Tagged by Anjuli

Seven Random Things about myself:
a. I am pretty lazy. So my real reasons for not meeting up people could range from me not having brushed my teeth and not having any inclination to do so, to me not have found my shoes within my line of sight. Amongst others that is.

b. Stubborness and me go hand in hand. Once I decide on something - good, bad or ugly - I follow and abide by it, irrespective of its repercussion. It is a different story, that I give each and very thing I decide on a very deep thought, and something rarely happens on an ad-hoc basis.

c. I hate commuting. Probably because I am too exposed to Mumbai's traffic. But the fact of the matter is, that I would rather give up on my job than commute a lot, to and fro.

d. I dont drink. And I dont have a license to drive. People drink and drive and they are put behind bars. I dont drink and dont drive, I should be getting some award. Nobel Prize Lifetime Achievement Award or something. Or whatever.

e. Two - 2 - is my favourite number. No, it is not my lucky number - I dont believe in that - but it my favourite number. I dont know why, but right through my school days, I always liked the shape of this number, the way it is drawn and all.

f. Some years back, when I would have a crush on every second girl that entered college, the count had gone upto triple figures. Unfortunately, was not gutsy enough to approach even one. Not even those who were even more shy than me.

g. There are certain years in my life that I miss the most, and there are certain I could do without. The first category has 1997, 1999, 2001-02, 2005-06, and the second category has 1992, 1998, 2007 etc. The rest, they say, is history.

One of the easiest forms of activities is criticizing; the human mind is almost programmed to work like that. Skepticism and the inability to accept things at the face value is almost a given, and if one may add, a trait that is brought about due to our tendency to think. We, as humans, possess this capability to think, and so the aforesaid mentioned emotions almost most rightfully accompany anything that one faces which seems a little out of the ordinary, like the.....

Red the rest of the article here i.e. on iSport...

Jobs at iSport.in

As a lot of you know, I write for a Sports Website, http://www.isport.in/ iSport Ventures is now looking for a Sports Editor. The following is the profile needed with the expected benefits:

iSport Ventures, a Mumbai Based Sports Media Company, is looking for an articulate, creative, passionate and knowledgeable sports buff for the role of Sports Editor.

· He/She should have genuine interest and liking for the following sports at least – Cricket, Football, Tennis, Formula One, Hockey. Any other sports will be added bonus.
· He/She should have excellent command over written and spoken English and should have an eye for stories.
· He/She will have to ideate & schedule with a team of writers under him/her to generate and edit sports content in form of text, audio and video at a later date.
· As the organization grows and based on performance he/she will promoted the role of Chief Content Officer (CCO) and he/she will then work with editors for respective sports.
· The remuneration is negotiable and we are willing to offer profit sharing/stake to the recruited individual.
· Benefits would involve loads of sport viewing, free coffee, chocolate donuts, sports merchandise and free tickets to some big matches.
· We are ideally looking at somebody who is young and energetic but capability and willingness to learn will be our most important parameters of judgment.

Please mail your resume alongwith a sample of some of the sports articles that you have written to isport.in@gmail.com.

More information about the company can be found by following the link below - http://isport.in/About_iSport_Ventures.pdf

zzzzzzzzz.....

the days are galloping at a rate that i only know one other thing would. my summer vacations in my school. the last i knew it was 15th february.

it is already 19th today. and i don't even know how the four days have flown past.

guess the medicine is having its effect too. have got into the habit of sleeping at unearthly hours. like how bats do. (i only hope that indian bats do not sleep as much in tomorrow's match)

tomorrow is another day. two matches are going to take away most of the time. if there would be any left, it would be concentrated on the markets. this would be followed by a couple of longish phone calls and a walk in the moonlight - a date at eight with the chicken soup guy.

before i even realise it would be the same time as it is now. and without a shave and a haircut i may even be rejected by the chicken soup guy.

sorry, the chicks are not interested in u.

ok. i seem to be getting into the tendencies of cracking real bad ones these days. whenever i get the chance.

its the medicine i tell u. makes me drowsy. so very drowsy.

I returned to Mumbai on 13th Feb. Today is 15th. About 60 hours have elapsed since I returned.

And I haven't had a minute of real free time. Cricket, Market, Friends, iSport and a whole loads of such activities have all but taken a little toll - simple because sleep was at a premium at Chandigarh as well.

And now this dratted cold, that so often inflicts me in warmer climates has done it's job again. Messed up my nose. And the hankerchiefs. I don't quite remember whether the plural of hankerchief is what I have written. Anyways.

Another hectic day tomorrow.

Sleep is what I need.

Chandigarh Diary - V

12th February, 2008
Chandigarh – Delhi Janshataabdi:

The time to get back. Time really flies by when you want it to go as slow as Dravid’s batting in the Tests against the Australians. Or as slow as this train I am in. It is supposed to much quicker this train to Delhi, but it somehow seems to be in no mood to oblige. That’s not a huge problem by itself, it is a very comfortable journey per se. the only smallish issue is that I have a connecting train to Mumbai at a later time, about 2 hours from the time this one’s supposed to reach Delhi.

So, kind of hoping that this one does not doze off. Which it is currently.

The only other thing worth mentioning is that the plug point in here finally works. It was not, some time back, and as Murphy had once predicted, charge on both, my mobile phone and laptop was as low as some of the doors at the Rock Garden. Now, it is much better.

Huge pause before I continue with writing this, because the train’s finally resumed its sojourn. Yawn.

The man in front seems to have added exactly one expletive word to his vocabulary; keeps using it with every sentence. So, whether it is his boss or his subordinates, the Indian cricket team, or the Indian markets; all seem to be adorned by that one single word.

In the meantime, talking of Indian cricket, I am missing the India-Lanka match currently being played out in Australia. Smsing the rightful numbers tell me that Jayasuriya and the other guy have gone hammer and tongs in pursuit of the total required. I am missing it all. Happens. No problems. I am taking it well.

F********. Why…

12th February, 2008
Delhi – Mumbai Rajdhani:

Add another point to the aforesaid list of lessons learnt on Garib Rath. NEVER travel in GR, especially when you got the money to afford a Rajdhani. Needless to say, I learnt this the hard way, i.e. by using both the trains. And rajdhni simply rocks, especially when you place it next to GR. Period.

The journey so far has been good, a sandwich, samosa, some sweets and tea and soup later, I am sharpening my knives for the dinner they soon going to serve. Yummmm! They say they would not be serving non-vegetarian food, bird flu issues et all. So, hopefully the food may be a little better if anything, than normal.

The soup, by the way, was not upto the scratch, but that’s ok. It was not supposed to be the crème la chicken/tomato anyways.

Which brings me to people around me. Now this is something that’s surprising me, the seats are meant to place 8 of us, we are nine, the ninth being a part of a family who’s actual seat is somewhere else in this world. Probably on the train itself, but certainly not here. He’s still here. And no-one’s said a word to him. We are two of us – out of the eight – on the side seat, and so he does not affect us, but there is a seat for 3, and there were 4 of ‘em on it. The good part was, a female decide to catch up on her sleep and dozed off on the top most tier, making it easier for the others. I wonder though, whether she would be up for her dinner. She’s already missed her soup.

Then, a couple of seats behind there are two ladies, young, and expressive eyes. I call ‘em berry eyes. They look like they are twins. The resemblance is stark. Hvent seen them together yet though, just been distinguishing them by their clothes. Probably they are one and the same. Probably my eyes are playing tricks on me. Who knows.

Who cares.

the man sitting opposite me – the other one of us sharing the side seats – seems to be a little too vain. Has visited the place next to the washroom – where the mirror is – to check himself out 6 times in a span of 3 hours. Ok, probably I am exaggerating a little here, but he definitely seems to be one of those having a huge fascination for himself. Which is good for me, I can stretch my legs ever so often. Thanks mate.

The laptop should soon conk off, will switch it off anyways. In about 12 hours from now, I should be home. Or atleast hometown. Lesse. Ciao.

Chandigarh Diary - IV

7th Feb, 2008
Hotel Room:

That should read as hotel room and movie hall. Don’t want to get too ‘punny’, so, went for the movie that went by the name of Sunday. A little spooky, a little funny, with an end that was also a little letdown. I thought that some of the dialogues were spontaneous and funny. The crowd certainly did not. Actually if I come to think of it, there were only 8 people in the hall. Probably that is why.

Burger at McDies. A little shopping. And back home, continuing with the act of sleeping, watching Television and writing this. Would have loved to have an internet connection though. Anyways, one does not get everything one wishes for.

Tonite would be a party night. Not that the rest of the days have not been. But this would be the party-party night, the party that involves a little dance here, a little jig there, and then holding friends who have had an overdose of the ‘Breezer’.

Chandigarh Diary - III

6th Feb, 2008:
Hotel Room:
Lucky me. The room that was bathed in cold and mist yester-night is much warmer. The mist was outside the room, and the effects were seen inside. Today, however, the realization dawned upon me that the AC can double up as a heater as well. Atleast the one in my room. So, it is much more comfortable. I can type more easily than yesterday for starters. Rather, I can type. I couldn’t do so in the room before this.

The telly is on. Showing cricket. Some cricket. When it was suggested to me that there would be occasions like these, or the one yesterday, when I would be left alone – genuine reasons I must add – I was confident of being able to manage ‘em. Simply asked for a television in my room. After that, I knew there would be cricket played in some part of the world that would be televised, lived or otherwise. And so, I would have no problems.

Precisely what’s happened. Dominica’s playing Barbados in a T20 match. They are playing with bats that are black in colour. Anyways, life’s good.

Outside, the cold’s biting though. It had rained in the morning. In fact, it more than rained. There were pieces of ice that fell, don’t quite know what it’s called in English, they call it ‘Oaley’

Feeling rather sleepy now. Recovering from some sleepless nights. Train journeys, newer pillows and bad beds have all had their say. I have been quiet.

Ciao.

P.S. Inside sources say that Oaley is the same as Hail. Another one for my limited knowledge of weather outside Mumbai.

Chandigarh Diary - II

5th feb, 2008:
Java daves:

I sit alone. Waiting. Remembering one of those essays one always wrote in primary school.

An hour at…..wherever, railway station, bus sand, temple, bakery shop, or as in my case currently, a coffee shop. Fifteen years back, it would have been unheard of, and hence an essay on the same would have been looked at by grave disdain.

Today it is an hour, and probably more, of this coffee house. Goes by the name of Java Daves. Wonder how does one pronounce ‘Dave’? The Maharashtrian would go “Daa-way”. Just remembered, had a friend by this name.

Will order for a coffee if they ask me to. If they further probe, I shall beg them to accommodate me. Need to spend the next three hours someplace. And there are only two coffee shops/restaurants here. In this area.

And there is darkness. And loads and loads of cold. Not inside the shop, here it is nice and warm. Smells of mild coffee, with some English numbers playing in the background. A little loud probably. Probably it is only me.

Why I am alone here is a long story, but as I see it, this would probably repeat one more time this trip. So, this is something of a warm up for me. Wonder how does one warm up in this cold. It wouldn’t be more than 2 degrees celcius. Paradoxical.

Ordered for one hot cuppa ‘Java Cocachinno’. Got only a so much in my wallet, and no withdrawal service anywhere near as well. Nothing to eat now. That would be for the next shop. Remember it is only a third of the total time gone off the total, I need to while away.

The coffee is wonderful. Serious. Like the tray cover sheet as well. One of the things it says is “yelling for 8 years, 7 months and 6 days produces enough energy to heat one cup of coffee.” Rather novel way of doing the same. Probably it is before the times where they spoke of Quality Customer Service and Customer Delight been of utmost importance. People like Kotler that is. Also remembered a case study in the trimester on Starbucks Coffee that we just finished. Nothing worth mentioning.

The lady at the counter – there were two of them – smiled at me. Probably she realizes the predicament I am in. probably that’s what her trainings have taught her, smile at every customer irrespective. The other one is too busy acting busy to notice anything. She has been on a call for a long time.

Alrite, the rest of the customers have just walked out. I am alone, again.

There is a staircase that leads someplace. Inside the coffee shop that is. It says, ‘Mind your head’. Always thought that mind and head are somewhat related. It just got proved. Feel like exploring, but that would mean leaving the laptop unguarded. A risk not worth taking. I can do without curiosity killing the cat. Though I also know for a fact, that a cat has nine lives, so it shouldn’t matter in losing one. For the sake of curiosity that is. Maybe I am just rambling.

The one on the phone now looks a little worried. She’s talking to two of the guys who just walked in. She seems to be tensed about the leaks in the piping. Probably, that may affect her customer base. Probably she is referring to her house and not shop. Don’t quite gather, her accent’s too quick to comprehend. Just like many of the others I have encountered so far in this city, since the time I have landed here. Around 7 hours that is.

Coffee done. The sugar sachet is next. Double refined it says. Frankly, I want to check out on what does that mean. Had read this someplace else as well and failed to ‘google’ it. Have invested 4k on sugar stocks and don’t know much about it. Except that I have a sweet tooth. Never mind. Irrelevant. I am off to my next destination.

They call it ‘Bakes and Beans’. Sounds tempting. I am hungry all of a sudden.

5th Feb, 2008: Bakes and Beans
Again, alone. Its almost next door to the Java Dave place. The name just reminds me of one thing. Shane Warne’s trip to India when he refused to eat the Indian food, and just had cans of Baked Beans with him. Wonder how his room mate still managed to stay with him. With all that fragrance. (was this the perfume ball he was referring to?)

Anyways, need to order for something. Don’t think my laptop would last too much now, another 5 minutes or so, before it goes dead. Shall order once that happens. The couple behind me is talking about Percept. A media house. And how Percept is related to some of the Bollywood movies. Or something on those lines. Eavesdropping I am. But cannot help it, have got nothing better to do. They are now discussing about some of the Bollywood stars’ unprofessional behaviour. Named a lot of them. Don’t think any of it is news for me. More than 90 minutes still left.

The ambience inside looks more of a combination of a coffee shop – more like a Barista or CCD – and a shop like Oven Fresh, closer home. But it serves a lot more; probably I would end up dining here. Anyways, the only other option I would have is to go hungry. Just hope they accept plastic. Terribly short on cash. Why did I buy that dratted deo. 150 bucks down the drain and it sprays all around. No kidding, 360 degree spray it is, probably leaks. God knows.

The warm inside is very surreal, and it is a HUGE calm before the storm. Would need to bike back a distance of 20 minutes – we Mumbaikars talk time, not distance – in a chilling temperature. And to put this in the right perspective, it would be as good as opting for an Air Conditioner room, in a hotel, with the blower full on, when the outside temperature is 0 degree celcius. Or as bad.

These guys are playing some nice numbers. Enigma just happened. Don’t know the present one. Its more of a psychedelic types, only wish the atmosphere was somewhat more like one. Anyways.

Order time now. Laptop also needs to rest. The couple behind are on a nostalgia trip now. the theme is Bollywood again though. More specifically who’s slept with whose dog. Or some other such objects. Startling revelations. Wonder whether it is really true.

Shall be back soon.

Chandigarh Diary - I

2nd feb, 2008

Garib Rath:
Some important lessons I learnt while traveling in this poor cousin of Rajdhani Express. Poor in the truest sense of the word.

a. Never order for dinner on it. Except if you like yellow, white and orange coloured liquids for it with something that distantly resembles cooked rice and chapattis that need to hammered and tonged before they get into shape. Shape worth putting in mouth.

b. You may be a tomato soup fanatic like me. Resist the temptation to order for it as well. It comes in a glasses not more than 100 ml in size, costs 11 bucks (not ten, but eleven) and tastes anywhere between coloured, adulterated water at best to I-don’t-have-words-for-it at worst.

c. Did not dare to order for tea or breakfast. They say it tasted good. So, if you really are hungry – and I am sure you would be if you don’t order for anything else – go for it. But in case you don’t enjoy it too much, you can add comments here.

d. If you manage to feel hungry on the train, remember that no one dies due to lack of food for 18 hours. If you still manage to not resist, make sure you got one helluva life insurance ready. I am lucky to be alive without one, but everyone may not be as lucky all the time.

e. DO NOT look interested when your co-passengers talk to you and you do not enjoy the conversation. It only gives them more opportunities to talk about stuff that has no bearing to your current predicament – hunger pangs – and they just do not stop. Trust me they don’t. Read a book, look out the window, act like you are sick, do whatever…but don’t look too interested. Had a bad experience listening to the man’s son’s life story, just because I offered to flaunt my knowledge of computers – which is not too great either – and ventured to tell him about the best bargain rates for PCs for his son. The story was neither tragic, nor was it too comic. It was just plain boring.

he was fighting all odds. but he knew he was fighting a losing battle.

each time he drove his sword out, his hand hurt. like crazy.

so did his heart.

it was an abyss that he was falling into. it was a endless pit.

like a quagmire gulping it's victims down.

he felt nothing though. the pain had long ceased to exist.

the self destruction button had been pressed long ago. with full cognizance of the repercussions. and nothing was going to change his decision.

nothing.

the straws he clutched at, were all long gone. he clutched at thin air after that.

till the realization dawned. the botom 0f the black hole waited.

he waited too.

he wouldnt give up.

not now. not for anything. he had already lost the battle.