Coherent Musings

Satanic Worship

2012-01-26T17:19:00.000-08:00

They were fighting again.
She: You've abused me for so long. I hate you.
He: But.
She: Go away. I don't want to talk to you.

He leaves and closes door silently behind.
Couple of days and nights go by.

He rings her.
He: Hi.
She: Hi.
He: How are you ?
She: Fine. And you ?
He: Same.
She: So, why do you call ?
He: I want to Thank You.
She: For what ?
He: I have sacrificed my happiness in my worship. And as you know, my happiness was in your torment, so Thank You.
She: What worship ?
He: Satanic Worship. You unknowingly but willingly helped. But now you are indifferent, so it would not work. I have to find someone else. So Bye.

Click.

Past Tense

2012-01-24T16:20:00.003-08:00

Tenses are important in life. I understand that now.

Checkmate

2012-01-17T08:17:00.001-08:00

Either your argument lacks sound logic or you are a hypocrite.
--Manu

प्यार

2012-01-15T07:36:00.001-08:00

लैला मजनूं को लोगों ने पत्थर से मारा,
इन दीवानों ने दीवार पर सर फोड़ डाला.

समय

2012-01-14T10:48:00.001-08:00

भूत, भविष्य और वर्तमान,
काल के आगे सब समान.

मंजिलें

2012-01-13T16:33:00.001-08:00

कुछ मुश्किल रास्ते, कई अनजान मंजिलें;
एक तन्हा सफ़र, कोई मिले ना मिले.

ख्वाहिशें

2012-01-12T15:14:00.001-08:00

इस तरफ उस तरफ, चढ़ती उतरती, दम भरती कुछ सांसें,
इक तन्हा आसमां, कुछ आज़ाद पंछी, कई हसीं ख्वाहिशें.

अरमान

2012-01-11T13:57:00.001-08:00

बादलों की तरह बनते बिगड़ते, उमड़ते घुमड़ते मेरे अरमान.

Hindi Cinema in 2011

2012-01-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

Another year ends and new begins. And we have already witnessed the first mess up of the new year. But 12 months are still ahead of us to treat us with few gems like every year.
Here I list 5 best movies (IMHO) of the 2011 coming out of hindi cinema (and then some works which were good), in no particular order.

- Stanley ka Dabba (Dir - Amole Gupte) Reminds me of those little moments when life was free and careless. An amazing take on a rather serious issue.

- I am Kalam (Dir - Nila Madhab Panda) Another very heart warming little story set in the deserts of Rajasthan.

- Bubble Gum (Dir - Sanjeevan Lal) I am pretty sure, that most of the people haven't even heard of this movie but this is one of the best of this year. A beautiful take on the first teenage love, friendship and small town family life.

- I Am (Dir - Onir) Consist of 4 short stories with a solid star cast. Very small in length but tackles some serious issues.

- Shaitan (Dir - Bejoy Nambiar) One of the darker films of the year. A take on how simple things turn serious and make the worst of us come out in open.

Other good movies of this year includes - Yeh saali Zindagi; Sahib, biwi aur Gangster; shor in the city; 404; no one killed Jessica; 7 khoon maaf; shagird; delhi belly; zindagi na milegi dobara; sahi dhandhe, galat bande; that girl in the yellow boots; chillar party.

Some of the movies which were just fun to watch but not good by any means were - Singham; Force; Mujhse Fraandship Karoge; Pyar ka Punchnama; Tanu weds Manu.

वादा

2011-10-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

ग़मों की परछाइयों में,
कब सोये, कब जागे|
सोचते हुए उनके बारे में,
उन लम्हों को याद करते हुए,
कभी इस तरफ, कभी उस तरफ,
आँखों की गहराईयों में|
खो गया था में उन,
लम्हों की तन्हाइयों में|

खुशियों की धूप में,
कब जागे, कब सोये,
उस हसीं तबस्सुम में,
उस महफ़िल-ए-जश्न में,
कुछ मेरा खो गया था,
जब तलक पता चलता क्या था,
वो ले कर चल दिए अफसाना,
ना मिलने का फिर, आसरा दे कर|

कह कर गुजरा था जो लम्हा,
वापस ना आने का वादा कर के|
आज उस मोड़ पर मैं हूँ खड़ा,
उसी वादा से वफ़ा ना कर के|
रोज शाम क़दमों की आहट में,
सुनता था जो गूंजती हंसी,
आज कह रही है मुझसे फिर,
निभाना अब की इस वादे को|

तन्हा जी लूँगा में अब बाकी,
मौत कौन सी दूर है मुझसे|
लेकिन तोडूंगा ना अबकी बार,
जब तक हलक में सांस हैं,
निभाऊंगा मैं उस वादे को,
जो किया था तेरी मौजूदगी में|
ना करूँगा याद तुझे अब मैं,
तेरी ख़ुशी में जी लूँगा अब मैं|

Karma for Dummies

2011-10-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of talk about karmas on internet in recent times.
Lot of forums and similar places use it in one way or other. So I try to explain karma for those who are unfamiliar with it.

You Hungry.
You make food.
You eat food.
You not hungry.

That is it. That is karma.

इक कारवां मिला

2011-09-11T05:41:00.001-07:00

भीड़ की तन्हाइयों में इक उदास सा चेहरा मिला
तश्दुद की हैवानियों के दरमियाँ एक सुकून सा एहसास मिला
ख्वाबों की परछाइयों के बीच इक जगता सा इंसान मिला
कुछ दूर हम चले तो एक कारवां मिला.

उजड़े हुए सेहरा में एक गुलिस्तान मिला
गैरों के शहर में एक आशियाँ मिला
अश्कों के समुन्दर में इक तबस्सुम मिला
कुछ दूर वो चले तो इक कारवां मिला.

नफरतों के बीच प्यार का इक जज्बा मिला
रातों के सन्नाटे में एक जगमगाता जुगनूं मिला
कल तक हम थे तनहा, आज उनका साथ मिला
इक हमसफ़र मिला और इक कारवां मिला.

Songs and Movies

2011-08-06T02:51:00.000-07:00

Since the time I listened to the soundtrack of Dev D, I was sure that Amit Trivedi is a very talented musician whose music I would definitely like. After listening to that I searched extensively for his previous and upcoming work. Only one major previous work - Aamir, of which I like one song and background score. From his upcoming tracks, there was Wake up Sid, which was disappointing for me and due to the disappointing movie, I never gave enough thought to the background score. So for me it came and went, same was with Striker. But, Udaan and Aisha were a different story. Aisha, although not a very good movie, boasted few very great tracks. And Udaan was the best movie of 2010 (Hindi cinema).

Recently, I watched another movie for which he has given music. Although, movie drags at times, it is a very interesting one. And songs are good too. Almost every one has heard of the item number featuring Ranbeer in "Tai Tai Phiss". Its a good song, but there was one track which gave me goosebumps while viewing the movie. The effect wears down, but song is nonetheless good. It has some hard metal elements, but lyrics are amazing. That song is "Behla do". If you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it along with another one of this year's gem "Stanley Ka Dabba".
And definitely listen to the track "Behla do".

The Insurance Ambiguity

2011-08-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

There is an organization which provides traveling students with insurance to cover their health during travels. It is also viable if student is going to study in a university not in domicile country. And as it may happen, studies may get extended and student would require to extend the insurance to make oneself safe from any unwarranted emergencies student might encounter.

Now to extend insurance you would be required to fill up the Insurance Extension Form. This company has fairly simple form with an inherent ambiguity.

There is a question which is to be answered in Yes/No format. It goes like this -
"Insured has not undergone any treatment/medication or suffered any injury during the same period."

Here "same period" refers to the insurance period.

There is nothing wrong with this "Yes/no" question but problem arises with the note following this question:
"Where the insured answer YES to any of the above questions, please provide details:"

What is one supposed to do ? Give answer as "No" or as "Yes" ?

Interesting

2011-05-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

You know what they say - It is interesting

Bramac

2011-04-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

He was standing in his office overlooking the great expanse that lay under glaring height of the tower of the most influential corporation in the world. It was not just any company, it was a conglomerate which have been a dream of few. They make virtually everything which is now used virtually everywhere. The tower of Horan is deemed as the most powerful place in the solar system. Horan Group consists of nearly 5 dozen big companies and nearly half million workforce.

Nearly two centuries ago it wasn't so. At that time, whole Earth was ready to erupt into massacre called war in which humans would have certainly vanished from the face of planet. It was hard work of those 20 men for nearly 25 years, which resulted in what would prevent the war and spread peace and lay foundation of Horan Group.
It was all about machines. To make machines more powerful and automated to do the job. And making those machines cheap so that even a poor can afford it. Remove the great gap between poor and rich, and there comes an easy balance. People start to enjoy life without worries. Nature become more prominent in their life. Language barriers break, political boundaries shred, cultural differences embraced. It has all happened, and it took 300 years. In those 300 years, Horan Group rose to become from powerful to center of innovation and research in kind of science and technology. And with it, they never forgot the arts giving immense support to music, fine arts and even reviving some lost traditions of even older days.

And now the head of group was standing in his office, proud of his predecessors on what they have achieved. But he felt belittled among those portraits that adorn walls of that office. He felt ashamed that he hasn't done anything worthwhile in his time. All his predecessors were garnered with highest of honors for the breathtaking achievements in their time. In 200 years of its existence, group has made breakthrough in space travels, nano sciences, automated robotics, genetics, medical science. He thought again, what has he done except to continue minor improvements in the previous breakthroughs. He was lost in thought when his secretary brought him back to present.

"She is here, sir", said Ashton.

"Who ?"

"Netin, Chief Scientist, Machines Department", came reply.

"Ahh, yer. Please bring her in, will you ?. Thanks".

And with that he went for his chair across the desk. A big desk with wooden polish, a reminder of old era offices, but not as weak as those. It was made of solid titanium alloy to withhold any natural calamity. One of the oldest product of the office. Even older than the portraits hanging on the walls.

"Good Afternoon, Kar", Netin said coming in.

Everyone calls him that. Its easy to say in almost all known languages. No one calls him with his birth name except for his mother, and she is long dead. Some times he wondered, if people even know his real name. But today was not one of those times.

Netin came in and took the chair across him. He observed her acutely, as if meeting her for first time. But since she was in machines department, they rarely met each other except on regular technical meetings. There was not much to be done in that department. All was accomplished even before Horon came into existence. Brilliance of late 21st century scientist had seen to that. She was not very tall, nearly 5'7", with glasses on her elliptical face. She rarely gave way to any emotions on her face and her eyes was always hidden behind her glasses. Being with machines, she wasn't athletic but her figure told you otherwise.

But, today was different. He could read her face illuminating little more than usual. Something is up, he thought secretly before saying, "Afternoon, Netin. This visit is unexpected."

"Yes, considering we have never met in person except on TMs", she replied.

"And I guess, it must be something important that you have come yourself to me."

"Yes, it certainly is."

Netin paused for a reply and getting none, cleared her throat before resuming again,

"I would start at beginning. All our machines are made to automate the work. And there is little we can do in terms of improving them. The improvements comes in form of processing power and ability to churn out results quickly."

Kar said,"Yes, I know that."

"But, in order to do this, machines are made very specialized. A machine performed to drive can not do any other job unless its logic are overhauled. That makes the improvisation even hard."

"So ?"

"So, what if we make generic machine. On experimental level at first. A machine which could with its processing power could do many jobs."

"Yes, but that's what they tried to accomplish in the 21st century. For some reason, honestly, which I don't understand."

"Yes, the reason was that response period between two orders given to machine was too great. Thus, they cannot harness all the processing power machines had. To utilize all the power at their disposal, they made those machines more and more specialized. Which inherently meant, machines were rendered useless for all other purposes."

"That make some sense. Finally, utilization is the key for balance", Kar said nodding his head.

"Exactly." Netin was joyous, which was unusual even for her, "and our ancestors thought in different way than ours."

"You mean less utilization ?"

"No no, I mean powerful processing," she started again, "The reason I came here is because I have an idea that might work. And that would be the biggest breakthrough in machines in last 400 years, which if successful will lead to new developments in other areas too."

"But you do have large amounts at your disposal" Kar said.

"Not enough. Currently my department has an allocation of 100 million, and most of that goes in traditional up keeping of already deployed machines and making repairs. For this project alone I want a grant of 1000 million." Netin said, calmly this time.

Earlier excitement in her voice has transferred to Kar,"1000 million. What are you going to do, create a thinking machine ?"

"Precisely." She replied, with an odd smile on her face.

"But that has been tried before without any result."

"There was a very fundamental flaw in that approach."

"Give me two weeks, and I will call TM. There you explain your idea, and if feasible I will persuade Board to grant your request. But first you have to convince all the brains in TM", Kar said.

Netin stood up and before turning to go, replied "Fair enough."

It has been intense two weeks for Kar. Communicating with all the major brains to call for TM at such a short notice was a major task. Nonetheless, all came. TM Room was full of the brightest mind of all Earth.
Kar started," Friends, Netin here has come up with an idea, and now she will try to convince you that her idea will work. That is the only agenda on this TM. Now handing over to Netin" and with that he gestured to Netin to take over.

Netin rose up and reached over to the screen depicting nothing but Honan Group in bold font. She gave a glance over everyone and started,
" For last 400 years we have based our machines on a idea devised in early 20th Century. We have improved on that idea but never ventured to think outside the realm reached by that idea. Putting in lay terms, machine process order in sequences. To over come this idea we developed machines with parallel processing powers. Yet they remained inefficient with different approaches on next higher level applied to it. The processing power of individual machine kept increasing but not the utilization of that power. Eventually, all machines were made specialize which is what we see together."
She paused for a second before continuing,
"Scientist of earlier era had tried to emulate the human intelligence in machines. But again they were unsuccessful. Because there efforts were concentrated on single very powerful machine. This machine was inherently inefficient as it processed in sequence. Taking cue from medical science - human intelligence comes from many small parts of brains each controlling one feature. Taking individually, this parts or components are not powerful, but they are highly efficient. And there are millions of them. That is the reason I can see and speak and breathe and listen, all at the same time. We've got one single components which pass the result of other component to appropriate other component. In machine language it is more like functional programming. Result of one process is given to another as data on which it performs. And there are so many of them, that all of them work independently. So, when I say hand-eye coordination, I am essentially referring to message passing between component controlling hand and eye individually. Same for many other combinations. Even more, hand or eye are not single components. Eye consists of other parts each reacting individually. And all work with each other in harmony."

Another pause, this one a little longer to give everyone of them some time to process what she was saying.
"Now, we have enough information about human science to emulate this same function on large scale with machines. That is, I propose to create one single thinking machine consisting of many minions. And yet, this is all just a speculation, but the only one my department have come up with in a very long long time. If we succeed, it would have huge repercussions not just for machines, but for every other science as well. One would not need many machines in one laboratory but just one able to perform many tasks."

"What are the chances that this would succeed ?" Came a prompt question.

"Frankly, we don't know. But I would say around 50-50. It may work and it may not work."
There was a slight chuckle across the room, but most of them were sold. Scientist are easily excited by a new idea, but purse strings are not hold by them.

After one month, Kar and Netin were facing each other again in the same office.

"It has been approved. Took some convincing but it is done. But there is a time limit on you to come up with something. And that is two years. That would mean they are willing to spend just 2000 million on your venture", said Kar

"Thanks Kar. Let me start now, we have got limited time on our hands. And I am excited to get going. This is one of rare moments of pride in my life", Netin said.

"Mine too. Good Luck."

6 months later, Netin was again in the same spot facing Kar.
"So, have you had any luck with your project ?" Kar asked.

"Not yet. Well not anything yet. We have tried several combinations but I have no idea what is going wrong. Theoretically it should work yet it doesn't. I guess its because shaking 400 year old belief is bit too much to ask from my team. But we'll get there" Netin replied.

"I hope so, or we both are in it for thick"

"I know. Thanks for your support. I must get back. We have got another meeting coming up in an hour to discuss next plan of action." Netin said before leaving,"Thanks for everything Kar."

In her office, Netin was bent over a very large bench with printed paper. There were markings all over the paper which was lined with long lines and minuscule rectangles. This was her chart plan for the new machine she has been sweating over. It wasn't a recent dream of hers. Since she started studying about machines, she had thought about a machine which could think on its own intelligently. It was her dream which motivated herself. And it was fuel which kept her engines running hard after hours so that she can complete the design. Once completed, she had rushed to see Kar. And now after 6 months she realized that there was some error. But simulation hasn't shown anything wrong to her. Now bent again on her charts, she was trying to figure out what went wrong. But without looking at all connections it was impossible to say. It was like banging on wall hoping it would turn into door and it would open.

It was 9 in the morning when she woke up. She had fallen asleep while hoping for some instant of brilliance. And now was in dire need of caffeine. After getting her usual dose, she went back to the house floor. Every member of her selected team was there. And they were deep in conversation. Her approach didn't bothered any of them.
"Anything new ?" She asked and all heads nodded indicating no.

Another 6 months has passed without any event.
It wasn't another usual day as any of last six months. They were trying to figure out what went wrong. Time was running out. They have employed enough resources in terms of brain power to stall any other improvements department was to do. For one straight year, not a single improvement had came out.

Looking at charts, Netin wondered, how did this happened ? This connection wasn't supposed to be there. It blocks major pathway between the controller and the ground. Transferring all processing power to less important things. She was looking at the copies of the chart.
She immediately went to her original where she had kept copious notes. Taking those out one by one looking for pathway between controller and ground, she found at last.
And she cried with laughter. The chart had nothing in it. But it was folded in half. A very deep fold. She was relieved. Copies had a connection for the deep mark of the fold.
In the office, everything was put together. This time with originals. And then machine was turned on. It whizzed slowly for its processors were less powerful, and then it came to full processing.
And very slowly It, for everyone used to call the machine It, started its sound processor and out came sound from the modest speaker.
"Hello Netin, Thank You for activating me. By what name would you call me ?"

And Netin replied, with watery eyes, "Bramac."

Waiting for Superman

2011-02-04T17:06:00.000-08:00

Hands down, the best movie of the year 2010 I have seen so far. Well, not exactly the movie but a documentary but still the best from 2010.

It shows crumbling primary education system in America. I guess, India is going down the same line. Those who have money can afford the education, go to the best private schools in the neighbourhood and go on. But the belief that education is the way out - that doesn't help the no money people. They are left with public schools. Not that public schools are bad. But they are plagued with the same problems shown in the documentary and many more. There is class issue, caste issue, and many more such things.

Teachers don't want to teach in those schools. Education ministry is hell bent on making reservations in each area of life but turns a blind eye to the real cause. If only they could enforce the existing laws, situation could improve from current state. May be they don't want educated populace, they won't be elected any more. People are being exploited because they are unaware, uneducated.

So, is it only government's responsibility to do the needful? I guess not. Again as shown in the documentary, individual can and should help make the education more accessible to those who can't get a quality education. From government's position, someone need to step in and remove the bureaucratic hurdles coming in between.

The real problem has been shown in the documentary- Education has become all about adults, but it should be about kids. I guess, its time to rethink the priorities and work on them.

कोई गरज ना थी

2010-07-19T12:11:00.000-07:00

छा चुके थे अब्र काले,
पर आज बरसने को, कोई गरज ना थी ||

चलने लगी थी कलम काली सियाह की,
पर आज लिखने को, कोई गरज ना थी ||

रंगीनियीत तो बहुत थी महफ़िलॊं में,
पर जाने को उनमें, कोई गरज ना थी ||

कूचे में शोर तो था बहुत जुलूस का,
पर सन्नाटे से निकलने को, कोई गरज ना थी ||

ख्वाब की दुनिया थी सुहानी इतनी,
हकीकत में आने को, कोई गरज ना थी ||

बिन बात किये उनसे, निकले थे बरसों,
पर आज कहने को उन्हें, कोई गरज ना थी ||

Udaan

2010-06-19T00:43:00.000-07:00

छोटी छोटी छित्तराइन यादें
बिछी हुई हैं लम्हों की lawn पर
नंगे पैर उन पर चलते चलते,
इतनी दूर आ गए हैं,
की अब भूल गए हैं जूते कहाँ उतारे थे
ऐड़ी कोमल थी जब आये थे,
थोड़ी सी नाजुक है अभी भी,
उन खट्टी मीठी यादों की शरारत
जब तक इन्हें गुदगुदाती रही
सच भूल गए हैं जूते कहाँ उतारे थे,
पर लगता है की अब उनकी जरुरत नहीं...
- Udaan

The Ultimate Question

2010-05-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

Suppose there is God (take it as a hypothesis).

S/He comes to you and says - I'll answer one question you would ask ??

What would you ask ??

After lot of thinking I came up with following two of which I will select any one depending on the random Brownian motion in my blood stream at that moment. How to figure that out?? Left as an exercise for readers.(That's what they use to write in all tricky proofs)

Question 1 - Why girls love color pink? (All feminists stay away - shoo shoo - this is universal truth whether you accept it or not )

Question 2 - Why do we eat chloromint ??

There were other worth contenders too in my idle space like
1) Why chicken crossed the road ??
2) Chicken came first or egg ??

Nail your questions in the comment's section. :)

Once in a While

2010-04-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Once upon a two time, two studs or hunks left after a rigorous session of a workout. And there home was at quite a distance. It was getting late in night, and they missed their bus. Next was not for another 25 minutes. But they knew another bus goes in different direction but drops at the back of their neighborhood. So they decided to aboard that ride. They were talking and looking at the new side. And bus came to halt. They were still seated waiting for bus to move forward. At that moment bus driver who was an elderly lady spoke something to them which was incomprehensible to them. But they understood the gist and tried to ask her when this would move. She replied in negation and pointed to another stop nearby. So they walked out and realized that it was last bus on that route. And there was no other bus on the same route till next morning. So left without any choice, duo decides to retrace their route and figure out a way back home. Looking at map, they decide on route and started to move. Just before a turning from stop, they see a big screen through a 4th floor window. And it was huge. A thought comes to one mind, that we'll just sit there and watch TV till morning and take first bus back. But deciding against it, they walked on.

Going forward, they suddenly saw a car stop at road. So they stare discussing should they offer help or move on. But undecided they kept on looking if the person sitting inside would ask for help. Than, driver made some sign, which was again incomprehensible to them and so they decided to approach him. As they approached the guy, he had walked out and was looking under hood with his pencil torch. Duo asked, what happened and he replied he has no idea. Duo said that they too don't have any idea. So he replied that he might better call his friend who lives around and he might bring some help. So making some small talk, duo decided to move on their adventure. So they said bye, and to their surprise driver replied in Devanagari. Stunned they probed him further. And smiling took his leave.

Talking excitedly between themselves about what they just encountered they moved on. Walk was long, air was tending to be chilly and roadside was beautiful. Sky was clear, moon was shining and road was long. And they were singing. They were tired and they were hungry, but they moved on. They consulted bus stops midway to ascertain their way at intervals. And marched on. After around one and a half hour, they reached familiar place and were delighted. As destination wasn't far now. Soon they reached home. They both slept blissfully that night.

Yet, the best part of the stroll was encountering a strange person in strange land speaking in what they knew best talking about places they haven't been to but knew of.

That happens once in a while, as moon turns blue.

Future

2010-03-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

This is the author's ardent belief that in coming century, three of the most important discoveries or inventions or scientific breakthroughs will be reached.

One, First Contact will be made. For those, who are etched into science and get excited by thoughts of random probing, would have given lot of food of thought to this particular topic. Most would not even agree that the life at our planet, is a luxury not to be replicated anywhere else. But question that looms on the author's mind is who will be the first to initiate the contact. Us or them? Yet, time would answer this, but in coming century, this would be one thing to look forward to.

Second one would be birth of machine intelligence. Do not think in terms of Matrix trilogy or Terminator Saga. By machine intelligence author does not mean, various learning algorithms that aid robots in learning their environment and then responding to it, but machine intelligence in classic sense. When, machines would dominate the life's mundane tasks. But not controlling life itself. Machines which could evolve themselves and have cognitive consciousness, although not literally.

Third, and most important would be controlled nuclear fusion. That would solve the power woes of humanity. That one is the most achievable. It has been achieved at the laboratory scale, but scaling it at the plant level would be the task ahead of the scientists and technologist. This would also be the key player in making the First Contact.

All these three breakthroughs would be great enough to transcend the human thinking and living in a way never would have been possible.
Although caution would be the key, it would serve greater purpose in bringing the peace in already devastated Earth. May be as in Star Trek world, money wouldn't be an issue any more, only the will to move ahead.

Idle Mind

2010-03-01T13:16:00.001-08:00

They say, and by they author here refer to those who say, that "an idle mind is devil's workshop".
Author agrees and disagrees in the same breath.
His take:-
Its a workshop, without any doubt but not owned by devil. Anyone can make use of this one, and do some amazing stuff too. Let us (everyone, inclusive of author) turn this workshop into a scientific laboratory. The one which produces most astonishing results in the world. Some call it insanity, author prefers the word Thought Experiment. This would make an interesting aspect.
On a lazy sunday afternoon, you are sitting and sipping your coffee. Do some experiments that time.

Here's one author tends to propose :- How long could you stay in a room with just one glass window in complete isolation ?
The exact environment is set like this - A 10X10 room with regular glass window, a shower cum WC, a bed with mattress, one ceiling light, usual automated heating/conditioning, regular three meals a day. You got no books, no chair-tables, writing apparatus, no entertainment, no gadgets, no connection with outside world. Did the author say that the room is sound proof (no connection with outside world except that glass window and your eyes)?
In nutshell everything that is seen on screen as solitary confinement minus any human interaction (even of cell guards) and a larger window.
You can get out any time you want, but clock stops ticking.
So, how long do you think you can last in such a way ?

PS: This ain't intended for the people who are not comfortable with silence, so if you are one of those folks, stop your experiment right now and contact the author for another topic. Author can discuss and suggest more interesting topic for your laboratory. Think of it as Dexter's lab free from Didi. :)

Crazy Heart

2010-02-20T02:10:00.000-08:00

Almost a week ago, Valentine's day was celebrated all across world (barring few places).
A couple of days ago, author viewed one very beautiful and musical film - Crazy Heart. For a movie fanatic and music aficionado like author, its hard to imagine to blend both in a single piece. There are few and this one does the same. Author liked the movie, and he liked the song even more. Especially the Globe winner - The weary kind.
One line corresponding to title - "Pick up your crazy heart and give it one more try"

Ryan Bingham has a rusky voice which suits on this song suggesting angst, complains, and hope inside. And use of minimal instruments also works well. Guitar, later joined by percussion and cello(author believes it to be cello), gives amazing sunday afternoon country feel. It is a country song, but never before, author has given a good try to country music but today he opens up his collection to listen to those.

Give it a try, and author is sure that you won't atleast hate it.

On the other note, temperature is rising in numbers but on the other side of 0, and they say, its going to get worse in the coming week. Ski holidays are on in Finland, and author has to complete a paper.

Author, would now devote his leisure time in reading his childhood comic hero - Super Commando Dhruv. Hope that later ones doesn't disappoint. Its great to revisit your innocent childhood every once in a while by some means. As Boyd said in one of author's favorite song lines - "I don't wanna loose, what I had as a boy"

Spring is in the air, you can't still feel it, but when you look at people, they are more colorful. Out of gleam dark shades of winter. Guess, only two season matters for human - fall and spring. :)
Author and his rommie, keep thinking of some crazy ideas, details to be given later. Till then fare well fellas.

The genius in Disguise

2010-02-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Certain times, one feels uncertain about future. The present is even bleaker, and the only good thing about past is that it was left behind. Everyone have their own idea of coping with such times.
Author has a particular way of coping with such times.
One such a fine day, when author's future was not so uncertain, present not so bleak and despite having a glowing past, he was feeling bit down - he took solace under great Sanu sir.
Before any one has any second thoughts, no author ain't talking about the movie fanatic, IIM grad senior of his. He is talking about you know who must not be named.
No no, he is not voldemort, he is such a great persona, that taking his name would be an insult to him. Some hints - he lend his voice to innumerable people, he ruled the 90s with his voice, he had such musical gems under his belt that you would think why didn't you think of it.

Well, coming to the point - this particularly fine day, he created a playlist on his music player, and while listening he discovered this.
A little over than a decade ago, there was this movie - "Pyar toh hona hi tha".
It has one very beautiful song - "Jab kisi ki taraf".

Now here is the genius disguised in the lines of song and hidden from the common man for so long that "things that should not have been forgotten, were lost" (courtsey LOTR - TFOTR)
Yeh dillagi nahi, dil ki lagi hai

Enjoi the song amigos and amigas.

P.S. For those who are still guessing the name of one who must not be named - Kumar Sanu.

Cham Cham - Striker (Sonu Nigam)

2010-01-24T02:29:00.000-08:00

One of the best romantic tracks I have heard in recent times. Sufi note in music, urdu in lyrics, and qawwali tone - all works along with one of the most reliable playback voices in the industry.

Here goes the lyrics, again one of the best to come out in recent times:

jannaton ke dar khule kuch baashinde the chale

le aaye wo nanhi jaan us khuda ka ek payaam

tab se tu hai jahaan mein ban ke raunak yahan ki meri jaan

khwahishon se bhi aage jo khushi ka mile wo armaan…

rare rare raaa durururu ra… rattatarara… rattatatrara… rirerarara..

cham cham jhilmilate ye sitaron wale hath

bheeni bheeni khushbhoo jaise teri meethi baat

ujla ujla sa ye tan, jaise mehka ho chandan

baahon mein teri guzre mera ye saara jeevan

teri ada mein masoomiyat hai phir bhi hai shokhi rangeeniyat hai

taaron se bhar doon main aanchal tera,

rab se bhi pyara hai chehra tera.. chehra tera.. chehra tera…

rare rare raaa durururu ra… rattatarara… rattatatrara… rirerarara..

phool hothon pe khile chand aankhon mein mile

phool hothon pe khile chand aankhon aankhon mein mile

bikhre moti subah ki jaise kirne teri ye muskaan

noor barse nazar se noori tujh mein basi hai meri jaan

teri jhalak ki pyasi nazar hai

deewanagi ye tera asar hai

roohane rangon ka ye aanchal tera

sapno ki raaton ka ye baadal mera.. baadal mera.. baadal mera…

rare rare raaa durururu ra… rattatarara… rattatatrara… rirerarara..

dheere dheere sar chadha tera jaadu aage badha

dheere dheere sar chadha tera jaadu jaadu aage badha

hua khud se juda main phir bhi tujhpe fida main meri jaan

ishq le le tu le le le le, le le mera imtihaan

soone safar ki tu sohbat hai, bakhshi khuda ne ye milkiyat hai

aaja saja de gori aangan mera, jaise sajaya tune lamha mera.. lamha mera.. lamha mera..

Random Musing

2010-01-18T01:59:00.000-08:00

One small misunderstanding will tear apart the relationship one has nurtured and cherished for years. And life is way too short for such misunderstandings to linger on.

So, patch up, say sorry Shaktiman, and move on. Do not let go of those whom you value.

And by the way, did I say, give them time, and they'll surprise you.

I remember only this line from a very long book.

Place where Ideas grow

2010-01-14T12:03:00.001-08:00

Author is not going to preach or supplement his theory with all the mundane data or facts, which by the way no one looks at.

This is a hypothesis developed by practice and thus can be treated as an Axiom instead of experiment requiring data or theory requiring proof.

Now getting on, the author says that in this world ideas are one of the most important entities in themselves. More important than ideas themselves are the places where they are grown. Since his childhood, the author has some delusions regarding what those places are. But during his college days, lots of time on thinking and analyzing has given him some ideas about these places.

All in all, he came with three sure fertile places, where ideas not only are sown but flourished into full grown entities.

First of the places is your bed just before you are about to sleep. Now if you aren't like the author whose only sacred duty in life is procrastination, than your names will be surely written in the pages of history. Here we can discount the fact that those history books will never be read by anyone, including your own clan. But nonetheless, that is one of the most fertile places. The only reason why ideas grow here don't see light of day is because we prefer to sleep, and by the time we wake up everything's lost; but do not worry, author has two more fertile places for the lesser mortals.

Second of the sacred places is the shower. Yes, take a shower, and you'll be highly probable to bounce upon a billion dollar idea; or something which could change the way people shower. The only problem - we are not sure whether to abandon the sweet and relaxing shower in order to pursue our ideas or to hell with it. And most of the times we end up with the latter option and there goes one more world changing idea down the shower sewage.

Last of the trinity is the toilet (WC). The most life changing ideas strike our rather relaxed head at such pristine time only. But then nature has a funny sense of irony. That is the only time we can't pursue them vehemently. But if you are an innocent prey of the tiger called constipation, you spend hours shaping and giving life to your idea. Just do not forget to execute them.

Here the author would like to take liberty to make couple of notes.

In the corporate environment, where there are no places to sleep (if there are, they are very few), or to shower, the best bet for an employee when presented with a dire situation is to capture an unattended toilet. But this can't be for everyone, as you might understand; no company takes the pain to implement one employee one toilet rule. Come to think of it, it sounds absurd too.

Another point, having a longer duration during first two would result in loss of the idea and it has the reverse effect if you do same in third.

Why ? There is a sound reasoning. All three are ways to relax. But excess in case of first two leads to fatigue and loss of sound mind, while in third, it still relaxes you. So now you know what the author intends you to do in your free time.

Time, Money and Me

2010-01-09T11:30:00.000-08:00

There was situation, when I had plenty of time and no money and I needed money.

There was situation, when I had plenty of money and no time and I needed time.

There was situation, when I had no money and plenty of time, and I didn't needed money.

There was situation, when I had no money and no time, and I needed both.

Lets revert back a decade and half.

A buck use to mean a big treat at those times. I used to be a small boy town. Big amounts were needed to only to pay school fees and barber cut and buy some magzines under supervision of parents. A buck meant in the hot evening of June meant an ice candy. And I used to carry two, one for me and for my bro. Times were simple and plenty, money was not an issue to be happy. All u needed was a cricket bat, your gang, an empty road and no exams. That was when I had plenty of time, but no money and I never needed any.

Near the end of last century, I turned into a big city boy after a move to the financial capital. But money was still not an issue. Though amount has gone up from a buck to 10 now. A treat was 50 bucks which included your pals as well. But time became a problem. As school timings were odd. But I managed. My demands grew though, starting with a walkman, to a computer and a music system to blast way. But they were met with careful planning. That was still when I had time and no money and I needed none.

After 4 years in that city, made a move to another sleepy town. There, we had plenty of time. Time to dream, plan, plan to every single detailed step. We had the courage to shape up the plans, we had the partners in crime, what we lacked was money. Though we had enough always, but somehow we felt not to slpurge that hard earned money of our folks. That was the time I had plenty of time and no money, though I needed money. My demands grew even in that times. A cellphone, a laptop, a digicam.

After another 4 years. I moved to the silicon city. There I worked hard to earn what I deserved. I earned enough. And I splurged enough. Now careful planning was not in the sight. That was the time, when I had plenty of money but no time and people with whom and on whom I could spend. I needed time.

After two similar years, I am now at another world city. Here I work hard and no one pays me too. Now I am in the situation, when I have no money and no time, and incidentally I want to have both not just to be happy, I am happy as it is but to enjoy the refinement and fulfill few other dreams which demand both in plenty.

Guess that why they call those year wonder years when you have time and no money but you don't give a damn.

And yes, a very happy 2010.

One Movie question ?

2009-12-20T07:08:00.000-08:00

Watching a movie couple of nights ago, I stumbled on a question:

what would be one movie you would like to watch if you knew that this would be the last one of your life ?

I hope that I would get some interesting response, (assuming the fact that someone goes through the pain I put them through here).

Macthmaking

2009-12-08T23:53:00.000-08:00

Most of the readers(I assume there to be atleast one [;)]), I would safely assume, knows about the match making process in India. For starters, it goes like this - potental groom nd his family meet potential bride and their family over dinner, snack, drinks or something like that. They chat together than leave the potential couple together for like some 15-20 minutes to gauze whether they are compatible or not. I also take the liberty to assume that most of you might have witnessed one. I did twice( or lets say thrice with me passing the third incident here.) Both happened in Delhi DC while having my dinner with few friends. If you know India than its not a big deal to make out when the family are together for an outing or when the matchaking process is going on. Now, this post ain't about the match making process either. But something which I witnessed last morning while waiting for my bus, and what I had read in the night before.

I was reading Two State by Chetan Bhagat(Thanks Bro), and when I slept I had complete entertainment from the book. So next morning while hurrying up so as to not reach my class an hour late (I had alredy missed the bus, which could take me class at the right time), I went off.

Now the best part of the morning like this is you are still in the state of your recently read lines. So while waiting for bus, I was looking around, and I noticed two poles. There are many in the street, but this morning this two were special.

There were two pigeon(or atleast pigeon looking, which I will shamelessly refer to as pigeon henceforth) were sitting. This pole was quite near to me. So I can make out the distance between two pigeons which seemed to me odd, as if they had to sit so far there were other poles too. Then I stood gazing at other ple transfixed and their at that moment truth struck to me. The matchmaking in the pigeon community was going on. On the other pole, the whole bunch of pigeons was sitting all with their back to the couple on the first pole. I was stupeified at this thought. I was smiling and contemplating the theory. I reasoned, with more than valid points that the pigeon family were quite rich (both of them). By rich I mean not in money or something which we humans usually fool ourselves with, but in the strength of their wings and so. Why, you might ask. Because they were matchmaking here. They have to come from Delhi to this exotic place for the matchmaking making them rich and yes exclusive too in their clan. Or, one of the family had settled here which again was special for other. After all, how many pigeon family could boast of a foreign settled groom/bride. That was an exclusivity.

After reasoning for few more minutes like this, I focussed on first pole. It was again a sight confirming my theory. Now, I am not an pigeon expert. So this are just theories. But, the two pigeons here were so parted with each other, that half of the family from other pole could easily fit in between them. And they weren't even looking at each other (their beaks gave away this). Now, this has to be from the family raised in the cultured society like India, where groom and bride don't talk with each other even when their parents want them to (well sort of).

With lost in my thought, and smiling at my next Nobel prize in Biology for this amazing social discovery in pigeon specie, (and yes imagining myself reciving it too with the gold medal), I realised that my bus has arrived. I boarded the bus, and continued with Two States.

P.S. : I believe that this post would be taken in good humor but even than if I hurt someone's feelings I apologize, it wasn't intentional. Please forgive this poor soul and pray for the Nobel Prize.

Madness

2009-11-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

At times, I just feel mad.
Mad about my decisions, my routine, my life, just everything connected with me.

And than, this feeling goes away,
and I become a completely mad person with tranquility.

I hate myself

2009-11-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

Every single day since I can remember I woke up with this inherent feeling in me.
I wake up hating my self every single day. And this feeling lasts from couple of minutes to few hours.
But it does have a profound affect on my routine and on my day too. I can't eat or drink until this feeling goes away.

On another note, I hate bad breath. I hate it so much, that there are no words to describe this feeling.
A person can be repulsive to me just by having a bad breath. One don't have to do any thing else. I try not to show any offense and try to be polite, but it just gets on my nerves. I want to leave their company as soon as possible. Or at least to get at a safe distance from their mouth.

And that's why I hate myself too. I hate bad breath so much, that I can't stand even mine. So I can't breathe properly till I had my teeth brushed. That might be longer than anticipated depending on my mood and workload/play load.

But the point is, I hate bad breath.

Come to think of it, assume that you are in a big business meeting, and the other person is having a really foul mouth(literally I mean). He come to near you, and babbles something to you. Your complete concentration is n holding your breath rather than listening to him.

Or take another situation, you are going to kiss your better half. And as soon as you go near their face, that smell hits you in the brain. You back off awkwardly, portraying the "yuck" emotion over all your face. You just experienced the most stupid way of breaking up.

But bad breath can cause it.

So my advise, brush your teeth, clean your tongue as soon as you get up.

Back to Blogosphere

2009-10-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know what was I thinking when I deleted my previous blog. I don't know why I am creating this one.
But I know this, there are many things I want to write about.
May be its the chill in the air that keep hitting me every now and than.

But than, I have an affinity for them.

This place, no this weather does something to you. It seems harsh at first, but than you start loving it. A feeling starts to creep in, saying in all the capitals "Life is indeed Beautiful".

Even when you goof up, there are smiles- silly and helping, encouraging smiles all around, not the sarcastic echo of seemingly harmless laughter.

What more could a guy ask for - a pleasant/cold weather to walk in, some crazy friends to party with, some sounds to listen to, few good books to dive in, - and of course a gal to die for.
Last one's still a dream. What can I say?

But every now and then, the childish heart of mine prompts me to go out in rain and get drenched, and this all understanding mind of mine advises me other way.

After all said and done, all you want to be is happy or as eloquently put on the internet by some anonymous person - "Than, You don't understand Life"

Three cheers to this beautiful Life.