Manmohan's New cabinate! Mix of Young and experienced.

Well, Dr. Manmohan Singh has expanded his cabinet. Here's the list of council of ministers . As you can see the key ministries have been retained by Congress, which apparently got the larger mandate to rule the nation. However, from the post expansion interviews it did appear, the trio of Sonia, Dr. Singh, and Rahul, had worked out a decent solution to keep the allies happy as well as ensure good governance.

The only sore point (may be) is the Railway going to Mamta Bannerjee of Trinamul Congress. There is no denying that her party had a major role in keeping the Left out of national politics and also helping UPA securing good number of seats. My apprehension of her being part of the govt, is only the fear related to her anti-economic policies. Remember her stand in the Nano fiasco?? No doubt the way the land was grabbed by the state govt. of WB was not right. The only pain point was her hijacking this issue by going anti-Nano and progress, instead of finding a peaceful solution. Hoping the famous Trio, keeps her's and nation's interest at best.

Anyways, it was good to see Sashi Taroor, given an Mos of External Affairs. Though, many could argue, how can a First time MP be part of a ministry.? We should see the silver lining here, because he is well versed with world politics, especially of those in US, and also his influence and lobby there. His inclusion can only help us in these times where India has plans to make larger impact in global affairs. Good luck to Tarur.

Another good thing about this cabinet is S.M Krishna (from Bangalore. Hurray!!!) given an all important External Affairs ministry. Wishing he does as good as his tenure in Bangalore. (Read Not Karnataka! Pun intended :) )

The distribution of the ministries irrespective of party lines, also suggests Dr. Singh's larger need for deliverence. He's got a deep regard to respect the verdict of the nation. His insistence of closely watching key portfolios is an indication of that.

May the days of vote bank based and caste or religion based politics be gone, and an onus of performance and merit based work be back!

Good luck to UPA2 MMS team.

Cheers and Jai Hind!

UCL Final reads Barca 2 : 0 Man United!!

Last night was end of another grand end to the yet another exciting finale. Messi and co. mercilessly kept Manchester united at bay, both on the attack front as well as in defending. It was a glorious end to the season, but the better glory rested with Barca. United had to contend with Carling Cup/World Cup/English league. Not a poor line up of silver wares though!

Right from word go, United pressed the attack button to the fullest, with Ronaldo getting quite few shots on goal. To some, it appeared Ronnie was trying to brush of his nervousness of a big game and sending offward shots towards the goal. During the first 10 minutes, barca were literally struggling for possession as the Red Devils kept the ball all over the field and away from them.

Barca's true class was proven when they struck a golden goal in the 11th minute. Unbelievably it was with their first ever proper touch and first attempt at goal. This was a stunner and as unbelievable it was to players as well as for fans. Because till then, Van Der Sar, was just a mute spectator. As the commentators mentioned, shockingly VDS's first touch of the ball on the night was to pick the ball from back of the net. Eto's penetration of the penalty area was a display of magical wriggling and it produced a cheeky goal. Sigh!!

Following the goal, United literally became nervous and produced some unforced errors. Their body language suggested that. Similar mistakes were visible in Emirates, when United went one up, in the initial minutes of the match in the semifinal against Arsenal. Just like it was then, United could not really come back into the game, barring few threats from Ronnie and Rooney, there was hardly any direct attempt on goal which can be mentioned.

As many believe the battle is won on the midfield, the supply chain of Barca, proved to be superior to United's. This was just not our day I felt. Since me ain't an expert not sure what could have gone wrong at the United end, whether it was team composition or tactics, one can never know. I am 100% convinced this team is a World beater. The lineup is of the envy of most clubs around the world, one just needs to look at United's bench strength to assess the same.

Anyways all said and done. Had to believe what Messi's been saying all the while before the match. They did deserve to win, considering it was their come back year, after a 3 year slump. With Spain being the Euro champs, it was only appropriate Barca had to claim both Spanish and European club glory. Kudos to their effort. I really wished being a neutral to have enjoyed the class game that was on.

But United it is for me. Feel bad for the lads, but they didnot appear like a cakewalk anytime of the game, barca still had to work they way around the wall of Vidic and Rio.

Ok Treble is good and now FA Cup and CL are the towers to be conquered next season.

Cheers Man United!

India Votes '09

Yes the results are stunning. Anti-Incumbency is so consistent and regular in Indian polity, that even the most optimistic political analyst would not have predicted this result. Anyways, Its clear the mandate is for a stable government. Now whether its for a secular govt or not, the point is highly debatable.

From a development perspective, the team Dr. Manmohan Singh heads is highly credible. In their previous tenure for more than half their run, the Left's anti-development policies, kept them from going ahead and presenting many bills. This again brings joy to me, knowing they are far from poking their nose in the present govt.

Before the elections, I had the following predictions/expectations.

1. Left had to be taught a lesson
2. BJP, realising Karnataka is no Gujarat.
3. NDA forming a fringe alliance govt, with Advani a PM atlast!!

Was glad to see the way my predictions number 1 and 3 went, but the way urban Bangalore chose to ignore the misdoings the present govt were doing since they were in power, disheartened me a bit. But anyways hoping the 3 MPs do good justice to city that sent them to the parliament.

Congress is infamous for the license and babu raj they brought to the bureaucracy system. Now since they have been voted back to power, they have a huge responsibility in serving the nation better. Quite few assembly election dates are nearing in the coming years . Only if Rahul Gandhi delivers on his words, will the electorate feel that they made the right choice.

I would definitely like to see the young brigade of Scindiya Sachin Pilot and Milind Deora and ofcourse Rahul Gandhi to enter into governance too. Rahul has proved his grassroot strength by shifting the tide in congress's favour in UP. By entering the system, he can sure bring in about some reforms as well.

Boman Irani @ IIMB campus, Bangalore, for Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots shoot

Yes Aamir Khan is back in Bangalore. This time for shooting Raju Hirani's 3 Idiots. The movie is based on Chetan Bhagath's best selling novel "Five Point Someone". Aamir along with Sharman Joshi and Madhavan play the 3 protagonists. When we visited the campus, (my office is just opposite to it), shooting was not in progress, but Boman Irani was having a candid chat with folks there. That is when we got this picture taken.



I asked him, if he's playing Professor Cherian, for this he replied, they have changed the name and did not confirm if he is actually playing it. He said jokingly the press is here, so he cant give much details now :)

The tea shop boy told us that the shooting schedule starts at about 8:30 PM in the night, and they will have a schedule for about a month in the campus taking the hostel shots.

Watch this space for more :)

UPDATE : got a spot on rediff.com too for this pic. :)

Ghajini Review: Aamir Khan roars!!

Ghajini is an out an out action thriller set at the backdrop of romance and revenge drama. Its almost a frame 2 frame remake of Tamil hit Ghajini, which was originally inspired by Memento. Since I loved both the versions. It was difficult to expect anything newer or better from the Hindi version. So the verdict would mostly revolve around "did the makers ensure the benchmarks are met". Its a definite 'A' for being able to meet the gigantic expectations. No, the director has not disappointed you.

Powered by: Chakpak.com	Ghajini

The high points are the few thrills that are part of the narrative, the edge of the seat kinds.

While avoiding comparisons, Aamir is done a terrific job playing a confused and furious person in search of the killer of girl friend. His corporate getup was styled differently and looks convincing. I can already sense, the style being a rave shortly in the corporate dressing. His toned up body looks fab, and justifies few of the over the top fights.

Asin has won my heart again, din't think she would be able to do so, repeating the feat she did 2 years ago. In few of the reels she literally stole the movie from Aamir. The climax is different and is better picturised.

Overall when you leave the theatre you do feel if you missed something.. I can only sum up the following could be why i felt so..

1. I knew the story and could predict the dialogues in advance.
2. The length was a mild problem
3. The action sequences looked dated in parts, one blow and 4 on the ground.
4. The originals were too good to repeat it.

Oh I wished, I had the bliss of not having watched the originals, to take a fresh look at it.

For the humongous effort of the team, go watch it if you are hungry for masalas beyond cakes and wine this holiday season..

8/10

Fun with Photofunia

One among the best new killer startups, Photofunia.com is an online tool to morph images u upload to fit into a frame or a template. The templates are mostly celebrity like posters on walls or screens. You just select a frame and browse to an image on your system, within seconds the tool analyzes the pic and gives a formatted and almost real life shot of the frame. It uses face detection technique to get the perfect frame.

Its simple and fast, have fun playing around..

Here some I have done for my friends..

A-kill

Ghajini Hai Guzarish, song promo

Official website http://www.rememberghajini.com

Aamir Khan's Ghajini trailer

Well the first look of Aamir Khan's hindi version of Ghajini is out, and it looks promising..

First promo still..

A funny incident followed the revelation of this still. One of the tattoo marks on Aamir's biceps accidentally turned out to be a phone number of one Dr. Sulekha. She started receiving calls asking about Aamir and other stuffs. With the number of mobile users in India, I guess no number can be assumed to be a random one.

White water River Rafting at Barapole, Coorg

A team of about 50 packed snacks and gears and set out for a 5 hour drive to Barapole, south coorg. The event was part of a one day adventure outing for the employees of Honeywell, Bangalore. The event itself was divided into two parts. A 150 metre long river crossing exercise followed by the white water rafting.

River crossing was conducted over a running river stream over a rope stretched for about 150 meters, tied strongly against two trees at each end. We were padded with gears and tied to the rope from our waist. Crossing was a good warmup we thought. The excitement was not much since, the rope itself was tied as a slop to the other end. This meant that, we would not have to do much to do the crossing, just drifting along the slant meant we would reach the other end anyways. But nevertheless it was a good start to the exciting end of the day we were about to witness.

Next, we were taken to the river bed, it was about 30 minute drive to the Barapole. Clear instructions were given by the organisers, Ace paddlers, on how the rafting would be conducted. The package considered the fact that, none of us have done river rafting before. Teams were divided into batches of 4 5 or 6. Each raft had one coach.

Once we all settled into our respective rafts, each of our Coach gave us a crash course on the commands , viz - forward, back paddle, left forward and the right backs! The practise session went for about 15 minnutes before we actually started the raft ride!

It was a thrilling experience rafting our way through the currents, hitting the rocks. We were allowed to get into the water with our life jackets on. And for most non-swimmers(including me), it was a exciting experience being afloat. We had 3 rapids , the last one was arguably the best of the three and that was when we reached our end of the raft.

Overall a wonderful day out and for an adventure enthusiastic crowd like ours.

Touchy Feely : Article by Chetan Bhagat

Nice article for engineers trying their luck on coffee tables!!!

I remember the incident - I was in a restaurant and one girl in our group was especially charming. So I, like any other male, tried to put on a wooing act. You know the routine, a nanosecond extra eye contact, a few more nods to whatever she says, and attempts to throw in those one-liners which you know you wouldn't if she weren't there. And it seemed to be working. She leaned forward when she spoke to me, and every now and again, we'd have a small conversation of our own, separate from our group. She laughed at my approach with the fork and knife, and I teased her about her hair band, which had little teddy bears. Yes, we were flirting. A while later, she asked me the question what did I study? I said engineering, without any particular meaning attached to it. And then like a cold metal rail, she went stiff.


My jokes weren't funny any more. Her eyes wandered to everyone else.

What was it?

Why? Why? Why?


Two days later, I still couldn't get over my great start that had dissipated listlessly upon mentioning my education. Engineer? What was wrong with that? My mom had wanted me to become one since I was five! I had to call her. 'So what happened to you that day, hot and cold, missie?' And then she said, trying to be nice, 'Well, it's just that I am skeptical about engineers as friends. I don't know, they can be, you know, very logical and everything...not very touchy feely'.


Not touchy-feely. Now what the heck did that mean? Well, she obviously did not mean it literally, since girls don't really suggest that sort of stuff, certainly not in the first meeting across the table. I guessed it was something to do with feelings, sort of having an emotional side. The
stereotype being, the nerdy guy who sees relationships like laws of physics, to whom love is just a bunch of chemicals going crazy in your brain, and getting to know a person means obtaining their bio-data.

It's time to set the record straight.

It's true that a lot of what engineers study (and they end up studying quite a lot), has to do with formulaes, laws and numbers. No matter how hard we try, some of the vocabulary we read all day gets into our language. So when my mother said, 'Are you getting married next year or not?' I was liable to say, 'Well, at this moment in time, the probability is relatively low,' and felt it was completely normal to say it. And when my sister went sari shopping and couldn't explain the shade she wanted, I told the shopkeeper the percentages of pink, orange and red in the sari.

Yet, ladies, I don't think we're bad at relationships, love and getting to know people. We too, can be touchy-feely, as that is part of our education as well. The reason for this is that most engineering students live in the ultimate educator - boy's hostels. Now, let me explain how this plays into this 'touchy-feely' thing. Relationships. Imagine eating, sleeping, brushing your teeth, bathing (ok rarely this one) and partying with the same people all the time. So, when you are kicking that bathroom door down for the tenth time, or when you stand in line for 'gulab-jamuns' in the mess, and when you are done with the vodka bottle and sharing all your secrets, you know it is good practice. Yes, hostels maketh the man.

So, next time you are in a flirtatious situation with the techno types, go on, flirt a bit more. Of course, I am biased towards my kind, but if you find the conversation turning too geeky, just ask them, 'So, what were your hostel days like?' and chances are, you'll see a heart behind the calculator. Coming back to my missie, I thought of what would make me win her over. Flowers... too cheesy. Music... don't know her taste (nor trust mine). Teddy bears... don't even go there.

Desperate for some good lines, I just turned it right back at her. 'Yes, I know what you are saying about engineers. The thing is, unless people with depth like you start hanging out with us, we won't get any better. Can you meet me some time for some touchy/feely... oops, I mean coffee/tea?'


She giggled. When they giggle, you have won.


- Chetan Bhagat

A Circus called MTV Roadies

What are the similarities between a Circus and MTV Roadies 5.0.? Circus has clowns, so has and are the "Roadies" . Circus has a ringmaster, so has Roadies in the form of Spectacled and bald Ragu. You have acts in circus, well you have tasks in Roadies. You have a naive audience for circus, ditto for Roadies, including myself.

The best part of the Roadies, as often its been for the past few years, is the auditions. The production team ensured the auditions are as controversial, graphic and spicier than they can get. Well, have they won the TRP game?, yes they have. Auditions would be hot topic every now and then. The final 11 Roadies line up was as disappointing as the auditions went. This time the game went international, from Goa to Kaula Lumpur.

Roadies, in my opinion is everything an individual should NOT be doing in this Team oriented world. Being bitchy, backstabber, cheat are the "cool" things a Roadie can do to proceed in the game. Well I do understand this a game, where one has to survive no matter what, my primary fear is the misconception that is created in the mind of the youth of today. Mistrust is all one lives with, without understanding the perils and beauty of human relationships and trust. Teams have done wonders.

Anyways, cant deny it, I was hooked on to the show towards the final weeks. The winner was announced this Saturday 24th May. In the last few weeks, it was evident the fight was between Ashu, Sonel and Nihal. Ashu and Nihal, made it to the final two. Nihal had this dubious record of being the most hated Roadie on the show. The hatred more so came from the female participants in the show, baring Sonel, whom Nihal along with Ashu considered his best pals. Their friendship ensured they remained till the end.

The final tasks were performed by the roadies who were voted out in earlier rounds. And considering the drama the show had in preceding weeks, the final was a downer. A dull and out Sonel, decided who among Nihal and Ashu would be the eventual winner. So it was Ashu, the Jatt Dhaabewaala from Haryana who was crowned the winner of the show.

Attitude, the only thing one can take away from this show. A roadie's attitude comprises of never say die, dont care what others say or think about you and if needed f*** anyone to get ahead in the game of life!

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A cool Graffiti animation.

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

IPL : Bangalre RC v Hyd DC 3rd May 08

Thanks to my friend Rahil, I got a chance to watch one of the Bangalore's home game live. The atmosphere was electrifying from the start. We painted our faces with RC and Indian tri-colors. We were 14 of us, and each had worn white T-Shirts with each sporting a printed letter in the word ROYAL CHALLENGE. I held the letter 'L' . Our main intent, even before we came for the match was to ensure we appear on TV. We tried our best with slogans and other gestures, the cameramen refused to pan our wards, or so we thought.



Well, for the match, it started with Laxman captain of Hyd winning the toss and electing to field first. We all cursed him for doing so, as we could have been treated with some Gilly magic, had Hyd batted first. Bangalore started of decently, but nothing was exciting about their innings. Most the shots played were akin to test or one day matches. It was only towards the end that, Dravid and others fired to reach a total of 156.



With the depth and talent in the Deccan's lineup, the target seemed fairly gettable. We were all excited to atleast watch some fireworks from Gilly or Gibsy. The first two overs were very crucial and tight. And thats when, I realised, hey Bangalore can win this! Later they bowled some tight spells with Dale Styne leading the attack. Man he has was so fast on the pitch, from the stands it appeared as though he was firing bullets. Laxman and Rohit put up a good fight with a 50 each of them. The string of tight overs and wickets continued with Zaheer and Kallis. Kumble did prove little expensive though.



The last 4-5 overs were the most exciting. When Afridi came in, everyone felt he could finish it in just one over. We were witness to a spectacular diving catch by Dale Styne to send Afridi back home. This inspired everyone on and off the field, that Bangalore can win this battle afterall.

The drama went down to the last over. And our own Jumbo was given the ball. The scores reading 6 balls and 20 runs need, the first two ball went for a single each. It was the next two balls that sent shivers down Rahul's and everyone in the stadium's spine. Sanjay Bangar hit 2 consecutive sixes. Now the score read 2 balls and 6 runs needed.  If Sanjay connected this well and the ball went for a six ,  it was all over for the challengers. Blood had already run out of Dravid's face. The 5th ball was yorker length, and alas it went for just a single. And now it was 1 ball 5 runs, a 6 meant DC win, a 4 meant we could have a bowl out draw. Nobody in the stands wanted this to happen. And it happened, only a single was taken of the last ball.

By now me and my friends lost our voices due to excessive screaming and shouting..

What a match, what a victory, the best and the only full length IPL match i witnessed for this tournament!!! And was it worth it??

Banglaore Royal Challengers Vs Hyderabad Deccan Chargers

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Innovation - Amsterdam urinals.

Great idea!

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Tashan - Movie review.

The events portrayed around the characters dont look or sound practical or believable. With a end that it had, Tashan is on the disappointment path. It started off well, each of the characters were introduced in the style and stereotype that they would be portraying in the rest of the movie. Perhaps the proceedings were fine, till about middle of second half. Thats when the pace slows down and begins to drag. The sudden change in Kareena's character was difficult to digest and believe. Even Saif had a tough time believing her!!

The climax was a major let down. It was as if the director had no clue how to end it. So he used some wacky stunts and thrills best suited for B grade films, the one's with which Mithun chakroborthy was once associated with or like some of the over the top south Indian action flicks.

Having said that, there is no doubt the characters were likeable as well as worth remembering once you leave the screen. The phunny english lines of Anil kapoor, or the total Kanpuria basha of Akshay kumar, you laugh and do enjoy the proceedings. Another disappointing aspect if not something that lifts the movie, is its music.  Lack of catchy numbers is not going to any add recall value for the film either.

The lead characters have done their job, in the best manner they know to. in the acting department, you cannot think of anyone else doing any better , given the limitations of a great script. The production is of high quality. Understandable, for a YashRaj film. The visuals for songs and sequences are appealing and the effort of the team is visible. For a first time director, its a job completed. Yes it could have been better, if not for the final sequences.

It can be recommended for a one time watch, if one has liked the works of Anil, Kareena, Saif or Akshay in the past.

* * 1/2

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Road Rage - The new ill in the society!

Have you ever been involved in a war of words with others while on road? Or have you been witness to a traffic standstill because two parties ahead of you are just not agreeing or willing to give up on their causes. Atleast one of your answer could be a yes. Road rage is not uncommon on roads on metros these days. There are various factors and reasons that lead to a tiff. It could be a genuine mistake by one of the parties involved. But as is with most of us, we seldom accept our mistakes and refuse to admit it and leave alone take a abuse lying down.

Road rage could kill. Have a look at this article http://www.ibnlive.com/news/pregnant-woman-husband-thrashed-by-bus-drivers/63019-3.html?xml on IBN-Live. Nobody can ascertain whose fault it was. But one thing is certain, the consequences could have been fatal. Imagine a serious injury to the lady, or worst a unforced abortion. And all these can be avoided.

Our natural instinct in everything that goes wrong, is to find someone to blame for the same! Hence the moment we see something wrong, our senses immediately react and start pointing fingers. This explains our sudden anger on others. Even you and I have been in similar situations hurling a abuse or two on different accounts. A bad at work or home is mostly the source of our anger, and we look for excuses to vent it out on others. This idea of teaching others a lesson could lead to catastrophic results as we have been hearing in the news now and then.

Hence in my humble opinion, its best to exercise self restraint and avoid getting into arguments. Its easier to get provoked and your reaction could provoke further reactions and you never know how the chain reaction could be.

Trust me there is no pride lost or egos hurt than witnessing a loss of life.

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Aamir Khan Blogs!!

Yes its true, this blog is for real!! The Actor himself writes and reads all the responses. Even I couldn't believe this earlier when I read it in newspapers. Thought this was taken care by his production team. But when I observed him during the Ghajini remake shoot at Bangalore, I was made to believe that it was really him who is writing all those posts. He would come between shots and will be fully engrossed in his personal Sony Viao! Wow that was one sleek model..

On an average each of his posts attract about 500+ responses. It was startling to observe his earlier posts in which he makes it a point to respond to the responses themselves. Phew! this guy has lot of patience and dedication. It would be interesting to see how Aamir would deal with the increasing no. of responses each day. Also not all comments would be pleasant to read! Hope he understands the anonymity of the web, where anyone can disguise and say whatever they feel, without the fear of being caught.

But nevertheless hope to see more of his posts, and get direct info about him and his work. He should be moving to his personal site soon, which is in the making for quite some time now!!

Aamir Khan at ITPL, Bangalore for Ghajini remake shoot.

On a lazy sunday morning out of nowhere a friend calls up and tells me that Aamir Khan is in town for shooting. I rush to the location and find a sizable gathering already present at the shoot. Aamir had just arrived from his makeshift green room. As in the Tamil version, ITPL building was shown as the AirVoice office of which Aamir is the head. The scenes involving the office and building were being shot at the location.

Asin is the female lead with Jhia khan as the other actress. I remember watching Asin in amazement on screen in the Tamil version. Her's was one of the few author backed roles one can find on Indian celluloid. Thankfully since she was not a established or a seasoned actress, there was a raw and amateur freshness about her acting.

I guess for any Die Hard fan like me, this is for real a special day. A day you always dream would happen. And finally it did.. I was seeing my favorite actor live in flesh and blood..




Click on the image to view full size image.





Thats my pal Satish(left) staring at Aamir like a Luntt :P when am clicking him !!



Aamir meeting some fans after a shot :)



Aamir's official BMW for the film.


One of the Autorikshaw used for a scene. Lol!! we dint even spare the rik!!!

Aamir signing autographs

Thanks to papoouday

Aamir Khan's Official Blog!!

Cheers!!

Decided to make this blog tech free! Will continue to put new findings/howtos on my wordpress blog. Till then this is my chill out zone...