Why do you want to die?" The first soldier answers, "You see this" (showing him a cyanide pill) "the Fuhrer gave it personally to me". In a bitter tone the other one replies, "As last honour?" "...maybe" answers the first soldier.

Music: 1. William Ackerman: A Grammy award winner Guitarist and composer of acoustic- based instrumental music. Each and every track he composed has power to send one in different world at once. Listeners wont feel any need of vocals because music speaks for itself. One of my favourite tracks from his twelve albums is Floyd's Ghost from the album Imaginary Roads.

Whole discography is available on torrent, so download it without any second thought. I have decided to buy original collection and when I die, I will give whole collection to my future generation through a Will. Absolutely priceless collection.

2. Pink Floyd: Ok yes, everyone knows about it. But the difference is that I am not talking about comfortably numb or high hopes or shine on or any such super-famous song. Below is the list of few songs, according to my rankings, which one should not miss:

1. Fat Old Sun: A slow ballad. Pink Floyd does'nt have many love-songs to its name. Well, if I have to make a playlist for a serious romantic date, then this song would be there for sure. Its a perfect dream in David Gilmour's voice and lyrics.

2. Two suns in the Sunsets: From the album The Final Cut. One of the lines, in the song- "the sun is in the east, even though the day is done" is a metaphor used for Nuclear Explosion. But an excellent song for a lonely long drive.

3. Fearless: From the album Meddle. I think, its about attitude of people towards an individual who tries to achieve something different. It was an underground hit when it was released.

(well there are more, a lot, but then some other time, I realised I have to write a separate)

3. David Gilmour: His 2006 solo project, On the Island. Two songs--This Heaven and Smile, makes him a genius.

4. Rudaali: Well old is gold. Apart from "Dil Huum Huum" track, another track "Samay Dheere Chalo" can send shivers to ones bones. Out of three versions, Bhupen Hazarika's version makes it magical, dark and spooky.

Books: Well two books for different needs.

1. 'Idle thoughts of an Idle Fellow' by Jerome K Jerome: Collection of 12 essays on random topics. Trust me, its not a book where you will roll on floor laughing or anything but it will make you laugh from inside. An old classic and a perfect mood setter. If books are man's best friends then this book is one of the best.

2. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dyotovesky: Well, to warn you beforehand, this book is not for dreamers and people who think a lot. This is 'Existentialism' at its peak. It has power to depress you, even if you are in the most brightest of mood. Its a book, which is hard to be read in a detached manner. Its a story of very poor, unemployed young man, who plans to kill his landlady because he owes her some money and thinks she is intellectually inferior to him. After killing, guilt overtakes him and whole book is about his thoughts, before killing and guilt thereafter.

Websites: 1. Stumbleupon: If you are bored, just keep stumbling and you will never stop. Almost addictive.

2. www.8tracks.com: Make your own playlist of 8 songs, based on certain theme, of your mood, and share. And if you are not interested in making your own, just browse and play other mix made by people. Best part-- its free, no long registration process also and fast.

3. www.searchslate.com: If you use google chrome. Set your home page using its beautiful themes.

Softwares: 1. BookSmart: A freeware available on net. Make your own books and if you wish to get it published ask the company guys. Pretty decent price they have. Check out: http://www.blurb.com/

2. Times Reader: A software which brings 'The New York Times' daily edition to your computer screen. Though maximum part would be locked for unsubscribed users (well, for subscription u have to pay..quite a lot..in dollars) but there is free access to front page, business news, photographs in news, videos (and you dont get them in newspapers), etc. A newspaper lookalike software. Super cool. Available on new york times site.

3. Tweetdeck: Well, now one can access facebook, twitter and myspace (but who uses that?) in a single window. Status update with a single click for all accounts. Extremely user friendly. Super fast. A must for Twitter and Facebook users. Download it from: http://www.tweetdeck.com/beta/

Ok, this was a long post. But there were many things also. I wish, I could write more, especially on movies. Anyways, will write more if I come across anything interesting.

The Paper Notes

2009-10-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

"At every possible place, I left pieces of paper

In a hope that,

when you pass by

you'll pick some, or at least one.

One day the Wind was strong

That very day, I saw,

Time acting like a mortal soul.

Though papers were blank

But they both cared less.

Then after few moon talks

I wrote few lines

and left it near the door.

Now its been quite sometime.

With that paper still on the floor,

mild wind brings in smoke

and time drones."

Kalyug ka Pandit- I

2009-10-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

After this post, perhaps I will abscond from India. Right Wing believers will issue a fatwa in my name, for sure. But that’s ok I will take my chances. The story which is described below is hazy and ambiguous in its source. So, I think I should get benefit of doubt.

Well, to clarify first, rather than saying I am a theist, I would say I am not an atheist.

This post is an alternative view of--- how God should have done?

These views are not my views, Pandit Ji will tell the tale with his alternative explanation/ interpretation. Now there is this problem with our Pandit ji. He got disillusioned long time back. Well this incident dates back to his childhood. Once as a kid, he tried to show the whole world “the saint” inside him but then... Alas!.... Someone at the last moment interrupted, and forcefully applied mascara on his face and crowned him. That day Pandit Ji cried his heart out. Today, lets give The Disillusioned Pandit Ji the role which he wanted to do long time back.

I am sure, things would have been different if he was not mascara-ed and crowned that day. Anyways, to know the consequence of this “reverse fairy tale”… u can read the conversation:

Me: u there?

? …………….

Pandit ji: sorry some one was talking to me abt hanuman

me: WHO

hanuman!!!!

WHY?

Pandit ji: …

...

im actually in the diwali mode

i have to get into the work mode!

so this person was telling me abt how hanuman had a son

basically hanuman was supposed to be a brahmachari

but what happened the story goes

after burning lanka

his tail was on fire

so he went and swam in the sea

to cool himself off

and he was sweating a lot and so this was taken in by a fish

and fish gave birth to his son it seems

i told him my interpretation

basically he got badly burned

me: so,,,, people don’t excrete sperms when they are burned??

Pandit ji: arre he was found on the shorelines by this hot fisherwoman

he cudnt resist

then basically they did it

and his son was born

so my theory is tht he procreated with a sri lankan woman!

Yaaa

Me: ……..

Pandit ji: and sweating tho happens no..

so basically something else was taken in by the woman

i didnt tell him like tht

but im thinking it

hehehehe

basically look hanuman sweated when he was doing this

something else came out which was taken by the fisherwoman...hot sri lankan woman

and hence his son

me: hahahhahahaaaaaaahahahhahha

hahaahahahahhahahah……

(For readers of this post---

According to Websters Dictionary:

Blasphemy (Blas"phe*my) n. [L. blasphemia, Gr. : cf. OF. blasphemie.]

§ An indignity offered to God in words, writing, or signs; impiously irreverent words or signs addressed to, or used in reference to, God; speaking evil of God; also, the act of claiming the attributes or prerogatives of deity. When used generally in statutes or at common law, blasphemy is the use of irreverent words or signs in reference to the Supreme Being in such a way as to produce scandal or provoke violence.

BRAVE NEW WORLD - I

2009-10-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

This post will be one of its kind. Its gonna be long and descriptive and disgusting too.

Finally, time had come. Semester got over and this time for a change it was "home coming" for a long period. Normally, I have my tickets ready for the next place after home but this time it was simply--going home.

Traveling for me is more about looking around rather than reaching a particular destination. When you are traveling alone, I guess, you have enough time to look around and think about it. Different people, their strange habits, culture and things in general can attract your attention and make the most morose journey an interesting memory to hold back.

Well this post are my some thoughts on journey from gandhinagar to delhi and delhi to lucknow. To add on this, I will also write something about my two days stay in lucknow.

I might sound like a snob, sexist, regionalis-tic (i am not sure if it means anything), gross, disgusting and other bad things in this post. But I cant help it, these are my thoughts. I saw them and now I am writing about them. So i offer no apology.

To start off, I need to write something about Buffow. If Vishal Bhardwaj makes sequel of Omkara, I would suggest him to make Buffow Ajay Devgan's bodyguard. He looks almost twice as I am and has strength of three-me. To add on this, if I have to romanticize his character more, than I would suggest you to read about Luca Brasi in Godfather. Well at least his public image was near to it.

My relationship with him was/is of hello hi... except for one trip few years back, I dont remember after that if we interacted properly. Anyways we shared our auto to Ahmedabad railway station. Just after fifteen minutes of auto drive, I saw sudden wave of tension on Buffow's face... didnt exactly know how to interpret that, I offered him to share a smoke. He took it. Then he said, "Dee-u-de, I panic". Irritated by the “Dee-u-de” sound and quite confused about what he meant, I asked him "You want to smoke whole cigarette, I mean you can?" but it has to be more than a cigarette, after all it was giant Buffow who said the words "I PANIC", I thought may be I am in trouble too, I should panic too, so I finally asked "kya hua? why of all things panic? ". He replied, "I cant travel Dee-u-de, I get restless during traveling". Ok, I was not expecting this at least, what happened to your bad ass tough guy thing man? But anyways in that confusion I tapped his shoulder and with a serious face said, “don’t worry man! This too will pass…. Just a small journey man”. My consoling tone sounded like as if Buffow was fired from a job and his wife ditched him on the same day. But anyways Buffow was still serious and “panicked”. I thought to take off his brain from traveling-phobia, I will start off a conversation. I don’t remember but somehow he started telling me about this place in Patna where apparently “no one goes, not even people who live there go there”. Well, that was his words and I don’t know how is this possible, I didn’t question that. Buffow told me how with his friends, he has been there and had good time without any problem. Then he started off with a story where he saw one guy on his honeymoon getting beaten up by some taxi drivers in Patna and his wife crying (Now, I don’t know why would any couple will go for Honeymoon in Patna) and Buffow didn’t do anything to stop that fight. That night he cried and cursed his friends for not doing anything and stopping him to help that poor couple. He said he felt as a “Napunsak” that day. Crying part was bit in excess but really considerate of him to think like that.

Well by the end of the auto drive Buffow made me believe that he lives somewhere in Wild Wild West-- he has been in Naxalite areas, once as a kid, he was held by some dacoits in a bus on a gunpoint, he is friends with some maverick cops and have seen and done almost everything and anything. I almost felt like a Chinese talking to an Indian, I mean I also stay in same part as he does, but never heard or met, any sort of a person who has seen all this. Off course, I am not challenging his experiences, I am sure they all are true. There can be places where no one goes, underground tunnels with fully furnished house inside and couples can definitely go to Patna for Honeymoon.

Well finally, we boarded the train. Un/fortunately, he had his reservation in AC coach and mine was in sleeper coach. So, we parted with a promise to meet in delhi station. Journey was normal; I met another classmate inside, most of the time I was talking to her dad, whole journey went off pretty easily.

From Delhi to Lucknow, I had reservation in AC coach. AC Coaches are like morgues, people simply don’t talk to each other. The girl who was sitting next to me was reading “You Can Win by Shiv Khera” and was on page number 3 after two and a half hours of reading. The only time that girl and I bonded was when uncle sitting on the other side of me farted, not once but thrice. Uncle was sleeping and farting loudly without even realizing that he is in a train, with co-passengers and in an almost air-sealed AC Compartments. I was acting like a buffer zone between uncle and the girl. I remember distinctly, first time it happened we smiled and got back to whatever we were doing, second time it was still ok with a little disgusting expression, but I guess uncle just ate too much, third time, it looked as if she is gonna kill me… may be she was suspecting it was not uncle but me, but I cleared her doubts by giving same disgusted expression and pointing my finger towards uncle. That was the only smart thing I could have done at that time. Then after number three, uncle woke up, asked me to look after his luggage, and left compartment for fifteen minutes. All's well, that ends well.

Railway toilets are another site to watch. I mean in the whole train, toilets are the most sovereign places to visit. One of the freest places on earth, where right to expression is absolute. I guess now Indian Government should start putting A/UG/PG signs outside the toilets. But all said and done they are definitely informative too. If you know someone who has any problem related to speech, piles, sex related issues, stretch marks, short height, night falls, or something like that, and that person cannot find a doctor, please ask him/her to visit Indian Railway toilets. I am sure he/she shall find answer in one or two train journeys. Another part of the walls is full of manifestation of frustration and “other” related advertisements. Apart from hand-sketched genitals, one may find several one-liners giving away phone numbers and addresses. One such one-liner I remember was— “Hi my name is Sweethi, my phone number is 9**********. I am 22 and I enjoy sax with any body” (No, I didn’t take the number). To me it sounds more like a frustrated guy’s work than actually someone putting up numbers like that. If police have to find potential serial rapists they should start taking handwriting samples from train toilet’s or they can install hidden cameras (off course they wont face the direction where people “do” the stuff) in the toilets. Or they can put a metal detector on the entrance of toilet, where any sort of metal (like nibs) can be easily detected. My empirical analysis shows that all scribbling on the walls is done by blue ball pen, occasionally black pens too. No one will take a marker to scribble inside a toilet. And even if someone does its easy to find out who is carrying marker in a compartment. Hence metal detectors installed outside toilet entrance can help us to find potential serial rapists.

Another unusual and discriminatory thing I noticed inside the toilet was the—dabbas/lotas or whatever you call them. Ok, I don’t use train toilet’s but I think of hundreds and thousands of people who use would use them for all purpose. During my journey from delhi to lucknow, which was in an AC compartment, I noticed a Dabba tied tightly with a CHAIN and kept under the tap. I also remember that from Ahmedabad to Delhi in sleeper coach there was no such facility given. Now what is this? I pay more doesn’t mean that I do things differently!!! Secondly, where is this country heading, the Government cannot trust its people with a mug in toilet!! So they tie it tightly with a CHAIN!!!!! I mean who on earth will take that mug away??? Not even the poorest of person on earth would want to do that. All in all, you pay more you stay clean in hygiene and live longer. You travel in sleepers, you die soon.

Now I know who will say “you are so obsessed with toilet and shit”, so I should clarify I was simply smoking there and doing nothing. Post about lucknow will be on the second part of this article. Its already 5:20am.

On memories

2009-10-09T01:20:00.000-07:00

"That is just the way with Memory; nothing that she brings to us is complete. She is a willful child; all her toys are broken. I remember tumbling into a huge dust-hole when a very small boy, but I have not the faintest recollection of ever getting out again; and if memory were all we had to trust to, I should be compelled to believe I was there still."

The New Buzz of Bezlum

2009-09-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

Generally I dont remember "first interactions" with people. But this was different. Four years back, I was sitting on the last seat of hall number 6 in a boring lecture. Those were the times when there use to be no air-conditioning in class. Boring lecture combined with hot humid atmosphere was making my stay hell. Fifteen minutes of lecture and I was feeling restless and uneasy. Half of the class left for smoke breaks and evening-snacks... even I thought to do so but then I decided otherwise and ended up attending the whole lecture. The reason for doing so was not academic, I stayed back because of a girl.

I distinctly remember, she was wearing a yellow t-shirt on a blue jeans. I also remember, that was the first time in college that any pretty girl was talking to -ME, rather than me doing otherwise. I was thrilled and suddenly got a feeling of an "interesting" person to talk to. For first half an hour, I felt "smart" and "handsome".

Conversation started with normal academics and went to anything and everything. Within twenty minutes I came to know that her father is a doctor. She has a younger brother and few of her relatives stay in mexico. Half an hour went off easily and there was no sign of her stopping. She went on and on and on. In the last fifteen minutes I just saw her lips moving but still I was enjoying the attention. To add on this, I was also enjoying Dada Dexters envious looks. Class got over, I went for a smoke. It felt as if I was smoking after a century. Later, a sad realisation dawned upon me-- She is like this with everyone. She is friendly to even monstrous looking people around. There was nothing special about me. I just happened to sit next to her... that too accidentally. After that class and many years later, I never thought I would write about her like this. I never thought I would remember that "class".

Well I would name her for the purpose of this blog. Henceforth, she would be Bezlum Biwi. The taxonomic origins of her nick-name is still unknown. But till few years back she was associated with that name.

But then why am i writing about her? Well, she is a new guinea pig of this blog becasue Smart Boy is on the roll. To put it in brief- few days back he asked her out and she said yes.

But then what so special about this relationship?

To answer that, I have to go in history and philosophy of three different people. Dada Dexter who is sleeping behind me, the other one is Smart Boy himself and the third one is myself. Dada and I stay in extremes of situations. Smart boy can relate to us both. For this moment lets say that Smart Boy has lived in both extremes. But I guess I will write about that thread later in detail.

Bezlum and Smart Boy look very happy and sappy nowadays. I remember Bezlum's Tshirt message she was wearing on her first day of "committed" status, it goes like "I am no EVIL but I am upto no good" ... well I dont think so there was any symbolic meaning in that... but still it was funny :D

Jokes apart, I hope and wish, good times for both of them. Bezlum you are upto good for sure and definitely you are not evil. And I promise to write more in future. Cheers!

On pointless-ness

2009-09-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Today I read a strange line in one corner of the college. It goes like, "My life is like a broken pencil, pointless".

So I was thinking if there is anything "pointless" in life. Certainly not, there cannot be anything pointless or without reason. Our own mental construction may render some things in life pointless but I am not sure if it works that way.

Among many other reasons I think one approach is particularly problematic. We tend to look at things in a very "result-oriented" manner. If I am doing this "will I get money", if I choose this "what will happen", if I dream this "will I get it", and so on and so forth. We start seeing pointless-ness in things when they dont fit in our boat of expectations. If things dont work out, the way we want, we start rendering things pointless and worthless.

This addition or subtraction of values to a particular "thing" is solely decided by one parameter- Whether we succeeded or not? Success, in every loose sense of its meaning, is such an overrated idea that we forget to realise that failures are equally (and sometimes more) important than success.

Sometimes failure exposes better part of a person than success does. If you want to judge a person's character, rather than seeing his progress report, its more appropriate to see his reactions in adverse conditions. Failures strips person's character in open.

If today I am earning in 6 figures and working in a fantastic office with best work then I can be good honest, humble, modest, kind and caring to you. But what about the times when life was hitting hard, how did I react then? I dont think so I need to elaborate on this. It speaks for itself. I judge myself and others thinking about my and their dark times and our respective reactions.

Both, Success or Failure, are not permanent. They both are in transition stage.

If we all start giving "failure" its due value, I guess, we will realise point-ness in life.

"Set your status here"

2009-09-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

I think of times ten years back and before that. I just wonder how frustrating it was, to be not able to express yourself in realtime, when you are sitting in an empty room and there is no one to talk to.

Thanks to google, when they gave this amazing concept called "status message". If you see them, on the face of it, it means nothing, sometimes it will look like some "wannabe" stuff. But if you think about them, then one may realize its potency.

Imagine, a broken heart, a political view, indifference, hope, death, fear, happiness, joy, love, subtle messages to someone, frustration, ignorance, sarcasm, luck, silence, memory, humour, expectations, intuition, illusions, delusions, endings, starting, envy, depression, elation, enthusiasm, confusion, truth, lie, and what not, almost every emotion can be captured and conveyed in that one line.

One line can make your day, or destroy it completely. Sometimes, even not putting any message can generate anger. Sometimes behind those smart one liners, exists a deep truth concerning someone or some feeling. There is so much to read between the lines. Its strange, but harmless.

From past two days, I have been collecting these messages. Its like "Bank of Emotions":

wonders why is there so much of silence outside when it is so chaotic inside

is gonna go home.. not soon.. bt will go!

They might take my dignity, but they will never take our straws!

while you were hanging yourself on someone else's words, dying to believe in what you heard, i was staring straight into the shining sun

2 Fs
yucky net!

the clutches of insanity...

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known." ~A Tale of Two Cities~

Happiness delayed is happiness denied!

aaahhh..lime slush!! makes me blush..hey who pulled the flush? am i a dusss?

the big black world

wants to hug and cry. stress.

The 'Escapist'

in Malaysia

tick tick boom!!:)

I have realized the perils of status msgs...

the ultimate judgment day...

they r taking the hobbits to isengard

Ignorance is Bliss!!! The more we know each other, the more we hate each other...

An 'i' for and 'i' will enlighten the (w)hole world...

pumba inspires me

God isn't dead

..........................

“When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.”

I got tired of waiting, wondering if you were ever comin around.. My faith in you is fading.. When I met you on the outskirts of town..

I find them simply amazing. Lethal, crisp, and beautiful. Well, I will keep recording them and posting them here. I guess they are not worth losing. It could be, I am just adding undesired value to them, but nonetheless, they are beautiful written thoughts in ones mind just to tell what his/her "status" is.

Forever Mine

2009-09-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Eight days old was he when he came to me. And "it was love at first sight".

Loves morning tea, prefers chola bhatura than chicken, never stayed in chains, killed one goat, attacked 9 humans, got drunk once, got beaten up, fought cancer, fell in drains, bit me once (near my eye, and then didnt eat food for a whole day), hate cameras, prefer his bed than sleeping on floor, got jealous when he saw my youngest sister, .... got lost and then found.

For all his adolescence, his aim of life was: Bitches, Bones and Barking.

From past six years everyday, religiously pees infront of my ex-girlfriends house.

There were times when he came in front of my school and went back with me.

His relationship with me is different from any other. He has been there with me in one of the darkest and and brightest of times. We never expected anything. Been a very possessive friend. Never been explicit about his emotions. Never complained about anything. Understood me, I understood him.

Today dad told me you lost your first tooth, and now you are given boiled stuff for sometime... you growing old man. You fought cancer, you will deal with this too.

Its been exactly 12 years 9 months 12 days man and strange things have happened, I know. Life has not been fair to anyone, not to you neither to me.

I still remember when you went missing for three days, I almost died in those days. Thinking of you tonight. Wherever your next stop is, I am sure it will be better than this. Right now I am listening to "ordinary world" ... this one for you old buddy. Forever Mine.

OBI: For the Beginners

2009-09-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

Shakespeare once said, 'When we are born we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools.' To tell you the truth, when I was born I didnt cry. It was only after few minutes, a nurse spanked me and i cried, of course that was because they didnt want me to choke and die. But if Shakespeare is right, then in this 'great stage of fools', I was one of them. Hence, Obi was born.

I heard somewhere that a man is continuously influenced by his surroundings, like the books he reads, the people he meet, the movie he watches, school, parents, friends, college, office, incidents and accidents. Well for me, from Chacha Chaudhary to Orhan Pamuk, Duck Tales to Silk Stalkings, Kishore Kumar to Floyd, and from Curls to Spam, ...I have come a long way. And if you think that spanking incident didnt have its influence on me. Think twice. Obi is 23 now.

If world is 'stage of fools', then this is an epilogue of the play, which is not finished yet. Below are some of its key characters, about the rest I will write later.

(The order below is not according to preference or anything...they are random :D)

1. Dada Dexter--- He is a scientist, exploring boredom and inactivity. A botanist. He believes that sloution of all physical and mental problems in this world are present in nature. Before he became a botanist he was a theologian, he used "rationality" and "reasons" to negate "Virgin Mary" thoery in Bible.

2. Bumble Bee--- For her the question of life is--- If not you, then Who?

3. Smart Boy--- Well "smart" is just his outer appearance. Since 1986 he has been trying... trying hard to "do" things, but failed, miserably. Completly averse to any activity where one has to read or write. In his whole college life, apart from exam sheets he has not written anything anywhere else. Sometimes he leaves his backbone in almirah but all in all one of the closest and best.

4. Antichrist Rambhakt--- For her life is divided into "public" and "private" domains. In public domain she is an Antichrist Rocker, in her private domain she is a bhajan singer. Quite recently, I caught her red handed with a sappy playlist named after a "date". When asked, "why this date?", she said "Its been 3 months of our relationship." and Obi, " (%^%$%$*()_)*&(*&^&^%$) "

5. Dr. Watson--- He is assistant to Dada Dexter. Short, eyes of a assasin..most of the time coloured.

6. Denning Patekar--- An artist lost in law school. A poet trapped in case laws. But well that was the case few years ago, now he is looking for salvation in magic lamps.

7. Arian Sap --- Constellation wise we were born at the same allignment. Very sappy, gossip freak, reserved. She is also known as "Thunder Thighs". A close friend..still single...and thats where we bond, when we have to bitch about other couples.

8. ET --- She is from planet "zchliopaenia" which is somewhere 20000 light years away from earth. Contrary to the theory propogated by Hollywood Flicks, this planet has underdeveloped brain mechanism. They look like starved human, run like a camel, they have no other instinct than the "basic" ones. They still believe that earth is flat and star allignment influence the mating seasons of humans.

9. Gandalf --- Pretends to know everything. When in love, then looks for advice in constitution books. And of course ends up in a muddle. Will write about him. Both of us are like rocks for each other. When life hits hard, we always have last cigarette left for each other and plethora of philosophy. He is shorter than me, and doesnt feel good about it.

10. Indie Girl --- Sometimes you can just smile and sit back to see her strange quirks. Tries to act as a retard, and most of the time succeeds. Introvert. Has a strong thinking and imaginative brain. Physically slothish. Independent. Has a Dinosaur appetitie (she can eat more than me). Simple. Different from the rest. Will soon write about her too.

So, they were some characters in this play. Door opens....

PS: No one asks who is who. All defamation suits will be dealt in Lucknow jurisdiction.

The 'Empty Truth'

2009-09-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

There was nothing special about today. As boring as hell, as usual as ever. To my surprise, Dada Dexter came to room after 3 days, we bonded with each other over a cup of coffee and one drag of cigaratte, then he played some sappy songs and left.

Same playlist is on, i am just too lazy to select new songs. Dada music taste is very sappy, with lights off in my room, I wonder what dada thinks after listening these songs!

When I run out of ideas and vocab, I stare at my gtalk messenger list. So i decided to do a Gtalk survey. Its 1:25 am and lets see what is up---

Currently 17 people are online,

out of that 5 are in idle mode,

1 is a gtalk language translation bot,

6 in busy mode, and

6 in available mode.

Out of 17 people who are online 9 are girls, 7 males, and 1 is a non-living virtual being. (7th male is almost gay)

12 people are using standard status message. 5 are using non-standard and self written status messages. One is definately refering to "bestiality", second has political overtone, third i can't understand (though I guess it relates to 'sex'), fourth is about "acid" addiction, and fifth status message is something personal.

Out of 7 males who are online, there is no reason whatsoever to talk to them, they all are college mates.

I will describe the girls---

1. Chamiya Hippie-- She is from Mordor, that disqualifies her from any sort of interaction. and moreover I am not very comfortable with people who stay online in available mode for whole night and keep their chat "off the record". (She just asked if i know any proxy website.... i didnt!)

2. 1989---This pseudo name has nothing to do with George Orwell, thats her date of birth mentioned in her email id, works as a warning notice--- 'KEEP OFF PAEDO'

3. Retired Rocker--- I use to hit on her.... or may be I just tried inside my head. Didnt work out, her boyfriend is online, rest is understood.....

4. X--- Well I dont want to waste my time thinking her nick name and why I dont want to talk to her. I just dont talk to her.

5. Y--- Not from my college, boring, dumb, and when she laughs i feel like spraying "HIT" on her. Simple!

6. Blabber Bladder--- She talks a lot. Doesnt stop. Morning, out of courtsy i messaged her, she didnt replied back. So whatever! I dont care actually.

7. Nigga Hilton---- Imagine if Paris Hilton had afro-american lineage. Well she would have been like her. Do I need to say more?

8. Z---- ijustwonderwhyihavenotblockedutillnowurboreusuckIYAWN.

9. ___ ---- she went offline. I dont even remember who was she!!!

Conclusion: The only person I can talk to is "en2hi" --- the gtalk bot, my sole friend online. I can brush up my english hindi translation. As it is, angrezi is weak.

Bawdy has just asked me to read a random moot problem and give my suggestions. Now i have to look into it, think, do some credit less work, so that bawdy can show off his intelligence and get laid.

Indie Girl and ET asked me to stop smoking, Indie Girl saw me coughing in court that day. I will not smoke, atleast, slowly I will do away with this addction. Indie Girl said it twice, she is thinking. Obi will slowly and gradually will give up smoking.

2009-09-06T03:05:00.000-07:00

Dead cockroach rots in the pickle jar.

I smoke because i love the taste of tar.

Jingle bells kept in an empty bar,

what those some flies doing behind that old car.