Mumblings

Strange new developments of the self

2011-07-08T06:14:00.000-07:00

While re-reading my last post during a period of unintended self speculation at an unearthly hour last night, I realised that during the 3 weeks I spent at home I did not listen to any music. ANY music, not even on my Ipod. This is the surprising part and not the strange. The strange bit is that I did not even miss it nor did I realise it missing. So much so that it did not even occur to me while making a list of regular faffable things I did during my vacation.

This can't be happening. Something is very wrong and I have no idea what.

Blah Blah Blah & A Delhi Story

2011-06-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

Back in a rain soaked Kolkata after 3 months is beginning to seem therapeutic for my mostly blank mind. With nothing much to do but eat, read, swim and sleep countless hours is definitely my present version of the good life. And the good life brings all sorts of urges back to the fore. Ok that doesn't sound right. But its my blog and I'm rarely right so..

I was thinking of Delhi all day, and how at the end of each working day I'd come home to find something or the other out of place. Be it a busted electric line or garbage that hasn't been cleared or no water or, worst of all, a non-functional AC. The last one's a death sentence man. Trust me. Even so Delhi has grown on me, so much so that I know presently Delhi is where I wish to find myself. Calcutta is more of a spa treatment undertaken to pamper oneself. And one does need pampering after surviving Delhi and its weather.

The city and its weather work together hand in hand to drain the life force out of the working man. There is no chi flowing through the people of Delhi. It all gets sapped out by 3pm latest. I for one often resort to lying on the floor infront of the AC just to get some semblance of energy back into me so that I can make the effort to get out again to find dinner. Hence blogging definitely goes for a toss.

But there is another side to Delhi. And that is its people. I know, especially being an ex-pat Bong in the capital, the general notion of Dilliwallahs is that of being rude and uncouth and (if you ask a Bengali Bhadrolok) uncivilised. While I personally do not give credence to any of the aforesaid, it may be admitted that the populace of Delhi are certainly more aggressive than those in most other parts of the country. It is evident from my own boss who has subjected me to the kind of abuse in 3 months that I have not experienced in 25 years on this planet!

However, in Delhi and in the same aforesaid office I also came across this gentleman called Shivkumar or Shivkumarji as I call him. Shivkumarji has been my boss's munshi (clerk) for 8 years and had been his father's clerk for 2 years before that. He hails from a Brahmin family in Western Uttar Pradesh and had come to Delhi 13 years back, then a 24 year old man with a young wife and a baby girl tagging along for they were his responsibility. Shivkumarji wasn't literate so there were no office jobs he could land. However, he had experience farming as a boy and was able to find work as a gardener at Ms. Renuka Chowdhury's (presently an elected Member of Parliament) house in Delhi. Ms. Chowdhury's gardens are still tended by Shivkumarji, whose 13 years of faithful service has been rewarded with a place to stay within Ms. Chowdhury's premises itself. But being a gardener is not enough to feed 3 mouths, especially in a city with a cost of living index as high as New Delhi. And since Shivkumarji's arrival the costs have only gone up. So Shivkumarji juggled jobs. He would tend to the gardens early in the morning, then go out and deliver newspapers, then work odd jobs at various stores and eventually also substitute for another to run a photocopy machine at Patiala House. It was here that he was introduced to the legal profession. He met clerks who had come to Delhi from diverse parts of the country, and made friends and even learnt to read in bits and pieces. Sufficient to recognize particular names of advocates on the daily cause lists and matter numbers on the display boards.

My boss's father, whom I admire greatly, is an extremely docile and learned gentleman. He speaks normally in what sounds like a loudish whisper. Shivkumarji through his new found friends and contacts heard of an opening at the aforesaid counsel's office as a peon, and the same was a lucrative offer for him at the said time. Hence he shifted from the photocopy machine at Patiala House to being a peon at a Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record's office. This brought him some extra money and some extra time to spend with his family. Unfortunately within 2 years of his joining his boss's health started deteriorating to the extent of him abandoning his practice to his foul mouthed and short tempered only child (my boss). The father's erstwhile court clerk refusing to work under such a poor specimen of the humankind, his son had no choice but to accept Shivkumarji as a clerk for by then the resourceful Shivkumarji had pretty much mastered basic English letters and numbers, sufficient for him to check the daily lists and boards required to assist an Advocate. His sweet and polite demeanor further lent him a good rapport with most people at the Section offices and Registry of the Supreme Court making him invaluable to any Advocate-on-Record.

Thus Shivkumarji quit delivering newspapers and working odd jobs at grocery stores and photocopy machines for the relatively stable position as an Advocate's peon and then found himself promoted to the position of a clerk under the said Advocate's son. He continues to live and work on Ms. Chowdhury's gardens every morning, and he further delivers cause lists to various offices in the evening after my boss leaves. His earnings, though modest by the ever increasing Delhi living standards, are presently sufficient for him further provide a stable and loving home for his wife, send his daughter to school and induct his 4 year old younger girl (who was born in Delhi) to Montessori as well.

There was this one day when I had to rush to attend to an Arbitration proceeding in the morning and I did not have the time to grab breakfast. Shivkumarji accompanied me that day for I did not know the relevant former judge's house and I could not afford to be late. After the said arbitration, upon hearing that I was hungry, Shivkumarji emotionally blackmailed me to come to his house and provided me with the most hearty breakfast I have had in my 3 months in Delhi. So much so that I chose to skip lunch later in the day.

I like reading fantasy novels and history books to know of great people and their heroic deeds. But 3 months of working and living alone in Delhi has taught me to perceive heroism in a new light. Shivkumarji has been many things (life's forced him to get versatile); namely a gardener, a shopkeeper's assistant, an illiterate peon, a semi-literate clerk and an occasional delivery man. But most of all, he's a good man and an urban hero.

In Delhi I found work alongside a man I really look upto.

Revival vide Hotness

2011-06-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

When ze words fail, hotness prevails!

What can I say, urge or no urge, I had selfishly and completely forgotten that apart from my mumblings and mutterings and what not, this space was also host to random hotness of the female kind of my species. And although there has been no urge to write (and thats all there is to it, believe it or not!!) there still is the urge to fall for Hotties! Thank God!!

In fact its the latter that has kept me going through the toughest and the most boring times of my life. Hence dear audience forgive me for my selfishness in thinking that my words were all this space was good for. Nossir! It wasn't, as Ms. Priyanka aptly points out in her comment to my last post. There still is the Hottie of the Month! So in abeyance of her wisdom and in a desperate attempt to keep this space alive despite my vocabular stagnation, this space shall breathe to the extent of the Hottie of the Month. At the very least.

So without any further delay and mumbling, here's our Hottie for this month.

Eva Huang Shengyi

Remember the Ice cream girl from Kung-fu Hustle ?? (Greatest Film EVER!!)

2011-05-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

I guess I owe an apology to anyone and everyone who has visited this space since the last post and actually believed that this was a break. I had believed so myself. But I'm sorry, this space does seem dead. Comatose at the very least. The tragic bit, if any, is that it died for no particular reason whatsoever. I liked this space and I wanted to keep it going irrespective of how bland and mumblinglike it was. Its just that its not happening anymore. There is no urge to write. Which is ironic considering the level of activity in my life right now. I probably have more to say now than I did just about couple of months back. But the will is gone!

Such is life I suppose. Cheers!

Break Ke Baad

2011-02-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

This space is not dead. Not yet anyway.

I had been looking forward to 2011. The year was to begin with me unemployed and devoid of a plan. The funny thing about being unemployed is that you suddenly find a lot on your plate that interests you, and none of it is something you HAVE to do!
All the things you had been planning and all the others that come up in time, which you wouldn't have been able to do were you bound to an office for more that 10 hours a day. Also whatever it is you do, seems to be infused with a new manner of intensity. Sort of like living with a vengeance. Cleansing 18 months of existential stagnation in 6 short weeks.

Can be one hell of a ride! With the right research of course, a sprinkling of luck and always a little help from your friends.

Now I'm on the otherside but the ride ain't over yet. In fact I reckon its just about warming up. This year shall now see me experience the life of a Junior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India, amongst other things. I shift to New Delhi in a week's time. Have to find a home, start work, buy a goddamn gown again (we wear a slightly different one at the Calcutta High Court) and get used to a brand new city.

To much to do yet. Too much to think of and take care of. So I ended up watching movies till late in the night. Shanghai. Found a couple of pearls therein. Firstly, "the heart is never neutral". One of the many thoughts meandering through John Cusack's head as he tries to unravel the mystery behind his friend's death and decipher the truth sugar coated in Mistress Lan Ting's cunning beauty. The film, besides being watchworthy, casts our Hottie of the Month as Ms. Anna Lan Ting (No I haven't seen Memoirs of a Geisha).

Gong Li (Picture from here)

2010-12-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

Its all happening, its all happening!!! ... Band Aid voices screaming in my head (think Almost Famous).

2 Days to my departure from this office and I already feel the blood coursing in my veins. The time to fall off the map, the time to not dread the coming of the morning but to rush towards it with outstretched arms, the time to grow younger than you were and the time to be free.

Almost there. Almost.

Soon I'll be lugging 7-8 kilos in a beat up faithful rucksack up a mountain keeping pace with a couple of old timers. Only to be sleeping on state transport buses and inside sleeping bags with a tent for shelter and the night sky for company. And finally back to being able to do whatever the fuck you want, whenever the fuck you want.

Atleast for a little while.

Free (Now all I need is my Wild Indian Woman!!)

However, it shall do me good to see through these last 48 hours appropriately. Too many things to clear with too many bleddy depts. Also one must leave with one's boss's blessings in my profession. Which is really my top concern now since I have been given work today, which I ought to do extra well, and would too if only it wasn't for this nagging drowsiness. Which again is my bad I suppose. Stayed up till 2:30 am watching Heat. What can a man do when you put Al Pacino and Robert DiNero against each other with their abundance of style, guns and ammo? To top that you put in a long haired, blonde, hitman/junkie played by Val Kilmer, you're really conspiring to keep your regular run of the mill working man up all night.

Man, I'd love to be a gangster.

"We Jazz June, we die soon"

I've always been attracted to breaking the rules. Not because the rules are good or bad or right or wrong. But simply because they are there. Don't get me wrong. I'm not prescribing a lifestyle choice here or advocating anything for that matter. Just that it feels good breaking them rules. Always has you know. Its a good feeling that never lets you down. Like a tried and tested high.

However, Neil McCauley (Robert Di Nero) was too smart. Even for Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino). A career criminal was he, and with honour. Until she came along.

Eady (Amy Brenneman) when Neil (Robert Di Nero) sees her for the first time in Heat

Picture from here

The kinda lady you'd leave it all behind for (but thats assuming you've had had a life to leave behind in the first place). There's freedom there too I suspect. That makes Amy Brenneman our Hottie of the Month.

Cheers.

2010-12-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

Had the craziest weekend in the longest time. One of the oldest friends was in town, and well we had ourselves a boy's night out. Stag as the good old times of school when the wimmen would look at us and smile benignly with a look that unmistakably revealed their innate desire to tousle our hair and squeeze our cheeks. Yea I felt like a goddamn kid then but nowadays they simply look the other way. I'm thinking being a kid and cute was better than being an inebriated adult and a potential rapist. Anyway we were saved from our blushes outside a nightclub when a bunch of Irish women decided that they not only wanted to enter with us, but they also wanted to party with us the rest of the night. All I had said was, "I love U2 man, please could you get us inside??" Also for the first time in my life was I hailed as a "gentleman" along with my friend (often repeatedly) by the same aforesaid Irishwomen. Yeah take that all ye who look away. Take that I say!

Also belated happy birthday old friend. You know who you are. I don't think they'll have blogs where you are but there's really no other way I can say this to you now, is there. For the record, I did actually go out and raise a toast to you, so you'd better do the same for me up there.

To DVR who is a million miles away ..

Of Heartbreaks

2010-11-29T03:25:00.001-08:00

En route to an early morning game of football, what was the first in ages, sitting in an auto with 2 other players, chatting about what was last evening's game between city rivals East Bengal and Mohunbagan and Robin Singh's two match winning strikes when our veteran auto driver turned and retorted to us young EB fanboys with disdain that "Prothom goal ta kheye toh Shilton-er book bhenge gelo, tar por dwitya goal aar ki thamabe??!? Or je mon bhenge gechche".

Literally translates to "The first goal broke Shilton's heart (Shilton = Mohunbagan goal keeper), how do you expect him to stop the second. The poor man was heartbroken".

I've been wanting to leave this city for a while. And sometimes it seems like I'll never get out. But some other times, times like these, they bring a smile to my face. For such sometimes happen only in Kolkata.

2010-11-26T00:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is. Maybe its the weather, maybe being amidst civilization after 5 years of semi-imprisonment, or maybe its just me all of 24 but not for long. Whatever it is, its never been this hapless before. There are too many people and too many acquaintances, yet life has never felt lonelier. Almost as if out of spite for those acquaintances, who well are great people.. really. And who are still the same. The way they were when you'd left them. Left home. Yet now... now you belong elsewhere. And the friends of old, well they're just friends of old. Not companions of the present. I guess. Weird.

Nevermind. I still got music. And did I mention the weather? It is great! Fabulous in fact. Walk out of the shivering shade into the lazy sun and bask a while making the drag last inside your lungs. God bless ITC.

Also speaking of music, an old friend was recently speaking, in between sips of hot tea, of how sometimes the simplest of words and the most clichéd of tunes encompass all that there is, there was and there ever will be. In just a moment. The slight tremble of the voice, or the sudden softness in the finger picked twang, or the promise of ever returning to the start and always ending up close but not quite. Just like life, sometimes. Only sometimes.

Here's a sappy number by two beautiful and talented artists that makes me wish I was born in different times. So let the devil take tomorrow, cause tonight I need a friend..

2010-11-23T01:35:00.000-08:00

I love weekends.

4 days to go...

2010-11-15T05:26:00.000-08:00

Boredom compounded with work leads to what follows. Those who've had the lack in life to read the Malazan Book of the Fallen atleast till the 3rd book (there are 10 in all) shall know better the context of my paltry poesy. Those who haven't, well whats there. Cheers.

Of being done (Brukhalian's Prayer)

In the raging glory earned with blood and tears

find my death, a final prayer

to all who watch and reap, but never sow,

for all who live and die beneath their blows;

that all the power, anger and pain

sheltered within these fragile frames

that follow my shadow to the betrayal imminent

live on past us and never faint

for the crime of our deaths, uncommitted yet,

shall weild a vengeance moulded in hate.

Let us march to our deaths then, old friends and new.

Let the crime be complete, and a hero rise anew.

A hero with no song, no place beneath the sun,

but just a man, not dead, for he’s not yet done.

2010-11-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

Stuck in the middle of all them Exhibits. There must be some kind of way out of here..

I CANNAAWT!

Questions that flummox me innocent mind...

2010-11-09T04:32:00.001-08:00

1. Whatsup??!?

2. I'm reading. Person X walks up and inquires, "What're you doing?"

3. Mother : "What're you doing with your life?"

4. "DO SOMETHING!!" (Mother again, but that was not a question)

5. There are a bunch of fresh A4 sheets stacked at the printer next to me that are visible to all and sundry. A fellow colleague walks up and asks "Could you pleease put some paper in the printer?". EVERYDAY!

6. Boss : "So you wish to quit? Now what, become a mercenary?"

7. Friends (different ones on separate occasions) : "Why're you like this man?"

Random.

Champion of the World

2010-11-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Ask any Indian, "which Indian is the best in the world at his/her respective sport?" wherein being the best is not an annual event. It is a status that is earned over the course of one's career.

Most of India will answer SACHIN! Well duh!

Some might even say Saina Nehwal.. or wait maybe... atleast she's one of the best.

Rarely would one hear the name of Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom. Well if not Indians, then atleast the International Boxing Federation has pronounced MC Mary Kom as the 'best female boxer' in the world after she achieved the "unimaginable", as pugilist Vijender Kumar put it, by winning her 5th Women's World Boxing Championship title in a row.

There's something terribly attractive about sportswomen that I find myself unable to resist. When you make that a mother of twins, hailing from a male dominated third world country that pretends otherwise, successful in a male dominated sport and who is born but two years before I, well you get love and respect in immeasurable yet equal measure. The Hottie of the Month dear readers, although late but not never, is MC Mary Kom.

2010-11-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

The wind burns most of my cigarette away even as dry leaves and dust particles rush headlong into my flying hair, clinging on in inanimate survival. Its been pleasantly cold all day.

Winter is here, and I feel fine!

Cheers.

2010-10-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Today is a day of coincidences. The believer would say there are no coincidences. I wonder if there is much one can do either ways. What must be done, must be done. And weirdly I'm not alone in this one. Not alone, not today. Also a third one is there, watching over, or so I like to believe. Fuck you, bastard. You should have hung on a little longer. Then it could've been the three of us. Well now you'll just have to wait till we're done here.

Got me a new Ipod. Never thought I'd buy one, never felt the need to... but there you have it. Rather I do.

Last night was no fun. Tried getting high with a bunch of old timers, but there was too much going on. Inside our heads. Hence, too many silences. Left unbroken, yet coloured with knowing smiles. The blessing of being with old timers.

Been listening this song since last night. You keep me hanging on by JJ Cale. Its beautiful. Wonder what its like to feel that way. Bet its not as good as the song. Or maybe it is.

Have a nice day.

Too much work, too few chiquititas...

2010-10-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Encompasses my present condition in 6 words.

However, I have been reading ANOTHER fantasy series (this one longer than the last one I read...much longer) wherein I seemed to have developed the proverbial "hots" for this fishergirl-ascendant possessed killer-simply a hot bod assassin.

Which brings me to my Hottie of the Month.

Apsalar

And the festive season begins...

Dear Sleep,

2010-09-20T04:56:00.000-07:00

I do not hate you. In fact I miss you more with every daaay! I know I sound like a Backstreet Boy, but what to do, I'll go anywhere for you.

The reason I've been giving you such less time is because my days aren't mine no more. They're rented to a monster machine that don't know you. Never been enamored by you. Never really tasted your sweet sweet breath. I know thats not your fault but baby you gotta understand. I work not just to fill my stomach, but because it is something I must do. Be gainfully employed they said. Do something! they said. So here I am. Doing me job. But in the pursuit of acceptance and credibility in an alien (and often abnormally stoopid) world, I have lost that which is most dear to me. My life.

Hence, in the darkness of the night when I'm all by myself, I fight to keep you away in order to live a little. Listen to 'em old tunes of rebellion and grey numbed pain; read about 'em wise kings, conceited gods, lustful queens, vengeful princes and the unnamed soldiers; stay awake a bit and spend some time with the person I love the most...myself; and lastly but nevertheleast smoke a sweet 'un.

So bear with me my love. Give me time, for that is what I do not seem to have no more. Be patient. Do not hold me back and quarrel like you do when I try to leave you in the mornings. For even when I push thee away, know that I still yearn for thee.

Love.

Me.

Of Corporate Arrogance

2010-09-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

Facebook has recently started attempting to register the word "face" as its trademark with the United States Patent & Trade Mark Office (USPTO).

Technically, no individual may solely be vested with the exclusive rights on the use of the word "face", it being a common word in the English Language. However, Facebook's claim may be accepted if they are able to show that the word "face" has become distinctive in respect of the services provided by applicant by way of continuous use over a considerable period of time.

Now, it makes sense to apply for the mark 'Facebook' as a whole using the aforesaid arguments and the claim that 'Facebook' as a whole is a newly coined term using two English words in conjunction with one another, which were unused in relation to the given services of the applicant, and that tremendous cross-border reputation has accrued in respect of the same in favour of the applicant. In fact Facebook would be well within its rights to do so and thereby diligently protect its valuable intellectual property. What is unsettling however, is Facebook's insistence on getting the word "face" and probably later the word "book" registered in its favour. The effect of such registration is to say (loosely, depending on other facts and circumstances) that any instance of the use of the word "face" in relation to online service providers (regardless of the nature of such service) shall be held to be an infringement of Zuckerberg's great intellectual property that is Facebook. Notwithstanding the unwanted precedent it shall inevitably set which is likely to be followed by various other multinationals applying for exclusive rights on regular words of the English language.

So far, even without a valid registration, Facebook has successfully threatened and gotten a travel website to change its name from Placebook to TripTrace. They are also likely to initiate legal action against Teachbook, which is an online portal for teachers, for the use of the term "book". This reveals the sincerity of their intentions of following up the application on "face" by another for "book", probably using their first application as a precedent.

While it is unlikely that "face" will be granted registration one can never be too sure when it comes to financially resourceful multinational corporations. In any case such an application or claim is an example of a humongous ego and arrogance on the part of Zuckerberg & Co. that probably believes itself to be the sole reason for the existence of Law and not the other way round. I hope such arrogance is nipped in the bud by the USPTO.

Of Liberation

2010-09-13T02:55:00.000-07:00

I have de-activated my facebook account. For the first time ever. The reason was simple and provided by one of those multiple choice questions that facebook keeps asking. It being "I spend too much time on facebook"... and might I add doing nothing at all. In my defence, its all this job's fault. I never really had the facebook bug and hence it made sense to be on it. Presently, I sign in after every other assignment on the pretext of taking a break. Hence, its time to call quits. Lets see how long this lasts. If my Quit Smoking campaigns against the self is anything to go by, it won't last long. But I'm hoping against it.

Eid Mubarak and...

2010-09-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

... another bhai is about to bite the dust. The parents are gonna be meeting tomorrow, and well you know you know. The bhai and the probable bhabi seem to like each other though. Tons. That can't be too bad except for maybe the inevitable.

That's 2 down 7 to go by circa 2011.

The only question on everyone's mind.... WHO'S NEXT??

Yesterday

2010-09-08T04:20:00.001-07:00

A man walked into Arambagh's Food Mart and asked for a tube of Fair and Handsome face cream for men.

Calcuttans, like Calcutta, never cease to astonish.

The Last of The First

2010-09-02T03:18:00.000-07:00

August 30, 2010 witnessed, among other things, the passing away of the last surviving footballer to have participated in World Cup 1930, in Uruguay. Senor Francisco "Pancho" Varallo, Center Forward for the Argentine national team circa 1930-1937. At 20, he was the youngest player in the 1930 World Cup thereby becoming the youngest player in the World Cup Finals in 1930 (Argentina lost the finals to Uruguay 4-2).

Varallo in action against Italia (you gotta admit the pants rock!)

I have never watched him play, nor seen any footage of this man in action. In fact I hadn't heard of him till I came across an article citing his death. However, I did read up on his life, and the man is an Argentine legend having scored 180 goals in 210 league games for his club Boca Juniors; a record that lasted till 2008 when it was broken by Martin Palermo. He even jokingly expressed his desire to come out of his retirement upon hearing the news of his record being finally broken by Palermo. He was 98 years old in 2008.

Senor Varallo lived for a 100 years. RIP.

ps: Picture from here.

Ja saala, My heart goes shala-la-la-la ..

2010-09-01T01:38:00.001-07:00

HOTTIE OF THE MONTH : Caroline Dhavernas

She makes me heart squeak ..

Picture from here.

Aaj mere yaaron ka budday hain...

2010-08-31T05:59:00.000-07:00

Steering clear of posts beginning with "Of", here's to inform everyone that a looong looooong (too loong) time ago 2 idiots, namely TJ Eckleberg and Niniel decided that enough was enough and it was time that they fulfill their destinies of being the eternal spot(s) on my poor innocent mind. They were born 364 days apart, with TJ leading the way as usual. Since then it was ordained that my life would not be... what do they say... a normal one, thanks to our aforesaid hero and heroine.

So here's to the 2 idiots who have forever been and shall forever remain hell-bent on making a 3rd idiot out of me. Happy 25th and 24th respectively buggers. And I won't forget to put roses on your graaaves.

Of being a Dilliwallah

2010-08-31T05:46:00.001-07:00

Courtesy : Dinesh Kapur

I know, I know its offensive but the black bit cracked me up..

Of Time and I

2010-08-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

Saala I wake up every morning to an alarm, 6 days a week, and get to Office and switch on my computer at about the same time everyday...for over a year now.

Just not so long ago during college Time was a slave to me. Now it seems like I'm a slave to Time, and will be forever mooore.

Lesson : Don't get a job or forever sing, I want to breaak freeeee ..

Of Life coming to a full circle at a Govt. Office

2010-08-24T04:07:00.001-07:00

Place : The Office of the Registrar of Firms, Societies and Non-trading Corporations at 10th Floor, Todi Mansion, Kolkata.

Time : Bright hot muggy afternoon.

So I finally stepped out of the cramped lift onto the 10th floor of Todi Mansion after having waited for over 20 minutes to get into the said lift in the first place (the queue had spilled onto the street outside). A small doorway to the left blocked by a wall of sweating visitors, queuing up for reasons best known to themselves, seemed to be the entrance to the Office. I waded my way through the barrage of bodies while profusely muttering apologies and calmly digesting the "tsk tsk(s)" and "arre dekhe moshai dekhe(s)" to finally find myself at the first desk of the said Govt. office where a bespectacled bucktooth civil servant sat signing papers while vociferously elaborating on his family's illustrous history to another sitting beside him.

I was here to file a couple of applications under the RTI Act. On inquiring as to who was the appropriate person to receive my application, I was pointed toward 'choto babu' who happened to be another bespectacled civil servant with a more sombre appearance. On repeating my question to the said 'choto babu' I was directed to a 'madam', a middle aged bespectacled (again!!) lady who spared me more time and attention than the two previous officers. However, she had no idea what the RTI was, or atleast she did a damn good job pretending not to know. She directed me to the Registrar's office itself, 'bodo babu', informing me that "uni jaanben.." (he'll know.. what you're talking about...i presume). So I met the Registrar himself who very kindly and calmly directed me to approach the desk just to the left of the entrance and submit my application and also reminded me to keep a receipt stamped photocopy for myself.

So I headed out one last time and lo! It was the bespectacled bucktooth civil servant, whom I'd met first upon entering the said office, that I had to submit my applications to. Only by this time he was going on about how they used to have 35 bigha jomeen (bigha = acre??; jomeen = zameen = plot of land) in Chottogram(Chittagong) that the dirty mullahs snatched from them.

My first real experience with the Indian bureaucracy. In retrospect it was entertaining, if nothing else. I only wish it wasn't soo bloody hot!

(FYI, I did manage to file the said application, though only after I informed our esteemed officer that I was instructed to come to him by 'bodo babu' himself)

Of Help & Pride

2010-08-19T00:37:00.000-07:00

The Hindu reports that "Over 1,700 people have died and the UN says more than 650,000 people are without basic shelter while six million desperately need emergency aid. Tens of thousands of villages are still under water" in the current floods that have plagued Pakistan.

In what could be a political or a humanitarian gesture, the Indian government has offered US $5 million in flood relief aid to its struggling neighbour. Pakistan is yet to accept such offer. While India's offer is worthy of praise, one can't be sure of the motivations behind the same. Especially if one is a Pakistan national. However, the people stranded without basic life sustaining amenities could sure use the assistance. But would you live a life of gratitude to one you perceive as your enemy, or suffer with your pride intact?

I hope Pakistan accepts the funds.

Of New Delhi

2010-08-09T03:59:00.000-07:00

I was in Delhi for a couple of nights to...well basically to live it up with a bunch of old timers who had come from 3 different cities to the nation's capital to re-live the days of the good old boy's hostel one more time. The only problem being that there were too many boys, just like in the times of the said boy's hostel.

Anyway, this short whirlwind trip to Delhi was fun to say the least. Friday saw me cross 4 state borders as I flew out of Kolkata, landed at the Delhi airport from where I was whisked away to Gurgaon to have lunch with an old school friend. Thereafter I availed the services of the Delhi Metro to get to Qutub Minar Station wherefrom an autoride took me to Barakhamba Road where I had an unscheduled meeting with an ugly sibling. Thereafter I got picked up by another friend, a proud Advocate of the Delhi High Court now, and rode away into the evening to Noida Stadium to play a football match which we arrived too late to participate in {classic kels... for the uninitiated kels is the affectionate insinuation of life giving one the proverbial kela (banana)}. In any case our team lost 8-2 to a bunch of kids from a local school who obviously weighed a good 20 kilos less than each of us and had a clean pair of lungs to go with that no doubt. Also the fact that we played the entire first half with 4 players against 7 didn't help our cause.

Saturday, turned out to be the longest day I'd lived since I left college. It commenced at 7 in the morning with a practice football match at Pandara Road, wherein I realised the exact extent of my match-unfitness, and ended at 5 next morning with a well rolled joint, rolled by yours truly. In the middle I managed to fit in going swimming, breakfast at CP, a couple of hours sleep, meeting a bunch of old timers edging to break loose of their newfound corporate sanity, a few choicest cocktails accompanied by a bottle of Black Label and a 5ltr keg of chilled Heineken, and some of the usual drunken drama that is not so usual in my life anymore. Like I said, FUN!

Just one of the many reasons I should shift to New Delhi.

Nalsar Batch 2004-09 babies!!

2010-08-02T05:22:00.000-07:00

And a couple of my batchmates have become fathers!! Ola babies! They are our hotties for this month.

Ms. Tandin Wangmo (Good job Nima Dorji)

And more recently Ms. Kuenga Wangmo (Excellent work Ugyen Wangdi)

May the force be with them and the Gods always smile upon them. With all my loving to these beautiful ladies.

I have to watch

2010-08-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

Enthiran - The Robot (poster)

Anyone with sub-titled copies?

Please to make noise.

Poster from here.

To bullfight, or not to bullfight

2010-08-02T02:53:00.000-07:00

An estimated 13,500 bulls are said to perish each year in bullfights all across Spain. Bullfights are an inherent part of Spanish culture and is considered to be in danger from modernisation of urban thought and the acts of various International Animal Rights organisations which have been trying unsuccessfully to bring about the demise of this cultural bloodsport.

Recently the local parliament of Catalonia (which boasts supplying half the football team and the complete style of gameplay that won the World Cup '10) has voted in favour of banning bullfighting within its territories from 2012 becoming the only county in Spain to have done so. This was officially in furtherance of an international petition signed by 140,000 people calling for a ban on the 'sport'. However, many local political analysts believe that the same petition was ratified as a reaction to a Spanish constitutional court turning down Catalonia's 2006 autonomy charter earlier this month declaring that Catalonia was not a sovereign nation. A detailed report is available here.

While most of Spain regards such aforesaid ban as an attack on Spanish culture, animal welfare activists from around the world have lauded Catalonia for the same.

In what is good news for Spanish bulls, it is also to be understood that there have been generations of Spanish families and bullfighters who have studied, trained and practised bullfighting for centuries and have innovated and mastered techniques vide such long and continuous practice. Further if being a non-vegetarian is not considered cruel (and it isn't, the goddamn food chain exists for a reason...besides we were meant to eat meat...just ask any dentist) then how can bullfights be construed so. Especially when it gives the bull a fighting chance, no matter what the odds. Besides humans are an inherently violent species, where the law is designed to minimise the occurrence of violence with respect to other humans. It must also be kept in mind that the law does not equate any other species to humanity. Even the most endangered ones maybe destroyed to preserve human life. In such aforesaid context of global intellectual hypocrisy, can a tradition where violence is directed at non-human living creatures (which are not in danger of extinction) and one that has existed and evolved over centuries, so much so that it forms an integral part of local identity, truly be considered worth banning or doing away with entirely?

India's Soccer City

2010-07-30T01:33:00.000-07:00

The list of football stars that have visited Kolkata in the past is long and illustrious compared to any other Indian city. Some of the names I can recall are the likes of Lothar Matthaus, Karl Heinz Rumminege, Diego Maradona, Branco, Romario, Oliver Kahn, and Gerd Mueller. Tomorrow another great footballing talent will land in the city. While all the aforesaid greats visited us only after they'd hung up their boots, this gentleman will need to go home and iron his jersey after his stint here is done. And he's just come off playing the tournament of his life.

Europa Champion 2010, World Cup Golden Ball Awardee 2010, Diego Forlan.

And he's not coming alone. She's gonna be there too!!

Zaira Nara, Forlan's erstwhile girlfriend

Ergo, be there at Yuva Bharti Krirangan, (Salt Lake Stadium) August 1, 2010 at 1700 hrs if you can. See you there!

Pictures from here and here respectively.

Back to the cradle

2010-07-23T04:04:00.000-07:00

Got my hands on some old Mohiner songs. I had always been fond of Mohin's material. Especially because the youngest of Mohin's horses (the band being named Mohiner Ghoraguli literally translating to mean Mohin's Horses) Mr. Abraham Mazumdar was my music teacher at school and a close friend of the family. Further the band, despite performing in obscurity right through its career in the 1970s, was arguably singlehandedly responsible for the splurge of Bangla Rock bands and artists that came to fore during the late eighties and early nineties and is an important part of the history of modern Bengali popular music.

Last night I heard the song Tomay Dilam after an eternity. I had almost forgotten it even existed. Unlike most Mohin fans, I prefer this vocal harmony and keyboard driven number over their more renowned hits such as Bhalobashi, Prithibi and Ruksana. This seems to me to be a melancholic love song to the Calcuttan in general. Its a beautiful song and I wish I could put up the song itself, but being the technological retard that I am I haven't figured out how to do that yet. In any case it isn't mine to put up.

So instead I got down to translating it. My case is hindered by my poor grasp on the English language and an even poorer understanding of my own mother tongue (I'm glad blogs don't require mandatory pictures of its administrators for I'd rather no one saw my face). Albeit the same, I hope I am able to atleast give the reader a hint of the beauty and the mellow despair in this song and do justice to its eloquent wordplay in the Bengali language. It is a sad and beautiful song that left me awake till late last night.

Tomay Dilam (I give to you)

In the city’s warmest day

of tar fueled sunlight,

a breath of rain

I give to you today.

What else could I give?

Them old rallies,

the rows of them old trams,

the balloon store on the sidewalk

whose thread knotted reds & whites

are my discordant city’s Rhododendron

I give to you today.

What else is there in the late night neon lights,

that illuminate these restaurants.

The highest roof of the tallest building

I give to you today.

I cannot give

the smell of grass, flowers and rice fields,

two palmfuls of softness.

Instead the silent reassurance of the

slightly leaking burnt diesel,

I give to you today.

All the images of the city’s verse

I give to you today.

[I give to you today] x 3
Original Lyrics by the Late Gautam Chattopadhyay

Indian v. Red Devils

2010-07-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

Delhi boy Sunil Chhetri will soon be seen taking the field against Manchester United on July 25 as part of the latter's tour of USA. Chhetri will be playing for his new club Kansas City Wizards when they take on the former world club champions in a friendly encounter. Although Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra are said to have stayed out of the tour on holidays, big names like Ryan Giggs, Berbatov and Edwin Van der Sar will be available for the English giants. A detailed report of the same is available here.

Sunil Chhetri appearing for his erstwhile club Kansas City Wizards

Here's hoping that the India No. 11 gets playing time against one of the greatest football clubs in the world and does us all proud. Gooo Chhetrii!

Romario comes home

2010-07-22T04:39:00.000-07:00

Brazilian legend and Calcutta's favourite son (since most Bengali Calcuttans consider themselves Brazilians with the remaining firmly believing that they were actually born in Argentina, and that Bengal is in India today due to some sort of tectonic shift or CIA conspiracy) Romario de Souza Faria came to the city a couple of days back to encourage youngsters participating in a state-wide football tournament, the Kolkata Police Coca-Cola Friendship Cup. He is staying on to host a reality tv show on football, to be aired on Mahua Channel, alongside former team mate and fellow World Champion 1994, Branco.

It seems a tad weird to imagine how a game meant to be watched live can be any more real than it already is, but atleast its a good excuse to have one of the finest exponents of the game in your hometown. He's probably as loved here as he is at home, and probably better remembered. I can only confirm that after I have been to Brazil in 2014 ;)

Cheers, and good luck to Romario for his future exploits in the city of joy.

Picture from here.

Find of the tournament

2010-07-19T07:33:00.001-07:00

This World Cup saw various styles of football being executed by some really talented men. Some stars did not live up to their reputations, whilst others outdid theirs. One such who came through in glory was Per Mertesacker, who in my limited opinion has been one of the players of the tournament alongside the likes of Diego Forlan, Lionel Messi (yes, I thought he played great and with a lot of responsibility) and Sergio Ramos.

Per Mertesacker (Germany)

While I had experienced the other aforesaid superstars earlier, I hadn't quite seen much of the Werder Bremen defender in action. He was in the German squad that reached the Euro 2008 finals, however, I cannot recall him from that game. That being said I must admit that it was love at first notice this time around. He's a fantastic defender, who defends clean and effectively. Does not give out any set pieces near the penalty area, wins airballs/goalkicks, and also scores vide useful headers. Just to give one an idea what it must feel like being a striker attacking Mertesacker's defence, here's an image from the Germany-England game where Jermaine Defoe (one of the most prolific English scorers from the past season) finds himself on the wrong side of the tall Bavarian.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

PS : According to the grapevine, Arsenal a preparing to make a 22 Million Pound bid for this talented defender to play for them in the coming season. I pray and hope the deal goes through for its a fact that no striker would wish to run into Mertesacker en route to a goal.

Pictures from here.

I want to go

2010-07-17T04:43:00.001-07:00

Perito Moreno Glacier (Patagonia, South America)

Any sponsors??

Picture from here.

Knight & Day

2010-07-15T00:17:00.000-07:00

Tom Cruise is a certified idiot. Cameron Diaz looks like an uglier sibling of herself (even in a red bikini).

TJ Eckleberg is responsible for me viewing this absolute piece of shit.

2010-07-12T01:35:00.000-07:00

First tag on this page. Tagged by Priyanka.

“This award is bestowed upon a fellow blogger whose blog’s content or design is, in the giver’s opinion, brilliant.”

Wnndrr!

Some rules of the Game:

a) Show off your honesty(and modesty) by thanking the person who gave you the award and link to their post. (Gracias Ms. Kumar!)

b) List 10 honest things about yourself. Cheating makes you lame, so just play along, all you taggees.

c) Select 7 other bloggers you think deserve this award and pass it on to them.

d) Notify said bloggers about the award and invite them to be the honest ones next.

-----------------

1) I don't comb or oil my hair. Ma says all my hair will fall off soon as a result.

2) I wish I were leaner and stronger, kinda like Sergio Ramos. (Sheesh)

3) If I were a rockstar I'd totally die on stage. Read Leslie Harvey.

4) I like to live vicariously off my heroes. Like re-enact their acts as would be done by me. Time...anytime, place...my dreams.

5) I know the lyrics to too many MLTR songs for my own liking. (I will shoot anyone who laughs)

6) I want to get a bike but my mum won't let me get one. So I drive a car...hahahaha! I still want a bike though.

7) I'm 'meat'arian. Love meat, survive purely on a non-vegetarian diet.

8) I can spend an entire day with only myself for company and not get bored. I love me.

9) I'd rather be a mediocre footballer than a kickass lawyer. But I'd rather be a mediocre lawyer than a mediocre anything else (apart from a footballer, ofcourse).

10) My next BIG plan is to be there for Brazil 2014! All the way till Mardi Gras. Doesn't matter if I even go, its worth planning for..

Tagging Shamli, Rahul Saha, TJ Eckleberg, Niniel, Oswald, Meenakshi and The Comedian. And whoever else wishes to be tagged or has nothing better to do ...

Cheers.

2010-07-12T00:41:00.001-07:00

Its an overcast and lazy morning, and the world has a new champion. Kudos Spain!

'Tis a bad day to be at office. I do not have much work nor do I feel like getting anything done. I believe that the day after the football WC finals should be given off across the world. I mean I'm sure people would come up and say "you know how many billions of dollars will be lost??!".. and all. Well I don't, can I have my holiday now?

In any case this is who's been on my mind lately. Spent all morning trying to find the right image of her. I think I failed. She's beautiful, though not someone you'd notice right away. Rather she's like someone who'd be standing next to you at the bus stop on an overcast Monday morning such as today's. And then it'd start pouring. And you'll turn and look at her cause she's just opened her transparent Japanese umbrella. And you're getting soaked. And then she looks at you and smiles.

Sienna Guillory (image from here)

Saala, if only. thoo!

High Court Mumblings

2010-07-01T04:39:00.000-07:00

In a matter before the Ld. VIIIth Bench of the Hon'ble High Court of Calcutta, pertaining to trademark infringement and passing off, the following submissions were made amongst others.

"Such warnings, milords, only affect the pocket and not the brain" ...wherein warnings refer to the mandatory images being put on tobacco product packages at present.

"Milk, milords, is also carcinogenic, except the 20 billion dollar dairy industry won't let it be known".

Answering the Ld. Bench on whether the parties in contention were related the counsel for the appellants stated "Milords, we are all descendents of Genghis Khan, legitimate or illegitimate" ...to which Justice Bannerjee replies "Yes, yes Genghis Khan was a very prolific man".

I don't think I've ever said that I enjoy being an Advocate. Well I do. And now you know why. Cheers.

The flags of our fathers ...

2010-06-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

Well not really, but I've had terribly long day and its not over yet. So I'm excused.

Meanwhile finally the city has indeed woken up to the World Cup and the small lanes/bylanes of Calcutta have been rendered a Hindu bride's marriage bed with the crisscross netting of small paper flags strung across streetlights, poles, building edges or whatever else could be found convenient. Alongwith a larger version of the same hung at a central position indicating the loyalties of the said locality. Most common are Argentina and Brazil. Chingrighata presently looks like an electoral battle zone with both countries being equally represented vide such said decorations, each one trying to hide out the other only to be hidden by another.

Wnndrrr!

In other news I go to court now. Semi-regularly. However, I love it. Being in court, tedious and sweaty as it is, its still the best part of my working day. There are very few places I've come across where such comic relief and random loose talk about other people - other being everyone but the speaker - is available in such abundance.

Second Wnndrr!

I hope it doesn't fade away though.

Also waiting for friends to land up this weekend. Hope I make it till then. Its a good reason to stay alive.

Romario, Romario tumi-ee shobar priyo ...

2010-06-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

The football world cup was my introduction to the beautiful game. Vide its 1994 edition, USA '94. I remember those days as murals filled up the old dusty walls of the city and sometimes even the front side of houses much to the annoyance of its inhabitants. I remember how the para'r chelera would perform ceremonies and pujas and pay homage to their respective idols. Those were the days of Romario, Bebeto, Batistuta, Hagi and Baggio. Good days.

You couldn't find a street crossing or an entire locality that would be devoid of the tournament fervour. It was EVERYWHERE!

My commute within the city has been an extremely restricted one of late. Home to work to chai place to home. Don't feel like hanging out much in the city. However, within this restricted route - which would be a total road distance of around 10-12 kms one way - there is not ONE sign of the world cup happening. In fact nothing has changed during the past one week in the city in terms of its scenery. Especially in terms of its scenery. Its like nothing is going on. As if the world were still the way it was a week back.

Its not, but for once no one seems to care enough. This is whats changed.

Before I forget ..

2010-05-31T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hottie of the month : Lena Headey

If looks could kill ...

Just in case they don't ...

She was the best thing about 300. Recently I found her again in The Red Baron (terrible film) ...and there she was, leaving me breathless again. Pictures from here and here.

BIHAR SUPER 30

2010-05-26T03:41:00.000-07:00

The Hindu today reported of a coaching centre called Super 30, founded by Mr. Anand Kumar of Patna, that coaches and trains 30 kids hailing from poor households each year and helps them crack the IIT-JEE test. The coaching is free and Mr. Kumar further provides accommodation and food depending upon the student's needs. There is an entrance test to get in and be a part of Super 30 itself.

This year all 30 students of the Super 30 cracked the said entrance. Wooah!

When I was younger, we had what we called the "TIIT" types in every class. The "Trying for IIT" types. Basically our version of geeks. In other words the bespectacled, unshaven sideburns fading away into skin near the jawline, I.E. Irodov is GOD!! and never use deodorant types. They made for good laughs occasionally. And they still do. (But we were never cruel to them. I swear. In fact my good friend TJ Eckleberg was a cheerleader of sorts amongst the TIITs in our batch!)

But endevours like that of the Super 30 leave me in awe. Its almost like that one entrance test is the only purpose in the lives of a bunch of 17-19 year olds. Its like a matter of life and death to them. The only way out of their poverty and the baggage that it brings with itself. These kids have 16 hour study days for 2 years before appearing for the exam. That leaves 8 hours in a day to eat, sleep, shit and shag. Fuck.

The thought of hedging one's existence to a single academic test is something I find terribly disturbing. Especially since I've never really worked hard for one. No wonder I've failed many. But then again I've been fortunate on many counts and have never needed to clear an exam but for the sake of promotion. But I wonder what its like to have so much pinned on one goddamn test. And after 5 years of college armed with the knowledge that at least 80% of the people doing the corrections are bloody idiots themselves, the same thought is scary as well. Very scary.

Here's wishing the Bihar Super 30 the best in all their years to come and hoping they turn out as good people as they are students of science.

Son of a bitch

2010-05-22T03:43:00.001-07:00

Sometime this morning 13 year old Jordan Romero became the youngest person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. He achieved the feat alongside his father and his father's girlfriend.

My father laughs at me when I ask him for a samurai sword.

Gyan Capsule ingested : Life ain't fair.

The Sky is Crying..

2010-05-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

wailing in fact.

Finally!!

I'm getting this sudden urge to get naked and run out of office.

Someday, one day ...

2010-05-21T04:06:00.000-07:00

Its the weather today. It is killing me to be indoors, and I still got 3-4 hours to go. But no one said I've got to spend them being productive, hence....

In the winter light

make me a picture, of me

in a boat floating out to the sea.

Rile up a storm

for me to fight, to be

what I am and what I’m meant to be.

Soak me wet in

the cold tyrant waves, so I

may feel alive for a little while.

Do not be shy

to not throw me a line, for I

cannot dream of another way to die.

Pardon my trespasses for I am no poet.

Also today is a friend's birthday. So Happy Birthday L! Get chained and live free.

Miss you

2010-05-21T01:51:00.000-07:00

I miss the red tiles. The ones that made up the dusty terrace. I miss sitting upon an angle. And the wind. Blowing through my entire being as if I weren't there. Pushing me down on my back as I climbed higher. With friends in cheap boxers, often torn at wrong places. I miss the clarity. And the feeling. That there was no other place I'd rather be.

Now there's always a place that I'd rather be. Always people I'd rather be with. But the place isn't mine, never was. And the people ..

I miss the todays. The overcast ones. The days when nothing else came to mind but flying and the blues.

I miss me. Damn.

Of the MARWARI

2010-05-17T04:43:00.000-07:00

Kolkata has long ceased to be a Bengali city. This is a city which many communities share in a lazy harmony, the Bengali being one such community. However, Kolkata is essentially a Marwari city, the Marwaris being the economic pillars upon which the city rests. And it is not quaint.

Some of my closest friends hailing from the Maroo community shall testify to the fact that there is nothing quaint about being a Marwari. Which leads me to the obvious joke, "what do you call a Maroo who hates himself??"

Answer : "A Maroo with BRAINS!"

Anyway, that being said, I believe I did chance upon a truly marvelous and quaint Marwari today. In fact it is also called The Marwari!! It is the Marwari horse. Wooohooo!!

The Marwari is a rare breed of horses, that were bred by the Rathores of Marwar, well known for their peculiar inward curving ears. They are said to have descended from cross breeding between local ponies and Arabian horses and are usually used for agricultural purposes, as well as riding and packing.

They say you learn something new everyday. Wnndrrr ..

Before the month is over ..

2010-04-30T04:43:00.001-07:00

I seem to have fallen in love again.

Hottie of the month : Camille Belle

Where I vent my wisdom (or lack thereof) regarding the contemporary world

2010-04-28T03:45:00.000-07:00

Recently the Supreme Court of India quashed 22 criminal cases filed against Tamil actress Khushboo, for her remarks supporting pre-marital sex for girls. The reason for filing such aforesaid cases had been that "her views went against Tamil culture and values". I think its time all the guardians of Tamil/Indian culture came up with The Basic Structure of Indian Culture & Values Act that cannot be compromised by the nation's populace even in the face of globalization, urban cultural homogeneity, liberalism and blah blah blah. Would save everyone a headache apart from clearly determining what exactly our culture is as we see it in the present century.

In other news Robert Zoellick, who is the president of ze World Bank, has pronounced that the expression 'Third World' is dead. In effect we are officially 'One World' henceforth. Keeping true to my nature, I would beg to differ. I think the 'mad' woman on Elgin Rd. who keeps pointing her finger and laughing at me every evening as I head home would agree. So would the junkie who sleeps between the walls of PC Chandra jewelers and bus stop right outside, if he had the vocabulary to. And if he cared enough.

It is true that India has... well got the moolah now. And with the moolah comes the power. But to whom and for whom? The power that does not come from the people does not vest in them either. Neither is there any accountability of the exercise, rather even possession, of such power to the people whose lives are innately affected by it. In this sense the Third World has just spread its wings. From the darkness of the newly independent colonies to the darkness in the street corners of every country in the world. Where it is always dark and there are no cookies either. Kels guru!

Meanwhile in brighter news, the powers that be have decided that I ought to get an appraisal in view of my *ahem* *ahem* groundbreaking work in the field of Trade Marks Law. So I got a raise, a pretty decent one at that. So yaay! Its true that the thought of more money flowing into your account at the end of the month is a good one. Yet I bitch, moan and groan. And I claim that I don't really need money. Despite that its good to have it once you do. Why?

Also I'm headed to the Capitol. To look for new work and to meet up with them old soldiers. Fun!

The Good Ol' Days

2010-04-09T02:58:00.000-07:00

For 7 long years English clubs have always made it to the last four in the biggest football tournament in Europe. Not this year though. This year's final four are all European mainland giants representing 4 different countries with a rich history in the game. Inter Milan showcasing their Italian defense-to-counter attack, Olympique Lyonnais with their beautified French version of the English game, Bayern Munich strong in their never-say-die German beasts they call footballers and defending champions Barcelona well garbed in there Spanish flair and immaculate passing. It an interesting mix of things. Needless to say the final couple of rounds of the Champion's league is going to be worth every second.

However, having spent my adolescence consuming the English game, it feels as though there is a vacuum out their in the tournament without any of the fast, aggressive and often violent football presented by the English. Nostalgia taketh over and the mind wanders to two of the legendary warhorses of the English game from my teenage years. Ironically neither were English. But they'd die on the pitch for their respective clubs and for glory. They were heroes.

In the sudden abundance of wealth, or the need to acquire the same, that is plaguing the English game here's to the players in the game who bring more to it than they get. Who inspire more than just lust for victory. Those who inspire reverence. Here's hoping for the return of Heroes.

Of Morbid Dreams & Dirty Brits & Everything ..

2010-03-30T06:28:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I complete 9 months of my first employment. I really do not wish to do this work anymore. Grrr...mmphff...kkhhrkk. Patience.

Last night I dreamt I was running. Its rare of me to remember my dreams. But last night's was particularly scary. Cause well I was running away from something I was scared of, can't for the life of me recall what. And as I kept running, my skin began to peel off in thin strips leaving behind red streaks on my body. As the skin came peeling off, I got scared-er and ran faster, and the faster I ran the quicker my skin kept peeling off. I don't remember anymore but I do recall my heart pumping even in my dream. dhuk-dhuk..dhuk-dhuk..dhuk-dhuk.

The more I experience the present world, the more I believe that everyone around me needs a shrink. No one else seems to think so in my present social circle. Makes me feel these days that I might be the one who needs a shrink. Low self esteem is bloody new to me. Matter of fact it so fucking isn't ME!

I recently met this Brit guy at a party who casually left the house and walked across the parking lot barefoot right till the main road. He wasn't drunk and it genuinely never occurred to him to wear sandals. In fact he seemed flabbergasted when I tried to be a good host (read Indian) and offered him my slippers to return upstairs in. Certain women in my class had often chastised me for being dirty, and they had a point. But atleast I understood what dirty means. This bugger has no concept man.

I've decided I want to be a teleporter. Its the only way I can visit all the places I wish to and still have a job.

Dyoood, where's my caar?!?

2010-03-18T02:07:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy PTI

That, my dear readers, is a money garland. ie. garland made of monies. (Dyoood!! #1)

The currency value of the garland in the picture is estimated to be anywhere between Rs.21 lakhs to Rs. 21 crores according to the Hindu. Don't ask me how they came across the number 21. (Dyoood!! #2)

In response to all the criticism she received for accepting gifts of such kind, Ms. Mayawati has stated that she will conduct parda farsh, literally translating to remove the curtain, rallies all across UP district headquarters of her party (the BSP) in order to reveal the conspiracy by such critics against her on March 25. It is a tad confusing as to how a rally may reveal a conspiracy, but there you have it. (Dyoood!! #3)

She would follow up on such aforesaid rallies with protests against the Women's Resevation Bill on April 14 and - this is the best part - demonstrations against price rise on June 22. (Dyoood!! #4)

Meanwhile her party is determined to continue gifting her garlands strung with currency as a token of their loyalty to her. (Dyoood I can't take no mooore!!)

Beautiful girl

2010-03-17T02:14:00.000-07:00

Hottie of the month : Melanie Laurent

Like the first time I saw her in Inglourious Basterds.

Picture from here.

A day in the life of ..

2010-03-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

18.4 Kallis to Bopara, FOUR, Another full toss, third one of the over, and this has disappeared to square-leg boundary. Preity Zinta claps.

I love the last bit of information. Courtesy www.cricinfo.com

Of Belated Glory

2010-03-10T02:02:00.000-08:00

It's been five years since NALSAR won any football tournament anywhere. However, a bunch of kids who've barely played together for much time, came together at SAI Complex football ground, Kolkata after securing a clean sheet right through the tournament.

Most were visibly tired and semi-drugged on Combiflams to ease the aching in their legs and backs from other ongoing events. They went up against the ever formidable NUJS playing at home at their own sports fest INVICTA '10. The boys showed a lot of heart and moved the ball around the field fluently to dominate the first half. Three fantastic plays were not converted into goals. One was a heartbreakingly near miss. The second half revealed a more tired side defending itself against wave after wave of NUJS attack and trying to counter-attack in vain. It was clear that the wind had been knocked out of their weary lungs. The home side hit the cross bar once and had a couple of other close chances. However, the match stayed goalless till the end of the scheduled time and extra time. Roll in Penalties. Couple of unlucky shots hit the cross bar and one mistimed kick went sailing away from the goal for the visitors. Their keeper however saved two strikes which alongwith another miss dragged the never-ending game to sudden death.

The home-team took their chance first and it was calmly saved under pressure by the visiting keeper. Then one of the oldest warhorses from of the present side stepped up to lob in the winner after wrongfooting the host keeper. And we won!!! Finally!

Well done NALSAR, Champions of Invicta '10. And well played NUJS.

2010-03-08T04:55:00.000-08:00

My father is in Japan. I wanted him to get me a samurai sword. I think I let him down. He calmly explained that they wouldn't allow weapons on board a flight even if they actually sold a samurai sword to a common man (while secretly recounting the thousands he's spent on my education no doubt). A camera, Ipod or funky watch maybe??

He's granted my alternate wish of getting me a pair of Zori chappals, so yaay!

The entire NALSAR contingent is in town for a fest. Met a lotta juniors (who are like seniors now, damn) and spoke to some I had never spoken to in college. Friday night Olypub, Kolkata was invaded by nalsarites. And well everyone got to know once the lights went out for a while. We can be an annoyingly loud bunch when inebriated and of course still in college.

It's funny being amidst your college juniors now. Its not that you're any wiser or do not have similar intentions and all. Its just that what comes naturally to them still, bears severe consequences for you. Like being hungover at work. Not the same as being hungover in class, nossir.

Anyway it was nice meeting them kids one more time (or maybe one last time!?!). These kids are waay more uninhibited than we were at their age. Good for them I say.

Also I hope and pray they win the football tournament. Please man God, please.

I have a permanent back problem now. As in it starts hurting for no rhyme or reason. Or maybe the reason is that I'm sitting upright for too long. That followed by a severe sleep starvation. As in my body and mind are tired but I still don't seem to get any sleep till late in the night. The latter is disturbing since till only 8 months back my biggest problem was that I slept too much. Like over 12 hours a day on an average. If this is life balancing itself out then I wish it wouldn't.

Somewhere in my mind I've realised that the Rorschach in college wouldn't be very good friends with the Rorschach that is the working man. This I find more disturbing than the aforesaid physical ailments, me being particularly fond of the college version.

Blue pill? Red pill? LSD??!? What have I done wrong??

Once they know you need them ...

2010-03-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

they treat you like shit.

Ergo, presently freedom could be synonymous to starvation. Both literally and metaphorically.

We got the numbers ...

2010-02-24T01:16:00.000-08:00

photo : Ranjeet Kumar (The Hindu)

We always have. Wonder where we are going with it though.

I woke up this mornin'

2010-02-11T01:04:00.000-08:00

in my inbox was BUZZ!

Thats it.

2010-02-08T00:58:00.000-08:00

I'm officially rooting for Burnley FC from now on. Atleast they won't play a beautiful passing game with clinical precision and artistic flair only to lose. What one can expect from them is heart. A lot of heart and the audacity to believe that they can defeat any team on their day.

Also I'm tired of heartbreaks. But as a friend once pointed out that I have a tendency to "keep wanking to my first crush forever", I think I'll still root for Arsenal this Wednesday when they face off against a resurgent Liverpool. Shit.

Watched Ishqiya yesterday. Good entertainment. Which brings us to our hottie of the month. Ms. Hottie, February 2009.

Vidya Balan (courtesy thebollywoodzone.com)

I think my last claim of having a hottie every month was too ambitious, cause well there aren't that many hotties around. Also its easier to wait for one to pop up in your imagination instead of seeking one out. Yes I'm terminally lazy.

Also a personal request to all those who know people working at law firms. Please be kind to them. Their work is shit. In some rare cases the pay even shittier, but the shittiest of it all is the life they lead/are expected to lead. Whats worse (if it can get any worse) is that they don't realise it and take themselves so seriously. So please be kind when you meet one. Feed it, clothe it and give it some love.

Watched Cadillac Records last Saturday evening and man can this guy sing (Some may recall him as the African dictator in Lord of War). He does a cover of Smokestack Lightnin' for the film where he plays Howlin' Wolf. Absolutely mindblowing.

Anyone wants to buy me the Double Disk Deluxe Edition of the film soundtrack? Anyone?!? I work in a law firm, you know.

Life without a cigarette

2010-02-02T05:12:00.000-08:00

The shit just won't come out though the stomach is screaming under pressure, within a few hours the gums start itching, the chest feels heavy and the upper stomach begins to cramp. The head feels light, the world is slightly spinning and the mood oscillates between being ultra hyper and easily irritable.

I went 21 hours without a smoke just to experience something different in life. Or maybe just to experience something, anything.

The first smoke after such aforesaid time comes as a relief. Every square centimetre of the chest seems to be bursting in a hundred thousand gasps of orgasm. Life is good again.

2010-01-25T02:20:00.001-08:00

Been reading a lot of fantasy lately. Nearly done with the final published book of the series A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin. Its soo bad I loove it. Helps me dream every tired night. Reminds me what a slut I am for cheap thrills. Inspired me to write a poem (ooooh), or try to atleast.

Ygritte’s Last Song
Bastard born in a secret
lose that shadow cloak you wear so heavy.
Come to me in a wildling dream
where no walls guard the freedom of the free.
Winter has come,
the pack will survive while the lone wolf dies.
Find the luck you need kissed by fire
your honour can wait, now warmth must suffice.
Turncloak, twice
don't turn in what you stole with death.
It is yours to keep, not to lose
so tame your spurs and forget your fate.
Morning breaks and
we war till the end, for us no bard shall sing.
But I’ll sing to you with your arrow in my chest
You know nothing Jon Snow, you know nothing.

In other news Wayne Rooney hit the net four times to dethrone Arsenal and more importantly tommorrow is a holiday.

Of pleasant ironies, however short-lived they might be

2010-01-22T22:00:00.001-08:00

Injury plagued the entire season and without their first choice strikers, Arsenal have climbed to the top of the Premier League on goal difference having scored 7 more goals than season long table leaders Chelsea. Though they might not be able to hold the position for even 24 hours if Manchester United are to defeat Hull City tonight, they'll have been on the top this season if only for a few hours.

The youngest team in the most competitive football league in the world, and no one really believes they can win. Can they?

Hope. A fan's only armour.

Shannyn Sossamon

2010-01-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

For lack of anything worthwhile to write and want of anything better to do, it has been decided that this space shall feature a hottie once a month as ...well HOTTIE OF THE MONTH!!

But but but we shall commence the proceedings with the hottie of the last month of the bygone year cause well in that case for this month we get not one but TWO hotties of the month!!!

Here she is, Ms. Hottie, December 2009.

Shannon Marie Kahoolani Sossamon

I remember her best for making Heath Ledger get the fuck pummeled out of himself in the film "A Knight's Tale". The woman wanted him to lose a jousting contest, in a manner utmost painful, for love. And then when he does and has most surely lost a couple of ribs, her handmaiden delivers to him the message that she (bitch!) wants him to win and NEVER lose again for ...guess what?!? ... love.

So well here's a beautiful smile to remind us the painful trials and tribulations that lie in store for the ones who wish to be the reason for such a smile.

Death of a Leader

2010-01-18T00:04:00.000-08:00

Jyoti Basu finally popped it. Yesterday, which was a Sunday and probably the coldest and the most beautiful Sunday of this winter, despite all my prayers of him dying midweek. Now I'm sitting at work mourning.

I went out for a smoke. It's beautiful outside. You get this kind of daylight only in winters, the mellow and lazy light. My kind of light. But I have a tubelight in my cubicle/workstation.

I really want to punch someone in the face. Anyone.

When 1 minute 4 seconds is a pretty long time

2010-01-15T02:45:00.001-08:00

Created by Oatmeal

I want

2010-01-14T04:51:00.000-08:00

to a ride upon a Dragon.

Dracaryssss!!!

Need a lift?

Of Respect

2010-01-13T01:06:00.000-08:00

There are many ways of earning respect. This kid finds one of the meaner yet ballsy of such ways (Note crowd reaction). I wish I could have a moment like that.

What's up?

2010-01-07T01:24:00.000-08:00

Jyoti Basu is dead!!...dying..no wait dead, 'tis confirmed...false alert..dying..dead...almost dead.. better??

Lot of confusion yesterday with many at work hoping the bugger conks it cause then the city shall come to a halt unanimously in grief. An ex-Chief Minister who reigned democratically for over 26 years serves his populace even in death.

The Prime Minister is in town to meet him. Don't think they'll have much of a conversation though.

There's a Baul performance happening at Tollygunge Club this Saturday that some friends got me an invite for. However, I can't make it. My time is rented out to an organisation that takes itself too seriously.

I looked at myself in the mirror today. The hair looks smooth (almost silky*belch*), the face clean shaven, John Miller has replaced the faded chequered shirts, a pair of ironed Blackberrys where a pair of torn denims I probably bought for my 18th birthday and washed once a month since used to hang, and good ol' Bata shoes in place of chappals. Oh and socks, thats whats new with me babeh! SOCKS!!

Some people I know since school claim I look extremely "civilized" these days. The more daring venture to state that I "actually look nice". But I still look at the mirror and can't help laughing. You know a what the fuck laugh. The one thats almost a snigger but not quite.

I don't want a new life, just my old self back. Back before its too late.

Also I hope Jyoti Basu dies man. And not on the weekend. Please God let it be in the middle of the week, please please. I could use a holiday.

Of Being 23

2009-12-30T21:27:00.000-08:00

My 23rd year on this planet has been by far the most exciting and eventful year of my life. I'm no longer 23, however, it shall remain memorable forever. Mostly cause never ever has so much happened in one year, nor has life lent so much gyaan in one year. So much so that I wish every year of my youth is like being 23 (Youth lasts till 35 I'm told by a very reliable 40 year old).

Things I did/gyaan I gained when I was 23:
1. I found peace in an environment I despised. I know I can find peace anywhere.
2. I tried LSD. Best thing I ever did.
3. I traveled alone for the first time. To places I had not known to exist.
4. I watched Soulmate live. Twice.
5. I went to Bhutan.
6. I realized that traveling with women can be fun. Also that not all women are vexatious.
7. I realized that a rational man does not have unlimited wants. Rather it is irrational to have unlimited wants.
8. I saw more stars in the sky than I'd ever seen before (or after till date). Thrumshingla Pass.
9. I nearly failed out of college.
10. I managed to graduate.
11. I chose to believe in God.
12. I experienced the bliss of unemployment.
13. I got a job on my own terms.
14. I got sober (Realized that prolonged sobriety leads to being horny).
15. I had my first one night stand (and one day stand - separate occasions) and it all was good.
15. I have gone 5 months without taking a single day off. Miracle considering my college attendance till just a few months back.
16. I have lived, enough to know that I'm not living anymore but rather going through the motions.
17. But now I have a plan. Another first for me.

Graphic Designer Alert!! (There's a new kid on the block)

2009-12-23T01:17:00.000-08:00

A friend recently chose to quit his job and go freelance. He's a graphic designer, though not formally trained, he has considerable experience as a designer for his age . I know him well and know that he's good at expressing a sense of beauty in print.

So here's giving a little push to a young start-up. Anyone interested/requiring graphic design work can find him here. All relevant details are available therein.

Cheers.

Of Reality

2009-12-21T22:23:00.000-08:00

Last evening I watched Celina Jaitley get hypnotized on television, in what was apparently a live recording. Noting my surprise my mum informed me that many television stars were getting themselves hypnotized on this new show.

Celina discussed her dog, dog's death, boyfriend, and how she wants to leave and go to God ...with her eyes fluttering and voice quivering for as long as I watched.

Meanwhile Robbie Williams released an album last month. I used to like Robbie as a kid. Especially till Escapology I think.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to wake up in the mornings. And I hate the fact that I don't have any holidays.

For once in my life I know what I don't want to do AND what I do want to do. Unfortunately life isn't as simple as what I want or don't want anymore. Not if you're not alone.

Of Darkness

2009-12-18T22:46:00.000-08:00

There are places in every city where the unseen partake of activities that ought to remain unseen. For example deserted parks, river banks or a lakeside, cemeteries, marketplaces where you get fake/smuggled goods and even places of worship. Oh and railway tracks, always railway tracks, especially nearby the local stations.

A whole new world emerges after sunset. It is where the peddlers hang out, the cheaper whores whistle at cabbies, junkies smoke and chase, and gay men suck dick. There is anonymity and definite carved out spaces for all giving vent to their respective natures. All seeking a moment of sinful comfort or simply earning livelihood.

A certain kind of all, for despite the difference of activities they have something in common. Go figure what but know that those who don’t belong, stand out visibly. It’s all in the open, really. But no one watches out for it. Hence no one really sees it. Kinda becomes like I can see you, but you can’t see me. Why? Cause you don’t even know I’m here, that’s why.

And it all transpires under the watchful gaze of the night away from the eyes of the clean cut kid who’s been to college too.

It gets real lonely in a city sometimes. And it isn’t the same as being alone. I miss being alone.

2009-12-10T01:03:00.000-08:00

It can be unnerving hearing a voice extremely familiar, yet being unable to put a face or a name to it.

My father hails from Agartala, Tripura where the paternal half of my family still owns considerable estates/property which have been subjected to various litigations and family drama. However, in the good old days when I still used to wear shorts to school (we wore trousers from 8th Std. onwards), my father used to take me to our home in Agartala atleast once every year. It was there that I had the first taste of having siblings for there were cousins all around. In fact there were 14 of us in all. Several of the older ones were in hostels and colleges across the country and hence you only heard of them. But we, the younger ones, were present in enough numbers to bring down the house as they say. It would be like the cousins already residing in Agartala would be awaiting my arrival for then they could play and sometimes even bunk school for well you only got to see me once a year. And in any case the rest of the families would be busy with my Mom and Dad. My Dad is a superstar in my clan (don’t ask) and my mom is the only city girl bahu in the family and hence subject to a lot of attention. So I was special cause I was from Calcutta (which is like New York to a kid from Agartala in those days) and my parent’s kid and we had a car and all of that (in those days Agartala had electricity for a grand total of 5 hours a day, and cycles were a young middle class college graduates dream - something like having a bike in the city - and there was no cable) and also cause I got gifts for everyone. In fact I'd be given a list over the telephone of what to bring for everyone. Now of course my parents did all the purchasing and hence a lot of demands weren’t met cause they weren’t chotoder jineesh (stuff for kids) but no one really cared as long as they got something. We were kids alright.

The part of the house we stayed in was inhabited by my father’s immediate elder sister (he has five) and her family comprising her husband and two daughters. The younger daughter Munai and I were less than a year apart, she being older. And since my pre-puberty days till sometime after that, we were the best of friends. I remember she would get into all sorts of trouble because I would go out of my way and be a pest to the neighbours and everyone in general, and more often than not, she would be my only companion despite knowing that she would be solely held responsible by my aunt for her and my acts cumulatively. She didn’t seem to care though. The other cousins, including the male ones were a bunch of pussies compared to her. We bought eggs and chucked them into neighbour’s houses through open windows, sat scared out of our wits inside the loo at the farthest end of the pond on our land in the middle of the night waiting for ghosts, got caught and slapped for it by our worried parents who had been searching for half an hour, stole mangoes from the neighbour’s forests (well she did cause I couldn’t climb the trees), and even shat on an evil uncles brand new Bajaj Chetak (well I did, cause she sometimes remembered that she was a lady, and no she wasn't looking, she was the outpost).

She took a lot of beatings for me. But it was almost like a price we both knew she had to pay, and well we were gonna do what we were gonna do anyway, so it didn’t really matter. To her or me. Suddenly now it does, to me.

My father had to return to Agartala last night due to an emergency. Later in the night I got a call from an Agartala landline and there was a girl on the other end. And it was that voice. I knew the voice, but had no fucking idea who it was, except that it was someone I knew very well.

We stopped going to Agartala sometime during my 7th/8th Stds. Munai and I gradually lost touch. I even forgot about her. In the middle I would hear sometimes my father mention that she had graduated from school or that she chose to do a Bachelor’s in English Literature, that she refused to get married, that she tried to get into Jadavpur University for her MA but her father wouldn’t allow it, that she was a teacher in a high school in Agartala. That she’d grown very tall and very quiet.

I spoke to her last night for barely five minutes. We didn’t bother exchanging pleasantries cause well we couldn't recognize each other for a while. She informed me that my father couldn’t get in touch with me cause there was network problem and that she would take a message if I had one. I didn’t. I asked her how she was and she said she was fine, and there was just a little catch to her voice, like she didn’t expect me to ask. Or thats how it seemed to me. She didn’t ask how I was. It had been over 10 years since we last spoke.

Last night a lot of memories came back to me. Memories that were put aside to the immense restlessness of growing up, and perhaps to hormones. Now I can’t stop thinking about her, about our home in Agartala, the way things used to be and the way she spoke last night.

Of Ataraxia

2009-12-03T04:05:00.000-08:00

Finally figured out a word for what I’ve always aspired towards. Achieved too for a short time. Discovered it while watching Lucky Number Slevin for the second/third?!? time.

Now on the other side of the fence and looking back, I feel we had to be innocently out of our fucking minds to have been like that. No regrets though. Good times. Didn’t have a word for the way I felt then. Its good to have a word for a particular feeling. Then again there wouldn’t be any poetry if there were words for all feelings.

Ataraxia. Where have you gone babeh?

Blah Blah Blah

2009-12-01T01:14:00.000-08:00

Winter in Calcutta is like one of those albums that have withstood the test of age for an individual. The ones which are played when nothing in particular comes to mind. They're always secure, warm and often nostalgic. I'm glad its winter now. The season seems to be the only thing beautiful enough to be distracting me from my current obsession that is MYSELF.

And its always been beautiful, especially during the evenings.

Watched a lot of films this weekend. First up was Ninja Assassin. There are bad films and then there are films which are so bad that they're awesome!! NA falls in the latter category for me. Absolutely brilliant. Loved the fight sequences and the painful way in which they tried to show the emotional turmoil of the hero's early years. Was non-stop action and comedy. Plus I'm a sucker for swords and other sharp objects being used as weapons, especially against the gun touting white man.

And this one had a chain-sickle. Too-fucking-cool.

It doesn't compare to Ong Bak though. I watched the second part of the trilogy and was mesmerized. Tony Jaa is the best. And it literally kicks ass of all high budget hollywood action films due to the sheer intensity of the violence it reveals. Have a newfound admiration for Muay Thai. Must get me hands on the other Ong Baks.

I also watched The Dog Problem on TV because I had nothing better to do. Loved it. Its rare to find comedy acts that make you laugh at life and not at cheap jokes. Want to watch this one again without the intervention of dad wanting to watch the headlines every ten minutes.

Last but not the least Anari No.1. Govinda Rocks. Period.

No winter is complete without the consumption of dark rum in copious amounts. Mission was accomplished last Saturday wherein the frivolity of promises I make to myself was revealed yet again. I'd promised myself not to drink beyond 3 pegs, but then ...I lost count. But it felt good. Still I have decided not to partake liquor in any form anymore.

Atleast till Christmas.

Cheers.

What's worse than not getting laid?

2009-11-27T05:14:00.001-08:00

Not having any opportunity to get laid ..

Sheesh.

Of Changes

2009-11-24T05:03:00.000-08:00

Today is Bengal Bandh. I must say our state has come of age. Despite the fact that traffic was unusually light today during the rush hour, all private and Government offices remained open including the Trademarks Registry. At my office, which is Bong infested, we had a full house in terms of employee attendance. Triviality for those who reside outside Bengal, but major change in attitude for those who have been born and brought up in the State.

In other developments the old tree at Vien that was destroyed by the cyclone leaving behind a tree stump has now been completely uprooted by the Kolkata Municipality. The surrounding seating area under the tree’s shade, affectionately referred to as the Throne, has been destroyed and replaced with a patch of the same pavement that it was on. I miss that tree. Over the years many have sat under its shade, and then lack thereof, sipping tea while fending of flying cockroaches and big fat rats that used to reside beneath it and become friends. Now its all gone. Just like that.

I wonder if its a valid excuse that something should not be maintained simply because its become too difficult to maintain or because there is a cheaper/more practical alternative than maintaining it. Personally it isn’t cause I’m not like that, but from a state’s perspective. Practicality is important I understand, but is it fair to achieve the same at the cost of one’s identity? I’m not sure there.

One of the things I liked about this city was that people never bothered replacing the old with the new and efficient. Now things are finally changing. Attitudes, as well my favourite pavements.

Also today this space turns a year old. It was started form the offices of a tax consultancy in Bangalore. It’s first anniversary post is being typed from within an IP Firm in Kolkata. Random information.

Cheers.

From A Softer World ...

2009-11-18T22:22:00.000-08:00

To KK, Loks, Viki, Sangu, GC, Bob, DVR, Booty, Baaz, Shetti & JAA. It'll never be the same again, but it was fun while it lasted.

Ps: The above work is copyrighted to Emily Horne & Joey Comeau. Used for purely sentimental purposes.

Blogosphere to the rescue

2009-11-16T23:20:00.000-08:00

Found this while browsing through archives of The Ordinary Man. He's the reason why some observant people at work think that I'm half crazy cause I seem to be staring at the screen intently and laughing at the same time. Haven't been snared by me boss though. Not yet.

A dreamy little poet
Sailed off to a south sea isle.
He met a girl named Laurie
Who smote him with her smile.

Often she would dance for him.
She was his closest pal
But no one ever told him
That she was a cannibal gal.

So one fine day she ate him -
A pity! But that's his fate.
How sad to be remembered
As the poet Laurie ate.

---- Poet Unknown

Kartik Pujo

2009-11-16T04:19:00.000-08:00

Today is Kartik Pujo. Who is Kartik? Well he is the lesser known son of Goddess Durga, and is often overlooked by many as a God that must be paid homage to. Most, but not bongs. Nossir. Bongs do Pujo even for Lord Kartik. The circumstances in which the same is adhered to however, are fascinating.

All families are not required to worship Lord Kartik. Kartik Pujo happens only in the more traditionally bengali middle class areas of Calcutta. The Pujo is initiated by people of the locality - generally young and unemployed men - who drop an idol of the aforesaid Lord at the doorstep of any house in that locality wherein a new couple has moved in that year. The drop is celebrated and announced by the loud burst of crackers and cheers and is accompanied by a list of names of those involved in the drop. This in turn impugns the responsibility on the household thus attacked to take the idol into their home and conduct a Puja on the given day by feeding all those whose names appear on the attached list, every year for three years since the drop. On the fourth year their is a ceremony and again lots of feeding, this time on a slightly grander scale, and the idol is immersed thereby relieving the household from any further feeding duties.

This was explained to me today by a fellow lawyer who was looking for a half day due to such celebrations to be conducted at his parental home. His brother's marriage two years back brought with it Lord Kartik in their home in the aforementioned fashion.

You learn something new everyday.

If you aren't getting something you want..

2009-11-12T23:52:00.000-08:00

maybe you're not ready to have it yet. --- (Courtesy Baba)

I don't completely get it though. And I'm tired.

2009-11-10T22:56:00.000-08:00

Freedom is a weird thing. There was a time when there were parental restrictions annexed to living at home. They have lapsed now that I'm a working man and contributing to the family income. However, being 23 and having lived on my own terms (or fighting rules imposed by an authority) I'm used to a certain lifestyle I find unable to sustain at my parental home. Not because there are rules prescribing otherwise but rather out of respect for the other members of the family/environment I live in today. Its like there are no rules to break, but I'm aware of the responsibilities that exist and fulfilling my own wishes attaches a kind of guilt to it that I had never felt earlier, not even when I'd run away from campus to watch a concert in another city right in the middle of my exams.

There was no guilt, only a thrill of being wrong. I don't like feeling guilty. And wonder of wonders, I seem to care.

I'm too young to care. Atleast I want to be.

I met a pretty girl at the bus stop a couple of days back. I actually mustered the courage to go up and speak to her. Desperate, not reckless, is my middle name. But she was real sweet. The conversation turned pointless cause I didn't get her number (remember reckless is not my middle name) but I did get her name just as my bus rolled in. Was a first for me in terms of hitting on an unknown female. And it didn't turn out to be a complete disaster for my ego and self respect. Phew!

I miss getting high.

Its strange how people use the misfortune of others to express/advertise themselves and their feelings when it is totally unnecessary. Also to sometimes reveal how much they know or what they know, when frankly they know jack shit about the person concerned.

I think silence is frightening for most. And death is probably the heaviest silence of all.

To DVR. Goodbye yaar. I've only had good times with you. I hope you don't stop practicing that harmonica. Make it wicked and them notes they'll bend soon brother. RIP.

Of Days and Loooong Days

2009-10-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

Every week begins with a Monday, and you know its a Monday cause you hate Mondays and you spent most of yesterday in bed. Then comes Tuesday, when there is still some recognition left of yesterday having been Monday. The flummox happens the next morning or the morning after. By the time your life hits the middle of the week the senses and perceptions have already been numbed, and the week has dragged on for too damn long to remember whether its a Wednesday or a Thursday - Funny, the days are named after father and son - and they inadvertently spill onto Friday which literally make them one long ass day comprising of 72 hours. However, Friday evenings there is hope and recognition slowly creeps back in, for the next day is to be half day (which means I'm at work till only 6pm... Le Sigh!) and more importantly Saturday, which in turn means that I'll be drunk by the time Sunday morning rolls in.

I tried figuring out what day it was today en route to work without cheating on my cell phone calender. I tried hard. I failed. Means I'm somewhere in the longest day of the week.

They call it stormy Monday, but Tuesday's just as bad; Wednesday's worse, and Thursday's also sad ...

Last time I quoted Mr. T-bone Walker was roughly 7 months back. What a difference 7 months can make.

beer o' clock

2009-10-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

Last evening I met B. after ages. Or what felt like ages. We used to practically live together, alongwith a whole bunch of others. Strangest family possible.

B. and I gulped down inordinate amounts of beer and felt happy. Despite the intense hate-hate relationship with my university, these days I seem to find true company only amidst people I shared the worst times of my life with. I wish I were geographically closer to more of my batchmates. Hell, I wish I were in Delhi. No matter what, I'd be happy. And free.

I still am. But its too stable, too taken for granted. Too goddamn protective and easy. So much so that there is no space left for myself. I need to be around people who are too busy with their lives to bother with meeting up and faffing around everyday, but would still come and sit by for a drink/cup of tea whenever needed. Calcutta is more or less the same., its I who has changed. And now it's nice to meet people who know the present ME. With whom the conversation just flows along with the alcohol, and you don't have to think of what to say next.

But another oldtimer/lifesaver hits town this week. So here's to more beer and finding what we're looking for. Cheers.

Bitching

2009-10-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

At my workplace people seem smile too damn much. Especially myself being the youngest by far, I get smiled upon and spoken to like one would to a child. Its like they all have some bloody secret they’re sitting on that they know I don’t know. Feel like socking them in the face. Whatever the consequences they definitely wouldn’t smile no more.

I have a paralegal assisting me with my work. She’s a goddamn moron. To top that she’s pregnant. Which means her week starts on Thursday. She’s bong. Which means her day starts post noon and ends sharp at 7 pm. All of which combine to mean that I am stuck at work till 11 every night managing my work and hers, not because I’m in love with my profession but because my bloated titted-pregnant-fucking paralegal is, I repeat, a goddamn moron.
And she has the gall to refuse to draft a letter for me at 6:45 pm cause her head hurts and she needs to head home.

What else?

Oh my firm has not a single quarter decent chic to look at. Not one. There are one, two.. wait… 11 specimens of the female kind at work. Not one worth even the slightest distraction from the computer screen. Fuck.

I’m fucked.

Good night.

Someday ..

2009-10-19T05:12:00.001-07:00

I'll make love to her.

(Its been a while since this space had pictures. Pretty girls make any picture look good ..)

The Office Clerk ..

2009-10-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

is a lawyer's truest friend.

Of Festivities

2009-10-17T02:06:00.000-07:00

Empty streets, sound of crackers, buildings draped with tuni bulbs, Theatre Rd. lit up with moving lights on bamboo structures driven by intricate circuitry, the burnt air echoing with repetitive screeches of a mechanical bhootni moving her arms only to be drowned out by evergreen bollywood hits and the city turns into a village mela. And I get a 2 day weekend. woooohooooo!!

Happy Diwali everyone.

Joi Maa Kali.

love.

Of Gift Stoppers

2009-10-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

From the Patent & Trademark Office, Kolkata.

Yesterday the ground floor of the Patent & Trademark Registry at Kolkata saw a new kind of drama. Members of certain law firms had arrived with Diwali gifts for the Trademarks Department of the registry, like they do every year. Except this year the Patents Department was ready and waiting downstairs to encounter them. The Patents people stopped all firms coming in with gifts and seized the same demanding that they too must be given gifts alongside the Trademarks Dept. On certain firm members then claiming the return of their gifts, the Patents people stated that the gifts were not to be returned, instead kept confisticated on the ground floor of the Registry until all the Patent employees recieve gifts from the same firms. The gifts thus were forcibly seized and stored despite tremendous hue and cry from various attorneys present on behalf of various law firms.

It is worthy of note that the entire Patents Dept. had participated in this exercise rendering most visitors to believe that there was some sort of dharna happening at the Registry. Meanwhile all the Trademarks employees were closely observing the proceedings from the balconies of the top floor. This drama continued from 12:30pm till about 5:30pm when it was time for everyone to go home.

Needless to say that no work got done at the entire registry yesterday.

I still love this city. Which reminds me .. "q: yeh itna kyon khaatey hain?!? a: kyonki hum khilaatey hain .." wnndrr!

cheers.

WHEN?!?

2009-10-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Type in When on Google search and the first two most popular searches it throws out are;

when will i get married................................. 41,100,000 results
followed by,
when will i die.............................................. 978,000,000 results

Cracked me up. Couldn't help posting this.

cheers.

I-league

2009-10-01T00:08:00.000-07:00

A correction to an earlier post. I-league starts today October 1st, and not from the 3rd as I'd mentioned earlier. East Bengal's opening encounter is scheduled on the 3rd. Apologies. The first game scheduled for this afternoon is between two of the tournament favourites and in form teams, Mahindra United and Churchill Brothers. Here's to an entertaining season ahead.

Meanwhile East Bengal are likely to go into the tournament without any foreign players, after the sacking of all of the previous 4 due to their dismal performance in the Durand Cup. However, Baichung Bhutia officially signed for the club today and maybe he can turn the fortunes of the club that discovered him in its most troubled season in years.

2009-09-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

Blues for my Job

Oh I wake up in the morning, and I
prepare to get to you.
I don’t wanna wake up daarlin’,
but you know I gotta feed me too.

Oh ever since I met you baby, I’ve been
crying to let you go.
You make everyday a Monday baby,
and Sunday’s too short to know.

Baby why do you treat me like this, why
bore me the way you do.
You got them nagging habits honey,

I got them back breaking blues.

---------------

Yes I'm bored. Yes I'm jobless at work. But just for the record I don't hate my job. I think I just rue the fact that I'm not talented enough to not need one. And absolving the same in view of the overwhelming mediocrity surrounding oneself can't be the answer now, can it?

Pujo Houseguest

2009-09-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

A friend's blog introduced me to an online community of travellers by means of which strangers can seek/lend help to other strangers who share one common passion. Travel.

So I promptly signed up for the same knowing fully well that there's not too many places I can travel to and still keep my job at a law firm, but I can atleast be a host to friends coming in from across the globe. Day before yesterday I got a call from a young guy called Tao Li from Berkeley who needed a couch in Calcutta for a couple of nights. Its Durga Puja time in Calcutta and most hosts have their houses packed with relatives visiting from all parts of the country. I decided to put him up.

Tao Li, at first glance comes across an emaciated white american with a huge head. You wonder what your mum is going to say if you bring someone like him home. But give him time and he starts speaking of his travels over the last one and half years, and his experiences therein, and all of a sudden you're sucked into this meandering world of a 22 year old which keeps floating across different images and cultures and experiences. In the last 16 odd months, Tao has walked across Japan, Korea, Mongolia, China, Vietnam, Laos (did I spell that right??), Thailand, Bali, Malaysia and Indonesia before finding his way to Trichy from where he travelled along the Eastern Ghats up till Bengal. This is where he sought the shelter of my couch. On speaking to Tao you realise the difference in the Hinduism of Bali which is used as more of a tourist attraction and the Hinduism of India which according to him is a way of life. You find out that Europeans staying at Korean Temples are really rude to other guests and that in China no matter what subject you're good at or inclined towards, its the state that dictates what you can pursue in terms of higher studies. He'll tell you how he learnt to fast in Indonesia during Ramadan and how the same has helped him to save costs in respect of food when he's low on cash, and how Mongolians percieve Buddha differently from the way most Chinese do. And all he needs in return for such stories and perspectives is a couple of nights shelter and a fulfilling meal.

Tao left today. While my friends and my parents were extremely sceptical when they heard that I wanted to put up a complete stranger at home, it was my blunt adamance that allowed Tao to stay at my place. Tao by his mere presence won over all of them. My mum loved him and even cooked a special bong meal for him last night. My friends were in awe of his age and his unmatching wisdom and maturity.

I'm glad I put this stranger up at my place. It was a act of faith which was rewarded with belief that the same can be sustained. I've been let down by people I've loved the most and thought I knew really well. But then you find guys like Tao, who bring more to the world than they get. And no matter what you do for such people, it'll always be far less than what they've shared with you.

Tao is headed to Darjeeling today, and then the North East India from there. Then he travels back to Calcutta to take his GRE before setting off to Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Middle East. This is wishing a super hero of our times good luck for his travels and journey. May he find his Ithaca, wherever it may be.

For those who wish to participate in hosting travellers, and in turn be hosted on their travels please sign up here.

Also last but not the least, thank you Rahul Saha for introducing me to Couchsurfing. I had my first houseguest, and am feeling quite blue now that he's gone.

Churchill Brothers clinch Durand Cup 2009

2009-09-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

What is it with teams from Bengal and football finals? Last evening 16 time champions Mohunbagan AC lost to 3 time finalists Churchill Brothers after drawing first blood. The final scoreline read 1-3 in favour of Churchill Brothers thus crowning them the Champions of Durand Cup '09. I was languishing at work while the game was on and hence can't really comment on what went wrong. All I know is that being an East Bengal supporter I committed sacrilege by rooting for Mohunbagan simply cause they were a Calcuttan team, and all for nothing!

This is the second tournament this year that football crazy bongs have lost out on in the finals. The last one being the Santosh Trophy loss at the hands of Goa.

I-league starts from 3rd October. Its got a horde of new teams this year, namely Pune FC, Mumbai FC, and the first ever club from the talent filled North East India in the form of Lajong FC of Shillong. Also there are 3 teams from Calcutta that shall feature in the Indian premier division; ie. East Bengal, Mohunbagan and Chirag United. That is something to look forward to especially considereing that it does not end with a final.