the Notebook

In search of a new blog...

2006-06-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

I shall take a while before settling on to some new blog. But life@iitb is definitely becoming defunct pretty soon. For the time being I am going back to my second oldest (and most used) blog on LJ - My Journal

B'day Present

2006-06-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

Some people get this on their birthday... (GHB, feelin' jealous? :P)

Reed

2006-06-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

His eyes gleamed with the thought of it. The plan seemed perfect in his head. Though he would have preferred to do everything on paper, while paying attention to the minutest of details, but he was afraid of getting caught. Besides, having no material evidence was perfect. That way he could forget everything. It wasn't a hasty decision. It was carefully weaved over several months. Even in his mind, he went through every single detail - including the body perfume he would use to overpower his natural scent.

The day of execution had arrived, literally. For how many, is the only question he didn't have an answer to. But it hardly mattered to him. He had resigned to the will of destiny long back. So long back that he couldn't even remember the day he transformed from a bespectacled nerd, considered an authority in corporate law in the entire college. He believed in himself. And his dreams. Dreams which would take him so high that moon would stop appearing as a distant celestial object.

Oblivious to his engrossment in all the three dimensions of time, two eyes hidden behind black goggles were observing him intently. They belonged to a lean figure, which had a dominating presence, but at the same time was inconspicuous. His face carried a grim expression - that's how Premonition would have looked. There was something inexplicably weird about him. He was unusually inanimate, yet alive. He didn't seem to be breathing air... but he was definitely inhaling something. Hours passed by. Still he stayed there, as motionless as a cold man, with his gaze fixed on the conspiring man.

Schlemiel will be the name he'll introduce himself to the doorman. It was ironic. But everything is ironic depending upon how many parts are visible to you. Anyway, the doorkeeper accepted the name without a trace of suspicion and admitted him inside the house. Schlemiel's eyes lazily moved around every corner of the room. Everything was splendid. He liked the ceiling the most. It was perfect. No stains, no fashionable masonry. Nothing to blemish the perfection. He liked everything this way. Stunningly white. Anything interfering in the integrity of it troubled him beyond relief. The house reminded him of his school days...

Reed nodded.

Schlemiel felt inkling in his right wrist. Involuntarily he looked at his wristwatch. It was time. He ran across the room, the hallway, another room. He wasn't bothered about being spotted - cause no one would. He had done his homework. Before long he was standing next to the door of a bathroom. He could hear the shower and silhouette of a woman under it. He lips curled up into a wicked smile. The exact smile that was on Reed's face too. Reed, who was still observing him, was as motionless as ever. The wicked smile was like a loud laughter in that pin-drop silence, mocking the promise he had made to that girl. She was fat and ugly and stupid. No man, certainly not one good-looking and charming as Schlemiel, could have made those promises of love to such an ugly bitch. But she fell for him. Her father had warned her to keep away from men. He knew how cruel the world is. Evidently, the daughter hadn't listened to him.

####

He was only 12 when his parents were brutally murdered right in front of his eyes, all for a few dollars and courage. Orphaned and homeless, he was 19 now and had seen everything that fell under the domain of the word cruelty. But today she shall have his revenge. Not from the very murderers who rendered him homeless, but from the society. It was the society who had created those monsters. But he had no means of accomplishing what he wanted to. His plan required money, lots of it. It was imperative that he become a hugely successful in the eyes of this evil society and then carry-out his work. He was convinced about the nobility of his aim and was willing to do anything to realize it.

His eyes involuntarily took a break from the intense planning and fell on the latest edition of The Morning Post. A business tycoon along with his family was brutally murdered in his very mansion. “Served him right”, he thought. Schlemiel was the name of the man suspected to have killed them. Some recognized him as the tycoon’s daughter’s lover. He chuckled at the irony. Suddenly his face grew rigid and stern. Schlemiel, yes that’s the name he would use too. An identical story will be seen in tomorrow’s newspaper. No one would know. No one.

Reed just smiled, looking at the latest Schlemiel in creation. How easy did he find to manipulate people? Making them do what he wanted them to do. Give them an excuse to overcome the guilt, and they’ll do almost anything.

Reed. He called himself G Reed.

Home

2006-06-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

I was writing a story yesterday. But with too many people using this comp to watch f.r.i.e.n.d.s I was unable to finish it. Will do so after going home and maybe write a few more. So anyway, after what seemed like an eternity (of laziness), I'l' be going home for a few days. Plan is to make short trips to Jaipur, Delhi and Bangalore after that. If anyone reading this post belongs to any of these 3 towns, do message.

Priyanka J: 0291 2544560 :)
Lakesidey: Please make some plans, fast. The boy (that's me) and the old man (that Ghaza) really really want you here living with us (and out budget as of now is 11.5k).

Confrontational

2006-05-25T01:25:00.000-07:00

Job
Reservation
Needs
Promiscuity
Health
Intellect

Chirkut

2006-05-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

For people familiar with Orkut (in other words everyone):

Today's fortune:
You are contemplative and analytical by nature

:)

Reservation Policy

2006-05-22T01:52:00.000-07:00

In IIT/Medico or not, general category or not, selfish or not. Whichever side of the or one may lie on, it's tough to not feel strongly against the recently announced Reservation Policy in its present form. I have vague memories of the protests that happened after the Mandal Commisson Report in 1993. The protests were seldom violent but still weren't allowed by the erstwhile Govt. to be used as a means of expressing disagreement with the policy. And the occasional violence that did happen was because police drew the first blood. Indifference shown by policy makers fueled the protests with an extreme case of a student inflaming himself in front of media.

Little did I know back then that in just over a decades time an identical crisis will hit the nation once again. Ofcourse, the reason I call it a crisis is because it directly affects a large section of students to whom I can closely relate to. Crisis also because it highlights the dismal attitude of politicians to sacrifice the future of the hard-working youth for vote bank. What's more hilarious is that the parliament was unanimous in support of the proposition.

Story doesn't end here. While Arjun Singh (HRD minister), with his well-known jealousy for Manmohan Singh, is the apparent culprit, many believe that he's being used as the scape-goat by the UPA Govt. PM side of the story is even more amusing. Immediately after the quota was announced, Manmohan Singh commented saying "we're doing everything we can..." Ghaza's interpretation of this statement seems pretty reasonable, given the academic/intellectual and political background that PM boasts. As per Ghaza, it's a trade-off Manmohan Singh has to do to stay in office and hopefully be in position to take more critical decisions for the country & that the we indicated that he is not in support of the move.

Yes, my last statement clearly implies that such a reservation policy, IMHO, will hardly contribute (in any way) to the development of the country. With an in-take percentage far lower than the leading colleges of the world, even with OBC quota these central universities will remain enriched with the same talent pool as earlier. What might change is the motivation level of these people as they won't know the value of what has been given to them. Here, I firmly believe, it's the so-called responsible crowd (the professors and the apparent victims of the policy) who need to rise up to the occasion and make sure this taken-for-granted attitude is short-lived and true hard work is required.

What makes the discussion questionable is the unavailability of credible stats pertaining to the issue. I am yet to see an effective use of authoritative data in any arguement made for or against the policy. Leaving aside the corrupt motives of UPA govt. (using socialistic principles as a sheild), the main arguement used by the protesters is on the unfairness that the policy dictates upon the deserving students. Ironically, how deserving a candidate is of receiving such quality education can only be gauged by the justice he does to the education and resources once he has completed it. Not entering the medical domain and strictly sticking to IIT, I see only a handful who can say with conviction that they deserved every bit of it. The others are just hypocrite bastards not realizing that they have been twice lucky in their life - once to have born in a family which provided them the opportunity and later when they passed JEE - which as we all know is a day's game.

Going further, why the sudden social awakening on part of the students? Wasting nation's money is never an issue for them, behaving irresponsibly has never stirred any such emotions inside them ever, getting fake income certificates and availing scholarships has never burdened their conscience... there are sooo many other things. Well, they are doing what they deem best. Meanwhile, I am arguing why I should not stand in the sun and stay hungry with an agenda (as I anyway starve myself half the time) and instead sit idle in the room doing nothing but laughing at the matter.

PS: Never am I saying that a protest should not happen. It's important for several reasons, specially in a country where democracy hardly exists as the to-be suffering class doesn't exercise its vote anyway. Why should any politician care about people who don't care about most issues but a couple that hit them directly in the eye?

Bombay, finally!

2006-05-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

Since everyone gets placed in the placement season, I too got a job and was posted in Gurgaon. The sole reason why I took the job (with EVS) was because I didn't even get short-listed in the written test of BoA. Later, I become desperate to find myself a job which had placement in Mumbai and was preferably in finance sector.

As luck had it, after quite a few failed attempts I finally managed to get such job, in BoA. Not too enthusiastic about the work, but atleast decent package with Bombay placement.

So this boy ain't going no where (unless a miracle happens and somebody placed me in Hong Kong.. but what are the odds?)

The other sad part is that joining is from June 1. So suddenly life has become hectic. I might not even be able to go home now.

going down memory lane - I

2006-05-14T02:11:00.000-07:00

Time has come when I am officially supposed to get my ass (and luggage) out of IIT Bombay. So finally, after a good two and a half years, my room no. 224 will be free of my aura (and the excessive luggage). Like most hostel rooms, my room perennially sports a thick layer of dirt, cobwebs, carcass of insects and lizards, 4 buckets of dirty clothes, 2 wooden axes, quite a few books, 2 trunks and 2 suitcases (only half of which belong to me).

And once you open the cupboard and frisk the middle shelf, there lies a pile of memories. A tiny pyramid, glass key-chain, the only love letter I've got, rakhis, a rather weird birthday present from someone I haven't spoken to in a looong time, a bookmark from Malaysia, a tissue paper with a flower sketched on it, some more letters from home, a piece of paper - one side carrying the lyrics of kaliyon ka chaman.. while the other featuring yet another sketch; but of the most beautiful girl one would ever get to see... and of course a few photographs.

It sure was moving.

2006-05-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

No point arguing.
Seriously, no point.
Time & Place.
And People.

Baki, sab waste. :P

Bored

2006-05-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Really bored... really really bored.

Hmmm.. actually not even remotely close to it. Still basking in the nostalgia filled lukha of the last two days. In Pritam's words: at peace with myself.

Feeling Good

2006-04-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Was sitting by the roadside in HN, on the ledge in galleria below Mocha. For those of you who don't know, Hiranandani (HN) is a private society close to IIT. It's where we go to drink coffee (CCD or Rodas or Monginis), eat lunch and dinner, buy/read books (crossword) and in the baccha days even check out women. Anyhow, being a privately owned area, it sports the cleanest roads in Bombay and is a nice place to hang out at, specially in evenings.

So anyway.. right across the road the driver of one of those huge SUVs tossed a crumpled piece of paper out of the window and very shamelessly littered the otherwise clean road. Unfortunately for him, my eyes had drifted to that side of the road just in time to have caught the inconspicuous little crime. I discussed with Varun over how I feel like going up there and make him remedy the act. But like always something was holding me back.

the paper... and the driver... was it just the lethargy.. or was it the promised inconsequentiality of the effort... maybe I am a big phattu.. something was holding me back... but the paper... "i think you're hot" ... the paper... what has happened... asking a girl for a coffee... aditi... job interview... phattu.. the paper once again... varun saying something.. change in career path.. economics.. ngo.. pritam.. ah crap .. but the paper.

15 minutes later I was happily seated in front of Varun talking the same way, with only three things having changed - the piece of paper was in a dustbin, the driver (and a few kids in the car) had learned an important lesson and most importantly - I had tons more of self-respect.

###

Cross-posted the earlier bit from LJ. Just happened to post there for sentimental reasons. But there was another reason which made me feel a little good too. Disliking someone for no apparent reason is such a bad feeling. Gives way to a lot of guilt which is tough to get rid of. Thankfully, the dislike I am talking about is to some extent mutual and makes me feel so relieved. Though I can really be shady sometimes but not to the extent of being disliked.

This recent discovery served as the final clinching proof to my theory about my dislike for people. It's tough for me to not like anyone. I don't remember being such a person. The first guy I remember whom I disliked for a classmate in school. In class 10th, he explicitly told me things which were not only insulting but extremely false too. That was the day I first disliked any person. Six years later, the list has grown considerably as everyone around has grown up with the little devil inside having lost its simplicitly. Even now, as the theory says, I only don't like those people who I feel have issues against me. Priyanka J affirmed my theory the last time about six months back... and recent developments only helped me to feel less bad about myself.

Long live my theores. :)

deja vu

2006-03-30T08:48:00.000-08:00

Maybe the best PAF ever. Definitely the best PAF I have seen, or for that matter anyone present in OAT has even seen. I was bothered after the PAF. Unlike most others, I got in touch with my feelings almost two days after the PAF; and that too for a different reason.

Somehow the PAF failed to arouse any sentiments inside me. I am worried why did that happen, especially when every single person sitting day was left completely overwhelmed. Have I become a little too critical of everything? So much so, that I fail to appreciate something in its entirety while only focussing at finding the faults? I am definitely a fault-finder but now I have to think whether I have reached a level where such an attitude becomes unacceptable or not.

Alternatively, lack of appreciation could be simply because of a lame prejudice against the person involved. Looks unlikely in this case but who knows?

Time to think.

####

BTP last date got postponed by 10 days. Might actually work with some enthu. Last sem, last opportunity to prove something to myself (in academic matters)... pray that laziness doesn't prevail like always.

Random Musings

2006-03-26T09:40:00.000-08:00

A quick note about the subject line before I move on to a proper blog entry. Somehow I have always imagined by blog's name as Random Musings. The imagination was part of my day dreamings... and the name somehow appealed a lot mostly because I saw myself writing funny arbit stuff varying from movies to rock music to intellectual stuff like history or economics. Traces of such attempts can be found in the blog that really exists, this blog. Quite a few things had accumulated (as always) to be penned down. And I have started off with the aim of writing down as many as possible. Random Musings follow:

.1. Valfi season is round the corner. All fourthies seem excited, well not exactly all. I have lost so much enthu about IIT life that I am hardly feeling a thing for valfi. The funny thing is, that valfi and profile writing held equal importance to me as a wedding holds for Monica and the gang in F.R.I.E.N.D.S. I can distinctly remember the spamming days of yore, when I argueably made my most beloved friends - Pritam, Dixi, Akshay and Sandhya. And among those scores of threads came one which carried first impressions and profiles about each other. I was so excited about the prospect of profile writing... but now it's more like a burden.

.2. Techfest Handing-Over treat last week. It seemed like yesterday when I blogged about my first HO treat, exactly two years back when I was sitting down trying to grasp the fundae. It was intensive, amusing, enlightening and very distateful (to me). Fundaes about ethics, morals, selfless work et al were being poured like water; and so was alcohol from our money (1.5k per person). When I grew up a little, I rallied against such a HO treat where thousands were being wasted on something that amounted to so much little. It did have a huge sentimental (and pyschological) impact on too many other people but after being a part of TF family for so much time I consider myself eligible enough to call it BullShit!

But I still respect(ed) the sentiments of others around. No wonder I was confronted with the question of attending HO of 2k6. Careful enough to not hurt anyone, I did go to HO; and felt guilty about it. One year is a long time, isn't it. So much changes. This year I was bold/honest enough to stick to what I firmly believed. Saying 'no' to Bedi is among the worse things but important in a way. Honestly speaking, my self-respect increased. It isn't too difficult to feel good about yourself, is it?

.3. Academics: Final semester carries only burdens right now. BTP and Chemical Processes II. In-sem total in the course is low enough to give me nbd during end sem. Hopefully, like the 10 odd courses that I have salvaged from a similar situation, I shall pass even now. On the other hand, BTP is getting out of hand. I am running out of ideas. Don't think I will have trouble passing. Have atleast met the guide enough number of times to ensure that he doesn't flunk me but not being able to solve a problem can become very frustrating. A couple of good ideas originated while bathing but all suffered a disappointing death. With the report submission on 7th April, i am yet to figure out how to full even 15 pages. Help!

.4. Thanks to my brother, Vaibhav, I am a proud owner of the super psued iPOD video. Not sure whether I have already mentioned about it, but am having a ball using the slick thing. Music on demand is best thing in life. Scores over sex too. :D

.5. For those who don't know me yet, I am rather senti person, a lot more emotional than I appear to be. A couple of insensitive remarks (even if totally unintentional) in an already awkward friendship (coutesy of the spam) could really hurt me bad. Not feeling too good about it, after all she is my first crush ever. And I have complained quite a bit about our friendship on blogs... but somehow never been able to strike a dialogue with her. Ironic and sad.

.6. PAFs: Missed H2 PAF as bro was in town. The next one, H6-10-13 presentation, gave the most impactful first presentation among the ones I have seen. It was largely due to the multi-storyed building built with an appreciably good FA work done on it. The execution appeared pretty flawless while a couple of choreos impressed me a lot too (not just because there was certain Ms. G whom I have liked from the day one). The prod, however impressive, wasn't an 100% product of IIT factory. Which probably was the biggest turn-off about the PAF. Its repercussions are far too many and disturbing. Even though I have never been a part of any PAF and hence have little sentiments attached to it, I shall be curious to see how things go 3-4 years down the line.

Note: I have used "sentiments" quite a few times.

..have more things to write. But don't have time right now. Part 2 might follow.
(ain't doing a proof read.. so like me don't point out the mistakes \:)/)

Homosexuality

2006-03-17T01:07:00.000-08:00

I distinctly remember my first trip to my favourite city, Bombay, in 1999. Many episodes of the trip makes it most memorable for me; and also the most disturbing. Luckily for me, at the age of 16 years I was hardly aware of the phenomenon known as homosexuality. However I have vague memories of expressing doubts as to why marriages only happen between people of opposite sex, the answer was always evaded in an obvious manner. Moving on to the Bombay episode, while returning in train a man kissed me. It felt gross - no doubt, but only because he was a stranger and not a good looking girl I would fantasize about. It took me a good one years time to realize what exactly had happened that night in the train.

Trust me this was not to be the only gay advance on me. There were three more, all in trains. And unlike the first guy these weren't so subtle or prudish. But thanks to the hostel life I was mentally strong enough to not get freaked out by these advances. In some ways it was flattering to know that I was being hit upon (maybe not by the sex of my choice but anyway...).

I am yet to interact in a positive manner with a homosexual. To start with, it's tough to find one in a closed society like our's. Also, assuming that atleast 1.5% of males are reported to be homosexual worldwide it's safe to rule out the non-existence of gays in IIT UGs. In a place where students are supposed to be most progressive, it's surprising that I am yet to meet any gay. Ofcourse I have heard of people being gay and have myself doubted a couple to be gay, nothing conclusive can said about their sexual preferences.

I am left with much doubt about various issues (specially the mentallity) concerning gays. Ramanujan's biography cited examples of some of the famous homosexual intellectuals who played key roles in Britain, early in the last century. The Apostles, the most famous secret society of Cambridge is known to house a large number of gays including Keynes, Hardy et al. Over the years I have been hugely successful in understanding a large number wholly concentrating on their sexual sphere; much like Freud. Would be an interesting exercise to interact (consciously) with homosexuals.

Lesbianism: I need to conduct a little bit of research on this topic. A brief survey conducted by me leads to me conclusion that all women have traces of homosexual instincts. Wow!!! Isn't it? :D

BTW, if any gay IITian is reading my blog please do get in touch with me. I promise your privacy (if needed).

now why do a project?

2006-03-13T22:57:00.000-08:00

The Match

2006-03-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

"Take that Graeme Smith!" Ponting scored 164 off 105 balls.

A new ODI record. Could there be a better scorecard than this one?

Gibbs has a reply. 175 in 111 balls.

Punch of Victory.

Legends

I Bow To Thee

2006-03-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Argueably the greatest match in the history of ODI Cricket. I still think we're gonna wake up tomorrow morning realizing it was a dream.

Split!

2006-03-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Break-ups aren't nice; but they are unavoidable too.

Yes, The River Knows

2006-02-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

Please believe me
If you don't need me
I'm going, but I need a little time
I promised I would drown myself in mysticated wine

--Jim Morrison

Fool Hardy

2006-02-19T02:24:00.000-08:00

For years I have dreamt of acquiring the ability to manipulate people around me. The concept was so appealing, intriguing and most importantly, challenging. Time and practice has led me to this point where I can confidently declare that I have almost become a successful manipulator.

The road wasn't an easy one. For starters, the idea is also repulsive due to its negative connotation. After a lot of self-coersion I managed to pull myself out of this moral dilemma. Next arised the problem of being conscious about the game. You see, most manipulators have natural flair in this art. They don't have to be attentive about their thoughts and plays. This is where it took me time; to always keep this aim on top of all other feelings. Soon it became like a game of football. Legs didn't have to ask brain what to do, they run and kick at the sight of the football. I didn't have to think of what I am doing. It started coming naturally to me. In fact, sometimes it takes a good deal of time to even realize why did I say (or do) something against my wish.

Lastly, the biggest hurdle was manipulating without being untrue. To be articulate is pretty tough, as most of us in this real world must already be knowing. Sometimes you end up conveying the wrong information, at other times the right information but at the wrong time. The scale at which manipulation-game is played keeps becoming more complex and elaborate. Finally it reaches a magnitude where it can't be handled anymore and in one way or other the house tumbles down. The problem is not with the house tumbling down, it's when its set on fire and the fire spreads. Yup! That's where it hurts if you (myself in this case) is good at heart.

This entry wasn't intended to be made on the art of manipulation or to establish how good (or bad) a manipulator I have become. I just happened to write the above paragraphs without meaning to do so...

What set me wondering was whether one can manipulate onself or not. In fact, is self-manipulation any different from a determined step towards accomplishing any pre-defined task? Maybe not. I am least bothered with it. What troubles me is the fact that I can't manipulate myself. I can't change the way I think and don't think. Afterall change is tough to incorporate, even the kind that is condemned isn't easy to bring.

Yup, it was wisely said by someone: it's easy to fool others but not yourself.
But, you can't fool others if you're fooling yourself. Yes, this is where I am currently.

A Realization

2006-02-15T22:39:00.000-08:00

I find dumb people deplorable.

PS: I know it's not a nice thing but can't help it.

Climax @ TenSex

2006-02-15T00:35:00.000-08:00

If ToI is good at doing anything other than filling its pages with colourful pics of hot busty women, it's to turn up with extremely punny headlines (like the title of this post). Evident from it, the much talked about sensex touched the historic 10,000 figure. Relevance of sensex is still unclear to me. All I could answer to my interviewer at House of Code when asked 'What do you know about Sensex'? was that it's probably an acronym for sensitivity index. I am guessing by the result (i.e. not selected, lucky for me) that I must have been wrong there. Well, I never bothered to verify that as it's an answer I'll always feel glad about.

Anyway, so this catchy headline managed to motivate me into digging a few links and finding more about stocks and stock markets. The whole concept amazed me so much that I have decided to become a stock broker. Maybe not so early in my career but probably after working in an i-bank for 10-15 years, when I have loads of cash in my bank (and hopefully would also have found my Chandler by then).

Speaking of Chandler, Bamboo and Varun are the topic contenders. Who shall it be?

App Day (+ V-Day)

2006-02-13T21:08:00.000-08:00

Got up early morning. Went Purushottam's room, half-awake half-asleep. Found him checking on Google Earth the distance between Boston and Baltimore. You know why?
:D :D :D

Happy Valentine's Day. The day finally holds some relevance in my life.

Update:- Valentine's Day definitely not my day.

Success?

2006-02-10T19:46:00.000-08:00

Life is not worth if one cannot inspire others to do amazing things.

The Gang

2006-02-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found yourself staring at a pic for 10 minutes at a stretch? I know of one that has kept me occupied for a good time in the last 2 days.

Was taken when Purushottam, Shweta and Varun were leaving for Europe in summers. Bamboo unfortunately missed out as he was the photographer. When I become rich, I shall pay Bamboo a hefty sum for taking this snap. Except Pritam (and Shaggy) most of the gang is in it, making it unique. Makes me nostalgic, already.

Standing behind: Purushottam and Shweta (supposed to get married)
Sitting behind: People I don't know.
Sitting (or rather kneeled down, from left to right): Akshay (our Mummy), myself (dazed by the hottie standing behind Bamboo), Onkar & Varun (the hot couple), Karthik (in white t-shirt, looking as hot as ever), Dasa (black beauty with a perfect grin) and Dixi (my "best" friend).

Freebird

2006-02-10T01:29:00.000-08:00

They know it all. They have it all figured out. Dammit!

If I leave here tomorrow
Would you still remember me?
For I must be travelling on, now,
'Cause there's too many places I've got to see.
But, if I stayed here with you, girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
'Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you can not change.
Lord knows, I can't change.

Bye, bye, its been a sweet love.
Though this feeling I can't change.
But please don't take it badly,
'Cause Lord knows I'm to blame.
But, if I stayed here with you girl,
Things just couldn't be the same.
Cause I'm as free as a bird now,
And this bird you'll never change.
And this bird you can not change.
Lord knows, I can't change.
Lord help me, I can't change.

--Lynyrd Skynyrd

Ticket to US

2006-02-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

... and the "best man", Pritam, gets the latest one: to UIUC. So atleast he's off to the States. I wonder what path destiny has chosen for him; would make one hell of a story. :)

My First Rock Concert!

2006-02-08T17:49:00.000-08:00

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival Mumbai provided me my first experience at a concert (of any sort) outside IIT. Low excitement level for it was making me feeling slightly guilty... afterall a rock concert is about enthu and all, specially when it is your first and two of the best Indian rock bands are performing in it. As we hurried to the Azad Maidan anticipating a huge crowd and space constraints, we were forced to squint our eyes to find the concert arena in Azad Maidan. Not that Azad Maidan is thaaaaat big, instead the concert was that small and very strategically placed in a khopcha.

Afraid that we might find it tough to get inside, gauging from the loooong queues for Livewire every year, Purushottam and I scurried to the front entrance only to find a meagre crowd (if one could call that a crowd) of 20 people. The height was when while letting us in an organizer was heard yelling - "aaraam se jao.. sabko aage baithne kii jageh milegi." (WTF!!!)

Zero kicked start the evening with their originals and pretty much kept to their own songs with a few deviants, but I (and Shaggy) found their act rather disappointing. All expectations of a rocking evening rested with Parikrama and their first song (Highway to Hell, AC-DC) was anything but a teaser of what was in store for the next 80 minutes, which climaxed with their original acoustic song Open Skies and the ever rocking Smoke On the Water.

A decent bit of head banging, swaying and occasional plunges in the mosh-hole is what a rock show is about. Thankfully, despite the dismal crowd and dim ambience we were offered all these elements - for free! :)

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

2006-02-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

Accidentally deleted the old blog.
That's why all testings should be done on dummy systems and not actual ones.

Good in a way. Time for a fresh start. Lots of things have changed, now even blog. So should I now.

Welcome everyone.