Paradigm Shift

Both..

2011-08-11T02:10:00.000-07:00

Today when I look up, I see the stars and the clouds, the sun and the rainbow, the moon and the mist. I see both, I savor both.

Samsung M 2710

2009-12-09T22:45:00.000-08:00

Samsung has recently unveiled several decent phones and have allotted neat classification to these sets. The customer can select the option and the page leads to its relevant category-music phones, camera phones, touch screen sets and the like.

One such model introduced by Samsung in the Music Series is the Beat Edition-M2710 launched in July 2009.

A decent slider phone available in Black- Red and White-Purple (which is hardly available in the stores) the phone provides battery back-up of up to 10 hours talk time and 2 days in stand-by, the phone avails GPRS (Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps) Edge and WAP Connectivity with data transfer mode is restricted to Bluetooth and USB alone (USB and Software CD provided).

The display is standard Graphical with coloured TFT Screen supporting 262K colors and a modest 240 x 320 pixels resolution. The 2.0 MP camera (1600x1200 pixels) is pretty impressive whilst the image editor functions extra ordinarily well, almost at par with picasa that we use so frequently. The video recordings are above average although they cannot be zoomed-in while being played.

Among the usual functions, the Samsung M-2710 doesn’t go amiss with to-do-list, Calculator , Alarm Clock-Supporting as many as 8 personalized alarms, Java Applications (empowered with Java games that includes Sudoku also, to my delight), Currency Converter, Stop Watch, Offline Mode (that affiliates to the Air-Plane wireless functions), Voice Recorder , MMS, SOS Messages (emergency messaging to relatives/friends) and not to forget the Mobile Tracker . The sleek 2.10 inches light weighted phone with smooth slider is a treat with music lover as the MP3 and MP4 format supported music playes on well (nearly as good as Sony Walkman series) notwithstanding the Radio to linger on. The dedicated music keys are of no use when the phone is in slider down mode. Besides, for these music keys Samsung has sacrificed on the Call and End keys that I miss perpetually. With these keys missing the slider has to be pulled on and off every time the call is to be made or ended causing much irritation. Besides there is no provision of auto keypad lock and the slider has to be tampered with to lock keys all the time which goes a long way in pulling down the phones rating.

The phone supports up to 16 GB external memory (microSD TransFlash) which supplements the 50 MB internal memory (Done expect to get the memory card inside the pack like he Nokia Phones)
In this age of free messaging provided by the generous service providers the Samsung Phone fail to offer message counters that I miss fervently when I lose track on the count of sent messages. The message memory is 300 which I find sufficient (though I have heard many complaining about this)
On a lighter side Samsung has launched Etiquette Pause which automatically turns off all sound being played the moment phone is kept up-side down. Besides the BEAT edition (unlike several other Samsung series) provides the facility of locking the Phone Book, Call Log, Messages and the File Manager by a personalized password, which I personally liked a lot.

All in all it’s an average set according to the cost incurred. The phone in my opinion can be overlooked as Samsung Omnia is almost in the same range and offers much more to its users. Wait for a while until I buy that and offer you the review of the same. Amen!

2008-08-12T03:04:00.000-07:00

People say I should not trust..
They teach me to Not Trust

I can distrust the whole humanity, But that includes ME as well...

Forever Your’s

2008-08-11T02:06:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day when Arvind was to take his scheduled bus to Kota. He chose to commute by bus to buy out time; he would need it anyways to plan out even the miniscule details to perfection. There was no way he could allow even one mistake on his part this time. The bus driver stepped in the bus and looked around, Arvind’s heart was racing and the nervous excitement was almost palpable. He seemingly and willfully allowed the feel to percolate and infect his senses. He enjoyed every moment that was to take him to Kota, to Charu.

The bus driver injected the keys into the engine, it sniffed with a roar and in no time the engine was bought to life. The engine pipe vomited the thick black vapour into the air and bang, the bus was now leaving behind the by passengers, the tea stall and in no time the bus stand had vanished giving way to the green plush turf. Arvind squirmed to adjust himself to comfort and closed his eyes, moist by now with nostalgia. He parted his dry lips to a soft mumble “Here I come…”

Te journey had begun and the roads stood besieged, as if waiting to take him to his love, who had once been her life and still was. The time flew by ever since he had last met her, the memories were afresh and his love intact.
He slowly dragged the brown envelope from his bag and began reading it. He had lost count of the times he had been through the black print, and consequently the agony. Infact, he had read it the day he last met Charu. The final letters of the report gave him the courage to do what he had been planning so long.
Adjusting himself once again to the narrow to the comfort seat of the bus, he started reading it again. Slowly. Carefully.

“Listen”, he darted back at the tear filled eye “I think I have had enough of all this. I have bagged a job in the States that I was after for so long and there’s no holding me back now. Not even you.”

A drop trickled down her flushed cheeks. “Not even me?” she croaked with effort.
I never intend to hold you back Arvind. I just need you, your love. Please don’t do this to me. Not now when ...”

“Not now? He barked cutting her short. He turned afraid she might read what was going on in his mind. He wanted to throw his arms around her embrace her to a tight hug and promise to never leave her. A promise he intended to honour. A promise he knew he could never honour, not when he had been diagnosed of leukemia.

She stood there speechless, looking at Arvind in the eye, searching for one weak moment that he would surrender to for she knew Arvind was genuinely in love with her, until now.
He turned to leave.

The bus driver slammed the brakes dragging Arvind out of his reverie. He gave a last look at the pages he held before folding them back neatly in the envelope.

The night passed in anticipation and at 7 am, the tyres screeched to bring the bus to a halt.
“Kota”, announced the bus helper.

He took the lane straight to 12, Narendra Road carrying the butterflies in his stomach. He kept making images of how Charu might be looking though it wasn’t too long that shed been out of his sight.
He placed a soft knock and the door opened with a thud.

The old lady at the door spoke to Arvind in inquisition “Yes..?”

Just when he was about to speak, something else caught his attention. It was unmistakably the same beautiful face he had missed so much. Just the sight of her and he felt his knees weakening. The same brown eyes stared back her him and the tresses were neatly arranged though some managed to fly around her broad forehead, making her look even more stunning.

Suddenly something hit him hard in his mind, “Damn!” He said and fell on his knees and began to weep uncontrollably.

It took him an hour before he could recover the shock and looked at the lady who was now standing by his side. “Aunty, I don’t know... I...Just…” he fumbled, choosing the right words.
The lady gave him a flat look and drew a brown envelope from her cupboard without speaking a word. They both knew each other but the tie between them was now snapped by the fateful hands of time.

“Here” She said.

He sat adjacent to the wall from where he could not see Charu but she looked at him from behind the silver cast frame that was ornated with a blue white garland. The broad smile was invariably the same. He remembered this particular picture very well. It was her favourite and his too. He closed his eyes again, tighter this time to squeeze out the last drop of tears.

The flipped open the envelope and began to read. Slowly. Carefully.

Arvind,

Its been really difficult living without you, but what’s more difficult is to live with the fact that you love me no longer.
I have awaited your return since then, and today I give up and I give up on life.

I close my eyes with one last wish, please don’t turn around to hide your tears.

And yes, couldn’t tell you this the last day we met. “I love you”

Forever Your's

Charu

“Me too...” He drew a deep breath and turned around, this time to face her.

Charu Kaushal

PS: Please leave in your comments.

Five Minutes Of Fame

2008-07-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

And the winner is….yeh hum aapko batayenge ek chotte se break ke baad!!

Zoom goes in another commercial. Aren’t these commercials far much able than such singing so-called-reality-shows, which have been revolving around the same concept ever since Sonu Nigam got his first ever break in Sa Re Ga Ma as a host??

The model has invariably given us talent that we relish till date. Sanu Nigam, Shaan, Sunidhi Chouhan, Shekhar, Kunal Ganjawala to name a few. The concept has reached its saturation after being exploited, and continuing to be, by all the channels one can fathom. When the desh ki janta was already getting acidic by over dose, the voting calls keep coming in. This time it was churning the rotten candidates that the sauntering janta had already decided to do without. The long forgotten candidates were given a chance to relive the drama, hurling the janta towards the pain of voting. What the heck!! If this was not all, the spat between the judges is artificially created and organized to a hype and is then sold for better TRP. They never seem to get enough. To make it worse, it’s now been coupled with dancing, hosted by our very own, and talented (read not) Ravi Anand! Does this man qualify at all to represent and host a show!! Of course he does. Any man in the industry who runs out of work does. And that’s the guru mantra to keep the cash resisters ringing. Applies to the channels, to the singers (if they at all can) and certainly the hosts and the hostess!!

Soon after the series gets wound up, lost are the faces in the 5 minutes fame which were once cheered for so vehemently, some of which certainly deserve. Remember Rooprekha, Qazi, Sandeep, to name some cheered and long forgotten winners!

But, picture abhi baaki hai mere dost! Don’t forget to switch on your television set- never mind the channel as all must be airing the same conceptual singing drama- at 10 pm. Who knows you find a familiar face that you once vouched for. Hang on, even if you have forgotton their names in the long list of “singers”, the reminders would be to shortly provided..” Please mujhe vote karma na bhoolen, mere voting information hain…..”

Dekha, ab yaad aaya na!

PS: Readers comments and opinions are invited!

2008-07-03T03:30:00.000-07:00

There is a famous paradox that CEAT is using currently as its marketing instrument- The only thing permanent is CHANGE..

Samilar is the situation where I am currently! The frame for my situation is "The only certainity here is uncertainity".

Though there is the difference of just one prefix, the impact is toxicating... :(

PS: Readers comments and opinions are invited!

Just The Matter Of Time

2008-06-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

The journey seemed difficult, but he had to start anyway. Vicious, so to say, but the hostile road lay besieged to its only occupant. Although he came across as a frail persona, his aura deprecated all incoherence.

He kept walking with heavy steps, reposing his presence on the unmade road, mentally maintained repository of all details he set his eyes on. It was almost dusk when he noticed a 14-year old boy trying to escape the inced crowd. He approached the boy when he managed to dodge his chasers And learnt that he was a petty thief who has been exempted. The old man placed his hands on his fore-head and tried to deter him from stealing in the future. The boy gawked at him in mistrust and fled without uttering a single word.

The old man made a mental note of it….

He resumed his purpose and kept walking, until he came across a man of uncouth disposition. He flirted with dirty streets and reveled his inane existence. The old man noticed his lower limbs unfurled in a queering fashion, only to further deprecate his appearance. On a small conversation with this man of sporadic mannerisms, he understood that he had lost his leg to a gory accident. The man lamented and wept with grief but never tried to combat his unruly fate. Despite the ineffable efforts old man, failed to make him realize the importance of life, so he decided to wait and watch what fate had in store for him! He rose to his feet and this time it was certain to see him again, and he knew it would be soon…

He resumed his purpose. Days passed by….

As he walked past the desolated street, he saw an old man from distance. His sprawling limbs were confined to the ambit of his tattered mattress. He sat there with mouth slightly ajar, as though from eternity, under the vigilant sun who did not miss any opportunity to make brute foray at his sagging skin and sans eyes. The beggar forced his eyes open and tried to recognize the much familiar face which bore such surreptitious expressions that sufficed fairly to perplex him. All that he could manage was to strain his wits to fathom the cryptic smile that played back and forth him.

Finally the old man spoke:

“ Why are you having troubles recognizing me? You have seen me before. I met you when you were a 14 year old kid trying to escape the people who caught you stealing. I tried to make you understand the vices of your trade but u never listened to me and continued with it until you me t with a gruesome accident which permanently disabled you from walking, let alone running. That was the first lesson for you. I had to come to see you again when you were wasting your life cribbing over what you lost. You again ignored what I said and here I am, for the last time to see you living how you chose to. You would have saved your legs and the Sun had you conceded in me then.. True, Man is what he chooses to be”

The words struck the beggar in the heart and he wept.. Finally when he opened his eyes the old man was gone…Time again was gone..!!!!

PS: Readers comments and opinions are invited!

Flue-d

2008-02-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

It was the season of marriage and consequently celebrations when the bad news broke up in Kolkata putting a moral ban on consumption of poultry and poultry products. All hell broke loose as the Bengalis, much faithful to their daily dose of chicken and deem (egg) had to manage with the sole diet of Fish (which is their culinary favourite) and Mutton.

This came with another bad news, the prices of mutton shot up to 240/kg from 170/kg.

Now that’s called Double Dhamaka!

There was an emotion and a financial edge to this as well…
A lot of chicken retail outlets like Arambaghs , KFC, Broadsters digested on the major financial loss as their sales fell like never before.
Emotionally, the poultry owners suffered parting with their “children” that surmounted their financial losses as well.

Over all 38 lakhs chickens were culled in all (West Bengal)

Long after the virus affected Kolkata after claiming 5 lives in the state, the government put a legal ban on the purchase and stock keeping of the product, despite which, the local vendors were seen feeding the “officers” in Dalhousie Square, Baghbazar and Chandani Chowk.

Its not been even 5 days that the vendors have got a clean chit on the poultry products percolating a smile and a sigh of relief.

Though there aren’t any evidences, I personally feel that the government played the same shot as it has played with the cola industry (scams and bans) for more than once now.
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/13/stories/2008021360191400.htm

Statutory Warning: The chickens are still not friendly yet…

PS: Readers comments and opinions are invited!

The Stars Shine Down!

2007-12-22T00:41:00.000-08:00

The Stars did shine down for the Taare Zamin Par...

Ishan Awasthi spends 8 years of his life in a spectacularly colourful world, and gets a rude shock in lieu of surviving his parent’s expectations from him. Though he is not directly compared to his elder brother Youhan, who edges him almost everywhere, the hitch that he is nowhere closer either is deeply etched in his nubile mind. The toothy grin fades eventually as he is ruthlessly placed in a hostel where Ishan looses his unearthly dreams in the cry to read and write!

The detailed realties of childhood like profoundly digging noses, staring endlessly in void, weaving dreams carefully and then the much detested "Get out from my class" from the teaches are thrown back at us so finely that they bring back us our childhood, certainly leaving for us a wide grin to relish..
But childhood was not easy for Ishan till Ram (Aamir) comes to his rescue only after intermission.

The movie all in all is an emotional feast that has fine lyrics, good music and extreme sensitivity in direction served in hearty proportions to win all hearts.

Aamir has been mind blowing in his directional debut letting Darsheel (Ishan Awasthi) lead from the top and mesmerize his audiences.

The movie to no ones surprise received a "Standing Ovation" as the curtain falls leaving Darsheel swung in Aamir’s arms!

PS: Readers comments and opinions are invited!

The Monk speaks after selling his Ferarri!

2007-12-18T00:11:00.000-08:00

What is the monk left with after selling his Ferrari?? Any guesses??Handful of piteous advices and a book titled such!
After the massive success (as Sharmaji puts it, although it was a huge failure in my books) a different pattern of self help book is put forth. Mr. Robin Sharma, here discusses the 101 “things to do” so that people cry when you die?? Err sounds absurd though. This is what the book is titled!

The book in the first places carries an utterly wrong title and confuses the readers who wish to win hearts and gets disappointed to finds nothing to do with becoming a better person. This book, to brief up is a guide on effective utilization of time that then converts you to a better “self manned” individual. No surprises folks. This time Sharmaji have been kind enough to dole out some sensible advices and to my pleasure have shared some names of nice books (though he never mentioned the authors) in his 101 tips.

Coming to 101 tips, these constitute for the plot of the book. A refreshing change from loads of gyan thrown from professional self help speakers, here, one can afford to skip the pages and the elements if need be. The book would certainly not loose its charm (if any) and continuity this way.

The language used is simple and makes sense most of the time though Robin Sharma never misses an opportunity to show off his accolades for the monk who sold his Ferrari; though I secretly wonder if he really got any. He mentions his speeches and his status as a professional speaker at the drop of a hat and makes a hue of it. Nevertheless, he summons up some already known and some known but less practiced fundas of life which certainly are appealing and sensible.

All in all with his “limited resources”, he has compiled a decent read for people with more patience than intelligence!! Be cautious with the title though, you may not get what you thought the title would bear.

A refreshing change. Dus kahanaiyaan

2007-12-09T23:04:00.000-08:00

Post the fizzles of the much hyped Sawariyaan, Dus Kahaniyaan promises a refreshing change from the never ending list of the mellow dramatic movies.
Sanjay Gupta’s experiment with the Short Stories style of cinema seems to be going a long way in the city cinema.

Though Dus Cinema failed to thoroughly satisfy the critics, the amalgam of the assorted emotions did just what they were intended to.

Starting with the dilemmas of extramarital affairs, to separation of a married couple to horror flicks and pain, the movie has it all.
The plot of the movie banks on the Jeffrey Archer style short stories which has a spoonful of the sentiments. Tears, humor, sex, deception, conviction, horror, love… you name it, they have it. These sentiments have been swirled in just the right way across different a backdrop which holds the audience’s interest from start to finish. Ranging between 20 to 30 minutes, the stories have been excellently depicted while nothing went amiss that was to aid the screenplay.
The performances have been ordinary to extraordinary. Variety, remember, is what Mr. Gupta was looking at! While Anupam Kher’s role as the father of a daughter was very very frail and ordinary, the character played by Amrita Singh was of a weak woman played with greatest strength! Sanjay Dutt was naturally brute followed by Sunil Shetty and Shabana Azmi who are stars by all means.
There was nothing much to music left in the movie, but I think the casting deserves a special mention. The effect entailed by the cinematographer wins hands down in the process.

The stories with the star cast are:

Gubbare (7.5/10)
Cast: Anita Hasnandani, Nana Patekar and Rohit Roy

Made for Nana Patekar. There is none who could have played the character of a loving husband better. Emotionally taxing, the story has not much left to it as it draws towards the end, very predictable.

High on the highway (6/10)
Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Masumeh

The Story deals with college lovers who meet with a tragedy to bring the good things to an end. The emotions and the drama is surplus.

Love Dale (3/10)
Cast: Anupam Kher, Aftab Shivdasani and Neha Oberoi

Sheer nonsense story. Anupam kher was ordinary.

Matrimony (7.5/10)
Cast: Mandira Bedi, Arbaz Khan and Sudhanshu Pandey

Although the story has been told several times by Jeffrey Archer, it was pleasant to see it onscreen as well. Mandira Bedi and Arbaz did justice to the characters.

Pooranmashi (8/10)
Cast: Amrita Singh, Minisha Lamba and Parmeet Sethi

A personal favourite. It was nerve shaking and very well made. Hats off to Amrita Singh!

Rice Plate (9/10)
Cast: Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah

Shabana Azmi was simply mesmerizing. The very complex emotions of an old South- Indian lady who has special aversion to the “other caste” is well portrayed, although her “coming back” remarkably well narrated.

Rise and fall (7/10)
Cast: Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty

The story of two friends cum brothers who fight for power. The stale concept as seen in several hindi movied including Sarkaar. The lust for power however, is shown very briefly yest with novelty. Sanjay and Suneil did wonders!

Sex on the Beach (7.5/10)

Cast: Dino Morea and Tareena Patel

Well..well...well. It is funny and interesting too.

Strangers in the night (6/10)
Cast: Neha Dhupia, Mahesh Manjrekar

The viewers shall have no clue unless the story reaches its climax. Amazingly deceptive!

Zahir (6/10)
Cast: Manoj Bajpai, Dia Mirza

Nothing new to the concept, but the story line was fresh. Dia Mirza is the charmer here.

The movie is a must watch for those who like to take a closer look at human emotions. There are many served in the platter!

Orkuts Greetings!!

2007-11-12T23:29:00.000-08:00

Its Diwali..Celebrations all around. How can the google team sit back without extending its with its loyalities...

Here is wat they had to offer and trust me..I am impressed.

The moment you click on the small Diya (besides the Happy Diwali wishes) at the top of ur Orkut Home Page, the page refreshes to something like this...

Enjoy

Pujo Pics

2007-10-22T23:50:00.000-07:00

All in one Frame
The famous Paresh Pauls Set up (kankurgachi)
Maa Durga with Mahisasur
I loved the expressions of the Lion.
This one is beautiful
Ma Saraswati and Lord Kartikey
Lord Ganesha and Ma Lakshmi
Lokhi (Lakshmi ji as called in Bengali)
Md Ali Park, lighted

The goddess is here

2007-10-22T23:12:00.000-07:00

The artis are grand and the pryers are run from heart. Some might not believe in Her existence,

but for the Kolkattans this is the ultimatete time to rejoice..

(At times the video might appear a little hazy and unclear due to the bright lights abd the distance)

Nevertheless Enjoy!

The Pujo fever..

2007-10-17T02:09:00.000-07:00

The day has arrived and the Pujo fevor has set in. The smell of Pujo Eau de cologne is set in the air and the Calcuttans are dancing on their way to work in anticipation of the Pujo grandeur. The pandals have been belted and the Idol of Ma Durga has been inaugurated almost everywhere in Kolkata. The city with the lights shining in every nook and corner of the city looks a bride’s lehenga with all the glitters and stones work. The effect is the same. It’s almost like a wedding; the city seems to be getting married to celebrations and excitement.

The celebration of Durga Puja goes very far back in history and there are abundant references to it in India literature from 12th century onwards. However, today Durga Puja is generally a community festival. The Puja celebration over the years has changed color often. Earlier, it was the most expensive of all festivals and could only be performed by the rich and the powerful like feudal lords, rajas and big businessmen. However, it always evoked great enthusiasm and popular support.

While earlier Durga was worshiped alone, now it is, more often than not, the goddess with her family. Durga is portrayed as the supreme head; and the presence of Ganesha, Kartikeya, Shiva etc marks a wholesome picture of divinity. In southern India celebrations constitute a display of images of God and toys at home for nine days. But despite the various ways in which this festival is celebrated the feature that is common is that of the worship of the mother goddess

The mother of universe personifying tender love.
Durga Puja is celebrated in the autumn months of September/October. According to the Hindu solar calendar, it falls on the first nine days of the month of Ashvin. It hinges around Mahalaya day, a week before the actual celebrations begin. It was on this day that Durga was assigned the task of eliminating evil.

Though Pandal Hopping is the main feature of the D-Day(s) one can’t write it off without mentioning food in all its glory! The Kolkatan’s almost munch on anything while the Bhoger Khichuri with Baigun Bhaja, Payesh (kheer), Posto Alu being in the hit list.
Did I miss Puchkas, jhaal muri and the tangy and the yummiest street food?? No, I just can’t I know!!

While the Pujo gives us 5 days on head bang celebration, the fever stays on for more than a month after we do Visarjan of Maa in the Ganges (many are seeing crying here, I do)

Keep in touch for more Pujo pics and Videos

Coffee Delight!!

2007-10-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a cup of coffee was never so delightful.

The recently tried varieties of Filter coffee...

Available in 100gm packs (ideal for gifts) at 70/- and 80/- respectively at Fabindia Stores pan-India!

I give full marks to both!

Samsung SGH J-600, another mega hit model launch!

2007-10-04T01:33:00.000-07:00

Before you hang on to buy the Samsung SGH J-600, decide on what exactly you expect from the device? Whether its features, looks, durability, camera and music functionality at par with other high end phones. Unless you are assured, you can be in for a rude shock.

Available in Metallic Blue and Steel Grey, Samsung SGH J 600 is power packed with the features that a sleek handset within budget inhibitions can survive. Its powered with a 65,536 TFT screen with a clear colour resolution of 128 pixels by 160 pixels. With the 1.3 mega pixel camera samsung picture quality outperforms nearly all makes of handsets and its 1.3 MP is at par with2 megapixel of Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola etc). While Samsung boasts of its improved and competitive picture quality, it falters badly with the Video Recording that, sigh, is limited to 2 minutes only (after which it ends automatically)

Among the usual functions, the Samsung SGH J-600 doest go amiss with to-do-list, Calculator , Alarm Clock, Java Applications (empowered with Java games that includes sudoku also, to my delight), Currency Converter, Stop Watch, Offline Mode (that affiliates to the Air-Plane wireless functions), Bluetooth, Web browser, Voice Recorder, Whisper mode [to combat the whispering effect when out on night calls ;-)], MMS, USB Cables (with software application CD) SOS Messages (emergency messaging to relatives/friends- its a new launch pad) and not to forget the Mobile Tracker . The sleek 1.9 inches light weighted phone with smooth slider is a treat with music lover as the MP3 and MP4 format supported music playes on well (nearly as good as Sony Walkman series) notwithstanding the Radio to linger on. Internet surfing (also WAP) is made easier with its dedicated Web Surfing button.

The USP of the set, as advertised is its feather touch functionality , which I personally dont approve of. The feature touch makes its less user friendly as every now and then the cancel button gets activated wile scrolling in on the right side. Also, to talk of its durability, feather touch’s limited life has been proved with LG Chocolate series.

The message geeks might find the "&" function and the smileys missing to only cause irritation with limited expressions to provide. :-(. The keypad lock can be a little unnerving to the not-so-tecky samsung lovers!

On a lighter note, the phone supports upto 2 GB of micro SG card with makes up for the 20 MB internal memory.

A wise buyer should match up his expectations with the power packed features. But yes, its a no-no for rough users (and I personally think men too) as the slider and the metallic body is a little jerky for a tough game.

All in all, a smart phone.

The Indian way of retailing- Autobiography of Kishore Biyani..the think tank behind Pantaloons Retail, India

2007-09-27T02:55:00.001-07:00

Its always inspiring to hear from the great men who do things their way. Nevertheless the biographies, especially the autobiographies are rated as boring (even though they are enriching) especially to the restless readers... But this one is different. The think tank, the father of Modern Retailing in India is set out to magnetize the readership of the young and the not-so-young with the same paraphrase that he has spread around.

Kishore Biyani, with little help from Dipayan Baishya moves smoothly from his school-college days, his first entrepreneur endeavors to his stint in movie making and team building experience in his book, lets call it his autobiography (the book was intended to be the Pantaloons Story, but eventually it turned out to be his autobiography) and dishes out a motivating interest in his pursuits.

The plot of "It happened in India" moves around retail strategies of a baniya and his conviction in himself while most of his ideas were rubbished by the then retailers and his family too.

But the book has its share of weaknesses too. He has crammed the pages with testimonies from his business associates that initially provide for a refreshing change from the Gyaan that he drops every now and then. The overdose of the testimony thwarted the flow and most of the times seemed to be made up.

Nevertheless the author repatriates to the Indian way of retailing and provides a hand book for the emerging entrepreneurs and dreamers.

Pros: Entrepreneur qualities revealed and discussed in details.

Cons: Overdose of Gyaan every now and then

Mood swings in Females, Alcoholism in males!

2007-09-27T01:13:00.000-07:00

Men muse on it and girls remain confused.

At times even they don’t know why they reacted in a particular fashion. May be it’s the mood swings.

But science has an explanation to certain behavioral patterns commonly seen (and mostly abhorred by men). Men and women respond differently to reductions in serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates mood and impulsivity. Using a technique called acute tryptophan depletion, which decreases serotonin levels in the brain, it’s found that men became more impulsive, but are less susceptible to mood swings.

Women, on the other hand, experience worsening of their mood and became more cautious -- a response associated with depression (and anxiety sometimes). Soon after the serotonin levels normal up (no relation to watching TV or their men wooing them) they bounce back to their most charming disposition.

The findings might help men understand "why women show a higher prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders compared to men, while they show a higher prevalence of alcoholism and impulse control disorders"

Wait a min guys, it never means its girly to be moody..though we do have the hear warming share of it..:-)

Bravo India Bravo!

2007-09-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

The Indians bring home the Cup after 24 years.
It makes for a sentimental issue for the Indians whilst the true lovers of the sport regard it as a massive win.

To quote Gavaskar "Pakistan always have been a competitor for India whenever we think of good cricket". Certainly the comment was diplomatic and shunned the feeling of most Indians (as Rameez Raza was seated just beside Gavaskar, the comment didn't show on the signs of pleasure on his face)

But History repeats itself. Pakistan, no matter how potential threat it poses to the Indians, have never been able to sustain a victory against India in any relevant World Cup (Finals) match.
Its only proved once again.

Someone said Twenty20 being a small and a less important format, does not carry India's victory to the top notch. I disagree and oppose strongly. In fact, it posed new threats and challenged to the new and certainly the more vulnerable team as they had a lot more responsibility in lesser time.
Certainly the Twenty20 slot makes them even more worthy of the winning title!!!

After the Team failed to qualify in Top8s in last world cup, the reshuffling of the players made much more sense. This, in my opinion was the savior for Team India.

While the new players were much more open to the new concept, it was indispensable to make the Indians show and prove that India is worth a title prestigious as the World Champions without ace players like Sachin, Dravid and of course the useless Ganguly.

The country awaits the Twenty20 Finals

2007-09-24T02:24:00.000-07:00

The country awaits the Twenty20 finals against Pakistan on September 25th. While it’s said to be a historical match, we hope for the historical win also. It nevertheless doesn’t seem to be an impossible mission. Team India has made its way up to the finals giving the world champions (Yes, I mean the Aussies) a cut throat competition followed by a despicable defeat. Do the unfazed guns need more proof to be given? Follow the Twenty20 match journey. They have proved themselves more than once.

The Fear factor that we have witnessed in the old team is found missing, while they shamelessly set out for hunting wickets and the Cup of course..

Dhoni (although not my very favourite) has set examples for the team hitherto and so has Yuvraj while Sree Sanath is no less. With such tough men gunning towards Victory stop them because fear can’t.....

Great Quotes from Albert Einstein.

2007-09-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

The following are some amazing quotes from Einstein. He needs no audience and no introduction. My favs are marked in bold though...

Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.

The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.

The only real valuable thing is intuition.

A person starts to live when he can live outside himself.

Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.

Sometimes one pays most for the things one gets for nothing.

Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind.

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.

Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds.

Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.

Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it.

The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.

The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.

If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut.

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe.

Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods.

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

How on earth are you ever going to explain in terms of chemistry and physics so important a biological phenomenon as first love?

Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts. (Sign hanging in Einstein's office at Princeton)

Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.

If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts.

If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor.

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.

Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value.

You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.

If you can speak of technical things only in technical terms, you do not understand them.

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity.

The difference between stupidity and genius is thatgenius has its limits.

If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?

Technological progress is like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal.

I-Google rulzzzzzzz

2007-09-18T01:10:00.000-07:00

What I have always loved about google (and its products) is simplicity, coupled with creativity.

One such example is i-google! Set up as home page, it is highly customizable and full of options that the page width may size. Dream of it and we have it. What the child in me loved most about it are the themes that (I) keep changing. The selection may switch from Classic, Sea Beach, Tea House, and many more that are full of vibrant colours and cool animation (although I am not much of an animation freak, the designs just strike the right balance).

Talk of the gadgets now, I have some that I admit, though I dont need I liked them enough to make them adorn my home page! I am talking of the Decision maker. To tell you the truth, I am still not certain what and how it decides. :-) Besides, the two blogs that I constantly get to have my eyes on finds place here. I never miss on the add-ons with this!

Neways, there are some real sensible hues also. The BSE index, The Note Pad ( I called it Charu) and the To-do list are the must for my profession. I simply cant do without being reminded several times of the day and time, so there is a clock to suit my taste and need. Sudoko is anothr fascination with me, so have that at the centre to have it waiing for me whenever I want to unwind. The option of adjusting its level (Very easy, easy, medium etc) makes it my darling. With my stress level, matches the game level!

I am constatly in touch with my "stuffs" and loving it a lot!

Quote

2007-09-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

"I would not be what I will be tomorow, if I dont be what I am today"

Charu Kaushal

The Countdown to 10 most beautiful cell phones!

2007-09-05T00:56:00.000-07:00

The era of flagrant gadgets have arrived where computers are becomming palm tops; then whats with the palm tops??

Leave alone the features (they are plenty in each) lets take a ride on the looks!

Here the countdown begins....

10. Hitachi W42H
Where looks werent enough, the dash of colours make it say all. The phone is available in black, white and orange and three different snap-on accessories. The set comes with an image stabilized camera, dictionary functions, and music player, but the most important feature according to Hitachi is the ability to change the look of the phone itself!

9. Samsung SGH-E900

Another stunning masterpiece from Samsung. But when did Sam sing?? Oops jokes apart, this deadly Tri-Band GSM (900 / 1800 / 1900MHz) EDGE phone comes with GPRS and multimedia capablities. It features a new innovative slider design and is powered by a 2 MegaPixel camera with a 262K Color TFT display. The storage capacity is expandable though through microp SD slot that has been provided. In addition the phone also features a music player that supports MP3 / AAC / ACC+ / AAC+(e) / WM playback. On the connectivity side it has bluetooth and USB. In addition it also includes a Digital Power Amp and also feature touch keys as well.

8. KDDI Talby by Marc Newson.

The Talby is a quite old phone. It was first shown as a product concept back in 2003 and garnered a lot of attention during a couple of years. The Tably is available in three colors, hornet green, orange orange and hole black. The Talby is only available in Japan. While featured with 1.3 megapixel camera, there is not much to boast about in the zone other than the looks.

7. O2 Ice

Now here is a man! The O2 Ice was actually the phone that was the inspiration to this article. It’s a small stylish 3G phone that has the usual built-in MP3 player, 1.3 megapixel camera, with bluetooth. Though the camera stands as a demotivation for the 2 and 3 megapixel crew, the looks are enough to entice the girls. Men in palms..not a bad idea!!

6. Samsung SGH-E870

The Samsung SGH-E870 is a nice looking clamshell phone coming in three different colors Chic White, Valentine Pink and Chilli blue. It’s primarily aimed towards girly-girls. It is a triband clamshell GSM phone that has GPRS, Bluetooth, a speakerphone, a 1.3 megapixel camera, supports Java applications, weighs just 85 grams, and it has a crisp TFTLCD on the inside and a color OLED display on the outside. Phew. Thats pretty much! The SGH-E870 comes with a nice 80mb of internal memory which can be expanded via a Transflash/micro SD slot.

5. KDDI Neon by Naoto Fukasawa

The Neon is one of the latest phones coming out from the AU Design project at KDDI. It’s available in three colors, light blue, pink and black. It has a built-in 1.3 megapixel camera, miniSD slot, music player, FM tuner and a 320×240 screen. Not much to boast about. Its just an eye candy to think of.

4. Black Diamond

Black Diamond is a luxury phone that isn’t out on the market yet. It’s supposed to be launched early 2007 from a company called VIPN. On their site they promote a limited edition of the phone made out of titanium and with real diamonds. Blessed with the fancy overtone, the phone comes with 1.3 megapixel.

3. Helio Kickflip

The Helio Kickflip is small and stylish, but it’s still loaded with a 2 megapixel camera, 2.2″ screen (320×240) and 3GB memory capabilities. Better off in style nad features than most mentioned. It sure calls for attention!

2. LG KG-800 Chocolate.

A pure beauty and a pleasure to own. Commonly available in the city (cities) its a little difficult to maintain. Priced towards common peoples reach, it leaves finger impressions when (ever) touched. 1.3 megapixel camera, slider case and expandable memory forms the key feature to the unit!

1. KDDI Penck by Makoto Saito

A hunk to call it so. The PENCK phone designed by Makoto Saito is one and a half years old, but it’s still the most beautful phone ever made. The PENCK is available in three colors, metal, milk (white), and bitter (black). Too bad it’s only available in Japan. :-(

Shoppers Paradise at Kankurgachi (Kolkata)

2007-08-29T23:25:00.000-07:00

Pantaloons- Orchid Point, Kankurgachi

If you are one of those who have been residing in Kolkata for long and have been hearing of massive buildings coming up blustering of great weekend hang outs, there is another one for you.

While Mr. Kishore Biyani has been sweating out building strategies to attain market collation, he considerably has an upper hand on when it comes to understanding the Janta. Time and again he has proved himself to be the ace retailer no matter how his competitors react to the compliment!

After one year of grinding and tight working schedule at a sublimed location, Kankurgachi, The Pantaloons India Ltd surprised the Kolkatan’s with a colossal structure shining along the busiest lane of Kankurgachi. The structure grinned full curve when it was declared “Open” in mid march this year. The sales haven’t seen a drop since then. The Orchid Point hitherto has been the favorite hangout (second only to City Centre).

If you are an impulsive shopper, there are enough traps for you! The mammoth size and the much ecstatic ambience is irresistible. It makes you lurk around for a “little while” that would be longer than you had anticipated. Remember, you have an option to cover 4 Floors that requires a minimum of 2 hrs time if you want to squeeze the maximum nectar out from your shopping endeavor. Phew. That’s too much isint’d!

Ground Floor: The ground floor is solely dedicated to the women shoppers.
Welcomed by the startling range of perfumes (and deo’s) that you can never have enough of, it takes a big heart to move on. Towards the left awaits the ethnic wear collection from BIBA, Aakriti (from Rock S) and many more so that you can savor enough options of dress materials, skirts, kurta, kurtis, salwar kameez and the matching centre of course. Take a right turn and there is a feast for women (ladies) preferring western outfits. The range is dazzling from Scullers, Annebelle and Honey only to name a few. A right again and you will be welcomed by the casual range (sports and gym wear) from Lee Cooper, Bare, Honey, Scullers, Spykar, etc. Not just apparel, the ones looking forward to shop for hand bags (both ethnic and casual variety) and shoes will also have much to choose from.

1st Floor: Just a step up from the escalators and the section smiles at men. Shirts, T-shirts, trousers, jeans, briefs from leading brands like Lee, Allen Solly, Louis Phillips, and much more leaves the men amazed as much as the women.

2nd Floor: The second floor belongs to the kids and home appliances. Starting from TV to I-Pods, you name it, they have it. A total time pass if you have taken your kids along, don’t forget to enjoy the fun filled kids play section.

3rd Floor: Now here is the floor that never retires on action. Which ever is time to select to drop by; an exhausting shopping experience is ensured. Like a manic you keep moving around with trolleys in hand to check that your lady doesn’t overdo the budget.

The newly built section of Food, just beside the books and the stationary section gives a little time to rest before to plunge head on again.

PS. For Food Bazaar shopping, Sunday’s are filled with assorted offers to match your shopping needs.

The Pros:

1. Suitable Brands
2. Adequate options for medium plus sizes (apparel)
3. Amazing collection
4. One stop shopping experience

The Cons:

1. NONE

The monk-ey business

2007-08-20T03:55:00.000-07:00

The monk who sold his ferrari

Before you sit with the book, please look for a word of advice. Decide what exactly you are looking for in the book. If it’s just a read what you want, bang on but if you are expecting it to CHANGE your life overnight, please, hang on. You might end up thinking you have wasted rupees 175/- and 5 hrs, if you were bold enough to sit with the book from start to finish without wandering half way.

Feeling terribly guilty about deferring the book (since it was released) the book rooted singular change in me. It forced me to be more contemptuous with this review. I, nevertheless rate the book 4 on a 10 scale, and that too for some real nice quotes that are suggested here and there. One can think of framing them on the bedroom walls. Now who doesn’t like to be reminded of something that has NOT come from our old possessions! (It’s mostly taken from the great Indian and non Indian philosophers)

The book for sure had nothing fresh to offer. Robin Sharma (RS) kept playing on the same tunes, those which we have heard a several times from our dear old granny. The examples, that he so explicitly dealt with only interrupted with whatever little flow he was able to create with his nice quotes.
But hey hold on, the book is not THAT a crap. With the first 60 pages you can streamline the book considerably and decide what next you would do with the book.
If you are, by any chance, slogging past the 196 pages just to quench your curiosity about what happens to the immediate pupil of the newest monk (mention not the good grand red Ferrari) you need not be any genius. Just the fact that you want to do away with the book ASAP, signals of your average intelligence that would enable you to anticipate what RS would or better so COULD think. No points for guessing that.

Robin Sharma, nevertheless, has been able to gather considerably devoted audiences that so piously promote his wisdom. Now how would they know where this flabby wisdom comes from? Its purely is not soul satisfying. The usage of fat-fat words, I wish could give us more wisdom than the book itself. Sigh, only now we know he keeps a bald head. Read the book if you still haven’t got the point.

While I liked his writing skills, I am sure not many of us were reading it to learn reading/writing good English. Where is the life blood Sharma Ji??

The pink style evening- At Flurys!

2007-08-18T01:15:00.000-07:00

If you are cruising through the pompous streets of Kolkata, Flurys for sure will call out for your attention. Besides, for people who have a sweet tooth and like to settle for nothing but the best, Flurys is the place to be. Located on plush Park Street, it just can’t go amiss if you keep your eyes and of course your nose buds working.

Founded in 1927, Flurys have witnessed ages of perfect merry making and have won accolades for the perfect recipe to make the cakes (notwithstanding the pastries) melt in your mouth. At Flurys, you are invited for the best possible saga of puddings and assorted Swiss chocolates. They have much more to offer than their menu splurging from extra ordinary confectionery. You are promised a quality tea time (lunch and dinner too if you are not the typical Dal Makhni and Kadai Paneer type) with anyone from your fiancée to your dear mom. Just don’t forget to take your wallet thick.

Despite being the ideal hub for aristocrats for years now, Flurys shocked me when it came to providing service. One really needs to have a robust frame to draw the attention of the not-so-busy waiters. The tables seemed to have wiped some week back, glasses being refilled (of water) after three loud calls, and the empty salt container was a little hard to digest.

All in all, if you are enduring enough with the service providers and have an eye for a superlative ambience, Flurys warrants a mention certainly.

The God’s World, In Man’s Way

2007-08-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

The only sound that could be heard of was the tick of the clock that lay hung on some aloof corner of the wall. My heart was also beating, but the muft beats were too faint to be heard amidst confusion that roared loud in my mind. The day had been eventless albeit something kept me awake while the rest of the world was peacefully tucked in their beds. I tried hard to convince myself of righteousness of the events around me but the harder I tried, the worse I started to undergo. Then suddenly I remembered an old saying “When nothing helps, God does!” I immediately closed my eyes and tried to remember Him. I think He was on his way to see, me but the drudgery in my mind thwarted His pace and I had to wait for long.

I almost was falling asleep when I softly murmured to myself with a deep sigh “Where are you?”

“Inside you!” answered a deep voice that seemed to have come from the depths of the darkness.

I was instantly awakened and I stared with my eyes wide open rolling on to the sides. The tiredness and the sleepiness seemed to have deserted me and here I was, my mind racing to search for a clue. The first thought to strike me was that I was speaking to GOD! “Damn my friends are going to relish this piece of news for weeks and have bites of pleasure and roars of laughter teasing me. I rejected the thought completely. I knew this would sound clumsy and an overtly cooked version of my wildest of dreams. But, I heard many istics (theists) drilling down the fact and convincing the layman about God’s Omnipresence. Although I nodded vigorously to this several times, I took chance and contested the voice.
“Inside? How can that be? I have never felt you within?”

“Have you ever changed your decision the last moment that kept you wondering why at all you did that? Have you ever done something on impulse that you later realized has saved you from a bad experience?

“Yes” I mumbled

That’s me. I am your voice within.” The voice said with triumph.

“So you mean you are GOD!”

He smiled, but I was getting impatient with questions fumbling in my mind. I was beginning to think faster.

“So in what form do you exist?”

“I am the voice within that you most of the time ignore. I am the light that shows you way when you are held by darkness and I also manipulate your decisions sometimes. You address me with countless names and remember me in varied forms which I consent to for your convenience. The essence is in believing me and keeping me in your conduct. To me the names and the forms you assign to me are trivial. I exist in the form of faith and love and I exist only inside you.”

“If that is what you do, why is there not peace around and inside us?”

The answer came with a smile “When I created man, I liked him the best off all my creations so I gave away my most priced possession as a gift to him. I gave him intelligence with which came the right to choose. I wanted to see how he would occupy this gift and what outcome would that bring to mankind. While he has the mind to compete with my creations, he also is at par to destroy it. He has done both. Man has made outstanding achievements that I am so proud of, yet he has done things that bring shame to is own credo. He is behind both. Yet, man blames me.

“But why this choice? You know the end from the beginning. You knew how your gift will be erroneously handled?”

“I knew that the gift would come with its malice, and could bring spiteful consequences but I didn’t want to limit his options and bind him to goodness. He has the wit to question what he does and what he sees around. This brings him closer to the reality and affirms in his mind what he does is by choice, he also has a choice to change paths which might cross and escort him to me. Man chooses his fate. He is what he wants to be. He has risen to great heights with his tenacity and conviction in his endeavors and has fallen to oblivion with his malevolence.
The same applies to my relation and his love towards me. I gave man the choice even when it comes to loving me. I did not want to bind him into any kind of relationship with me. When he comes to me, I want to see his arms widespread and that is possible only when his doubts melt and he believes in my existence as much as he believes in his ability to question the same. ”

“But when you see that man is so unworthy of your gift, why don’t you withdraw it?”

“No”. He answered back flatly. “I can’t withdraw my gift. All I can do is to guard its sanctity. Although I am a silent witness to his conduct, I reserve the right to maneuver his actions and show him direction as when the need be. This direction from me is your voice within. Again, (he smiles) you have the choice to perceive or discount it.”

I started to feel my curiosity rising with every word of His. “Why did you create this world? What were you thinking?” I asked wary of whether he would answer my anxiety at all.
This time he laughed out aloud. I was at peace to see that He was not bothered with my angst hitherto.

“I wanted to splash colours around.” He answered back. “The prime attributes to me are strength and emotions. I wanted man (and all living beings) to live and experience these. The world that you see is purely steered by them. Besides, I instilled the light and energy to help you make way through the deepest of trouble and equipped you with intelligence to make your way, in my world. The same applied to other beings too. (except that man has intelligence extra). I showed no fondness to any particular emotion and splattered them evenly in all shades. This answers why there is as much agony in mans world as is pleasure and love. That’s the way of life.
Besides, I supplemented the world with what all livings being would need and made them interdependent so that none takes over the control unaccompanied. All that I made a part of this world have their existence and role predefined. Everything here has a purpose and has its end in me.

“If this is so, please elaborate what should be the ideal way to live and where should we see the end?” I asked in awe with the newly acquired facts of life.

“There is no end to life and there is no ideal way to it. Different people may define it differently. Talk to yourself and see what your take on it is. Live your life on your terms as it belongs to you, but never ignore your interdependence on other elements in this world and theirs on you. Never forget that this interdependence is enduring and extends unto me.

My curiosity was hitherto pulverized and with the glorious voice stimulating my thoughts, bending it infinitely I was dumbstruck with one question that I knew could quench my thirst to distinguish His ways. “How can we grow with you God?” I somehow managed the words out.

“By holding my hand. My left hand is Hope and right is Love.” were His last words as I lay awake trying to decipher my existence in His world.

___________________________________________________________
PS: The verses and the ideas to this article are my own and open to debate(not with me). It is not biased to any religion.

Facts about marriage

2007-07-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

The first thought that hits the people (be it the relatives, or my friends mom) seeing me is marriage. Gosh I am already tired of hearing it repeatedly. So what I have turned 25! Does it mean there is a compulsion to get married NOW??

People drop by percolating the word and the “wise advice” on to dad’s ears. Consequently all jumping out of their skins to convince me. Ask them how many know what this word connotes?? Have you ever tried surveying people (lets consider married people to narrow down the sample) what is this marriage funda all about?? Why do people get married in the first place? Or better so why did THEY get married?? The chances are bright that they did because they fell in love with some “man of their dream!” (Or women) or some did that simply because they had nothing worthwhile to do, or let me put it blatantly just because they considered this as a certificate to have sex! And such people are found more often that not. The pros-cons and the nuances they realized (or are yet to realize) much later. They call it a Surprise package then!!!

When I prod deep, I found a whole new acumen to the small word and the vast institution of Marriage. It certainly starts with the concept of mating, with the backdrop of having a family. The home one thus makes, gives him the security and is the crowning glory of the long and arduous evolutionary struggle he engages himself in. The humans of older times did not possess a very rich social civilization, but such as they had they faithfully and effectively passed on to the next generation. And you should recognize that most of these civilizations of the past continued to evolve with a bare minimum of other institutional influences because the home was effectively functioning.
They major pull factor for a marriage was however the need to explore and get explored in a meaningful way, further mitigating the differences between the two and bringing both together. Notwithstanding the personality gulf between men and women, the sex urge is sufficient to insure their coming together for the reproduction of their species. This instinct operated effectively long before humans experienced much of what was later called love, devotion, and marital loyalty. Mating is an innate propensity, and marriage is its “social repercussion”. It owes its “Social Status” to the selfishness of man who disguised human gratification to a social tie up and garnished it with responsibility. Like it or not.

To add to the insult, as things started to evolve, the crude rituals stated to take sharp turns for the women. The assigned sex liberties to men and the women started to differ strategically. Since then, women have always been subject to more restrictive taboos than men. Although the early mores granted the same degree of sex liberty to unmarried women as to men, but it has always been required of wives that they be faithful to their husbands, regardless of what their husbands do. Although, primitive marriage did not much curtail man's sex liberties, it did render further taboos to the wives to-be.

But as its only change that refuses to change, things did not remain this way. Surprisingly, in olden days many practices, now regarded as immoral, were encouraged. Primitive wives not infrequently took great pride in their husbands' affairs with other women. Chastity in girls was a great hindrance to marriage; the bearing of a child before marriage greatly increased a girl's desirability as a wife since the man was sure of having a fertile companion.
Many primitive tribes sanctioned trial marriage until the woman conceived, when the regular marriage ceremony would be performed; among other groups the wedding was not celebrated until the first child was born. If a wife was barren, she had to be redeemed by her parents, and the marriage was annulled. The mores demanded that every pair have children.
Some other part of the world (not sure which) had a different nuptial paragon to base the “Social Event” on. Belief persisted that race mixture improved the quality of the offspring. It was not that inbreeding was always bad, but that out breeding was always comparatively better; therefore the mores tended to emphasize in the restriction of sex relations among near relatives. The first move away from brother and sister marriages however came about under the plural-wife mores because the sister-wife would arrogantly dominate the other wife or wives. Some tribal mores forbade marriage to a dead brother's widow but required the living brother to beget children for his departed brother. There is no biologic instinct against any degree of in-marriage; such restrictions are wholly a matter of taboo. Out-marriage finally dominated because it was favored by the man; to get a wife from the outside insured greater freedom from in-laws. Familiarity breeds contempt; so, as the element of individual choice began to dominate mating, it became the custom to choose partners from outside the tribe.
Have we ever stopped to think why are animals ousted from the so-called “Social Institution” if it were so indispensable for a happy existence? Why do they not need to obtain the nuptial agreement before they set to mate?? They too mate and mind you, without marriage. But if it’s only the question of companionship, mom and dad, I am ready!

Charu Kaushal

2007-07-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

View Of Valleys from Vaishno Devi

Book Review-The Odessa File

2007-07-09T03:24:00.000-07:00

The “Odessa File” by Frederick Forsyth is based on the post second world war times. The book started with the gory realities of the Hitler’s rule and the hatred that the Germans nurtured for the Jews.

The book makes an eye opening read as it describes the Concentration camps in details as we know so little about them. The writer takes pledge in doling out the miniscule details about the ODESSA (the army within the German army that later takes the onus of the safe keeping and disguising of the then soldiers responsible for the Jew Camps) and the SS group with Germany. It deals very little about what history taught us.

The book begins as an old Jew (survivor of the concentration camp at RIGA) gasses himself to death, demoralized by the only aim that was keeping him to life- Prosecution of the Butcher of Riga, Eduard Roschman. The second core revolves around Peter Miller, (the hero) a reporter who accidentally gets the diary of the old Jew and finds something that ignites his blood to carry the search for the German Kemarand !

The plot make the readers spell bound as the hunt for the Odessa Operators begin single handedly by the amateur reporter. Tickling the readers to the marrow, the book carries the readers until the last pages (making it slow at places) as the search takes shape by the reporter least aware that his life would be hanging in a loose thread as he messes with the most powerful Army Organization !

A nice plot, nice characterization, yet the book fail to satisfy the criteria for a nice ending. Having a typical ending, thoroughly demotivates the readers. May be this is what actually happened to the Odessa Rulers!

Rediff Shopping..Deluded Shopping Experience

2007-07-09T03:09:00.000-07:00

There always has been ample good news for the Tech Savvy shoppers today. With the era of consumerism sweeping in, online shopping becomes a hot favourite with all, promising a pleasant hassle free shopping- just at the click of a mouse in the cozy comfort of your home/workplace!
Such experiences also have a flip side that can supersede all goodies offered by such forums. The prices can be deceptive, the cargo can be faulty, and the customer can be left aghast with no post purchase assistance offered. It can, and does become a living nightmare for the shoppers.
Off the various online shopping forums, rediff shopping is one that can’t go amiss. Love it or hate.

URL: http://shopping.rediff.com/shopping/index.html

Product Availability: 3/5

The categories are neatly arranged along the left, best deals towards the right with the centre donned with careful pictorial enchantments. The escape is essential, yet tricky. The deals seem to be the best offered, the rates ultimate, and the brand name Rediff, too sublime.

PS: The deals and the offers are subject to changes.

There is no dearth of the available product(s) categories, the width of the product line wary grossly. You can lend your hands on anything from shoes formal (branded) shirts, watches to alphonsoes. Be it gadgets, apparel, home appliances, furnishing, books, DVD’s you name it, they have it, but the choices offered might be a little poky.

Prices available: 3/5

Besides, there is no trouble is caused to the customers in calculating the net payable amount as all details are specified against the product. It not only makes the decision fast, but also facilitates healthy comparison.
While calculating the payable amount, don’t forget to add 30 to 50 bucks as the delivery and maintenance charges that rediff extracts of all bookings. Running a price crosscheck with other websites is a other must do while shopping online. Rediff is no distinct example. The prices offered as rediff deals might not be the best in trade, although they appear to be irresistibly true!

The registration Procedure: 3.5/5

Now that you have found something that you were so fondly looking for, and the prices comfortable to the wallet, smile all the way to the order placing procedures. No pop-ups, no disturbing advertisements, the registration procedure is as simple as it can be. With a user account created (or linked with the existing rediff account, if you have any), as many as 10+ address can be added to your personal list (for future usage too).

Payment procedure: 3.5/5

Like any other web, rediff too offers assorted payment modes. Payment through cheque (dropped to its registered drop boxes) and cash on delivery as the options favored most by the customers. All in all this step too is hassle free. Thankfully.
With the payments made, it becomes child’s play to track orders as the mail is sent immediately specifying all the order details that keeps the customer happy. At least for some time.

Packing and Product Quality: 2.5/5

Rediff though scores decent in packing, though the product quality seems nothing superior. Products of identical quality are readily available at cheaper prices mostly.

Product Delivery: 1.5/5

If you can do without your purchase for 20 more days, rediff shall not disappoint you. The minimum time taken to deliver your purchase to the doorsteps being 15+ days, adding 5 more is no big deal.

Post Purchase Dissonance: 1.5/5

The worst aspect of shopping with rediff. For the frustrated customer -with the product still undelivered for 20 days hence- getting post purchase service is a distinct reality! NO contact number is made available on the website; we can just resort to “mail your query”. There is no time frame specified for when the “Query” shall be answered.

Overall: 1.5/5

The experience with rediff shopping has been truly disappointing. I am looking forward to some fresh air!

Strategies to a successful interview

2007-07-09T03:05:00.000-07:00

Getting job is easy, but not free. The price you pay is some home work done on your part. Interviews are treated as a conversation, that might, or might not fetch you a job. An interview
is much more than that!

An interview is a direct conversation, formal/informal, between the authorities empowered to employ and the potential candidate.
It is a process of assessing the characters, needs and benefits which both the parties can offer to each other and form a professional association. It reveals to the interviewer how serious ytou are about the job,and ur carrer, and trrust me, he is no fool. You are. If you meet him unprepared!

Pre Interview Preparation

The pre interview preparation includes the following:

§ Keep a check on what the employer expects from you .
§ Try and anticipate/guess the probable questions that the interviewer can ask in the process . (The questions asked will be in accordance with the nature of the company and more importantly in relation to the nature of the job you are applying for)
§ Make a list of the probable questions .
§ Try and answer the questions . If you have any doubts, consult with an experienced person.
§ Practice the answers before a mirror . It really does wonders in improving the self confidence level. Now that we know how we are to face the interviewer, lets ponder on to his favourite questions..

The common questions asked at the interview sessions are enlisted herewith:

· Tell us something about yourself. (Mention the educational qualifications, briefly giving the details of the institutes and credentials, if any)
· What is your family background? (Mention your fathers occupation and of other family members who are working. Mention very briefly about your siblings elaborate only when asked to. One must answer this particular question very confidently)
· Why did you not join your father’s business? (A sure question if you mention your father as a businessman)
· How does your father inspire you?
· What are your strengths?
· What are your weaknesses?
· How will you explain the break in your career ( if there is more than 6 months gap between two consecutive jobs?)
· Why do you change your job so frequently? (if there is less than 1 yr stint in any company)
· Why did you leave your previous job? (never speak ill of any of your past employers)
· How has the working experience that you have added to your personality?
· How will you deal with situations if your weaknesses affect your deliverables/performance?
· What are your personal goals?
· How do you expect your family to support you in your career?
· Do you mind working overtime?
· Are you open to relocation?
· How comfortable will you with shifting departments within our organization?
· How will you react to the responsibilities added to your job profile from time to time?
· What is the most important thing that has attracted you to this particular job?
· What is more important to you - Position or Pay? (Both are important. But the extent of importance grossly depends from case to case)
· If you have offers from two companies, one offers you a higher pay and the other a good position. Which one will you select? Why?
· How would you like to be managed? (By anyone who would understand why I made a mistake and makes sure that I learn from it. By someone whom I can set as my ideal and learn things from.)
· What will be your ideal job?
· What motivates you the most?
· How do you manage pressure situations?
· Why do you think we should hire you for this job?
· Tell us an annoying/ embarrassing/ humorous incident.
· How do you think your qualification/experience suits/suffices the requirement for this job?
· Where do you see yourself after 5 yrs from now?
· Why do you want to join us?
· Why do you want to change?
§ Make sure to clarify the question, its meaning, if you don’t understand, rather than giving an incorrect answer Read the set of questions twice and be prepared to be greeted by "him" with a warm smile.. Not only he thinks you are well prepared, he understands you are an asset to his organisation.

Happy Working

The Last Sun….

2007-07-09T03:04:00.000-07:00

She was sitting at her terrace eyeing heavily at the Sun. This was her favourite hour of the day. She simply loved to see the sun setting. The sky was painted in all the colours and the aura of the moment made her feel blessed. The breeze around her was getting softer as the Sun bade them farewell for a yet few hours. “The Sun would rise soon”, she sighed grimly and started to think. She could hear the church bells ring!

She was looking stunning in her white wedding gown with her dark brown hair hanging loose on her shoulders, smoothering her cheeks and kissing them at the slightest pretense. Her eyes serene could hardly conceal what she felt at that moment-Eternal Bliss! It had been difficult convincing her parents but eventually they consented and their marriage was a simple, yet a big event. She always knew Adam would keep her happy, and he did, at least as long as he lived. They had a contended life and Adam was a perfect husband. He would do everything, which he thought made her happy but those did not matter to her. She would say “all that matters to me is you Adam and the time I spend with you” and she would be right.
Time flew by when they were together and she would always cherish those moments. But luck gave her the hardest blow when she was six months pregnant. Adam’s death made her insane but she could still feel Adam inside her. And then Rosa was born. She adored her. Now all that bothered her was Rosa’s future.

Suddenly she was hit by a loud whirl of wind and she was awaken from her reverie. The memories had been perfect but still something was aching inside her. What was it? Adam? Rosa? or….
Yes it was her present. But she could hardly do anything for Rosa. She was destined without a parent. She sluggishly left for Rosa’s room. Rosa was a perfect six-month-old beauty. “Oh child! Bless you! Please forgive your mother” she silently prayed and left the house slowly across the blocks and entered the lawn of her new home where she would not be staying with Rosa. But she wasn’t alone. Adam was waiting.

She slowly walked towards him and followed his gaze to the grave he was staring at. The obituary read “Mrs. Adam Parker”
And then the Sun set...

Charu Kaushal

Thought...

2007-07-09T03:01:00.002-07:00

I found myself standing alone in a dark room.
Where no light could touch me, no one to hear me...
Felt the chilly breeze run through my hair...
I knew he was there, everywhere...

The love I felt made me numb,
To his wishes so I succumb,
He tore me to pieces...
Now I am busy gathering my shreds.
Still in the room, alone but warm!

A Rendezvous

2007-07-09T03:01:00.001-07:00

He stood there staring,
Eye to eye with the
Godly figure- he called Him Jesus !

Eyes Senile, lit with a smile,
Clutching tightly the beads……
Murmuring as if to bless a dying soul
Excerpts from the Bible as he reads.

Covered from head to toe
Under the robe so white,
The emasculated figure whelmed in the light.

In lieu of mending my mendacious soul,
I tried to emulate the serenity in him.
Opening my eyes after what seemed ages-I realized
The arcane profile left me with surging gleam..!!

Charu Kaushal

Elegy..

2007-07-09T02:54:00.000-07:00

You came in my life
like a breath of fresh air,
when I was sad and was
looking for my heart elsewhere.

You say I smile sweet
which I owe to you.
The sparkle you like in me
is when I crave for you.

You taught me to love,
to smile and to be gay;
But when I was through,
you parted our ways.

When I look behind
I find you with arms wide spread
I run into your warmth,
scared to look up with eyes so red.

You promised to stay awake with me
till the fall of dawn;
Oh! Soon I realized it was
a dream that lasted so long!!!!

Charu Kaushal

एक लम्हा

2007-07-09T02:42:00.000-07:00

सुन्हेरी शाम ढल रही थी,
आस्मान का सूनापन, जिसमे
एक परिंदा भी ना समाया हो
धीरे से ज़हन में उतर गया..

कुछ नहीं कहा,
सिर्फ आँखों में चालाक गया
बहुत चाहा आंसू बन कर बह जाये
पर पल्को में ही ठेहर गया..

धुएँ कि तरह खुशियों को जाते देखा
रोकते भी टोह कैसे..
हवा को गले लगते देखा
चाहा बहुत पूछो अपने खुदा से
पर हस्ता ज़माना इस हरे मुसाफिर पर
लोगों के दर्र से खुद को मुस्कुराते देखा!!

दिल का रंग आखों से उतर गया
ऐसा हुआ अँधेरा कि साया भी बिचाद गया
अरे हम टोह कबके खुशबु बन गए होते
ना जाने किसकी साँसों ने हमे जिंदा रखा!!

चारु कौशल

THE WAY BACK HOME

2007-07-09T00:44:00.000-07:00

It was a cold winter night when Amina stepped out of her two- room apartment, ready to leave for work. The house was dark inside…. the same darkness she bore in her heart. Carefully, fighting the harsh blows of the chilly winds. She moved forward cautiously, making her way to the nearest taxi stand. Dressed in a black salwar kameez, Amina had covered her beautiful face with her dupatta which otherwise would have revealed a row of neatly arranged white teeth and perfect pink lips which mostly stretched to a sunny smile. The olive black eyes were darting here and there to ensure that she passed by unnoticed. The dupatta tied as a mask was not to fool, the chilly winds but to fool the neighbors who could least anticipate what profession Amina was in.

She carefully uncovered her hand from the well wrapped and called aloud for a taxi. She placed her slender body carefully in the back seat and the old memories started to haunt her back again

She clearly could recall the day when she had first set her foot on this soil and promised herself to fight her way in fulfilling the senile dreams her ammi had cherished as long as she lived. But fate had something else in store for her…and things started to take difficult turns. She started to run out of money although her lodging comprised of a single cheap room and the meals were reduced to bread slices. She fought the blows of fate with beaming courage until she could take it no more. She was forced to leave the lodge and was left on the mercy of dusty streets and then her life changed, to a shade darker.

It was an October afternoon when she was sitting on a local bench staring hungrily at the food she had been craving for so long, a gentleman in a brown leather jacket sat beside her. He offered her food and kept talking as she ate…the words she would never forget and the words, which decided her fate. When he had finished Amina could hardly believe her ears. She lowered her eyes and with muft beats managed a mumbling yes.
Things were never the same again.

In a weeks time she managed a two-room apartment but she was never the same Amina again. The sunny smile was now hidden behind the mask whenever she stepped out, which was mostly at nights. Her working hours were so unusual that she had almost forgotten when she last slept peacefully. The taxi driver slammed the breaks and Amina realized it was time again to sell her soul. She carefully entered the room and uncovered her face. The man in the brown jacket smiled at her.

She managed to sneak out at the fall of dawn as she always had and looked around for a taxi.

Half an hour later she was staring at her image and her smile lit the room. She looked at herself in the eye, as long as she could. Carefully she sank into the chair and the last sound she heard was of the knife dropping. The darkness of her heart overwhelmed the sensations till she felt none
The smile brightened her dead face.

Charu Kaushal.

And Then……

2007-07-09T00:43:00.001-07:00

It was a clear August morning and the retreating monsoon winds cooed silently after the heavy deluge that continued for two long days. Everything around the man sitting alone in his room was normal, rather would seem normal from distance. He rested his head backwards and his belching broke the somber silence of the apartment. “How foolish have I been??” he smirked and the incidents surged in him as if it was only yesterday……

…………………………………………………………………………….......

“For God’s sake dad, why do you always have to stand against my happiness…?” It was like a whiplash although it came through as a faint murmur.
“But son…”
and he stormed out of the room.

The next two months were like a dream come true except for his parents who have left for his elder brother’s place.

Another loud belch before he closes his eyes and reckons the preceding months in penance.

It was around six months back that he inadvertently had stumbled upon the fact that divulged he had married a licentious woman and the vignettes of her clandestine affairs were only too many.

“How foolish I have been” he concedes, only too sure of obviating all ties with the woman he had once loved more than his life.

For now, it was time to leave for his regiment. He stared at the mirror for some time. “Lieutenant Vikram Sehgal”, he called aloud in a conceited voice and a man of exemplary persona and keen acumen stared back. That was the last time mirror saw of him and the walls heard of him in voluble aplomb!

………………………………………………………………………………...

It was quiet inside. The ramshackle of the furniture made of cheap oak, that lay sprawling, was the only savior of the lonely abode as most of the purchases had been ousted by the debtors. Even the dull layer of paint seemed to emancipate the walls of the demurred apartment.

One of the desolated corners of the room enjoyed the diadem of its owner’s picture rested on a cheap silver frame lying in laxity where dust reveled accosted by a stale chain of rotten flowers. The picture of a handsome middle-aged man usurped all attention in the dusty frame. A close surveillance would reveal perfectly chiseled features against the pale complextion on the oval face. A pair of deep set eyes rested below the knitted brows spoke of the occupant as a jovial man who loved life whilst the demurred smile shot back in congruence to the array of medals crowning his uniform.
Anybody would have dismissed Lt. Vikram Sehgal as a convivial man, had he ignored the surreptitious and nonchalant smile that occupied most of his expressions. However, to some one who knew Lt. Vikram Sehgal, he was vindictive, but humane.

His wife could hardly resist the freedom her husband’s death bestowed on her. The apartment was hardly visited where the frame laid in solitude……..waiting, until one day.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

There was a sharp noise outside of keys turning, shortly before the door flung open. The room was not as it has been left; it smelt of fresh flowers and incense sticks. The vibrations were different and the trepidation was almost palpable. The figure at the door stood stunned at the spectral arrangement cynosuring the silver frame. While she stood there gawking with consternation, she heard a murmur from behind “Fresh flowers for your husband……!.” Before she could turn around, she heard the door close at her back.

A grain of sand...

2007-07-09T00:42:00.001-07:00

It was a fine day of spring when the wind blew as it always has been. The sun stood at the sentinel as the trees swayed frantically in revelry only to subvert what the wind whispered to them, what it knew about the frail, senile creature who had ineptly occupied a small bench under the tree, eyes void of all emotions and his face bland. He had been a new entry at the asylum, accosted with a couple of more such joy hearts, about whom people knew just a too little. Infact, they were considered too bawdy to be cared for. But the wind knew more. As it blew past his cryptic eyes, percolating his slack beard, it tried to surmise the cause of his detonation...

It had seen him as a jovial man, in mid-thirties, and at the pinnacle of his career, where the aura of his persona mused all those who met him. It had seen veneration in the eyes of those who read his poetry and extolled on his impeccable “work” of art. The skill to proliferate the simplest of human emotions to a diadem has been his forte. Life had been considerably fair to him and had honed out an artist who was revered for his immaculate skills. He never married for he preferred to be alone with his thought, his art!
It was his love, it was his life.

..and then the day arrived. The day that whisked off the debacle of his skills, mooting his art, pulverizing his retinue…

One day as he was dawdling to his way back home, the idea of writing a testimony to self alluded him. He smirked at the idea of parleying his grandeur (hitherto) to words that world would read and the thoughts of siring his life to a meaningful work of art enthused his spirits. But fate had a very simple stratagem to jostle his canopy and more importantly, shock his art he so profusely trusted and banked upon.

Scotch

2007-07-09T00:41:00.000-07:00

It was the usual evening outside Vanitha’s two room apartment. The roads were jammed with vehicles glaring horns at each other furiously in lieu of reaching their respective home the fastest they could. She could clearly hear the radio screaming the latest songs from cars, but was too distracted to reach for the window panes. Her neighbours Mr. and Mrs. Reddy were already back from God knows where.
She squirmed slightly in her couch, placing her slender body more carefully to fill in the contours of the couch while trying to concentrate on the movie she had decided to watch as she waited for Utsav to come home.

She had been married to Utsav for five years now and it had been a perfect marriage by far. Utsav was a jovial guy with attractive looks and fantabulous temperament. He was every thing a wife would want him to be and everything she would not want him to be!
She took a deep breath as if to let out the relentlessness that had been occupying her but her eyes lit with magic as her roving eyes fixated on the photo frame placed callously on the table by her side. The man smiled back ineffably from behind the frame she herself had handcrafted, setting the deeply set brown eyes to mischief as they peeped through the closely knitted brows.

Just then the movie declared a break and she felt the much familiar emptiness queering her contentment as she began to recall the day’s events.
It wasn’t the break for sure.
The day had started and sailed through as most of her weekdays were. She gave a second glance to the frame placed by her side and suddenly realized what it was. The television resumed the movie as promised but she was no longer interested. With great effort she twitched once again in her couch, making a mental note as she dawdled towards the cupboard stationed in her bed room. Without wasting any time she stuck her hand inside to the debris of the piled clothes, pulling out an almost tattered picture of a tall youth in his mid twenties. The man here bore a broader smile, his teeth sparkling white against the tanned complexion and was one of the best looking men she had set her eyes on. But what she loved most about this particular picture was the way his passion for Scotch came though as he raised the glass to a toast, never mind what the occasion was! He was unmistakably her first love, the sight of which made her get back to her comfort zone. She gave a long conceiting look until she realized it was almost the time for Utsav to return!
She hurriedly made the planned moves and replaced herself to the comfort of her couch, lilting to the song the enthusiastic couple in the movie sang

It was none less than ten minutes when the door bell startled her. She sprung up instantaneously anticipating who it might be. The man smiled back from behind the doors with similar mischief.

“Hey, you changed that picture of mine!” he gasped noticing the frame slightly tilted.
“I think you looked more handsome before our marriage, honey”, she teased as she threw her arms around his neck.
“Oh!” giggled Utsav
“What’s for dinner?” intrigued Utsav
“Scotch!!” she smiled back.

Charu Kaushal

Just the matter of time

2007-07-09T00:24:00.001-07:00

The journey seemed difficult, but he had ton start anyway. Vicious, so to say, but the hostile road lay besieged to its only occupant. Although he came across as a frail persona, his aura deprecated all incoherence.
He kept walking with heavy steps, reposing his presence on the unmade road, mentally maintained repository of all details he set his eyes on. It was almost dusk when he noticed a 14-year old boy trying to escape the incensed crowd. He approached the boy when he managed to dodge his chasers and learnt that he was a petty thief who has been exempted. The old man placed his hands on his fore-head and tried to deter him from stealing in the future. The boy gawked at him in mistrust and fled without uttering a single word.
The old man made a mental note of it….
He resumed his purpose and kept walking, until he came across a man of uncouth disposition. He flirted with dirty streets and revealed his inane existence. The old man noticed his lower limbs unfurled in a queering fashion, only to further deprecate his appearance. On a small conversation with this man of sporadic mannerisms, he understood that he had lost his leg to a gory accident. The man lamented and wept with grief but never tried to combat his unruly fate. Despite the ineffable efforts old man, failed to make him realize the importance of life, so he decided to wait and watch what fate had in store for him! He rose to his feet and this time it was certain to see him again, and he knew it would be soon…
He resumed his purpose. Days passed by….
As he walked past the desolated street, he saw an old man from distance. His sprawling limbs were confined to the ambit of his tattered mattress. He sat there with mouth slightly ajar, as though from eternity, under the vigilant sun who did not miss any opportunity to make brute foray at his sagging skin and sans eyes. The beggar forced his eyes open and tried to recognize the much familiar face which bore such surreptitious expressions that sufficed fairly to perplex him. All that he could manage was to strain his wits to fathom the cryptic smile that played back and forth him.
Finally the old man spoke:
“ Why are you having troubles recognizing me? You have seen me before. I met you when you were a 14 year old kid trying to escape the people who caught you stealing. I tried to make you understand the vices of your trade but u never listened to me and continued with it until you me t with a gruesome accident which permanently disabled you from walking, let alone running. That was the first lesson for you. I had to come to see you again when you were wasting your life cribbing over what you lost. You again ignored what I said and here I am, for the last time to see you living how you chose to. You would have saved your legs and the Sun had you conceded in me then.. True, Man is what he chooses to be”

The words struck the beggar in the heart and he wept.. Finally when he opened his eyes the old man was gone…Time again was gone..!!!!