TV What the Heck !!!!

                           

Idiot box, Telly, Tube, or just Television call it by any name but surely it has played a pivotal role in each of our's life.I fondly remember my childhood encounters with it ,be it Duck tales at 5 pm , Chitrahaar on Doordarshan ,or those Circus and Bomberman games on video games during the summer holidays.There was so much we could explore and do with the TV with each passing year.After cartoon came the Bollywood songs of 90s, then was this introduction to the Discovery channel, it was a whole new world.I could swear on anyone to watch it everyday.But, but , but I am facing a new type of challenge these days, about what to watch on TV when I have a chance.Everything seems redundant, I am in a dilemma whether is it with everybody or its just me.The news Channels are flooded with usual Elections, various factions and their manifestations, movie channels have gone a southern trip ,cartoon channels are never the same before, soap channels are dead rubber as ever. Every time I sit in-front ,I end up getting up frustrated and remembering the good old days.I wonder it has to do with the growing up and all ,where average looking soaps seemed like golden hours.I guess we have all over-matured,overgrown the telly leaving it stranded. The producers should involve the masses about the content they make as to make the whole experience holistic and engrossing.Doing so,even we might introspect about our wants as this fast life has made our minds dynamic and unstable.Stop,hear and do is the call of the hour for everyone maybe the idiot box may help us have peace and "Un-idiotize" ourselves.

Food for though everyone!!!

To Go or Not To Go

"Dur Ke Dhol Suhavne"-This is what my mother exclaimed when I told her that I had made up my mind(I do that every week!!) about moving to a quieter European setting in search of a better standard of living.According to her there are no fixed parameters to ensure that one remains happy,its the person inside which matters.On the other end,I met my friend looking forward to an admit for top US University for his masters and having second thoughts about it.In order to counsel him to go and use his potential I tried to prove from how zeroed our lives had become here to how States could prove worthy and give him the living standards which we all shall envy in years to come.And suddenly he came up with an emotion packed thought which left me pokerfaced.He told me, "Always remember that no matter where you go, as long as you do not have the people who matter around you, you will never be truly happy".These two instances made me ponder whether I am being too practical or I have lost my emotional quotient completely.I feel that yes ,we have feelings attached to our roots but if the time beckons we must leave our zone to find that magic land ,to give us that spark which we all want,which we all look for our entire lives.We need to try those Dur Ke Dhol , to decide whether they are the same Tabla  on which we get beaten here everyday.Is it too much to ask for?And we just cannot be surrounded by people we like.We need to test ourselves in the waters of struggle,dedication and decision to reform to a better avatar.But ,after all this brainstorming and opinion -making,Whatever my friend decides or I do (unless I change my mind again next week),the bottom-line remains "Mom is mom,and she'll continue to captivate you forever with her one-liners".

Art of Intelligence Neglect

"Sitting in a boring party and thinking how better you could have utilized this time"-Situation strikes a chord????Many of us find ourselves in similar waters here and there.

We humans are social animals and with advent of busy weekdays at workplace ,are on lookout to socialize and do not miss a opportunity when we get one.With our humdrum life we don't even give a thought about ,"Is this how I want to spend my time?" and just go with what are friends and friends of friends are doing. Lets go back in time and recollect those instances when a day before an exam your friends took you out to hangout,and you went just because they asked you to.This is more common with the folks who are introvert or are conscious of loosing out on a friend's cool books and say yes in peer pressure.We step out spend time with them,and return home with guilt trips in mind.It is fine to say "No",if it gives solace .We need to learn this art of intelligence neglect and say a no ,when we require rather than just being a mum doll.That no might have some repercussions and may cut some faces red but you cannot make everybody happy ,while you are sad.That bold,intelligent No might change your life for good ,as saying that on a face takes courage and serious backing.Doing so,you'll realize what your real self wants to do as an alternate and start to become more confident.We have many theories for "Yeses",and a first for "No" might not do that of a harm,as its an idea worthy of a try.Whatsay!!!

Comebacks are tough!!!

I am an urban mango boy let alone a celebrity and my heart goes with our very own Virendra Sehwag, I have realized writing on the wall "Comebacks aren't easy".It has been quite sometime before I wrote a blog here and yes penning this wasn't easy.So much has happened over past 8 months that Mr. Srinivasan is happy in his drawing room and Himesh reshammiya has secretively ,stealthily managed to sneak in his another marvel.There were occassions to rejoice like Kanjoos Mars misson by ISRO and lesser known mumbai monorail.There were uncountable lows from rupee dip to fixing to the diplomatic dilemma that left all of us bewildered ,to me sangeeta richards was too much exoticism for a maid's name.Everyone was saving face these months , our prime minister on the GDP cloud,our boasting minister inside fodder scam, our aam aadmi in dharnas,our khaas aadmi in land deals, and suddenly the elections came from nowhere.The focus shifted on the on the battle amongst 2 bigwigs with new channel raking so much TRPs that even colors channel thought about shifting.Past vote seekers were fine when they made false promises but the new crop has a new concept of rhetoric and hate speeches that takes the youth away from believing them every minute.But whatever may be the outcome,the process has overwhelmed our tea time conversations,with our grandads and grandmothers leading the pack.Flaunting the finger is in,and twitter is going mad,and spams are the way to go.I am excited ,so is billaadi and now awaits a more deep take on the elections as these days everbody is a pundit and I am no less.Comeback shall be fun!!
Happy reading :-)

No ! U did not deserve this

During the recent turn of events , the hullabaloo around fixing charges against some players in the glitzy gaudy Indian Premiere League coming to light ,my mind was rather gripped with an a sore feeling for the team these players were associated was "Rajasthan Royals".Not because this team was in between an "inspirational purple patch",not because its my favorite but for the reason that it is lead by RAHUL DRAVID ,the greatest ambassador this game has ever witnessed.It is difficult to come in terms as to what might be going through his mind as he lived cricket, breathed cricket and yes,perspired cricket profusely.He played cricket on his own terms though in shadow of cricketing god himself.Did not give up captaincy after shock exit in 2007 world cup as team was in tough waters , and eventually gave it up when the time was right to nurture a new leader for the next world cup.Always kept team's interest above his own and played his last ODI series against England when his nation needed him even though he wasn't in the ODI mix.Nobody can question his dedication and commitment for the game as during the game his concerned,tense and occupied look makes you feel for this guy and you want him to SMILE.Surely ,he is the last one who deserves this ,from his teammates and my heart goes for him.And now the feeling is more prominent that I want him to lift the cup,to feel the euphoria, if that is compensating.I'm curious to know what he must have said to the team after the upheaval,but i guess I' m concocting suspense as we all know the answer ,he 'll like to go out and let his cricket do the talking.

Happy reading :-)

Oh Adam! Stay Put

The Idea for this blog struck me during COMBAT , combat to wriggle my way through a nasty Traffic
Jam,one of such where if you are IN ,boy oh boy! you are in ,for ages. One which is part of your worst nightmares,one where in every second you scold the the prime minister,the authorities,your work and even yourself for being such muddle head to pick this very way,this very time and this very date.
We begin The  JAM  JOURNEY on a lighter note throwing banters at our friends and family.Looking around taking a moment off,Try to talk through this interminable adventure reciting anecdotes ,stories and incidents with the issue at hand being epicenter secretly hoping for freedom.Gradually the occasion starts to get the better of us with our eyes looking  for a way out,either to a fellow in another car or at the traffic signal in utter desperation as we are days without Nature's Call.Animated becomes the new trend and we start finding  Culprit with our razor sharp eye and suddenly everyone fits our bill of rarest of the rare amounting to million years at GITMO bay.Once a gentleman is now at receiving end our rip roaring hyperbole of abuse .
And if we are in hurry(which we always are in )the gravity of our emotions shall test my writing skills if I even make an attempt.Hundreds of civilized men spew vitriol in every manner known and our land of "Mi casa su casa " turns Satanic Road Rage.I wonder what hormonal change every one undergoes at same time coincidentally which  may even count for a wonderfull theory and why???.Are we all so frustrated with our lives ,angry to see our team loose at IPL ,baffled at escalating prices ,our job targets ,assignments and list goes on.Is it so or it's just me trying to Stephen Hawking "A brief history of Jam".Whatever the reason be,it reflects our real self sans the shade sans the caramel.As I was pondering trying to get to the intricate details a loud sound honked me out,and strange smile returned to my face seeing some space to maneuver.I accelerated throwing caution to the winds ,disposing my theory way behind and only one emotion prevails
Euphoria!!!!

Happy Reading!!!!!

Yes I Need a LEADER

Leadership qualities ,leader's trait ,leader's this and leader's that have been very much part of everyone's  curriculum in some or the other way and yes we all know the usual drill of  "LALIT NIBANDH "with elicitation marked by UTOPIAN ideas.If we all know these ideas do we leave them to our answer sheets . At least our top brass does.This piece does not intend to pinpoint or lash out at someone but is for me,and ordinary citizen and his aspirations. I shall not masquerade my views with sugar and go all out here.Even if I don't wish to but whenever I see our prime minister I form an image of BECHARA rather than a staunch person at helm of affairs.I ask Why?? and answer is right there in front,I don't need an educationist or economist to lead me,no we don't.But a person who can lead them ,lead us,the educationist the economists ,the bureaucratic alike and lead his cadre with a firm hand.Such a spellbinding leader that no opposition has audacity to question him. But even if they do question ,he doesn't reply back with lame SHAIRI but facts of truths.I know he I'm stating  superlatives here but that is the way it has to be rather should be.I am not of the view that our prime minister turns from a taciturn to a loquacious one in one night's time.Neither do i wish that he presents the nation with SPLIT BABY decision like king Solomon ,even if it is a secret desire no i don't expect it but at least I would rather be interested in a person who administers confidence in the masses by his sheer presence.One who  may "call a cow a cow and bull a bull".Speaks up when nation wants him to. In fact TALK THE WALK ,let the nation know Mr. prime minister ,we are all ears to you.Please do  not be mum lamb when barbed with inaction accusations.Throw your caution to the winds ,I  IMPLORE
And If you,one day shall come when chips are down and you say some wise words I'll believe you to my heart,root for you.
Happy Reading :-)
PS: These are my views and may seem biased ,readers are welcome to oppose and correct me.

Why Most Fables Have Such End

Before I start giving piece of my mind ,I'd like to mention NIKE,for whom my heart goes with deep empathy  for enduring one storm after the another as it is a brand associated with Tiger Woods,Lance Armstrong and Oscar Pistorius .After Armstrong , European football scandal now Oscar Pistorious is yet another sportsperson in docks ."BLADE RUNNER" as he is famously known as ,the 26 year old  is one of the most illustrious athlete in the sports milieus as he wronged millions by becoming first with prosthetic limbs to feature in London Olympics. He became hero to billions including me for he exhibited indomitable spirit to scale the peak.His life took a u turn on valentines day when his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was found murdered with him being prime accused.Multiple theories circulated since then and I would like to affiliate with none. I am not penning this article to accuse ,acquit or exculpate him but for the sole reason that if ,if he is found guilty ,once again the mystical halo shall burst.Ruptured faith,lost belief regarding "awesomeness"  for  sports icons shall usher in once again ,and It would hurt so bad.We people rejoice ,weep and exult for them each time they gear up as we see our dreams being fulfilled by them for example when Liu Xiang twisted his ankle at finals of the 110m hurdles at Beijing Olympics whole China cried for their Hero.These icons are a face to many of us and if Pistorious joins the ignominious brigade the very fabric shall be marred.
I wish deep down his innocence as I want to relive the the nail biting moments when we pray for a gold medal,the ADRENALINE rush when our team requires 12 runs off last 3 deliveries and anguish in defeats.
Imagine the life if none of them existed. :-((


Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   :-)

To See Or Not To See

Mobile phones being necessity or addiction has been a topic going on since time immemorial amongst the enlightened kind and i got to admit it does not make my head turn forget a fleeting thought  as I  find it devoid per se quality debate .Counting mobile phones out is OUT of question ,its just like a day without NATURE's CALL , ugh can't imagine of one.But before i start enlisting the pros and make this article one of the "many such" , i start harmonizing and many of u will, that we have a knack of  Nomophobia in each of us.We share a peculiar tendency of checking our cellphones even without any commotion.We stare ,we peer, but we do look ,its indispensable. Yes the frequency varies and each of us have different reasons regarding it.We anticipate someone and uneasiness grips us when long time passes.A study compared stress levels induced by the average case of a mobile addict to be on-par with those of "wedding day jitters" and trips to the dentists and another study's subjects checked their phones 34 times a day, not necessarily because they really needed to check them that many times, but because it had become a habit or compulsion.I then started to ascertain the reasons behind this habit and i squared on to 2.Firstly , every time we receive a call or sms,its something NEW,our brain likes this idea as its often nice or harbinger of one.Secondly, every time there is a sms,we get a positive jolt that we are an important person,this is addictive and once the brain becomes accustomed to this positive feedback, reaching out for the phone becomes an automatic action you don't even think about consciously.And i guess these reasons apply to FACEBOOK addiction as well,we are happy to see the sheer number of notifications ,don't we??I don't want to sound like a PUNDIT having cracked a code and shout EUREKA on top of my voice,neither do I want to pin point like a critic.But if this is introspection i tried and i'd like to think and write more on this,and would love if the readers add their views for it'll help all of us grow...
Happy reading ...  :-)

Able Abe

The name fascinated me in the first place ,"ABE" and it just lingered on for days to come.Abe as Abraham Lincoln was known to near and dear was a was not only the 16th President of the USA but also a iron willed commoner who had the tenacity to fight every odd.His story appears like a fable superficially but faced hardships galore ,too much for a single hand to handle.Lincoln's distinctively human and humane personality and historical role as savior of the Union and emancipator of the slaves created a legacy that endures. His eloquence of democracy and his insistence that the Union was worth more than individualistic sentiments and embody the ideals of self-government that all nations strive to achieve for he succeeded when stakes were high.He modeled a true democracy and was an epitome of grit, guts and gumption.He came from a humble background in Kentucky and lost his mother at 9 ,was alienated from his father,but it was his stepmother who encouraged him to read.At 22,he struck out on his own and started manual labor ,he was special with axe and switched jobs from shopkeeper to post master and during this time he started studying law.The war of BLACK hawk proved to be the turning point and abe never looked back.He was selected to Illinois legislature in 1834 and subsequently president in 1861.But soon after his election he faced a tide called CIVIL WAR.But stoic and excellent personality as he was ,with good diplomatic skills he won every sphere and united the states .
We can learn oodles from the Able Abe........