My eyes are filled with tears as I write this. Because a 16 year old boy has been killed for God alone knows what reason. It's all over the news, and the horrid thing is imagining the lives of everyone involved.
The family, and also, the boys who've been arrested. They are murderers. They shouldn't be.
Cyber crime is now rising in my country, and people will blame the internet, and of course, networking websites like Orkut and Facebook.
And while I disagree with the angry hate for Orkut, I'm saddened by how we're all possible prey to cyber crime. Only because there are people with hate, and people who're caught in unfortunate ideas and obsessions. I don't know what makes them do it, and I'm sure nor do they.
I can't explain. It is tragic.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Google Analytics
Do you have a blog? Or own a website? Do you want to know how many visits you had, from which country (and city) and how long they stayed on your page?
Or maybe you'd be interested in knowing where they found your blog, or how many of your visitors left your page in 1 second.
Or maybe you'd like to know that they searched for 'kitten stuck on roof' and were led to your page.
Try Google Analytics. Tells you all this, and more. And keeps you occupied when you have absolutely nothing to do besides dig out cookie crumbs from your keyboard. Anyway -
www.analytics.google.com
Or maybe you'd be interested in knowing where they found your blog, or how many of your visitors left your page in 1 second.
Or maybe you'd like to know that they searched for 'kitten stuck on roof' and were led to your page.
Try Google Analytics. Tells you all this, and more. And keeps you occupied when you have absolutely nothing to do besides dig out cookie crumbs from your keyboard. Anyway -
www.analytics.google.com
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Nevermind
I'll always love Kurt Cobain, and his band, and his music.
To the junk heads, he's God. To the conservatives, he was a lunatic, alcoholic and drug abused rockstar who killed himself.
All I know is that he was brilliant. And started a strong new genre of music. He asked the
questions no one dared to ask, and said things that weren't meant to be said.He is a legend.
She should have stayed away from friends. She should have had more time to spend. She should died when she was born. She should have worn a crown of thorns. She should have... been a son. She should have... been a son.
I was thinking yesterday of how society has brought us up to be wary, and alarmed by people with mental stabilites, and problems. But it must be remembered that most of our most brilliant artists, scientists, painters, musicians, authors, philosophers were thought to be mad. But irrespective of the art they create, these are the poeple who's lives and situations and stories have brought out the important questions, and questions that we need to ask ourselves. Not individually, but as society.
Questions about incest, and violence, and abuse. These people with the problems, will grow up to be the most sensitive to issues, and most volatile to react. And the questions that come up, need to be answered.
On a lighter note, here is a Kurt Cobain quote that I've been admiring the past few days:
We'll float around, and hang out on clouds, and then we'll come down, and have a hang-over.
- from Dumb, by Nirvana.
The Beautiful People
Does beauty really lie in the eyes of the beholder? In fairy tales, maybe yes. I'm not quite sure otherwise.
I think, at least in most urban scenarios, that how a person looks, has a strong impact on how he lives.
Haven't you seen how the good looking (read hot) people carry themselves? Like they know that everyone in the room is admiring them. And you must have seen the not very good looking people try and be as invisible as possible... It differs from person to person, but how you looks is quite likely to affect how you carry yourself.
Dressing. The style, oomph, and how they dress is directly related to how good looking or not they are.
Of course, both of these - attitude and dressing - also depend on mindset.
The tragic part is how good looking or not people are treated by others. Over-flattered and reduced to fluffheads, or ignored and made miserable.
Arrgh, for the second time today I'm writing about something that has got everything to do with people - how they think and behave. And really, I'm at a loss for words. Because there are no rules about people's minds. And thats my reason for optimism. There are some genuine gems out there, and I do think I know a whole bunch.
I think, at least in most urban scenarios, that how a person looks, has a strong impact on how he lives.
Haven't you seen how the good looking (read hot) people carry themselves? Like they know that everyone in the room is admiring them. And you must have seen the not very good looking people try and be as invisible as possible... It differs from person to person, but how you looks is quite likely to affect how you carry yourself.
Dressing. The style, oomph, and how they dress is directly related to how good looking or not they are.
Of course, both of these - attitude and dressing - also depend on mindset.
The tragic part is how good looking or not people are treated by others. Over-flattered and reduced to fluffheads, or ignored and made miserable.
Arrgh, for the second time today I'm writing about something that has got everything to do with people - how they think and behave. And really, I'm at a loss for words. Because there are no rules about people's minds. And thats my reason for optimism. There are some genuine gems out there, and I do think I know a whole bunch.
Freedom of Expression
The price of freedom of religion, or of speech, or of the press, is that we must put up with a good deal of rubbish.
- Robert Jackman
So true. Think about anti-India communities on Orkut. Freedom of expression?
It's a tricky topic to discuss, and here's my take.
Freedom of speech and expression is incredibly vital and important for a healthy society. Though, this freedm only has healthy reflections on society when it is used with good judgment and rational thought. Of course, what the basis of rational thought is, is a whole different argument altogether.
But I do think that as long as this 'free' expression is not offensive, or vulgar to the point of being offensive, and pays respect to the free will and opinion of others, it is healthy and regular.
But, as each person has a unique point of view, there will always, and forever exist 'relative' violations of this freedom. It's only human.
- Robert Jackman
So true. Think about anti-India communities on Orkut. Freedom of expression?
It's a tricky topic to discuss, and here's my take.
Freedom of speech and expression is incredibly vital and important for a healthy society. Though, this freedm only has healthy reflections on society when it is used with good judgment and rational thought. Of course, what the basis of rational thought is, is a whole different argument altogether.
But I do think that as long as this 'free' expression is not offensive, or vulgar to the point of being offensive, and pays respect to the free will and opinion of others, it is healthy and regular.
But, as each person has a unique point of view, there will always, and forever exist 'relative' violations of this freedom. It's only human.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Freeeeee drinks?
They serve free drinks, for women, every Wednesday at a few bars in Hyderabad. Ladies night, it's called.
So there's this place called Firangi Pani that my friends and I visit sometimes, (mostly Wednesdays) and I definitely feel a urgent need to consume as much alcohol as I possibly can before 9:45pm, which is when they stop serving the free alcohol.
Wednesday last, we were there once again, and I made it in time to get two mugs of beer. Was nice to have my stomach swell with the happy buzz of beer.
Now, there's a flip side. I drink beer. My friends don't. they prefer vodka. And the vodka they serve... well, can barely be called Vodka, curse the slimy thieves. We call it Essence of Vodka, coz the drink barely has 2 teensy drops. Quite annoying. I took a sip of a friend's drink and we voted, 'definitely 2 drops of vodka with a whole glass of sprite.'
M, my roommate, doesn't drink. Not even the 2 drops of vodka with a whole glass of sprite. She ordered a sprite. You can imagine how pissed off she was when she took a few sips and said, 'This isn't even sprite. It's 2 drops of sprite with a whole glass of water!'
I just had to laugh. Imagine ordering a glass of water then. Two drops of water with a whole glass of oxygen?
So there's this place called Firangi Pani that my friends and I visit sometimes, (mostly Wednesdays) and I definitely feel a urgent need to consume as much alcohol as I possibly can before 9:45pm, which is when they stop serving the free alcohol.
Wednesday last, we were there once again, and I made it in time to get two mugs of beer. Was nice to have my stomach swell with the happy buzz of beer.
Now, there's a flip side. I drink beer. My friends don't. they prefer vodka. And the vodka they serve... well, can barely be called Vodka, curse the slimy thieves. We call it Essence of Vodka, coz the drink barely has 2 teensy drops. Quite annoying. I took a sip of a friend's drink and we voted, 'definitely 2 drops of vodka with a whole glass of sprite.'
M, my roommate, doesn't drink. Not even the 2 drops of vodka with a whole glass of sprite. She ordered a sprite. You can imagine how pissed off she was when she took a few sips and said, 'This isn't even sprite. It's 2 drops of sprite with a whole glass of water!'
I just had to laugh. Imagine ordering a glass of water then. Two drops of water with a whole glass of oxygen?
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Bigger Things
This post is a muse. A loooooooming idea. Yesterday, while in the cab back home, I was thinking sadly of what a disaster my life is. I tried to console myself with - whatever has to happen will happen. And whatever happens is for the best. Or your destiny will take you where you have to go. And the likes.
And then I got more annoyed that these larger forces actually control my life. Well, not completely, but yea. They do control all our lives.
I've had various theories. Like my fairy Godmother. My fairy Godmother overlooks my love life. When I'm sort of getting attracted to some chap or the other, if she doesn't think he's suitable, nothing I do, or try will let that relationship get anywhere. I'm telling you. I've tried real hard.
Also there is, of course, whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. So yes, you will definitely see your precious college project float out of your hands, fall off the train and into a filthy canal some 15 minutes before you have to submit it on your already delayed deadline.
Or you will definitely not be able to think of a single point to validate your argument when it is most crucial, even if you can think of atleast 8 at any other point in time. (Like right now.)
I'm really fed up. And these larger forces are playing nasty tricks. But I'm still going to keep fighting. I will go down with the ship. And now I will get back to work, before another disater unfolds.
And then I got more annoyed that these larger forces actually control my life. Well, not completely, but yea. They do control all our lives.
I've had various theories. Like my fairy Godmother. My fairy Godmother overlooks my love life. When I'm sort of getting attracted to some chap or the other, if she doesn't think he's suitable, nothing I do, or try will let that relationship get anywhere. I'm telling you. I've tried real hard.
Also there is, of course, whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. So yes, you will definitely see your precious college project float out of your hands, fall off the train and into a filthy canal some 15 minutes before you have to submit it on your already delayed deadline.
Or you will definitely not be able to think of a single point to validate your argument when it is most crucial, even if you can think of atleast 8 at any other point in time. (Like right now.)
I'm really fed up. And these larger forces are playing nasty tricks. But I'm still going to keep fighting. I will go down with the ship. And now I will get back to work, before another disater unfolds.
Friday, July 20, 2007
One more last thing about Potter before I leave
I have to go now. But just remembered, have to mention this.
I remember posting a month or so ago about the Potter e-book that was floating around. Quite a few actually, and one version I read, was really good. But of course, not the real thing.
Yesterday, a colleague from another team at Google sent me a file. Called Harry Potter 7.pdf.
Now, its really close to the real book's release date. I DONT want to read the book online, and I certainly don't want to know what happens in the end until I really get to the last page. But, I opened the file.
It is - you wont believe it - a file which contains photographs of every single page of the new book. I saw the first two pages (the dedication and index) and there is no doubt about it. It is the real stuff.
Well, am not saying any more, coz I haven't opened that file again. Will only say one thing: the dedication sent a little chill down my spine.
I remember posting a month or so ago about the Potter e-book that was floating around. Quite a few actually, and one version I read, was really good. But of course, not the real thing.
Yesterday, a colleague from another team at Google sent me a file. Called Harry Potter 7.pdf.
Now, its really close to the real book's release date. I DONT want to read the book online, and I certainly don't want to know what happens in the end until I really get to the last page. But, I opened the file.
It is - you wont believe it - a file which contains photographs of every single page of the new book. I saw the first two pages (the dedication and index) and there is no doubt about it. It is the real stuff.
Well, am not saying any more, coz I haven't opened that file again. Will only say one thing: the dedication sent a little chill down my spine.
Just before I go...
I have spent the past 20 minutes looking for a recent photo I've taken to post. But browsing through my Picasa stack, I saw a photo which is apt, to celebrate the full dose of Harry Potter that's hitting me.
This one has been called the Harry Potter staircase.
St. Xavier's College.
Quote for the day
Never try to teach a pig to sing, it only wastes your time and annoys the pig.
- Unknown helicopter repairman in Germany.
If I told you that it was the combined effect of the 3 strong painkillers and listening to Personal Jesus (all three versions) loudly, that caused me to find this Quote for the day amusing enough to post on my blog, will you forgive me? (More than the quote I found the credit to it amusing.) Also, I'm reminded, by the previous sentence, of being told in my creative writing class that the construction of my sentences is very complex, which, more often that not, results in very long sentences. But, on contemplation, I have found that that is not true, and even if my sentences are long, they are not difficult to understand, which therefore makes them not complex. And I hope by now you realize that I am deliberately composing rather long sentences, and attempting to not make them complex, but, as they actually are nothing more that on-the-flow words straight out of my thoughts, they really can't be too complex. Nevermind.
I also like short sentences. Like this one. And this. And also, I like breaking rules of grammar. When it serves a purpose. Of course. Only if. Come to think of it, short sentences make comprehension more difficult. I prefer long ones. Medium sized ones are boring. They really have no point.
Happy weekend. But am still not going, will just think of something else to post. A photo maybe.
- Unknown helicopter repairman in Germany.
If I told you that it was the combined effect of the 3 strong painkillers and listening to Personal Jesus (all three versions) loudly, that caused me to find this Quote for the day amusing enough to post on my blog, will you forgive me? (More than the quote I found the credit to it amusing.) Also, I'm reminded, by the previous sentence, of being told in my creative writing class that the construction of my sentences is very complex, which, more often that not, results in very long sentences. But, on contemplation, I have found that that is not true, and even if my sentences are long, they are not difficult to understand, which therefore makes them not complex. And I hope by now you realize that I am deliberately composing rather long sentences, and attempting to not make them complex, but, as they actually are nothing more that on-the-flow words straight out of my thoughts, they really can't be too complex. Nevermind.
I also like short sentences. Like this one. And this. And also, I like breaking rules of grammar. When it serves a purpose. Of course. Only if. Come to think of it, short sentences make comprehension more difficult. I prefer long ones. Medium sized ones are boring. They really have no point.
Happy weekend. But am still not going, will just think of something else to post. A photo maybe.
Friday again.
It's Friday. I am going to be on 3 strong pain-killers in the next 20 minutes. And just in anticipation of the drugs, am already feeling groggy and druggy.
It's a great Friday.
1. Work's going great.
2. I saw Harry Potter last Sunday. I am going to see Harry Potter tomorrow. And I am going to see Harry Potter on Sunday again.
3. On Monday, I will have the brand new Harry Potter book to read.
4. I have a holiday to plan - birthday weekend, long weekend, going to Bombay with 7 colleagues.
5. I have a pile of movies to watch this weekend.
6. There is a rock gig this weekend - which would bring total count of all rock show attended in Hyderabad to 4. (If I can count a band performing in a mall as a rock show.)
Yea, that's all I can think of. And enough reasons to justify my happy Friday. As if you care anyway. Happy Weekend.
It's a great Friday.
1. Work's going great.
2. I saw Harry Potter last Sunday. I am going to see Harry Potter tomorrow. And I am going to see Harry Potter on Sunday again.
3. On Monday, I will have the brand new Harry Potter book to read.
4. I have a holiday to plan - birthday weekend, long weekend, going to Bombay with 7 colleagues.
5. I have a pile of movies to watch this weekend.
6. There is a rock gig this weekend - which would bring total count of all rock show attended in Hyderabad to 4. (If I can count a band performing in a mall as a rock show.)
Yea, that's all I can think of. And enough reasons to justify my happy Friday. As if you care anyway. Happy Weekend.
Friday, July 13, 2007
20 Songs
I’ve easily and often blamed our generation for being insensitive, careless, and irresponsible towards issues with large implications. The most important and threatening issues facing us are:
- War.
- Environmental Destruction.
And with that worrisome note, I present a list of songs that I have come across that speak loudly and clearly about these issues (and others) that directly affect us, or will soon, and are quite powerful messages. Here goes, and also here is a disclaimer: These are in random order, and are limited to my limited knowledge and exposure. (However, Road to Peace would be my top song)
1. Road to Peace – Tom Waits3. War Pigs – Black Sabbath
4. Imagine – John Lennon
5. Arrested in
6. Great Hosannah – Kula Shaker
7. Do the evolution – Pearl Jam
8. Revolution – The Beatles
9. Know Your Rights – The Clash
10. Kill the poor – Dead Kennedys
11. Unknown Soldier – The Doors
12. Earth Song – Michael Jackson
13. Boom – System of a Down
14. In a world gone mad - Beastie Boys
15. Under the same sun – The Scorpions
16. Holy Ghost Machine Gun – Split
17. Masters of War – Bob Dylan
18. Winds of change – The Scorpions
19. Put out the fire – Queen
20. Universal Soldier - Sainte Marie Buffy
Quite a mixed list, and am sure we could add much to it. And am happy to have Split included in the list too. And am not being biased.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I love Ze Beatles
We All Live In A Yellow Submarine.
Yellow Submarine.
Yellow Submarine.
aah, what gorgeous peace.
Yellow Submarine.
Yellow Submarine.
aah, what gorgeous peace.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Bangalore!
After a really hectic week at work, and I've been desperately looking forward to this trip, I finally went to Bangalore for a Split gig! What fun.
I met Swamy first thing I reached there. Was great to see him, and laugh at / with him. Then he dropped me off to the hotel where Split was put up.
I was a bit worried about a situation where Swamy meets the Split boys. But it was funny. They liked him at once, and started making a noise straightaway. He certainly got a bit alarmed. And he didn't hang around too long, much to Mel's dismay.
After lots of sipping of random drinks floating around, and after Gary arrived (late), a few of us went to Koshy's for lunch. I had fish and chips, and beer. Perfect.
Later we got ready to go off to the venue for the gig - Unwind Center. Sound checked. Smoked up. Got smashed all over again.
Gig was good. I got a full video. Will upload it. Crowd was small. Venue was smaller. Bangalore was gorgeous. The weather was fantastic.
Mel really is crazy. He is the supreme king of insanity. He'd lived in Bangalore for 2 years earlier, so had loads of friends to hang out with, so hang out with them he did, after the show and we didn't see him and his wife until lunch time the next day. When we caught him, he was standing on Brigade road, wearing a Split T shirt with the sleeves ripped off. That gave him the look of someone on the run - from a mental hospital. And with all that funny hair and beard. Ha.
Mel was looking for his wife. Apparently she'd been right with him, and had vanished. Mel was panicky. He said, "I've been pissing her off all morning, now am shitting in my pants." And then he screamed, "SIMRAT" across the street, one of the loudest screams. It was straight out of a movie. Really funny. I love those moods of Mel.
In a minute, he stopped this guy who was walking past and said to him, dramatically pointing a finger in the chap's face, "You are the most good looking man I have ever seen." Mel's eyes were wide, and he was saying it with his unbeatable, completely honest, blunt truthfulness. He meant it.
The guy looked a bit pleased and went on walking, with a little swagger. The rest of us were laughing.
We found Sim in a few minutes (we used the phone). And went on our way to Pecos. I was walking hand-in-hand with Mel. We saw a mannequin outside a shop displaying a 2-piece swim suit. You won't believe what Mel did next. He told me, let's take her pants off. I said : Noooo! But, that was too late. He pulled down the bottoms of the mannequin. I ran off. Nigel took a photo.
Pecos was superb. It's very nice pub, three rickety stories, great music (this place is known for only playing music off cassettes), and awesome draft beer. Got some pics and a hilarious video of Split getting drunk at Pecos. It really is hilarious.
Mel was in his element.
It was a fun break, and I hope to see them boys again soon.
I met Swamy first thing I reached there. Was great to see him, and laugh at / with him. Then he dropped me off to the hotel where Split was put up.
I was a bit worried about a situation where Swamy meets the Split boys. But it was funny. They liked him at once, and started making a noise straightaway. He certainly got a bit alarmed. And he didn't hang around too long, much to Mel's dismay.
After lots of sipping of random drinks floating around, and after Gary arrived (late), a few of us went to Koshy's for lunch. I had fish and chips, and beer. Perfect.
Later we got ready to go off to the venue for the gig - Unwind Center. Sound checked. Smoked up. Got smashed all over again.
Gig was good. I got a full video. Will upload it. Crowd was small. Venue was smaller. Bangalore was gorgeous. The weather was fantastic.
Mel really is crazy. He is the supreme king of insanity. He'd lived in Bangalore for 2 years earlier, so had loads of friends to hang out with, so hang out with them he did, after the show and we didn't see him and his wife until lunch time the next day. When we caught him, he was standing on Brigade road, wearing a Split T shirt with the sleeves ripped off. That gave him the look of someone on the run - from a mental hospital. And with all that funny hair and beard. Ha.
Mel was looking for his wife. Apparently she'd been right with him, and had vanished. Mel was panicky. He said, "I've been pissing her off all morning, now am shitting in my pants." And then he screamed, "SIMRAT" across the street, one of the loudest screams. It was straight out of a movie. Really funny. I love those moods of Mel.
In a minute, he stopped this guy who was walking past and said to him, dramatically pointing a finger in the chap's face, "You are the most good looking man I have ever seen." Mel's eyes were wide, and he was saying it with his unbeatable, completely honest, blunt truthfulness. He meant it.
The guy looked a bit pleased and went on walking, with a little swagger. The rest of us were laughing.
We found Sim in a few minutes (we used the phone). And went on our way to Pecos. I was walking hand-in-hand with Mel. We saw a mannequin outside a shop displaying a 2-piece swim suit. You won't believe what Mel did next. He told me, let's take her pants off. I said : Noooo! But, that was too late. He pulled down the bottoms of the mannequin. I ran off. Nigel took a photo.
Pecos was superb. It's very nice pub, three rickety stories, great music (this place is known for only playing music off cassettes), and awesome draft beer. Got some pics and a hilarious video of Split getting drunk at Pecos. It really is hilarious.
Mel was in his element.
It was a fun break, and I hope to see them boys again soon.
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