One more BLOG!

Update

2006-10-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I decided to start afresh. Use this

Carnegie Mellon University

2006-09-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

P1080826
Originally uploaded by llimp_bizkit.

Hard work and hectic schedules. Kepp us posted.

Sunday Festivity

2006-08-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

With start of the semester a week away, I thought it would be a nice idea to get practice making some authentic Indian food. The intention was to keep it simple yet tasty to remind you of home. The tread wasnt easy - the fruits were sure worth it. Of the many difficult things - the primary issue was to decide the menu for our wonderful lunch. After much ado, we decided - Kaku (my roommate), Aditya, Vinay
- Alu parantha
- Palak Paneer
- Veg Pulav
- Alu Sabji
- Jal Jeera

After much shopping and hard work - started with dough -

and making the parantha

Too many cooks dont spoil broth

Taaaa Daaaa...

The luncheon

I hate shopping. (period)

2006-08-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Finding an apartment was as easy as it could get. The worst was yet to come - filling the apartment. It started out like a normal day. Woke up by 8.30Hrs - had our shopping lists ready, and so Karthik and I were set. Or so we thought. This was the plan. Read it, its quite interesting. a) Shop at Wallmart for home appliances and get back by 13.00Hrs
b) Get mattress/furniture from IKEA and, split the shipping costs with few folks at INI
c) The essential shopping at Giant Eagle afterall.

Problem A. We did not know how to get to nearest Wallmart. Who cares now, we took the 28x - the airport flyer - to the farthest Wallmart. Shopped for a lot of things - Microwave, Vacuum cleaner, lamps, pillows, detergents. I dont remember what else we bought but, I wase satisfied with our performance thus far. Our cart was brimming in no time. We got them billed. It was already 13.00Hrs. We emptied our stuff into Karthik's bag, and couple of plastic bags. There was no way we could fit in a microwave in any. I decided to carry the Microwave and the lamp box - one box on the other. I couldnt carry an atom more, and so we walke out. This is funny part - an old lady was walking next me, she passed a glance, and so adorably told - "I have that microwave at home, you have made a good choice, son". I was in state of mind to reply, just managed a smile - with a thank you. Duh? What did you expect? That thing was easily 5-6 kilos and tearing my fingers out.

Problem B. There was no way in I was willing haul this to pur apartment in the 28x flyer. Hell, I didnt want to take a bus at all -
i) I didnt want to lug the microwave to from the bus stop to my house
ii) It was scorching hot
iii) I didnt know where to the bus from

We decided buy mattresses and call a cab. There were a lot of shops around - Roomful Furniture, atHome, Bed Bath and beyond. They were really plush shops I tell you, though I wasnt going to buy anything from there (as of now), it was sure worth a walk inside. The furniture was royal. We werent exactly basking in sun as they call it - we were baking.

Restrategise: Get back to walmart shop for the essentials shop for the essentials, call a cab and head back home. The heat, surely, was getting us, so was the hunger. Didnt seem like we were going to have lunch anytime soon.

Lucky Bump: Except for the heat and the hunger, we werent having a bad at all, atleast we were getting the stuff done. Our luck was only getting better when we ran into an Indian group, and the best part? They were headed to IKEA. Oh no! How do we haul the luggage now? Because we just had shopped more than two of us could carry. The plan now was some of them stay back at Walmart and take care of the belongings and few get to IKEA to pick up the stuff. And, the walk from Walmart to IKEA began.

Turn Around: The sun wasnt helping anything. We walked for ten minutes. And, god knows what struck a few people they decided to turn around and head back to walmart again.

Get it over with: We were back at Walmart now, and called the cab. We asked the yellow cab agency to send a spacious cab to fit a mattress. The lady was irate, she yelled - "We are not a moving company". Took sometime for the cab to arrive. But, we were only relaxing. The cab man was huge guy - Joseph Mitchell - we asked him if could haul mattresses from IKEA. He had no issues with it. We drove down, picked up the mattress from IKEA, while the taxi meter was ticking. We didnt bother much even if it meant a few bucks more. We just wanted to get over with it. It was already 18.00hrs.

Up, Up and Away: We lugged the mattress to cab, tied them on the roof. Joseph helped pack up. And, when he was done, he said - "Ah, now you are going nowhere!". I like that man. We chatted on our ride back, with my fastened seat belt. He was telling us about the bridges, rivers and (red)Indian kings of the area. The ride was relaxing anyway. We reached home - fatigued. But who cares, we had shopped for home appliances, essentials, shipped mattresses, and what not - and hauled it back to our apartment for just forty bucks! Well, that ain't a bad day.

Light years away - The first two days

2006-08-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

Its a different continent alright. Eight thousand five hundred miles away from home, after a twenty six hour ordeal, trying to set up everything from scratch. A home which can never be mine, a land which which will never be mine. But, here I am. Carnegie Mellon.

Staying at my IGSA hosts, has the been the best thing during my stay thus far. Saurab, Muddasar, and Sharad. For hundreds of reasons they have been more than helpful to this newbie in town. Food and frolic - do's and don't. Everything. I'm still learning.

First things when I got here, walked up to INI for some help. Terry (at the front desk) and Mat (system admin) were the only ones there. Checked mail. Realised that my Karthik's (my roommate) flight was canceled - luck bum - got to stay in The Sheraton for a night though.
For starters, I got my bank account and my Carnegie Mellon ID card done, which I can use move around in the city with local transport here.

The CYERT Hall is the saviour - with free internet for all the CMU students. I'm here every day. My only source of communication with the otherside of the world. Looked up a few apartments online, shortlisted a few. Tired. End of day ONE.

LH755-LH430-UA1204

2006-08-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

Did anyone ever talk about an enjoyable flight? They must have jumped off it then, and never had a chance utter another word. Yeah, there wasnt anything to special about my flight. Except when we closed in on Chicago. Wish I had my camera with me. Enroute greenland and the great lakes was one worth a shot. Mountainous regions with valleys like cups holding water. Did I see some snow? I'm not sure. Was an pleasurable sight anyway.
Chicago - Phew! The airport was bustling with airplanes, they seem to be flying like birds without flapping their wings. Lake Michigan is one gorgeous lake and I wonder what on earth is water body like this doing in the middle of nowhere. An ocean like thing? Maybe a little smaller. One of the Five Great Lakes. Boy, for sure a Great Lake. Another odd observation - every household has a swimming to bask during the summer. You will know, when you fly in here.
LH755 - LH430 were on time, I like these LH atleast for this reason. UA 1204 was scheduled to depart five hours after my arrival in Chicago. The wait was long, and I decided to advance the next available flight conveniently. The lady at the check-in counter let me. But, the boarding fellow wouldnt let me as my baggage was checked into the later flight - in bangalore. Rubbish. I had to wait all the five hours. To add the misery, the flight was 45 minutes late and I was hungry every minute of the flight. They said snacks would be served - the ones they served wouldnt suffice my little finger. Thus, I arrived - hungry, sleepy, and tired - welcome to pittsburgh.

I find myself a farewell

2006-07-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

Thats one last thing I expected. It wasnt for me really, maybe it was, who cares now, all I know is that I had a nice time, and everyone there did. It is the first time that I am having a grain of food after school in school. Yep, it never happened. Thanks Mr. Jonathan for making it happen.

Lots people that I'm already in touch with in ways more than one, few that I havent seen since school, but killer jack was Glenn Nigel Kunder, who turned up to after twelve years I think. He certainly wasnt there to celebrate his golden jubliee or something. Good luck to Naghman, Harsha, Jonathan for your future endeavours.
Oh, by the way, I almost forgot, for the others who couldnt make it, I have something.
Wish we could have one day back in school. Guess we did. Atleast for it will take a long time coming.

Distant Shores

2006-06-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

22nd June, 2006

Prologue Like another day, I stuggle to get up, but, when reality hits you in the face, you really move from slumber to attack-mode in no time. A clean shave and quick bath, I was ready, whats the next thing? Of course, breakfast (what did you think?;) at a Sarvana Bhavan in Egmore, wonderful mini-idlis soaked in ghee I tell you. Fine, I'll talk about the food someother time. The drive from the place where we stayed was a fifteen minute one through through sparse traffic, yes, unlike the Bangalore ones. There was aleady a queue, which I was sure to break. I walk-in ask the first person what time is your interview, he replied 11.30am. It was still freaking 9.30am (alright, I was little early for interview at 10.15am). I need not explain how I made my way to the head of the queue in the heat, through humidity, and every trying to stick on to the person in front despite confirmed appointment. And, whats interesting? You have security guard the is trying bring order to the queue by yelling 'Everybody please maintain a single file, time is not an issue'. I only wondered why did I have to book my date six weeks in advance.

(Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/25 sec,focal length 31.00mm)

10.30am - Prescreening
It was fifiten minutes past my confirmed appointment and, I was at the tail of the prescreening queue. It is simple process in which you need to have the following documents ready:
a. Passport
b. Applications ( D-156/157/158)
c. HDFC reciepts
d. Appointment / Admission letter
Standing in queues can be quite an irritation at times. This one wasn't any different. On the brighter side, there was fan here blowing away to all glory, but the decibels can never cool you down. I was inline next when an elderly lady who was broke in the queue, said I was standing in this queue before, and I just went to get my HDFC receipts. What? Did I hear it right? You came for the visa interview without the HDFC receipts? I couldnt feel better. I had to let her ahead in the queue. Just when I thought I had it all, there was another physically challenged who joined the queue ahead of mine. Could I even get mad at anybody? Who cared, this was what I had been waiting for a long time.

Please donot change the order of the documents in the folder after the prescreening.

(Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/50 sec,focal length 8.80mm)

11.40am - End of prescreening - and burn in the hot, hot sun!
After prescreening you will be asked be seated, or if you are unlucky, (like me) to wait in a queue to enter the visa lobby. The was the worst part of the wait.

12.00pm - Kaboom
It looked like the queue was moving at the rate of one step per fiften minutes or something, and thats when we heard they were facing some computer issues. Darn, these machines, can we every trust them? I was just thinking if say I'm gonna pursue my masters in computer science, they might just deny me the visa. But, the wait was still on.

1.10pm - King Nothing
With the crammy folder, my own set of documents, and wanting to lean against a dirty grill, (but, never did) I felt like King Nothing. I felt like taking a nap, and thats when I heard the voice of God, or so it seemed. 'Anybody here with a 10.15 appointment?'. I was raising my hand like a nursery who knew the answer to 1 + 1. For once, preferential treatment. I did feel like King Nothing.

1.45pm - Some biometrics
King Nothing was on a roll, I could hear the staff yelling anyone from the 10.15 batch who is not done with the finger scan. 10.15 seemed like the magical number for me. I enter the counter and some wait in the queue, he states my full name. I'm glad to acknowledge it. He asked me place my finger on the red light. First the left, and then the right, 'Sir, you are now ready for you interview' he said. Boy, was I?

2.00pm - The Wait - Deathly whispers
Waiting is something you will have to get used to, if you are applying for US visa. The queue was sure long through a long rows of seats, the head of which ateast ten rows ahead. Unlike the fierce heat outside, the air condition here seemed to work fine. I could hear admist some whispers amongst the applicants, some sharing experiences from previous interviews, some generally enjoying a chat, some offering a prayer to their Gods.

2.20pm - Can't help but, listen!
Why would you want to listen to somebody else's interview? To get the *important* questions? Blah!! Give a better reason, its not an exam. But, I could hear the guy in my next counter explaining to the VO about V.L.S.I. design. What the hell? Didnt see that coming. Imagine me trying to explain to Mr. VO about CAPTCHA

2.25pm - Brief Encounter
This is most awaited chapter for most. My first impressions about the visa officer. Pretty lady, smartly dressed. Opps! I'll repeat it verbatim.
Visa Officer(VO): 'Hello, How are you sir?'. Sir?? Where did that come from?
Me: 'I'm fine, Thank you. And you how about you ma'am?'
VO: 'Fine thank you'
VO: 'Which college would you attending?'
Me: 'Carnegie Mellon University'
VO: 'Nice'
VO: 'So which other colleges had you applied for?'
Me: 'Obviously, CMU'
Both of us *giggle*, and then I continue rattling out the names of the colleges that I had applied. Penn State, UMN, PSU.. SUNY Stony Brook .. blah blah..
VO: SUNY Stony Brook? This is a part of the interview but, did you every consider applying to New York Institute of Technology?
Me: No Ma'am
VO: Would you have attended SUNY Stony Brook?
That was tricky one. I didnt have anything to lose. I replied, 'Now, that I have got into CMU, I think I would have gone to SUNY Stony Brook'
VO: Do you think the big guns like H.P. I.B.M recruit from SUNY SB? She is a sly one alright.
Me: Well, I havent looked in the placements in the universities really as planning to get back to Bangalore to work.
Meanwhile, she is looking at my I20.
VO: I see you have a scholarship as well.
Me: Yes
VO: Can I have a look at your degree certificate?
I show it to her and presume that she will asking me for financial documents or something. I'm still looking, when I hear her voice say, 'Congratulations, you will receive you visa in two days' and thrusts my I20 and degree certificate through tiny opening. Thats it. It was all over. The final nail in the coffin. I'm going, yeah.

Epilogue - 2.40pm
Now, if you keep wondering how I keep track of the time, I might just tell you what other work I have than to glare at the watch when you are waiting in the queue. A person like me is quite likely to restless waiting in long standing queues, with people making irritable conversations.
But, I'm glad its over. Came outside the consulate to frying pan again, but who cares now. I have the licence to kill, well not exactly.

Flag Off Parade

2006-06-20T04:46:00.000-07:00

What is it about your country that makes you swell with pride? You don’t need a reason to be proud of where you rightfully belong. I was there at possibly the most peaceful Indo-Pakistan border since independence for the flag-off parade that happens every waking day. A routine event for Border Security Force but, a sight to watch for the rest of the country. Thousands flock to witness this display of patriotism for their country on either side of the border. The sainiks on one side and the pathans on the other, synchronously obey a protocol to lower their flag at the end of a working day. Border (bôr’dər): The line or frontier area separating political divisions or geographic regions; a boundary. For most, it what separates what is ours from what is theirs. But, this blog is not about that.

(Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/50 sec,focal length 68.10mm)

It must have easily been at 38 degree centigrade that evening, and I could hardly rest my backside for the benefit of people sitting behind me. I could only tell the ones behind me that I was standing because the ones in front of me were standing. It didn’t matter much after sometime, everyone were off their seats to watch this breathe-taking fifteen minute parade. What were as engrossing, were the events that preceded the parade. Immature, as it may sound were a couple of ladies (each took turns) to run to border wave the Indian flag up high and run back to safe ground. It was fun alright, everyone cheering each other. The same sequence of event occurred on the other side of the border. It was left to master of ceremonies to take over from then on. I must say, he didn’t have to do much to get the crowd on a high. All of us were indeed high. He cheered, ’Bolo Bharath maatha ki’, the reply from the gathering was unanimous. More slogans – ‘Vande Matharam’. It wasn’t just about what we saying for me it was more than that. More than a sense of pride, it isn’t about that all of us are proud of what we were. But, in our waking lives what do we do to show it? But, this blog isn’t about that either.

(Left : Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/100 sec,focal length 70.6mm)
(Right: Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/100 sec,focal length 37.30mm)

‘Paraaaaade, saaaaamne teeeez chaal’ bellowed the leader of the troop. The following set of incidents was one I couldn’t describe even using my best words. Soldiers, one after another marched on to carry out set a salutes, step-forward operations to counter the one from the other side. Each time lifted heel would reach the forehead of opposing six foot giant, I think. Such is the intensity with which the parade is carried out. The troops from either side opened the gate, signals were blown to lower the flags. First, the ropes were held crossing each other on the way down and the flags were lowered at the gates. Then, another pair of flags were lowered from the border walls. The entire set of events were so orchestrated, everyone knew what to do, how and when. Years and years of practice and more years on the job, but they perform the same routine with undying vigour. What keeps them going?

(Left : Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/100 sec,focal length 12.0mm)
(Right : Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/50 sec,focal length 50.50mm)

Himachal Pradesh

2006-06-13T03:40:00.000-07:00

(Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/320 sec,focal length 7.40 mm)

The Swiz Meadows or Khajjiar all the same to me. Forty minutes by road, from Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar, is a reserved forest area. Two thousand two hundred and eighty meters above the ground, all you see is hilltops, and undulated beauty. But, amidst this if you see, a vast span of plain land, spread out like a golf course, probably in the middle of no where, with lots of grazing cattle, and central weedy lake a subtle boat floating midway, surrounded all sides by coniferous vegetation, you can call it Khajjiar.

(Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/80 sec,focal length 7.40 mm)

The place has an enhanting charm of its own, with the trees spanning over 20 feet tall, and a variety of birds chirping away, all you need to do is to heed to their call. With intention to explore, this nature's offering, I decided to track off from pavement to nearby not so well explored (but certainly used) path. This was just the start, after walked for about three minutes, frankly, I was little worried, not becuase I had lost my path simple because every small either heard on the ground was either of slimy reptile trying get past me, running cover or it was just the wind. But, above the ground it was all together a different.

(Panasonic DMC-FZ30, No tripod, at 1/20 sec,focal length 88.80 mm)

Birds, I wouldnt call them a rariety, but certainly they flew, from tree to tree, making a peculiar yet a melodious sound of their own. You try to look where, but soon enough its gone. They seem to taunt you in a sense to play the catch me if you can kind of a game. I could hardly win. All I would is look from one end to another. Yeah, but you cant lose all the time. There a couple clean shots I got a few birds (no, no, not that shot), I can hardly name any of them now. In due time, I hope to.

Biligiri Rangana Betta

2006-06-04T21:41:00.000-07:00

And, so they fly

(Panasonic DMC-FZ30, f2.83 at 1/250sec, no tripod, focal length 22.50mm)

Or more popularly called B R Hills. The road trip was a long time coming.

No matter how many forests you've seen, no matter how many sunsets, each one has different way about itself. Each one tells a different story. Here, I am listening to 'Strawberry Fields' trying to recall everything that happened during the trip. Its nothing to get hung about because living is easy with eyes closed. Strawberry Fields forever.

For those who were with me on the trip, know how bad it was, right from the day we planned it. No reservations in jungle lodges, getting nearly kicked out from the guest house we stayed in, the incessant rain, the cancelled trek and what not. In spite, all of us concurred that we had a great trip. With the walk wonderful weather, the lush green ambience, the water lilies, and the breeze of forth coming rain made it a walk in clouds.

The drive to K Gudi was even more exciting. Enroute we an Indian Gaur muching away its Sunday breakfast. We seemed to be intruding into what was its territory. As it began to move it giantly body, we began to wonder if were making a dash at us or running for cover. Neither. Tacitly, it hid behind the bushes for us to pass. We did pass. As drove past this beast whom so feared so moment, we could see it watching us behind the green of K Gudi forest area. We decided to drive past. Peace prevailed.

The Gaur was among the few other spotted deer, Greater coucals, Bulbuls that we spotted.

(Panasonic DMC-FZ30, f2.83 at 1/13sec, no tripod, focal length 48.50mm)

Zeus - Blessed be thou!

2006-05-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Zeus, the Greek God of Lightning and Thunder hath finally blessed my camera! Nobody ever promised me I'd get shots of lightning the first day I try. Considering, the rain thats been happening around Bangalore, I've been lucky, it took me three days.
The sheer thrill of the lightning was one joy, but the wait for it has been all mesmerizingly different. The anticipation of the mighty discharge of static, the pleasant winds the blowing, the tiny drops of rain that, irritably, managing to find the LCD of the camera - all-in-all an enchanting experience.

Have you ever had the patience to just look the clouds when it looks 'hell is gonna break loose'? The dark and vile looking clouds menacingly seem to engulf you, and when lightning crashes, the entire scene lits up from pitch black to day light to set you free, but the sinister darkness is back in no time. The soon thunder follows sending shudders down your spine each time. Hell! I missed another lightning! Its time to try again. You run your own algorithm calculating where and when the next discharge could occur. Eventually, for me, it was a timer and the camera pointed at an arbitrary direction in the sky. I have taken close to 180 snaps over the last three days. Four of them clicked. Atleast, perservence paid off.

I can't really term it peer pressure [sorry 'goop's if you are reading this] because I can put you on to their snaps, and then you would understand why I respect each of them so much.

Hebbal

2006-04-29T02:43:00.000-07:00

Wondered if spider web could look so grand,

And, weed so pretty

A walk in the park

2006-04-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

Fight to get up at 6 am every morning, run to the shuttle, crawl your way through the chaotic bangalore traffic, get in front of the 21" screen to type plain gibberish (for which you even get paid) with fairly interspersed caffeine breaks, and now next is ever-so-long drive back home. What do you get ? A typical day in the life a much revered, for the lack of a better word, corporate employee.

When was the last time I realized that life is wee bit more gigling at funny email that my colleague has sent? When was the last time I decided to break free from monotony of sedantary urbane life? I'm up at first light everyday, but when was the last time I enjoyed a sunrise? The questions aren't really meant to thought provoking. For me, and for zillionth time, it was today.

I woke up at 5.30 am today, drove to the Hebbal lake, with the intention of a brisk jog with a few photographs. It was my first time there.

Curiously, I asked the gate keeper, if I had to buy a ticket to enter, she laughed me away. And, began my two hour long tread into a territory, unknown, which I was so going relish, and an interest which I am so going to pursue, only harder.

The roughest yet to come

2006-04-11T03:35:00.000-07:00

Smile today, tomorrow can be worse - Isn't this one of Murphy's Laws? Doesn't matter, holds good for real purposes of life.
After devouring the barrons word list, pulling your out hair through the reading comprehsions, and what not, you thought the worst was over? God save you if you are employed. The easiest task is choose what you want to master in. You know it yourself.
It helps a little if you are still in college because the next steps are little less strenous. Have you ever run around for a recommendation letter from your professor? I have had that real ill-luck of having to run around for three people
a) A professor in College b) A professor who quit my college c) A professor with whom I did my intership.
All this amidst amdist eight to ten hours of a corporate life filled with otiose meetings, newer, stranger, nonsensical development requests, redundant message solving can sometimes (yes sometimes) get a little (yes little) annoying.

The part now, is that I am through to CMU and we've had our very first meet.
The start of course in august, will set the ball rolling, assignments after more assignments, credits after credits, internships, jobs, find yourself a house, cook for yourself. And, boy the thought the worst part was over.

Hallein

2006-03-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hallein
Originally uploaded by llimp_bizkit.

Like you would decribe in a story book, a typical eupoean village setting, the gorgeous snow covered mountains, a small stream, deserted streets. And, that's what it is - Hallein. It's 20 minutes on a fast train from salzburg enroute the salt mines.

A ray of hope

2006-03-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

A ray of hope,
Originally uploaded by llimp_bizkit.

Clear blue sky! Been a long while since I saw something like. But, I will still have to wait for the heat. Its not yet coming.

Die Bahn in the snow

2006-03-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Die Bahn in the snow
Originally uploaded by llimp_bizkit.

Pretty as she is, snow, reminds me of the conscripts of the wartime movies. Whoever you are, the heat humbles you. You walk with your head tucked into your chest, with no nerve to look up.

Tufts of cotton

2006-03-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

Tufts of cotton
Originally uploaded by llimp_bizkit.

There can never be another first time. The first experiences of sight of snow float around like tufts of cotton was quite breath taking. We sit in the train and watch the snow blow into our faces, but only the window keeping us apart. Not for long we enjoyed this beauty from warmth of the train.

The DB belched us out, the people were flocking out of the train with the warm clothing, few had the skiing equipment on, and then there was us with our make-believe winter wear.
The first time I was in the snow I was so thrilled that I forgot to feel cold.

the bottle

2006-02-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

wine
Originally uploaded by llimp_bizkit.

and, the reflection

Power button

2006-02-01T04:01:00.000-08:00

Power button
Originally uploaded by llimp_bizkit.

But you cant turn it on :-)

It not about the bike

2006-02-01T03:44:00.000-08:00

It not about the bike
Originally uploaded by llimp_bizkit.

When think you are going to die, exaggeration of life becomes inspiring.

Committed to innovations

2006-02-01T03:42:00.000-08:00

Committed to innovations
Originally uploaded by llimp_bizkit.

Has anyone seen this billboard around KR puram? Dont know if it exists anymore. But took this in one of the lousy traffic jam when the vehicle is crawling through. See, perfect aint it?
like the vehicle was stand still!!

J2EE

2005-09-01T23:25:00.000-07:00

This week has been too lousy, J2EE, EJB, Transactions, JMS, phew !! Technology!! Lots things that I far from 'know'. Some guys here already know a lot of these stuff. Then, wonder why they are attending the training. Timepass? What better way to kill time x-(

At germany, italy and france

2005-05-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

It was a trip that started miserably and, ended even worse but, the three weeks inbetween was by far the best time of time of my life.
Better things first, when I was there, had been to Rome, Venice and Paris, places which I had only seen in the movies. I stayed in town called Mannhiem, and the SAP office is in a place called Walldorf, around 30 kilometers from there. Small towns both of them, but life there is so much different. The culture, cars, everything. Western Europe.
Landed in Frankfurt on 22nd, didnt go to office that day, (not mention how pissed of my manager was) I went shopping, and then to Hiedelberg and Schwetzengen over the weekend. The garden at Schwetzengen was filled with flowers that if you wouldn't appreciate it, I wouldnt know what to say.

Too Much For A Day!

2004-11-04T04:08:00.000-08:00

It was long and eventful day, it never seemed to end. However, when it really did end, to recollect, we experienced it all, amazements, frustrations, breakdowns, and of course loads of fun.

7:30am, 1st Nov 2004
Sanjaynagar,
Bangalore

Three people eagerly wait in early hours of the day in front of a closed bakery to get away from their chores, to experience something, which they would never do in their mundane life. Little did they know what was in store for them. But, much as expected the cab was late. Impatient, as we were when the cab did finally arrive, all of us did have a word to say to Vishwa, the trip coordinator, but he had many in return. The cab already filled with many more than familiar faces. There was Ranjini, who also had a key role in materializing this trip, there was Asha, the trip idea was from her. Also, was the king HR Pratap, and so was the sleeping beauty Madhukar Jain. Tejaswini was the only new one around. And so we drove on to pick up Satyendar. We were already running late, very late.

And So It Began….
Though not on time, it began (ah!! Who cares we were out there to have some fun). It took a while getting out of the city, while Satya’s and my stomach roared with hunger. We had to wait for it, until we reached a park infested with monkeys. Many seemed to be fascinated by the urge that monkeys had for food, (little did we look at ourselves). The breakfast was light (thanks to Ranjini), but filling enough to get us going. The caffeine addicts wouldn’t move on without their morning dose, so we drove across to Loka Ruchi. After a quick drink, the cab now was speeding amidst the renowned Bangalore-Mysore road traffic. And so it began.

The Road Trip….
It had been more than hour since we started the journey, when boredom seemed to be taking we had someone spring up to say “Let’s play DC!!” Oh Boy we needed some entertainment or what. And quickly the teams we made, the first movie, Asha was to enact. It was Tora, Tora, Tora! At first it almost seemed an impossible one, she never seems like giving up either, she took her time, until to she spilt the word torino to get it. Fair enough, none of us were professional, neither did we intended to play the game that way. And, so the game moved on, there were movies weird and whack!! From the 1970’s to the ones in this century. The Outlaw Josey Wales was one controversial one. The was Johnny English, Schindler’s List, to DMX Bandits. Ah but the Hindi movies are worth mentioning, there was Veer Gatodkach, to ‘Shaitan ki Something Aur Peshach ki Something’ It was fun, splitting the words, while the cab moved on past Mysore.
Not that we were getting bored, but, we didn’t want to play DC for the rest of the journey. So, we decided it was ‘time for a change’. Truth and Dare it was. Argh! What the hell no one knew each other, but that was the point, we wanted to know each other. So, the standard questions began, who is your current crush, all your crushes?? And, as usual, I had list of them, all of them but one was success. It wasn’t seemed to be going anywhere!! Nobody seemed to dare!! Until the brave Mr. Madhukar decided that he was going to dance like Mathondkar (Urmila) in Rangeela. Must say dancing in a speeding truck is never easy, especially when are to twist it that extra bit like Urmila. Impressive he was. That left was with question, “If Madhukar weren’t in SAP, where would be?” If I were to take a guess……. (yeah correct!!!) We were just started, more was yet to come. But question which won a million dollars was when Satyendar chose the ‘truth’ and the rightful path. “Who are all Madhukar Jain’s crushes?” Beautifully phrased. Answers, hmm, interesting ones. Next the brave Arathi chose dare, when she had yell out to cyclist on the road that his headlight was on. God knows which one!

It All Seemed So Perfect…. It Still Was
After the first round of truth or dare, we decided to play Antakshari, all of us were singing (or so it seemed). Suddenly, something grabbed our attention the cab had stopped, and then moved on, but there was a rattling under the floor of the cab, was it axle tearing down? None of us wanted a delay now, we were already running late. We stopped neat a small town for a status check, the mechanic said “It wasn’t a problem really, if the driver had none with moving on” But one thing was clear, he neither had the expertise nor equipment to deal with problem. But, there was another thing that was also clear; we weren’t going to turn around either.

Welcome To Bandipur
Though late, we were finally there, we hopped out of the cab, with all our gear, cameras, sunglasses, most importantly water, no sooner we did that, there was vehicle on its way down the hill pointed out that there were elephants up road. The reactions were mixed, was still game-on for walking, some wanted to get back into the cab. Ah.. what the hell, we had come all the way to one god darn thing, and now we cant do it because elephants were having a walk in their park? What life without little bit risk? Otherwise what is the difference between you and toilet paper?
So, we moved on, the climb was steep, the road was narrow, there was green all around, laid out like a carpet with intricate designs. Even the randomness of these designs seems to follow a pattern. The green was not uniform; it was a little parched in areas luscious in some. All of it, it was waiting, waiting to be explored. Of course, it was much welcome change to the eyes which are always set on a dumb box on table.
The Sun was beating down hard, with a sweat on our brow we carried on, there were far too many things inspiring us to keep us going. There was the STF Chief – Satya who led the way. There was Asha who was narrating here leechy-experience on one of her previous treks. Ranjini was on the parapet. Slowly walked on.
The sine of the inclination seemed to be increasing; all of us felt the pinch, but, there was one who felt it a little more than any of us did. RT. All of us rested to stay her; after while we moved on, and rested, it was all staccato. But, there was one stop which was more memorable than the rest. RT was leaning on the parapet, to get some rest, and then she almost passed out on the edge of that wall. Somebody had to do something, real quick!
There was brave Mr. Satyendar and Ranjini to her rescue. She recuperated pretty soon and we were back on way. Thanks to Vish and STF chief for getting the cab back on time.

The Temple and The King
Finally, there we were on top of a small hill, yet feeling so great. The temple was old, over 700 years, with a lot of history with it. The temple wasn’t crowed but, there were enough people to make the place seem lively. Quick prayers were offered. Photographs were taken. The beauty was scenic to miss out on. It was over 4:30pm and, after the trek we had lunch and decided to move on.

The First Glitch
So, there we were alighting the cab, hoping for a safe return home, thinking of all the fun that we had over the past hours, and the next ones which we are going to have. Kind as we were, we offered to take a couple of people for a free ride to a near by town. And, so with two people more, we started. The man chanted “Govinda, Gooovinda!”. Little did we know, that our plight to follow was “Goo-in-da”!!!
We drove down the hill, moving faster than we climbed up. Meanwhile, the rattling of the axle got worse, to the extent that we had to stop every hundred meters for it to stop. We inched along at a snail’s pace. We were getting a little edgy about the issue, we had no option, because we were in the middle of a bloody jungle! There were a few calls made, arrangements were made in Mysore to get the hitch fixed. We were now headed to Mysore, and everyone had a calculator in their head, about when they would reach home. Unconsciously, all of us had calculated the same answer – “Very Late”. But that meant only one thing, we more time to have fun!!

The Mysore Fiasco
And, when reached Mysore, the cab went to garage, and went to the palace. The palace was lit. It was gorgeous sight, bright and grand there it stood! The closer we drew, the more regal it looked. More photographs were taken. Our luck never seemed to get any better from there, Ranjini said “This is sure is a spectacle”; we walked a few paces; and swoosh; all the lights go off; time-out, turn around. It was 8 o clock, that’s when the palace goes to sleep. But it was yet only dinnertime for us, we walked across a nearby pizza corner. I was pretty shocked to see placard kind of thing outside the pizza corner which said “Please wait to be seated”. The place was bloody devoid a single soul, or so it seemed! And so, we got the food packed, and walked back to the garage. Argh! What the hell, they we weren’t through with whatever the repair was?? It was over 20:30 hrs. All of us were really, really ticked off!!!
We counted our options; we had only one, to wait for the cab! And so we did. So, the cab was ready, all of us got in, moved out of the garage a few meters; and then guess what happens? A flat !!!!!!!$in’ tyre!!! What could we do? What could the driver do? He sure like hell was having a bad day!! He fixed it in sometime while we had our pizza’s on the roadside. And, so we on our way back.

Pratap In Action
All through the day, this man, seemingly so innocuous, pounced upon on us, like a bat set out to get his prey in the night. Looked like the trip started here for him, all of us needed it, someone to pump up our energy levels. There was Mr. Pratap with his perplexing puzzles, which baffled all of us (not the puzzles, but his enthusiasm for it)

It is melodious when the heart sings..
This was one thing I dreaded most; I had Satya, Vishwa breathing down my neck; asking me to sing! Me?? Sing?? Must be a joke!!! I have never sung outside of my bathroom recently!! Now all of them wanted me to sing!! Oh damn!!! I was in big trouble alright! But, by public demand I had to sing- ‘Nothing Else Matters-Metallica’ –that’s what it was!! What happened after I finished singing I wont write about it! Boy, I will remember those couple of minutes for long time in my life!
And, then there was Arathi who sang a whole song, “zara zara..” – it was. There was an subtle intensity in the tone, in the _expression. All of us could feel it. Ranjini came up with a beauty – “Oh re taal mile nadi ke jal mein”, the whole song means so much! Pratap was no less! All of them were great, Asha, Satyendar, Madhukar, Tej!! But I didn’t hear the STF Chief sing at all, probably he was strategizing? But for what? isn’t Veerappan dead?
But, the man who rocked the show, Mr. Vishwa- with Ice Ice Baby!! Yeah baby, he was as chilled as the ice!!

The Puncture Shop And Back Home
We had enough of grime for the day, it was the going to be the next day in an hour! There was no way that we were willing to drive all the way to Bangalore without a spare tyre, especially with the kind of roads! We spent a good part of an hour there, until we finally got going. The drive back home long, I could never sleep while travel, but we could all use some rest. I closed my eyes, just remember, a few hours ago I had just entered into the cab, and asked around “Why the hell were you late?” It seemed so long away now! But, it was just a day. Scenes from the day past me, as we drove along, and there another blessed thing that sudden came across to my mind, “Office”! I was totally pooped, there was no way I could make it to office tomorrow, rather the same day. I did tell someone, don’t be surprised if I don’t turn up tomorrow!
Lucky me was back home by 1:30am; hit the sack!

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/llimp_bizkit/album?.dir=/e646&.src=ph&.tok=phi5cACBzHszYx93
The Next Day
God knows how, I was there at my stop 8:10am, struggling to open my eyes even, and there was the shuttle driving towards me. Hopped in to see many of same faces but in new light. Wasn’t to be! All the ladies were there! And there was me! No Vish, No STF Chief, No Madhukar Jain, No Satyendar.
Few guys from shuttle were curious about the trip, we could only empathize with them, like they missed out on a great adventure (bloody hell, it was an adventure!!!!) and I could do I brag, brag, brag….seemed to have lost the need for sleep.. somewhere !
True there were a few fouled up things in trip; but who care we had a ball of time. But, I seriously wish that first of many more trips to come!

At SAP

2004-09-30T03:28:00.000-07:00

oh ..SAP has been great ever since the day i've been here. Everybody here is great!! its been a month. AH, yes, i got my pay too.
Training was good, been places. SQL *, Object Orb, what next? Training on CPP..
I had a meeting with a couple of managers sometime ago, and spoke to Mr. Sayantan Pan (HR Manager) about it today, he said I would be working in B.G. Ramesh's team. He heads a team 'NW-LM- Mobile Workbench'.. Holy God Knows what it is!! and, there was a '*' to the team name which said 'project based'. Does that mean LOTS OF WORK? I dont know.. i haven't been official informed. Lets see about that.
We have had enough of training, need to do work. Too bad. Look what i'm doing now. God save me!!
And, yeah some of my friends went to ITPL today (pizza hut), Anirudh and Vineeth buncked as usual!!!
And, Anoop referred atleast 10 people, hoping that someone would get-in. As for Mr. KuKu, simply sending FWD's thats all!!
Gawd, now its getting boring out here, come here everyday and do nothing. Its been two like this now, tommorrow is going to be the third. How many more days???

2004-08-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

From the guest house

2004-08-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

From the Guest House

2004-08-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Me In a Cell

2004-08-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Cellular Jail

At HP

2004-08-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

This is first time i'm blogging or either trying to blog, wanted to do this since quite some time happened only today. I never felt so happy (and so jobless) in quite a while I got through to SAP (ES A PE not SAP) Labs. I just resigned and am at my desk at HP, not whatelse to do for the day. I thought it would it would be a hard procedure. I went off smother than I thought. Just realized that people know that money talks. confused? LOL. I went to my PM (c v s n reddy) and told him that I intend to resign. He offered me to sit down. (oh my god! I thought I was in for the same thing that happened at Openstream). Fortunately, it wasnt like that, it wasnt anything like that!!!!
He asked me where I got through, I was wondering if I could speakt the truth or not. Straight talking often helps. I told him. SAP Labs.
He asked me "how much are they offering there?" I didnt want to take that question. I said it was help my further studies and all that (bull sh***!!!!) He made himself clearer. HOW MUCH WERE THEY OFFERING? I told the truth. And, he asked how much are HP offering? I told him that too.
He was cool, (way too cool), and said, "I have no problems with it, you can carry on and speak to the HR people about and follow the procedure". I tried to apologize for the inconvenice, not of much use. I felt bad for Shreeja she had been really nice though for a short time. She told me that she would forward my resignation to the HR and that she would not stop me, if this decision of mine was in my best interest. Nice, very nice! ( They would have seen 100's like this, aint it, mine aint anything serious or dramatic? Afterall a fresher from some JSSATE).
Yeah. I'm not yet through with the formalities of the resignation, but, I at HP no more. I am not in SAP as yet. I'm sure to be there.
And those freaks need my 8th Sem marks card. Gwad!! I dont know what to do! Apparently, the 8th sem marks cards have arrived. Good!
I see a lot a bright things. Hope its not just a mirage. There is something real in store for me. Pray , Pray!!!