Oh, saved the best for the last.....
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Start and end of day for MNC's
Could not stop laughing after this: Start and end of day for MNC's
Oh, saved the best for the last.....
Oh, saved the best for the last.....
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Limitless Rarity
Most things in life are limited in some way or other. Such limited editions are a rarity - like a limited first print books, first recorded albums, etc. But there is a elite section of limitless rarity - with friends. I have observed that there are three kinds of friends - limited friends, limitless friends and factor-dependent ones, to just name the classifications.
Let me explain. With some friends you always know the limit that exists, not a visible one sometimes. Be it with the stuff you can talk with them, way you can behave when around them, people you can introduce to them or things you expect or they expect from you. There is nothing wrong with them or the relation you have with them. You know them well enough to be a little careful around them. May be you don't share a great deal of views....just that there isn't a lot of common breeding ground. These people are probably the ones you think twice before calling after 10 pm. You may depend on them, they may depend on you and given a necessity, you might end up calling them after 10 pm sometimes.
Then, there are some friends with whom you have never had any boundaries. This is LIMITLESS RARITY. They are always there for you, just as you are for them, doesn't matter the time of the day or day of the year. Such friendships are what people yearn for. Nothing will change them - place, money, spouse,kids, .....nothing...even if you are oceans apart in different time zones, you know you can count on them anytime. They may forget your important days or not be the first ones to know about the happenings of your life. But still they always exist in your minds as you do in theirs. Limitless rarity indeed and we might even find one like this if we are lucky enough!
Then, there is the other group of several factor-dependent people. It depends on their mood, situation, priority, time, etc if you are actually their friend or not. They may probably be the ones you go out with for movies or other such things when your friends from other two groups are held up elsewhere. Probably the last ones you turn for help or advise when needed. But you know of their existence. So do they. Just that, you are not their priority. They have their own limit friends and limitless friends. Maybe they are like backups for an existing redundant network! (Blame it on the day job for such a comparison)
Strange analogy....eh?? However, whoever the friend is and whatever category they belong to, aren't we just blessed to have them in our life in one way or another?
Let me explain. With some friends you always know the limit that exists, not a visible one sometimes. Be it with the stuff you can talk with them, way you can behave when around them, people you can introduce to them or things you expect or they expect from you. There is nothing wrong with them or the relation you have with them. You know them well enough to be a little careful around them. May be you don't share a great deal of views....just that there isn't a lot of common breeding ground. These people are probably the ones you think twice before calling after 10 pm. You may depend on them, they may depend on you and given a necessity, you might end up calling them after 10 pm sometimes.
Then, there are some friends with whom you have never had any boundaries. This is LIMITLESS RARITY. They are always there for you, just as you are for them, doesn't matter the time of the day or day of the year. Such friendships are what people yearn for. Nothing will change them - place, money, spouse,kids, .....nothing...even if you are oceans apart in different time zones, you know you can count on them anytime. They may forget your important days or not be the first ones to know about the happenings of your life. But still they always exist in your minds as you do in theirs. Limitless rarity indeed and we might even find one like this if we are lucky enough!
Then, there is the other group of several factor-dependent people. It depends on their mood, situation, priority, time, etc if you are actually their friend or not. They may probably be the ones you go out with for movies or other such things when your friends from other two groups are held up elsewhere. Probably the last ones you turn for help or advise when needed. But you know of their existence. So do they. Just that, you are not their priority. They have their own limit friends and limitless friends. Maybe they are like backups for an existing redundant network! (Blame it on the day job for such a comparison)
Strange analogy....eh?? However, whoever the friend is and whatever category they belong to, aren't we just blessed to have them in our life in one way or another?
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Why cant we just get along??
Sometime last year, I was dining with a couple of politically-sound American colleagues. They were asking me about the British Raj, politics and corruption (how they go hand-in-hand), terrorism, PoK, etc. Now, I don't consider myself an expert in any of these. I remember some of my stupid ideas when I was a kid.
For instance, in the 80's before the start of any commercial movie in most theatre in Chennai, they will show clips about the freedom struggle, etc(I don't remember when they stopped doing it). I used to literally cry during those short films. I used to think, when I grow up I should just go and shoot some of the British just like they did the Indians during Jalianwala Bagh or at other times. When I was about 6 years of age, my parents took me to Kashmir. We went as a group with a couple of my dad's friends and their families. Accepted that I was only a 6-yr old kid and don't remember much about the trip. But some places like Ladakh, Dal Lake, Ganges and stuff like my mom asking for curd in hotels to feed me and that being non-existent alien concept in parts of Kashmir other than Srinagar, being carried around by an old man since I was too young to walk in the snow, mule ride in the mountains...somethings just get etched in your memory. When I see some pictures, I cannot recollect some of them. But, to me Kashmir was paradise. Then, terrorism started and Kashmir was massacred. I thought if only I could go to the terrorist, show them Dal Lake, they would go back to their home willing nothing but peace. Little did I know, there were more things in the world beyond the comprehension of a 8-10 yr old. Anyways, I grew out of all of this ideas.
But some things never change. So, when I was dining with my colleagues, they were asking me about Pakistan and India, terrorism,etc. I told them India and Pakistan don't get along only after what British did in 1947 - partition. My colleague was appalled. He said he had never heard of such a thing before. Even I was surprised. I hadn't given any thought to such stuff in a long time. But there it was.
I just wish that everyone could just get along with everyone else. Most parts of our life/living is personal and no one's business but ours. Whatever interaction we have with the outside world can be peaceful. Cant it? I wish all countries were unified and we didn't need passports or visas. Maybe just passport for identification purposes. Just fly anywhere anytime we want without fear of anything, maybe just a few things. Come to think of it, wish they would unify the currencies of the world. Then, the decision I need to make (which boggles me everytime I think about it) if and when to go back to India will not be so hard!!
For instance, in the 80's before the start of any commercial movie in most theatre in Chennai, they will show clips about the freedom struggle, etc(I don't remember when they stopped doing it). I used to literally cry during those short films. I used to think, when I grow up I should just go and shoot some of the British just like they did the Indians during Jalianwala Bagh or at other times. When I was about 6 years of age, my parents took me to Kashmir. We went as a group with a couple of my dad's friends and their families. Accepted that I was only a 6-yr old kid and don't remember much about the trip. But some places like Ladakh, Dal Lake, Ganges and stuff like my mom asking for curd in hotels to feed me and that being non-existent alien concept in parts of Kashmir other than Srinagar, being carried around by an old man since I was too young to walk in the snow, mule ride in the mountains...somethings just get etched in your memory. When I see some pictures, I cannot recollect some of them. But, to me Kashmir was paradise. Then, terrorism started and Kashmir was massacred. I thought if only I could go to the terrorist, show them Dal Lake, they would go back to their home willing nothing but peace. Little did I know, there were more things in the world beyond the comprehension of a 8-10 yr old. Anyways, I grew out of all of this ideas.
But some things never change. So, when I was dining with my colleagues, they were asking me about Pakistan and India, terrorism,etc. I told them India and Pakistan don't get along only after what British did in 1947 - partition. My colleague was appalled. He said he had never heard of such a thing before. Even I was surprised. I hadn't given any thought to such stuff in a long time. But there it was.
I just wish that everyone could just get along with everyone else. Most parts of our life/living is personal and no one's business but ours. Whatever interaction we have with the outside world can be peaceful. Cant it? I wish all countries were unified and we didn't need passports or visas. Maybe just passport for identification purposes. Just fly anywhere anytime we want without fear of anything, maybe just a few things. Come to think of it, wish they would unify the currencies of the world. Then, the decision I need to make (which boggles me everytime I think about it) if and when to go back to India will not be so hard!!
Monday, May 15, 2006
Random Thoughts...1
After a grilling weekend of idleness (other than few hours of exhilarating chat sessions), I have some thoughts.
** Thought Pramod Mahajan would recover...convalesce for a few months and be back to rock politics. Such a sad demise...
** Anything big and involving money always stays within a family even if the family is in shreds and in war either among themselves or with outsiders. Is this right?
** I feel : its never important how LONG you know a person; its how WELL you know a person.
** Whatever we do, says less about what we can do, but more about who we are.
** Why is 'Never Say Never' getting more meaning in my life? I am doing so many things nowadays which I never thought I could/would!!
** Wish there was just a Yes/No in life rather than Yes/No/DontKnow/Maybe/Sometimes/etc..
Jotted down some more in a post-it stuck to my computer desk at home...will append soon....
** Thought Pramod Mahajan would recover...convalesce for a few months and be back to rock politics. Such a sad demise...
** Anything big and involving money always stays within a family even if the family is in shreds and in war either among themselves or with outsiders. Is this right?
** I feel : its never important how LONG you know a person; its how WELL you know a person.
** Whatever we do, says less about what we can do, but more about who we are.
** Why is 'Never Say Never' getting more meaning in my life? I am doing so many things nowadays which I never thought I could/would!!
** Wish there was just a Yes/No in life rather than Yes/No/DontKnow/Maybe/Sometimes/etc..
Jotted down some more in a post-it stuck to my computer desk at home...will append soon....
Friday, May 12, 2006
Importance of Birth Order
Being an only child for my parents, I have been stereotyped often, sometimes even before people actually get to know me. This sore part of my life turned out to be not-so-bad recently when my colleague led me to an article about birth order and how the recent research shows startling results. I have jotted down the results of study here:
** First borns are confident, determined, born-leaders, organized, eager to please others and themselves and like to avoid troubles. On the downside, there's definite pressure from family and high expectations from everyone. Some famous first borns include George W. Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey.
** Middle borns handle disappointments better, act as great negotiators, tend to make loyal friends easily and end up with a more relaxed attitude towards life. With the middle borns, parents are often more easy-going and less demanding. with second and third children. Some famous middle borns include Jay Leno, Donald Trump and Barbara Walters.
** Youngest children in a family are persistent, affectionate, great storytellers, love to make people laugh or take center stage. Many actors and comedians are the youngest children in their families. On the downside, many youngest children find that their parents don't give them a lot of attention or praise during important first-time events. Famous youngest children Drew Carey, Rosie O'Donnell, Jim Carey, Whoopi Goldberg and Eddie Murphy.
** Only Children have most of their traits similar to the first born. They are confident, try to be perfectionists, pay attention to detail, good in academics, tend to read a lot and have a good memory for facts and figures, spend a lot of time with grown-ups and so are confident and well-spoken. On the downside, the only children can find themselves under a ton of pressure to succeed, have difficulty going second and sometimes overly critical. Famous "Onlies" include F.D. Roosevelt, Robert DeNiro, Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron and Robin Williams.
Maybe its not so bad being an only kid ....personally, do you think birth order causes any qualm in one's life?
PS: This is just a common trait. There are always exceptions!!
** First borns are confident, determined, born-leaders, organized, eager to please others and themselves and like to avoid troubles. On the downside, there's definite pressure from family and high expectations from everyone. Some famous first borns include George W. Bush, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bill Cosby and Oprah Winfrey.
** Middle borns handle disappointments better, act as great negotiators, tend to make loyal friends easily and end up with a more relaxed attitude towards life. With the middle borns, parents are often more easy-going and less demanding. with second and third children. Some famous middle borns include Jay Leno, Donald Trump and Barbara Walters.
** Youngest children in a family are persistent, affectionate, great storytellers, love to make people laugh or take center stage. Many actors and comedians are the youngest children in their families. On the downside, many youngest children find that their parents don't give them a lot of attention or praise during important first-time events. Famous youngest children Drew Carey, Rosie O'Donnell, Jim Carey, Whoopi Goldberg and Eddie Murphy.
** Only Children have most of their traits similar to the first born. They are confident, try to be perfectionists, pay attention to detail, good in academics, tend to read a lot and have a good memory for facts and figures, spend a lot of time with grown-ups and so are confident and well-spoken. On the downside, the only children can find themselves under a ton of pressure to succeed, have difficulty going second and sometimes overly critical. Famous "Onlies" include F.D. Roosevelt, Robert DeNiro, Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron and Robin Williams.
Maybe its not so bad being an only kid ....personally, do you think birth order causes any qualm in one's life?
PS: This is just a common trait. There are always exceptions!!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Tips to succeed in the modern world??
1. Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
2. If you can stay calm, while all around you is chaos, then you probably haven't completely understood the seriousness of the situation.
3. Doing a job RIGHT the first time gets the job done. Doing the job WRONG fourteen times gives you job security.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.
5. A person who smiles in the face of adversity probably has a scapegoat.
6. Plagiarism saves time.
7. If at first you don't succeed, try management.
8. Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid altogether.
9. TEAMWORK means never having to take all the blame yourself.
10. The beatings will continue until morale improves.
11. Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.
12. We waste time, so you don't have to.
13. Hang in there, retirement is only 50 years away
14. Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes; that way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes !
15. A snooze button is a poor excuse for no alarm clock at all.
16. When the going gets tough, the tough take a coffee break.
17. INDECISION is the key to FLEXIBILITY.
18. Succeed in spite of management.
19. Aim Low, Reach your Goals, Avoid Disappointment.
LOL!!
2. If you can stay calm, while all around you is chaos, then you probably haven't completely understood the seriousness of the situation.
3. Doing a job RIGHT the first time gets the job done. Doing the job WRONG fourteen times gives you job security.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.
5. A person who smiles in the face of adversity probably has a scapegoat.
6. Plagiarism saves time.
7. If at first you don't succeed, try management.
8. Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid altogether.
9. TEAMWORK means never having to take all the blame yourself.
10. The beatings will continue until morale improves.
11. Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups.
12. We waste time, so you don't have to.
13. Hang in there, retirement is only 50 years away
14. Never criticize someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes; that way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes !
15. A snooze button is a poor excuse for no alarm clock at all.
16. When the going gets tough, the tough take a coffee break.
17. INDECISION is the key to FLEXIBILITY.
18. Succeed in spite of management.
19. Aim Low, Reach your Goals, Avoid Disappointment.
LOL!!
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Stop me!!
Somebody has to stop me from watching movies..not one in particular...but in general! I am averaging 6-7 movies a week. Not to mention comedy/drama soaps - Friends, Seinfeld, W & G, ELR, GG!! All this inspite of not having a television at home!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006
My Friends.....
This was a terrible weekend. In just one go, I realized how I lost four of my very good friends in a time span of less than a year.
I lost one friend to her marriage and husband...can't really blame her. But from the moment she picks up the phone (invariably I am the one who calls her nowadays; she is busy with her marriage, ofcourse!!)till we hang up, the one topic which keeps coming back (over and over again) in less than a 30-min conversation is her husband, her in-laws and generally her ideas on marriage. I am appalled. She is the learned one who used to talk about science and books on fiction..but nowadays it is astrology and romance...quite a change....
I lost my best friend of almost 6 years to his new (girl)friend. I know I should not make a big deal of it. But I learned about this from his other friends....would have felt a little better if he would have just told me about her directly...We were good friends and nothing more. But still doesn't he owe me some straight-forwardness? Is it wrong for me to expect this?
The third friend - everything happened in such a jiffy with her. She became a good friend within hours of our first meeting. Everything with her used to be exciting and pulsating. But she had to move to a different country for her job...we gradually (I am still not sure) lost touch in each other's life!! Even now, we do talk and chat, but something is missing in the friendship..distance, maybe....
The fourth one was my closest buddy from when I was in grade school. Nothing, I mean, nothing had separated us in the last 15 years or so, until recently. Atleast we used to email and talk to each other every month or so.. We were two people who irrespective of how long ago we had conversed last, can just delve into anything anytime. Now, I lost her. To her dream job and great future. No complaints. She was the best person anyone could be associated with!!
I still have a whole bunch of people whom I can count on for anything. But these four, who were a major part of my life are irreplaceable. What else to do, but to wish them the best for a great future!!!
I lost one friend to her marriage and husband...can't really blame her. But from the moment she picks up the phone (invariably I am the one who calls her nowadays; she is busy with her marriage, ofcourse!!)till we hang up, the one topic which keeps coming back (over and over again) in less than a 30-min conversation is her husband, her in-laws and generally her ideas on marriage. I am appalled. She is the learned one who used to talk about science and books on fiction..but nowadays it is astrology and romance...quite a change....
I lost my best friend of almost 6 years to his new (girl)friend. I know I should not make a big deal of it. But I learned about this from his other friends....would have felt a little better if he would have just told me about her directly...We were good friends and nothing more. But still doesn't he owe me some straight-forwardness? Is it wrong for me to expect this?
The third friend - everything happened in such a jiffy with her. She became a good friend within hours of our first meeting. Everything with her used to be exciting and pulsating. But she had to move to a different country for her job...we gradually (I am still not sure) lost touch in each other's life!! Even now, we do talk and chat, but something is missing in the friendship..distance, maybe....
The fourth one was my closest buddy from when I was in grade school. Nothing, I mean, nothing had separated us in the last 15 years or so, until recently. Atleast we used to email and talk to each other every month or so.. We were two people who irrespective of how long ago we had conversed last, can just delve into anything anytime. Now, I lost her. To her dream job and great future. No complaints. She was the best person anyone could be associated with!!
I still have a whole bunch of people whom I can count on for anything. But these four, who were a major part of my life are irreplaceable. What else to do, but to wish them the best for a great future!!!
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