Random Thoughts

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year 2010.

Year 2009 has gone quick and it seems that older we get, faster the years zoom by.

Hope you all have joyous time throughtout year 2010.

Swine Flu Vaccine - Advantage China

2009-09-03T17:32:00.001-07:00

China today approved the Swine flu vaccine one of its companies developed. This is the first time China has outrun all other countries including USA in terms of medical advancement. Aprt from coming ahead in terms of time, China has claimed that it's vaccine would consists of just one dosage as against two predicted by most of other pharma companies around the globe. That is double achivement.

I never said that before, didnt want to say, but today I just want to say - Congratulations China.

Swine Flu

2009-09-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Swine Flu in India (like rest of the world) as of now seem to be spreading far and wide, in lethal way - taking with it more than 100 victims in India in just under a month. With thousands infected already and in a country with billin people running around, government seem to care little.

I say little because just in city of Mumbai we have just around 6 hospitals to take care of all suspected swine cases. Beyond mumbai, the closest center to test swine flu is in Pune which is mecca in itself of people waiting for thier turn to test.

Question is why cannot government open up more centres in more cities so that common people do not have to travel far and scarce and get treatment immediately. True media is creating the hype and all but fact cannot be ignored that people are dying daily and the number is just going up each day. I know of atleast one person who died last week due to swine flu and that life could have been saved if timely treatment was around.

The condition of municipal hospital is pathethic at best. Forget the treatment, frankly, just staying in it makes you sick. This is big ugly fact. Why cannot government do something to make it right?

When the government can spend crores(billions) on other useless things like statues and arms and all, why cannot the health sector be improved? All they say is the situation is under control. Instead of patting themselves in back, shouldnt they realize every moment is important to save each life passing by?

The way things are going, doesn't look good. Surprising government officials have not set thier priorities right and instead just wasting time. Maybe we have ourselves to blame for this mess, we never bothered before and we may never will!

Shah Rukh Khan episode

2009-08-15T10:32:00.001-07:00

SRK detained briefly at Newark Airport. That is the news we all have been talking about. I wanted to blog on this topic until I came across following blog which closely matches my thoughts. So here is the link,

http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/onefortheroad/entry/don-t-make-a-big#comment-form

There is also another update which seems to contradict much of SRK's statements, here at :

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4898087.cms

Also, wanted to congratulate all my fellow Indians for our 62nd year of independence. We have come a long way and have a long way still to go. United we can do wonders, lets work towards it.

MJ - The king of Pop

2009-06-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

Shocking and Sad - The passing away of one the worlds greatest legend, Michael Jackson. I personally think he was just unbelievable, total entertainer whose mere presence on stage would rock the crowd. There were lots of controversies and stories surrounding him throughout his life but I admire him for giving world his amazing music. And not to forget the mind boggling moon-walk-dance.

Rest in Peace MJ, You will never be forgotten. Your music will always be in our heart.

Just for laughs

2009-05-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

A guy, sitting outside his home about to be evicted from his house, was contemplating how the future would be after he had divorced his wife, lost his children and lost his job.

He notices a crate of beer bottles and walks up to it.

He takes out an empty bottle, smashing it into the concrete wall swearing, "You are the reason I don't have a wife", second bottle, "You are the reason I don't have my children", third bottle "You are the reason I lost my job".

He notices the fourth bottle is sealed and still full of beer. He takes the bottle, puts it aside and says "Stand aside my dear friend; I know you were not involved".

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

Two weeks after Santa's transfer into the promotion department, his old boss got a phone call. "You told me Santa was a responsible worker!" yelled the furious head of promotion.

"Oh, he is," she confirmed. "In the year he worked in my department, the computer went down five times and had to be completely reprogrammed, the petty cash got misplaced six times, and I developed an ulcer. And each time Santa was responsible.

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Banta Singh was in court charged with parking his car in a restricted area. The judge asked him if he had anything to say in his defence. "They shouldn't put up such misleading notices,"said Banta Singh." It said , FINE FOR PARKING HERE."

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A drunk Sardar farts loudly in d bar. Man next to him-"Excuse me, You have no decency, you farted before my wife".
Sardar-"Sorry, i didnt know it was her turn"!!

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And this one is in Hindi...

A beggar- 'Oh sundari ! Andha hoon. Sawa paanch rupya de de.. " Husband said 2 his wife- De de, tujhe sundari bola hai to har haal mein andha hai...

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

P.S. I havent had chance to go through blogs I visit but I do have you all in mind. Hope you all are doing good. Take care.

India elections

2009-03-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

It's election time in India and the season to see our politicians putting up various antics with full steam. Every day, we see news report of various political parties and leaders indulging in some or other crooked stunt. It is really a shame that even after more than 60 years, our leaders can get away with thier corruption, lies and dramas. Such is thier confidence in thier ability to fool the voters, that even in age of internet and 24x7 live media coverage, they are brazen enough to display thier crooked ways in full public view. Our netas think that they can ignore the constituency for full 5 years after they get elected and come back to beg in front of voters when election arrives( and with full intention to disappear again until next election).

Here are my top 5 thoughts\advise for elections.

1. Please go and vote. Your vote is lot more precious than you think and our future needs it like never before. Also encourage everyone around you to vote. Do not let go your vote in waste. Crying on later after the elections sitting in drawing rooms about our leaders, just discussing the state of nation in get together or parties and just blaming someone without voting is not brave. If you vote now, at least you know you tried to vote for the best.

2. All political parties are good, bad and ugly. Do not vote for the party, vote for candidate even if they are independants. I know this may result in hung parliament but then that is lot more better than electing bad and crooks. Dont let anyone hoodwink you with vote-bank politics. We should all love our religion and be passionate about it but dont let it be hijacked by politicians who use it for thier gains.

3. Analyze your options. Think wisely, what each candidates have done in past, what they might do in future. Ask yourself if the candidate whom you are going to vote really did anything worthwhile for your constituency, your country or your future? If you dont have good candidate to vote, vote for lesser of all evils. Use your judgement wisely to vote.

4. Indian democracy allows candidate to stand in elections repeatedly, for unlimited amount of time. Ask yourself if your candidate really deserves your vote even today after doing nothing for us all these years? Indians are very emotional and we tend to forget and forgive the netas when they come back during elections with folded hands after doing nothing all past elected tenure.

5. During last five years, we have got upset with way things have worked around us. We light candles to express solidarity to victims and to make a change around us. There can be no better oppurtunity than now to vote for right candidate in this election. Please help vote for better future by electing better leaders. India needs us and our future needs us to vote for best candidates. Go vote and vote for the best. We all agree that we need change and like Mahatma Gandhi said, Be a part of change you wish to see in world.

Jai Hind.

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE

2009-03-28T08:39:00.001-07:00

Email forward that made me smile.

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE
(1) Fine:This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
(2) Five Minutes:If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour.. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing:This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead:This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh:This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)
(6) That's Okay:This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
(7) Thanks:A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever').
(8) Whatever:Is a woman's way of saying F--YOU!
(9) Don't worry about it, I got it:Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

* Send this to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology.

* Send this to all the women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know it's true!!!

School kids..

2009-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Teacher: Well, at least there's one thing I can say about your son.
Father: What's that?
Teacher: With grades like these, he couldn't be cheating.

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

Mother: Why did you get such a low mark on that test?
Junior: Because of absence.
Mother: You mean you were absent on the day of the test?
Junior: No, but the kid who sits next to me was.

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Teacher: Bob, I hope I didn't see you looking at Don's paper.
Bob: I hope you didn't either.

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Sylvia: Dad, can you write in the dark?
Father: I think so. What do you want me to write?
Sylvia: Your name on this report card.

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Gary: I don't think I deserve a zero on this test.
Teacher: I agree, but it's the lowest mark I can give you.

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Hygiene Teacher: How can you prevent diseases caused by biting insects?
Jose: Don't bite any.

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Teacher: Alfred, how can one person make so many mistakes in one day?
Alfred: I get up early.

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

A teacher asked one of the boys in her class, "Can people predict the future with cards?"
His response was, "My mother can." The teacher replied, "Really?"
The young boy was quick to explain, "
Yes, she takes one look at my report card and tells me what will happen when my father gets home."

http://kidsformumbai.org/

2009-01-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

Read an article in www.timesofindia about http://kidsformumbai.org/.

I am amazed at this kid whose noble thoughts are filled for this world. A little kid but already my hero.

Please visit.

Section "49-0"

2008-12-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

I don't generally do tagging, but I hope everyone in blogger world, tag this post. And as a formality, I would say, YOU ARE TAGGED. Please do.
-------------------------------------------

The times of today demand that we people of India needs desperate change of politics on which our lives and future depend on. Every small change, every small contribution from each one of us is needed to help make difference to the life we live, for the better. I came across Section 49-O before but did not pay much attention. My dear friends, please read, understand and use section 49-O if needed.

What is Section '49-O'?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/49-O

Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per the 1969 act, in section "49-O" that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that he doesn't want to vote anyone!

Yes such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called "49-O".

Why should you go and say "I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them. This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way, of our whole political system... it is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a
feature to the public....

Please spread this news to as many as you know... Seems to be a wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India... show your power, expressing your desire not to vote for anybody, is even more powerful than voting... so don't miss your chance. So either vote, or vote not to vote (vote 49-O) and pass this info on...

Jai Hind.

Terror in Mumbai

2008-11-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

The Terror attack on Mumbai was despicable, cruel and cowardly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and thier families. We would also like to salute and thank our hereos ( The commandos, the Indian soldiers, Navy's MARCOS, the police, brave employees at hotels ) who fought bravely rescueing the hostages.

Let us hope that this unfortunate event wakes up our political establishment in tackling terror more firmly with a determined will.

Other notable thoughts(just my opinion) :-

-- I was so angry with this incident that part of me wanted to go and fight with terrorist myself.

-- Our real heroes ( soldiers, commandoes and firefighters ) were transported in local transport bus whereas our cricketers always get the best of luxury. Not saying cricketers should not get luxury buses, but why should we ignore our real heroes.

-- After India won T20 Cricket cup, central government and states were scrambling to shower cricketers with millions of dollars. Why is no one doing the same with our real heroes?

-- One silver lining was that local bystanders gave standing ovation to our real heroes and watching that my eyes were numb for first time. It was like I was watching patriotic movie. I hope people do not forget this love for our heroes and our country.

Is this human?

2008-11-17T17:30:00.001-08:00

Disgusting, criminal, pathetic, sickening, horrifying, shocking, .... I just cannot come to terms the word I can use to represent the above video. Apparently due to some college function pamplets not printing name of college in full(or something like that), students started a fight which after looking at the video just seem gory.

I know we all have difference but beating relentlessly a fallen human for full five minutes and that too by students of law college is beyond my imagination. How low can parental upbringing be of people who resorted to such criminal and senseless violence? Also seen in video are policemen watching all this gory violence 'helplessly'. I say helplessly coz I was said that cops would get into trouble politically if they do thier job. I guess that is the way we Indians have got used to and will live with.

Google with keyword 'chennai college fight' for news links.

God bless us, I can only pray.

Interesting and informative.

2008-11-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

1 If you are right handed, you will tend to chew your food on your right side. If you are left handed, you will tend to chew your food on your left side.
2 If you stop getting thirsty, you need to drink more water. For when a human body is dehydrated, its thirst mechanism shuts off.
3 Your tongue is germ free only if it is pink. If it is white there is a thin film of bacteria on it.
4 The pupil of the eye expands as much as 45 percent when a person looks at something pleasing.
5 Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. Six-year-olds laugh an average of 300 times a day. Adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.

6 Dalmatians are born without spots.
7 Bats always turn left when exiting a cave.
8 The 'v' in the name of a court case does not stand for 'versus', but for 'and' (in civil proceedings) or 'against' (in criminal proceedings)
9 Men's shirts have the buttons on the right, but women's shirts have the buttons on the left
10 The reason honey is so easy to digest is that it's already been digested by a bee.

11 Roosters cannot crow if they cannot extend their necks
12 Every time you sneeze some of your brain cells die
13 When hippos are upset, their sweat turns red
14 Google is actually the common name for a number with a million zeros
15 The attachment of the human skin to muscles is what causes dimples

16 Human hair and fingernails continue to grow after death
17 The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets
18 Most soccer players run 7 miles in a game
19 The only part of the body that has no blood supply is the cornea in the eye. It takes in oxygen directly from the air
20 In most watch advertisements the time displayed on the watch is 10:10 because then the arms frame the brand of the watch (and make it look like it is smiling).

21 The only 2 animals that can see behind itself without turning its head are the rabbit and the parrot
22 Women blink nearly twice as much as men
23 If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural cause.
24 The human heart creates enough pressure while pumping to squirt blood 30 feet!!

and last one is the best...

25. A real diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

Indian Politics

2008-10-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

Mayawati installs 100s her own statues, Amar Singh at his usual nonsense, Mamata driving away Tata Nano, ..., and now Raj Thackeray in news again for inciting violence in Maharastra.

How in India they managed to breed with thier selfish, dirty politics without any concern for people and country. I am just amazed by thier bold ways which seem to only go worse day by day. On deep thinking, I think we all have to seriously put some effort in making sure that these politicians do not take us for granted.

As for violence and damage, all politicians should be made responsible for any and all damage to public property. Until and unless all dues are recovered, politicians should be made to rot in prison. All the trouble mongers in street should be dealt with stern law.

This is not to say that I do not care about the concerns marathi or state local population have. Being born in Mumbai and lived through different parts of world, I totally understand the feelings of locals. But Violence is not the means of solution to any problem in world. especially when only innocent people are victims. Sad part is politicians who incite violence do so in thier own comfort zone. Only common people suffer and that is you and me.

Friends - Do whatever you can to educate people about cruel and selfish leaders. Today we may keep queit, tomorrow we might be victim ourselves and no one would be there to help. Act today!

Movie Week

2008-10-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

This past week, I got to see two Hindi movies. Both are must watch.

Movie 1 - Hello ( Sharman Joshi, Sohail Khan, ....)
This movie revolves around life at call centre. Somehow I liked this movie and think after long time there was some movie to keep me seated throughout the end. No I never worked at call centre but it was still interesting...

Movie 2 - Gunda ( Mithun Chakraborty classic...)
Less said the better about this classic movie. Just make sure you leave your brains out. Yeah I know am still recommending this movie and that is because you will know only when you watch it.

Check out this movie at http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=gunda&hl=en&emb=0#

N-Joy.

Parents

2008-09-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

As most of the time, just posting here one good email forward which I think we all should read. It's about respecting and taking care of parents. I think I do and I hope you all are doing every bit you can.

Following is the extract.

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

Conversation... This was narrated by an IAF pilot to IIT students, during a special seminar on HUMAN RELATIONS.

My parents left for our native place on Thursday and we went to the airport to see them off. In fact, my father had never traveled by air before, so I just took this opportunity to make him experience the same. In spite of being asked to book tickets by train, I got them tickets on Jet Airways.

The moment I handed over the tickets to him, he was surprised to see that I had booked them by air. The excitement was very apparent on his face, waiting for the time of travel. Just like a school boy, he was preparing himself on that day and we all went to the airport, right from using the trolley for his luggage, the baggage check-in and asking for window seat and waiting restlessly for the security check-in to happen.

He was thoroughly enjoying himself and I, too, was overcome with joy watching him experience all these things. As they were about to go in for the security check-in, he walked up to me with tears in his eyes and thanked me. He became very emotional and it was not as if I had done something great but the fact that this meant a great deal to him. When he said thanks, I told him there was no need to thank me.

But later, thinking about the entire incident, I looked back at my life. As a child how many dreams our parents have made come true. Without understanding the financial situation, we ask for cricket bats, dresses, toys, outings, etc. Irrespective of their affordability, they have catered to all our needs. Did we ever think about the sacrifices they had to make to accommodate many of our wishes? Did we ever say thanks for all that they have done for us? Same way, today when it comes to our children, we always think that we should put them in a good school. Regardless of the amount of donation, we will ensure that we will have to give the child the best, theme parks, toys, etc.

But we tend to forget that our parents have sacrificed a lot for our sake to see us happy, so it is our responsibility to ensure that their dreams are realized and what they failed to see when they were young, it is our responsibility to ensure that they experience all those and their life is complete. Many times, when my parents had asked me some questions, I have actually answered back without patience. When my daughter asks me something, I have been very polite in answering. Now I realize how they would have felt at those moments. Let us realize that old age is a second childhood and just as we take care of our children, the same attention and same care need to be given to our parents and elders. Rather than my dad saying thank you to me, I would want to say sorry for making him wait so long for this small dream. I do realize how much he has sacrificed for my sake and I will do my best to give the best possible attention to all their wishes.

Just because they are old does not mean that they will have to give up everything and keep sacrificing for their grandchildren also. They have wishes, too. Take care of your parents; it's your turn.

Just for laughs

2008-08-28T15:45:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Sardar Mania

Sardar declares:
I will never marry in my life and
I'll give same advice to my children also

============ ========= ========= ===

A donkey kicked sardar & ran away.
sardar ran to catch the donkey. He saw a zebra & started beating it & said 'SALA Tracksuit pahan ke dhoka de raha hai'.

============ ========= ========= ==

teacher: make a sentence in which 1 word repeated 4 times
sardar: lara dutta marries brian lara and she becomes lara lara

============ ========= ========= ==

Santa went to mysore palace.
Tourist guide - santaji plz dont sit there, its Tipu sultan's chair
Santa - oye dont worry yaar i'll get up when he comes.!!..

============ ========= ========= ===

Sardar wanted to make a STD. call to punjab,
He wanted to save money so what did he do?
Simple, he went to punjab and made a local call.

============ ========= ========= ===

Oye paaji, apni pregnant wife ko itne dard mein hospital
ki jagah pizza hut kyun leja raha hai........
Sardarji: Kyun key pizza hut mein"Delivery Free" hai.

============ ========= ========= ===

A Sardar enters shop shouts, Where is my free gift with this oil?
Shopkeeper: Iske Saath koi gift nahin hai bhai saab?o
Sardar : Oye ispe likha hai CHOLESTROL FREE.

============ ========= ========= ==

SARDAR talking on cell.

2ND SARDAR: kis se baat kar raho ho.
1ST: biwi se.....
2ND: itne... pyar se....?
1ST: tumhari hai. . .

============ ========= ========= =====

One tourist from U.S.A. asked to Sardar: Any great man born in this village?
Sardar: no sir, only small Babies!!!

============ ========= ========= ====

Teacher: A for?
Sardar: Apple
Teacher: Jor se bolo?
Sardar: Jay mata di.
============ ========= ========= ====

American says: " US mein shaadi E-mail se hoti hai.."
Sardarji says: " India me to.. shaadi Fe-mail se hoti hai...!!!"

============ ========= ========= ===

Sardar orders pizza.
Waiter: Sir shud i cut it into 4 pieces or into 8 pieces?
Sardar: 4 hi karde 8 khaye nahi jayenge

Mumbai lingo

2008-08-05T20:32:00.001-07:00

Here is alphabetic slate for mumbai lingo. Some of the alphabetic description would appear offensive, please ignore and move on.

:-)

Changing times.

2008-07-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Here's nice cartoon and a joke with good moral. Not related but still kindof common. Got these in my email inbox and thought to share with ya'll.

How Technology changed us...

Herez a good one.

Apparently, a self-important college freshman attending a recent football game took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation.

'You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive one', the student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. 'The young people of today grew up with television, jet planes, space travel, man walking on the moon. Our space probes have visited Mars. We have nuclear energy, ships and electric and hydrogen cars, cell phones , computers with light-speed processing.. .and more.'

After a brief silence, the senior citizen responded as follows:
'You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were young....... .so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little shit, what are you doing for the next generation?'

The applause was amazing....

60 Minutes

2008-06-30T18:12:00.001-07:00

Recent catastrophic events like earthquakes, tornadoes, storms, flooding left many people homeless both in developed and developing world. Most of them were aware of the impending disaster about to strike them and some were kind of caught unaware.

Watching the news along to get the updates, I could notice that lot of people were warned about impending danger to thier homes and Police, rescue teams and volunteers were asking people to get out of thier home and head to safer places. People were scrambling to pack few bags for immediate survival from thier home soon to be destroyed. In one such after-disaster interview, I saw few people repenting not able to take thier important belongings out of the house. This left me intrigued. I was wondering what would I be doing if I was in such a bad situation.

My question to you is say one fine day, someone comes knocking at your door, and tell you about some impending disaster, and that you have just 60 minutes to pack and leave the place, how ready are you? Are you well organized to take decision, pack and leave in 60 minutes? Will you grab documents? Money? Jewellery? clothes?....

In cases like earthquake you have less than a minute, for tornadoes you have less than 30 minutes and for cyclones maybe couple of hours. In any case, very less time. So how ready are you? Think!!!

Officeworld

2008-06-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

It was beautiful, bright and sunny friday afternoon. Being friday, I am in good mood and all excited. Calender pops up to remind that I have to be in meeting in next 15 minutes. For a meeting wherein you are about to be demonstrated some new technology and application for next 60 minutes, you wouldn't dampen your mood. But 10 minutes into the meeting, here I am yawning and desperately trying to stay awake.

Problem was that the presenter was just too engrossed in his slides and himself that he had no idea that he was addressing the meeting. All I could hear blah-blah-umm-blah-blah. I wanted to ask him question, I wanted him to ask the question but no. He just had his rant on. This is where I realized that why some classrooms are so boring. Teachers or presenters just do not involve students or audience in the discussion. I really wish they crack relevant jokes, ask questions, take questions, or whatever it takes to involve people in room.

Okay, not all of teachers/presenters are boring but you can easily find out why. I just hope I dont land up with such yawning room.

Check out these pictures that depict( in humor and yet kind of real) the world of office. I find these related to my officeworld and that is also the reason I spend few seconds everyday to visit dilbert.com.

lines to remember..

2008-05-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

Best of forwards to me, from my email inbox.

Some of these are pretty good...
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.
3. Its always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.
10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.
12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.
14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
17. Duct tape is like 'The Force.' It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
18. There are two theories to arguing. Neither one works.
19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night

Upgrades, Installation and Uninstallations...

2008-04-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

This is email forward I received from a friend and I thought it funny enough to share with you all...

Dear Tech Support Team:
Last year I upgraded from Girlfriend 5.0 to Wife 1.0.
I soon noticed that the new program, Wife 1.0 installed itself into all other programs and now monitors all other system activities.

Applications such as BachelorNights 10.3, Cricket 5.0, BeerWithBuddies 7.5 , and Outings 3.6 no longer runs, crashing the system whenever selected. I can ' t seem to keep Wife 1.0 in the background while attempting to run my favorite applications.
I ' m thinking about going back to Girlfriend 5.0 , but the ' uninstall ' doesn ' t work on Wife 1.0.

Please help!

Thanks,

"A Troubled User"

REPLY:
Dear Troubled User:
This is a very common problem that people complain about.
Many people upgrade from Girlfriend 5.0 to Wife 1.0 , thinking that it is just a Utilities and Entertainment program.

Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its Creator to run EVERYTHING!!!
It is also impossible to delete Wife 1.0 and to return to Girlfriend 5.0.
You cannot go back to Girlfriend 5.0 because Wife 1.0 is designed not to allow this.
I suggest installing the background application "Yes Dear" to alleviate software augmentation.

The best course of action is to enter the command C:\APOLOGIZE because ultimately you will have to give the APOLOGIZE command before the system will return to normal anyway.

Wife 1.0 comes with several support programs, such as Clean 2.5, Sweep 3.0, Cook 1.5 and DoLaundry 4.2. However, be very careful how you use these programs. Improper use will cause the system to launch the program NagNag 9.5 . Once this happens, the only way to improve the performance of Wife 1.0 is to purchase additional software. I recommend Sarees 2.1 and Jewellery 5.0

STATUTORY WARNING : DO NOT, under any circumstances, install Secretary With ShortSkirt 3.3 . This application is not supported by Wife 1.0 and will cause irreversible damage to the operating system.

Saying

2008-03-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

Found this line somewhere recently, liked it.

‘Love is not about finding the right person, It’s about creating the right relationship; It’s not how much love we have in the beginning, But how much love we build in the end.’

Hope you all are having fun....I am.

Updates

2007-10-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

Trying to scribble here after long time. This time my excuse is more work in office, travel and a test. So many things happening and so little time to write.

After all the global warming signs, like the droughts around the world, inadequate rains, irregular weather, higher temperature, world is starting to get scary. I dont know how many of us are concerned but this is a real thing to worry about and sadly I am not sure if we can indeed so something or is it just too late. Parts of east coast which were lush green are not total brown and some of the normally filled lakes are scary dry.

And there is a news of firestorm in California. Unbelievable that tens of thousands of acres of land would just get burned down with little chance of being put down. With daily talks of technological advance in world, it is sad that we cannot even put down the fire that is engulfing thousands of dream homes - even after three days.

I was watching the news with people being forced to leave the homes grabbing whatever it takes. That made me think and I was wondering if I was in that situation, what would I try to salvage the most. Everything in house is precious and there is only little we can afford to carry with us. How much are we ready mentally and physically?!

p.s. Last past weekends, I had a chance to attend the garba dance festival. Have to say, garbas in USA are far better than the ones in India, Mumbai in particular. What I really liked was that here they had real garba songs and crowd was well behaved and well dressed. Compare this to hindi songs played at most of the garba venues in Mumbai. I enjoyed garbas in Mumbai too but here in USA they are far more traditional. Atleast until now.

Random me!!!

2007-09-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

8 Random facts/habits about me...

1. I like to interfere with each and everything around me. Includes people, work, material things, etc, etc. Sometimes related, sometimes not. As a result, sometimes it makes my day, sometimes it becomes a spoiler.

2. I like watching comedy movies. Hate the sci-fi and horror movies. May sound wierd, but emotional movies make me cry. Literally with lots of tearworks.

3. I like music. All kinds. Even the classical ones. I believe music(any sound qualifies) is one of the integral part of all living being that can move. There is music for every occasion.

4. Dating two sisters on same day has to be one of my life's craziest moments. One was aware of it, other still doesnt know(I think).

5. I got almost kidnapped one afternoon when returning from school only to be released soon after family friend raised an alarm. This was that just one day when mom thought I could manage to get home by myself after being escorted half way through.

6. Happiest day in life was when I could gift my mom the car she asked from me when I was 5. She never reminded me again but I had that in mind all the time. Especially when we did not have the car in family.

7. 1992 - Mumbai riots. I was at Andheri station coming back from class when mob armed with swords tried to attack us. They were forced to retreat. Long story here but that has to be the scariest day in my life.

8. Girls!! I love all the girls that comes my way. Have got into trouble couple of times but honestly I think they are all good :).

orkut

2007-08-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday I read the news that Mumbai Teeneger has been kidnapped for ransom of 2 crore rupees(20 million). As I was reading the news, I was thinking yet another kidnapping and yet another ransom and everything will be fine. Then comes news today morning that kidnappers murdered him. That was disturbing. Just couldnt understand the ways of the world. How cruel.

Check this link, link

Couple of things about this case left me disturbed. Police say kidnappers were friends of this teen and that they first met over ORKUT online community. Also, this teen got into rich wild habbits of car racing and late nights away from home.

To me, online community is good social networking place on internet but after my yahoo password was hacked and personal details flashed over internet, I got scared. Still am. I would advice everyone particularly the teens and innocents to be careful who you meet and make sure you really know the stranger from internet before you open up your private life diary in front of him/her.

Also Parents should know that anytime thier kids are doing nights out, its time to start worrying. Most of the times, peer group wanting to do wild things at night are out of control and I know from personal experience that most of them have scant respect for law or society. This ultimately gets them in trouble almost all the time and we have millions of cases where families have to regret later.

If we are to cry later, why not take time to rein in kids at first place? After all it is for everyone's benefit.

The Debate

2007-07-24T17:54:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I have scribbled something in this space. Blame that on busy life in office and at home. Anyways,....

I am following up with Indian Idol 3 and as usual seem to enjoy every episode of it. Abhishek, Ankita and Amit are my favs. Dunno but I like live songs more than records played. They just seem to have different but lively music on the stage.

Did anyone follow Live US Presential CNN-Youtube debate today? That was just amazing and wow. A first of its kind. All the candidates really had to do thier homework since they were directly facing the audience from Internet. Talk of technology taking part in our real world. I wonder what it would be like to have this system in India.

I couldnt help notice headlines screaming Lindsay Lohan going back to jail after being caugth again DUI and in possession of drugs. Do I need to say more?

Almost end of July. Folks back at home in mumbai say there is no rains this month yet and are facing water scarcity. Situation is same here in parts of east coast of US where ban on watering lawns starts today. No rains here too. Scary ain't it?

Recycling

2007-07-16T19:14:00.001-07:00

Lolz. Just too good.

What's in a name.

2007-06-28T18:10:00.001-07:00

Celebrities

2007-06-14T20:07:00.001-07:00

Celebrities are always in news, for one reason or other. They tend to get more limelight when they do something wrong, something unethical or something not done by common man intentionally and carelessly.

Just like most celebrities, Paris Hilton seem to understand or learn at last what it is to act stupid. It was funny and sad at the same time to see her cry like a child when led away to jail for second time. That picture was worth million words.

I had said enough about her stupid ways before but I was thinking about the punishment celebrities are given. The way it works now is that along with celebrities, whole system including the media gets into overtime either trying to save them or hound them. This I think is plain inconvenience to the public and sometimes celebrities seem to enjoy all the mess they create.

Best way to punish these rich brats would be to levy hefty fines. Like say just 5 days of prision and 5 million dollar fine for Hilton. Our very own Salman should be asked to pay 2 crore and 10 days jail for killing chinkara and another crore for DUI. Let Sanjay Dutt pay 10 crores for moving around with anti-socials. Use all these big bucks for better public facilities instead of spending big amount of tax dollars trying to protect and taking care of them. I am sure this big bucks will give them enough grief so as to not act stupid again.

Talking of celebrities, I am just in awe of Tamil Superstar Rajnikanth. Say whatever but he is truely demi-god. The hype his movies create, the power he holds in selecting fellow actors, directors, music composer, writer, even spot boy is unmatched in any part of movie industry. The thing I like most and which sets him apart from other celebreties, is his down to earth mannerism. I guess, that is why he is a real superstar!!

p.s. Song above from Youtube is too funny.

Mumbai

2007-06-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

Now since vacation and jet lag is over, I think I can get back with blogworld again. Vacation as usual was good. Itz refreshing to spend time with family and friends and places and shopping and fun.

Things around change as with laws of nature but this time couldnt help notice how Mumbai and all the places I have been have got so crowded and how they have started to look so different. It is not as if I have seen these places after 10 years. I visit Mumbai about every 6 months. But this time, somehow it was really inconvienient right from road traffic everywhere to over and out crowded trains to airports and even the local beaches. Guess I am begining to have jitters just when I am thinking of settling down in India for good.

On wedding front, shopping and countdown got a headstart with this vacation. Before you ask if I got to make decision about girl I would be marrying this year, I would say not yet. There were quite a few proposals but I just couldnt make up my mind. They were all good and I really wished I married them all ;) I have few more months to decide and would wait for right moment.

Hope you all are doing good.

Vacation

2007-05-06T17:51:00.000-07:00

Past couple of weeks, I have been travelling. Blame that on work. Couldn't keep up much with the blogs I do visit and that sucks. And I guess this will be the routine until this month end, atleast.

Anyways, What gave me smile again this week was the sentencing of Paris Hilton to 45 days jail. It was really amusing coz I bet this was not at all on her mind or on her list of intentional publicity stunts. I am sure that will put a brake on her stupid antics.

In the other news, I didn't know whether to laugh or be frown on reading our dear MP actively involved in human trafficking. On one hand, I would like to recommend him to Darwin awards for being utterly stupid and on other hand it just shows how pathetic our political system has become these days. MPs elected to work for people are busy working for themselves and minting money.

I really wish we have some sort of system where by we can call our elected representatives on regular basis and ask them what they have done, what they have been doing and what they are upto. That way they cannot just slip into oblivion. Just the same way as my local MP Govinda who cannot be traced after he got elected. I am sure he and his stooges will be back just in time for election. Just wish they can be reached or better yet, be forced to reach thier electorate.

I would be taking a vacation break this week until this month end to be with family in India. I might not be able to keep my blog updated during this month though I may try.

Summertime

2007-04-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

The gory incident at Virginia tech last week took Minal Panchal from mumbai as one of its victims. I followed her profile in myspace and that left me disturbed. Because one evening she was laughing and chatting with friends in internet world and the next afternoon that very space had people posting condolence messages for her. Life's like this?! I am glad they deleted that profile. Would have been too painful for friends.

For those of you in India, not staying in cities, Load shedding would now be a part of daily routine. Most of the places, electricity is out for more than 12 hours. It is year 2007 and we are putting Satellites to space, making long range missles, and spending billions of dollars with it. Wonder why our government cannot spend some money on much needed welfare of providing basic amenities to the people? How much and what does it take to put this load shedding issue on priority? This is just not right.

With temperatures soaring past 85F this weekend, I can finally feel the arrival of spring/summer. This also reminds me to talk about what I did last-10s summers as tagged by Cuckoo. I have promised Starry that I would be taking her tag first so this is not exactly a tag.
About summer time, unlike most, I didnt get a chance to spend vacation far off away from my town. No beautiful resorts, no hill station. Beaches yes, but they were around my place if that counts.

During school days, I spent most of my vacation playing around with friends all day. During college, there was vacation but all of it was spent for class assignments and getting ready for job/career-in-waiting. Nothing interesting there, same usual books stuff mostly.

Apart from that usual ritual, Summer time also(and almost always) meant getting a chance to attend shaadis in relatives and friends place. I loved that the most because that is where I learnt/get to flirt;) Sometimes helping friends and sometimes being helped. Always, looked forward for shaadis. Funny thing is over the time, when I really wanted to be in such shaadi occasions, work pulled me far apart and now shaadi for me is very formal.

Then there was our regular trip to village farm where we would enjoy plucking green mangoes and other fruits. There were lots of fruit trees in farm but over the time, they are dwindling in numbers. Just love those moments.

Finally, One thing I really love about summer vacation is big family getogether. Neices, nephews numbering in 10s just making house go wild. Still it is fun. Talking of gettogether, I would be in India for couple of weeks next month.

There is one more update on personal front which I think I can share here. For those of you with sharp memory, few months back, I said I was supposed get married in May as per family ultimatum. After lots of convincing, family has agreed to keep year end as timeframe. I know I will coz I promised them this time :)

Sanjaya

2007-04-08T16:42:00.003-07:00

Sanjaya has survived into top 9 of American Idol and I have said before that he does not have good vocal. But it amazes me how luck or fate would shine on us sometimes like sanjaya making him most popular contestant. He is the center of talk at talk-shows, comedy central, office, magazines, and where not. Truly like he said, the sanjaya universe ;)

Last week I had friends visit me. As usual with everyone, I asked them to take thier shoes off before they walks all around the house. They were not pleased. I do have living room where shoes are okay if incase there is anyone who just cannot keep shoes out. But like it or not, I have a strict policy that shoes beyond living room are just not fine with me. I do know of people who even sleeps with thier shoes on, all rolling together with comforters and bedsheets and them. But that is them and I think me is just me.

This past week, scientists all over the world came together at Brussels to put the scary report out that world is warming faster than anyone envisioned. I know they put out such reports every year but this time they have lots of facts to back thier case. Again we can ignore the findings but very soon it is going to affect us lot more and lot worse. I dont know what we as individual can do to help but governments should really act fast.

Life has been busy. First the move, now catch-up to social world. Have a nice day.

Move

2007-03-25T18:32:00.001-07:00

Few Stray thoughts for today:

India is out of world cup and I hope most of us must be trying to forget horrible matches we played. I am never too much into cricket but this year I was somewhat hooked to results what with so many controversies and happenings. Ok I will not talk more about what everyone is trying to forget.

Looks like Shakira's show was entertaining to many of her fans. I like her few songs but dont think I can listen to all her songs. But I guess the whole point is to be in crowd with her. That I know is fun and all the worth.

One more earthquake rocks Japan. Ever since that Latur Earthquake in India many many years back, I have started to grow scared of earthquakes. Even the very recent Indonasian Big one with Tsunami scared the hell out of me. Earthquake I think is one natural phenomenon which man may never conquer. Whatever but one thing to be noted is that the Japanese have earthquake proof buildings to prevent major loss of life. Am sure similar intense ones would cause big casualty in other developing countries.

Has anyone noticed something about Bachan family in media. I am talking about Amar Singh. This guy is with Amitabh or Abhishek in every picture or function and I have no idea what is he doing there. Agreed that he helped Amitabh in times of some difficulty but is it right for him to just follow Bachans all around like a tail? I would rephrase SRK's comments on him, This politician really has some evil intentions. Both in eyes as well as his head :)

Just like I said before that Himesh should stick with music direction, Sonu Nigam should stick to his singing. Sonu is versatile singer but he is a terrible actor. Check this song, love the way he sang this awesome song but couldnt watch him in video. I am not even talking about his movies which came out couple of years back...

I just finished moving to new home today. Same city, just few blocks away. But still I can say that moving is a pain. On positive side, I am really blessed with many good friends who helped to make my move a smooth one. Not to mention each one taking turn to feed me with all the fav foods. Guess that's one of very few blessings of being a bachelor ;)

Hope you all had a good weekend.

Snowstorm

2007-03-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

It was blazing hot day before and today we have yet another snowstorm. True to its unpredictable nature, weather they say is following El Nino factor. Ofcourse, along with global warming. Roads were deadly dangerous on way back from office and it is not many times I pray while driving ;) Picture above taken just before I was approaching my house next left.

If you have been following Cricket, you may have noticed one or two minnows in each league group. I dont understand why Scotland, Bangladesh, Dutch, Canada should be asked to play with big teams to humiliate themselves. If at all they should be competing, shouldnt they be put to test each other and the best of them advance to next round. At least they will have better confidence and spared from humiliation match and again?!

I was watching this movie 'Unhitched' yesterday and it reminded me of our bollywood movie Pardes where SRK snatches the bride right under wedding 'mandap'. Amazing how director changes the script mid-movie to potray the nice groom as bad guy towards the end just so that our hero can win the bride. Yeah I know it happens in movies but cannot they have better script especially when they have enough budget?

Reports of more than 50 policemen being killed by maoist insurgents yesterday in eastern India was sad and shocking. Magnitude of such violence time and again just shows how ultras are getting more and more sophisticated. It is year 2007 and these militants are still hiding in jungles training to kill people. Wonder if there no tomorrow for such idiots?

Many of you know about statcounter.com but I am starting to like the new features so much that I spend quite a time investigating my website thru projects offered by this site. Quite interesting I would say. Try it if you haven't already.

I was very excited yesterday to hear that Sonu Nigam and Asha Bhosle are going to be here for musical concert. Excitement was short lived when I read today that Sonu has backed off apparently due to him not being promoted over Asha Bhosle. Stars and thier antics.

Talking about singers, I really wish Himesh Reshamiya concentrate on his music rather than tear apart his horrible vocal cord song after song. Honestly, I like his music and even loved his few songs. But he has to control his excitement and sing only when needed.

And yes, Sanjaya Malakar is still winning. This time I wont wine about his staying back. Let people and his fate decide ;)

Have a nice weekend!!

Cricket

2007-03-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

Just some notes for today.

Cricket - World cup series gets underway today and I really dont know who the favorites are this year. Australia seemed unbeatable until thier recent series with South Africa and New Zealand. Not much hope on Indian team this year but with all players really going to try thier best, it would be worth a dekho. Sachin might be playing his last, Ganguly wants to outdo Chappell, Dravid will try to prove hez the captain, Sehwag to save his sinking career and Dhoni to keep himself in style...

American Idol - I really wanted Sanjaya Malakar to get into Top 12 and he is in. But to be very honest, during that last round, his performance sucked. I thought he was out but think all the prayers and votes did the trick for him. Not that I vote, but I really hope votes go out to right and best contestant the next time. Lets be fair.

Latest news says Halliburton plans to move headquarters to Dubai. After all rich people around the world scrambling to buy mansions in now amazingly beautiful Dubai, Corporates are getting into this race too. Whatever but this sure is going to drag lots of controversies with it.

Shocker of the day, well, week, or year, was to see Federer lose in Indian Wells Tennis Open. Ends his 41 match winning streak. Still salute to champ.

--------------------------------------
Here is something to make you smile,

Santa: I have swallowed a key.
Doctor: When?
Santa: 3 months back!
Doctor: What were you doing till now?
Santa: I was using duplicate key, now I have lost it too

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

I wrote your name on the sand
......it got washed away,
I wrote your name in air
......it got blown away,
So i wrote your name in my heart,
......I got a HEART ATTACK

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

Have a good day.

Dream girl

2007-03-03T18:19:00.001-08:00

Check this...is this for real? Just unbelievable and amazing!!

Save Job

2007-02-25T06:07:00.000-08:00

Got this cartoon long time before but when I got this again yesterday, I was just smiling. So very true at so many work places.

Note : The cartoon shows just men, but it is also prevalent to women.

I have mentioned in my earlier post how Britney and Paris keep competing with each other to grab media headlines. This time it was how and why britney shaved her head. Lets wait for Paris now. No I do not take fancy to read thier articles but it is good thing to introspect our world which just couldn't let go people like them. Paris and Britney may be stupid and all bad but what amazes me is the fact that they keep featuring in almost all newspaper round the globe. This makes them smarter than most of us, we can just envy them ;)

And those of you around Mumbai and Maharastra must be aware of how power supply is getting scarcer by day. Just unbelievable that in 2007, we should have electricity problem.

Early in January, I was not happy that we didn't have good winter this season. My wish was more than granted with four snowstorms till date and still counting. As I am writing this post, blizzard is what I see outside...

Game

2007-02-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

Check this out,

http://farm.addictinggames.com/D78AQSAKQLQWI9/3461.swf

Have Fun.

Witty and Good.

2007-02-06T17:36:00.000-08:00

Few jokes I received in my email, enjoy.

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

Customer : Waiter, do you serve crabs?
Waiter : Sir Please have a seat, we serve everyone.

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

Customer : Waiter, is this a lamb chop or pork chop?
Waiter : Can't you tell the difference by taste?
Customer : No, I can't.
Waiter : Then does it really matter?

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

Waiter : I've stewed liver, boiled tongue and frog's leg.
Customer : Don't tell me your problems. Give the menu card.

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

Teacher : Peter, why are you late for school again?
Peter : Well, Miss, I dreamed that I was playing football and The game went into extra time.

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

Lady : Is this my train?
Station Master : No, it belongs to the Railway Company.
Lady : Don't try to be funny. I mean to ask if I can take this train to New Delhi.
Station Master : No Madam, I'm afraid it's too heavy.

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

Girl : Do you love me?
Boy : Yes Dear.
Girl : Would you die for me?
Boy : No, mine is undying love.

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

A drunkard was brought to court. Just before the trial there was a Commotion in the gallery.
The judge pounded the gravel on his table and shouted, "Order, order."
The drunkard immediately responded, "Thank you, your honor, I'll have A scotch and soda."

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

Little Susie came running into the house after school one day, Shouting, "Daddy! Daddy! I got a 100 in school today!"
"That's great, Sweetheart," said her daddy.
"Come in to the living room and tell me about it."
"Well," began the confession, "I got 50 in spelling, 30 in math's and 20 in science."

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

And Paris Hilton is back, this time with some video where she is seen using all kind of foul language. I mean really foul and prohibited.

Youtube

2007-01-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

Fox subpoenas Youtube over pirated '24' show. This was heading I happened to read across many news websites. Couple of things here. First, I got to read new word 'subpoena' which the dictionary tells me means 'A writ requiring appearance in court to give testimony'. Second, there is afterall someone not happy with Youtube and keeping tab of what is happening in Youtube.

Youtube has been one of my fav website over the internet over past many months. It is just amazing how you can watch videos of practically anything from movies to sports to personal clips to hidden videos. Anytime I am bored or have some time to kill, Youtube is my website. No wonder Google bought it for tens of billions of dollars last year.

So far so good. It was just oflate that I was wondering how someone could post videos of just about anything like new pirated movies, unrated clips etc. How bad must be losses of new movies which appear in websites like Youtube. Todays news was kindof welcome relief to such thoughts. Someone had to step up to stop piracy. Companies like Youtube should expose people who indulge in piracy and copyright infringement. Let everyone learn to say NO to piracy.

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

Heard Shilpa Shetty's mom flew to london this week to be with her daughter(in times of publicity). What a cheap act!!!

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

Latest incident at Nithari where Lawyers manhandled accused killers was a shame, especially when Lawyers were involved. Sincerly think that law should take its own course in punishing whoever breaks the law.

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

And talking of next US president, I think it's Hilary Clinton.

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

Have a nice weekend...

Thoughts

2007-01-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

Shilpa Shetty, Jade Goody and Big Brother are all famous now. Only they know whether it was staged managed or real. While Shilpa did suffer from nasty comments, she would not have imagined herself splashed all over major newspaper heading round the world. Even Ashwariya must be hating Shilpa for taking all the limelight from her on her engagement week. And poor Jade has lost all...

My two cents - Not all whites are racial and that real noble thing for Shilpa would be to forgive Jade. It is good that such incidents bring racial issues into discussion but at the same time we all should get over it. Afterall we all discriminate against each other one way or other.

Did I say - I just love Shilpa Shetty. Stunning looks with drop dead figure. Wish she had a sweet voice. But then no one is made perfect.

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

It is good to see Ganguly back in Team and with runs. I hope he stays around with many more runs to come.

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

I wonder where is Paris Hilton these days. Isn't it time already for her to come up with some antics?

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

Now finally it seems winter and snow is here in Northeast. More than a month late but most welcome. Looks like we are closer to doomsday with global warming just as can be seen in movie ICE AGE meltdown. Even God would be waiting not to save us from impending catastrophe.

Still -- Cheers everyone!!!

Stupid Questions

2007-01-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

Got this in email forward today... I am ready next time...;)

At the movies: When you meet acquaintances/ friends.. .
Stupid Question: Hey, what are you doing here?
Answer: Don't u know, I sell tickets in black over here.

In the bus: A heavy lady wearing pointed high-heeled shoes steps on your feet...
Stupid Question: Sorry, did that hurt?
Answer: No, not at all, I'm on local anesthesia. Why don't you try again?

At a funeral: One of the teary eyed people ask...
Stupid Question: Why, why him, of all people.
Answer: Why? Would it rather have been you?

At a restaurant: When you ask the waiter
Stupid Question: Is the "Paneer Butter Masala" dish good?
Answer: No, it's terrible and made of adulterated cement. We occasionally also spit on it.

At a family get-together: When some distant aunt meets you after years.
Stupid Question: Munna, Chickoo, you've become so big.
Answer: Well you haven't particularly shrunk yourself.

When a friend announces her wedding, and you ask...
Stupid Question: Is the guy you're marrying well?
Answer: No, he's a miserable wife beating, insensitive lout...it's just the money.

When you see a friend/colleague with evidently shorter hair...
Stupid Question: Hey have you had a haircut?
Answer: No, its autumn and I'm shedding.

At the dentist when he's sticking pointed objects in your mouth...
Stupid Question: Tell me if it hurts?
Answer: No it won't. It will just bleed.

AND FINALLY…….

When you get woken up at midnight by a phone call...
Stupid Question: Sorry. Were you sleeping?
Answer: No. I was doing research on whether the Zulu tribes in Africa marry or not. And you thought I was sleeping.... You dumb witted moron.

Jokes

2007-01-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

Blind Date
"How was your blind date?" a college student asked her 21 year old roommate.
"Terrible!" the roommate answered. "He showed up in his 1932 Rolls Royce."
"Wow! That's a very expensive classic car. What's so bad about that?"
"He was the original owner."

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

A man went to apply for a job. After filling out all of his applications he waited anxiously for the outcome. The employer read all his applications & said, "We have an opening for people like you."
"Oh, great," the man said, "What is it?"
"It's called the door!".

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

The biggest beer producers in the world meet for a conference, and at the end of the day, the presidents of all the beer companies decide to have a drink together at a bar.

The president of Budweiser naturally orders a Bud, the president of Miller orders a Miller, Adolph Coors orders a Coors, and so on down the list.

Then the bartender asks Arthur Guinness what he wants to drink, and to everybody's amazement, he orders tea!

"Why don't you order a Guinness?" his colleagues ask suspiciously, wondering if they've stumbled on an embarrassing secret.

"Naaaah," replies Guinness. "If you guys aren't going to drink beer, then neither will I."

Wedding blues

2006-12-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

Dodging the wedding bullet until this year, family decides this is it. Ultimatum stands at May 2007. Means I just have few months of freedom :(

After not-so successful love affairs, arranged proposals looks like where I am headed. In fact, process got into quick start this month. Couple of proposals looked good but not what I/family really wanted.

Always thought there are countless girls around but when it comes to decision making, countless seems waiting-to-count. All this looked simple and smooth but just that thought of getting married to someone who would be with you for rest of your life makes for lots of anxiety.

Will keep this space updated.

ID Please...

2006-11-20T20:14:00.000-08:00

This last weekend, I was shopping at local outlet mall. In one of the shop, as I stood in line at the counter, a lady at front was arguing at top of her voice with cashier. She was not happy when asked for some photo identification. Apparently she had used credit card and cashier wanted to see her ID as part of store policy.

I personally feel that we as a customer should actually be comfortable with store asking for identity. Especially since we are living in age of identity theft. Credit cards do not have any pin in general and hence more prone to being misused in case of it getting lost or stolen. If every store checks the id of person using cards, chances of someone using someone else card would go down drastically. Ofcourse this would be an inconvenience but then isnt that much better than crying later on?

What do you think?

Jokes

2006-11-17T18:24:00.000-08:00

More Jokes....

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

On a flight James bond was sitting next to a Telugu guy.

Telugu Guy: "Hello, May I know your name please?"

James Bond: "My name is Bond" Continuing in his inimitable style, "Bond...James Bond"

Then Bond asks: "And you?"

Telugu Guy: My name is Rao...
Siva Rao...
Samba Siva Rao...
Venkata Samba Siva Rao...
Yarlagadda Venkata Samba Siva Rao...
Rajasekhara Yarlagadda Venkata Samba Siva Rao...
Sitaramanjaneyula Rajasekhara Yarlagadda Venkata Samba Siva Rao...

James Bond faints...... ......... .....

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

Vajpayee and Bush are sitting in a bar. A guy walks in and asks the barman, "Isn't that Bush and Vajpayee?" .

The barman says "Yes, thats them."

So the guy walks over and says,"Hello, what are u guys doing?"

Bush says, "We're planning world war 3"

Guy says, "Really? What's going to happen?"

Vajpayee says, "Well, we're going to kill 14 million Pakistanis and one bicycle repairman."

The guy exclaimed, "A bicycle repairman?!! !"

Vajpayee turns to Bush and says, " See, I told you no-one would worry about the 14 million Pakistanis!"

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

Boss : Where were you born ?
sardar : Punjab.
Boss : which part ?
sardar : Kya which part ? Whole body born in punjab.

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

On a romantic day sardar's girlfriend asks him. Darling on our engagement day will you give me a ring.
Sardar : Ya sure, from landline or mobile.

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

Santa: Today is Sunday & I wanna njoy, so I bought 3 movie tickets
Jeeto: Why 3?
Santa: For you and your parents

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

Museum Administrator: That's a 500-year-old statue u've broken.
Banta: Thanks God! I thought it was a new one.

men v/s women

2006-11-07T18:15:00.000-08:00

Men are better friends than women....Example:

Women:

A wife was not at home for a whole night. So, the very next morning, she tells her husband that she stayed at her girlfriend's apartment over night. The husband calls 10 of her best girlfriend's and none of them confirm that.

Men:

A husband was not at home for a whole night. So he tells his wife the very next morning, that he stayed at his friend's apartment over night. So the wife calls 10 of his best friends: 5 of them confirm that he stayed at their apartments that night, and the other 5 are claiming that he still is there with them!

Moral of the story: Men are better friends!!!!

Disclaimer : Not my lines. Got them as forward in my inbox.

Hyderabadi Joke

2006-11-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

This is really long conversational joke - typical hyderabadi style. You will really love it if you know hyderabadi accent. Here it goes -

In Hyderabad we have our own little Johnny. His name is Chotu.

His father is ambitious to educate Chotu. Chotu goes to school located in Tappachaputra. Its principal is educated in Urdu high school and claims that he passed tenth class! There is a school inspection the next day and the conversation is as follows :

Teacher: Kal inispector ayinga. Kochchanaa (questions) puchinga. Sab achchaa padkey aau. Koi galath answer deengaa naa tho main uske pairaan thodtoom.

Chotu: Iski maakki. Kyun aara inispector? Kaam nai hai usku? Kya kochchanaa puchta kathey?

Teacher: Abey tereku kaiku re, tu kal school aanaaich nai. Tu tera moo khola to gaaliaan ati. Tereku main absent nai daalthaum. Ghar pe baithkey gotiyaan khel. Tu school aayingaa to inispector ke saamney mere izzat ki biryaani karke khaaingaa tu.

So our Chotu is excited, goes home and tells his father that he is not going to school the next day.

Father: Yeah kyaa hai..ischool hai paan ka dabba hai? Gaand pa maartoom saale tu ischool nai gaya to.

Chotu: Arey Bava, mera teacher bola nakko aao bolke.
Father: Usku akhal hai! Begum suno! Chotu ischool nai jayinga kathey kal. Agar ino ischool nai gaya to kaise padhinga?Chotu, agar tu kal ischool nahin gaya naa, tere haathan pairaan thod daaltaum.

So Chotu cries and finally agrees to go to school. Next day at inschool, Teacher is very upset to see Chotu back:

Teacher: Arey teri maakki. Nakko aao bole to bhi kyun aaya re?

Chotu: Mera bava gaand phodtum bola ischool nai gaya to.

Teacher: offo?! Tera bava bola? Theek hai chal. Last bench pe baith aur inispector aya to chchup jaa. Dikhnaich nai. Kuch bhi gadbad karinga naa meri noukri bulle mein mil jayingi.

So Chotu goes to sit in the last bench hiding behind a tall guy. Inspector comes for the visit.

Inspector: Adaab.

Teacher: Adaab saab. Bachen acha padrain saab Kochchanaa puchey to answeraan yun bolte.

Inspector: Abaa? Offo! Itte kilever (clever) hai aapke bachchey? Achchaa, ek bahuth easy sawaal - Hamarey body mein sab se nazook cheez kaun si hai?

Teacher: Arey Imtiyaz tu bata rey!

Imtiyaz: Saab, Khaleja saab.

Inspector: Aisa! ..... woh kyun?

Imtiyaz: Saab, khaleja hai to sab kuch hota. Agar woh gaya naa, kuch bhi nahin hota saab.

Inspector: Abaa, kya tez potta hai rey! Aur koi?

Teacher: Arey Akram, tu bata re.

Akram: Saab bheja saab. Bhejey ku khuch bhi hua to kuch yaad nahin rehta saab. Haathaan pairaan kaam nai karthey,iscooter ku kick bhi nai maar sakthey saab.

Inspector: Abey Teacher, kya kya padaaraa re inku tu. Chutiye ke jaisa answeraan bolrai naa!!

In the meantime Chotu is trying very hard to hide but Inspector sees him. He thinks Chotu is hiding because he does not know the answer.

Inspector: Woh last bench pe yun jhuk ke baithaa naa woh pottey ka naam kya hai?

Teacher: kaun saab? .......Woh! (iski bhain ku, kaiku dikhaa re tu) Woh Chotu hai saab.

Inspector: Chotu? Ye kya naam hai? Kahan-kahan se lagaathey re bhai naamaan! Chotu, woh lambu ke peechchey kaiku chchup raa tu?

Chotu: Saab main moo khola to teacher maaringi saab.

Inspector: Tereku yaa mereku??

Teacher: Arey kya baath kar reh saab, main kaiku maarthaum. Ye potta ekdam badmaash hai saab, jhoot bolraa. Abey Chotu, answer maloom hain to bol nai tho khaamoosh baith jaa mere baap tere pau padthaum.

Chotu: Saab answer Gaand hai saab.

Teacher: Allaa!! Ine moo khola meri naukri bulle lag gayi re!!!

Inspector: Abey kyaa to bhi bolra re! Sharam kar badon ke saamney aisaich baathaan karthey! Yeich sikhaaye tumhaarey amma-bavaa? Gaand kahaan kaan ka answer hai re?

Chotu: Hau saab, gaand ich sabse naazook cheez hai. Kaiku bole tho wahaan pe dilli mein baamb phata....Yahan Hydrabad mein apni gaand phat thi.. Yahaan old city mein gadbadaan shuru hothey....wahaan new city mein sabki gaand phat thi gadbadaan wahaan phailtey kyaaki bolkey. Udhar kyoon saab, main yeh answer bolraun naa, mere teacher ki gaand phatrai dekho!

Hope u liked it !!!

Disclaimer - Not my lines, received this thru email forward long back.

Update

2006-11-01T02:56:00.000-08:00

Couldn't update this slate with new post for a while due to some emergency. Back up now.

Laughs

2006-10-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

Really short of time these days...just some forwards....have fun.

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

A guy phones up his Boss, but gets the bosses' wife instead: "I'm afraid he died last week." she explains.

The next day the man calls again and asks for the boss. "I told you" the wife replies, "he died last week."

The next day he calls again and once more asks to speak to his boss. By this time the wife is getting upset and shouts:

"I'VE ALREADY TOLD YOU TWICE, MY HUSBAND, YOUR BOSS, DIED LAST WEEK! WHY DO YOU KEEP CALLING?"

"Coz . . ." he replied laughing, "I just love hearing it. . . ."

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

Wife : Do you want dinner?
Husband : Sure, what are my choices?
Wife : Yes and no.

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

Young Son: Is it true, Dad, that in some parts of Africa, a Man doesn't know his wife until he marries her?
Dad: That happens in every country, son.

-------------------------------------------------
After a quarrel, a wife said to her husband, "You know, I was a fool when I married you."
The husband replied, "Yes, dear, but I was in love and didn't notice."

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

And finally, here is one who is familiar with hyderabadi accent. One of the funniest lines I have read, ever. Forewarning : Some crude language.

Going global

2006-09-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

Born and brought up in Mumbai amongst very diverse community, it was not long before I lost my gujarati touch. Idli dosa for breakfast, samosas for snacks and curry getting spicier, everything from food to festival and language got blended. Life was fun. Until I left Mumbai.

Everytime I come across my fellow Gujarati friends/strangers, I always get volley of questions like what kind of Patel am I, what sect, what diety do I worship, etc... Honestly, I don't know. I never asked my parents and they never forced me to know these answers.

Once they come to know that I am weak in speaking my mother tongue, they seem not pleased. I am lectured on how important it is to learn and keep mother tongue. I am not against my parental language, just that I grew up more with mumbaiya hindi. So why is that look which says I am missing something? Not that I care but it does make me feel uncomfortable.

Just the other day in one of the parties, I was relishing chicken tikka and there comes my guju friend and ask me how chicken is. Once I told him it is good, he walks away from me. This started few questions go around my head(Gujus are not supposed to eat any kind of meat...well most of them.) but I started smiling again. He came back with chicken on his plate ;)

Back home, things got more global. All the kids in family and around are more Hinglish than any other language. (Hinglish = Hindi + English(American)). Wonder what's in store for them.

Parents

2006-09-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

All I want to say in this post is please dont find excuse to not be with parents, not help parents. Actually you should find excuse to help them and be with them. (And this applies to both parents as well as in-laws. No distinction.)

Check this email forward that reached me. I agree with what it is trying to say.

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

An IT guy describes how his gesture of booking an air ticket for his father, his maiden flight, brought forth a rush of emotions and made him realize that how much we all take for granted when it comes to our parents.

My parents left for our native place on Thursday and we went to the airport to see them off. In fact, my father had never traveled by air before, so I just took this opportunity to make him experience the same. In spite of being asked to book tickets by train, I got them tickets on Jet Airways.

The moment I handed over the tickets to him, he was surprised to see that I had booked them by air. The excitement was very apparent on his face, waiting for the time of travel. Just like a school boy, he was preparing himself on that day and we all went to the airport, right from using the trolley for his luggage, the baggage check-in and asking for window seat and waiting restlessly for the security check-in to happen.

He was thoroughly enjoying himself and I, too, was overcome with joy watching him experience all these things.

As they were about to go in for the security check-in, he walked up to me with tears in his eyes and thanked me. He became very emotional and it was not as if I had done something great but the fact that this meant a great deal to him.

When he said thanks, I told him there was no need to thank me. But later, thinking about the entire incident, I looked back at my life.

As a child how many dreams our parents have made come true. Without understanding the financial situation, we ask for sports gear, fancy clothes, toys, outings, etc. Irrespective of their affordability,they have catered to all our needs. Did we ever think about the sacrifices they had to make to accommodate many of our wishes? Did we ever say thanks for all that they have done for us? Better yet, do you even think just thanks is enough?

Same way, today when it comes to our children, we always think that we should put them in a good school. Regardless of the amount of donation, we will ensure that we will have to give the child the best, theme parks, toys, etc. But we tend to forget that our parents have sacrificed a lot for our sake to see us happy, so it is our responsibility to ensure that their dreams are realized and what they failed to see when they were young, it is our responsibility to ensure that they experience all those and their life is complete.

Many times, when my parents had asked me some questions, I have actually answered back without patience. When my daughter asks me something, I have been very polite in answering. Now I realize how they would have felt at those moments. Let us realize that old age is a second childhood and just as we take care of our children,the same attention and same care need to be given to our parents and elders.

Rather than my dad saying thank you to me, I would want to say sorry for making him wait so long for this small dream. I do realize how much he has sacrificed for my sake and I will do my best to give the best possible attention to all their wishes. Just because they are old does not mean that they will have to give up everything and keep sacrificing for their grandchildren also. They have wishes, too.

Take care of ur parents...Please!!!

Devotee, Me.

2006-09-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple. Washington DC. The beautiful temple which I try to visit once a month unless am travelling away. I am not very religious but this place really brings peace to me. I have been a regular since past 8 years and lot of it has changed. It has grown bigger in size and in terms of number of devotees.

The name says Shiva Vishnu Temple, but it houses almost all Hindu Gods. There is Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ayappa, Lord Rama, Lord Venkatesa, Lord Krisha, and many more. You can see people praying to Gods they like. More devoted onces offer Archanas(special prayers and offering to God).

They have nice auditorium where they have community functions and they also teach kids about literature, dance, languages, etc. On other side of temple, you could see someone performing car Puja so as to ask God keep his car safe in traffic(I think).

One thing I like in South Indians is that they are more devoted and I can see them more regular at temple. And perhaps, they are the only ones in all age groups. They dress the kids in traditional clothes and that is a treat to watch.

Today during the Archana, someone had his cellphone ring and that big guy starts talking loudly for full two minutes. Maybe that was important call but does someone have to keep talking right at middle of Archana? I may never understand.

One interesting thing I have noticed is lot many people here go to temple regularly compared to time they would be in India. Like myself, I hardly used to go to temple in India. Here I am quite a regular.

And yes, to be honest, one of the reason a bachelor like me makes it a point to get up early on weekend and drive for 45 mins to go see Gods is food at temple. Without doubt that would be the best food I can rate and savour. Just Yummy ;)

Return Policy

2006-09-04T12:46:00.005-07:00

Someone I know, hurried upto a department store and returned suitcase he used during his three week long vacation. He was lecturing on how wise he is on saving money by returning things before the expiration of return date.

Just when I thought him to be an isolated 'ass' case, I came across friends who would return Car baby seats after using it for a while, friends who would return digital cameras/camcoders after taking hundreds of pictures to thier satisfaction, and someone in my office who would return all her expensive clothes back to store after wearing them at parties or two. I can list hundreds of such examples.

The problem with these people is not that they are unhappy with the product or something not upto satisfaction. It is that plain cheap mindset of returning goods back to the store after using it to thier satisfaction. They think it is thier basic right. You can see that beaming false pride in thier face once they get money back.

I hate these people and really curse them that they suffer the double the cost they inflict on store/manufacturers one way or other. And I have seen them suffer and I can tell you in blog that it brings smile to my face.

If you are one of those people, please stop useless and pointless returns. Just think for a moment, if you are the owner of store, if you are the manufacturer, if your customer is abusing your policy, how will you feel. Will you like someone doing that to you? So please, think before you return and think hundred times before you buy.

Definitions/Meanings.

2006-08-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

ClassiC DefinitionS & CooL MeaningS

1.Cigarette : A pinch of tobacco rolled in paper with fire at one end & a fool at the other.

2. Love affairs : Something like cricket where one-day internationals are more popular than a five day test.

3.Marriage : It's an agreement in which a man loses his bachelor degree and a woman gains her master

4.Divorce:Future tense of marriage

5.Lecture : An art of transferring information from the notes of the lecturer to the notes of the students without passing through "the minds of either".

6. Conference: The confusion of one man multiplied by the number present.

7.Compromise : The art of dividing a cake in such a way that everybody believes he got the biggest piece.

8.Tears : The hydraulic force by which masculine will-power is defeated by feminine water-power ..

9.Dictionary : A place where divorce comes before marriage.

10.Conference Room : A place where everybody talks, nobody listens & everybody disagrees later on.

11.Ecstasy: A feeling when you feel you are going to feel a feeling you have never felt before.

12.Classic : A book which people praise, but do not read.

13.Smile : A curve that can set a lot of things straight.

14. Office : A place where you can relax after your strenuous home life.

15.Yawn: The only time some married men ever get to open their mouth.

16.Etc.: A sign to make others believe that you know more than you actually do.

17.Committee:Individuals who can do nothing individually and sit to decide that nothing can be done together.

18.Experience: The name men give to their mistakes.

19.Atom Bomb: An invention to end all inventions.

20.Philosopher : A fool who torments himself during life, to be spoken of when dead.

21.Diplomat : A person who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.

22.Opportunist: A person who starts taking bath if he accidentally falls into a river.

23.Optimist : A person who while falling from EiffelTowersays in midway "See I am not injured yet."

24.Pessimist :- A person who says that O is the last letter in ZERO,
Instead of the first letter in word OPPORTUNITY.

25.Miser : A person who lives poor so that he can die rich.

26.Father: A banker provided by nature.

27. Criminal : A guy no different from the rest... except that he got caught.

28.Boss : Someone who is early when you are late and late when you are early.

29.Politician: One who shakes your hand before elections and your Confidence after.

30.Doctor : A person who kills your ills by pills, and kills you with his bills!!

Blog Appeal

2006-08-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

Saw this appeal at Starry's blog and thought would share with you all.

Lalitha's post

Thanks.

Funny Applications

2006-08-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

Got this in email today and some of the lines literally cracked me up aloud. Some of you might have read this already but here it goes.

_____________________

This is a collection of leave letters and applications written by people in various places of India ...
1. Infosys, Bangalore : An employee applied for leave as follows:Since I have to go to my village to sell my land along with my wife, please sanction me one-week leave.

2. This is from Oracle Bangalore:From an employee who was performing the "mundan" ceremony of his 10 year old son: "as I want to shave my son's head, please leave me for two days.."

3. Another gem from CDAC. Leave-letter from an employee who was performing his daughter's wedding:"as I am marrying my daughter, please grant a week's leave.."

4. From H.A.L . Administration dept:"As my mother-in-law has expired and I am only one responsible for it, please grant me 10 days leave."

5. Another employee applied for half day leave as follows:"Since I've to go to the cremation ground at 10 o-clock and I may not return, please grant me half day casual leave"

6. An incident of a leave letter"I am suffering from fever, please declare one day holiday."

7. A leave letter to the headmaster:"As I am studying in this school I am suffering from headache. I request you to leave me today"

8. Another leave letter written to the headmaster:"As my headache is paining, please grant me leave for the day."

9. Covering note: "I am enclosed herewith..."

10. Another one: "Dear Sir: with reference to the above, please refer to my below..."

11. Actual letter written for application of leave:"My wife is suffering from sickness and as I am her only husband at home I may be granted leave".

12. Letter writing: -"I am in well here and hope you are also in the same well."

13. A candidate's job application:"This has reference to your advertisement calling for a ' Typist and an Accountant - Male or Female'...As I am both(!! )for the past several years and I can handle both with good experience, I am applying for the post .

Smile please :-)

Baby Talks.

2006-08-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

Most of my friends are married and have kid or two. What I have noticed is that few of them just go on and on about thier kids all the time. Right from what words they learnt yesterday to what they were wearing in morning and what food they eat in afternoon and on what side of the bed they slept in evening.

Like this office co-worker of mine. I am subjected to baby stories every time I come across her. In the begining I was all ears but gradually all the stories have just been getting longer and more details. I really dont know what to say about each of those 384 baby pictures in that album she brings to me.

I do understand that all parents have cute babies and kids mean a lot to them. But do you really have to bore someone to death by sharing every minute details of what your baby did/does/do? I am not being mean here but I really think there is a line at which you should stop. I try to keep a smiling face when these stories start but sometimes even my face gives away. I really wish people know when to stop.

What do you think - Is it just me?

Ogle Google

2006-08-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Email forward from a friend which cracked me up. Might not be the best google ad ever but indeed the one to ogle at.

Identity Theft

2006-08-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

Talking further on Identity Theft, I can relate one of my personal experience. Couple of years back, I used to chat with my net pals on Yahoo chat rooms. We used to hear about email getting hacked and how easy it was to hack any password. I always knew that passwords could be hacked but I didn't realize how easy it was for someone to go into our account. Yupe, until my email got hacked repeatedly by fellow chatter.

He had all the access to our emails and he was proud to showcase his skills openly in chatroom. Smart thing I did(lucky me) was that I always used dummy email id to chat. But what worried me was the claim by this guy that it is just easy to hack any password and that he got the how-to from google itself. I knew for sure that he wasn't a big time hacker. He said he meant no harm but I was already fuming with nothing else I could do. Complaints to Yahoo are not entertained. I guess they just couldn't be bothered.

Some friends said the emails with no username/subject/body was to blame and some said opening some attachments makes you prone to hacking. Whatever but google of this topic just made me realize how easy it was for others to get your information.

Just think for a moment, someone is able to access your email account which you have used in some website around the internet. How unsettling it would be?

Lessons I learned that day:
-- Never store personal information in free email accounts which do not use secure https connections.
-- Keep changing your password quite often.
-- Never make your email id public.
-- Use seperate account for personal correspondence and others for public use.
-- Delete all spam without opening.
And above all, Use upto date firewall and anti-virus protection.

Please protect your information, it is more private, it is more worthy and it is just yours, than you may realize.

Deadly Stupidity.

2006-08-01T15:28:00.000-07:00

CNN news : A waitress at a bar was checking photo id to see if customer was old enough to drink. Guess what? Customer was flashing driver's license which belonged to waitress herself. Case of identity theft right back to victim's face. Check this link for this news,
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/08/01/bar.id.ap/index.html

How stupid can one get? Check out more at www.darwinawards.com. I am sure you will be carried away by long read. Have fun.

Random facts?

2006-07-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

The email forward I received said "Good to know these facts". I don't know how many of these are really factual, but thought you might like to read. Here goes:

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

1. Chewing on gum while cutting onions can help a person from stop producing tears. Try it next time you chop onions!!!!!!!!!!

2. Until babies are six months old, they can breathe and swallow at the same time. Indeed convenient!

3. Offered a new pen to write with, 97% of all people will write their own name.

4. Male mosquitoes are vegetarians. Only females bite.

5. The average person's field of vision encompasses a 200-degree wide angle.

6. To find out if a watermelon is ripe, knock it, and if it sounds hollow then it is ripe.

7. Canadians can send letters with personalized postage stamps showing their own photos on each stamp.

8. Babies' eyes do not produce tears until the baby is approximately six to eight weeks old.

9. It snowed in the Sahara Desert in February of 1979.

10. Plants watered with warm water grow larger and more quickly than plants watered with cold water.

11. Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times.

12. Grapes explode when you put them in the microwave.

13. Those stars and colours you see when you rub your eyes are called phosphenes.

14. Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.

15. Everyone's tongue print is different, like fingerprints.

16. Contrary to popular belief, a swallowed chewing gum doesn't stay in the gut. It will pass through the system and be excreted.

17. At 40 Centigrade a person loses about 14. 4 calories per hour by breathing.

18. There is a hotel in Sweden built entirely out of ice; it is rebuilt every year.

19. Cats, camels and giraffes are the only animals in the world that walk right foot, right foot, left foot, left foot, rather than right foot,left foot...

20. Onions help reduce cholesterol if eaten after a fatty meal.

21. The sound you hear when you crack your knuckles is actually the sound of nitrogen gas bubbles bursting.

22. In most watch advertisements the time displayed on the watch is 10:10 because then the arms frame the brand of the watch and make it look=20 like it's smiling.

23. The color blue can have a calming affect on people.

24. Depending upon the shade, the brain may send up to 11 tranquilizing chemicals to calm the body

25. Leonardo da Vinci could write with the one hand and draw with the other simultaneously. Now we know why his pictures were exquisite!!

26. Names of the three wise monkeys are: Mizaru (See no evil), Mikazaru(Hear no evil), and Mazaru (Speak no evil).

27. The only 2 animals that can see behind itself without turning it's head are the rabbit and parrot.

28. The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is uncopyrightable.

29. Babies are born without knee caps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2-6 years of age

30. The names of the continents all end with the same letter with which they start.

31. Electricity doesn't move through a wire but through a field around the wire.

32. All U.S. Presidents have worn glasses; some of them just didn't like to be seen wearing them in public.

33. No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, and purple.

34. Raw cashews are poisonous and must be roasted before.

Mideast Crisis

2006-07-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

June 25 : Militants dig a big tunnel, attack Israeli Army Post, kill two israeli Army men, take Cpl. Gilad Shalit hostage. Same attack also kills two Israeli civilians. Israel threatens to attack Gaza unless soldier is returned. Israel starts offensive operations in Gaza Strip.

July 12 : Hizbollah militants ambuse Israeli soldiers, killing three and capturing two. Israel calls this act of war and demands its soldiers be released or face consequences. Israel starts to bomb Lebanon.

Simple questions : Who provocates who here? What were they really thinking?

Hundreds of civilians dead, thousands injured, property damaged beyond imagination, fear and starvation around. And what is Hizbollah leader Nasarallah broadcasting to world? That his army of Hezbollah is still intact. That means he is not at all worried about any kind of destruction and misery to people of Lebanon. All for two Israeli soldiers? So who is to be blamed for all this mess?

Hizbollah has been aimlessly firing rockets at Haifa and all over Israeli cities. Do they care for civilians? Are they not trying to provocate Israel as much as they can? Why are they crying foul when Israel responds? I am not defending Israel here. But Hezbollah is more at guilt especially when they started all this shit. May God protect people of Lebanon and Israel.

Questions which I dont get is why is no one in middle east or all those America/Israel bashers asking for return of kidnapped soldiers? Why are they only talking about Israel's response?

No matter what anyone says, terrorist activity is not justified. Be it any group, any country or any religion. There is no justification to any violence that cause misery to innocent civilians.

Mumbai Petition

2006-07-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

Generally I don't have any hope for any kind of online petitions. Largely because they just go around and around taking lot of bandwidth and the people who are actually supposed to respond to those petitions hardly do care.

But here is one from Times Of India Group, which says that they will donate one rupee for every signature on petition to the Mumbai blast victims. Looks like a noble cause to me. If you care, please sign. Thanks.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/mumbaipetitionpostro.cms

Hero in You.

2006-07-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

Day after the unfortunate event in Mumbai, most of us are still finding it difficult to get over the gory images set in our eyes. Much more devastation and misery have befallen the families who have lost thier loved ones. Just unimaginable what they must be going through. As we pray God to give them strength, Lets take time to introspect ourself.

Almost all of us are busy blaming each and everything we can think of. By blaming someone or something, we think we have done our job. We think we have paid our respect to fallen ones. We go great lengths talking and writing about the incident and everything related to it. After some time, we forget everything. Newspapers are quick to scream that life has returned to normalcy. Indeed few of us return to our daily chore. But life for unfortunate ones is never the same. So what exactly should we do? Though question and more difficult is the answer. But we can try to make life easier. Atleast we can try. It involves we playing our part to full potential.

Most of us blame the politicians for lot of mess. We may be right but then how many of us have actually cared to vote? We blame Bihar for giving politicians like Laloo. Look at our own Mumbai which is supposed to be one of the advanced city in India. Does anyone know Majority of Mumbai Politicians are Mafias and have no clean record? But everyone knows that the "educated" mass would just be happy criticising from a distance. So these evil men take help of illetrates and poor people with help of money and muscle to get themselves elected. We should know that we are fortunate enough to have power to vote people we like and vote out ones we dislike. But no, we don't care. We spend election holiday giving lectures at home or by dozing off. We like to cry when they directly become a pain to us. Take all family members, educate as much as you can to people around us and vote for right people. Even if your choice of vote does not come up, you know that you have fulfilled your responsibility. If you dont have time to vote, please do not complain about how they do not rule properly.

How many times have we bothered to help anyone? If a poor man is being opressed, someone getting abused, we hardly pause to look at them. Why is it that we only complain when we are at receiveing end? Cannot we take time to rescue someone? True that we lose some of our precious time but at the end of it, we have the satisfaction of giving someone justice.

It is the system around us we have to blame. And who made this whole system? It is we. Ourself. When we give bribe to someone, know that you are as much as a part of corrupt system as the taker of bribe. When you walk away from someone asking for help, know that you are useless entity.

How many of us have bothered to volunteer in any kind of social work? Forget about trying to help regularly, most of us hardly volunteer even once. We are too busy with ourselves and too selfish. But when bad things happen to us, we like to cry out loud.
We have big bucks to spend on movies and fancy restaurents or some sports not even distantly related to us. How about donating a fraction of our earnings to the needy? No, we dont have any money for that.

Mid-day newspaper today had picture of Rani Mukherjee in front page titled 'Did Rani break up Aditya Chopra's Marraige?' along with Mumbai coming back to normal. Do we need such news as what Rani is upto in popular newspaper and that too on day like today? But it is a common headline and content in almost every newspaper everyday. That is because we are more interested in all this glamour. These are the same stars who charge millions of bucks to appear for national heritage programs. How about we all giving fraction of support to our day-to-day hereos who work to make our lives easier. Like our soldiers in armed forces sacrificing thier time with families and taking bullets for us? Do we even have time for them?

Everyone of us has a role to play. Lets not wait until tomorrow, lets not wait for someone. Let us be a good human being, let us do our duty. Just by watching movies like "Rang De Basanti" and appreciating it does not make things right. Be a Hero yourself by being a hero. Every day is your day. You are the character. Not saying you should stand up everywhere, but you should stand up wherever you can. Use every authority you can to stand up for truth, to stand up for help. The day you help someone for anything, no matter in what way, no matter in however small way, know that you are a Hero. That would be a real tribute to all the fallen ones. That would keep many from falling. A responsible you.

Mumbai Blasts

2006-07-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

The sick, cowardic and bastardized acts of violence on Mumbai trains is indeed deplorable by one and all. Dreams in mind, tired from work all day and making a way home to waiting parents, wife/husband, children, hundreds of them just perished. Whoever did this, I hope do not get away unpunished.

Between the time finding out about friends and families well being, I also saw TV reports of people in Mumbai giving first aid to injured, rushing many to hospitals, distributing biscuits and water to stranded commuters making thier way home. Bravo, my dear fellow mumbaikars.

May God give strength to families of bereaved and May God bring peace in world.

As they say, Mumbai is the city that never sleeps, I hope this time it gives sleepless nights to all bastards concerned with tuesdays cowardic act.

Never Give Up

2006-07-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

This Picture says it all. Need I say more?

Restroom Ethics

2006-07-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

It was lunch time and I was washing myself up in restroom when I saw an office colleague holding some book just walk out without cleaning himself. I asked him as to why he is just walking off without washing his hands. He was taken aback with my yell and replied he was just reading his book. That was silly and lie. But neverthless he washed his hands after that. Maybe because he thought I would tell others.

How many times have you seen fellow coworker or friend or colleague or stranger just walk out of restroom without cleaning himself? I hope you are not one of them. I am not.

As much as it is very "eeeww", we seldom can force this person to clean up his acts. And it is same for strangers and friends. We just feel uncomfortable to ask the person that he needs to wash his hands.

This is one type of person I just despise. Cmon, you are educated, you have and are using best facilities and still dont have time and need to clean your hands? Why? I just fail to understand.

I have not bothered about my friendship, not bothered to act as moral police to tell these sickos to clean up. Either verbally or as a joke in third person.

There are also those, who refuses to flush after use. Lucky for some of us, nowadays automatic ones come to our rescue.

There are Einstein's who just love to read in public restrooms. Private and at home I can understand but that smelly public one?
And if you thought our Einstein's are bad, wait for our worst ones. Yupe, am talking about jerks who love to eat inside the restrooms. If not for some restrictions, I am sure they would be taking whole lunch inside. Really EEEEWWW at those.

Titanic - Bollywood version

2006-07-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what would be in "Titanic" if the same was made in Bollywood? The name of the movie would be "Goa to Bombay". Well here it goes!

* Madhuri has to be Rose and who else but Shahrukh as JJJJJ JJJ Jack. Madhuri's fiance would be Gulshan Grover who mutters "bad man" everytime he sees Shahrukh.

* Amitabh Bacchan would make a guest appearance as the Ship's captain and would be waltzing with Madhuri during the party. Of course, he would not die.

* Shahrukh will be travelling with his sister and 5 other chamchas from college plus 50 extras who are well trained with every dance sequence in the world. * The movie would only last for 7 hours. Thanks to great piece of editing, there would be only 22 songs in the movie out of 30 in CD album.

* The ship would be overflowing with extras whom you normally find in movies that have a court scene full of people or a slum full of aam-janta. The ship will start sinking, not because of the iceberg but because of excessive on-board population.

* The infamous love making in the back seat of the car would be replaced with a song in the Swiss Alps.

* Remember Rose changing her mind about jumping into the water? In our case,Madhuri changes her mind, since...since... the ship is moving along a creek and the water stinks!

* How can we forget the painting scene? Shahrukh would be painting Madhuri's portrait with Madhuri fully covered minus the locket (Censors yaar!). This is to be followed by a dance number, with extras of course, in a art gallery.

* Shahrukh would eventually find his long lost mom Aasoo Devi on the ship. Only during the climax would Aasoo Devi tell Shahrukh about how Gulshan troubled them. Shahrukh would then yell, "Kutte mein tera khoon pee jaaoonga". The ensuing fight would only last for an hour.

* There would be an antakshari for the "drowners" conducted by Annu Kapoor instead of the trio playing the violin.

* Most important!! The number of times the word "Bachaoooo" would be yelled would be a record in the history of cinema. And the masterpiece would be waste of time...ooops waste of money without...

* "Raaaabert...Captain se ja ke kaho ke agar apni maa or bahen ko zinda dekhna chahte ho to naav ko Hindustaan kee sarhado se hamesha hamesha ke liye bahoootdoor le le..."

P.S. the script above is written by some anonymous email author.

One of one liner Jokes

2006-07-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

Q. Why are south indians dark?
A. Because they only watch SUN TV.
--------------------------------------------------

Reading this I couldn't stop my laughing out loud. Ok wait, allow me to clear one thing. I am not making fun of anyone here, definetly not my intention.

But the reason I found this funny is because "almost" all my tamil friends only watch SUN TV. Yes, even in US of A. No CNN, no FOX, no nothing. Just SUN TV.

When I threw this joke at my Tamil friends, some were not amused. Obviously they think someone is promoting STAR TV.

Corporate lesson

2006-06-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

Following is the snippet of email forward I received this morning. Pretty much like Dilbert joke, a fun read.

CORPORATE LESSON

A young executive was leaving the office at 6 PM when he found the CEO standing in front of a shredder with a piece of paper in his hand.

"Listen," said the CEO, "this is a very sensitive and important document and my secretary has left. Can you make this thing work?"

"Certainly, Sir" said the young executive. He turned the machine on, inserted the paper, and pressed the start button.

"Excellent, excellent!" said the CEO as his paper disappeared inside the machine. "I just need one copy."

Lesson - Never, never assume that your BOSS knows everything.

Skyrocketing Salary

2006-06-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

Got this cartoon forward in my Inbox. Good one if you ask me.

Warren Buffet

2006-06-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

Todays News :
Warren Buffett, the second richest man in world, today announced that he will gradually give 85% of his wealth(worth over 35 Billion dollars) to Charity.

What I think :
Giving away millions from billions is okay. Giving away a billion from billions may be okay. But giving away most of the billions from billions is just unbelievable. There are no words with me to describe this very noble act of his.

What others do :
When much of elites of corporate, glamour and sports world are busy with lavish spending, this man in his late years is talking of charity. He pledged much of his funds to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This also shows his trust on Bill Gates and his work. Great people, Great work.

My salute to man with golden heart, Warren Buffet!!

Rajnikanth, Newton and the laws of physics

2006-06-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Recently I got a chance to see Rajnikanth's new movie Chandramukhi at my friend's place. I dont understand Tamil language but always wanted to see Rajnikanth's movie. 10 minutes into the movie and here is what I saw:

Echoes and flashes in middle of movie yelling "SUPERSTAR... SUPERSTAR... SUPERSTAR".

Rajni as he is called, makes an entry trying to save heroine. He creates a wind twister with help of his legs to fight the thugs. That was it. I couldn't digest anything after that.

Not saying other Indian movies are good and this movie was bad, just that I really feel our superstars dish out good sensible movies.

Here is the related email forward I received sometimes back. N-joy.

WHY NEWTON COMMITTED SUICIDE???

Here is the reason.

Once, Newton came to India and watched a few Tamil movies that had his head spinning. He was convinced that all his logic and laws in physics were just a huge pile of junk and apologized for everything he had done.In the movie of Rajanikanth, Newton was confused to such an extent that he went paranoid. Here are a few scenes

1) Rajanikanth has a Brain Tumor which, according to the doctors can't be cured and his death is imminent. In one of the fights, our great Rajanikanth is shot in the head. To everybody's surprise, the bullet passes through his ears taking away the tumor along with it and he is cured!
Long Live Rajanikanth!

2) In another movie, Rajanikanth is confronted with 3 gangsters. Rajanikanth has a gun but unfortunately only one bullet and a knife. Guess, what he does? He throws the knife at the middle gangster? & shoots the bullet towards the knife. The knife cuts the bullet into 2 pieces, which kills both the gangsters on each side of the middle gangster & the knife kills the middle one.

3) Rajanikanth is chased by a gangster. Rajanikanth has a revolver but no bullets in it. Guess what he does. Nah? Not even in your remotest imaginations. He waits for the gangster to shoot. As soon as the gangster shoots, Rajanikanth opens the bullet compartment of his revolver and catches the bullet. Then, he closes the bullet compartment and fires his gun. Bang...the gangster dies...

This was too much for our Newton to take! He was completely shaken and decided to go back. But he happened to see another movie for one last time, and thought that at least one movie would follow his theory of physics. The whole movie goes fine and Newton is happy that all in the world hasn't changed. Oops, not so fast!

The 'climax' finally arrives. Rajanikanth gets to know that the villain is on the other side of a very high wall. So high that Rajanikanth can't jump even if he tries like one of those superman techniques that our heroes normally use. Rajanikanth has to desperately kill the villain because it's the climax.
(Newton dada is smiling since it is virtually impossible?)

Rajanikanth suddenly pulls two guns from his pockets. He throws one gun in the air and when the gun has reached above the height of the wall, he uses the second gun and shoots at the trigger of the first gun in air. The first gun fires off and the villain is dead.

Newton Commits Suicide!!!!!!!!!!

Have Fun !!!!!

Creative Resume

2006-06-23T20:24:00.000-07:00

Someone forwarded me this link. Quite interesting. They say this guy got hired by Microsoft. Whad do ya think?

http://www.paradoxware.com/alstudio/cv/en.htm

Mirror

2006-06-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

What would life be without mirror? How would we envision ourselves? We get up in morning and first thing we do is head out to closest mirror and check how we evolved since the last time mirror helped describe. We know what we look like and try to make faces and see if we could improve or change the way we look. We have the image from mirror all the time that gives us our identity. Wonder what life was without mirror?!

Random Thoughts

2006-06-15T03:23:00.000-07:00

Jokes around the Internet

I keep getting interesting and funny and wierd jokes. I will post them here occasionally. Enjoy

================================

The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a Catholic elementary school for lunch.
At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note, and
posted on the apple tray, "Take only one. God is watching."

Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table was a
large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A child had written a note, "Take
all you want. God is watching the apples."

=================================

What are the three fastest ways of communication?
Three fastest means of communication in the world.
Tele-phone
Tele-vision
Tell-a-woman.
You still want faster? (Tell her not to tell anyone )