The 'S' Orbital...

Welcome to this World Nephew!

2011-12-31T14:45:00.004Z

On December 29^th at around 11 AM, my nephew was born in to this world. Weighing 3.10 kilogram’s a cute baby with thick crop of hair, he’s healthy and doing fine. Unlike many who try to check whose looks he inherits, I was excited to feel the tiny fellow and smell the peculiar smell of a newly born baby.

3 G (eneration) Family

My Best Friends Wedding

2011-12-18T04:01:00.001Z

My Best friend from Junior college, Wayne married his long time girlfriend Shiyin yesterday at Orlem. Thereafter me and Nitin attended the reception which was full of surprises. The wedding cake was made by the bride, the groom sang the first song to dance with the bride, later the bridesmaid sang the second song, His father sang another one in Hindi....Ohh this was the first wedding with so much different!

Year in Retrospect

2011-12-01T10:05:00.000Z

I stand at the bridge of the new year

Tons of water passed beneath

Memories taking me back in time

Raising a tide in my eyes

Decade since I left my teens

Taking stock of the gains

Aft thru the undesirable pains

My wallet jingles heavily

Yet poverty reigns my heart

Israel prisoner swap deal

2011-10-17T11:37:00.001+01:00

I am utterly surprised and flabbergasted...
I bought today's newspaper and to my surprise the leading Indian daily does not even mention the Israel- Palestinian Prisoner swap. What the bloody hell is happening. The whole of the Middle East is on tenterhooks and The US, Israeli, Egyptian and Saudi armies are on high military preparedness amid warnings of terrorist attacks to disrupt the prisoner exchange. The world is watching the swap and keeping their fingers crossed to see how it goes meanwhile the Indian print media is sleeping!?

Israeli Sgt Gilad Shalit who was seized in 2006 by Hamas militants who tunnelled into Israel will be swapped with over 1000 prisoners amidst mixed reactions in Israel. When the full list of the prisoners to be freed was published many were shocked and filled with anger at the price Israel was paying for a lone Solider disregarding the value of the lives of those killed by the convicted prisoners.

Mahabaleshwar Bike Ride

2011-09-19T11:02:00.001+01:00

This day a decade ago

2011-09-11T16:26:00.001+01:00

My first memory of the 11th September attacks on New York's twin towers goes back to 12th Sept 2001. I was traveling to Ratnagiri for the NCC Nau Sainik camp. We had taken the 2350 Konkan Kanya\Madgoan express on the 11th and had reached Ratnagiri next morning at around 0500 hours. I remember peeping in to a neighbors newspaper and then snatching it to see the front page with two full size pictures of the twin towers in flames.I read through the entire section hurriedly and glanced at the pictures, a scary feeling overcame me as the scale of the entire event dawned. Next day onwards i was shut out to the outside world while in the camp but the stories of the days events were a hot topic for over several months. very recently the successful Ops in getting Bin Laden has revived those horrifying pictures again. The scale of the disaster was the worst in world history and it changed the world for ever.

My Teacher

2011-09-05T11:07:00.002+01:00

Right from school through college i have come across so many teachers, its hard to say whose the best. Earlier teaching was a job of nobility and a teacher was the most revered person, respected and honoured by all. Now a days its become just another job and the most sought owing to the hours of duty, the holidays and the remuneration given.

This is specifically for my Teacher Abhaya Chitre i met while i was in T.Y.Bsc.; she was not of my college but helped me as her own. I was studing mathematics in Bhavans-Andheri and she was teaching at Ruia -Matunga. I was collecting notes for paper IV and was introduced by Mrs D Rao of my college. Abhaya maam turned out to be the most sweet, kind and not to forget beautiful teacher i have come across in college.

Your best student i was not
still you taught me the best.

Though a hopeless case was mine,

you gave me hope.

Courage you gave me in despair.

Trouble you took for a troublesome me.

I will forever remember you for the thankless guidance.

Wish you all the very best in Life

Happy Teacher's Day!

Happy friendship day!!!

2011-08-08T12:17:00.009+01:00

Hi and wish you a very Happy Friendship Day!!!

Though today is friendship day, there are moments in life when the feeling of being cared for by a friend is at it utmost peak.These are my most cherished moments but alas they last for only a few moments. Below are a few nostalgiac sms that i have recieved from my friends.

This one is the best from prakash. he rarely express himself, so this one from him is a diamond. Thanks Prakash for being my friend!

We met in EDS while doing night shifts together and went on to become my best pal i ever met at work so far. This day was when an incident brought out the rare wild side of prakash. Thinking of it later we always have a hearty laugh about it.

This one comes from another best friend from a long time and she has been by sob shoulder and the pace to turn for advise. Malisa.......i truly appreciate you being there for me.

We strike a chord with many things, i can comfortably discuss anything under the sun with her and i am as she calls me her "internet uncle" :)

Wayne is another of my close friend with whom we have spent the best of times. Though our differrent professions dont let

our paths cross often, still our masti during college are unforgetable.

This is a rare one from Nitin, whose answer to "Three wishes" in my college Slam book is "To be with my frendz, To be with my frendz, To be with my frendz,"

Pappu pass ho gaya

2011-07-06T13:51:00.000+01:00

"Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed" - Emily Dickinson (1830 - 1886)

After a long time this unaccomplished task can now be marked off the to do list (oh...such a sweet feeling of fulfilment). After trying and trying at last i have cleared the University examination. You need to fail to feel this. The results were declared on 23rd June and i kept on checking again to be doubly sure that i had really passed (I was habituated to see a "Failed" result).But the celebrations were delayed for another 2 weeks as the marksheet were distribution only yesterday. By now the excitemant has died down but a huge load is off my mind and i am really relaxed.

Jo na socha tha vo ho gaya.Pappu pass ho gaya! I finally cleared. Officially i'm a graduate. Feels so good.

I thank Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit for giving me the grace and strength to see this through and help me accomplish this.

"Never mistake knowledge for wisdom.
One helps you make a living, the other helps you make a life" – Sandra Carey

To thine own self be true

2011-06-05T11:39:00.000+01:00

In Act I, scene iii of Hamlet, the character of Polonius advices his son Laertes who is in a hurry to get on the next boat to Paris for his gentleman's education, where he'll be safe from his father's long-winded speeches (ll.55-81) in which he directs the youth to commit a "few precepts to memory."

There; my blessing with thee!
And these few precepts in thy memory
See thou character. Give thy thoughts no tongue,
Nor any unproportioned thought his act.
Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.
Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried,
Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel;
But do not dull thy palm with entertainment
Of each new-hatch'd, unfledged comrade. Beware
Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in,
Bear't that the opposed may beware of thee.
Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment.
Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy,
But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy;
For the apparel oft proclaims the man,
And they in France of the best rank and station
Are of a most select and generous chief in that.
Neither a borrower nor a lender be;
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
This above all: to thine ownself be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.

Socializing? not again!

2011-05-29T13:23:00.004+01:00

Its 30 minutes past midnight. I have just returned from a wedding reception (yes another one, I've lost count how many have been to lately), much to my displeasure! I admit i am a bit of a serious person who is a fish out of water when it comes to Social events. But these ceremonies are quite boring to me, i attend as i have to show that my family cares about them and the customary photograph with the newly weds is proof for future that i was present with my wishes. Specially when there is blazing music that plays the latest masala (i prefer soft music) which makes me cringe and then the couple indulge in loosing some weight by shaking on the floor. Its worse when the traditional card is played which ensures you get bored for at least an hour while the bride and groom change their attire. Later they enter (again!) to deep sighs (at last), the bride sporting aboli flowers (eeks!) Not that i detest them but i lack like minded company (ah!). Of course who wouldn't enjoy with friends around (now they have their spouses along), (oh ho! now your talking) but then yes one feels something amiss when you see your mates dancing and being with their own. Whatever be the reason, somehow i get jaded with such functions.

Whose side is Pakistan's ISI really on?

2011-05-12T20:56:00.001+01:00

The Guardian,

12 th May'11

If there was one telling moment in Pakistan in the 10 days since Osama bin Laden's death, when a Hollywood-style American assault on a suburban house left the country reeling, torn between anger, shame and denial, it occurred late one evening on a prime-time television show hosted by Kamran Khan.

Chatshow hosts are the secular mullahs of modern Pakistan: fist-banging populists who preach to the nation over supper, often through a rightwing lens. Khan, a tubby 50-year-old journalist with neat glasses and a small chin, is the biggest of them. Every night on Geo, the largest channel, he rails against "corrupt" civilian politicians and America, and lionises the armed forces; some colleagues nickname him "the brigadier". But as the country seethed over Bin Laden last week, Khan tore off his metaphorical stripes and stamped them into the ground.

The army had failed its people, he railed. To Pakistan's shame US soldiers had invaded the country; their finding Bin Laden in Abbottabad, two hours north of Islamabad, was a disgrace. The country's "two-faced" approach to extremism had disastrously backfired, he said, reeling off a list of atrocities – New York, Bali, London, Madrid – linked to Pakistan. "We have become the world's biggest haven of terrorism," he declared. "We need to change." Viewers watched in astonishment. The unprecedented attack targeted not only the army chief, General Ashfaq Kayani, but also the most sensitive policies of the military's premier spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate (ISI). Feared, reviled and admired in equal measure, the ISI is considered the embodiment of army power in Pakistan, the object of hushed deference. But now, as one US official told me, "the world has changed". And the ISI finds itself in the line of fire.

The Bin Laden debacle has triggered a blizzard of uncomfortable questions, the sharpest come from Washington. How, President Barack Obama wondered aloud last Sunday, could Bin Laden shelter for years in a garrison town that is home to three regimental headquarters, the local version of Sandhurst, and thousands of soldiers? One retired US officer who has served in the region told me he had been mulling the same question. "All those times we drove up to Abbottabad, and we could have taken out our pistols and done the job ourselves," he said. The CIA chief Leon Panetta, meanwhile, says he didn't warn the ISI about the special forces raid because he feared word might leak to the al-Qaida leader. Behind the pointed statements lies an urgent question: was the ISI hiding Bin Laden?

The answer may lie inside the ISI's headquarters in Abpara, on the edge of Islamabad. The entrance, beside a private hospital, is suitably discreet: no sign, just a plainclothes officer packing a pistol who direct visitors through a chicane of barriers, soldiers and sniffer dogs. But inside, past the smooth electric gates, lies a neatly tended cluster of adobe buildings separated by smooth lawns and tinkling fountains that resembles a well-funded private university. Cars purr up to the entrance of the central building, a modern structure with a round, echoing lobby. On the top floor sits the chief spy: the director general Ahmed Shuja Pasha, a grey-haired 59-year-old three-star general. One American counterpart describes him as "brilliant and extremely intelligent . . . Thoughtful, pensive and extremely well read; if he was in the US military he would be a very successful officer."

Pasha and the ISI are the heart of Pakistan's "establishment" – a nebulous web of generals, bureaucrats and hand-picked politicians (not always elected ones) who form the DNA of Pakistan's defence and security policies. It has at least 10,000 employees (some say twice as many), mixing serving army officers, many on three-year rotations from other services, with thousands of civilian employees, from suited analysts to beefy street spies. In theory they answer to the prime minister; in reality they are a tool of the army chief, Kayani. To supporters, the ISI safeguards national security – monitoring phones, guarding the country's nuclear weapons. But to its many critics, the ISI is the army's dirty tricks department, accused of abduction and assassination, vote-rigging and torture, and running Islamist terrorist outfits. "The ISI," said Minoo Bhandara, an outspoken Parsi businessman who ran a brewery across the road from army headquarters before he died in 2008, "is an institution full of intelligence but devoid of wisdom."

Oddly, it was founded by an Australian. As Pakistan recovered from its disastrous first war with India in 1948, Major General R Cawthorne, on secondment from the British army, decided the fledgling military needed a proper intelligence outfit. The first decades were inauspicious. The ISI mishandled the 1965 war with India and failed to predict the East Pakistan conflict in 1971, which sundered Pakistan in two and created Bangladesh. All changed, however, eight years later when Soviet tanks rolled into Afghanistan on Christmas Day 1979. The decade-long war of resistance – bankrolled by the United States, fought by Afghans and Arabs, but largely run by the ISI from Pakistan's tribal areas – revolutionised the agency's fortunes. It ran a network of secret training camps along the Afghan border that trained more than 80,000 fighters. It controlled a weapons pipeline, funded by the CIA and Saudi intelligence, that smuggled Kalashnikovs and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles from Karachi to the Khyber Pass. And it grew powerful and rich.

A legendary figure from that period was a man named Colonel Imam, whom I first met five years ago. He was tall and burly, with a thick beard and a crooked smile that suggested several missing teeth. He wore a white turban and an olive-green, British issue second world war-issue paratroop jacket, which he told me he had been wearing since he joined the army in 1971. During the 80s, Imam ran many of the ISI training camps, becoming popular among ethnic Pashtun fighters for his love of Islam and his fondness for killing Soviets. "Those were wonderful times," he told me. Although his real name was Sultan Amir, to the Afghans he became "Colonel Imam". "I loved the fight. And the mujahideen were very fond of me," he said with a smile. The US liked him too. On the wall of his Rawalpindi home hung war trophies from the 80s – daggers, faded photos, a Russian general's gun – but on the table sat a chunk of the Berlin wall, cased in glass. "To one who helped deliver the first blow," it read. "The Americans gave me that," he said.

With the Russian withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, the CIA largely abandoned Pakistan. But the spirit of "jihad" – fighters imbued with Islamist vim – lived on in the ISI. Pakistani officers, having imbibed too much of their own ideology, transformed the spy agency. It started to support Islamist groups across Asia – Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Burma, India – and the US placed Pakistan on a terrorist watchlist. In 1993, Javed Ashraf Qazi, a secular-minded general officer, was sent in to clean up the mess. "I was shocked at what I found," he tells me. Senior ISI officers had jettisoned their uniforms for shalwar kameez; their subordinates would disappear off to the mosque for hours on end. The ISI had bought a hotel in Bangkok, probably to facilitate gun-running. The outgoing spy chief, Javed Nasir, was a playboy turned zealot who had grown a scraggly beard and refused to shake women's hands. On his first day in the office Qazi found him running out of the door to a Muslim missionary conference. "When people say the ISI is a rogue agency, it was true in those days," he says.

Qazi fired the ideologues, sold the hotel and ordered his subordinates to wear their uniforms (some struggled to fit in them). "We cleaned it up," says Qazi, who later became a minister under Pervez Musharraf.

But the ISI was not done with jihad; it had merely narrowed its focus. The proof is on the wall of Qazi's home. I notice an unusual rifle hanging on the wall. It is an Indian service rifle, Qazi admits half bashfully – a present from one of the "mujahideen" fighters the ISI started to send into Indian-occupied Kashmir from the mid 90s, when he was in charge. "We turned a blind eye to some groups," he says. They included Lashkar-e-Toiba, he admits – the terrorist outfit that in 2008 would attack hotels and train stations in the Indian city of Mumbai, killing 170 people.

In the early 90s, the ISI also started to support an obscure Islamist movement in Afghanistan called the Taliban. Colonel Imam was sent back into Afghanistan to advise the one-eyed Taliban leader Mullah Omar. They had history: Imam, it turned out, had trained Omar back in the mujahideen camps in the 80s. With ISI backing, the Taliban swept to power in Kabul; at the UN in New York, a beleaguered Afghan official complained that Imam was the "de facto governor" of the newly conquered territories. "Ah, they are naughty people," Imam told me of the Taliban with his shy smile. "Rough people, good fighters, but respected. And they were all my friends."

Over the past decade, however, the ISI has professed to have abandoned jihad. As American troops swarmed across Afghanistan, in search of Bin Laden in late 2001, President General Pervez Musharraf disavowed the Taliban, sacked his most Islamist generals (including the then ISI director, Mahmud Ahmed) and brought Colonel Imam home. The following January he made a signature speech banning a slew of jihadi groups. "We need to rid society of extremism," he declared.

On the ground, though, things have looked different. US diplomatic cables released through WikiLeaks last year claimed the ISI was still covertly supporting the Afghan Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the Haqqani network, as part of its decades-old grudge match with India. And despite billions of dollars in American assistance, wrote ambassador Anne Patterson, "no amount of money" was likely to make the army – or the ISI – change direction. Simultaneously, though, the ISI has become a victim of jihadi violence. The Pakistani Taliban – related to the Afghan movement, but separate, and heavily influenced by al-Qaida – is seeking to oust the Pakistani state. The ISI, deemed to have betrayed them, has become the enemy. Hundreds of ISI officials have died in recent years, killed in bombings of buses and offices, and ISI spies have been beheaded in the tribal belt. In the latest atrocity on 8 March a massive car bomb outside an ISI office in Faisalabad destroyed an airline office and killed 32 people.

I last saw Colonel Imam in January 2010 at his home in Rawalpindi. He joked about media articles describing him as the "father of the Taliban". Weeks later he set off for Waziristan with another former ISI man, Khawaja, and a British journalist, Asad Qureshi, who had been commissioned by Channel 4, to interview the Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud. But the Taliban took them hostage. After a few weeks Khawaja was executed, after confessing on video to being a "CIA spy". Qureshi was released in September after his family paid a hefty ransom. Then last January, a video of Imam surfaced showing him kneeling before a group of masked, armed men. Mehsud appeared, and said a few words. Then a Talib opened fire, pumped Imam with bullets. "When you're Frankenstein, and you create a lot of baby monsters who are running round your ankles looking sort of cute, they eventually grow up to be recalcitrant adults," a US official tells me in Islamabad. "And you hope you can get them back into the fold so they become useful. But the Pakistanis can't control everything they create." Could the ISI's complex policy towards jihadi militants have caused it to harbour Bin Laden? Its many critics have little doubt, particularly in Afghanistan; last week the former Kabul spy chief Amrullah Saleh said he warned Musharraf about Bin Laden four years ago, only to be rowdily shouted down. Now Musharraf himself admits it's a possibility, albeit one limited to "rogue" officers. Yesterday he told ABC News there was a "possibility" of a "lower-level operative . . . following a policy of his own and violating the policy from above". But could it be done with the knowledge of the top generals? Opinion is split between agnostics and sceptics. "Did Pasha know? It's entirely implausible that he didn't," says a former western military official who has worked in Pakistan. A senior diplomat sees it differently. Perhaps the ISI is neither complicit or incompetent, he says. Maybe they just didn't look. "Looking for Osama may not have been a big priority when not finding him earns you billions of dollars a year, and if you did the Americans would leave the region," he says.

The ISI itself points to its consistent record in fighting al-Qaida. Over the past decade it has rounded up hundreds of Islamist suspects, many dispatched to Guantánamo Bay. They include the most notorious al-Qaida henchmen: Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, architect of the 9/11 attacks, snatched from a Rawalpindi safehouse in 2003; Ramzi bin al-Shibh, captured after a gun battle a year earlier; Abu Faraj al-Libi, then the al-Qaida number three, arrested in Mardan in 2005 by ISI commandos wearing burka disguises. Not finding Bin Laden was "a failure on our side," admits an ISI official. "Unfortunate, but a fact. We are good but we are not God."

Yet the questions remain. How did Bin Laden avoid ISI surveillance in a military area, just a few hundred metres from a major military base, in a zone where military intelligence traditionally keeps a close eye? And what about the army major who recently built his house just behind Osama's? Did he not wonder about his neighbour with the barbed-wire fence and the security cameras perched on the wall? "I find it entirely implausible that the military and intelligence agencies knew nothing," says Dr Farzana Sheikh, author of Making Sense of Pakistan. "There must have been knowledge at the highest levels." But, along with so many other critics, she concedes "there is no proof". In a country where so many pressing mysteries remain unresolved – from the plane crash that killed General Zia ul-Haq in 1988, to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in 2007 – few are holding their breath.

There could, at least, be accountability, although hopes are fading fast. As television anchors raged and criticism of the army swelled last week, some hoped Pakistan's civilian leadership would seize the moment to claw back part of the power it has ceded over the past 30 years. Yet those hopes were dashed on Monday when prime minister Gilani stood up in parliament for a stout defence of the generals. "The ISI is a national asset," he said. The battle, if it had ever been contemplated, was lost.

In America the scrutiny will not vanish so easily. Angry congressional leaders have called for Pakistan's $3bn annual aid package to be slashed; hostile media coverage portraying the ISI as an enemy unit is growing. Government officials, however, are more circumspect. With Nato's main military supply line running through Pakistan, other al-Qaida figures still at large including Bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and a peace settlement to be negotiated in Afghanistan, many quietly speak of the need to eventually patch up the Pakistan relationship – although few doubt that it has been utterly changed over the past 10 days. "We can't break it, it's too important," says one US official. "We're going to have to sit down across the table and try and tell some truths to each other." Still, he adds: "There are degrees in truth. We would like to have a degree of the truth."

American popular opinion may be less nuanced. The forthcoming trial of David Headley, an American jihadi accused of helping Lashkar-e-Taiba carry out the Mumbai attacks, is likely to bring fresh accusations of ISI "double-game". And movie culture is likely to have a strong influence. Even before Bin Laden died an action thriller called tentatively "Kill Bin Laden", by Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow, was in the works. Now many more will surely follow. In the coming months, casting directors will start seeking actors to play macho navy Seals, a tense American president and an elusive Saudi fugitive. And, almost certainly, they will be looking for a clutch of double-dealing Pakistani spies. In the ISI, Hollywood may have found a new bad guy

Marathon Broadcast Session

2011-05-08T20:05:00.004+01:00

Over 10,000 of broadcasters and journalists from around the globe were in specially-designed camera boxes, or crammed into expensively rented office space and balconies overlooking the flag-lined route, while others took their places in the crowd. About 200 TV cameras were all covering the Event.
But only when you got near Buckingham Palace, the banks of temporary TV studios that had been set up next to Canada Gate shows the scale of the media operation for the royal wedding became truly clear. It was biggest audience in TV history.
More than 36 studios, for broadcasters including the BBC, Sky News, ABC, NBC, CBS and al-Jazeera, were housed in the three-storey structure, with outside broadcast vans and other equipment taking up so much space that part of Green Park had been closed to the public.
Two cherry pickers had been set up facing the palace and another broadcast box had been set up by the 82ft Queen Victoria Memorial, for a prime view of the royal balcony kiss.

Inside Westminster Abbey, seated beside the 1,900 guests, were 40 broadcast cameras, 12 still photographers and 28 reporters from national, international and regional media.
There were an estimated 8,500 journalists in London for the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, 6,500 of whom are officially accredited by the palace. There are more than 100 overseas broadcasting organizations, most of them from the US.
The BBC, whose round-the-clock coverage was anchored by Huw Edwards at Canada Gate, had the biggest broadcast presence with around 550 staff at a cost of £2m. Ed Stourton was the only journalist broadcasting live from within Westminster Abbey, providing commentary for BBC Radios 4 and 5 Live.
The US networks sent some of their biggest names to anchor the event, including Katie Couric of CBS, Diane Sawyer of ABC and Brian Williams of NBC.
US broadcasters had also invited a host of British pundits and celebrities to provide the accents and knowledge, including Piers Morgan, Martin Bashir, David Starkey, Patrick Jephson, former equerry to Diana, Princess of Wales, and Colleen Harris, Prince Charles's former private secretary.
Chris Hampson, international news director of NBC News, said: "This is the biggest and the most advanced technical broadcast we've ever done. It is comparable to the US election coverage."
There were two reasons for the huge investment, Hampson said. "First of all we're a very varied organisation, we have a Hispanic channel, we have Access Hollywood, we have E for Entertainment, so we need more people here to provide coverage across the board. Secondly, there's a very big appetite for a royal story, probably a bigger interest than in the UK."
Carolina Valladares, the presenter for Colombian cable channel NTN24, which goes out from Canada to Argentina, said: "In Colombia they cannot understand how a democratic county can still have a monarchy. They are fascinated by this. In Colombia and Venezuela they love celebrities. In Argentina … well in Argentina, they think it's all a bit stupid."
By the time Prince William left Clarence House, British viewers had two hours of Royal Wedding broadcasting..
Following special requests from a string of US networks, Buckingham Palace stayed lit up until 12.30am, an hour and a half later than usual, so that the palace facade will be illuminated as millions of Americans sit down for prime-time evening bulletins presented live from London.
The US Networks began their coverage at 5am on the east coast or 3am on the west, hoping for a share of up to 2 billion people estimated to be watching, a figure which dwarfs the 750 million who watched Charles and Diana's wedding in 1981.
British historian Robert Lacey, who was in prime position in front of the abbey, said he had been working for ABC for at least six weeks. "Until last week, Americans were crazier than we were. They've asked me to do a lot of the historical stuff about the abbey, poets' corner, how the transepts work.
"A lot of us are providing thoughts and information that is news to others around the world.
"In the royal field I honesty think that the only journalist who has ever had any genuinely inside information is Andrew Morton with Diana. I just hope the rest of us are talking common sense.”
BBC figures said that the ceremony was watched by an average audience of 19.2 million across BBC One, BBC One HD and BBC News Channel. The estimated figures for the BBC and ITV put the wedding in the all-time top 10 most-watched programmes (24.5 million), although more people watched the 1966 World Cup Final (32.3m) and Princess Diana's funeral in 1997 (32.1m).The wedding between the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 attracted 28.4m viewers. The BBC's live stream of the Royal Wedding crashed just as Middleton (now Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) began to walk down the aisle at Westminster Abbey, according to reports. YouTube's homepage maintained 100 percent availability and a fast response time of 1.24 seconds" during the Royal Wedding, AlertSite reported.
"However, for people who went directly to YouTube's official Royal Wedding Channel, the experience was different. The Royal Wedding Channel page had an average availability of 74.26 percent with 10.34 second response times. Most of the timeouts were related to restarting the live video stream."
"Royal Wedding" spiked as a trending topic at about 4 percent of all Twitter traffic during the event, according to Trendistic.com.
Livestream told PCMag that the 300,000 concurrent viewers of its wedding stream at 6am ET were a record for the company, breaking its previous concurrent viewer’s record of 130,000 viewers for the Oscars earlier this year by more than double.
The Royal Wedding was the Biggest outside Broadcast and I wondered why? The Answer is because William’s the Legacy of Diana.

1.15-gigapixel image from the Royal Wedding

2011-05-06T09:34:00.000+01:00

The BBC has released a 1.15-gigapixel image from the Royal Wedding

This high-definition, 1.15-gigapixel picture, is a composite of 189 images from Henry Stuart.
The full picture measures 81,471 pixels by 14,154 pixels. The view covers 200 degree...and of course...with this High Quality GigaPixel you can zoom in and see faces in the crowed...amazing!

The Royal Wedding in Pictures

2011-05-04T11:54:00.001+01:00

I did Watch the Royal Wedding unfold on You Tube's Royal Channel.It was a simple sweet and yet the most wonderful wedding i have witnessed. Everything in Order and precisely perfect! I simply the loved the English Suits and the Hats and dresses, The sea of photographers mermerized me and the number of cameras covering the event ....oh i can't think of what a huge logistical operation this is.Truly words fail to describe the feeling i have. The Wedding Programme was also cute and the couple made a good choice of the prayers and Hymns.

Royal Wedding 2011

2011-04-28T15:30:00.004+01:00

Everyone the world over is excited about the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Miss Kate Middleton tomorrow. The official website has been giving updates on the preparations for the mega event. The media is a buzz with scoops right from the brides wedding dress to the official programme, the cakes and the flowers, the timetable, the music at the service to the list of guests and the procession route. Those needing an introduction to the royal family should go through the who’s who. United Kingdom has fallen head over heels in love with the royalty. Even the Royal Armed forces are doing their part for the event. The fairy tale wedding takes place on 29^th April at Westminster Abbey and the reception will be held at Buckingham Palace. Kate undoubtedly will be overshadowed by Princess Diana whose shoes it will be difficult to fill.

Biking Trip April 11

2011-04-25T11:33:00.003+01:00

We Are The Champions!!!!!

2011-04-02T23:37:00.004+01:00

Finally after a gap of 28 years the Indian team led by Dhoni have lifted the World Cup beating SriLanka by 6 wickets at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium!!! It was a High voltage match keeping every one on tenterhooks, A magnificent win that saw the best performances by all. It would be lengthy to mention all those who counted(and i cant miss out anyone). But i want to mention some unmentioned people who will undoubtedly cherish this day all their life. They are the grounds men at Wankhede, Indian Coach Gary Kirsten and the umpire Simon Taufel. With emotions running high i have too much to write but will end here and try getting some of the best pic's of the match. Congratulations to World Champions - Team India!!!

ICC world Cup 2011

2011-03-31T11:29:00.002+01:00

This is the one in a lifetime event which will be always remembered. For the first time in Indian cricketing history the team have come so near to a world cup win. 28 years after Kapil dev and team first won the title at Lords this team seems to have all they need to repeat the feat. You will never have Yuvraj in the same form as before, nor will you have Sachin again in any other world scale championship. In the first stage they never looked like they could do it. But the way the beat The arrogant Aussies and the Arch rivals Pakistan in the Semis it looks like India is on the verge of clinching the elusive cup. Never before has the country been gripped in such a frenzy uniting the high and low and the rich and mighty. Saturdays match with Srilanka will be a high voltage match and the decider. Chakde India!

Operation "WrapUp"

2011-03-25T14:42:00.002Z

Contingency plans are in full swing to complete a long pending task. The Plan was drafted on the 20th of December and its execution started from 12th February. So far things have gone as planned. Tomorrow the plans shift to the first gear, making a dash for the final stage beginning 5th April which will end 8 days later. April is a hectic month with many things scheduled one after another. This has been pending for years now and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be. Though a lot of Will and finance has been put to work. It has taken a toll on confidence and conscience.

Поздравляем Смита

2011-03-07T14:52:00.005Z

I am sure you are trying to find what the title means, try the Google language tool which phonetically reads "Pozdravlyaem Smita". So my first friend that i made at EDS (on the induction day -12th November 2007) has finally taken a step forward in life to get married to her long time boyfriend. She was the one who's been asking me about my wedding bells for the past 3 years, all the while explaining that shes still got to enjoy life before taking the leap. She surprised me one day (night actually!!) by calling me and saying "i am getting married on the 7th of next month". I simply ho-hummed as i did always to her persistent dilemma's. So miss Manjrekar became Mrs Abhijeet Mistry and thus she is now his charm and goodluck to ward of evil and break the curse. Like all fairytales end this couple also continue to live happily ever after! Check this for more pictures

Congratulations and wish you all the bliss in your married life!

Turning 29

2011-02-15T11:23:00.000Z

Birthday Celebrations in Office

62nd Republic Day

2011-01-27T10:40:00.000Z

India celebrated its 62nd Republic day yesterday displaying its military might. The theme was "all things indigenous" even the commanders were men and women quite young. More pics

Post Wedding Fun

2010-12-30T09:06:00.003Z

After the Hectic preparations for the Wedding day (as per the East Indian Wedding traditions) the relatives, neighbors and people who helped in the preparations gather together the second day and have fun with the newly wedded couple. So when my brother-in-law came home (his in-law's house) the ladies stopped the couple outside the house and did not let them enter until their purses were lighter. On Wednesday the entire troupe went to the Island off the Gorai beach aboard a fishing trawler. Lunch was prepared aboard the trawler and served on the island itself. After lunch we took a ride in the choppy sea for half an hour and returned ashore.More Pictures

félicitations ma douce sœur

2010-12-27T14:10:00.005Z

My Eldest Sister Rachel yesterday exchanged marriage vows with fiancé Glen D'silva at a service held in Church Of Christ, Pappdy, Vasai

more pictures

A girl dreams about her wedding
-that blissfully special day.
So much excitement and anxiety
Over what to do and say.

You've found your perfect man
Who loves and cherishes you.
Your loving vows unite your souls,
Creating one heart shared by two.

Marriage is a promise to compromise
No matter how great or small.
Though life is never perfect,
True love surpasses all.

Give freely and unconditionally.
Enjoy a life filled with mutual caring.
I wish you a wonderful marriage
With sweet joys that make life endearing.

From this day forward, may you honour your oath,
I wish everlasting happiness to you both.

Here's to the groom with bride so fair, And here's to the bride with groom so rare!

Profile Changes!!

2010-12-19T16:51:00.003Z

Its been almost a year since the AT&T process ramped down in EDS and 3 years since i joined the company. Ever since we (those in AT&T) came out of our enclosure, we tried to get in to better roles that what we were doing in the process. Some of us got a early breakthrough- like Pradnya and Harish, others subsequently also moved a notch above the rest. I applied for quite a few IJP's and got grounded by the second round (apparently i did not have the right assets). Then came the ultimate position, I applied for it and exactly 3 months later (i had almost given up) on December 13th an email declared that i was selected for the post of a scheduler. Oh what a feeling... i thank Jesus for this! The WFM cabin was on my mind ever since but i guess i got the best of it. Its been worth the wait. Now i will be seeing only columns, rows and the chemistry between them!

Prajesh And Althea

2010-12-17T17:23:00.003Z

Prakash's brother Prajesh married his long time girlfriend Althea on 22nd November. I was unable to attend the Church nuptials at Bhavnagar due to some last minute situation (damn it >:-< ). So i decided to meet them on Sunday December 12th and make up when they arrived at B'bay after their whirlwind marriage tour spanning days and the length of the country. Prajesh was to depart for London the same day and hence i tailed Prakash,Anjali, Althea and Joan to see him off at the CSIA airport. Althea shed a few tears while we tried to make a fool of ourselves waving from across the waiting room glass. Later we had Dinner and i hurried home to avoid being locked out in the cold.:)

Congratulations and have a blessed married life!!

@ unni: Hope you had a uneventful trip and were not stranded due to closed airports in the snow. And hey thanks for the sexy Eaton radio, you made my day!

Skills Every Man Should Master

2010-11-18T08:44:00.001Z

How many times have you felt like a Man and proud to be one. How many times have someone commented on your skills(any) and made you proud of what you are (could be that was the time you discovered your skills).
I came across this Esquire article through another blog and couldnt help but reblog.

I will list a few here...

Give advice that matters in one sentence.
Take a photo.
Write a letter.
Buy a suit.
Show respect without being a suck-up.
Throw a punch.
Chop down a tree.
Calculate square footage.
Break up a fight.
Hold a baby.
Approach a woman out of his league.
Be loyal.
Know his poison.
Cast a fishing rod.
Play go fish with a kid.
Dress a wound.
Tell a joke.
Ask for help.
Break another man's grip on his wrist.
Tell a woman's dress size.
Recite one poem from memory.
Say No.
Shake hands.
Caress a woman's neck.
Negotiate a better price.

...its a long list but worth it. Go through and you'll be surprised how much a Man you are.

Royal Engagement

2010-11-17T09:26:00.000Z

Clarence House yesterday announces that Prince William is to marry Kate Middleton next year, they were officially engaged last month during a vacation in Kenya.

The official website of the British Monarchy said
"The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton.
The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course."

The BBC posted a interview of the Engagement which has become a landmark event for the Country.

The whole World is delighted and looking forward to the wedding. Of course there are comparisons drawn to Late princess Diana and Kate. William proposed with the same oval sapphire and diamond ring that his father, Prince Charles, had given Lady Diana Spencer symbolizing his love.

"It's very special to me. As Kate's very special to me now, it was right to put the two together." Prince William Said.

Check pictures of the official photo call.

Thought Recorder

2010-11-13T22:55:00.005Z

Ever since i was a child my folks called me chanchlya (local east-indian marathi) which means unstable or fidgety. Later as i grew i mellowed down a lot -physically, but my thoughts still roam the world in matter of seconds (i am sure everyones does). problem arises when my mind needs to coordinate with my mouth or hands ( to write of course).Though now i have learnt to think and talk slowly, my mind goes off rattling things that i need to write and i dare not stop or pause for fear of breaking the though process. Hence i felt the need of a voice recorder(yeah i know my phone has a similar functionality, however i had a itch to spend) that could take care of this situation. Then one of my prerequisites was that the device should work in Linux OS as i use Ubuntu. I Went to Lamington road on my Work-Off yesterday and came across this Sony voice recorder which i agreed to purchase if it showed up on a Ubuntu Live Cd. 30 minutes later and a few thousands lesser in my account i was the owner of the device i call my "Thought Recorder". Well its very helpful when i have something going on inside most probably its recorded (including this!)

Biking Trip

2010-09-13T16:59:00.003+01:00

On Saturday me, Christopher and Prakash met at Office at 0030hrs and went on a Biking trip to Satputara. Chris had planned the entire trip and packed almost everything needed for it. I was riding pillion on prakash’s bike. We rode from Office to Charoti check naka nonstop and took a break after which we continued till we reached a dhaba at 0330 hrs Dahanu called Athithi where we had an omelet and a particular egg dish for dinner. We continued onward through the night meanwhile I was shivering with cold and was sleepy till we reached a dhabha and had tea at 0600 hrs. of course prakash needed a break as his nicotine level was down and so did Chris. After tea we continues till Chikhli and broke off the highway to satputara for another 103 Kms This road was full of potholes and at some places we were riding in gravel however once we entered Dang the entire 40 Km route had an awesome view full of lush greenery, straight teak trees lined the road and rivers flowed by. Such a pity the Vansda national park was closed. We reached the satputara ghat at around 11 on Saturday an long 10 hour journey since we started. We booked a room and went out for lunch at a nearby place. After having ravished the food we went in to have a shower and then went out for sightseeing. First place was the museum which displayed only a snake and then we climbed up the peak which was a flat mountain top. After a long photo session and see all that was there we searched for the Honey bee center ,but the discovery of the day was surd sitting quietly in a small shop who enlightened us about Shivaji's fort 4 kms away in Maharashtra and gave us alternative route home. Prakash was in no mood to go to Hatgad so we returned to the room . 2 hours later everything turned dark and it was raining when Prakash suddenly said that we will go to the fort now (he was in his best mood). So we crossed the border and climbed half the ascent on our bikes (Prakash was in his best) and then later to sip n dine at the base of the fort just to celebrate out victory. We returned home avoiding the check post on the border and went to have dinner and then simply crashed. A 8 hour sleep later we woke up at 0500 and set off by 0600.We took a pic at the border and then started back along a different route to Bombay. So we travelled from satputara to Ahwa and then turned to Waghai. The road was too good to go slow but the scenery slowed us down till Ahwa and then Chris on his 500 CC zoomed ahead only to meet again at Talasari inside Maharashtra. So me and Prakash were making an average of 80-85 from Waghai to Valsad via Dharampur where me took the highway to Bombay passing through Vapi. We stopped at Parsi Dhabha to have Lunch and proceeded to Bombay. We reached home at around 1700hrs.

Track our journey Mumbai-satputara and the return Journey .

This was my first Biking trip. After planning for a long time to go somewhere, we had decided to go to Malshej Ghat until Prakash met Chris and everything changed. Its was good to have Chris along as he knew the route and gave us pointers. He had his entire gear and tools packed in a cramster and enough water to last for a day. No risking food and water while travelling. Apart from getting a numb bottom i enjoyed it and was a fantastic trip!

Central Railway Journey

2010-08-22T12:10:00.001+01:00

I was travelling to Ambernath (don’t ask me why) yesterday (much against my mood, spoiling a cozy Saturday) when I came across a guy wearing a t-shirt with a Calvin cartoon which said

“Why should I have to WORK for everything?! It’s like saying I don’t deserve it!”

Which for some queer reason got me thinking why am I trying to achieve some things so hard in life? Is it that I don’t deserve them? Then suddenly I realized that inadvertently I tend to earn and prove myself worthy of something that I already have. It’s like getting a physical certificate as proof that I possess knowledge of some kind. Isn’t that weird? We seem to have fancy for proofs (read certificates) that endorse us for something we are unsure of (that’s exactly why we need evidence for).

The trip was okay except that I was bored CR has a better PA system than WR (at least you can understand what they say) and the trains are better maintained too (they had removed all the posters and ads stuck on the inside and the pan stains). The return journey was hectic as there was heavy rush in the evening (nothing new) and I ended up being squashed. Reached Home tired and crashed immediately.

Slam Book ---10 years later!

2010-07-24T08:35:00.003+01:00

Friendship day is round the corner and i was going through my college slam book. Oh what a feeling that is, reliving those days is truly indescribable. The constant chatter of friends, those silly ideas, the laughs we shared and the jokes we made. the secrets we spread and the gossip we made. Trust me i cannot describe what i went through reading my slam book all over again--10 years later! All i can say is that i wanna be a child again and go to school and college and relive that carefree, simple and fun-filled life. At the end i was in tears and was thinking how has life changed these past years and so have the answers to those questions.

Here i go again....

1. Favorite Quote?
   never never never never give up....Winston Churchill
2. Last movie you saw in the theater?
    Rajneeti
3. what book are you reading?
none at the present
4. Favorite board game?
Chess i haven't played it in years now
5. Favorite smells?
     an old book's pages and coffee
6. Favorite music?
   hmmmmm anything slow
7. Favorite fast food place?
     am a foodie i go wherever my stomach takes me :)
8. Favorite drink?
     Coffee i drinks gallons
9. Finish this statement. "If i had the time i'd...?
     I'd give my certs and ummm theres a long list u wanna know?
10. Favorite sport to watch?
     there are better things to watch
11. Whats under your bed?
     i don't have one
12. Would you like to be reborn as yourself?
      yes
13. Day person or Night Owl?
      both depending on the mood
14. Favorite place to relax?
     my room
15. Favorite ice-cream flavor?
     Chocolate
16. One thing in your past that you would like to redo/undo/change?
      Infact i would like to redo and change many things
17. Moment of life most memorable?
     uuummm cant think of one :(

félicitations chère sœur

2010-07-18T18:38:00.007+01:00

18th July will always remain etched in Gold letters of Rachel and Glen who got betrothed. The Congregation at Church Of Christ Papdy vasai prayed for their future as they were declared engaged. later at the residence of Glen D'silva the couple exchanged rings as an token of the vow given to each other.

Congratulations Glen and Rachel !

King Bruce and the Spider

2010-06-26T18:54:00.001+01:00

The story about Robert the Bruce and the spider is well known to all English or Scottish school pupils. However, outside the Isles it may not be this well known, so here is the story.

King Robert the Bruce I was born at Lochmaben Castle in 1274. He was Knight and Overlord of Annandale. In 1306 he was crowned King of Scotland and henceforth tried to free Scotland from the English enemy.After being defeated at a battle, Bruce escaped and found a hideout in a cave. Hiding in a cave for three months, Bruce was at the lowest point of his life. He thought about leaving the country and never coming back.While waiting, he watched a spider building a web in the cave's entrance. The spider fell down time after time, but finally he succeeded with his web. So Bruce decided also to retry his fight and told his men: "If at first you don't succeed, try try and try again".

Kolhapur Trip

2010-05-22T15:45:00.005+01:00

Last week i packed my travelling bag and set off for a small trip to the rain shadow region of the shayadris. On Friday early morning immediately after my shift i went to the State Transport bus stand in thane and took the first bus to Pune. The semi luxury bus left Vandana stand at 0515 hrs and took 3 hours to reach Hinjewadi via panvel and the expressway. I freshened up and rested at my friends place just opposite to St Laurns hotel in MIDC. My friend had left for his homeplace 2 days ago and i was to follow along with his brother. At 1400 we left Hinjewadi and took the NH4 and started moving towards Kolhapur. After a 5 hour journey through Pune, Satara and Kolhapur we reached Lalewadi on the river Kadvi at around 1920 hrs. After a refreshing shower and dinner we retired to bed. Dinner was awesome- Makke ki roti and mutton ummmm, we slept on the terrace under the clear open night sky. This was the first time in my life i travelled so far out of Mumbai alone and i enjoyed every bit of it.

Fishing Trip

2010-04-18T13:57:00.008+01:00

Yesterday i joined a few of my fisher friends on a fishing trip in to the deep sea off the Gorai shore.It was a wonderful experience. We shove off in a small boat at around 0715 hrs and then went aboard the fishing boat and were underway in a few minutes.it took us almost 50 minutes covering 5.5 nautical miles to reach the buoy marked for fishing for the vessel. lack of sleep and the rolling and pitching of the boat made me sea sick. We anchored and then tied the nets by 930 hrs. For the first time i swam in the deep sea (trust me its a different ball game over there even without the current). I skipped breakfast as i was sick but the exhaustive swimming and a good nap later on made me feel better.We waited for about 3 hours (by this time the tide had started to rise) then by 1300 hrs started to pick up the nets. The catch was good with one small lobster and small promfets and prawns. We started off at around 1430 and reached shore by 1530. The best part of the memorable trip was the lunch cooked of the fresh catch...simply delicious!!! More Pictures.

Why is Friday before Easter called "Good"?

2010-03-31T17:14:00.000+01:00

Going back in time in around AD 30-33 a man named Jesus aged 33 was crucified at Golgotha (john 19:17) on the outskirts of Jerusalem . Today that day of crucification is known all over the world as good Friday.

But why call such a day of excruciating pain and day of death “good”? The answer lies in the crucification of Christ Jesus.

I am sure most of you have watched Mel Gibson’s passion of the Christ and i need not get into the suffering of Christ. We all know that A crown of thorns was placed on his head and he was hanged to the cross with nail driven through his palms and legs. Later on a spear was pierced by his side.

Thus Jesus shed all his blood ,he was made the lamb of sacrifice for all humanity. By this sacrifice mans sins were purged and was reconciled to Yahweh(God). By his resurrection from death It is written that cursed is the man who is hanged on the tree, by being hanged Jesus took away all our curses and freed us .By taking the 39 lashes on his body he has freed us from sickness. By his resurrection he has defeated his last enemy –Death, And by him we are victorious.

It is written that whosoever shall believe that Jesus died and was resurrected will have eternal life. So by work done on the cross we have received eternal life and Victory through Christ, why not then should that day be called good.

The Concluding AT&T Team

2010-01-09T15:26:00.001Z

Finally after being in the AT&T process for over two years(including my 14 month long stint in the morning shift)the process contract with EDS ended on 1st January 2010 0630 IST. It was a wonderful experience working in AT&T handling all kind of issues, coordinating with other service desks and technicians. Who can forget the Voice issues calls and Mark Simmons. Initially the process was a huge family with 80 agents however in the end only 14 remained while on closing the account. I will always cherish my days in AT&T.Here are the pics of the final 3 days on the floor.

Félicitations pour votre mariage Renita

2009-12-22T13:36:00.001Z

May thy life be long and happy,
Thy cares and sorrows few;
And the many friends around thee
Prove faithful, fond and true.
May your voyage through life be as happy and as free
As the dancing waves on the deep blue sea

Here's to a sweetheart, a bottle, and a friend.
The first beautiful, the second full, the last ever faithful.

Here's to health and prosperity,
To you and all your posterity.
And them that doesn't drink with sincerity,
That they may be damned for all eternity!

may you never lie, cheat or drink.
But if you must lie, lie with each other.
And if you must cheat, cheat death.
And if you must drink, drink with us
for we all love you and wish you both
the love and happiness of which you deserve.

Congratulations Prakash

2009-12-18T17:24:00.011Z

As the sun dawned on December the 13th, Prakash turned a new leaf in his life when he exchanged marriage vows with Anjali. The marriage took place at his hometown in Kerela at the guruvayoor temple.

Here's to Prakash and Anjali

To a long and happy life

In an Eden of their making

As a husband and a wife.

Here's to Prakash and Anjali

To the passion and the will

That has brought them here together:

May it long sustain them still!

May they love each other

With a love that binds them fast

To the things in life that matter

And the ecstasies that last.

May there always be work for your hands to do.

May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane.

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you

Wish you both a Long Happy and Prosperous married life. May you two enjoy a lifetime of peace, joy and happiness together!

Find pics here

Miss You Granny

2009-12-07T16:26:00.005Z

After being widowed for 25 years My Grandma breathed her last yesterday on 6th December around noon. She was 86, survived by 2 sons,3 daughters, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law and 6 grandchildren. Funeral Pictures here.

The Incoming Tide

2009-11-24T06:48:00.004Z

Another year has whizzed by,
Leaving me out of step….

Still some loose ends to tie

Still a few things unsettled.

Wish I could go back in time
Redo the past, prim and perfect.
Tides brought me a harsh message
Leaving me no chance to reply.

Carried on with life have I
Things still under the carpet.
Wish I’d be a genie and
Bungled my cares away

I send my thoughts on a picnic
Touring the days of the past

They wish they’d never come back
And bring me memories bereft

Hoping against hope
For my savior I await
Worsened without company

That could drown my fears

Eagerly I wait for the coming tide
Never know what surprise it may bring.
Probably turn me forever
Leastways a change in the shoreline.

Team Get-together

2009-11-08T06:18:00.010Z

Members of the ATT team got together for dinner at Rajdhani at the Oberoi mall. The Idea was brought foward and organised by Krunal. Everybody except Harish, Yasmin, Sagorika, Paresh(who needed a proper dose of my medicine), Pankaj, Harsh(may he get well soon) and Nandita came (some with their partners).People ...we did miss you a ton!! Commendable job by Sujan for coming and towing along Prakash. Paresh wins the summit award (again) for reaching the summit on time. Sincere thanks to all for braving trains, traffic and taking the efforts to make this outing a memorable one.Click here to view pictures

Blooming Relationship

2009-11-05T07:03:00.013Z

Mon cher ami Prakash got engaged on 25th of October to Anjali

('¨`v´'¨) Congratulations to you both ('¨`v´'¨)

'•.¸.•'heres wishing you a life full of Hapiness and Love'•.¸.•'

Nostalgia!

2009-10-20T06:21:00.002+01:00

In our lives there are a few moments which we’d wished never pass away.
Those couple of seconds, when the world came to a standstill and nothing else mattered.
Those words, those actions, those emotions or just plain silence.
Every sound, every image, even the smell immortalized in our memory.
I’d wished I could save those moments, and re-live it over and over again.
Those handful moments make us smile and our life go on.

Moments are temporary but memories are forever!

Shopping with Amol

2009-09-24T06:33:00.005+01:00

Me and My pal Amol decided to go shopping on Monday. We decided to go to town as I had to buy shoes from Grant Road,town has been a place which rejuvenates me and just walking around Fort’s architectural buildings browsing for books and surfing PYT’s is a different experience altogether. Amol would be meeting me at Churchgate directly so I boarded the 10:05 CCG F local from BVI. Amol called while I was nearing my destination to say that he would be a bit late so I alighted at Marine lines and went to the Marine Drive to take a few pics and then proceeded to CCG. Amol arrived by 11:50 throwing his weight around! We took the subway across the station and went towards the Fountain. I met Amol In EDS, he’s a guy with eclectic hobbies, reading anything and everything,cooking(he had a short career stint as a Chef ),collecting and watching movies which include old(really old) English and Japanese. We spent 6 hours finding Amol’s XL clothes at different places right from CST to Colaba. I enjoyed the walk from Regal to Electric House- such a awesome ambience, what a view, wow! After completing his shopping we were too tired to walk so we hailed a taxi to Grant road to buy my shoes and then later at around 1830 hrs I took a return train to CCG and back to BVI.

Wondrous Happenstance

2009-08-21T03:47:00.010+01:00

I met my old pals from previous workplace 3G by pure chance yesterday evening. I was taking my evening walk down the seashore when I noticed a surd with a sx4 who looked familiar. As a went closer I noticed a girl along with. But it was not till I actually passed them that I was taken by surprise. My colleagues from 3G Anupam and Disha had come to get some fresh air all the way from Andheri and what a coincidence I happen to be taking my walk around there.

Its rather odd that we never met while we were working around the same place in the city but had to go out miles away to let chance happen to us. Annu and DT ( as we call them)later dropped in to my place for a cup of tea served with updates on our team members and workplace, though DT preferred biscuits with water! None of them have changed much -DT the same chirpy girl (what a ruckus she creates!) and annu always game for some fun! I still remember the last time we went out to silent hill resort in Bhavya’s blue Zen (Yeah! we played “who lamhe” repeatedly till we reached Mumbai on the return journey) and that was the latest I ever had a outing. Those memories coming back in torrents has made me desperate for an picnic now.

My pal Prakash

2009-08-20T06:14:00.008+01:00

Its 0545 hrs and I was travelling to office when my phone buzzed. The Caller ID flashed an Incoming call from Prakash. Surprisingly I asked “what the hell are you doing at this hour”, considering that he works from 1730 to 0230 he should be dead asleep! “cooking “ comes the reply “I am starved”. “talking to her after a grueling 9 hour shift seems to make you hungry” I said laughing. “ya! it does and leaves me a pauper as well” he says. We continued with a few updates and making a few plans for the weekend after which we hungup.

I met Prakash in EDS a year after joining the company, since he worked mostly the night shifts (He’s a veteran of the Night shift). He’s a very quiet person, one may take him to be shy, but as you interact with him you’d know that he’s mighty cool headed and down-to-earth. We initially never spoke but later on I worked with him and be became the best of friends. We have mutual friends and share common interests that gel us up, we later ended up managing the night and morning shifts all by ourselves for months together!

Prakash has changed tremendously from being the fat-huge guy on the Bullet to the lean guy on a Bullet. His marriage is fixed in a couple of months and has to juggle work and home(since his parents are at native place) not to mention talking to his fiancé after work (who talks nineteen to a dozen all at one go, my poor friend has to keep listening and pay for the phone bill too….grrrrrrr) Though our shifts are different now we manage to meet on weekends at friends place(he has a tremendous appetite and his tank has always space for more). I am looking forward to attend his marriage in December this year.

Happy Friendship Day

2009-08-06T08:57:00.003+01:00

Hi!!
My warmest friendship day wishes to all....

"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advise, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares".

.....Henri Nouwen

Dragon on the Air Waves

2009-07-08T05:20:00.002+01:00

I have been a keen listener to The BBC World Service ever since 1997 (i followed the World Service's coverage on Lady Diana's death and funeral). Every time i have nothing to do or am having food i switch on the radio set and tune to the BBC on the SW channel.Its just not the news but also some other programmes like oneplanet,over to you, world drama, digital planet, travel guide and Have your say which give insight to things around the world and is a palce to interact with people from everywhere sharing thoughts.
Recently i have felt that tuning to the world service is like finding a needle in a haystack. The most clear and prominent broadcaster is CRI.They have a similar theme and the male presenter sounds a bit british. Its a perferct copy if you remove the branding. Everything is the same except thats its broadcast from china. the only flaw is that if you listen to the female presenter closely you will immediately spot the differrence. The have a similar topic of discussion each day (just like FM channels have in Bombay). Yesterday i spent 15 minutes changing radio stations to search for the BBC (the SW keeps changing as the time changes) and finally gave up as my lunch had gotten cold.I hogged the food and shook my head. The Chinese dragon sure is growling and spiting fiery darts on the airwaves.What next?

My Favourite Boots

2009-06-26T06:14:00.003+01:00

Probably the only thing I have been in love with and have got loyalty in return for a very long time are my Favourite Boots.
Way back in the year 2000 when I was in the Naval NCC and had been to a camp in Ratnagiri I had exchanged my boots with another’s (as his were too tight for him). That’s how I come to be the owner of these boots and no doubt I have used them roughly and perhaps overused as well. These DMS boots have very soft upper leather and great rubber soles that still haven’t cracked. Three years ago the boots tore at then seams and at the joints of the sole and leather. Since I did not have any other boots I got them mended and continued using them. They still are the one I would prefer for long journeys as they are comfy. I am so used to them that I don’t feel I am wearing any shoes, they are a part of me and I feel light, specially while traveling by train in the rush, they give a perfect grip on all surfaces and protect my legs.
I find it hard to part with my shoes and I know that its harder to find a good replacement for them but anyways I have realized that everything has its time and nows the time to retire my best boots! So the hunt has begun and I hope to get a pair soon, however whatever replaces them I will never forget these old, loyal and comfortable Boots!

Hell Is Forever

2009-06-21T04:25:00.003+01:00

Recently i visited aunt Sybil who has shifted to interface heights behind Dmart in malad. Shes been my guide and wellwisher (more about her later) whose family has been my family friends since 1990.So aunt sybil told me of seven columbian youth who had a vision where they were taken by our Lord Jesus Christ and shown Hell (i googled it and found that they were infact taken to heaven and hell). I read through the entire testimony and that really got me thinking which led to further soul searching and clearing of ideas.
I'll quote here a few sentences from the testimony.
"....Worms were coming in and out of their empty eye sockets, mouths, and ears; and were penetrating the skin all through their bodies....."
"...there were demons tormenting him, constantly piercing him with their spears. .......... They were about 3 feet tall and had very sharp teeth. Blood came out of their mouths and their eyes were completely red...."
what hit me hard is - Hebrews 10:26-27 :"For if we go on sinning willfully after acquiring the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer left any sacrifice for sins, but some dreadful anticipation of judgment and of a fierce fire that is to devour those who oppose God."
The Bible tells us, "The wages of sin is death" "the soul that sins will die." (Romans 6:23) (Ezekiel 18:20).Make no mistake, God will not be mocked. What a person sows, he will reap."
Today you have the great opportunity to change your eternal destiny. Jesus is still available now, and the Bible says that while we have life we also have hope. Today you have life, don't miss this opportunity, it can be the last one!
Read the entire testimony here

Saved Again!!

2009-06-07T03:44:00.006+01:00

Again i have been saved from certain Death in a accident.

Thank you lord Jesus Christ!

I have been traveling in company vehicle for years now and have never been personally involved in any kind of accident while going or returning from work.But there's always a first time for everything and this was so.Its still fresh in my mind ...took place just hours ago while coming to work and luckily haven't even got a scratch.

I woke up rather late (at 0450 hrs instead of 0400) and hurriedly got ready as the cab was already waiting for me.The Driver had come quiet early and gone off to sleep in the car with the car AC on. I somehow woke him and we left for office at 0510 hrs. He was driving half asleep and wasn't able to negotiate turns however i though that the sleep would wear off as time passed by.On the way there was a sharp "L" turn that is dangerous and he was unable to judge the bend. i was in the front passenger seat with my window glass rolled down, everything happened so quickly that there was no time to react and i was a mere spectator to the incident as if i wasn't there. The car brushed a tree on the left and missed actually going off road it then severed right and instead of taking the left turn went straight in to a tree off the road. Thankfully he severed left again narrowly missing a huge mango tree and the car came to a halt just beside the road on the wrong side.This had made a loud noise and lights went on in the nearby house, the driver was fully awake by now. I had gotten off the car and walked a few feet away completely dazed.
(to be honest i found my hands shivering a bit) I asked the driver to get out and check the car. It seemed to be fine and then he was able to get it back on the road. 2 people woken up by the rukus had come to investigate. Sensing that there would be undue attention i asked the driver to continue after i thanking the onlookers for their concern.

Accident

2009-03-09T02:53:00.002Z

On Sunday as I was returning home on my Activa at 18:16 hours I had an accident (There’s always a first time for everything). I was keeping left and thinking about something when I went off road in to the barbwire along the road. As I crashed into the fence my bike fell on the right side. The side of the vehicle was scratched on the right but my Left leg was torn by the iron fence. My skin was scratched at more than 20 places and just above the ankle a 1&1/2 inch deep and 5 inch long wound was dripping with blood. My first thought after I looked at my leg was I can’t go home alone I need help, meanwhile a passing biker had turned to help me and a few other people had gathered. I called home to inform and asked a piece of cloth to tie my thigh to minimize blood loss. One of the onlooker recognized me and lifted me up and picked my bike. He later with the help of others made me sit on the bike and took me to the hospital. While being attended at the hospital I frantically called my colleague Prakash to inform and told him to work in my place for the next two days. The nurses washed my wound and took an X-ray which confirmed that there was no fracture(thanks God)! There was a minor operation and my wound was stitched, I was later sent home.

Friendship Wishes

2009-03-08T04:59:00.011Z

To my Dear Renita,

I prefer not to wait for an appropriate moment,

to tell you how much i value our friendship.

Though we have differrent lifestyles,

we share common thoughts.

We have a world of our own,

but we still are best friends.

I just want to say .............

Thanks for being my friend.

I sincerely wish the best of life for you.

Remember that theres a friend for you

whenever and wherever

And i'd be simply delighted

to be your Friend Forever!

Your friend Richlyn

Many Happy returns of the day

2009-03-08T04:53:00.004Z

I just celebrated my birthday on 15th of February. It was a pretty low key affair. I called Malisa, Renita and Devendar to tea as they were the only ones who called to wish me. Devendar came while Malisa gave a flying visit but Renita turned up on the 27th...better late that never. I thank you all for remembering my birthday and also for the thoughtful gifts.

House Renovated

2009-03-08T04:49:00.006Z

These past two months have been a nightmare as I have watched my house being renovated. What with the wooden floor replaced by tiles and wooden railings and furniture made, life has been quite hectic. Add to that the painting job and the nightmare is complete. I am generally an amiable chap, but the shifting of furniture and no proper place to sleep has made me quite grouchy. On top of that, my computer had to be stored away. I can't find half my things and the whole place smells of turpentine fumes and furniture polish. The carpenters and painters working together added to the chaos by dirtying whatever little space that was left. Now I am at a point where the mere mention of additional work will make me run away from home. Nevertheless in the end my house now looks beautiful!!

More pictures of my house

The Princess: Home they Brought her Warrior Dead

2009-01-05T12:10:00.000Z

Home they brought her warrior dead
she nor swoon'd nor utter'd cry:
all her maidens, watching, said,
"she must weep or she will die."

then they praised him, soft and low,
call'd him worthy to be loved,
truest friend and noblest foe;
yet she neither spoke nor moved.

stole a maiden from her place,
lightly to the warrior stepped,
took the face-cloth from the face;
yet she neither moved nor wept.

rose a nurse of ninety years,
set his child upon her knee--
like summer tempest came her tears--
"sweet my child, I live for thee."

---Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892)

Looking ahead 2009

2009-01-05T09:09:00.004Z

Last years balance sheet is'nt much impressive.Infact i can't boast much about anyting for the past decade.It has'nt been a fulfilling period altogether.But as always i get up, pull myself together with hope which renews my energy for another mile.Looking back there have been many things i wanted but could'nt achieve,many loose ends here and there.Bottom line is that i am unsatisfied with my self.

This time its differrent,i seriously dont feel the will to get up again and say lets do it.I have lost intrest in the aims of life.I have almost abandoned my dreams.I'd rather go with the flow and float with the wind.This year life may take a drastic turn and redefine its meaning.I am taking my day as it come.There is an uncertain future that i am willing to risk at the cost of my own self.

All these years i have lived as i felt best and worked hard focussing on my own aims.I guess that its high time i distance myself from so called friends and aquaintances for whom i've done so much and got nothing in return.

{I've paused while typing this and asking myself---whats the matter with you? whats gone wrong? whys life so burdened? why are you cross with your own self?-----no answer}

Good lord can someone answer my questions.Can someone understand me.I know i can't undo the past (i wish i could), but.............

"Perhaps my best years are gone. When there was a chance of happiness. But I wouldn't want them back. Not with the fire in me now. No, I wouldn't want them back".....Samuel Beckett

Memories of this day

2008-12-31T00:27:00.004Z

This day every never fails to stop me and take me back in time.

as my life cruises it pauses to glance back at those days when
the dawn was late and dusk was before time.

the morning rush was lively and the 8.16 local anticipated.

everything was understood though nothing was said

the eyes did all the talking and being there was all that mattered

there was nothing in common yet nothing alien

every moment is etched in my memory

oh how I could go back and be there!
every little thing has a story and even the hour a tale

ah!.. language fails to express my soul

i wish that the void be filled and life goes on…

alas my memory…can I ever forget you?

on second thoughts ..

there was nothing special but the whole world was there!

time has healed those wounds but the scars still bear witness

its something i miss although I dread to disturb the calm

i buried it long ago but I like to visit the grave and ask

my dear are you in good cheer?

Moments are temporary but memories are forever.....

At the threshold of the new year

2008-12-30T01:27:00.004Z

I said to the man at the gate of the year "Give me a light that i may tread safetly into the unknown " And he replied "Go out in to the darkness & put your hand in the hand of God, that shall be unto you better than light and safer than any unknown way."

...........King George VI during World War II

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T05:04:00.003Z

As the world celebrates Christmas I like you to know the truth(for it will set you free!) that nowhere in the Bible is a mention of Christ’s birth day or month. So How did December 25th come to be Christmas? A lot of Lies have been taught in school as part of History, yes you'll be surprised. Trust me there is nothing spiritual(in the true meaning of spirituality) about December 25th ,its just another day to eat and drink and be merry!

Prepare for War

2008-12-25T00:45:00.003Z

All over the world, today is being celebrated as Christmas(I like to put it that way for a reason).On the contrary i want to warn you readers of the coming war.I pass on to you all that I know and the rest I leave it to the future to fulfil. NO! I am not talking of an Indo-Pak war(the situation here is a mirage and a smokescreen to draw away your attention from the middle East). At this point here I would like to give you food for thought, follow this link to know who was behind the Mumbai attacks. Let me give you the facts
Britain and 8 allied nations prepare for world war
Iran readies for War
Warnings of war
US supports Israel
US forces in south Asian region
Iran navy readies
Russian supports Iran
Be updated and be warned! This is not a joke
I leave it up to you to take it or leave it, and whatever is your choice remember you have been warned!

Congratulations Malisa!

2008-12-22T04:47:00.000Z

My dearest friend ….Malisa
As you embark on a new journey in life,
As you establish new relationships,
As your life turns on a new leaf,
As you cross those bridges that time brings you to,
I wish you and your husband Gladson....

enough rain to appreciate the sunshine.
enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
enough pain so to value the smallest joys in life.
enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
enough faith to steady your soul.
enough love to comprehend sacrifice.
enough disputes to be understanding.
enough hope when things look bleak.
enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
enough simplicity when life becomes complicated.
enough inner silence when your days become chaotic.

Congratulations …..Wish you marital Bliss!!

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times,
always with the same person.

mathematical proposal

2008-12-21T20:55:00.002Z

I loved the way Kumar proposes his girl in

"Harold and Kumar escape from Guantanamo Bay"

'I fear that I will always be a lonely number like root 3,
a 3 is all that good and right,
why must my 3 keep out of sight?
beneath a vicious square root sign.
I wish I were number 9,
for 9 could thwart this evil trick,
with just some quick arithmetic.
I know I will never see the sun as 1.7321,
such is my reality- a sad rationality,
when hark! is this what I see?
another square root of a 3
has quietly come waltzing by.
Together now we multiply,
the former number we prefer,
rejoicing as an integer.
we break free from our mortal bonds,
and with a wave of magic wands
our square rot signs become unglued

A love for me has been renewed!!'

My Best Friends Wedding

2008-12-19T12:00:00.001Z

If you ask me how long i'll need you,
the answer is 'Forever'.
If you're asking, when i'll leave you,
the answer is 'Never'.
If you're asking what i value,
the answer is , 'You'.
If you're asking me , whether i love you,
the answer is, 'I do'.

This is how the invitation card starts.

My Best friend, Malisa, will walk down the aisle tomorrow to marry Gladson. I have known her since we were in college together ( aah! the good old days!), but never really talked to her. We just happened to be part of the same group. Then a few years ago, just as she was about to graduate from college, we started talking, I mean really talking - about things that matter. She was feeling pretty unsure about her future and a little confused. Soon we started talking and sharing the way only close friends know how. As a wise man once said," Friendship is a plant that grows slowly but has deep roots". Now I can say with some certainty that we have come to trust and understand each other. As I sit here thinking about it, that old cliche rings in my ear - "kya ek ladka aur ladki bohot acche dost ban sakte hai?" I think I will let the wise reader decide for himself.

Dreams

2008-12-19T02:38:00.000Z

I was looking back in life and thinking how much i've lost and how much of the past i am dragging along. My broken dreams and and failures.I am still clinging to those cherished pieces of my shattered desires.

I remembered the song sung by Alka Yagnik..
saare sapne kahin Kho gaye.
"Mohabaat palkon pe kitne haseen khawaab sajaati hai..
Phoolon se mehakte khawaab..
Sitaron se jagmagaate khawaab..
Shabnam se baraste khawaab..
Phir kabhi yun bhi hota hai ki
palko ki daaliyon se Khawaabon ke saare parinde ud jaate hain..
aur aankhein veeran si reh jaati hain"

I came across this blog that reassured me
http://alaskawildrose.blogspot.com/2008/10/broken-dreams.html

Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country..... Anaïs Nin

Life without regrets

2008-12-10T08:55:00.000Z

If you do something that turns out wrong,
you can almost always put it right, get over it or at least deny it.
But once you've missed out on something. its gone!
There will be that movie you never saw,
the girl you never got to say the right words to,
the winning streak you did not get to cheer,
the person you never got close to,
the party you could'nt attend.
Its a long list though no matter what....
try to keep it short.

Twenty years from now,

you will be more dissappointed

by the things you did'nt do

than by the ones you did.

So throw off the bowlines,

sail away from the safe harbour,

catch the wind in your sails,

explore....dream....

-------Mark Twain

Message

2008-12-05T05:36:00.000Z

I recently recieved a wonderful message from my best friend .....

If luck is a raindrop,
i send you a shower.
If hope is a minute,
i send you an hour.
if happiness is a leaf,
i give you a tree.
and if you need a true friend,
you'll always have me!

Nilesh ties the Knot

2008-12-03T09:26:00.001Z

Nilesh gets married!

This marked the beginning of marriages of my NCC friends (next in queue is Namita). This occasion provided a reason for old friends to meet again and revive their memories of those days spent together as Cadets...

I remember those days we came to the units for NSC practice. The physical training and then the practice at Naval Dockyard. Can anyone forget those days? Then later when we went to camps at Ratnagiri and specially that day when some of us had to return to Mumbai as they were not selected for camp 3! Oh my god what emotions! We were literally crying like children. Now when I think of those days............... Anyway that’s what we have in common and wherever we are now, that’s what keeps us together. We hope to keep in touch-always.

Congratulations Nilesh and Amruta!
Wish you martial bliss.

I HAD a Dove

2008-12-01T08:08:00.001Z

Today i am feeling sooo.... well...something i can't put in words.
and i suddenly though of this poem by John Keats.
so full of grief that i can now feel it my self.

I HAD a dove and the sweet dove died;
And I have thought it died of grieving:
O, what could it grieve for? Its feet were tied,
With a silken thread of my own hand's weaving;
Sweet little red feet! why should you die -
Why should you leave me, sweet bird! why?
You liv'd alone in the forest-tree,
Why, pretty thing! would you not live with me?
I kiss'd you oft and gave you white peas;
Why not live sweetly, as in the green trees?

loneliness

2008-11-25T05:25:00.001Z

When loneliness joins me,
for a cup of black coffee.
When thoughts go back to the past,
and memories come alive.
Time pauses as the world
goes zooming by.
A teary eye and a silent whisper,
I wish you were here!

fond memories

2008-11-22T05:09:00.001Z

As i walk by the shore of life..

Occasionally picking shells to collect, each has a story, each a memory.

One among them i am proud to say is you!

As the waves wipe my footprints and the tide tosses our friendship,

Time alone will tell how often you are remembered.

After I've journeyed thru and my days grow cold,

I sincerely hope, fondly I'll hold those warm shells close to my Heart!!

Shores never meet but share the same ocean,

The moon n the stars could not be one but are in the same sky...

Friends don’t meet often but yet don’t stop being friends!!

Happy Birthday Smita!!

2008-11-14T08:55:00.001Z

This week There are Birthdays in a row...

Todays Smita's Birthday.

Wish you a Happy birthday sweety!!

I met Smita 366 days ago at office. We joined EDS the same day and were together from day one. Shes been my support all along and i take her advise. If you ask me shes a prefect blend of the modern girl and the nice homely girl you can take home to mom.

Love in time of War.

2008-11-14T04:53:00.001Z

I was reading this Book a year ago and i still remember this romantic scene(i would allow to say that i am romantic)Set in Berlin just after the WW II from the Book Armageddon where Sean is an American Colonel and Ernestine is a German girl ,both having their own dark past. Being enemies their relationship is despised.

“May I have some more champagne?”
“I don’t want to give you a hangover on our first noncultural meeting”
“I wish to get utterly drunk, I have been prim & proper for lo, a hundred years. I am going to kick off my shoes forewith, and wade into the lake and make you carry me to the car….”
Sean poured her another glass.She sipped long and sighed deeply,”oh lord it is lovely here, it hasn’t been so for long”
“To a lovely friendship” he said.She tweaked his nose.
“We have a German custom when people become friends…….oh excuse me colonel…….you don’t like German customs”
“If its a nice one”
“Extremely nice, first you hold your glass and I hold mine.
Now we reach over....so......and intertwine arms, there….now we drink”
“This is a nice custom”“The best is yet to come”They sipped from each others glasses; they locked their arms and brought their cheeks close.
“After a kiss we can call each other by the familiar form of Du”He felt the velvet of her cheek,
“I like Du” he said“I like Du”“Du smell good”
“I wore it for Du”Their lips touched.

Being in love is troublesome and it brings pain ... and it also means being able to give yourself.

Happy Birthday Ren!!

2008-11-14T02:19:00.003Z

Heres wishing a special person on this special day....
May God give you all the grace to fulfill your aspirations.

Many Happy Returns Of The Day!!

Renita is one of my close friends.

We live in the same Village,went to the same school and later the same college.We have common friends,but we got to know eachother after we passed out of junior college.Both of us are busy in life ...trying to convert dreams into reality.Once in a while when I stop to look around and i realize how simple life was when i was younger and how i now miss my friends.Its comforting to speak with them and I am surprised how easily we comprehend eachother.

nous restons amis pour toujours.

Amis pour toujours !

2008-11-13T06:19:00.000Z

All through my life there have been many friends...

some i met in school,some in college,some at work.

Some remain aquaintainces and some become close friends

and still some become indispensible...best friends !

I take time to get to know a person untill i can call someone a 'friend'

"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything"."Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile, make footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same" ..........Mohammed Ali

True friendship is a plant of slow growth

and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity,

before it is entitled to the appellation.

............................ George Washington