Rome Total War Triology

Finally!!! After months and months of agony and frustration, and after giving it all up, I had the Good Fortune to stumble upon a game I had been looking for quite some time now.

Let me tell you about this game called Rome Total war. I was initiated into this game by my good friend Ajith, who gave me the game in 2005. It was the first game my laptop saw, and for the next one year I was speaking roman to Ajith, much to the frustration and annoyance to our close friends.

 

 

     

 

Rome Total war is a strategy game from the house of SEGA. It was the second game launched after SHOGUN Total war. This game is basically about the Roman times (270 BC to 400 AD) Set in the time when the Roman senate was in action. The game basically is a conquer all strategy game, and you can play with different factions. Initially you get to choose only one of the three Roman FAmilies ( Julii, Brutii and Scipii) Once you complete the campaign mode you get to choose from more factions like Greeks, Gauls etc. YOu need to manage your states in terms of buildings and armies. And since they[re all inter connected and have a result on your income and quality of generals and admirals, you gotta be careful with what you have.

The game also has two other modes, being Historical battles-where you replay real life battles occurring in the past, or custom battles choosing your opponent and the weapons and armies.

The second part of this game was the Rome Total War-Barbarian Expansion. This game brought in only two major factions, West Rome and East Rome under the Roman banner, and the basic idea was to hold and conquer particular states in order to win the game. There were changes in the in-game scrolls and gameplay. In addition there were countries playable from the start unlike the First Edition. However this dint defer much to the initial Game.

 

However the third Expansion, Rome Total War-Alexander was a challenge no true strategy lover could avoid. A tougher scenario, you play as Alexander and need to capture 11 odd states in a new map, within a certain number of "turns". You have lesser support from the your own  cities as their in constant mess and riots, killing your money supply. This game is what I got finally today and it is really making me crazy

 

 

The other installations of Total war have been Medieval war ,Empire total war and the much awaited MEdieval Total war 2. Theres also rumors of  Mughal Total War coming soon. For more details check out the website.

 

Check out the screen shots

 

 

  

 

If your a strategy Games enthusiast then the Total War series is something you must try. Have a look also at Age of Empires series and Age of mythology series. Rise of Nations is also ok.

 

Any ways Happy gaming!

Fashion-Movie Review

After Page 3, traffic signal and Corporate Madhur Bhandarkar has hit the nail on the head with "Fashion". For those who are out to watch Madhur for the first time, the movie will take you through the Fashion industry in a span of three hours, with a different style of frankness and spunk. The movie also has taken a lot from real life incedents with the "wadrobe malfunction" too.

                                        

However for those who have seen the previous movies of Madhur, this movie would tend to be a bit boring at first. There is a predictable story line with the struggle-top-fall-climb up againg kinda story. But its gots a nice punch to it. The movie might not do much for Priyanka Chopra (Meghna Mathur) as there isnt anything that brings out her talent as a n actress. Shes done well, but nothing stands out.For me the surprise were the other two actors, being Kangana (Shonali-such a cute name) and Mugdha (Janet). Kangana was especially fantastic in the little time she was on screen. Her fashion photos were absolutely mind blowing. Arjan Bajwa was also looking good on screen.

Its a movie you would want to watch a couple of times, at least for the great ramp shots :)

 

                                   

                                 

                                       

 

                                      

 

                                         

 

                                         

 

The music isnt great but theres a particlular background score which is really catchy. Will try to get that soon.

There were some brands which were quite visible in the movie. Some being Cafe Coffee Day, Canon, Loreal (my company!!!) and some others...Any way catch the movie in a theatre near you!!!

Happy cine watching!,

MAddy!!!

Mangalore

Well this time around I went home via good ol Mangalore. ITs been a long time that I went there, last being A year ago for some business. However this time around, things had changed quite a lot. The famous 4 way lane which was under construction-completed-again under construction-cancelled-re constructed had finally got shape. IT was more of a road this time around than it ever was. However the bus drivers dint mind. For them anything the bus moves on, is road. and that to their own personal road.

 

Any way, some surprising new members, (Again finally!!!) were the Fly overs and drainage works going on in Mangalore. Mangalore is a Special Economic Zone, and is expected to be the next Bangalore. However years ago there were pointers to the lack of infrastructure in the city. The Mangalore-Udupi-Manipal Belt is world reknown for their educational and medical institutions. However Mangalore does also have a fair bit of Shipping and industrial activity. This area is also known for its coastal cuisine and NRI population. Any way back to the fly overs.

Just like Bangalore, the fly overs were there, towering over the roads, kicking up dust and disrupting traffic-ah the irony of it. Well I was in Mangalore for like 30 min, During which I managed to take a snap of Saibeen Complex, and catch a glimpse of Errol, author of Scoptoma. I wasnt able to catch his attention, as I was in a bus. But anyways, here are the snaps

 

The Once super popular Saibeen complex

Fly over

 

 

Fly over again

Inner city Roads--Flooded with Airtel translights!!!

 

Well thats all I could capture, am working on a post with interesting facts on the Manipal-Udupi-Mangalore Triangle. Hope that comes out soon!!!

 

Cheers

MaDdY

Diwali at home-The working

 

Though there are some other connected posts before this one, I thought it would be better off to start with this as it is the "happening" thing right now.

Well traditionally in South Canara, more so among "Konkani's" (GSB)  Diwali is celebrated over three days. The first day, there is a ritual called "Uda borche" which translates into filling water. Actually on this day, in the evening the source of water, the well is decorated and a puja is done. Before this the water is drawn and filled into the water drum, which is essentially a huge metal drum over a fire place. This was the olden Boiler!

Subsequently there is a puja for the same. The next day before sunrise, we get up and have an elaborate oil bath. And welcome Diwali into our homes. This day is celebrated with crackers, fireworks, diyas...anything to do with light. It is actually signifying purity and goodness coming into our lives. (Dont ask me about the details!!! its kinda complicated)

 

The third day is Balindra puje. On this day people can steal anything ,provided they dont get caught. People dont usually go of to rob a bank or something, its just some harmless things like a few coconuts from a tree or that kind of stealing. I hope your not getting any ideas!!! Check out more about Diwali

I have some photos, Dint make it home in time, but I got what I could...

 

 

This is the inner well of our house, you can see the names of the rivers written, albeit in Kannada.

 

 

 

This is a close up of the front portion

 

 

 

 

 

This is the olden water heater was talking abotu. Its not in the actual splendor, cos I got this snaps a day too late

 

 

And this is the full picture, along with the small oil ka katori at the side

 

 

 

 

 

 

And after all, I think this is the more common view of Diwali!!! The festival of lights!!!

 

Wish you all a happy Diwali!!!

Hey hey hey!!! am back

Well I don have much time now...but this is the posts coming up in a day or too

1. The Great Indian Bus ride

2. Diwali at home

3. Mangalore-Udupi-Maipal...

4. And somthing else.(I cant remember :P )

Coming soon to a blog near you!!! 

MaDdY!!!

Pizza hut v/s Dominos

Aaaa. The classic foodies delight!!!

I have been a fan of Dominos ever since I moved to my new house a year ago. Theres a dominoes right across ma home, and have been frequent enough for them to know me by name and address!!!

Brand loyal that I am I just never thought about another Pizzeria till one day someone pulled me along to Pizza hut. The first thing I noticed was the place was crowded (over the months I discover Pizza Hut is invariably crowded!!!) and the fantastic service!!! I mean service is like awesome. your spoken to as an "important Customer" and a human being, rather than a walking talking purse of money you can loot!!! 

Since the service part is clear, lets come to the food. Pizza hut serves D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S Pizzas!!! At least far better than the combos in Dominos. Though Dominos still has a few of my fav combos, Pizza hut's Pizzas definitely taste better. Now I know the dominos fans out there will have me for this, but hey I am a ex domino fan too...

For Example, take the Double cheese Margetita. This is a common offering of both Pizzerias. Undoubtedly PH has far better tasting Cheese and the base is also far better. Try it!!! The Garlic Breads are Different. 

And its not just me, All my rooomies( two other food Gluttons) Now demand Pizza hut delivery only, though we dont have one in our area. We have so far lied and tried all tricks to get PH to deliver to us. But now, theyve stopped delivering to our side. So we are stuck with Dominos!!! But its not tha bad.

Theres also one more pizzeria called Pizza corner. This pizzeria is best left untalked about, let alone visiting!!!

HapPy Diwali!!!

Hey guys!!!

Wish you a happy diwali!!! May this diwali bring you and your family prosperity, health and wealth !!! (in CAse you get some wealth share some with me, send me a cheque!!!)

These following are some snaps I took with my phone at office!!!

Soe other beautiful photos from Google!!!

Have a happy diwali!!!

What is your calling?

There comes a time in everybodys life...that time when everything  you believe you wanna do loses meaning..that time when you don know what your doing...something disturbing your inner happiness..

I always thought I knew what I wanted to do. Did my MBA, got a good job. Had career plans. Things going on smoothly. And all of a sudden things go topsy turvy. Everything changes and you realise somethings not right. In the midst you have an entire new set of priorities, and thereby resulting in confusion. Every one has this period..some or the other time.

During this crunch, people either get tough and emerge victorious and follow their dreams in a more convincing period. Others change into something absolutely different, and ya think "this is it!!! why dint I do this before?!" Doctors get into Business, Businessmen become Social workers..You get the drift right?

So coming back, I am somewhere in this area now. Am having a really tough time in my head and dont see any roads. They say when in doubt, do what your heart tells you. But I dont hear anything!!! Have you ever found your calling...I mean ever knew what you really wanted,found it completley crazy, yet just knew it was it. Hmmmm

Have you ever felt it? Have you ever thought about it...hmmmm

Am going home for Diwali, might give it a lot of thought.

Till then, happy diwali. have a good time :)

EA Sports EURO 2008

Ever since I bought my laptop, like around 3 years ago, I have been absolutely hooked on to PC games. They are soooooo addictive that I have played from evenings to mornings on the run. All sorts of games, action, strategy, sports..Currently am hooked on to EA Euro 2008 which I bought a couple of months back.

The Game has awesome graphics and looks fab (on ma roomies comp, cos its got a thing-a-na-jig graphic card from the US-10grand) Its actually for the PS3 though I have a PC version of the same. ITs not that tough to play if you have played the earlier versions of EA sports Soccer. Though the keyboard is not the best equipment you can have. While the basics and scoring is easy on the keyboard, most of the tricks are not possible. The teams are customisable, and while the game has an online mode, u need a pretty fast connection to actually get to play online.

Some other games I have enjoyed over the years have been

1. FIFA 2006

2. FIFA 2007

3. ROME-Total War

4. ROME-Total War Barbarian Expansion

5. Project IGI 1 and 2

6. FAR CRY 

7 NFS Most Wanted

8 NFS Carbon

9 NFS Pro Street (SUcks!)

10 EA Cricket 2007

But I guess thats the end of the road for my PC game adventure, cos ma laptops an old "BUDDA" now. Time for some new high end gadgetry to come in :)

Cheers,

Maddy

I gotta do this

I just walked into a pizza hut on brigade road in bangalore. And have absolutely no idea why, but I just felt I gotta do the following things in a year :) max two years.

1 Learn German, French and Russian

2 Learn to play the guitar

3 Learn to dance


Don't ask me why, I gotta figure it out my self.!!!

 

Til later

cheers

Fun Stuff...great one liners

Thought I'd share some fun stuff with you...

Some fantastic one liners I got on the net and other sources; check it out

1. Familiarity breeds children

2. Life is sexually transmitted

3. We do precision guesswork

4. Justice: A decision in your favor

5. I miss my wife's cooking. . . . as often as I can

6. Multitasking: Screwing up several things at once

7. Take my advice; I don't use it anyway

8. A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a workstation... I wonder if that means...?

9. Coffee. Chocolate. Men. Some things are better rich

10.If you live in a glass house, you should change clothes in basement.

11.Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.

12.Everyone has a photographic memory. Some people just don't have film.

13.War doesn't determine who's right, just who's left.

14.Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.

15.Our biggest problem is that nobody wants to take responsibility for anything—but don't quote me on that

16.The only substitute for good manners is fast reflexes.

17.Atheism is a non-prophet organization

This one I got one the bumper of a Hyundai Accent in Blore

"Honk if your an idiot" :P

And this is from a friend who saw it on the back of a car 

"Insured by MAFIA. You hit us.We hit you"

Enjoy!!!

Cheers

MadDy!!!

Russel Peters live!!!

Man believe me it was an awesome Saturday,,,we went to watch the Live show of Russel peters in blore..IT was absolutely hilarious..And the guy is much better in person than on you tube.

We reached around in 7.45...the show was at 8.30 And the place looked like a circus..Absolutely crowded. Apart from that they were such a fantastic crowd...there was a mix of all kind off people..the girls were all too good to be true kinda thing..never knew there so many pretty things in blore!!! That too all in one place..We were three guys...with some others joining later

As usual Russel loved it when he got to pick on some chineese and american guys...there were also some african americans from ghana. He also did an oncore on popular demand even after the time was up.

My buddy debi had met russel the last time around and had a snap and autograph. So we three were waiting to meet him...surprisingly we were the only three fans waiting. All of a sudden there he was getting in to the car, and my two buddies were off to the door..the damn security guy stopped me...while I watched in frustation my two buddies got autographs and a fantastic picture (which for pure jealousy am not posting here) lucky guys..That really blew my perfect sat night..

WEll anyways for those of you who missed it there is a show again in blore on 25th..Hope you can catch it. As for me..maybe the next time around, I would be with him in the car rather than waiting for an autograph!!!

cheers!!!

Maddy

Inspiring day!!!

Well the highlight of my day was that I re commenced reading a book I had picked up a couple of months back. The book is written by Jack Welch and is named "Winning". It truly stands up to its name, as the book is fantabulous!!! I was particularly inspired by a page on Leadership.

I have written in brief on the same topic in Business Bubbles. Read more about it here.

Apart from that it was looking great today..Tom being a Sat :) :) :)

Nothing interesting other than that. Lets look up to a fantastic weekend!!!

Cheers!!!

Maddy

Jet Kingfisher V/s Employees

The shocking news of yesterday was that Jet had layed off 1ooo odd employees, citing that they were under loss. This comes as a huge shocker, as this is the first of its kind mass layoff in the aviation industry.

I watched a lot of debate on to aspects of this case. One was the major bailout demand by the Goyalmallya combo. Second was the mass layoff.

Taking the bailout issue, the question is of using tax payers money to help private sector airlines to be able to operate in profit. They are able to make this demand as the goyalmallya combo controls nearly 60 % of the market in aviation, and the aviation industry in India is small and weak. The reduction of flights would in turn hit the aviation industry and the market as a whole. Communists argue that the tax payers money is hard earned money, not some lottery ticket to help private sector mint money. On the other hand pro bail out parties suggest that the aviation industry is a vital component of Indian development, which will in turn affect all the tax payers as well. 

My personal view would be to give a long term credit to these parties, make them share some of their controls and resources with Government Airlines. There is no way that the Government can allow Indian aviation to collapse. At the same time giving a complete bail out sets a bad precedent. Interest should be charged as against a interest free loan that has been demanded.

It remains to be seen as to what the Govt Does.

The second case is of the mass layoff. If the airlines were running under loss why did they hire such a large numbr of trainees and probationary employees? They have no right to protect their interests by compromising on the interests of its employees. Even if the non sacked employees join the layed off guys and show solidarity, the goyal mallya combo would conveniently put this back on the Government to further their cause of bail out.

Its a sad state of affairs that these kind of bad Govt policies and inefficent business practices has affected the dreams and life of the layed off employees. Today its JET AIRWAYS, tommorrow it could be anyone!!!!

BE Airware!!!

Cheers!!!

Weeks ending!! :)

Well though I work a six day week..the anticipation of Saturday can be so uplifting :) I cant help smiling even thinking about it..The whole concept of not working is so enjoyable...Two days to go..

Anyways have a great Friday!!!

Names List!!!

Hey got a crazy idea..thought Id write down all the names of people from my school in Bahrain and India ;P

Justin Nisha Priaynka Deepti Jossy JustinM Hameed Ahmed Abishek Melissa Shailesh James Deepak Divya Manoj Manohar Shivraj Sumangala Seema Vedha Rashmi Ashfaq Ayoob Ayesha JaiGandhi Akansha Brian Briandsa Veena Vinton Pradeep Bridgit Valentino Rovel Sonu Dolly Talal Tariq Chandy Sudesh Ninan Anilp Anilvs Deepak Dhanraj Mithun Kuldeep Pavan Kapil Siju Indresh GirishcL Girsh Mrinal Chakravarthy Suman Akshatha Vineeta Alex Gautham Vickyath Venkatesh Sachin dheeraj Sherin Charu Aiyappa Prashanth Chengappa Arvind Aparna Agneya Subash Jossy Sandhya Nabil Avinash Arvind Jiggs Movin Prajesh Shama Arena Girish Prakash Arun Sunishetty Hamston Ratnakar Peneul Oliver Abhinav Karna Ramnath Raghavendra Santosh Jithesh Vipin Nishka Adithya Devina Omkar Kedar Rashmitha Ranjitha KAran Ganesh James Ganesh Siddharth Kaushik Vignesh Shobitha Pradeep Sharmila Padma Jethesh Arjun Prakyath Sandesh Shine Sunronce Supriya Pavithra 

Well thats about all I can remember..By chance I miss anyone that we have in common do let me know!!!

Cheers

Dedication to my readers

This song is for you guys!!!

Enjoy and take care!!!

Post on Maddylicious!!! :Wordpress v/s Blogger

To my readers...

This post is dedicated to one of the most important elements of my Blog...you!!! my dear readers (Sounds corny you think??!!)

Well over the two months that I have been blogging more seriously, I see some readers have been visiting regularly...Thanks!!! It really encourages me and motivates me to write more truthfully and honestly. Whether the post has been about fun, or someone else, or some event or any crap that I come up with..I know its to early to even start saying thanks, but why keep a good thing waiting? :)

Well I have a lot to say..I started bloggin to write about the tremendous roller coaster rides I have had in my life. The truth is I never had the courage to write about it, as there are many others who would also be a part of it. In the ultimatum, I want to write a book aka chethan Bhagat. 

Well I think the time is nearing that I start this venture. My only problem is I dont know what people think of this blog. SO MY REQUEST..

ANY ONE..VISITING..DO POST COMMENTS..It can be anything..anything at all..I will definitely appreciate it..and perhaps be able to reteriate the same someday..

So do keep coming and commenting!!

Cheers..

Where is my silver lining??!!

Its been just another one of those days when ya feel you shouldnt have bothered waking up from bed. Apart from that just cant understand that how those guys in the commercials wake up fresh and bright in the morning...I havent seen a happy face early in the morning for years, excecpt Jimmy's who loves running into the house from his outdoor kennel..

Come to think of it he seems to be the only one happy in the morning running around licking everyone, pulling bedsheets, jumping up and down, till your awake..and the irony is he goes off and sleeps by the fireplace after his tea. Those are the days and ya think "a dogs life!!!"

Any ways, This years hasnt been particularly great, and its getting worse by the month. Isnt every month supposed to have a silver lining? Am still waiting for th

ose linings, maybe a whole years linings are due. Apart from making me more pessimistic and bored, it also reduces my blog-a-bility! And I just started a third blog!! Talk about timing

Thought this weekend was fun..!a party at home for 14 guys..Drunk and singing songs never felt better!! Some snaps

This is the cans we collected!!!

The second part of the same collection

And to round off an earrrrrrly morning drive!!!

So thats the weekend!!! But 6 days of misery was worth the weekend!!! 

Till next..

Cheers

PS: Post on Maddylicious!!!: Hurray...the dreaded monday is over!

Am on WordpresS!!

Well yes, (dont give me thosse anti wordpress and traitor stares!!!) I have started a blog on Wordpress as well. I am only TEMPORARILY checking out word press. 

Though most of the features look the same, the initial idea is that Wordpress gives you more if you know how to figure out and use it to the max. Again Widgets is much easier on Wordpress, though I have no idea on how to burn a feed.

Guess feedburner will help me on that.

Any way I will be running all three blogs simultaneously, so let me know!!! This is the link to Maddylicious!!!

Tiil then

Adios!!!

Sleepy beginning to a festive month

So far this month hasnt shown me any thing that its most popular for..festivities..The whole society seems to be hit by the US Markets, let alone the NSE/BSE. Nothing seems to be excitng..nothing worthwhile to blog about.,..

This again is the first entry for this month making it one of the late-st entries in the last couple of months. I also see my fellow bloggers slowing down a bit..must be the planets are in non-blogger alinement or something.

I was planning to do big things at this time of the year a year ago!!! When I just started my career..it was like 2008 last quarter will be rocking..contrary to that everything else has happened. My astrology for this month says am gonna change jobs. Supposed to be theee month for moving out. at 20 th onwards I will be slewed with offers!!! Wish that would happen for a change..

PAst few days was going through my ol stuff..found my diary..some photos of ol crushes! Kinda nice and comfy feeling when ya thinka bout the past. Other than that lots of work. Ironically the work is more anticipating huge spendings by my dear consumers( thats YOU!!!) who of course are against de monetarizing their wallets in favor of shopping!

Any ways, enough of the smart talk. Will look out for some interesting stuff to blog about. Actually it did feel good to find some people ask why I havent been bloggin. Sniff sniff!! I was so touched!! ;P

Ok then..till next Ciao!!

Maddy 

what a bad hair day!!!

Really had a tough day...was just back from home in the morning..Somehow the auto guy fleeced me 300bucks!!! Not a guy to argue with auto walas, I was on the verge of a fight today first thing in the morning...

then came the bike..the horn went Kaput..Got fed up trying to correct it and in the process got late for work..

Then came the saliva spitting bus..I overtook a bus and somebdy felt it was the right moment to spit out..while I was checking what the F, the bus vanished and so were my chances of whacking someone. To top it all one of my favorite boss in office had his last day at office today..so there!!!

Some snaps from home at 6.30 in the morning!!! 

Phew..anyway its a brand new month. Have been very active on linked in..catching up on everyone..asking questions and stuff.

Am looking forward to a good month (Puhleeeeeeze GOD!!!)

Till ma nxt...

Cheers!!!

MTV Roadies audition...

Talk about confusion man... MTV Roadies was in Bangalore on sunday..and guess what ? I missed it!!! And the best part was My company was a part of the promotion!! 

Yep Garnier Fructis was there at the audition and ma friend and colleague was there and chatting and all with everyone..Told me it was cool

Was watching the auditions and prelims on MTV today...somehow I am not sure that I could face Raghu..though I can bet I would enjoy it the most. Just thinking of putting up some smart ass performance makes me all enthu about it.. But I know am not hte fun care free cool lazy bugger I was a couple of years ago.

People who know me will tell you that I am at my best in a crowd of friends. otherwise I can be a real pain..REAL pain. I can be hip and crap at the same time..And I have absolutely no Idea why am going on and on about myself. Blah!!!

By the way one of my buddies was expecting this post to be about him and his social life!!! The hype we created around it was really high..Man was he tensed ;) Any way chiil man its not about you!!! 

Fight against Terror

Hi Past few months we have been seeing so many terror attacks, not only in India but also across the globe. We have had blasts in many countries, but one stark contrast is that majority of these blasts have happened in countries where

1. Have adopted the policy "An eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind" so lets talk it out

2. Have adopted the policy "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" so lets give these guys a taste of their own medicine.

Were countries have aadopted policy 1 there has been  comparitively lower powered serial blasts every now and then. Countries adopting policy two have faced superpowerful blasts( like 9/11)

Terror networks arise from weakness and insecure people. They arise because of Some overtly psycopathical religious fundamentalists.

Whenever one individual gets these  S.O.P.R.F (Some overtly psycopathical religious fundamentalists) feelings he picks out his weakest targets. There he drills till he has enough money support to recuit another SOPRF. And so on he has an army of weaklings and insecure people.

Terrorists claim to be strong and brave...bullshit.(willing to kill innocent people by blowing urself is not Bravado) They are weak minded people who dont have the guts to come out and fight in the open against the armed forces. They think and hit and run is brave. Its like mice scurring around.

To a large extent we have created these terrorist armies. How you ask? Well for one majority of these people were from poor backgrounds and with lot of dreams, But we intend to keep these people there and crush their dreams by not opening up to them. They are then motivated and turned anti social, half because of our attitude towrds them and half because of those SOPRF's

Remember every stomach gone hungry, every tear fall, is a cry for help. Its up to us to either help or let SOPRF's help them and brain wash them. And use them against society.

Friends, open your hearts and minds...recognize what you can do to nip these terror network in the bud. Dont wait to be a hero by spotting someone placing a bomb somewhere. Be a hero by doing what it takes to fight terror everyday..

To a safer society..to a safer life..to a happier day in the life if every human..

Cheers!!!

21 Advice to keep cool

Received by mail from a dear friend

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. 

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it.

FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.  

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions. 

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

 

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

 

TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.

My journey so far

Part 1 : Beautiful Bahrain

Was born in Bahrain. Schooling in Asian School and Indian School (5th and 6th), WAs a member of Kannada Sangha. Was more in the category called unkown!!! Lots of Friends from Kannada Sangha. Most are in Bahrain, or in Mangalore(India), Bangalore(India)

Part 2 : Incredible India

Moved down in 1996 to further my education. Was in Little Rock Indain School. (7th to 1oth) The the next large chapter was in Poorna Prajna College, again in Udupi District. Did my PU, Bachelors in business management. I wanted to be an architect but somewhere in between I got frightened of Science. I had a good academic record, but still opted for a comerce degree(Science was the craze back then)

Wrote my CAT exam. Scored a good 83 percentile (93 % in english, 36% in Quants!!!) and ended up in a new MBA college at Udupi..ICFAI National College. I didnt know why I was there after all my mega dreams of being a Brand manager, but somehow managed to bag 5 national awards, and the best intern nationally from the university!!!

Now after a short stint in advertising and in a Marketing company (as a Sales incharge, of all things!!!) Now I work for Loreal( ya it sells cosmetics. No its not an insurance company). Still in search of ma goal in life and a companion too....

fee fi fo fum, hey life here I come!!!

Maddy

Audition sudition Blah!!!

Finally its over...the audition I mean. It was kinda cool..But undoubtedly I was not at my best. Very Very Rusted as per the good old days when we were colleges.

It started of with a video shoot introducing ourselves. Some questions were asked.

Then was the GD. Again as usual a contrversial topic. To Get out our opinions.

Then came the most important question. Who out of the other 7 would you want to take with you on to the show. Followed by who you wouldnt want to take with you..

Some of the qustions I was asked.. And the answers I gave. And the answers I should have given in other circumstances

1. If you got 50,000 to slap a guy, how many slaps would you give the guy?

My Ans: I wouldnt slap at all, I wouldnt harm anyone physically

Should have: I would probably slap him as much s humanely possible, then share the bounty with him, and taken few slaps myself maybe.

2. If you got a bag full of money with an id proof, what would you do?

My Ans: I would take half the money, send the remaining back to th concerned person.

Should have: Take the money, scoot as far as possible. 

3. If you need to give a sexual favor to your boss to get promoted would  you do it?

My Ans: No. It wouldnt last very long. (promotion I mean)

Should have: If my boss was attractive, maybe...;)

4. If your a helpful guy, you should have been doing social service..

My Ans: Once I win the money I will give money and time to any social cause

Should have: Who told you I am not doing social service right now?!!

5. You dont look Physically fit to do any adventure activity like para gliding or tight rope walking

My Ans: Its all in the mind, if your mentally strong, you can do anything.

Should have: You dont look physically fit to wrestle or get into a boxing ring yourself!!!

But Though I would have given the should have answer's in any stress interview in my good ol days, somehow I was very honest in what I have said. I may sound politically correct, thats what I would honestly do. I have given Gold chains back when I found them. I have never hit anyone to save myself!!!

I was trying to emphasise that I am very different from Others, and that I could only prove it in action not in words, however that dint come across I think.

However soneone did say that they would take me along to the show, given a chance, Because that though I appeared silent I was the most different guy among everyone there!!! Phew!! At least someone noticed.

But somehow I am disturbed..I dont think I am the same spontaneous, smart ass kid I was..Very worrying, Any way lets see what the results say. Not that I am expecting anything surprising.

Maybe in the future then...

Cheers

Interesting things to do at Office

Here Goes

 

1. Reach the office half hour late. Remember early bird gets the worm. Believe me you dont want to eat a worm for breakfast

2. As soon as you go, pile up your desk with files, papers, and stationery. Gives the cubicle a "work effect", just in case your boss passes by.

3. Check the coffee machine. Its gotta be working properly. Dont take chances. Have a full cup of coffee to make sure the coffee machine is working properly.

4. Google the word "Iworkatacrappyplace", check out the answers. Mail a copy to all.

5. Take a trip round the office. Check if everyone has arrived and is feeling well. Find out whats happening in Suzy's uncle's house with the new dog coming in.Social networking is very important to feel belonging

6. Check the coffee machine again.

7. Check the pantry too.

8. See if you boss wants to know what a swell guy he is. If he is, tell him so. Use "Fantastic", "leader" and "Phenomenal". Tell everyone the boss is in a bad mood.

9. See if the paper rocket you made out of three different brands of newspaper can actually cross the entire office.

10. Take a lunch break

11. Take your lunch

12. Take a leak

13. Talk to the new girl in the office. Make sure she is comfortable. Help her around. you gotta help your neighbours right?

14. Throw a tantrum on how the people in the office dont value good work, and that they need to work harder.

15. Take a coffee break.

16. Play "pinball" with the "guys"

17. Time to leave early due to work stress. Ask neighbour to cover for you. They should feel privileged.

:)

Audition tommorrow!!!! Aaaghhhh help!!

All of a sudden am getting all jittery about tom audition. I do know what am gonna do. I mean like whts gonna happen and all. I have been to stress interviews before, have been screwed and come out of it too...but hell this is national tv man!!

 

Imagining lil ol me in a sea of youngsters...jumping over each other..fighting to get into a reality show. Frankly I don even know why I applied, apart from the fact that I want to get away from my current boring life..Do something different, challenging. I havent told many that I am even auditioning, maybe 3 4 guys. And I am sure not many are gonna read this blog anyway so no probability any more are gonna know.

 

Hey even MTV Roadies is up in Bangalore for Auditions. Maybe worth a try. I'd love to get into that interview with Raghu!!! But somehow at 23 I feel old already. Maybe I should go in for a brain scan just to see if everythins alright. Bet the CT scan machine would burst!

 

Heard Roadies is gonna be in Australia mate!! Isnt Australia the continent with most of the dangerous animals/reptiles in the world? Like the Black widow spider, the Mamba (snake!!!), lots of sharks and crocs (thanks to Jeff Corwin, may his soul RIP) Am not sure of the mamba, check it out anyway.

 

Phew thats a lot of confusion in ma head...I need some sleep. And a vacation...and a 50% salary hike, maybe a nice car and a flat...

There I go again!!

 

Cheers guys...tom is the big day!!

Maddy!!!

Ganesh Darshan

One of the Ganesh idols I got up and close to was at Raj sir's place today.(I think it was the only one I got to this year!!!)

 

Just a snap

 

 

Saving all my love for you.....

Way back when I was a small kid in Bahrain, the radio was a common music player at 7.30 in the morning. The beautiful songs that used to play back then are so much embedded in my heart and soul that now I am trying to get them on the net. The following is a beautiful song called Saving all my love for you by Whitney Houston...here it goes

A few stolen moments is all that we share

 

You've got your family and they need you there.

Though I try to resist being last your list

 

But no other man's gonna do -

So I'm saving all my love for you.

 

It's not very easy living all alone

 

My friends try to tell me find a man of my own.

Bur each time I try I just break down and cry

 

'Cause I'd rather be home feelin' blue -

So I'm saving all my love for you.

 

You used to tell me we'd run away together

 

Love gives you the right to be free.

You said: be patient

just wait a little longer

 

But that's just an old fantasy.

 

I've got to get ready just a few minutes more

 

Gonna get that old feeling when you walk through that door.

'Cause tonight is the night for a feeling all right

 

We'll be making love the whole night through -

So I'm saving all my love

yes

I'm saving all my love

 

Yes

I'm saving all my love for you.

 

No other woman is gonna love you more

 

'Cause tonight is the night that I'm feeling all right

 

We'll be making love the whole night through -

So I'm saving all my love

yeah

I'm saving all my love

 

Yes

I'm saving all my love for you - for you - for you.

The song itself  here 

Audition For A REALITY SHOW!!!

Hi guys!!!

NEws NEws...The profile I sent for a reality show got selected (I think?!) and I got a mail for an audition on Sunday...hmmmmmmmm

Am all confused now..am I all excited about the show and am I trying to play cool... Or is it that I am cool about it and am trying to look excited. I don know much about the program itself as I got only a  rough idea..Adventure, Hindi, Humor seems to be the key words.

Lets see..Don know what am gonna do there...what if they ask me my most embarassing moment..I never had one..

Or maybe tell me a joke??!!(sounds corny to me)

Sheeesh!!!

I really cant prepare for all these things. Just a go as you are maybe. Like what I am is What you get!!

Chalo, ye be dek lete hain!!

Cheers

MAddy

5 things to do when you wake up on a workday

Ahem.

1. Switch off the mobile as soon as you get up. You dont want people calling you in the morning and asking u stuff that can disturb your inner peace...(people could be bosses, colleagues..etc)

2. Relax. You have just got up. Work can wait. Dont pressurize urself in to waking up if feel like sleeping more.

3. Check if you feel feverish, jaundicish,headacheish etc. Work can only add to these troubles and have long term effects on your companies frontline. (u dont want that to happen,now do you)

4. Take your time to see the good things in life. My favorite is CNN IBN and ESPN.

5. Prepare for your day. Plan out your schedule. Saving time is of utmost importance to catch that 7:15 movie at PVR...

Cheers

Me and ma number 5

Just found out...ma lucky number is 5..and somehow its there all around me!!!

mob numbers: 99**** 1005, 99****5805
Vehicle number 4025
PDA model 527 (also adds up to 5)
house no 25
BDay 14( adds up to 5)
no of awards at a all India level 5
the time is 11:45!!!

gotta search for more now!!!

Whats going on....?!

Just another one of those days...when ya go into deep thought..

Wondering whats going on..some nut cases are blasting nutrons and all..some guys debating why they should be the next president and how best he can attack a few more countries for petroleum.(aka iraq if u dint get that) somewhere in our country some guys are screwing the happiness of both farmers and Tatas..why dont they just say tata anyway..

And then again we come down to a small little art of blore were little ol me sits and rakes his brain on what to type!!! I feel like snails are moving in slow motion in my head..nano slow is more like it. I did watch Phoonk today..man the best movie I ever saw. I mean have your everseen such a comedy horror flick ever? ;)

Lifes gone kaput past few days..don know whats going on..gotta get something soon before i burn out to non active brain!!!

To tommorrow
Cheers!!!

ASUS Experience!!!

Hi, I had recently bough an Asus PDA, in Sangeetha. During the time many of my friends suggested to go for a more popular model, like N series or an HTC. But zara hatke that I am I went ahead buying my ASUS P527 PDA after much research and deep study( Rs 17000 spent had to be bloody well worth it!!!)

Strangely a fortnight ago, the fantastic music headphone went kaput!!! absolutely no sound in the headphone.. I took it to Sangeetha who were prompt enough to direct me to the ASUS service center. But the service center was closed and they had shifted to a new location.

Today I had been to the service center, Man it was an awsome place; unlike your crowded, "we are the best " Nokia centres ( Incidentally I still Love NOKIA!!!) it was very cool, well presented and had a nice couch too. I went ahead and told them the issue, they wrote down the complaint, and in 5 min....

GAVE me a NEW HEADSET!!! in 5 min!!! can you believe that?! It felt really good. most centers would have it sent for checking and all that but this happened so fast, I was really surprised. Man looks like ASUS has got a fan for Life!

ASUS is actually a manufacturer for mother boards of laptops and computers. The mother boards that go into your HP's and compaqs are from ASUS. Now they have come out with Laptops and PDA's. And beleive me they sure do look awesome and worth the money. Am really looking forward to the new launches coming up this month end..with the first 128 MB ram PDA. WOW!!! looks great..lets c what it turns out as!!!

Cheers!!!

Making of the Ganesh Idol

When I had been home, my Dad told me the story of how Ganesh idols used to be made way back...around 35 years ago.

There used to be a old man who used to make the idol in our famil home. He used to come around a month back to our home and stay there. He would collect clay from the nearby forests.This clay would then be immersed in water for a week or so to make it soft. The clay would then be pounded for a number of days using a pestle making the clay soft enough to be moulded.

Over a period of days the idol form would come to shape. This would happen over a number of days where the kids of the house would watch in awe. Once the idol was ready, the colouring took place. For colours, the artist would collect different type of stones, which he would scratch against each other, after making them wet. The entire idol would be painted using colours from different stones. BUT the eyes would never be painted till the last moment.

Just before the pooja, the eyes would be painted in. This would take place to ensure the idol retained its purity till the last moment. Unlike today were the idols are sold on the road without any care about its purpose. Now I am not being a religious purist, but this is just to narrate the process.

The same person would come every year and repeat the same, and this would bring a different feel alltogether to the entire festival. Such Artists are rarely found today. The Artists have shifted to more of look and style rather than the purity. ITs a show more than a festival...OR so It looks to me...

Lets hope we still have these pure artists still, and encourage them if we ever come across them..:)

till then
Cheers!!!

Ganapati Bappa's 108 names

Hi,

Came across this interesting sight of Ganapati Bappa. Check out the link which has all the details of Ganesh...http://ganapati.club.fr/annexe.html

Cheers!!!

"Wholesale GAnesha"!!!

Heeeloooo,

Topic of the season has been around Environmental concern over Ganesh idols and spray paints harming the environoment. Fair enough. But somehow I couldnt help but observing some down trends in the way we celebrate our Ganapa festivals.

Earlier Ganesha Chaturthi used to be a month of family fun and good spirit..the whole family getting together and celebrating with gusto. Cheering loudly, bursting crackers...Kids running around your feet. Elders Discussing family issues..Women folk preparing "chakulis and laddoos" for good ol Ganapa... In all Fun. From the past few years this trend has changed to "one day Chaturthis, with bring the idol, pooja, submerse." Feels like "lets get it overwith" kind of attitude. Many families have either discontinued it (which I think is gonna be a major Ganapa upsetter as per scriptures) or are trying to.. Strange. We never had a ganapa at our home, at least as far as I can remember. But my love for him never ceases. with or without idol.

Why? Hmmmm I don know for sure. But I thnks its got to be with nuclear families coming up, the importance of culture and family values dissapearing. I somehow had this feeling that all these festivals were acctually initiated years ago to keep families together, show them the right way, build inner strength and confidence n peace...Well I don see that happening any more

Surprisingly this year has been the year of Wholesale GAnesha and not wholesale "Loud Cheers of Ganapati Bappa Moraya" I have seen huge number of Ganpas for sale, nut very few processions of Ganeshas. Even back at my village there minimal festivities...Inflation?? I dont think so :)

I wanted to put multiple snaps of all the Ganeshas that I have seen, but Have seen so few that I had to write these comments on the festival. Any way, AM sure Ganesh ji wont mind, he has a big heart after all.
Heres praying for a better world, more common sense for humans, better times for the poor, happiness and love to all...
Oh yeah and more readers for my blogs ;)!!!

GANAPATI BAPPA MORAYA!!!

Am Baaaackkkk!!!

Hey its been a quick trip home and back...back to the same monotonous life in Bangalore!!! Well as promised some beautiful ( I Dare say so!!! ) snaps from back home, were theres so much greenery ud think we were on another planet. So here goes...

Well actualy wanted to put a lot more but the climate was damp and I dint want to catch a cold. Any way will have lots more to say later so will be back with the next post!

Cheers!!!