Have been struggling to come up with anything. Still am. Got a few ideas but have been quite drained to give them any shape. As always I stand between myself and what I really want to do.
Picked up Shantaram again. Am down 50 pages but have found quite a few gems that I had missed earlier. Hopefully it'll help me pick up other things too.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Friday, November 16, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Chapter 3 - A for Apple
Mr.A was thought that he was fair in his assessment of himself, not too smart and not too intelligent, just about average.
However he had the vague hope that he had the potential to cross the thin line that separated average from above average and like a man of average smarts, he had around him a thin envelope of the illusion of smartness.
At 10 (then only called A) he discovered his mothers collection of Readers Digest, painstakingly preserved since 1966. He attacked, like a jackal plunging head first into the remains of what was once something lower on the food chain. The only thing he did devour were small bits of that was once important. Quite like the Jackal.
Suddenly he made the transition to being quasi smart. He knew all kinds of vague bits of information. Though which did not reflect in his school grades but did made him a member of the school quiz team.
Grades apart he loved quizzing. He and his friend Shanghai Chan made a pretty decent duo. Though his real name was Shankar Channi, you have to admit Shanghai Chan is a lot more like out of a George Lucas Movie. A was the better quizzer of the two.
In his fantasy world he was as a Superman in Glasses. But though Superman always came out winner the best A and Chan managed was runners up.
The true Superman was Pranav Saikia, the Assamese boy from St.Raphael's High school, subsequently Delhi College of Applied Sciences and later on International Business Management School. From school to college to Business school Pranav won every quiz. The undisputed heavyweight champion of quizzing. Undisputed for 15 years.
A was now a Vice President with a Bank. Made good money but not enough. Pranav had retired and was running an Applied Bio Science Lab.
The Underground Quiz was a year long affair with the finals conducted live with contestants aboard the Underground Trains of the 4 global metros of Bangalore, Dubai, Shanghai and London. No prize money. Only individual glory.
Pranav and A were tied for the first spot. Shanghai Chan, now actually a land baron in Shanghai was 10 points behind.
Sachin Tendulkar, legendary Indian cricketer now turned Quiz Master spoke slowly, “Last question. All three contenders can pull this off. Remember 10 points for the right answer and minus 10 for the wrong. I will give you a set of clues you will have to tell me the connection. And the question for the championship is
Establish a relationship between - Apple computers, CIA, The British Royalty and Jennifer Lopez".
However he had the vague hope that he had the potential to cross the thin line that separated average from above average and like a man of average smarts, he had around him a thin envelope of the illusion of smartness.
At 10 (then only called A) he discovered his mothers collection of Readers Digest, painstakingly preserved since 1966. He attacked, like a jackal plunging head first into the remains of what was once something lower on the food chain. The only thing he did devour were small bits of that was once important. Quite like the Jackal.
Suddenly he made the transition to being quasi smart. He knew all kinds of vague bits of information. Though which did not reflect in his school grades but did made him a member of the school quiz team.
Grades apart he loved quizzing. He and his friend Shanghai Chan made a pretty decent duo. Though his real name was Shankar Channi, you have to admit Shanghai Chan is a lot more like out of a George Lucas Movie. A was the better quizzer of the two.
In his fantasy world he was as a Superman in Glasses. But though Superman always came out winner the best A and Chan managed was runners up.
The true Superman was Pranav Saikia, the Assamese boy from St.Raphael's High school, subsequently Delhi College of Applied Sciences and later on International Business Management School. From school to college to Business school Pranav won every quiz. The undisputed heavyweight champion of quizzing. Undisputed for 15 years.
A was now a Vice President with a Bank. Made good money but not enough. Pranav had retired and was running an Applied Bio Science Lab.
The Underground Quiz was a year long affair with the finals conducted live with contestants aboard the Underground Trains of the 4 global metros of Bangalore, Dubai, Shanghai and London. No prize money. Only individual glory.
Pranav and A were tied for the first spot. Shanghai Chan, now actually a land baron in Shanghai was 10 points behind.
Sachin Tendulkar, legendary Indian cricketer now turned Quiz Master spoke slowly, “Last question. All three contenders can pull this off. Remember 10 points for the right answer and minus 10 for the wrong. I will give you a set of clues you will have to tell me the connection. And the question for the championship is
Establish a relationship between - Apple computers, CIA, The British Royalty and Jennifer Lopez".
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Orkut Fortune
At Orkut the horoscope conjurers or the flunkies who have a knack for sucking up and putting it succinctly do a very good job of getting me to the site at least once a day for the sole purpose of checking my fortune.
I wonder why its never negative. I guess that's why they call it fortune. In case one day it does end up negative, will they change the title to 'Today's Misfortune'?
I wonder why its never negative. I guess that's why they call it fortune. In case one day it does end up negative, will they change the title to 'Today's Misfortune'?
Friday, June 15, 2007
Chapter 2 - A Day's work
Lou was angry and when he was angry he used to usually call his brother. This time around he knew that his brother was directly responsible for the incident that had made him angry. He knew that he needed to have his wits about him if he was to have any success with his brother. And he knew just the tone of voice to adopt for the occasion. But he knew he needed some leverage all the same.
He called his assistant and gave clear instructions, “Operation Delta is a go”.
Unfortunately his assistant Mr.A had just woken up so couldn’t grasp his instructions clearly. “Operation Delta….Sir could you be more specific”
“How more specific can I be? We did speak about this yesterday! Have you started using that powdery stuff that I specifically asked you to stay away from again?” Lou shouted.
“Sir, I am sorry but I don’t recall the details of Operation Delta. I did get your memo but I am afraid it was not very specific”, Mr. A replied nervously.
“The specifics are up to you. What do I pay you for? I am not into micro management. That’s not my style. If you want your employer to keep on breathing down your neck, monitoring everything that you do, why don’t you work for my brother instead?”, Lou was about to lose it completely.
“Actually sir, I did go him before I came to you but he did not want me. He did not quite like my qualifications. It was a bit of a let down, I did go to business school and pass with honors and besides everyone told me that experience counted more than the degree. But he just looked at my resume and said that he’d let me know. No questions asked, none of that, ‘tell me a bit about you stuff’. I found it quite strange. And frankly speaking, in fact now that you mentioned it, I am hoping that perhaps you can put in a word for me. I am looking at gaining some experience with the other side”, Mr. A babbled. His employer made him nervous and when he was nervous he let out exactly what was on his mind. He knew it was his shortcoming.
“Mr. A, do I come across as a benevolent and kind person to you? Don’t attempt answering that because I know I am not. The only reason why I am not firing you right now is because I can’t replace you at such short notice and I need Operation Delta executed immediately so will you get on with it”, Lou was breathing fire now.
“About Operation Delta sir…” Mr. A stuttered
“What about Operation Delta?” Lou shouted.
“The details sir” Mr. A could barely manage a whisper.
“When I call you take out Jay Metal” Lou spoke in a hushed tone.
“I am sorry sir, I did not quite get that. Could you be a bit louder? The reception here is very bad I’m afraid” Mr. A raised his voice in an attempt to be clear.
“You don’t need to shout A. I can hear you perfectly. Take out Jay Metal, I said” Lou said a bit louder.
“Take out sir? I am sorry, I don’t understand. Can you be more specific sir. Do you mean take him out for lunch?”, Mr. A was confused and could not hide it.
“WHEN I CALL YOU TAKE HIM OUT…MAKE HIM DISAPPEAR…TERMINATE HIM, SLAUGHTER HIM…SLAY HIM, MURDER HIM, TAKE HIS LIFE, KILL HIM…DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW”, Lou was beyond himself.
“Clearly Sir. My mission that is Operation Delta is to wait for your call and upon receiving your affirmation cause Jay Metal’s life to cease” Mr. A paraphrased.
“FINALLY…MOW GET STARTED, you have work to do and I have to call my brother”, Lou realised that he was still shouting and changed his tone mid way.
“Yes sir. On with it. And sir, just one more thing”, Mr. A was brimming with a sense of purpose.
“What is it A?” Lou inquired
“Sir, will you put in a word for me with your brother. I genuinely do want to gain some experience in that department.” Mr. A spoke politely, hoping not to offend his employer.
“A. Do this well and I’ll see what I can do”, Lou couldn’t believe what he had just heard but needed to get on with work and call his brother.
He called his assistant and gave clear instructions, “Operation Delta is a go”.
Unfortunately his assistant Mr.A had just woken up so couldn’t grasp his instructions clearly. “Operation Delta….Sir could you be more specific”
“How more specific can I be? We did speak about this yesterday! Have you started using that powdery stuff that I specifically asked you to stay away from again?” Lou shouted.
“Sir, I am sorry but I don’t recall the details of Operation Delta. I did get your memo but I am afraid it was not very specific”, Mr. A replied nervously.
“The specifics are up to you. What do I pay you for? I am not into micro management. That’s not my style. If you want your employer to keep on breathing down your neck, monitoring everything that you do, why don’t you work for my brother instead?”, Lou was about to lose it completely.
“Actually sir, I did go him before I came to you but he did not want me. He did not quite like my qualifications. It was a bit of a let down, I did go to business school and pass with honors and besides everyone told me that experience counted more than the degree. But he just looked at my resume and said that he’d let me know. No questions asked, none of that, ‘tell me a bit about you stuff’. I found it quite strange. And frankly speaking, in fact now that you mentioned it, I am hoping that perhaps you can put in a word for me. I am looking at gaining some experience with the other side”, Mr. A babbled. His employer made him nervous and when he was nervous he let out exactly what was on his mind. He knew it was his shortcoming.
“Mr. A, do I come across as a benevolent and kind person to you? Don’t attempt answering that because I know I am not. The only reason why I am not firing you right now is because I can’t replace you at such short notice and I need Operation Delta executed immediately so will you get on with it”, Lou was breathing fire now.
“About Operation Delta sir…” Mr. A stuttered
“What about Operation Delta?” Lou shouted.
“The details sir” Mr. A could barely manage a whisper.
“When I call you take out Jay Metal” Lou spoke in a hushed tone.
“I am sorry sir, I did not quite get that. Could you be a bit louder? The reception here is very bad I’m afraid” Mr. A raised his voice in an attempt to be clear.
“You don’t need to shout A. I can hear you perfectly. Take out Jay Metal, I said” Lou said a bit louder.
“Take out sir? I am sorry, I don’t understand. Can you be more specific sir. Do you mean take him out for lunch?”, Mr. A was confused and could not hide it.
“WHEN I CALL YOU TAKE HIM OUT…MAKE HIM DISAPPEAR…TERMINATE HIM, SLAUGHTER HIM…SLAY HIM, MURDER HIM, TAKE HIS LIFE, KILL HIM…DO YOU UNDERSTAND NOW”, Lou was beyond himself.
“Clearly Sir. My mission that is Operation Delta is to wait for your call and upon receiving your affirmation cause Jay Metal’s life to cease” Mr. A paraphrased.
“FINALLY…MOW GET STARTED, you have work to do and I have to call my brother”, Lou realised that he was still shouting and changed his tone mid way.
“Yes sir. On with it. And sir, just one more thing”, Mr. A was brimming with a sense of purpose.
“What is it A?” Lou inquired
“Sir, will you put in a word for me with your brother. I genuinely do want to gain some experience in that department.” Mr. A spoke politely, hoping not to offend his employer.
“A. Do this well and I’ll see what I can do”, Lou couldn’t believe what he had just heard but needed to get on with work and call his brother.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Saturday, June 09, 2007
The Bank of Eyngland
Despite the hooker’s best efforts, Andy just could not finish. Sex just wasn't how it used to be. He found it just too tough to climax.
There was loud pounding on the door.
"Andy, you're already 20 minutes late. These guys have already performed 2 more songs that they were supposed to. The crowd has come to listen to you and not to these sods. Just leave what ever you are up to and come out", it was Robbie his manager.
"You don't remind me remind me that I am late. This babe was terrible, your grandmother can probably give better head than this babe". Andy emerged from his room zipping up his leather pants.
"Robbie, promise me that you will never book me another tour in a place where drugs are illegal. Did you manage any? I can't perform without being stoned. The last time I did that I was singing in the church choir and that was bloody 35 years ago. Did you manage to score some stuff like you promised", Steve was very agitated.
"Andy, this place is not like back home. They put a guy in jail last week for possessing .5gms of Hashish and that Indian guy is still in jail, his poor wife has been running between the jail and the Indian High Commission for 10 days now. In fact I think that they should start a new race in the Olympics named after her. Now come on, pull yourself together, you can do it", Robbie was very firm. He could sense that Andy was about to throw one of his tantrums.
"I need it Robbie, I can't do it. What's happening to me? I can't ever screw any more"? Andy broke down.
“No Andy, no. Don’t do that, not now. You can do it. If anyone can, you can do it. You’re Andy Eyngland, you’ve got 17 platinum albums, 23 No. 1 hits. You don’t need to get stoned to perform”, Robbie rattled out his pep talk.
“But I do. You know it, I do. I can’t do with out it. My head is spinning, I am choking. It’s all my mothers fault. Anyway I always hated singing. God’s given you a gift Andy, when you sing God signs through you. I won’t be able to sing. They’ll boo me off the stage. I have money, I can probably live off my royalties alone…retire in the country, catch some fish. What will you do? What will you do without a job, Robbie?” Andy was hysterical.
“Andy you’re broke, if anyone needs to perform tonight, you do. I wanted to tell you but I thought I’ll wait till after the concert. You see that guy in the black suit in the corner. He’s with your accountancy firm and he told be just a little while ago.” Robbie said gravely.
“What do you mean I’m broke? They press calls me the Bank of Eyngland. I am richer than the Queen. How can I be broke?” Andy was flabbergasted.
“The court ruled in Marion’s favor. She’s wiped you out. You need to do this Andy”, Robbie said slowly.
“Bloody women. Never marry Robbie, never. They’ll kill everything inside you. Look at me, I’m finished but I am going to come back. Andy the Phoenix. Now on to work. We have a crowd to please.” Andy put on a brave face and walked ahead.
The opening bars of ‘Rising from the ashes’ Andy 1983 hit, could be heard.
“What a song to come back to”, said Robbie as he patted Andy on the shoulder.
“Indeed”, said Andy and ran towards the stage.
“What was that bit about Marion”, asked Jerry who happened to be listening to the conversation.
“Nothing, just a little lie that I fabricated to get him up on stage”, replied Robbie coolly. “The bit that I am bothered about is he’s not able to screw. Poor Andy”, Robbie continued.
The crowd ruptured as soon as Andy came on to the stage.
Andy started singing.
As you walked away
I thought I’d heard you say
That you couldn’t do without me
Just a misplaced illusion
That you created
But now I can clearly see
That you’re rotten
and you’re scheming
Lying
And deceiving
And now I’m truly free
As he uttered the words he fell. It was a part of his act. This is when he springs up and did the ‘Andy walk’, imagine John Wayne walking like Captain Jack Sparrow.
The band continued to play. Andy stayed down.
Something was wrong. Jimmy, the lead guitarist walked up to him. Andy was not moving. “Andy, you alright?” said Jimmy.
“Andy, Andy”….
There was loud pounding on the door.
"Andy, you're already 20 minutes late. These guys have already performed 2 more songs that they were supposed to. The crowd has come to listen to you and not to these sods. Just leave what ever you are up to and come out", it was Robbie his manager.
"You don't remind me remind me that I am late. This babe was terrible, your grandmother can probably give better head than this babe". Andy emerged from his room zipping up his leather pants.
"Robbie, promise me that you will never book me another tour in a place where drugs are illegal. Did you manage any? I can't perform without being stoned. The last time I did that I was singing in the church choir and that was bloody 35 years ago. Did you manage to score some stuff like you promised", Steve was very agitated.
"Andy, this place is not like back home. They put a guy in jail last week for possessing .5gms of Hashish and that Indian guy is still in jail, his poor wife has been running between the jail and the Indian High Commission for 10 days now. In fact I think that they should start a new race in the Olympics named after her. Now come on, pull yourself together, you can do it", Robbie was very firm. He could sense that Andy was about to throw one of his tantrums.
"I need it Robbie, I can't do it. What's happening to me? I can't ever screw any more"? Andy broke down.
“No Andy, no. Don’t do that, not now. You can do it. If anyone can, you can do it. You’re Andy Eyngland, you’ve got 17 platinum albums, 23 No. 1 hits. You don’t need to get stoned to perform”, Robbie rattled out his pep talk.
“But I do. You know it, I do. I can’t do with out it. My head is spinning, I am choking. It’s all my mothers fault. Anyway I always hated singing. God’s given you a gift Andy, when you sing God signs through you. I won’t be able to sing. They’ll boo me off the stage. I have money, I can probably live off my royalties alone…retire in the country, catch some fish. What will you do? What will you do without a job, Robbie?” Andy was hysterical.
“Andy you’re broke, if anyone needs to perform tonight, you do. I wanted to tell you but I thought I’ll wait till after the concert. You see that guy in the black suit in the corner. He’s with your accountancy firm and he told be just a little while ago.” Robbie said gravely.
“What do you mean I’m broke? They press calls me the Bank of Eyngland. I am richer than the Queen. How can I be broke?” Andy was flabbergasted.
“The court ruled in Marion’s favor. She’s wiped you out. You need to do this Andy”, Robbie said slowly.
“Bloody women. Never marry Robbie, never. They’ll kill everything inside you. Look at me, I’m finished but I am going to come back. Andy the Phoenix. Now on to work. We have a crowd to please.” Andy put on a brave face and walked ahead.
The opening bars of ‘Rising from the ashes’ Andy 1983 hit, could be heard.
“What a song to come back to”, said Robbie as he patted Andy on the shoulder.
“Indeed”, said Andy and ran towards the stage.
“What was that bit about Marion”, asked Jerry who happened to be listening to the conversation.
“Nothing, just a little lie that I fabricated to get him up on stage”, replied Robbie coolly. “The bit that I am bothered about is he’s not able to screw. Poor Andy”, Robbie continued.
The crowd ruptured as soon as Andy came on to the stage.
Andy started singing.
As you walked away
I thought I’d heard you say
That you couldn’t do without me
Just a misplaced illusion
That you created
But now I can clearly see
That you’re rotten
and you’re scheming
Lying
And deceiving
And now I’m truly free
As he uttered the words he fell. It was a part of his act. This is when he springs up and did the ‘Andy walk’, imagine John Wayne walking like Captain Jack Sparrow.
The band continued to play. Andy stayed down.
Something was wrong. Jimmy, the lead guitarist walked up to him. Andy was not moving. “Andy, you alright?” said Jimmy.
“Andy, Andy”….
Monday, May 21, 2007
Today - I thought I'd finally found something to write about. I remember being quite kicked about it. As I try to think back what it was, I just cannot remember. Maybe it was just a dream. And those I have not been able to remember for quite some time now.
Depressing!
A few days ago - I wake up at 5:30 to board the office bus at 7 in the morning. Its a boring near to abouts 2 hours long drive. Parul bought me an MP3 player and I put most of my music on it. Through the journey I keep on shuffling through the songs and can't find one that I want to listen to entirely. The only piece that made the list was the Raiders March (The Indiana Jones theme).
Need new music or just rediscover the old.
Talking about rediscovering music got quite taken in by Kashmir.
Depressing!
A few days ago - I wake up at 5:30 to board the office bus at 7 in the morning. Its a boring near to abouts 2 hours long drive. Parul bought me an MP3 player and I put most of my music on it. Through the journey I keep on shuffling through the songs and can't find one that I want to listen to entirely. The only piece that made the list was the Raiders March (The Indiana Jones theme).
Need new music or just rediscover the old.
Talking about rediscovering music got quite taken in by Kashmir.
|
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Daffodils Rap
Wordsworth remixed.
Like the idea but don’t like the output.
Read it and then watch the rap rendition on http://www.golakes.co.uk/wordsworthrap/ and decide for yourself.
I wandered lonely as a Cloud
That floats on high o'er Vales and Hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:-
A poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company:
I gazed-and gazed-but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude,
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the Daffodils.
Like the idea but don’t like the output.
Read it and then watch the rap rendition on http://www.golakes.co.uk/wordsworthrap/ and decide for yourself.
I wandered lonely as a Cloud
That floats on high o'er Vales and Hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:-
A poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company:
I gazed-and gazed-but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude,
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the Daffodils.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
A lovely day
A song from the long gone past. I first heard of it in an advertisement for Old Spice shaving cream. Later on in life when I was working on the brand I was told by the owner of the company that that commercial was the only commercial for Old Spice made in India and the only commercial that did not feature Caramina Burana.
The inane movie that Parul is watching started with this song and I felt compelled to find the song.
Its a happy song. The lyrics ring true.
The inane movie that Parul is watching started with this song and I felt compelled to find the song.
| Bill Withers - Lov... |
Its a happy song. The lyrics ring true.
The ballad of Parul and Freddie
I would like to watch Australia lose just as much as I like the team. It's like watching a 'good' Goliath fall to a David. The match today has provided just the very opportunity and I have just about overcome my disgust at India's performance in the World Cup and broken my vow not to watch any of the matches.
I got back home to watch Bell and Pietersen thrash McGrath and company and I had the feeling that England is going to continue its good form against the Aussies. Bell fell and was quickly followed by Collingwood and in walked Freddie. Knowing that the two will play it safe for sometime I decided to do check my gmail and orkut accounts for the 10th time today.
I thought I'll lure Parul away by telling her that Freddie is on TV but she gave me the PC anyway. No new messages or comments so I thought I'll go back to the match.
'Aanoo please change the channel or put a movie, I don't want to watch the match", said Parul as soon as I entered the living room.
"But Parul, Andrew Flintoff is playing and soon they will be hitting huge sixes", I was confident that this will sustain her interest in the match.
"I don't want to watch this, I cannot see his face", she said leaving me in a fix.
I pittered pottered around, trying to buy time. Brad Hogg bowled, Flintoff stepped out and my hopes were revived for an instant. This is going out of the park I thought. It was a brilliant chinaman, Flintoff missed and Gilchrist was quick in stumping him.
"Yeah, la la”, she shouted in glee (I am sure that those who know Parul will know what I am talking about)"Aanoo now he is going to take off his helmet", I was flabbergasted but could only laugh at her reasons.
Flintoff obliged and a minute long monologue on how he's so cute and so sweet followed.
My interest in the match was withering even though Peitersen was still there. I put on a movie and in the first scene itself it was evident that the movie was terrible. Parul agreed to my request of watching the rest of the match as only 10 odd overs were left.
"Aanoo, Flintoff must be sitting somewhere, why are they not showing him', said Parul after a long period of silence.
The cameraman did not obilige.
Peitersen, Bopara, Nixon plodded along and Peitersen got out shortly after completing his 100. The Aussies managed to curtail the Pommies and the initial promise of England posting a big total was not fulfilled.
I stopped watching and here I am. I still have my hopes up and am rooting for England. I don't it will be problematic to watch the rest of the match. Afterall Freddie doesn't bowl or field wearing his helmet.
I got back home to watch Bell and Pietersen thrash McGrath and company and I had the feeling that England is going to continue its good form against the Aussies. Bell fell and was quickly followed by Collingwood and in walked Freddie. Knowing that the two will play it safe for sometime I decided to do check my gmail and orkut accounts for the 10th time today.
I thought I'll lure Parul away by telling her that Freddie is on TV but she gave me the PC anyway. No new messages or comments so I thought I'll go back to the match.
'Aanoo please change the channel or put a movie, I don't want to watch the match", said Parul as soon as I entered the living room.
"But Parul, Andrew Flintoff is playing and soon they will be hitting huge sixes", I was confident that this will sustain her interest in the match.
"I don't want to watch this, I cannot see his face", she said leaving me in a fix.
I pittered pottered around, trying to buy time. Brad Hogg bowled, Flintoff stepped out and my hopes were revived for an instant. This is going out of the park I thought. It was a brilliant chinaman, Flintoff missed and Gilchrist was quick in stumping him.
"Yeah, la la”, she shouted in glee (I am sure that those who know Parul will know what I am talking about)"Aanoo now he is going to take off his helmet", I was flabbergasted but could only laugh at her reasons.
Flintoff obliged and a minute long monologue on how he's so cute and so sweet followed.
My interest in the match was withering even though Peitersen was still there. I put on a movie and in the first scene itself it was evident that the movie was terrible. Parul agreed to my request of watching the rest of the match as only 10 odd overs were left.
"Aanoo, Flintoff must be sitting somewhere, why are they not showing him', said Parul after a long period of silence.
The cameraman did not obilige.
Peitersen, Bopara, Nixon plodded along and Peitersen got out shortly after completing his 100. The Aussies managed to curtail the Pommies and the initial promise of England posting a big total was not fulfilled.
I stopped watching and here I am. I still have my hopes up and am rooting for England. I don't it will be problematic to watch the rest of the match. Afterall Freddie doesn't bowl or field wearing his helmet.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Pinballing on Youtube
Finally comprehended why youtube is the phenomenon it is. Spent a good 2 hours watching various versions of Pinball Wizard...The Who live at 4 concerts including woodstock; Of course the sequence from Tommy reproduced in the previous post and 7-8 versions sby amatuers.
Needless to say, I like my life.
Needless to say, I like my life.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Pinball Wizard
My obsession for the month has been to play Pinball Wizard at maximum volume in office. Early in the morning or late in the evening. I sing along and play the air guitar too but am not able to keep up with Roger Daltry's vocals or Townsend's lead for that matter.
I find it energetic and uplifting, in a spiritual way even. The boyishness of the idea of a Pinball Champ is bound to appeal to the boy in any man.
The song is sung by the champ who is in awe of a deaf, dumb and blind kid called Tommy (though only psychosomatically) who whips him at Pinball. It's described how an obsessed child would clinically dissect his obsession.
"He stands like a statue
Becomes part of the machine
Feeling all the bumpers
Always playing clean
He plays by intuition
The digit counters fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball"
"He ain't got no distractions
Can't hear those buzzers and bells
Don't see lights a flashin'
Plays by sense of smell
Always gets a replay
Never tilts at all
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball"
The part where the champ hands his crown to Tommy is particularly endearing.
"I thought I was
The Bally table king
But I just handed
My pinball crown to him"
Trivia: The metere of the song has been aped in a very popular hindi film song. Identify the song?
I find it energetic and uplifting, in a spiritual way even. The boyishness of the idea of a Pinball Champ is bound to appeal to the boy in any man.
The song is sung by the champ who is in awe of a deaf, dumb and blind kid called Tommy (though only psychosomatically) who whips him at Pinball. It's described how an obsessed child would clinically dissect his obsession.
"He stands like a statue
Becomes part of the machine
Feeling all the bumpers
Always playing clean
He plays by intuition
The digit counters fall
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball"
"He ain't got no distractions
Can't hear those buzzers and bells
Don't see lights a flashin'
Plays by sense of smell
Always gets a replay
Never tilts at all
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball"
The part where the champ hands his crown to Tommy is particularly endearing.
"I thought I was
The Bally table king
But I just handed
My pinball crown to him"
Trivia: The metere of the song has been aped in a very popular hindi film song. Identify the song?
Friday, March 09, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
A moment of Glory
GMR awards for Effectiveness in Marketing. We won two awards, one Gold and one Silver. I am standing next to Harsh Mariwalla, the owner of Marico, followed by Prashant Vatkar (The Hero of the story), next to him is Vijay Subramaniam the head of International Business Group at Marico and finally the gentleman who presented us with the award.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
An article by Yogi
Yogendra Vashishta or Yogi - Advertising and Marketing professional par excellence; friend, philosopher and guide; and an A1 guy. Check out his profile on Orkut.
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