Year 2003 came with great promise, but all hopes for our family were shattered when we faced the biggest calamity, Dad left us in the very begriming of the year. A sorrow which we are still coming to terms with, a vacuum which can never be filled. As the year passed and as we have slowly realized, life has to go on.

Amidst this gloom and solitude, one thing i realized was the strength that i have with me. The strength of the wonderful people called friends, who have been there in real terms during good times and bad. Who have been that source of strength and inspiration, who have been pushing me hard to smile and to live life like Dad's brave little girl. Thanks a lot people, for making me a part of your life.

As we big good by to 2003 and 2004 becokns, here's wishing all of u a very happy new year. Have a blast on New Year DAy, and May 2004 bring in loads and loads of good wish, health, happiness, wealth and smiles.


Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Another year has just whizzed by, and along with the year so many memories, sweet-sour, happy-sad. That's how life is meant to be! At the threshold of another year, I gear myself to face the world, with renewed vigor. And as I grow a year older today, I pray that I grow equally wiser !

From the minute start it has been great, so many calls, wishes, cards, flowers...amazing, am just dumb stuck. Long forgotten friends calling is what has just taken me by surprise. Thanks a ton all of U...U made my day :)

God Bless all of U!

Updated my bloggers list, after a long time...sorry for the delay people.

A simple word or a deed by someone unknown, can make or break our mood.

This has happened with me y'day and today...seen both the faces of the coin in the span of 24 hours :)

Daily Vigilance

Just as the bald eagle must be vigilant every day to survive in this old-growth forest of giant cedar trees, we too must be vigilant every day in our old (or new) growth companies to protect assets, win new business, survive the downturn, and prepare to thrive in the eventual upturn

This is the quote on the cover page of a journal called "Executive Excellence".

"Strange are the ways of the world and stranger are the ways of men." This is one quote which always comes to my mind come what situation. Wonder who said this, its the most appropriate description of the vague behavior of human being.

Human behavior has always kindled my curiosity. And this is not a recent development, As a year old kid, I tore the first twenty pages of one of the bibles of Psychology, which my aunt has brought for herself. Maybe I was so disgusted with the way it was depicted that I just let my fury on it.

Irrational and illogical behavior gets me on my nerves. I loose my patience when people try to monopolize and get their own way with people. Its not that I let people use me as a scape goat. But my silence at times is taken for granted. Each time I decide, enough is enough, but then I forget sooner than expected, but forgive I do it very very slow.

Going through Ferzana's blog, I was dumb stuck. Though I have been following whats on with her, I have not had the strength to write to her. I just hope that she gets over this sooner than she expects it to get over.

Again, Strange are the ways of life and stranger the ways of men??

My latest Possesion:

Alto LXI, white color

An early birthday gift :)

Never realized that its 3 days since I made a post...I am letting myself get so unaware of the world around me? I don't know...Maybe its just that I am cruising along with the current without the knowledge of whats happening.

Too much for a Friday evening....cut it out. Have a good weekend and I shall catch up Monday with more brightness :-D

Neither am i superior, neither am i inferior
"I AM WHAT I AM"

This always reminds me of the song from Mother India...its such a adoreable song....and so very meaningful...

"na mai.n bhagavaan huu.N na mai.n shaitaan huu.N
duniyaa jo chaahe samajhe mai.n to inasaan huu.N"

"DREAMS visit us when we are asleep, but God is truly wise, He wakes us up each day and gives us every chance to make our DREAMS come true"

Am sure this statement would make u smile and brood upon the magic of dreams. Dreams just don't come true in a day or two, for a few it takes a life time, for some much less than that. Whats more important is to have faith in the magical world of dreams to come true.

All of us have dreams and ambitions in life. Things in life are divided (according to me) as "Must have", "Good to have" and "Nice to have". Ofcourse this list changes at our whim and fancy, becoz we are the creators of dreams and we are the ones who need to pursue it.

Dream is to have that pretty dress which you would have seen at the mall, dream is to own the car which someone always drove and u looked with awe. Dream is to bring the smile on ur face and onto others upon successful accomplishment of a task, dream is the content look after reaching the one goal in life.

I suddenly realized that my goals and dreams seem to be changing like the ever changing demands of a teenager. Something i have never had control of...the past...the present or the future...

I will think a trillion times before i swallow a tab...read this

Picture this:

A pigeon whose wings got clipped (God knows how), starts hoping, out of no where two dogs start fighting to get the chubby pigeon as their dinner. This was in one of the posh residential layouts and the dogs belonged to a rich fellow. I was about to park and get out, when I saw this cruel scene. To distract their attention, I started honking loudly, and the pigeon tried to hop under one of the big cars, but the dogs were hell bent on having a upper hand on it...I could not stand it longer just came away from there. Feeling lousy that i could not do anything at all for the little birdie.

So strange na? We tend to loose control over small things in life and there is absolutely nothing at all we can do.

Patthar Kaha Gaya Kabhi Sheesha Kaha Gaya
Dil Jaisi Ek Cheez Ko Kya-Kya Kaha Gaya

Sheron Mein Us Husn Ko Kya-Kya Kaha Gaya
Badal Ko Zulf, Phool Ko Chehra Kaha Gaya

Soche Toh Yeh Bhi Ek Kafaas Hi Toh Hai Jise
Teh_zeeb Ki Zubaan Mein Kamara Kaha Gaya

Ek Baat Ekhteyaar Se Bahar Jo Ki Us_se
Kis Khubsoorti Se U_se Tamaana Kaha Gaya

Hairat Unki Bazm Mein Mohbaat, Nikal 'Zaffar'
Mujhse Gunaah-E-Gair Ko Apana Kaha Gaya"

"Lyrics: Zaffar Gorukhpuri

Back after a good break...from peace to chaos.

Ramadan (check the archive) the month of mercy is coming to an end. The feeling during this entire month is totally rejuvenate. The feelings of serenity, charity, sensibility, control of sense come in abundance during this month. Not only are u restricting yourself from food, but all the evil and devilish thoughts and actions. To think of it, its practiced by every Muslim with the same fervor and gaiety. All are equal in the eyes of the Almighty. Extra prayers, extra charity, extra smile and not to mention extra food. It is a time of worship and contemplation. A time to strengthen family and community ties.

The holy month ends with celebration, on the first day of the 10th Lunar month of the Islamic calendar, the day is Called Eid-Ul-Fitr...The day when the faithful get together to pray and start the year afresh. Preparation for the festival begin right from day one of Ramadan, there is a certain delight in this festival which is absent from other occasions.

I am taking off for a week from today, will be away from blogging, hopefully the next month should see me back with rebounded and renewed energy. Till then Eid Mubarak to all of us, May Almighty bless us all and may peace prevail in this world. Ameen!

My posts for this week have been contradictory, though they came in the reverse order. Also realised that after a long time, i have made long posts....am i boring people?

New pals made

Life has been moving on a fast lane. Do I hear someone say "Whats new about it?"

Last week, I handled a complete different responsibility at work. I was nominated to take care of our Director's wife, while he attended to business. Why me? was my question, and someone said, u know the city like the back of ur palm and I chuckled so loudly, they thought I was mad. Scene here is so bad with me, I sometimes don't recognize the back lane of my house, and the entire city as the back of my palm? Anyways since the responsibility was dumped on me, I took it with a smile.

The entire exercise turned out to be more fun, I realized that I was representing the entire Indian Culture, oh boy! too much for my weak shoulders, but I am glad I carried it with ease and had the lady asking for more. Mrs. Director, a German, a marine biologist by profession, who has now turned to be a full-time mother, was a amazing lady, the wisdom in her face shone so bright I was awe-struck. After a round of about 4 hours of shopping, where she brought some exquisite sandle handicrafts, pashmina shawls, silk scrafs, chudidar's and hold ur breath a lovely green saree. She looked so elegant in the emerald green saree, that everyone at the store had to turn around to look at her. Ofcourse many on-lookers found it funny that a European wearing a saree...but believe me she looked gorgeous.

After a wonderful four hours of shopping, chatting, discussion ranging from home to studies to work to religion to ethics to cooking to what not, we came back to the hotel. As i escorted her to her room, she called me in, i was to give a gift to her on behalf of the company. Much before i could do that, she suprised me with a gift. Nothing small, a neat Swarvoski Broach. I was so surprised and touched, i stood there gaping at her. A smile and a hug made me come back to my senses....i just could not beleive it. We parted after promising to see each other at the official dinner. And ofcourse, since i took her around while on my fast, made me score more brownie points with her. The dinner not to mention was a good one, just hoped that India has won the Bangalore match and made our evening more memorable.

As i walked into the office and showed it to a few people they could not beleive what they saw. Was voted the richest lady the company. ;-)
It so happened that the next day i was again requested to take another Customer for shopping, ofcourse recommended by our Lady, this again was fun, and i didnot get a gift at the end of it.

A thouroughly enjoyable experience, and a rewarding one too.

Goodbye to another great pal

Weekend as always was hectic, possibly they are meant to be so. Apart from being hectic, this particular weekend kinda began on a sad note and that left the entire Sunday to be spent in a retrospective mood.

We finally bade farewell to our grand, good old Ambassador, our priced possession for 11 years and 6 months. From the day it came in to the day it left, each day has its own unique memory. We being a big family, this was the right car for us...and we have thoroughly freaked out with it.

Watching someone drive it out was a very tough situation and since i have been the family driver for a fairly long period, i have been more emotionally attached to the car than rest of them (I can hear them scream nooooo already...glad very few of my family reads my journal). From ferrying kids to school and college, to daily shopping and family picnics and weddings and joy rides, the car has tolerated quite a few decibels of noise from its inmates. It has been the rough and tough vehicle of the family. 10 months after Dad one of the often used vehicle by him has also bade goodbye to us....a lot of emotion attached to it.

Till date i remember the first time i single-handedly tried to opearte the car, the huge piece of metal would not budge an inch, inspite of my ranting and grumbling. It took me full 20 mins to get it out, that was when i had "just" learnt to drive a car...but being the never-say-die attitude person, i got it up and running, and not to mention was on top of the world. If i am able to drive perfectly well today, its all thanks to the dear old amby baby. It has been rightly called my "baby"...Infact i could write a whole book related to the funny and not-so-funny incidents which i have had with this car. Part of my celebrity hood at town is due to the good old car. The garage at home looks odd with the Santro in there (our latest possession), for the car does not even occupy half the space. Good bye my dear friend...stay happy

Well...all that comes has to go...lessons of detachments in abundance...

H A P P Y C H I L D R E N'S DAY



Keep the kid in u always alive!

Continuing with the Sleep talk... herez a cute one...

Why do we have only 24 hours in a day?
God please increase the number of hours....so that i can sleep longer ;-)

Q: What does being efficient and helpful mean?

A: A call at 2300 hrs asking for the telephone number of a local transport office, followed by a sms thanking a trillion (or was it a zillion?) times and another sms which followed asking for the Radio Taxi's contact number.

This isn't a joke or made to believe situation, this happened Saturday night and, it was one of "Thou shall not be disturbed night"...but then, can u say no to friends?

God bless the mobile phone technology....a equal boon and a bane...

"Let your secret sympathies and your compassion be always with the underdog in the fight - this is magnamimity; but bet on the other one - this is business."
- Mark Twain

Could not agree better with Mr. Twain, the business of life sure is very dicey.

There are many a situations in life when u re just short of words, thoughts and actions. Its not the feeling of being lost, but its the feeling of just not been the reacting quickly as you would otherwise be....the senses just seem to go off on a holiday, the logic just having ditched u, leaving u to face the music. What do u do? Smile and join the music party, dancing to the tune...or create your own music, which may be noise or soothing sound?

Last evening, i saw a couple of guys, who were reading out a letter to one of the Gorkha's. I just could not stop myself from standing there and observing these three characters, the ones who were reading were trying their best to get the voice of the writer, the one listening was the person to watch. The sea of emotions on his face, from the smile of contention to the questioning look, the nodding of the head and the yes i agree with u look. It was a fascinating view.

That's when i realise that i probably look the same when i read my mails and just cannot stop the emotions flowing on my face, possibly someone watches these changes on my face and probably smiles...just the way i did looking at these kewl dudes.

Isn't it a wonderful feeling to look up at the sky and marvel at the distance between the clouds and the earth?
The feeling of delight to touch the stars, cruise along with the clouds.....into a vacant land and find greener pastures.
Would it be a delight to just be there???!!!!

Jab Chaha Jazbaat Se Khele Jab Chaha Dil ThoRh Diya
Hum Ne Bhi Aise Logon Se Milna Julna ChoRh Diya.....

Tum Ko Kuch Ehasaas Nahin Hai, Hairat Toh Is Baat Ki Hai
Tum Ne Toh Baaton-Baaton Mein Dil Ka Chaala PhoRh Diya....

Rahe-Rahe Kar Yeh Soch Raha Hun Kaun Hai Aisa Jaadugar
Jisaki Ek Awaaz Ne BhaRhate Toofan Ka Rukh MoRh Diya....

Kya Karna Tha Kya Kar Bhete Socha Samjha Kuch Bhi Nahin
Tum Bhi Tanhaa Ho Mujhko Bhi Tumne Tanhaa ChoRh Diya....

-- Author Unknown

It has been raining from 11:00 p.m last night, and strange enough has been a continues drizzle all along. Rains have been happening from the weekend, all of a sudden the horizon goes pitch dark at noon time. It’s a beautiful sight from my office, the city all neat and clean.

Perfect time to get cozy with ur fav movie, book and loads of stuff to eat. All that should be done is eat and sleep :)

Why is so difficult to detach urself from something (material and immaterial)?
Are we to blame it?
Is it that we create a cosy comfort zone and just dont want to take risk?

Am full of unanswerable questions...

Arz kiya hai!

"Aap Ke Dil Mein Kya Hai Bata Deejiye
Yun Na khamosh Rahekar Sazaa Deejiye

Ya To Vaada-Wafa Aap Pura Karen
Ya Ummedon Ki Shamaa Bhuja Deejiye

Aap Ko Chaah Kar Kuch Na Chaaha Kabhi
Meri Chahaat Ka Kuch To Sila Deejiye

Phool Murjha Gaye Aap Ki Chah Mein
Muskura Kar Unhe Phir Khila Deejiye"

Lyrics: Israar Ansari

---

Ajab usool hain is karobaar-e-duniya ke
kisi ka karz kisi aur ne utara hai

yeh do kinaare to dariya ke hogaye humtum
magar woh kaun hai jo teesra kinara hai

"This world is run with far too tight a rein for luck to interfere. Fortune sells her wares; she never gives them. In some form or other, we pay for her favors; or we go away empty." - Amelia Barr

This quote has been running through my head from the very second Madhu sent it on the mail....there is something very intruding in this whole quote which has just hit out at me.

(P.S. After ages i have made a double post in a day that too within the span of an hour....shows my lazy mood ;-) )

MIT's Technology Review is my latest hangout. A very infomative Site which covers all facades of Technologies

Check out their weblogs, written by Rodney Brooks, Simson Garfinkel, David Kushner and Henry Jenkins. All luminaries in their own right.

A train ride is always exciting and an eye opener. The rusting iron smell engulfing u, the chitter-chatter of people around, the hawkers with the innumerable eatables which make u go hungry every second minute, the fight for the seats, the few inquisitive faces along with many aloof travellers when a new passenger walks into the compartment. Its a total mela in there. ITs difficult to explain who are more desperate, the guys who want to get in or those who want to get off the train.

Sunday while returning from Mysore, i took the 5 p.m. Mysore-Tirupati-Chennai Express, this was the first time i was coming by this train, leaving town ahead of the schedule. The train was jam packed and i had to find way to the Ladies compartment, the picture was worse there, not a place to sit. Found an upper berth and plonked myself there and got comfy with my book. But the bunch of noisy kids who were hell bent on making the three hour stretch a messy affair. The chai wala, the vada wala, the puri guy, all of them do a thriving business. They don't mind waking the sleeping lot, to sell their wares. A small bunch of girls, playing the game of Antakshri. A few tiffs to keep the kids quite ensue within the possessive moms. It was a good ride, though i missed creating a ruckus since my friends weren't around.

I generally travel by the 6 p.m. train, which is called the "Software Engineers train". The boogies filled with this breed of all shapes and sizes. One person comes early and catches the entire boogie (literally) for some 60-70 off guys who walk in like the Maharaja's after a while. U get to hear some wonderful conversations by these characters, some discussions which could put the industry pundits to shame. Topics range from fights at home to cricket, from the nosey customers to the wonderful phoren trips. From the number of flats/houses/land one owns to the fate of the guy who has not found a match as yet. Someone once suggested that all the S/W engineers should get together and make a union, now this was received with big "Boo", the guy was not seen in that boogie for the next three four weekends.

Once out of the train, it was a lonely feeling, though there was so much of noise around, people rushing to get to the required platforms, pushing and tugging. Its a sense of contradiction, the lonely being amongst the sea of humanity. At the end of the day, guess thats the state of affairs with all.

At last i got myself a new handset

Transitioning from a Panasonic to Sony-Ericsson was not big deal and i got a good deal with both the phone.

I sure have a stunner as a handset, surely turns heads :)

Dumbo
Dodo
Duffer
Dadi Ma
Boozo
Jhansi Ki Rani
Flying Woman
Vascoda Gama's Cousin
Stone Woman
Aye (short for Hey Aye...)
Mona Lisa
Thinking Woman

And i am still called "Ayesha" most of the time :)

Suku's Kya scene hai, reminded me of my fav movies. It includes a list of all time fav's and first name that comes to my mind is "PYAR KIYE JAA".

A very cute movie which had Kishore Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Mumtaz, Mehmood, Om Prakash, Kalpana playing the lead roles, and made way before my entry in the world was decided by my parents.

Pyar Kiye Ja is a simple movie with some hilarious scenes which keep u asking for more.

A few memorable scenes :

Mehmood, a movie crazy, wanna be director, running Wah Wah production company, always in search of a heroine for his movie, finds the love of his life in the wanna-be heroine Mumtaz (as lovely as ever). Catch him explaining the bhoot scene to a petrified Om Prakash, with the required sound effects. I must have watched this movie, God knows how many times, and just cannot wait for this scene to come, a classic scene! Mehmood won the Best Comedian award for this movie that year (1966).

Shashi Kapoor is sacked from the job, in protest he pitches a tent in front of his employers house, the whole scene changes, which his so-called rich dad comes to his rescue.

Kishore Kumar who poses as the wealthy Dad of Shashi Kapoor is at his best. Each time he enters his house, he calls for his so-called son "Ashok Ashok Ashok????" and his typical huii huiii huiii...

Music was by Laxmikanth-Pyarelal, the song "Oh meri myna" by Lata-Manna Dey is still a favourite with the world.

Lots and lots of scenes, a total paisa vasool movie, which remain dew fresh to this day. Guess comedy movies always feature on the top 5 of anybody's favourite list. :)

Why did God give us Arms...for a simple hug which just charges u with unbounded, untold energy...its great to be hugged by ur loved ones. A cute little poem which i just chanced upon, gives the perfect essence of a HUG

There's something in a simple hug
That alway warms the heart;
It welcomes us back home
And makes it easier to part.
A hug's a way to share the joy
And sad times we go through,
Or just a way for friends to say
hey I like you 'cause you're you.
Hugs are meant for anyone
For whom we really care,
from your grandma to your neighbor,
Or a cuddly teddy bear.
A hug is an amazing thing -
it's just the perfect way
To show the love we're feeling
But can't find the words to say.
It's funny how a little hug
Makes everyone feel good;
In every place and language,
It's always understood.
And hugs don't need new equipment,
Special batteries or parts -
Just open up your arms
And open up your hearts.

I woke up on the 1st of October with the not soo great yahoo feeling. suddenly i decided that i am going to take off on Friday 3rd of October. While applying for leave, i noticed it has been 5 months since i took leave. Am i getting to be a workaholic...????

4 days at home sounded bliss and the much needed break. Took my own time to wake up on Thursday, after wishing the father of the nation, A Happy Birthday, i jumped on the next bus to Mysore. It was a lovely sight, all along the route, the lush green fields, the warm sunlight and loads of people. Festivities in air, a smile on the lips made the 3 hour journey a memorable one.

Mysore, after a gap of nearly 4 years was in its entire regal, royal splendor. The Palaces and monuments beautifully decorated, the well-manicured gardens with flowers of varied colors and designs, the whole city had the majestic touch, the eagerness dancing in everyone's eyes.

The four days just flew by, but i had my share of sleep and ample time to finish all the readings, just finished reading "A year by the Sea", a good one...but am still in awe of The Alchemist...

Back at work, it does sound and feel boring, but a peak outside and the rains do the magic to get back to good old mood to just enjoy each day as it comes :)

What matters most when u start writing a blog? The content, the length, the variety that u offer, would ur audience like it? After all we write for someone to read it and make a comment, right? Comment, Ah! the not so important but the vital ingredient of the blog. Don't u catch urself smiling when there are a huge number of comments on ur blog?

Not that the number of visitors matters, after all the blog is UR personal page, right?

Every time, every time this happens, what should be the post and then the length? Not that the length matters, because its more the quality of what u put in is what matters, according to me. But then lengthy posts sometimes makes it a difficult reading, and of course short and cryptic posts are good and it all depends on the writers mind on what they want to convey and if its conveyed in a short discreet way, great!

Why am i writing all this? Well, well well, i have become really lazy as far as my blog is concerned, for that matter, i am scoring a all time low on communication in life. I get bulldozed by all people when i don't mail them, and the rate is coming to a shocking low, something not expected of the "Quick Silver" me. But then, i am this is how i am these days

And if they feel that these injections at regular period will make me change, my dear friends, it may or may not...after all u know me, a rebel let loose :)

Brooding time

The weekend started with a good dinner party, a wonderful spread to please the gastronomical need with a good dose of humor and great stories to share, what else do u need for a Friday night and a wonderful start to the weekend.

Saturday and Sunday were an experience by themselves. Was asked to conduct a Team Building session for the freshers of the company. Along with the Training head, we took the enthusiastic and noisy crowd of 35 people to a nearby resort to give them some gyan on building a good team.

The two day show coupled with games and exercises for the mind and body was just awesome. Also at the receiving end, i enjoyed my stint as the trainer and sure made me a better observer of characters. I have the bad habit of talking much, and here i controlled my self and let the new breed do the talking and come out of their cocoon. Great attitude coupled with bundles of enthusiasm is what made the whole program a lot better. Also found a fellow-blogger amongst the group (nearly shouted yipppeeee!!!)

The two days also made me aware that i am growing older and to some extent wiser. And here i am at the fag end of a maniac monday. Mondays no longer a blue....they are just breeze by with absolutely no time to spare.

New bonds made, promises to keep the tied renewed, here we come to face the music of life all over again!

Simple Pleasures of Life :

Call from a friend, the conversation takes all turns and twists, from laughing like a manic till the tummy hurts, tears roll down to fighting like Tom & Jerry and then the u say sorry first and the virtual hug over the telephone....something which can surely make the day and keep me smiling for hours and days together.

Walk in the rain, after having graduated to a 4 wheeler, this has become very very rare, and i seldom miss an opportunity to have my religious walk in the rain.

Very hesitantly call someone i know for a help, not knowing if it would accepted, and literally jump when they say "Anything for u lady"...

Watch kids play, fight over small things (ofcourse a big issue for them), and smile at the thoughts that u tread the same path long back.

Bring a smile to a sad face, and its ultimate victory when they say "U made my day!"

The untold, unseen victories of life, (remember the silent victories i keep talking about)

This list will grow as the thoughts pour in :)

This week is gyan week on Images of Life...a sneak preview to those images which we tend to overlook. These are those stuff which have been diligently sent to my mail box, but always never read by my good self...herez it sharing with all of u.

Fishing for Opportunity

A Fishy Problem

The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the waters close to Japan have not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went farther out into sea.

The farther the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring in the fish. If the return trip took more than a few days, the fish were not fresh. The Japanese did not like the taste. To solve this problem, fishing companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allowed the boats to go farther and stay longer. However, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen and they did not like frozen fish. So fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks, fin to fin. After a little thrashing around, the fish stopped moving. They were tired and dull, but alive. Unfortunately, the Japanese
could still taste the difference. So how did Japanese fishing companies solve this problem?

How do they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan?
How Can the Japanese Fish Stay Fresh

To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks! . But now they add a small shark to each tank. The shark eats a few fish, but most of the fish arrive in a very lively state. The fish are challenged.

Life's like That The human mind is fickle. To be or not to be is an epithet that is as applicable to each one of us as it was to Shakespeare's Hamlet. We're always chasing dreams. It's good. In order to exploit the best that life has to offer, it is necessary to keep striving and searching for the "more" that we can get out of life. Problem is, that as soon as we reach our goals, such as finding the right mate, meeting our business targets, getting the right career breaks or whatever else it may be, we tend to lose our passion about it. You no longer feel the need to work so hard as you did when you were trying to get where you are, so you tend to get lax. It's the same problem wealthy heirs who never grow up and bored homemakers who get addicted to prescription drugs. So, how do we handle this? Does that mean, one should be continuously chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Does it necessarily mean that success will bring lethargy and a laid back attitude in it's wake. On the contrary ... like the Japanese fish problem, the best solution is simple. Add a zing of challenge to life. It keeps the fizz in and ensures that boredom doesn't set in.

The Benefits of a Challenge

The more intelligent, persistent and competent you are, the more you will enjoy a good problem. If your challenges are the correct size, and if you are steadily conquering those challenges, you will be happy. You will think of your challenges and get energized. You will be excited to try new solutions. You will have fun. You will be truly alive!

Recommendations
Instead of avoiding challenges, jump into them. Beat the heck out of them. Enjoy the game. If your challenges are too large or too numerous, do not give up. Failing makes you tired. Instead, reorganize. Find more determination, more knowledge, more help. If you have met your goals, set some bigger goals. Once you meet your personal or family needs, move onto goals for your group, the society, even mankind. Don't create success and lie in it. You have resources, skills and abilities to make a difference.

Put a shark in your tank and see how far you can really go!

A cute note which is making rounds on the mail these days.....

Achieve A to Z.

A void negative sources, people, things and habits.
B elieve in yourself.
C onsider things from every angle.
D on't give up and don't give in.
E njoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come.
F amily and Friends are hidden treasures. Seek them and enjoy their riches.
G ive more than you planned to give.
H ang on to your dreams.
I gnore those who try to discourage you.
J ust do it!
K eep on trying, no matter how hard it seems.
I t will get better.
L ove yourself first and foremost.
M ake it happen.
N ever lie, cheat or steal. Always strike a fair deal.
O pen your eyes and see things as they really are.
P ractice makes perfect.
Q uitters never win and winners never quit.
R ead, study and learn about everything important in life.
S top Procrastination.
T ake control of your own destiny.
U nderstand yourself in order to understand others.
V isualize it.
W ant it more than anything.
X ccelerate your efforts.
Y ou are unique, nothing can replace you.
Z ero in on your target, and go for it!!

Life over the past two days had been extremely hectic, workwise and otherwise...amidst all this mayhem, meeting Laughing budhu was quite a breather, and getting ditched royally by the Technomerlin was a experience by itself.

Strange that after the first Happy Birthday of the blog, I have had no time to devote for it, what a contradictory situation from the past one year. Nevertheless, "I shall be back" :)

Unexpected Victories

Many a times in life, there are these silent victories which u would have won, without even ur knowledge. And u smile a very enigmatic smile when someone mentions about it and say "Oh Yeah that's right, I never realized it". There is a certain pleasure when u smell victory, after having very neatly grab it from someone's hand, who was hoping to make a mark with it. A moment to be proud of ur good self, or to put it rightly the devilish self.

Well, not many may agree with me, but who is bothered. I guess its always better to be the devil at times than be the goodie goodie angel types....

Why this post comes? Because I have made life miserable for a few people...at my satanic best this week...:D

Check this Palindrome poem

Love
imitates sunshine
always brightening and lighting continuously
Sunbeams warm; touching gently
all within reach
inspiring and
promoting growth
powerfully life giving
Synergy
giving life powerfully
growth promoting
and inspiring
reach within all
gently touching, warm sunbeams
continuously lighting and brightening always
sunshine imitates
Love

A milestone

Very hesitantly I took this path, wondering where it would lead me. I was very apprehensive about the track for it a road not taken by many. But as I began my journey through an unknown land, I smile at the thoughts of the adventure that is awaiting me. As I reach a certain milestone, I look back and see that I am not alone, so many familiar faces, most of whom have walked along with me, been with me during my happy moments and sad. Images of life spanning over a lifetime.

A year of blogging for me and I am happy I took the path less traveled, Maltesh was one who introduced me to this fantastic world, Thanks buddy. Have survived many attempts of quitting this wonderful world, but I go on, for there are miles to go before I sleep!

It might not be exactly 365 days of blogging, I have skipped many days at a stretch, but then it has been a sustained attempt at keeping my blog alive and awake.

Happy birthday blog :)

The bestest part of Forbes magazine are the thoughts on various aspects of life at the last page. They are just too much, and not to mention, i read the magazine last page first ...

A few ones which i liked

Which class is happiest, the rich, the middle class or the poor?
B.C. FORBES (FOUNDER, IN 1917, OF FORBES MAGAZINE)

The best things and the best people rise out of their separateness: I'm against a homogenized society because I want the cream to rise.
Robert Frost

Ninotchka: Why should you carry other people's bags?
Porter: Well, that's my business, Madame.
Ninotchka: That's no business, that's social injustice.
Porter: That depends on the tip.
Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder

He who rides the chair is a man like those who carry it.
Chinese Proverbs


For more food for thought, http://www.forbes.com/global/2003/0901/064.html

One of the deadlines in Times of India, Bangalore Edition, this morning screamed out "Newborn dies, nurses accused of mishandling", not a very good headline to begin ur day, u say, but read on for the content of the news,

Angry relatives of a 22-year-old housewife whose newborn child died from mishandling at a government maternity hospital on Tuesday night protested in front of JJ Nagar police on Wednesday demanding action against the errant staff.

Police said Noorjahan, the victim's mother lodged a complaint stating that her daughter was admitted to Russel Maternity Hospital on Tuesday night where the doctors were absent and nurses refused to take up the case. The pregnant woman developed labour pains late on Wednesday night and had complications while giving birth. In the absence of doctors, the nurses in the hospital mishandled the newborn which accidentally fell on the ground and died, the complainant alleged. Police are investigating.


Absolutely disturbing. A soul came into this world and for no fault of hers, had to leave this world. A few seconds in this big bad world and the kid left with a total bad impression of the earthly beings. I would term this as short and sour visit to the earth. May the kids soul rest in peace, Amen!

Every morning we wake up to some absolutely disturbing piece of news. and what do we do, think about it for a while and then go ahead with our life. Selfish people na, magar chalta hai....hum aise hi hain!

As Isaac Asimov said "Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome."

I have finished reading The Alchemist, not to mention am on a different world altogether. The ordinary story of an ordinary boy following his dreams. A book based on the simple truths and unique situation makes it an extra-ordinary read. Atleast I felt that the book should never end, but all good things need to end, and all along there were these simple statements which make u smile, sit up and say "Hey even I feel the same way"

I keep away from the books which give u "gyan" on managing ur life, but am happy I read this book. ;)

An interesting episode of the book:

"My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night. "Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.

Musical Evening

What do u get when u have U. Shrinivas - on the mandolin, Shankar Mahadevan - vocals, Loy Mendonca - on the keyboard, Sivamani - on the Drums? Magic, thats a very simple world, its way beyond that.

On the 8th of August 2003, Bangaloreans were treated to the magical music created by the awesome four musicians, all maestros in their own right. They not only had the attention of 1000+ human beings, but also some bats which were highly attracted by the sound of music. The right blend of classical, contemporary fusion and jazz, a proper musical treatment to the body, mind and soul.

The concert was built around carnatic ragas blended with jazz touches and contemporary beats. As always the blessings of Almighty were invoked with a good invocation. What followed later was 90 minutes of musical splendor. Each trying to better the other, in a war of music within themselves. what followed was essentially was a three-way jugalbandi of sorts, between Shrinivas, Shankar and Sivamani.

Shrinivasan with the wonderful control over the instrument, not just the classical tunes, but with the jazz and blues, he was a delight. Shankar to match with his vocals, Loy who played the jazzy blues had the audience wanting for more. Sivamani, with his innovative ways of creating music, be it the ghungroo, the school bell, or spoons.

The show ended with Michael Jackson's "Heal The World", the theme song of the Shakti Foundation. Shakti Foundation was formed by Velan, Velan, a victim of muscular dystrophy founded Shakti Foundation in order to integrate the disabled into the social mainstream. The foundation's dream is carried forward by Vasant, Velan's mother. The show was inaugurated by Anil Kumble, who is a part of the Foundation.

End of the day, it was a delight to have been there to see watch the "live" performance, make new friends, who have been living and working for a cause. And a major surprise was, when Vasant called me to say thanks for attending the show and informed me more about her Foundation and its activity. That was a real surprise...:)

This comes a tad bit late, but they say "Better late than never" ;)

What would my Obituary read like?

Any clues....??

I shall give me comments tomorrow :)

Hungama, a hilarious and confusing movie. But nevertheless, a very good time pass movies.

Does not come up to the lines of Hera Pheri (from the stable of Priyadashan), especially Babu Bhai was an instant hit. Rawal does not come to the mark in this movie, but the dialogues are quite good. Rajpal Yadav has played his part well, In one of the scenes where he is bashed by Kachra Sait ( Shakti Kapoor's) men and they realise he is the wrong man, he says "Log mujhe mandir ka ghanta samjah te hain, jo aata hai maar ke jata hai" gets etched in the viewers memory.

Watch it once, and u will like it :)

P.S. i cannot do a good job of movie review, read rediff for more

How stressed are u....check out with these "signals"

12 Warning Signs That You're Stressed Out

1. Your stomach hurts; your head aches; you catch colds frequently.
2. You feel emotionally numb.
3. You snap at people: colleagues, your spouse, your kids.
4. People tell you they're worried about you.
5. You feel that if you take on one more task, you're going to blow.
6. You feel like quitting your job. Often.
7. You feel helpless, out of control.
8. You know that whatever you do, things are bound to go wrong.
9. And you know that when they do, you'll be the only one who cares.
10. You feel guilty about taking a vacation.
11. You know the problem: it's everybody else.
12. You can't stop thinking about your work. Ever.

For more...read CIO's article on Stress

Have always wanted to a create a blog which would appeal to gastronomical delight

Here it is...The Foodieclub

For a daily doze of wisdom and gyan, visit The Wisdom Times

Welcome to the blog world Madhu :)

Economist has a article on Commercialization of blogging

The article talks about the business prospects of blog, fair enough, we have heard that time and again, but this one hits it out very badly. I personally feel, blogs maintained by people are they very own works, the Copyright rests with them, and in no ways can u call a blog good or bad or pass on politically wrong comments, each blogger takes pain to maintain their blog.

Describing a blog, the articles says

Web logs, known to their users as blogs, are web pages for self-anointed pundits—personal online journals, often updated throughout the day, full of raw, unedited opinions and links to other sites. Most are what one would expect from a new internet medium: nerdy, inane and barely grammatical, and intelligible only to teenage subcultures.

Wonder which blogs they have been looking at and wonder on what basis they call it intelligible only to teenage subcultures

Read a lot of articles on blogging and business, but this one is more cons type.

Whatever it is, a true blogger will never leave his/her blog at rot :)

First, recognize that you are not a sheep who will be satisfied with only a few nibbles of dry grass
or with following the herd as they wander aimlessly, bleating and whining, all of their days.

Separate yourself now from the multitude of humanity so that you will be able to control your own destiny. Remember that what others think and say and do need never influence what you think and say and do.

- Og Mandino (1923-1996)

The scene on 14th August 2003 was very bad. Power fluctuation, Internet Server down, Mail server down, only mode of communication with the world, dear old telephone. Let me tell u, for addicts like me, it was a BLACK DAY. And with the entire junta in the long weekend mood, it was a blessing in disguise to leave office early.

With the long weekend turning to be as hectic as well, coming back to work has been quite boring and to add to it, the Monday blues. humm...life just goes on and will just go on

Lost control

My temper is something, which I have never had, control, was a dread while I was a student and then it subdued as time went by. Everyone around said, Ah the young lady has matured. Well the maturity has not lasted long. From the past few days I have been back to my old self, minor things get me ticked off and I am always finding reasons to vent out my anger. and my anger goes out in ways people would take sometime to realize. I will make a statement and just walk off, and my target left tongue tied, and promising not to take panga with me again.

I have decided to control it again, nope not joining any anger management course, but will find my own way to handle it.

Fusion Poetry

Every sect has a faith, a direction (Qibla) to which they turn,
I have turned my face towards the crooked cap (of Nizamuddin Aulia)
The whole world worships something or the other,
Some look for God in Mecca, while some go to Kashi (Banaras),
So why can't I, Oh wise people, fall at my beloved's feet?

Every sect has a faith, a Qibla...
I have become you, and you me,
I am the body, you soul;
So that no one can say hereafter,
That you are someone, and I, someone else.

I am a pagan and a worshipper of love: the creed (of Muslims) I do not need;
Every vein of mine has become taunt like a wire,
the (Brahman's) girdle I do not need.
Leave from my bedside, you ignorant physician!
The only cure for the patient of love is the sight of his beloved —
other than this no medicine does he need.

If there be no pilot in our boat, let there be none:
We have god in our midst: the sea we do not need.
The people of the world say that Khusrau worships idols.
So he does, so he does; the people he does not need, the world he does not need.

The cloud weeps, and I become separated from my friend —
How can I separate my heart from my heart's friend on such a day.
The cloud weeping — and I and the friend standing, bidding farewell —
I weeping separately, the clouds separately, the friend separately...

-- Selections from the poetry of Amir Khusrau

Happy Weekend

Ever thot of

Software that detects when a cat is walking across your computer keyboard.
Estimation of the Total Surface Area in Indian Elephants.
Mathematical Law of Exponential Decay.
Washing machine for cats and dogs.

Somebody else thot of it and have been suitably awarded

Read about the Ig Noble awards, the Igs honor people whose achievements "cannot or should not be reproduced."

It might not "inspire" u to do something "out of the world", but it definitely guarantees a good laugh.

Capricorn

QUALITIES: ambition – organizational skills –efficency – amiability – pragmatism – calm – spirituality – internalization – lucidity – diplomacy – demanding – volunteer spirit – perseverance – realism – patience.

FAULTS: calculating temperament – distrustful – intransigence – proud – hardness – miserly – social climber – rigor.

ELEMENT: Earth.

MODE: Cardinal. RULER: Saturn.

COLOR: Black, Dark Green, Cherry Red.

FAMOUS CAPRICORN: Kate Moss, Martin Luther King, Gérard Depardieu, Matisse, Kevin Costner.

CAPRICORN symbolizes the Earth, its weight, its secrets and its fatality. This is the sign of critical discernment and mind over matter. CAPRICORN’s mastery over his/her emotions, and his/her determination get him/her to the goals he/she has fixed for himself/herself. But CAPRICORN also has a nasty tendency to bring everything back to himself/herself…Through his/her intelligence he/she imposes respect for everything he/she deems useful and necessary.

A WOMAN'S PRAYER

Lord, I Pray For:

Wisdom to understand my man,
Love to forgive him,
And patience for his moods.

Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength,
I'll beat him to death.

So many times, far many times than you can count, I get these wonderful thots, the first reaction is that; it should go on the blog. But like the proverbial "Many a slips between the cup and the lip", by the time the thot reaches the blog, it would have gone through n-number of iterations of changes and most of the time succumbed under the censorship of the mind.

"What do I want to put in my blog?" is the next question that comes up by the defensive thoughts and the not-to divulge anything brain says, not something which is too personal, up jumps the thot and say, but this is a very generic thought?

Everyday, the brain and the thot go through this fight of what should be posted and what not. Sometimes, either of them wins (very obvious, u duffer), sometimes it’s a truce and most of the time it’s a "lets compromise" situation.

Come September and its going to be a year of association with the blogging world. A whole new vista which opened, doors to many many new friends and a peek into their wonderful life and times, guess the journey has just began and “Miles to go before I sleep”…????!!!!

Friends:

Once who hear ur owes without even you having spoken it
Appearing the minute you think of them and sort ur problem within no time
who think just the way u want them to (well...most of the time)

People who are with u, during good times and bad, during the the thick and the thin, all through ur life.

Happy Friendship's Day buddies :)

Pessimist by policy, optimist by temperament -- it is possible to be both. How? By never taking an unnecessary chance and by minimizing risks you can't avoid. This permits you to play out the game happily, untroubled by the certainty of the outcome. --

From "The Notebooks of Lazarus Long" by Robert Heinlein

Love and caring at sometimes like the heavy cloud which appears on sunny noon and drifts away without a hint of rain....

Strange are the ways of life

In the dead of the night, apart from the snores, the ticking of the clock, u hear ur thots screaming louder than loudest noise around....questioning the whole idea of life...

Monday......came and went..............yet another week :)

Khalil Gibran's writing have always given me a high...i am mesmerised by the way he writes, all i can say is awesome. A sneak of his great work.

The Creation

The God separated a spirit from Himself and fashioned it into Beauty. He showered upon her all the blessings of gracefulness and kindness. He gave her the cup of happiness and said, "Drink not from this cup unless you forget the past and the future, for happiness is naught but the moment." And He also gave her a cup of sorrow and said, "Drink from this cup and you will understand the meaning of the fleeting instants of the joy of life, for sorrow ever abounds."

And the God bestowed upon her a love that would desert he forever upon her first sigh of earthly satisfaction, and a sweetness that would vanish with her first awareness of flattery.

And He gave her wisdom from heaven to lead to the all-righteous path, and placed in the depth of her heart and eye that sees the unseen, and created in he an affection and goodness toward all things. He dressed her with raiment of hopes spun by the angels of heaven from the sinews of the rainbow. And He cloaked her in the shadow of confusion, which is the dawn of life and light.

Then the God took consuming fire from the furnace of anger, and searing wind from the desert of ignorance, and sharp- cutting sands from the shore of selfishness, and coarse earth from under the feet of ages, and combined them all and fashioned Man. He gave to Man a blind power that rages and drives him into a madness which extinguishes only before gratification of desire, and placed life in him which is the specter of death.

And the god laughed and cried. He felt an overwhelming love and pity for Man, and sheltered him beneath His guidance.

Over the weekend, i went to my school...not that i made a special visit, i invariably pass through my school, when i get out of home...its been a decade that i stepped inside the compound of the place where my foundation was lid.

Each day holds its special place in my heart, from the first day, where i walked in as the frightened little girl to day i left the school as the confident teenager, they are brightly etched spots of memory.

Every activity at school would be on the lines of a world war, the hard work which would go in, even at a small competition had that "I need to win" Spirit...which was healthy few times and very unhealthy most of the times.

Competitions are school were both health and unhealthy, best friends would turn hard core rivals just for a simple competition like the lemon and spoon race or say the essay competition. they were wars declared when such events were happening...after the results were announced a perpetual gloom if u don't win, or a saintly glow when u win....the air of supremacy would last for quite sometime....

Well now we smile at the stupid behaviour of ours...but they were the lovely days...well spent.

A nice little story about friendship...me thinks how may of us really follow what we read or preach????
Anyways, read the story...

People often wonder why some people have such great friends and manage to keep them...If you manage to apply the following in your life, the same could work for you:

In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?" "Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before telling me anything I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter test." "Triple filter?" That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my friend,it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say. That's why I call it the triple filter test. The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?" "No," the man said, actually I just heard about it and..."

"All right," said Socrates. So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"

No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, You want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left: the filter of Usefulness.

Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?" "No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?" This is why Socrates was a great philosopher & was held in such high esteem. If we are able to protect our friends and those we love in this manner, we cannot be influenced by outsiders in having bad notions about them.

LET WHAT MAY COME, NEVER LOSE A FRIEND, ALWAYS MAINTAIN THE RELATIONSHIP!

My Breakfast: A bowl (soup bowl) full of curds with lots of sugar.

My lunch: A big bowl of Creme de la Caramel - combination of vanilla ice cream, cream, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup and roasted cashewnuts.......yummmmmmmmmm it was amazing, and absolutely irresistible

My dinner....maybe a nice big glass of hot chocolate :)

Dark clouds loom, the sun not in site for quite a distant, it looks like go and tug the clouds and it will pour....and it did, rained like no man's business...but the sight was by itself very very pleasant. Working in the 6th Floor of a high rise building sure has its own advantage...

Dark clouds loomed over my mind as well, but then there was a silver lining in one of the clouds and thanks to a dear friend who brought back the smiles to my sullen face.....I owe it to u...

I like this particular strip very much, but can never imagine cuddling up with a soft toy...eeeiikkksss not me.

Dil mein terii yaad liye phirtaa huun
Zakhmon ki baaraat liye phirtaa huun

Dekh ke zindaa mujhe hairaan kyuun ho
Ek dil-e-barbaad liye phirtaa huun

Un se mulaakaat abhii bhii hogii
Be-wajah ye aas liye phirtaa huun

Pyaar mein dil-o-jaan lutaa dete hain
Ye ajab se khayaalaat liye phirtaa huun

Meri haalat pe aansuu bahaate kyon ho
Aiye zamaane terii saugaat liye phirtaa huun

Ye sher mere aakhirii afsaane hain
In hii mein dil ki aawaaz liye phirtaa huun

Agale janam mein hogii mulaakaat Khalish
Is baat ka vishwaas liye phirtaa huun

-- MC Gupta `Khalish'

Translation

MEETING IN NEXT LIFE

With memories, I carry on
With wounds in heart, I carry on.

Why surprised on seeing me alive
With heart a wreck, I carry on.

I may one day yet meet my Love
With this hope distant carry on

In love one parts with heart and life,
With such odd thoughts I carry on

Why cry for me, my fate, O friends,
With these your gifts, I carry on

Last page of life are couplets these
With these heart's wails I carry on

I'll meet my Love in the life next
With faith, Khalish, I carry on.

Silent exteriors always have turbulent interiors.
Does the opposite hold true?
Not always i presume

Getting lost in thots is a regular state of mind with me. This has had both its pros and cons. Its one way where in I get to brood over what’s happening with me in life, and help me get out of any tangled situation. On the other hand, during these pensive moments, I tend to just forget the world around me; a total zombie is what I am.

The worst victims of these mood swings are my car keys. Talking about my car, its my only prized possession in this whole world is my dear little car, some people tend to call it a toy car, whose bothered about their comments anyways. Its my second home, my pal, who listens to my grunting without a frown, only time I hear it grumble is when I am in my fowl mood and drive like a maniac. Else we are those two good friends who fell in love at the first sight.

It’s a simple car, without any of the modern day gadgets, no automatic lock blah blah. Well that’s the biggest drawback is what I have begun to understand now. I have time and again left my car keys inside the car and locked the door. I realize this only when its time to go out. I dig into my purse my tables at office and as an after thought look inside the car to see them grinning back at me. For a few days I was advised to carry the duplicate keys with me, but the wonderful person that I am, left the bag containing the duplicate keys and the other one in the ignition and walked out, banging the door after locking it. Wow u may say. But that’s me.

Last week, I walked out of the car, keys in my hand, came to the lift and realized that I have my access card in the car, walk back, leave the keys in the key hole and happily walk back. In the afternoon when I was going elsewhere with a friend, one of our company’s drivers asked me “Madam, are u looking for keys?”, I said no, I have them, He said, “Are u sure, they are with u? We found a key around here”. Suspiciously I start digging in my bag and then the keys are missing, Holy Shit is what I scream, and voila, the car keys are with those drivers. Well since they know my habit now, they check for my car now and then. If not for them, guess I would have lost my car till now. Surprisingly, this has happened only at office, never elsewhere, May be I know that my car is safe around here. But I remind myself that this is not a good habit ;).

Open Access Movement

The Free Online Scholarship (FOS) Newsletter, is accessible at https://mx2.arl.org/Lists/SPARC-OANews/Message/95.html

A blog on OAM, called Open Access News is also a good read.

aahat si koi aaye to lagta hai ke tum ho
saaya koi lehraye to lagta hai ke tum ho

jab shaakh koi haath lagate hi chaman mein
sharmaye, lachak jaaye,to lagta hai ke tum ho

Sandal se mehakti hui purkaif hawa ka
jhonka koi takraye,to lagta hai ke tum ho

Sacred Space, is the column which i never miss reading in TOI. An interesting story from the same column

DIVINE DESIGN

When I was little, my mother used to sew a great deal. I would sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering. As from the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of the little hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat.

She’d smile at me, look down and gently say, ‘‘Son, you go about your playing and when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side.’’ A few minutes would pass and then I would hear mother’s voice say, ‘‘Son come sit on my knee.’’ This I did only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or sunset. I could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy.

Then mother would say to me. ‘‘My son, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realise that there was a plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing.’’ Many times through the years, I have looked up to heaven and said, ‘‘Father what are you doing?’’ He has answered, ‘‘I am embroidering your life.’’ I say, ‘‘But it looks like such a mess to me. It seems so jumbled. The threads seem so dark. Why can’t they all be bright?’’ The father seems to tell me, ‘‘My child, you go about your business of doing my business, and one day I will bring you to Heaven and put you on my knee and you will see the plan from my side.’’

Confusion

Could someone please tell the authorities at The Hindu whose who.

The news item, talks about the Security threat to PM and features the Prez's details first. If u had seen the same pre-noon, then u would not have seen any details about the PM.

Slip of the mind is not the fault of the fingers they say!

Funny how people make promises and forget to stick to them.

Any rule to penalise them?

Every Monday as soon as the latest issue of "Outlook" lands on my table, i open the page which has the stratch card to find out what i have won....no prizes for guessing, each time its a blank.

What do i do when i find that i have not won anything, pull out the sticker and crush it beyond recognition. I laugh at myself for all these crazy antics.

The kid in me never ceases to exist....

Job Interview Answers for Tough Questions...
Question : Why did you leave your last job?
Real answer : It sucked.
Suggestion : I felt my talents and abilities were underutilized.

Question : What are your biggest weaknesses?
Real answer : I can't concentrate for more than five minutes, hate all forms of authority, and tend to fall asleep at my desk.
Suggestion : I'm a workaholic. I just don't know when to put down my work.

Question : You seem to have moved around a lot in a short amount of time. Why should we think you'll stay here any longer than you've stayed elsewhere?
Real answer : My employers have always had a hang-up about keeping only non-competent employees.
Suggestion : I'm at a point in my career where I am tired of moving around. I really want to feel part of a team, a long-term enterprise, where I can make a contribution.

Question : How do you handle change?
Real answer : I deal with it everyday unless I'm out of clean underwear.
Suggestion : I think everyone knows that today the only constant is change. I thrive on it.

Question : How do you get along with others?
Real answer : I hate people, as long as they stay out of my face.
Suggestion : I think the interpersonal dynamics of the work place can be among the most satisfying aspects of any job.


Question : What does the word failure mean to you?
Real answer : It means I continue to collect unemployment insurance, with the hope of a 6 month extension.
Suggestion : Failure? I'm sorry, I don't know what you mean. That word is not in my vocabulary.

Question: Do you get along with your current boss?
Real answer: I get along fine considering what kind of a malicious jerk he is.
Suggestion : I don't think I'd call him a boss; he's been more of a mentor to me.

Question : Do you ever get angry with coworkers?
Real answer : I don't get angry. I get even.
Suggestion : Nothing angers me more than to see a coworker not pulling his weight, goofing off, or stealing. Yes, sometimes I do get angry with coworkers.

Question: Can I contact your references?
Real answer : Sure, but they wont know who I am.
Suggestion : Maybe I can arrange to have them contact you.

Question: What words best describe you?
Real Answer: Genius, Horny, Dog, Clockwatcher, Unorganized, Lazy
Suggestion: Compassionate, Creative, Team player, Organized, Efficient

For all ur techocrats, herez a link which u will pounce upon..

Free books from O'Really, I mean O'Reilly, check it out!

Good Old days

Chatting with a friend yesterday we went into a flash back mode. To the days when Doordarshan was the only mode of entertainment. The umpteen shows on weekends, Wah Janab, Quiz time, Spiderman, the series of cartoons in the morning, Whats the good word?, Lucy Show, and not to mention the movie. That was the only mode of spending your time after regular affairs of the weekend. Homeworks, washing ur uniform, shoes blah blah stuff.

Come June, it was the Tennis season, French Open followed by Wimbeldon. The "Quite Please" followed by "thank You", would make the viewers also quite at their homes. The sadness when your fav player lost. The delight of watching your star win, the glee at having scored over ur neighbour at the bet, these were just some of the small pleasures in life. those few hours of television was enough to keep you entertained for hours.

Since that was the only platform, i presume that generation was witness to luminaries of the Art world. I remember watching Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ustad Allah Rakha, Pandit Jasraj, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shiv Sharma, Ms Subbalakshmi perform. The performance would make me sit up amazed, that they can perform so well. Am still amazed at the way the flutist performs, i for one cannot control my breath movement. A total dud when it comes to performing arts.

I was reminded of all this stuff also by reading about Ustad Bismillah Khan and the news related to him. Strange is the way the media reacts. Every paper and magazine worth its salt has a news item on this great artist. I am personally a great fan of his and try my best to watch or listen to all his concerts. For me the best piece is the one in the movie "Gunj uthi Sehnai"...amazing, out of the world is what i would call it.

One such article about this maestro is in Outlook Which shows the other side of him. He to this day is taking care of more than 100 members of his family single handedly, apart from that funds for upcoming artist, the musicians when they are out of work, dependents of the deceased team mates. for a person of his caliber it is very easy to fall for the lure and settle abroad, but this simpleton prefers to live in his haveli with the entire khandan.. Wah Janab Wah!

Reading about these celebrities, makes you think about a lot of stuff. Their success stories, their hardships, their failures. Its their pure conviction that they can make a difference is what has got them to this stage. Each of these exemplary artist have carved a niche in the hearts of their admirers. Their fan following shall always remain strong, Unlike the stars of today, who vanish even before they are clear on the horizon.

A quote for all generations

"In case you're worried about what's going to become of the younger generation, it's going to grow up and start worrying about the younger generation."
-Roger Allen

Leading by Sharing the Light

The light within you is a gift to share with others to illuminate the vision, articulate the mission, leverage assets, map minefields, restore trust, and take small steps. Your talents grow when you share your ideas and experience with colleagues and then take action.


These are the opening lines of a journal called Executive Excellence. An real good magazine of leadership development and management related issues. Each issue is a treat to read. Unfortunately it has no web-format, I shall share the best articles with all of you some day.

Itssssssssss Frrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidddddddddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Yippppppppppppeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Do u say late realization? Well have had no time to read any blogs or any such TP work.... 13th the Friday has played havoc with me. Ask me how.

I placed a booking for Chalte Chalte on Monday, till last evening I was assured of the tickets and suddenly this afternoon I am told "Sorry sold out"...grrr...its not everyday that I decide to go for a first day first show types. Not that I am a HUGE Sharukh or Rani fan, just wanted to chill out. But the program went into a cold chill.

A friend’s birthday decided first for a dinner party, and then that came to a round of ice cream and ultimately, nothing at all. Work has taken precedence over friends. Another program falls flat on the face.

During the day a couple of scheduled meetings were called off, extra work laded on the already heavy shoulders, and all this being dealt with a smile. Guess that is what it counts at the end of the day!

Have a good weekend fellas...:)

It’s not everyday that I decide to leave office a wee bit early. But then when I decide (which is once in a green moon), I just do it...I dump the entire workload and walk off with a devil may care attitude.

Such was a day on Tuesday; I left office early, more so to finish a task, which was assigned to me at home some 4-5 weeks back. After finishing the task rather unsuccessfully. Listening to the tuneful melodies on Radio City, my devilish mind started wondering as to how do I spend the next couple hours, before I meet a friend for a round of cold coffee. It was about 5 p.m. and I decided to walk into British Library. Lost in my world of thots, I enter the premises to bang (literally) into a good old colleague. After the hi, howdy, he goes on to convey his condolence for the bereavement in my family, Now this touched my heart and also gave me a jolt (possibly the adage "Jolt off the blue")...here is a person who is seeing me after nearly a year and knows what’s happening around me, guess that’s what friends are for. We stood there chatting for nearly an hour, till the bell at the library said, u may please go, we are closed for the day. We re-exchanged our cell numbers and moved our ways, happy that we bumped into each other. I was at the coffee shop with the another friend for quite sometime (read it as 3 hours). With my cell phone ringing every 10 minutes, I could see the nasty look on my friend’s face, well such is the state of life.

I reach home to find that I have a cheque, which was long due from an investment made so 4-5 years back. It was a wonderful day for me, old ties renewed, friends who made me smile and to think of it, I had put a apology post that day :)

Such days filled with suprises are those which renew the energy in me.

REFLECTIONS

What does she see when she looks in the mirror?
Does she see that wonderful smile?
It radiates the face aglow!
Rather she sees two pouty lips
And lipstick with uneven flow.

What does she see when she looks in the mirror?
Does she see a beautiful soul?
A warm heart that can't be denied?
She thinks that she is coldhearted
At times, pushing her friends aside.

What does she see when she looks in the mirror?
Does she see a shapely figure?
A body that turns heads around?
Instead she sees a pile of clay,
Poured into an uncaring mound.

What does she see when she looks in the mirror?
If she could look through other's eyes.
She would then meet the closest one.
The friend who carried the baggage;
Her other self, the inside one.
-Fred Dampier

A sorry face

"There used to be a girl called Ayesha, do u know if she is alive?"
"Doston se baat na karna, khairiyat na pooch na, call na karna... aap to aise na the"
"Suna tha, waqt ke saath bahut kuch badal jata hai...magar aap mein itna badlaw, yeh nahi soocha tha..."
"Don't sacrifice your life to work and ideals. The most important things in life are human relationships..."

These are a few samples of the messages/mails, which I have been receiving from the past few weeks. And each time I hear or read these words, I realize that, I am committing a blunder, which is not excusable. When I look back I realize that I have been neglecting my friends, my dear blog, all the TP that I used to do, being bindass etc etc. Well, life took a massive jerk after Dad's death, and the thots are yet to get back to normal, its not an easy task to start life without a parent. Friends have been a great support during these tiring time and I have been nasty by being cold towards them.

All I would say is Sorry guys...u shall find ur friend back in form very soon....

Two news items, which kinda give me a jerk...ofcourse one dealing with Newton's laws...Indian researcher challenges Newton's law...would definately be interested in knowing the climax of this challenge.

Another was earth shattering if i may say, Survey.
The Survey findings are basically for the Western outfit, but u never know if this is already a fad in our country. God save our country.

A few heart touching lines from Javed Akthar, from "Tarkash"
The last two lines take the cake....

woh dhal raha hai,ye bhi rangat badal rahi hai,
zameen suraj ki ungliyon se phisal rahi hai,

jo mujhko zinda jala rahe hain woh bekhabar hain,
ki meri zanzeer dheere dheere pighal rahi hai,

main qatl to ho gaya tumhari gali main lekin,
mere lahu se tumhari deewr gal rahi hai,

na jalne pate the jinke chulhe bhi har savere,
suna hai kal raat se woh basti jal rahi hai,

main janta hoon ki khamshi main hi masalhat hai,
magar yahi maslahat mere dil ko khal rahi hai,

kabhi to insaan zindagi ki bhi karega izzat,
ye ek umeed aaj bhi dil main pal rahi hai,

[khamshi=khamaoshi, masalhat=samajhdari]

Life has got very hectic with work from the past few days, which has been quite prominent with the few uninteresting posts made over the last two weeks.

Life in a software company is very monotonous. There are many talented people but their talents get snubbed under the heavy pressure of coding. To get the talent of all these wonderful people around, we formed hobby clubs in our organization and on Friday we organized for a Musik and Dance festival. All of us were looking forward to this event, either to listen to the talent around, to unwind, to boo, and shout and hoot and just have some good time together.

Friday came and by 4 p.m all were set for the showdown. We had 3 good hours of entertainment. People sang, danced, played their favorite tunes with their favorite instruments. All inhibitions shed. After 2 hours of talents show, the dance floor was opened and do u need to invite people to jump in to dance? The regular dancers do jump into the foyer and also drag the people which four left feet (read that as me)…

At the end of the day, there were beaming face, contended smiles. And people saying, next time you organize for such a show, am gonna be on the other side of the stage. The Push and pull technology works so very well in life. The day was yet another beautiful "Image of life" :)

This is a really Unique Love letter...got that in the mail y'day and its pretty funny. But nothing to beat the Tapori's love letter.

Howdy Menaka,

I am actually a friend of Karunakaran on whose behalf I am penning this love epistle. Karunakaran wanted me to remind you that he is the pencil-line mustached
individual who sits behind you in Chemistry class.

Coming to the subject matter of a love letter, he seems to think that I would do a better job than he, albeit this is my first stab at one by proxy. And he wanted me to convey that he has a huge crush on you. Which pretty much sums up the letter. But he wants it to be at least a page long to seem proper and wants me
to throw in some flowery language and such to impress you. So let us meet in the next paragraph.

You should note that this poor fellow has been making numerous attempts at a love letter, the evidence of which remains in the wastepaper basket. Pity that love
must kill so many trees. I took a peek at the crumpled up pieces. He apparently had starting trouble, much like trying to jumpstart a motorbike on a cold
morning. He never got to the body of the letter...and seems to have put away a few glasses of the finest toddy in trying to come up with a good opening. Since
he has gone to bed with a severe hangover, let me give you a glimpse into his valiant efforts.

My Dear, Dear Menaka

My only dear Menaka

Meri pyaari Menaka

Pyaari pyaari Menaka

My Menaka dear

Dear Menaka

Hi Menaka

Menaka oh Menaka

My darling Menaka

Menaka darling

Sweetest Menaka

Goddess Menaka

Luscious Menaka

Menaka delish Menaka

Rup Tera Mustana Menaka...

I had told Karunakaran that in order for me to do justice to a love letter, I needed to know how you looked. He simply said, "She's a babe!" and proceeded
to hand me your photograph before dozing off.

Now I must say that you do look very cute. I can't tell if it's a blot on the snap or you have a mole over the right corner of your lip. In either case, it
is very attractive. I can imagine the mole moving delicately over to the side when you smile. And your wavy hair reminds me of a shampoo commercial; you
would have made a superb model. As for your eyes, they seem very pretty although the left one looks crooked owing to the fact that Karunakaran has been keeping
this picture in his pocket the last few days. I just can't wait to see you in person to give a more thorough rundown on your features. For now, I have taken a shot in the dark. You are a babe all right!

Well, this is about a page now. He will surely sign this and send it to you tomorrow. I hope you have a very very lovely day ahead !.

(Signed Karunakaran)

[Menaka -- Be aware that Karunakaran has this habit of having crushes every other week on a different girl. So if his crush wears off on you, please remember that
I am second in line. My name is Jolly, 5' 10-1/2 ", bad at maths but a pretty decent singer in the bathroom and a Shayar and guitarist too.The day we meet I will start adoring the air you exhale. Cheers.

The most fragile piece in the universe, the heart. People just dont take a damn when they break ur heart...

No wonder Reena Roy sang long long ago.."Sheesha hoya, dil ho...akhir toot jata hai..."

Work has taken over me completely, but there sure has been sometime to drop in to your blogs...:)

A poem which i read today and have been happy eversince...passing the buck to u.

MAN MAY BE HAPPY.
- PETER PINDAR.

"Man may be happy, if he will:"
I've said it often, and I think so still;
Doctrine to make the million stare!
Know then, each mortal is an actual Jove;
Can brew what weather he shall most approve,
Or wind, or calm, or foul, or fair.

But here's the mischief--man's an ass, I say;
Too fond of thunder, lightning, storm, and rain;
He hides the charming, cheerful ray
That spreads a smile o'er hill and plain!
Dark, he must court the skull, and spade, and shroud--
The mistress of his soul must be a cloud!

Who told him that he must be cursed on earth?
The God of Nature?--No such thing;
Heaven whispered him, the moment of his birth,
"Don't cry, my lad, but dance and sing;
Don't be too wise, and be an ape:--
In colors let thy soul be dressed, not crape.

"Roses shall smooth life's journey, and adorn;
Yet mind me--if, through want of grace,
Thou mean'st to fling the blessing in my face,
Thou hast full leave to tread upon a thorn."

Yet some there are, of men, I think the worst,
Poor imps! unhappy, if they can't be cursed--
Forever brooding over Misery's eggs,
As though life's pleasure were a deadly sin;
Mousing forever for a gin
To catch their happiness by the legs.

Even at a dinner some will be unblessed,
However good the viands, and well dressed:
They always come to table with a scowl,
Squint with a face of verjuice o'er each dish,
Fault the poor flesh, and quarrel with the fish,
Curse cook and wife, and, loathing, eat and growl.

A cart-load, lo, their stomachs steal,
Yet swear they can not make a meal.
I like not the blue-devil-hunting crew!
I hate to drop the discontented jaw!
O let me Nature's simple smile pursue,
And pick even pleasure from a straw.

The never ending 5 mins...

A few quotes in my mailbox, which greeted me this confused morning...

Ability Natural abilities can almost compensate for the want of every kind of cultivation, but no cultivation of the mind can make up for the want of natural abilities. -- Arthur Schopenhauer 1788-1860, German Philosopher

Discipline
Temperance is a bridle of gold. -- Burton

Motivation
What we see depends mainly on what we look for. -- Sir John Lubbock 1834-1913, British Statesman

Success
Everybody loves success, but they hate successful people. -- John McEnroe 1959-, American Tennis Player

Work
I have long been of the opinion that if work were such a splendid thing the rich would have kept more of it for themselves. -- Bruce Grocott 1940-, British Labor Politician

Love
Friendship often ends in love; but love in friendship, never. -- Charles Caleb Colton 1780-1832, British Sportsman Writer

Knowledge
What is not fully understood is not possessed. -- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe 1749-1832, German Poet

Belief
Human beliefs, like all other natural growths, elude the barrier of systems. -- George Eliot 1819-1880, British Novelist

Change
We don't change what we are, we change what we think what we are. -- Eric Butterworth

Men & Women
When men and women are able to respect and accept their differences then love has a chance to blossom. -- John Gray American Relationship Expert

"When a country ceases to be merely a country and becomes an empire, then the scale of operations changes dramatically. ... I speak as a subject of the American Empire. I speak as a slave who presumes to criticise her king." -- Arundhati Roy

A wonderful article by her, which is the cover story on Outlook.

Is friendship all about "doing" and not "telling" or "tell and do"?
Do u need to prove time and again, in any relationship, your credentials, your approach, your committment?

Life is full of questions and not correct answers......

Microsoft and Laloo Prasad Yadav

Laloo Prasad sent his Bio Data - to apply for a post in Microsoft Corporation, USA. A few days later he got this reply :
"Dear Mr. Laloo Prasad,

You do not meet our requirements. Please do not send any further correspondence. No phone call shall be entertained.
Thanks"

Laloo prasad jumped with joy on receiving this reply. He arranged a party and when all the guests had come, he said: "Bhaiyon aur Behno, aap ko jaan kar khushi hogee ki hum ko Amereeca mein naukri mil gayee hoon." Everyone was delighted.

Laloo prasad continued......
"Ab main aap sab ko apnaa Appointment letter padkar sunaongaa - par letter angreeze main hai - isliyen saath-saath hindi main translate bhee karoonga.

Dear Mr. Laloo Prasad ..... Pyare Laloo prasad bhaiyya
You do not meet ---- aap to miltay hee naheen ho
our requirement ---- humko to zaroorat hai
Please do not send any furthur correspondance ---- ab Letter vetter bhej ne ka kaouno zaroorat nahee.
No phone call ---- phoonwa ka bhee zaroorat nahee hai
shall be entertained ---- bahut khaatir kee jayegi.
Thanks ---- aapkaa bahut bahut dhanya

Khazaan ki rut mein lamha e jamaal kaesay aa giya
Yeh aaj phir singhaar ka khayaal kaesay aa giya

Abhi to dhoop rozan e qafas say kauson door thi
Abhi say aaftaab ko zawaal kaesay aa giya

Hansee ko apnee sun k aik baar mein bhi chonk uthee
Yeh mujh mein dukh chupanay ka kamaal kaesay aa giya

(Parveen shakir)

Oppression against women is a common phenomenon, be it a developed nation or an under developed nation. A few fight this oppression and a few just make this their fate and go along with life. Those who fight it out are labelled as the rebels and many a times, their acts are debated. But it sure takes some spirit to come out of the oppression and yell to the world that "I am not gonna take it any longer".

TOI in its editorial today gives the story of a girl in UP who walked sent her prospective groom to jail for making unreasonable dowry demands, they mention that "Ultimately, it is women who must determine what a woman's worth is. "...how very true, both in specific and generalised terms.

This is one of the regular chain mail which reaches our mail box, but there is something really good in this piece

As I was walking down life's highway many years ago. I came upon a sign that read
Heavens Grocery Store.

When I got a little closer the doors swung open wide And when I came to myself I was standing inside. I saw a host of angels.They were standing everywhere

One handed me a basket and said "My child shop with care." Everything a human needed was in that grocery store. And what you could not carry you could come back for more First I got some Patience. Love was in that same row. Further down was Understanding,you need that everywhere you go. I got a box or two of Wisdom and Faith a bag or two. And Charity of course I would need some of that too. I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost It was all over the place. And then some Strength and Courage to help me run this race. My basket was getting full but I remembered I needed Grace, And then I chose Salvation for Salvation was for free I tried to get enough of that to do for you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill, For I thought I had everything to do the Masters will. As I went up the aisle I saw Prayer and put that in, For I knew when I stepped outside I would run into sin. Peace and Joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf. Song and Praise were hanging near so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel "Now how much do I owe?" He smiled and said "Just take them everywhere you go." Again I asked "Really now, How much do I owe?"
"My child" he said, "God paid your bill a long long time ago."

A good read

First Monday peer-reviewed journals on the Internet, solely devoted to the Internet and related technologies. A good read for the tech savy brigade.

Give a man an inch and he will call himself a RULER.....

Even though you may want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on the brakes. In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang onto the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?
--Mary Manin Morrissey author

If u ask me, i have released my non-existant brain, and now i am completely lost ;)

All i need now is a huge bowl of Cake fudge to get myself up and running......

He:Just out of college and no credentials worth mentioning, how would u prove your standing for the job? Neither do u have experience nor any outstanding credentials?
Me: Unless and until u give me a chance to prove my capability, how i can prove myself to you. Agreed I am not a big Don at the University, but with time comes experience
He: But at the end of the year, the students will be your competitors, you are too young and just out of college, there is a long way for you to go
Me: Yeah i realise i have got into a tunnel at the end of which i see no light, I am sure, i will have no competition from my students, i would have considerable experience by then
He:Ayesha, there are two things, good and not good, from your academic records i see you have stood first for the Univ, excelled in ur curricular activities. Now you are doing a course which is a added bonus to ur degree. There is no doubt that you are good...(a brief pause)
Me: (The ever impatient...) but no so good, thanks a lot Sir
He: (cutting me mid way and shocked at my outburst), No, No i don't mean to discourage you, You are young, just out of college and there is a long way to go, from the session (which lasted nearly half an hour of questions and answers), i see a great potential in you. You got the right attitude which will take you to greater altitude. We shall tell you what our decision is.
Me: (feed up of the entire episode)...Thanks a lot Sir, (walks out with a humph)

On this day 4 years back, i attended this interview, the "he" here is the VC of my univ. A interview which surely shook the entire board and tested my patience. The requirement was for a Lecture with no experience, but all through the interview, stress was on experience and proving ur capability. And when the board was questioned how can u ask a fresher to prove their capability, unless given a chance, all u got in turn was a balnk look...These are the times which make u feel like changing the entire educational system.

Eitherways, lucky for me, i ended up as the second preferred candidate in the interview, possibly they did not want a rebel to be teaching at the masters program. A wonderful and memorable experience nevertheless.