Wednesday, February 07, 2007

The Lake House

They say love knows no limitations. However romantic that may sound, we always know there is something that limits us. How I wish a love story would be so like the movie “The Lake House”
Here it starts, the literal timeless love. It revolves around a house by side of lake with a mailbox. Kate (Sandra Bullock) is a doctor in an uptown Chicago hospital in 2006. Alex (Keanu Reeves) is an architect in 2004. Did I get the years right? Sure I did.
The movie tells us a story of two (prospective) lovers separated by 2 years. One dwells in other’s past. One dwells in other’s future. Awesome screenplay slowly takes you through the ups and downs in their relationship. And what is their communication medium? The mailbox by the side of the lake house where they post letters so that each could read.
And a day comes when she finds him dead in her own hands on Valentine’s Day. No the movie doesn’t stop here. She knowing the future, tells him to stop on that road where he was supposed to meet with an accident. And tells him to wait there for 2 years and return back to the lake house. Where they meet in 2008 for the 2nd time.
Nothing I write about it will do justice to the concept so unnatural and heart-warming. Do watch it or ask me for that DVD- pro bono. And yes, don’t forget to watch the first time they meet.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Laxmi-Keshav

The lay-off program has worked positively for me a number of ways. Apart from getting time to read some ground-breaking books like “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” and “Psychology of Selling”, I personally got time to do what I love the most: traveling.
Since childhood, when I last visited it, I wanted to know the history of my kuldevat (God or Goddess of a race)-Laxmi Keshav (Lord Vishnu). So this time around, I thought I will do some nosing around and get a little knowledge about it. Here is where and what I found out.

1)The serene temple of Laxmi-Keshav is located in Kolisare. Barely a village, it is 45 km from the town of Ratnagiri in South Konkan. An ST bus for Jaygad drops you at a cross-road which connects you to Kolisare. You have to take a rickshaw from there.

2)As you walk down the red-soil, you come across steps which take you to the backside of the temple. The temple is about 700 years old. Though it was been rejuvenated lately, it still has the archaic look-and-feel.

3) Last registered, about 800 years ago, the statue of laxmi-keshav goddess was hidden in the “Rankala Talav” in Kollhapur. The reason being anti-hindu attacks. After being there for 200 years, she gave a spiritual message through a dream to 3 individuals-Joshi, Vichare and Kane. Living in a village of Varavde, these people got a message to move her out and establish her elsewhere.

4) The place decided was a village of Reel in Konkan. So the campaign started. After moving her close to Reel, they camped overnight in Kolisare. Second day, the statue was unmovable to any human force. After trying for a day, the again slept overnight. In a second spiritual message, the goddess told them to establish her here itself and not else where. The day sthapana (establishment) happened, a miraculous water-fall started near to her feet.

5) The water still runs pure and clean. The “Panchsukt Pavman” abhishek is done by that water only. The temple brings in its wake the calmness and new degree of spirituality. It was a heaven-like experience for me.

This information was provided to me by Mr. Sudhir Phadke. He and his family have been with the temple for generations. I thank him a lot in appreciation. Hope all the “Shandilya Gotra” Joshi’s find this informative. And yes just so you know, don’t forget to visit your kul-devat at least once a year.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

The Alchemist

The art of Alchemy is ancient. Simply defined, it’s the process of turning lead in Gold. There is a solution/stone that when touched with, the thing turns in gold. Pioneering the same is a person called as an Alchemist.
Though Coelho’s book teaches us the moral of following our dreams, there is something else that we should understand from it. Reading between the lines, we observe that every human being in his/her life meets an Alchemist- A person who turns that lead of a person, into gold. But that comes after his destiny as a “lead” is fulfilled. Everyone/Everything has to fulfill his destiny. Before that, no matter what you do, you will not be able to transform yourself.
But the law of nature is very rewarding. It lets you meet your alchemist at that very time when your destiny as lead has been fulfilled. Then he comes, with a philosopher’s stone and touches you. The transformation is not easy. Shedding old characteristics and donning new one, is not a cakewalk. It takes tremendous persistence, patience and belief in the alchemist to help you transform into gold.
Every one has that luxury, but not the wisdom.

It takes an open mind to know who your alchemist is. It teaches your one lesson: never underestimate anyone. Who knows, he might be your “Alchemist.”

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Lingo!

1. Shakespear once said " What's in the name?"
I repeat" Whats in the name, as long as i get your number right."

2. Never say the phrase, " Its a different ball-game" when you are with a woman.

3. If we most of the time we are finding solutions to organize things, why is a company called an "Organization" ?

4. Why is it called a "Beauty Parlor", when most of the people going over there are not beautiful?

Do you have anything to add?

Monday, November 27, 2006

Ram

There is short track from film "Swades" that I just love.

"Ram hi toh karuna mein hai, shaanti mein raam hai
Ram hi hai ekta mein, pragati mein raam hai
Ram bas bhakton nahin shatru ke beech chintan hai
Dekh taj ke paap raavan, ram tere mann mein hai
Ram tere mann mein hai, ram mere mann mein hai
Ram toh ghar ghar mein har, ram har aangan mein hai
Mannse raavan jo nikaale, ram uske mann mein hai."

It means
" Ram (lord), is in compassion and silence.
Ram is also in unity and progress.
He is not only in his disciples, but also in his enemy's penance.
Oh, Raavan, introspect and you will find Ram is in your mind.
He is in your soul, He is my soul, He is every house, every yard.
He is in the soul of those who kill ravaan from their mind."

Purify thyself!

Friday, November 24, 2006

Phone calls

" Ignoring phone calls is a gambit reserved for dolts and egomaniacs. "

- Paul Hawkinson , Publisher, Fordyce Letter- in an article on ERE.

Which one are you?

Friday, November 17, 2006

Aerobics

Aerobics. I didnt know squat about it before I joined it. Morning batch 7:15 to 8:15. Sole guy. What would you do?
First day, I couldnt understand what was going on. They were jumping from one side to one side on what I can call as a high-beat music. But as they say "In rome, do as the romans do." I followed the lead. But the rhythm was too hard to get. And I wasnt even aware of the terminology!
Then there was solace with the mat's. Oh! Wait a minute, it was hard too! With 30 crunches ,at the end you wont feel your muscles. I felt like "mere pet pe kisne laat maari hai." But all said and done, when I walked out after a cool-down "Shavasan", I never felt so fresh and energetic.
Aerobics is all about toning your body bringing flexibilty in and increasing your stamina. If you got to do it, do it right.
Its very important that you concentrate on what your instructor is telling and not on the cute girl besides you. :-)
Come on guys, get on the tracks and move "side-to-side right."

Monday, November 13, 2006

The Departed

I am phonetic for english movies. And especially action movies with a plot. If you love this, then " The Departed " is your heaven. Not only the film has Martin Scoresce as the director, but a punching starcast with Jack Nicholson (Costello), Leornado Di Caprio (Billy), Matt Damon (Colin), Mark Whalberg (Dignam) and Martin Sheen (Queenan)
The broad plot, is that Costello is a mafiosi, in downtown Boston. He adopts Colin, trains him as a policeman, and helps him get in the Detecive unit of state police. So Colin is the rat. Wait thats not it.
Billy, who backround is criminal, is also aspiring to be a detective. But as test, he sent undercover as rat in Costello's unit. As the plots unfolds, there are other shocks that come through.
Through foul language,and awesome screenplay, Scorese justifies the film to the fullest. Dont forget to watch till the end. Its one "fucking" movie!
And also, analyze this " Cops or Criminals. When you are facing a loaded gun, what's the difference."

Friday, November 10, 2006

Quote-Unquote

" It doesnt matter who does it for the first time. What matters is who does it right."
-Steve Ballmer (CEO, Microsoft),
Answered, when asked why Microsoft is the one to follow the footsteps of competitors.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Blue Brain

There is a area in your brain (not mine!), that is called as a neocortex. This region helps to adapt yourself so effectively to the changing world. In this area, you will find a structure called as a Neocortical Column. It marks the quantum leap from reptiles to mammals and therefore constitutes the birth of mammalian intelligence and the emergence of human cognitive capabilities. The NCC seems to have been such a highly successful microcircuit design, that it was repeatedly copied to become almost 80% of the human brain (millions of columns were added).
Wonder why I am writin all this? Well there is a project which is bein carried out by IBM and Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Laussane (EPFL) which is called the "Blue Brain"
The project aims at building a human brain replica. But the next 2-3 years is devoted only to build replica of the NCC mentioned above.
Read here about it and wonder!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Happy Employees

" It is believed that happy employees are productive employees. Research shows that productive employees are happy employees."

- Dr. Debashish Chatterji (Prof: IIM Lucknow)

Monday, October 30, 2006

Konkan Photo-Log

Here in graphic detail, I explain how our konkan trip was.

1)6:30 AM: We started through chandani chowk to head for Paud. Its a hamlet about 20 kms from pune. The sun is just about to rise......

2) 7:30 AM: As you move ahead of Paud, there is a place called Tamahni. About 40 kms ahead of Paud, the much awaited Tamahani ghat starts......

3) 8: 30 AM: Through twists and turns and hopless roads we reach a scenic place. Relization dawns tha we are nothing in front of mother nature.......

4) 9:30 AM: Its breakfast time. We stop at a place called Surabhi about 84 kms from Pune. The Mumbai district border begins....

5) 10:30 AM: We reach the cross road which marks the start of the Konkan's archtypal "red sand." Srivardhan is just 75 kms now....

6) 11:30 AM: Connecting from Mandgaon, we miss the Lonere turn towards Srivardhan. 20 kms up, we realize we need to trak backwards and turn left for Srivardhan. Srivardhan still is 50 kms....

7) 12:30 P:M: Taking right from a village called Mhalsa, we finally reach Diweagar. The road was better, but the sun was not. After visiting the "Golden Ganapati" temple, we head off to the beach....

8) 1:30 PM: We have heartful lunch and start for Srivardhan which is about 17 kms from Diweagar. We encounter another beach mid-way....

9) 2:30 PM: We hit Srivardhan and go directly to the beach. The water @ knee-deep was very cool......

10) 3:30 PM: We moved out of Srivardhan around 3:00 PM. The aim was to reach Mandgaon before 4:30. Admist, my bike encountered a fuel supply problem.....

11) 4:30 PM: Reached Mandgaon. At a local service station, the guy said that fuel-supply pipe was clogged due to dust/carbon particles. My bike couldnt idle, so we decided to go idle for a while...

12) 5:30 PM: The problem is not that grave. With a little skill we could manage to drive safely. Pune is still 100 kms. We pray and kickstart....

13) 6:30 PM: We reach the cross road which connects us to tamhini. The roads are worst and driving is a pain. The sun starts to set.....

14) 7:30 PM: The tamhini ghat is crossed half-way through.Kudos to my bike for bearing the kind of roads we just traveled. Pune stands about 50 kms still.....

15) 8:30 PM: A stop over at mulshi. Little relief from the pain as it was moving up to the neck. A call home to tell we are reaching in 45 minutes....

16) 9:30 PM: After dropping Umesh at his home, I finally reach my alma mater. The water is boiling hot. I am off for a soothing bath..


nah... No pictures there :-)

So this is how the day ended. You can find the statistics in the post before this.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Konkan Road-Way Statistics

Here's what I did on Saturday.

  • Objective--> Travel to Konkan on my bike.
  • Riders--> Moi and Umesh
  • Vehicle--> Bajaj Pulsar DTSI 150 CC (Definately Male!)
  • Proposed Distance--> 320 Kms
  • Travelled Distance--> 416 Kms
  • Take 0ff--> 6:00 AM
  • Touch Down--> 9:30 PM
  • Places Visted:- Diweagar, Srivardhan.
  • Travel Route:- Pune--> Paud--> Tamhini--> Mandgaon--> Lonere Phata--> Mhalsa--> Diweagar--> Srivardhan--> Mhalsa-->Mandgaon--> Tamhini--> Paud--> Pune.
  • Petrol Required--> About 8 liters.
  • Biking Hours--> 13
  • Comment--> A ride of a life, experience of a lifetime.

Want to see more about the story of grit and determination? Stay tuned....

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Phoolon ke rang se.......

Phoolon Ke Rang Se Dil Ki Kalam Se Tujhko Likhi Roz Paati
Kaise Bataaoon Kis Kis Tarah Se Pal Pal Mujhe Tu Sataati
Tere Hi Sapne Lekar Ke Soya Teri Hi Yaadon Mein Jaaga
Tere Khayaalon Mein Uljha Raha Yoon Jaise Ki Maala Mein Dhaaga

Haan Badal Bijli Chandan Pani Jaisa Apna Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Humein Kayi Kayi Baar
Haan Itna Madir Itna Madhur Tera Mera Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hameh Kayi Kayi Baar

Sanson Ki Sargam Dhadkan Ki Beena Sapnon Ki Geetanjali Tu
Man Ki Gali Mein Mehke Jo Hardum Aisi Juhi Ki Kali Tu
Chhota Safar Ho Lamba Safar Ho Sooni Dagar Ho Ya Mela
Yaad Tu Aaye Man Ho Jaaye Bheed Ke Beech Akela

Haan Badal Bijli Chandan Pani Jaisa Apna Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Humein Kayi Kayi Baar
Haan Itna Madir Itna Madhur Tera Mera Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hameh Kayi Kayi Baar

Purab Ho Paschim Uttar Ho Dakshin Tu Har Jagah Muskuraye
Jitna Hi Jaoon Main Door Tujhse Utni Hi Tu Paas Aaye
Aandhi Ne Roka Pani Ne Toka Duniya Ne Hanskar Pukara
Tasveer Teri Lekin Liye Main Kar Aaya Sab Se Kinara

Haan Badal Bijli Chandan Pani Jaisa Apna Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hume Kayi Kayi Baar
Haan Itna Madir Itna Madhur Tera Mera Pyar
Lena Hoga Janam Hameh Kayi Kayi Baar
Kayi Kayi Baar
Kayi Kayi Baar

Wonder when I will get to sing this song......

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Very Happy Diwali

To My.....
Readers, Fellow bloggers, Critics and Community Friends:
"Let there be more light
and prosperity this year.
Let there be more sweets
and hugs that endear.
Let this Diwali, in its wake,
Bring you moments, surreal
."


Hitch

Want to impress you loved one? Want to make your crush take a notice of you? Want to understand how women think? Grab a DVD of " Hitch".
Its tagged as a romantic comdey, starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes (Oomph!), Kevin James et the party! The central theme is a take-off from a "date doctor" or a "romance consultant" concept played by Will Smith. Eva plays a coumn gossipist for a mid-day daily , while Kevin James (King of Queens fame) plays one of his client.
See the movie, because there is nothing I can tell that will do justice to the same. I loved one of the lines and I have to mention it here;
Eva- " So,what do we toast for."
Will- " Ok, Lets see. Dont ever Lie, Steal, Cheat or Drink. If you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink to the moments that take your breath away."
Let me know how you find it....


Monday, October 16, 2006

Unreasonable

I have heard this term umpteen number of times. Unreasonable.Dont be unreasonable. Dont demand unreasonably. That's an unreasonable deal. Blah, Blah, Blah.....
What exactly is being unreasonable? Let's try and find out. Shall we?
G.B Shaw says that ""The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man." Thats Shaw. Its true, that if we behave in a reasonable manner we accept things as they are and loose the power to change them. But I wish to touch the aspect of relationships over here.
Unreasonablity is always there a pure love relationship. This is because Love itself is unreasonbale. But that on the positive side is enjoyed by everybody. If a husband buys astronomically expensive gift for his wife, he is being unreasonble. But the wife sure enjoys that.
But when that unreasonablity strikes on the negative side, its not acceptable. What is wrong if the same husband behaves in a manner that is not logically acceptable?
It exists in each and every relationship. If people learn to accept, there will be no divorces and fights over petty issues. As they say, you tend to hate them the most whom you have loved most in the first place.
Try being unreasonable and accept the unreasonablity too....

Friday, October 13, 2006

Traffic Jam-2

After my first post on Traffic Jam, here is an addition to the philosophy:
























Traffic



Life



Baggage



Ever
seen a vehicle with truckload of baggage moving fast on the road? No. The
more the load, the less the efficiency, more the fuel consumption. Then they
are stereotyped as the “heavy vehicles.” Plus, more toll on the highways :-)



Ever
seen a successful human being bogged down by past-tense or surroundings? No.
The more you dwell in your past failures (read as baggage), less the concentration,
more unproductive work. Then they are stereotyped as the “lay man.” Plus,
more toll on the mind due to excessive baggage.





Tuesday, October 10, 2006

The language of Love

How many languages have you mastered? English, Hindi, German or perhaps French. You know there are two more languages that don’t have an official course. Body Language and Love Language.
Lets talk about the sweetest language, the Language of Love. I am not talking about the endearing talk between newly married couples. Incidentally the language manifests where all the other languages fail to convey something. This is the language helps us to understand the, subconsciously, what are loved ones are trying to convey.
Did you hear that? Someone is thinking about you right now. Someone is praying for you. It’s the language in which a new born baby talks to his mother. It’s the language in which a paraplegic husband talks to his wife. It’s the language in which two people in love miles apart talk.
No messenger. No broadband. No email. Simple wireless connectivity. Go ahead, connect!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Optimism

What do you think is the height of optimism? I will tell you what it is for me....
  1. I believe that this is not my last visit on earth.
  2. I believe that I will meet all my loved ones once again even after I die.
  3. I believe that I will talk to my near and dear one's even after they die.
  4. I believe that life is not a one-stop phenomenon. We will keep meeting in different forms in different era's.
  5. I believe that if I medidate with utter purity, I will talk to god himself.

Please god, render me pure. So that there will be no fear, no doubt, no disbelief.....