The Novice

The Incredible Banker - The Grand Finale...

2011-11-14T22:48:00.004+05:30

Aaah, it almost had gone unnoticed by me! I nearly missed my favorite Indian author's much awaited last book of his banking trilogy. While Chetan Bhagat's 'Revolution 2020' came out amongst such fanfare, Ravi Subramanian's 'Incredible Banker' flew under the radar. This book though unconnected to his previous novels, was still his last piece on banking politics.

I had accidentally come across his first novel 'If God was a Banker', it has definitely been the best in the series. Then came 'Devil in Pinestripes', a very deceptive novel, which was full of twists until the very last page! So naturally I was awaiting this one - 'The Incredible Banker'

However, its a bit a disappointment, as it lacked the newness of his first book, nor the cunning twists of the second, despite that this book is not a bad one, its a quick read. Book unline Bhagat's 'Revolution 2020' is not repetitive masala book. It takes a very different plot from first two novels and perhaps like never before.

The book like Ravi's previous books, has 2 leading men, each gunning for the others' throat, while one believes in honesty other believes in aggressiveness, however without compensating his humility and integrity.

Book yet again, takes a dig at the way private and foreign banks work in India, what they'd do to achieve the numbers w.r.t credit cards and loans! The plot starts with RBI Governor issuing summons to the CEO of GB2 Bank.

Karan and Deepak, are the preys of this system. Deepak always out to outsmart and down Karan, unknowingly ends up in showing the door to latter. Karan quits GB2, Greater Boston Global Bank, and joins Citibank before joining The Times of India.

At the same time Deepak takes over as the Credit Card departments Head. And unknowingly ends up doing something that he doesn't even know about or has a clue of. What next! CBI lands up at Deepak's residence to grill him about a national scandal! Only man that can save him now is Karan, will he help his one time foe or end up avenging for his fall.

To find out what happens next, do ensure you get hold of this book. My verdict is a respectable 3/5, for sheer newness of the topic.

Until next novel (Lee Child's - Echo Burning)... Signing off...

Well, did I mention Ravi, is an ex-employee of my beloved HSBC!!! Proud, hope, one day, I am inspired by him!!!

Yours faithfully,

Komet.

Tintin - A movie worth the wait...

2011-11-12T23:24:00.004+05:30

Aah... yet again, a real real long time since I last wrote a blog! Last blog came before India started the world cup campaign... Well, what best time that now to return... My favoriate comic hero, Tintin makes his presence on the big screen... in his 'Secret of Unicorn'... The movie brings to life Tintin, the detective reporter... Snowy, his lovable dog... Thompson and Thompson of Scotland Yard who still dont get nothing right (dubbed by Simon Pegg)... and ofcourse the infamous drunkard Captain Haddock... But the movies' best part is evil Sakharine brilliantly played by Daniel Craig...

Movie starts in England with Tintin buying a replica of an ancient ship called the Unicorn. However, soon all hell breaks loose around this ship!!! Tintin finds his life is in danger and that he must put together the 3 clues of Unicorn together, and uncover the mystery as to what really happened on Unicorn, when it was lost in Barbedos! all this before Sakharine does the same! He along with Captain Haddock thus start their tumoultous journey across the world...

Best part of the movie is that the characters and picturizations look to be real world settings rather than animation! A real path breaking movie... Never once does Speilberg go over board on 3G graphics, keeping it to 'when necessary only'...

Well, there might not be much of story but all the above make Tintins' latest escapade a worth watch... Did you know its co-written by Steven Moffat of the BBC's much acclaimed 'Sherlock' series! Go watch it you Tintin fans... My rating 2.5 stars out of 5.

Until next review... Adieus Amigos...

Signing Off, Yours Truely, El Komet...

Can he or Can he Not - Sachin and World Cup Glory

2011-01-18T02:52:00.004+05:30

Aah, lets start with a simple thought, it seems to me now that World cup glory will perhaps elude the master batsmen. How much I wish to see him in holding the most precious cup in the limited overs cricket, where else other than Wankede Stadium, Mumbai, his city, and then bow out of cricket gracefully (which I am very sure he will, if we win). But the team somehow does not quite strike that feeling in you.

Why? We've still got the best batting line that there could be despite Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly no longer playing ODIs. Lets run thru the 8 batters, 7 bowler side of India for World Cup. Top of the tree are Sehwag, Gambhir and Sachin... There is no doubt on the credentials of these 3 players as they are almost automatic selections. However, the fitness of the younger 2 of those 3 has been a big question mark for India. Then comes Yuvraj singh, another almost automatic selection, despite his serious lack of form? Is perhaps because there is no serious contender to take his place. Then comes perhaps the best batsman Indians have after Sachin, the young Virat Kohli, his amazing performance in some of the finest run chases in the recent past make him an automatic selection. Followed by Yousuf Pathan, perhaps one of the only all-rounders that we have in our side. But his inconsistency is as legendary as Sachin's 51 test hundreds. This leaves us with the last man, Suresh Raina, a fine gifted batsmen but again, his lack of ability to learn things has often cost him his side in the team.

If this is the best batting lineup we could conjure then why would I say we won't win the cup. I say those stuff simply based on the fact that this is almost similar to the side that we fielded when we played last edition of T20 world cup, and Champions Trophy tournaments, where we were found wanting against mediocre short pitch stuff by the likes of Westindes (forget about Aussies and English). You might say this is India, well Steyn bowling at 150kmph is still the same, we've seen a Pravin Kumar bouncing Yousuf Pathan, and Pathan getting hit on his helmet by 120Km/hr bouncers! Raina can't stand bouncer its well documented! So is the problem with Gambhir and Young Kohli too might be find it not that easy. Yuvraj is a fine player of bounce but before that he must get back to playing other shots without getting out, lol. So chances of another 6 sixes in an over are negligible :) to nil. So Sachin and an often unfit sehwag! even those two won't be able to win us a world cup on their own. Another thing is one or two get injured we wouldn't be having any backup, wonder if we did have any in the first place.

Well lets come to bowling, I wouldn't be wrong in comparing the Indian bowling to Real Madrid's defense! woeful in other words. Our philosophy is so similar to Madrid's, 'We will score more than that you score', how apt? Lets start, Zaheer and Harbhajan are India's best bet and safest bets. Beyond them despite us having 5 more bowlers, I do not see much hope. I doubt Munaf and Nehra might well be injured well before the world cup in itself. Pravin Kumar is a great prospect on days when he lands the ball where he wants to but there are far many days that he just spills the cherry here and there and is really helpless.That makes me come to the last two selections, the most controversial if I am asked. First, R Ashwin!!! This is purely a regionally biased decision to me, You simply can not justify selection of Ashwin over a very very talented Pragyan Ojha, until when will our selectors keep neglecting the talented lad. And finally Chawla, I'd say even though he hasn't played much internationals over the year, he still might do a decent job if needed. We could have traded a certain hard hitting Robin Uthappa for either of Chawla, Ashwin or Pathan!!!

And did I forget some one, hmm, captain, our best bet this world cup. We now have a skipper who is as shrewed as the best that have been in business. He is a batter who can defend against any bowler on the planet on any pitch in the world and at the same time can cut loose. He might not be an artist but he is already an Indian legend...

Having said this, I just don't see us containing the batters from all over during the course of 9 games and hope that our batters bail us out each time coz some day amongst those 9, we will be definitely bounced! Can our bowlers win us on any such day? We will wait and see.

But for the sake of Sachin, I hope we win this world cup. To polish off what has been an illustrious career. Otherwise, no issues, the legend will go on until he wins :)

Hey before I put my pen to rest, I must say Indians enhanced the possibility of winning the world cup by 50% the moment they dropped S Sreesanth :) , lol ...

Until the world Cup, signing off

Your's Truely,

Komet

2010, The Best of Me?

2011-01-01T23:14:00.004+05:30

Aah, last evening, last day of 2010, I could not stop but wonder if 2010 was the best year of my life thus far? 2010, brought great fun, joy and success to Komet than any one year until now.

2009, ended brightly for Komet, he found new friend ship in Nair Sr and Jr, Barca Boy, KD, Sammy and many more at work. But it was all taken to a new level in 2010. Which is why I once mentioned 'Who said you don't get great frnds at work'. I cant forget the trips like the one to Girivan, the parties, the hookas etc... Thanks frnz.

2010, saw me start playing my favorite sport, Squash, and must say, I did manage to play well, ask Nair Sr or Barca Boy etc. The game brought a new dimension to my athleticism.

2010, also saw me realize some of my much cherished dreams, i.e finally I sat on a flight that took me saath samundar par to UK. So what does Komet do as soon as he lands in UK, starts touring the island nation. Scotland, London, Chattersfield all done and dusted within weeks of reaching the shores UK. 'Finally!!!', is what i can muster up to explain my feelings.

2010, professionally? Professionally, 2010 saw Komet deliver 3 high priority projects one af ter another, being near flawless. Finally, Komet must say that he has arrived. The rookie from the stables of TechMahindra/MBT is now a pro at HSBC. Komet's now been blessed with the master of all projects, one that will challenge him to core, but hopes to stand tall again, as always.

Apart from these there have been loads of stuff, which made 2010 memorable, he made loads of new friends specially after reaching UK. Each one has left his or her mark on him. 2010 saw Komet do great stuff at work or at the cultural parties at office. Enjoying each and every moment.

So 2010, was the best, can there be nothing better to achieve? Well, I wouldn't say so, coz if I say so then its not quite like Komet. So 2011, Komet hopes is just as good as the year gone by if it can't be better. Happy new year folks. Now, have there been no bad days last year? I'm not the one who laments on what could have been, so I'd rather forget them than recollect them, if you need a hint, Komet's lost his freedom, now that he is engaged :) ... Hope Kometess doesn't read it :) ... And worse even the loss of Real Madrid to Barca by 5-0, utter humiliation :)

Finally, time is nearly upon my roomate and best friend, Mr Verma, to find a new roomie, coz 2011 will see Komet settle down. Thanks for being there always dude, you rocked :) ... 2010, also saw Komet grace Man Utd for his sake :) ...

With that I shall end this note. Until next time, A very very happy new year to you all, have loads of fun... and do keep remembering Komet as you've always done :)

Yours Truely,

Komet

Number 1 or Just Pretenders - Cricket's Best

2010-12-31T05:22:00.002+05:30

Aah, now, despite India's fantastic fight back victory against World Number 2, the South Africans, it has been deeply tarnished by home sides claims of dubious decisions against 2 of their best batsmen. On other hand has been a near perfect performance from England in the thrashing of Australia. Now, the debate as to who is the better side has come out as India and England both go into their crucial last test matches of their respective series.

England won the toss at MCG on boxing day and decided to ask their hosts to bat first. And what followed was nothing short of shock, Aussies were blown apart for 98, by a set of medium fast bowlers! And what was even more shocking was that feared Aussie bowlers could not get past a young Jonathan Trott for the umpteenth time in the series. England amassed a 400 + run lead. This was then followed by some fine seem bowling by Tim Bresnen and co to beat aussies by an inns and plenty of runs. Not sure if England can beat Aussies in the last test in Sydney, but one thing that is sure is that England will return not being beaten from Down Under for the first time since 1987.

On the other hand the game in Durban was a lot closer and nail bitting. Indians won the toss and put on around 230 runs. Indian batting yet again was pathetic against the SA pace battery. Morkel looked a world beater! Though the way Indians came back was nothing less than smashing. Indian pace bowlers and Harbhajan skittled the proteas for 130 odd. Thus managing a first inns lead of 87 runs. Second inns was more of the same. Indian batters fell like nine pins and if it weren't for Laxman's 96 unbeaten, we would have been 2-0 down and not 1-1. Indians then managed finish Proteas off very quickly, including the two dubious decisions, I've already talked off.

Now, Down Under and South Africa, have been two of the most daunting places to go and play cricket for years now. So, obivious debates have been drawing the comparisions between India and England. With one of the ex-English players going on to say that England will beat India every day of the week. Now, is this valid? He further goes on to say that India can win only in India. Now, lets see if its true. Of late, Indians have been to Australia, defeated Aussies at Perth, were they had previously been unbeaten for 40 odd years. We would almost have won the series had it not been for the infamous Sydney test. Indians have beate Srilanka in Srilanka. Kiwis in Newzeland, Windies etc in their own backyard, we also beat every side that came to India in the last few years including famous white wash of Aussies. Away from home England, I do not recollect them having beaten India, Srilanka or Pakistan for a very long time! Their series with SA have been very contests. True test for England to call themselves number one will be when they beat India in India, which I quite frankly do not see happening. Isn't it the same English side that lost to India 2-0 in tests and 6-0 (With 7th being cancelled) in ODIs? I think experts are jumping ships since England are T20 world champs (finally won something) and also now are leading 2-1. But things can change quickly, ask the very same Indian side, the inaugural T20 world champions.

What Ex-Englishman failed to see was that this is very much a brand new Indian side, despite aged warhorses, pretty much same as his compatriots. So, what I finally say is, neither India nor England are clear favoriates for number 1 at the moment, despite ranking which can be very misleading. True test will be to see how these guys do against each othe in each others backyard. And as for invincibility, both the sides are still a country mile behind the Aussie golden generation of Warne, Waugh, McGrath, and co.

Until next time, please do not make stupid statements (intended to ex-cricketers)... Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet.

Reunion with old friends... A Manchester saga

2010-12-28T00:48:00.004+05:30

Aah, I had been looking to the xmas weekend ever since I'd landed in Sheffield. I was supposed to catch up with my friend in Warrington, yes same old PJ Don, Venu 'Whaaaaaaaaaat Man' Adluru and also were supposed to go out and watch Man Utd play Sunderland at OT. But right at the start of the xmas week, Komet fell sick, so sick that he hardly could rise from his bed. In such a condition, he saw all his dreams and plans going down the drain. However, by middle of the week, Thursday to be precise, Komet started to show recovery. By friday morning, Komet was fully fit and raring to go, there was only one small matter to be worried about was food, Komet had not eaten properly for almost 3 days, coz his taste buds were not back fully functional yet.

Amid all the stuff, his trip to Manchester/Warrington, couldn't have started in a more bizzare way. Without much ado, I was able to reach Manchester Piccadilly, but from there the connecting train to Warrington, seemed to have been cancelled, it being xmas eve. Further, to make things worse, all further trains to liverpool were cancelled as well, Warrington is on way to liverpool!!! I was doomed. I decided to take a chance, I found out that there was still a possibility that there might be a train from Manchester Oxford for Warrington. So, I took this chance. Got a bit lucky at the Oxford station, as the last train to be leaving for that day was waiting for some sort of clearance and Santa came home a few hours early for me.

Once in Warrington, I got on to a taxi and reached Parr Street, where my friend lives within no time. Here, I met Shloka, his 5 year old daughter for the first time. I'd never met her before. I'd met Venu and Bhabi before but never their daughter. Venu also had 2 other people, Naresh and Hareesh with whom he shares the gigantic house. They were polite nice and soft spoken people. Sholka on other hand was quite bubbly, cartoon loving and a lively gal (reminding me every bit of my brother). She seemed to have liked the soft toy I had bought for her, which was a huge relief, as I was wondering what she'd like and what she might not. Dinner was served, it was for the first time in 3 days I had a proper go at food. Having had the food, and chatting a while, I resigned to the guest room that was assigned to me.

Next day, xmas day, it was exactly what they'd call a white xmas. Everything around was laden in snow. I and Venu went out for a walk, snapping a bit of everything on my new camera. But soon, we ran out of gas as cold started getting better of us. We decided to come back and stay indoors to the warmth of the heaters. However, a brief while latter Venu and his family along with Naresh, Hareesh and me went to the house of an Indian Christian family, as they had invited us for an xmas dinner. We loved the food. We spent rest of the day talking about the boxing day, the kinds of offers and discounts we'd expect etc.

Boxing day, well, most of it was driven by the Man Utd vs Sunderland game, will have a separate blog on that.

And then came today, I had to pack bags and leave for home (Sheffield). I did not realize how fast the last 3 days went by. Now home, missing all the chatter we had, the fun and more than all the kid, Sholka :)

Anyways, am going back soon, for new year celebrations. Until then, see you all... keep reading... Signing off.

*Note: Venu's not lost any of his dosa mastery after coming to UK :)...

Yours Truely,

Komet.

Komet's film festival

2010-12-13T03:13:00.008+05:30

Aah, well, let me start it this way... Woke up quite early on an idle Saturday morning, was wondering what to do... which is when this thought of watching some movies crossed my mind. Well regardless of how big a buff of movies you are, you'd not want to spend more than 2 movies a week? Ain't that expensive? Well, thanks to Cineworld, not really. Recently, Komet bought himself an unlimited movie card, provided by Cineworld. This card lets you watch as many movies as you wish for just 13.5 pounds a month, and add to that the fact that you could watch movie at any of the numerous cineworld's spread across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. Wicked!!!

As I said, I woke up at around 10:00 AM, which by Komet's weekend standards is way beyond expectations. I decided to watch a couple of movies namely, the Chronicles of Narnia - The voyage of the Dawn Treader and Angelina Jolie and not so Jack Sparrow looking Johnny Depp starrer, the Tourist. Well, when at the cinemas, I ended up watching new Hindi movie, No Problem and also the much appreciated Mega Mind. Well, this is what I thought about these 4 movies.

Lets start in an order: First movie I saw was the latest movie on the C.S.Lewis's franchise The Chronicles of Narnia. The movie was already having loads of burden on it, reason being, the tremendous success of the first two movies in the famed series and also that the leading 2 of Peter and Susan were no longer gonna be a part of this movie (you'd know what I mean if you've seen the last one). Movie still lingers around the world war 2 era. Lucy and Edmond are living with their cousin Eustace at their uncle's place in England. Eustace hates his cousins and their fairytale of Narnia, to say the least. All is changed when the three of them find themselves drowned by the water from a portrait and land on the Dawn Treader. Which is being sailed to Lone Islands under the command of King Caspian.Together the kings of Narnia and Caspian, must defeat the deadly green mist of far east, which will try to put the darkest fears of their own against them. This is what the plot is all about. Not many characters from the previous movies are retained here but Repacheep, the warrior rat, does make a comeback. As for the movie, it fails to live up to the reputation of its preprocessors, yet the movie is a must watch for any Narnia fan. Repacheep rocks.

Well, just for the sake of it being a bollywood movie, I decided to watch No Problem. Yaaaawn, saying it to be a pathetic movie would be a disgrace to the word 'Pathetic' itself. Movie makes a mockery of itself despite the vast ensemble of fine actors. Akshaye Khana, why the hell are you a part of such a movie! Sanjay Dutt, seems to have acted in this movie only for his pal, Anil Kapoor's sake, totally disinterested. Paresh Rawal, same question as the one for Akshaye. Suneil Shetty, put as many, 'E's in your name, you'd still not be able to make a better actor. Sushmita Sen, My god, screams my ear drums out. Kangana Ranaut, here in lines the greatest mystery of the movie, such a fine fine actress, goes over the top over acting a mad gal! Was she asked to overact or !!! god!!! you're a lot better actress than that! Rest are just passable. The only life saver in the movie seems to be the producer himself, Anil Kapoor. Does a decent role and shows us all that he's such an under rated Comic actor, he's the only saving grace in such a mad cow movie! Do watch it at your own risk. Gorilla farts sending someone flying is not at all funny, yaaks.

Then came Tourist, the much much awaited movie. Angelina Jolie, looks ravishing like never before, she looks so much so young! gorgeous! yummy... Johnny Depp, this was first movie of his in an conventional role that I'd ever watched (Pirates of the Caribbean, Alice in the Wonderland, Willy Wonka, Scissor hands, support my case). Johnny as always portrays the role with ease like no one else can. The movie starts with a quest to find out the identity of Alexander Pearce, a banker who's robbed one of the biggest goons on the planet of about 2.7 billion euros or dollars, i can't quite remember which one was it. Jolie, is Alexander's so called girl friend. In order to save Pearce from the goons and Financial police, gets a poor school teacher on the tour of Italy into the shoes of Pearce. Its this case of mistaken Identity puts the life of a school teacher in risk. This is how the film goes for about 2 hours, a good movie but widely predictable, and much more was expected of this movie. I'd still let this movie pass if there is a better thing to do.

Last but not the least was Megamind. Had this movie in mind for sometime now, but was not able to watch for one reason or the other. Finally, I decided to watch this one too. The movie starts with a dig at the Superman. Just that the kid being sent to earth is not able to hear what his parents's last words. He reaches earth, crashes into a jail and there on starts his quest of becoming the greatest bad man ever. He fights Metro man, loosing to him half the times and other half, nearly defeating him (in other words, loosing them too). A strange turn of events make this bad guy to fight for the good. A very cute and simple story, a must and definite watch for all fans of animations.

Until my next post, keep reading, signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

2010-12-13T03:13:00.002+05:30

7 weeks and 7 weekends... A Komet Story

2010-11-15T03:36:00.004+05:30

Aah, been 7 sundays now since I've been in UK, well yes, when you are this far away from your home, you tend to count every damn day and weekend. As we, people here, discuss that most of the weekdays pass by without much of an ado... but the weekends are the ones that are hard to be done away with... Never thought I'd live a day like this were I passed following comment - "Well, here comes Monday, ab 5 days no tension, whats wrong with me!" ... lets now see if my comment is justified :)

Well, to be frank, Kometz not been homesick as such, just to note the fact that of the 6 full weekends I've spent here, every alternate week there has been a tour, a trip, a new vista. 2nd weekend in UK was a trip to picturesque Chatsworth with Prasad and co (one of the three keep-alives for Komet in UK)... 4th weekend was a 3 day get away to the remarkable Scotland, Inverness, Edinburgh and Lochness amongst a few of the places we visited... Trip was anchored by my second Keep-Alive factor here in UK, Shellyji :), ek bachee ka Baap :)... and the 6th weekend, at Southall in London, celebrating the festival of lights, Diwali, unexpectedly...

Well, if you are wondering who has been my third keep alive? Well, it has gotta be my wonderful roomie, Navin :) ... Literally, keeping me alive with some of the most delightful food I've ever had :) ... I have perhaps been the luckiest asshole on planet to have some remarkable cooks as my roomies (ofcourse covering my lack of culinary knowledge :) )... Ankit, Mahesha and now Navin... Each one best in their own way :)

Coming back to our topic... well, if you wonder what Komet does on the other weekends, must say, Komet is doing some serious work out at 'The Ponds Forge' a gym close to my house. This sends a clear message to some of his friends back home that he is quite clearly focused on his bet :), a bet with Nair Sr... Another vista of spending weekend has been movies... Komet's got an unlimited movie card at a local cinema hall, and now has access to unlimited movies monthly, at a very affordable price :) ...

Going back a week, when at London, I finally met my opening partner for our college cricket teams, Double A (Santhosh A A)... Was the first time I met him in 6 years... I still rembr, like it were yesterday, my final year seniors on a early sunday morning banging both our rooms at hostel (was during the first days of our engg) , we were nervous that we would be ragged black and blue, but found out that they wanted us to open the innings for their team! A few days prior to that both of us had played some great cricket in the intra college tourney and caught a few eyes... since then both of us were part of our college folklore :) ... well, I mig ht be exaggerating a bit here :) but most of it is true...

London blew Komet off, spectacular city, heart of England... Komet would place it as 3rd best place he has ever been to, one and two being Mumbai (amchi Mumbai) and Edinburgh...

Well, as you see, this is just a gist of the 7 spectacular weeks of UK - not that boring, ha? and about 17 weekends to go, its gonna be more fun, I hope... Looking forward to winter and first snow of the season...

Until next time, enjoy your snow... Signing off...

Yours truely,

Komet...

Clash of the Super Titans... AC Milan vs Real Madrid

2010-11-02T02:58:00.003+05:30

Aah, in the years gone by, you would easily have confused Milan vs Madrid to be a champions league showcase finale game, but over the past 5 to 6 years, dip in fortunes of the two of the most decorated sides in Europe has been appalling. Come Wednesday, two sides will go head to head again, for the second time in a fortnight, in what is just a first round clash of Champions League.

Lets start with my club, ever since the new format of 1st knock out had been introduced in UCL, we've never progressed past it. To say Madrid with all the stars and quality failing to do so in itself is considered by many as a shame. That fateful semis 7 years ago against Juve, which Galacticos lost to 2 late David Trezguet goals,who seems to have an uncanny knack of missing simplest of the tap ins against any other side, cost us the game. He almost killed us again last weekend when playing for Hercules breached a neuvo Madrid defence and Casillas. In the last 6 years that we've failed to go past 1st knock out, we've lost to some unfashioned sides, some out of form sides such as Lyon, Munich, Arsenal, Roma, Liverpool (who were woefully out of form going into the double header and came as the strongest sides in Europe as in the same week they dismantled the Champions of England by as much disdain as they did of Madrid) and then again Lyon last year, this time with back to back World Players of the year in our squad! Wasn't it the same reason why we brought Perez back and spent a fortune on rebuilding the squad?

On the other hand, Milan's fortunes took a sudden dip... After avenging for their unbeliveable loss to Liverpool in 2005 finale of the same competition at Istanbul, it seemed golden boys would never do a thing wrong. And it looked so for most of 2007-2008 as well, when they reached quarters in fine fashion, before being dismantled by young boys of Arsenal and one man in particular called Cesc. Then, caught unceremoniously into the calciopoli scandal, finished outside the champions league qualifying positions, were docked off points. Struggling to stay afloat! Things looked bleak!

But come last year, Madrid bought in Senor Perez and along with him came the worlds best players from the best clubs read as Ronaldo - Best in EPL, Kaka - Best in Serie A, Benzema - Best in French Ligue 1 and likes of Liverpool duo of Alonso, Arbeloa with 2 intentions, reclaim what was rightfully ours, the UCL and avenge the 2-6 humiliation at the hands of Barca the season gone by. On the other hand, season started disastrously for Milan, loosing to Inter Milan in the early stages of the season by 4-0! and struggling for points again low lying sides let alone winning them. However it was all to change at Santiago Bernebeu, when Madrid most successful side in the history of UCL hosted Milan, the next best. No one gave a dime's worth of chance to Milan beating Madrid. But it did happen, fortunes of Milan changed overnight, they started beating almost every one in their path until xmas and bit after until the Milanese Juggernaut ran into Man Utd, the champions 2 season ago. Milan were thrashed across the 2 legs of the double header. Madrid made a rather sad departure loosing to a very lowly Lyon, but Madrid on the other hand were firing at all cylinders in La Liga, thrashing every side that came in their path. It was only evident that the league went to the wire, with all hopes of Madrid and Barcelona of winning a season (in which many reckon only those two participated) went down that one game between the giants of Spain at Bernebeu, where Madrid in League had won 14 of the 14 games played before! But this time Madrid lost and lost respectably 0-2. Thus both, Madrid and Milan despite loads of promise ended empty handed.

This season, Milan have had a new look to them, the complains of a ageing side have been somewhat addressed with arrivals of the likes of Ibra, who many reckon to be the best forward when in form, the brilliantly dazzling Robinho, who seems to have refound his touch playing for Santos, a very dynamic and awe-inspiring Kevin Prince Boetang and also already there Tiago, who now is considered to be one of the best Centre Backs in the world. Together with Pato and Ronaldinho, this looks to be the best forward line in the world. Though until now, season has been a bullock cart's drive on a gravel road for Milan.

On the other hand, Madrid started off very lazily, draws away to Mallorca and Osasuna and failing to beat most of their other opponents convincingly was a worry. What looked to be very evident was that Madrid were simply not able to put the ball into the back of the net, which would be highlighted by the fact that Madrid's first competitive goal of the season came from CB Ricardo Carvalho! This was a though a Mourinho's Madrid. However, since the Deportivo game we have been seeing a very different Madrid, a confident Madrid. Every side that Madrid have faced since Depor, have been thrashed and thrashed badly. Milan were not in at all in the game when they came to Madrid.

With Ronaldo having discovered his goal scoring abilities back and Robinho in his 10-15 min spell against his former paymasters did more damaging runs as all his rest of the forward companions could put together in the whole game, are my "To Be Watched" players of the game.

My verict - Milan 2-0 Madrid, a reversal of results is on cards, specially because Madrid haven't won in Italy for a really really long time.

Until next time, signing off

Yours Truely,

Komet

A new Chapter - Beyond Dreams

2010-10-19T01:48:00.003+05:30

Aah, 2 posts in 2 days, this is something that hasn't happened for close to a year now or even a bit more. As mentioned in my last blog, I had finally realized my dream. Only dream perhaps I ever had.

I reached Sheffield around 5:30 PM UK. I was too tired of travelling that I instantly went to bed. When I woke up, I found that it was somewhere close to 11 PM. I idled my time away watching pathetic shows on television. One bad thing about UK is that they play the same show on more than one channels at the same time or one after the other. So, since I do not have paid channels on my television at my plush service apartments, which is very funny to be frank, only channel I watch is Top Gear, the most famous Auto-show I know of. For the past three weeks Jeremy, Richarch and James (the 3 hosts), have become my favoriate stars, the jokes that they crack on this show is far superior than that in many a movies.

Following day, 3rd Oct 2010, at around 11 AM, I decided to take a walk around my apartment. I also wanted to see how far would my office be from here and also, since I had to be early to office next day, my first day, I did not want to be found reporting late. So I began to trudge my way around. I was shocked to see what I was seeing! The roads were empty, most of the shops closed, not a single soul to be seen for great lengths of the road!

It was cold that day as is the case most of the days. Some days its cold, and others its colder. I walked all round Sheffield for most of the days. I was creating historic data to refer to whenever I would have to go anywhere. I found my way to office. It would hardly take around 10 mins from where I stayed.

I went home, made my self some nice Maggi, ate and slept at around 9PM, you heard it right, Komet had never slept at that hour of the day in last 5 years. Well, new places tend to do new things to you.

Following day, I reached to at the appointed hour, a bit earlier to be frank. I finally met people with whom I had worked for long, but had never met, they all knew me well and I knew them well, we often would have chats on our internal messenger. But as my friend Mr Gill had once said, putting a face to the name, makes it that better. These were the people I adored, these were the people from whom I had to learn a lot. I was finally there. Also, I met Mr Gill who has been a great friend to me over the past year and half, we often have friendly banter teasing each other's clubs.

The week went by, with work work and a bit more work. I met my new roomies Navin and Rishi. These guys, I found were jolly and easy to go along with. I had only known one person in Sheffield from Pune (before reaching Sheffield), Prasad. Before setting out to this side of the world, we had plans of roaming as much of UK as possible. Thanks to him I made more friends :) ...

Well well well, If I had a great roomate and friend in Mr Verma, in Pune... I came across a newer version of him, Shailendra Verma. Verma saab, congratulations for your new born baby boy, may he grow tall, strong and handsome like his uncle, Komet :) ... And he now, is my fitness guru too, due to whom I have finally joined the gym sessions :) ... Mr Nair, if you are reading this, be ready, for I am doing everything to win the bet we have had... You just keep watching.

First full weekend in UK, I along with Prasad, were out to picturesque Chatsworth. It was an even colder place, but the landscape was awesome, out there we faced the toughest maze we had any one come across!!! It took us an Hour to get in and break our way out. Thus ended my first week in UK.

Well, since then not much has occurred in my life, other than work and a bit of new found interest in cooking. Kometz now officially overcoming his former inhibitions. There are many more plans to unfold, so signing off on that note, keep reading...

Yours Truely,

Komet...

Saat Samundar Paar... A dream realized...

2010-10-18T01:47:00.004+05:30

Aah... Well then, its a very long time since I last wrote a blog! Damn, there is so much thats been happening in and around my so called simple life... First and Foremost, Komet's now officially got a Kometess... More to come on that in my next blog which needs a bit of editing before going to the press... Thanks for all the wishes :) ... Komet's turned an year older but a year younger at heart... and finally my dream of a life time, 0ne which I have been praying for over past 5 years and a bit more... during which MBT was rechristened to TechMahindra and HSBC... Its Onsite time!!! Yeah... This blog is a bit late coming out, or should I say Jet-Lagged... This is just and intro :) ...

It was a dry day, Oct 2nd, our beloved Father of the Nation M K Gandhi's bday, the day I that would finally put me on the plane whose destination was until then only in my dreams... I was to fly by Emirates airways, via Dubai to Manchester, land of EPL... I was very tense a day prior to it, tension? yeah, I was damn worried about the weight of my bag... I wasn't sure, what the final weight of my bag would be, coz it felt damn heavy, heavier than any thing I had ever tried lifting before... I went to a local weigh bridge on my way to Mumbai, my bag read 30 + kilos. I was nervous... On reaching airport, I took about 2.5 kilos of daily groceries. A few clothes too came out of my cabin baggage, as it was weighing in access of 10 kilos... and emirates would only allow only 30 + 7 kilos. 30 of baggage and 7 of the cabin. The irony was that when the lady at the ticket counter weighed my bag, I found that it was weighing 27.5 kilos!!! damn... so my trip started on a rather worried note.

At airport, I met a few of my new friends whom I had met the very day, coz they too were travelling by the same airline from our Pune office as me and to the same destination. They were, Chandan, Manik, Abhas and Dhruv, and what a great company it was. Out flight supposedly to be leaving Mumbai at 4 was delayed by about an hour. Once on board we were served some nice desi cuisine. We reached Dubai International Airport in no time. Damn, was that an airport or world's largest shopping mall!!! You name it and they had it all...

Well, what was waiting to carry us from Dubai, was the jaw dropping Airbus A380!!! World's largest plane! We got into it, had a quick lunch! or was it a 2nd breakfast, coz we landed literally at the same time as we had left Mumbai! Whatever it was, we had it and slept. I was woken up by pretty airhostess for a juice, from there on, I watched movie after movie until we landed at the modest looking Manchester airport. It was not in the same league as the one we had landed a few hours ago. Well, our day was not done yet. First we were delayed at the baggage and then the airport authorities shabbily misplaced one of my friend's bag. To collect which he would have to come again the following day.

All the while, my cab driver had been waiting rather patiently at the airport arrivals. He also helped me call my help at the service apartments, where I have been staying for this past 2 weeks and would continue for another week. We then set off for my final destination, Sheffield. About an hour's journey from Manchester, the land of Red devils to the land of the Blades (refer EPL encyclopedia for further details). I was really tired by now. The best though was yet to come. The Snake pass that links Manchester to Sheffield simply took my breath off!!! I reached the apartments by around 5:30 PM. I was seriously tired by now. Not jetlagged, mind you, coz I had this habit even back in Pune of staying up very late. I went to bed and woke up at around 11:00 PM, turned the tv on, and started watching the day's EPL highlights. I was still unable to believe that I had finally realized a dream that I had been dreaming forever since I remember.

Rest of the details including some great new friends, work place, Chatsworth trip etc, will follow soon... This was just a note of one day... more to come.

Until next time, Signing off...

From L-R, Top to Bot, My new friends, 2 cool pics of the Snake Pass, my studio apartment.

Your's Truely,

Komet

And Thereby Hangs a Review oops Tale

2010-07-20T03:14:00.003+05:30

Aah, its been really long since I last read a Jeff Archer short story, or for that matter any kind of a short story. Lets face this, Archer is a great writer no doubt but he is the best of the best when it comes short stories which he has proven time and again by collections such as "Quiver Full of Arrows", "A Twist in the Tale" or "To Cut a Long story short" etc. Well, I had almost forgotten reviewing this book, but thanks to Mr Verma's blog, I remembered it.

Here we go, lets start with an admiration that this is vintage Archer. Stories, as per the author, are mostly based on his real life incidents, around 10 of the 15 stories. Just like in his previous short stories, the story turns on its head when you are on the last page.

As for the stories themselves, novel begins with "Stuck on You", a great story to set the pace. A story full of twists. The second story, "A Queen's Bday Telegram", is arguably the most hilarious of the bunch, but this one too not short on twists. Third in line is "High Heels", a story of an young insurance detective and unimaginatively is lent a helping hand by his wife in cracking his first independent case. Next one, "Blind Date", definitely the only sour grape of the bunch, not that the story or the plot is bad as such, but that it is near almost a cut copy paste of Ruskin Bond "Eyes are not here", shame. Then comes, "Where there is a will", "Double Cross" and "I will survive", will all keep you glued to the novel, though they aren't much special, however, keep an eye on the climax of "Where there is a will", its cool. Then comes my personal favorite, "A good eye", about a painter and a patron.

"Members Only" is a true story, the longest of the 15 stories, of a young golfer with a dream to be a member of Royal Jersey Golf club. Not many twists in here, but still a great finish, one you will always predict, if you watch bollywood movies. "The undiplomatic diplomat" will leave you in splits, hilarious one, about an 3rd generation diplomat. "Luck of an Irish", nothing much to tell about this one, the way authors elaborates the coincidence of things at the end is remarkable.

"Politically Correct", comes across as a super scrambler, one which will leave you with a big "OMG" on your face! Its about a man who grows suspicious of the activities of a man who lives next door. "Better the Devil you know", yawn, nothing at all to rave about. Penultimately, "No Room at the Inn" is about a young man, who has little or no money to spend, but has to get thru a cold chilly night.

The last of the list, is a aptly named story, "Caste Off", true story, a love story, a love of an Indian couple, and naturally as the name suggests driven by Caste problems in Marriage in India. I doubt it very much being a true story, nonetheless a good one.

Btw, must thank my roommate, Mr Verma, from whom I borrowed this great book. Actually, we read this one in turns.

My Rating? 4 on 5 for a vintage Jeff Archer, do read it if you haven't already. It won't take you that long to finish, the hardest part as they say is getting started.

Until Next time, Signing off...

Your's Truely,

Komet

Inception, Extraction, Limbo, Kick, labyrinth

2010-07-18T23:00:00.004+05:30

Aah, now that is some movie!!! How are you damn supposed to write review of such a movie. After watching this movie, I have now started wondering, hell!!! Is it true? Are there as many layers of dreams? Well well well, here is an sincere attempt at reviewing what I believe to be this yearz best hollywood movie.

Christopher Nolan, who last directed Dark Knight and also super thriller Memento, Ghajini was a copy of the latter (ofcourse tailored to suite bollywood/tollywood), makes you wonder, "woah, is that true". For best part of the movie you'd be sitting on the edge of the seat as Nolan and Di Caprio take your breath off.

Movie starts with Dom Cobb (DiCaprio) trying to steal an idea from the mind of Saito, a energy baron. He fails and is now on the run, for the mysterious syndicate called Cobol Engineering will not accept failures. On one side is Saito and other is Cobol, he is left with very little choices. Saito strikes a deal with Cobb and in turn will ensure all charges on Cobb are dropped and that he can return to his family. However, this time, Cobb is to incept/plant an idea into Robert Fischer, Saito's rival. Cobb, is the best in this business, but is haunted by the memory of his long dead wife Mal, who screws his missions time to time.

Most of the 1st hour is about the dreams, the dreams within dreams, dreams within dreams within dreams and Limbo (which is like a blackhole, from where there is hardly a comeback). Well, all is not that simple is it? There has to be a kick, a catalyst, that can send you back from each of these layered dreams to one level back.

Cobb has to assemble a team to do this task. His team comprises of a planner/schemer, who studies their subjects. There is a forger, who in dreams can forge someone else's persona. There is a architect, portrayed brilliantly by Ellen Page who builds the dream mazes, so that the subject hardly has a clue that he is in a shared dream. And then there is a chemist who provides the necessary sedatives.

Movie is definitely a mindbender, but watch out for some of those memorable sequences such as the fight in a gravityless hotel corridor or Leo and Ellen sitting in a restaurant in the middle of a exploding environment or the best one where the Paris converges. If all this is not sufficient, Nolan leaves you with a huge question at the end of the movie, which I am sure each of you will endlessly debate when amongst your friends at cafeterias, tapris, lunches etc... Limbo'ed at it.

Until next time, do watch this Komet recommend without fail, as I mentioned you wouldn't want to miss the movie of the season thus far. Rating? a complete 5/5, no I am not over exaggerating as I always do, you gotta watch to realize the creativity of a human mind! Characters of this movie will stay with you for a really long time.

Until Next time, be dreaming... Signing off

Yours Truely,

Komet.

A Cold saga called "Arctic Event"

2010-06-15T23:20:00.005+05:30

Aah, people have often recommended Robert Ludlum to me as the best thriller author. But as the fate would have it, I've never before now had a chance to get my hands on him, thats before Arctic Event that is. Well one could very well argue that Arctic Event is not a real Ludlum novel, as it is a series that the Master author created and his apprentice continued it as a series. So here we go with my review:

The book start of with an epilogue, about 50 years from the current day, when an Russian ABC (Atomic, Biological and Chemical) warfare aircraft crashes into Queen Archipelago in Canadian Arctic carrying 2 metric tons of Anthrax, the facts remain buried till the present day.

Scientists have now found out the crash site. Russians and Americans are now scared that the news of ABC World war 2 fighter plane crash might be blown out of proportions, far worse that some criminal might get his hands on the deadly Anthrax onboard. Jon Smith, a colonel, a Covert one cipher, of which only a handful of people know exists, is called upon urgently. His mission is to go to Canadian Arctic and take stock of the Misha 124 Crash site and to check if the Anthrax is still onboard and intact, if so destroy it.

On this mission, he is aided by a professor of history, Valentina Metrace, whose designs are far more sinister than they appear to be; Randi Russel, once his sister in law, who believes Jon is the only reason for the death of her late sister. Thrown into the mix is Major Gregory Symslov, the Russian liaison with Americans on this mission, whose true mission seems to be much more than hey now of.

Jon believes this is an simple straight forward mission, his notion is soon corrected when he and his team are attacked on their way to Canada. Once on the ice, things start going wrong at a rapid pace. Jon and team are forced to wage war on two fronts, one is the mafia trying to steel the Anthrax and the other is some one within his ranks, a traitor.

Will Jon succeed in this mission, is what makes this book a real must read... The author explains the Arctic warfare with inch perfection. Sour note being that the climax could have been much better after setting it up so well.

Hint: Russians are hiding something far more dangerous than Anthrax, which they have to clear off, else it might well trigger the third world war, well now am sure you are interested in reading it, isnt it? enjoy reading, as I watch Brazil vs North Korea.

My rating? 3/5. Ending could have been far better.

Until Next time, Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

A Galactico or Not A Galactico

2010-06-12T23:53:00.004+05:30

Aah, its that time of the year when any and every player who can play some decent football, is associated with the so called greatest club of all times, Real Madrid. Despite spending 250 million Euros last summer, which is more sum than some of the entire country's budget (African countries), Real ended up a distant 'also ran' team in almost all of the tournaments that they contested in, be it the shameful exit in Copa Del Rey at the hands of 2nd division side Alcorcon or be it the Champions league defeat at the hands of a defensively organized Lyon or finishing second behind the eternal rivals, the Barcelona, not to forget a double loss, home and away to the sextuple champions.

In the summer of 2009, having bought Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, Kaka, Benzema, Arbeloa, Granero and a few other world class players, there was very little else Florentino Perez could have done on his return to the helm of Whites. But yes, as mentioned above, we won none of the competitions whole season. The worrying thing to Perez and co seemed to have been the defeats to the so called bigs of the game, Real lost both home and away to Barca in the league, away to Sevilla, could not beat a Milan side who were until then playing a mighty woeful season and even to Lyon. Thus, it was obvious the coach, Pellegrini had to go, the axe had to wield on someone's neck, or so they the Madrid big shots thought, despite a commendable performance by Galacticos in the league amassing a total of 104 odd goals and 95 points! a club record.

So sticking to the nature of Madrid fans, we believe only way to get over this failure is to buy more stars and kicking some coach ass. Now, In Jose Mourinho, Perez has signed a Galactico coach! how good he is, how long will he stay at Madrid (before he is booted out, which I am pretty much sure of), time will tell.

As for players, this is my personal opinion :) -

To start with, I would hardly want a maximum of 2 signings this summer, not more, coz we already have some great players. Starting at the back I would definitely be against signing of any Center Backs, Galacticos already have Pepe, Albiol, Garay who has great potential and Ramos whenever there is a SOS. No Right Backs either, in Ramos and Arbeloa we have two more than adept RBs. On the left, contrary to the thoughts of many people I believe Arbeloa did great job and Marcelo has definitely been found wanted more than once, so get a Left back who can play second fiddle to Arbeloa. May be promote Marcos Alonso (if rumours are to be true, he may not be a Madrid player for long, check Angel Di Maria rumors on internet).

In the defensive middle, we already have Diarra, Lass, Gago and Alonso, so no need to chase DeRossi or Gerrard or so and so and so.

Coming to flanks, currently we only have Ronaldo and one Drenthe, who might very well leave this summer. So get a decent flanker and if rumors are true, then Di Maria is very well on his way to Real, but my favoriate is Navas, I say so because, Ronaldo naturally likes cutting in from left, so get Navas who is a genuine Right flanker.Also, we already have a Marcelo, who will be useless as LB...so we have a third winger, and Marcelo happens to be a damn good one when used as a winger.

As for attacking third, we have Kaka there is no doubt of his class, despite his sluggish form thru the length and breadth of last season. We have arguably one of the best attackers in Rafael Vander Vart and a young Canales coming in to take place of Guti, who is certain to leave and also not to forget our Cantera superstar Granero. So no reinforcements here either.

And finally forward line, we already have a very strong front line in Raul (I believe he will stay), Higuain, Benzema ... I would like to see an academy player to jump to play fourth forward say Juanfran...

Also heard a lot abt young Sarabia, I believe his contract is running out, hope we retain him...

So my final list of signings are Kolarov for Left Back and Angel Di Maria/Jesus Navas for wing play. But knowing Madrid to be Madrid, don't be suprised to see every other department of Madrid lineup being boasted than the ones that really need to be...

Until Next time, signing off, Hala Madrid.

Yours Truely,

Komet

Squash - Frnz running for cover, high speed Komet approachin...

2010-06-08T22:59:00.004+05:30

Aah, topic for this post has been on the back of my mind for quite a while now, but knowing vintage Komet laziness, it wasn't a surprise that it has been neglected until now, when I have absoultely nothing to do and sleep bug hasn't bitten me yet... well before introducing you to this topic, let me give you a small hindsight. My new idol as I said in my orkut profile, Kaka ain't my favorite anymore, Nicole David is. Well, guyz, hang on, she ain't no new hots de Komet. She is ace squash player, who went thru the length and breadth of 2008 without loosing once!!!

Well, my partners at this game are the usual suspects, KD who introduced us to this game, he has imbibed this angrez culture from his brief spell amongst the goras at Jersey and Nair Sr along with his twin brother the Barca Boy. Also, I have now the privilege of introducing My roomie Vermaji and ex-roomie PP to this game aswell. It took Komet a while to get his hands at this game, but now I am proud to say that I am one of the top pros amongst the 6 of us. Based on an indigenous rating system introduced by ourselves, here is how we rate each of us.

KD: What do I tell of this guy, the top pro amongst the 6 of us. He seems to have all the shots in his repertoire. Currently ranked numero uno, but we are all fast catching this angrez.

Strengths: A complete all round game.

Weakness: Not yet known.

Current Ranking: 1

Nair Sr: Mr Thunder forehands, will leave you flat footed with the sheer power, learned his angles quite well, fast improving, only person to have beaten our numero uno twice. There have already been quite a few classics between Nair Sr and Komet, some real long hard fought battles, ofcourse Nair won most of his games, but the combat of Power and placement and speed and agility is sure worth a watch.

Strengths: A powerful Forehand and perhaps the best backhand of the 6 of us.

Weakness: He will kill me for this, is his lack of mobility, stays rooted, will struggle against quicker players like KD and Komet.

Current Ranking: 2

Barca Boy: Absolute delight to watch, Barca boy mixes powerful forehand with absolute deft volleys. A delight to watch is "hit the glass and watch the face of your opponent shot" :) ...

Strengths: A delightful forehand and deft touches.

Weakness: Serve

Current Ranking: 4

Komet: Komet to squash is what Nadal is to tennis, makes opponent to hit that one additional ball and waits for them to make mistake. Komet makes up with speed, agility and reach for what he lacks in power. As mentioned earlier, Komet and Nair have already contested in some of the classiest games. Well, Komet was the first person to beat KD, when he almost thrashed the number 1.

Strengths: Mightily powerful forehand with precision and already mentioned Agility, speed and lightning quick reach.

Weakness: A mighty woeful backhand, drops points like leaking cauldron when ball his on the other side.

Current Ranking: 3, one game separates him from Nair's number 2 position.

Vermaji: A new comer to the game, a wild card player for now, but sure he will soon be challenging the top4, thanks to his racket.

Strengths: Forehand, enthusiasm to beat PP and Head Racket worth 2K :)

Weakness: Backhand, like his roomie i.e Me

Ranking: 5

PP: One man Komet would die before he looses to, the once Komet's roomie. Watched him play today for the first time, seems to be very strong on angles, hits the ball in quite unreachable angles! Will be fun beating him :)

Strengths: Shot placements

Weakness: Mobility and backhand.

Ranking: 6, regardless of his performance he will continue being no 6 :) ... his ranking will change the day Johan Cryuff waves a Real Madrid flag :) i.e never

Top - Komet and Chota Komet... Below -KD and Vermaji in the Hindsight

Its almost a month now that we started playing squash, been fun, hope we continue with it, until next time, signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Prince of Persia - pleasure to eyes but not to your brain...

2010-04-25T14:20:00.006+05:30

Aah, Prince of persia, the first game that I ever played on computer. Still remember that year, 1997 when a young Komet, in std 8, Hindu High school, Karwar, was given access to computers as a part of the newly introduced curriculum. We would play in turns a game that soon became a international cult favorite. The highlight of the game was that it was uncluttered and amazingly simple, wish the same was the case with the movie aswell.

Movie opens energetically with a hindsight as to how a simple roadside boy - Dastan, without a royal blood but a great noble heart, adopted by king Sherman, goes on to become prince of Persia. All hell soon cuts loose when against the orders of the king, the three princes Tez, Kashif and Dastan attack the holy city of Alamut, reason being a mysterious spy finds out that Alamut is supplying weapons to the enemies of Persia, which they would have to rue soon. Dastan with his street smartness alone defeats the army of Alamut. King Sherman on hearing this news comes hurriedly to Alamut to take control and scowls his eldest son Tez for disobeying the duel of words between father and son delivers perhaps the finest dialogue of the movie - A King should always listen to your council but must act on his heart. Soon, King is mysteriously killed, when Dastan presents his father the famous Alamut's prayer robe.

Now, amidst all this, Dastan intercepts a strange little dagger which was being smuggled out of Alamut, at the order of its queen, queen Tameena. A dagger, that he doesn't know, possesses the power to turn back the time and only the one who possesses it knows what has happened.

While on the run, Dastan begins to put pieces of the puzzle together, he finds out that the spy on whose news they acted upon, never existed and that someone had deliberately done that to get hold of the dagger and the sands of time that gives it the power.

Dastan is in trouble from multiple-fronts, one side is the Persians led by Kashif, then Alfred Molina as Sheikh Amar a money-hungry businessman from the valley of slaves and the vindicative queen Tameena who is Prince's company in this fight for survival. If this is not enough he has soon going to be attacked by dangerous Hassasins.

What happens next is for you all to watch. To be honest, First half is quite exhilarating, full of stunning action sequences and build up for the showdown, but the second half fails to live up to the same aura. The film just goes on and on and on. Biggest let down of the movie is that it is too predictive, you can almost always guess what is gonna happen the next moment or even in the climax.

As for cast, our hero Jake does with his charms what he misses in acting Dastan and holds his own. Leading lady, Gemma Arterton, looks prettier by each scene, ravishingly beautiful and does act well aswell. As for legendary Ben Kingsley, seems to be embarassed at signing such a horrible role for himself, yaaks, is this the same guy who characterized Gandhi? Honestly, some of the finest and wittest moments of the movie come from Alfred Molina. As for action, its cool and slick but you grow sick of the redundancy by the time movie finishes on you. Screenplay and specially effect, this is where PoP scores a perfect 5/5.

Overall verdict, do watch Prince of Persia - Sands of Time only if you do not manage to get hold of a ticket of Rajneeti. Wish that Director and Producers of the movie might have used the sands of time to go back in time and change the second half of the movie, when it loses all its steam and all the good work done in the first half. My Rating 2.5/5, 2 for the slickness and .5 for super gorgeous Gemma Arterton, wish we might have had a Princess of Persia :)

Until next time, signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Title Race Re-ignited... EPL is on...

2010-04-18T11:59:00.004+05:30

Aah, only a week ago as Chelsea controversially ran away with 3 points from Old Traford, it seemed to be an uphill task for the defending. Then came the biggest shock, a shock loss to Bayern over the two legs (on aggregate).To compound the woes, they could not get past a lethargic Blackburn, result a draw. Winning the league from this point was going to be hard, even for the 3 time defending champions. Man Utd was going through the toughest time of the whole season, and if all these weren't enough they had a small matter of playing Man City at Man City, and face their nemisis Tevez who had little place in the side (ironic though, that he was sold and Man Utd preferred Berbatov, which might still comeback to haunt them, if not already).

Now, the Blue half was celebrating a great win over Red Devils, controversially. I, without my specs on, blindfolded, could ruled Drogba decider an offside. But you can't blame it, every team benefits/suffers from such decision time to time. On that day it was clear that Blues had come prepared. But, if you have followed blues closely, they have not been consistent, have they? One day they thrash opponents 7-1 and then they loose without much of a fight. Through the first half of the season they did look impossible to be beaten. But through out the season they have lost cheap points like the blackburn draw or 2-4 thrashing at the hands of Man City. These loss of cheap points are the reason why Man Utd and Arsenal are still in the race for the league.

Then there was Arsenal, the only tiki taka side in England. They relied on young unestablished starlets, stars of the future yet again and have had a remarkable season. Despite being 3rd on the table for a very long time, no one seems to give them a chance for they fail at the most important juncture almost every time. Arsene came out, ahead of the Man Utd game and said his side would play like animals, but after half hour they were no more than "meow" cats, if you need more evidence, then there was these 2 games against Barca, they were ripped limb to limb over the two legs. At one point, Arsenal managed to climb up with 3 points of the league leaders Chelsea, but then they where thrashed by Tots. Pegging them back.

Now, lets come to dreaded Saturday that blew league all wide open. Chelsea had opened a 4 point lead over Man Utd and a 6 over Arsenal. Man Utd had the toughest weekend tie against Man City, away from home and Chelsea where to play a formidable Tots away too. Man Utd kicked off their game first, the game was a statement for the best part of first 60 mins. But then a certain No 18 for Man U, decided to celebrate his contract extn with a fine header. Thus, Man Utd had cut back the lead by 3 points and were now within striking range of Chelsea. But, Chelsea were yet to play. And Chelsea like Arsenal wilted under pressure and lost to Tots. Now, with Arsenal expected to beat a Wigan, the league returns the same point where it was a week or so ago.

The league now, according to me depends not on Man Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea, depends on who they play. With 3 rounds to go, Chelsea are to play Liverpool away, Liverpool who are certain to miss UCL next year, will want to shoot a parting shot and dent Chelsea's title aspirations. Man Utd will have to play Tots, who have already beaten Arsenal and Chelsea, will they be able to do the same? at OT? we'll have to wait and see. Arsenal, have the easiest path of the 3 teams, with only Man City to play, at Emirates. But then, Arsenal is Arsenal, loss when you expect them to win.

My bet? May well be Arsenal. Man Utd are still in it. Chelsea, might just have lost their grab of the cup.

Until the season is decided, Signing off.

P.S: Can't believe I reviewed EPL, when my very own La Liga is going thru a huge Humdinger.

Yours Truely,

Komet

A Shepherd who scares u...

2010-04-04T21:53:00.003+05:30

Aah, finally got hold of Fredrick Forsyth's Shepherd, had been looking for it for quite a while now. But never found it. It is a book first published in 1976. Browsing through net I found that this book was written by Forsyth as a Christmas gift to his wife. Shepherd is not at all a book that would fall in his usual war bracket. It kind of would qualify for a short story. Here we go, my attempt at reviewing it.

The story is starts on a night, very cold Christmas eve,1957. Our hero is a young flyer of a RAF, Vampire. He is assigned to fly back from a RAF base in Germany to Lakenheath base in Suffolk. When flying over North sea, all of a sudden most of his electrical equipment go haywire. To make it worse, a dense fog engulfs the vast expanse of the night. With nowhere to go and none of his gadgets working, he is running short of ideas. Above all, he is running out of fuel.

Young man, tries to follow the rules and procedures taught in the training rooms. Suddenly out of nowhere appears a world war II mosquito bomber, as if trying to make a contact. What happens next makes "The Shepherd" an exceptionally interesting read. Who is the other bomber.

Most bizarre Christmas one could expect? Do read it (hard that you will find the book around). Rating? Its hard to rate a master and a that too a book such as this of his, yet u want me to rate then it has to 4/5. Only flaw in the book is that it is long enough :) , you would end up reading whole of it in less than a hour and half.

Until next time, happy reading folks... Next to be reviewed will be The Venetian Betrayal... Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet.

Fourth Protocol... a master piece

2010-03-24T23:56:00.005+05:30

Aah, how do you review a book? Never tried it before... so here it goes, hope I do not disappoint you all.

As most of Forsyth books, Fourth Protocol too has 3 parts, a background, the meticulous planning/the plot (none can beat him in this) and the Execution itself. The story starts with a group of few high men led by a former Super spy Kim Philby (an Englishman himself) and the general secretary of Grand Russia himself sitting remotely in a dacha (a Russian country house or villa) hatch a plan so sinister that even the KGB is unaware of it, the motif being destabilization of Britain. The effect of which can only be feared of! Plan Aurora is what it is named.

A young, top KGB "illegals" agent Valery Petrofsky, has a bright future in front home him, but suddenly he is summoned by the General Secretary himself and is assigned with the task to accomplish Aurora. Pertrofsky's task is to get into Britain and bury himself, all along collecting dangerous pieces of couriers which would when assembled breach the Fourth Protocol itself!

John Preston, a late entrant to MI5, is troubled by his boss who rarely seems to trust his judgement, resulting in frequent transfers across the branches of MI5 and every transfer mean more and more insignificant work. Preston, by luck first uncovers a major defense document leak and then intercepts one of the Pertofsky's couriers. Now, he must find if the two are linked. And thus begins a legendary chase between the brilliant MI5 agent and mastermind Petrofsky. Preston does not have much time to not only uncover the agent but stop the chaos.

Elsewhere, back in Russia, a KGB director discovers a major operation against Britain without his or KGB knowledge. He starts putting all pieces of puzzles together one after the other. Also, in the mix is the MI6 chief, Sir Nigel Irvine, who behind his polite and good goody nature, seems to be hiding something.

Will Preston be able to save Britain from such dark desires? What is Karpov angle? Is it really about destabilizing Britain or are there bigger plans hanging behind Plan Aurora. Who is playing whom, all this makes Fourth Protocol a sensational read. One for all.

And by the way, buckle yourself up, coz the end is a series of twists and multiple jaw droppers.

Until Next Time, Signing off,

Yours Truely,

Komet

A game to Remember

2010-03-23T19:06:00.007+05:30

Aah, at 5 AM on 21st March,2010 would one have told me that I was going to play the match of my life time... chapaaaaak, I would have slapped that person for pulling my leg at that hour of the day, but in reality every word of it would turn out to be very true!

Yes, the sunday started early. I was to help my colleagues at work organizing things at the ground for the RPL (RED Premier Leage, where RED is an acronym for our business department at office). The tournament was to start at 7:30 AM. The first game started and finished without much of excitement. The team batting first would still have won it if their opponents were to bat twice! Such was that game.

Up next, it was us, the HUB Hooligans dressed in black (color code), under excruciatingly hot summer's sun to play a team whose name I cannot remember! sorry for that. Our captain won the toss and decided to bat first. We did not know which one of us was a batsman and who a bowler! such was our state, ironic isn't it? rofl. So we found 2 of the strongest looking guys amongst us (for which I don't qualify by a country mile) to open for us. As was the rule, we had to open with 2 gals and they had to play 1st over which was mandatory. Then, it was our studs turn to hit out... to be frank they did not disappoint. We were off to a good start. But away from the 22 yards, across the boundary line, we the remaining members of the team were booing every time our openers failed to clear the ropes, poor folks.

Our openers put together 20 odd runs, when Mr Nair Jr fell, he was replaced by equally hard hitting Barca Boy... He swung and swung so hard, the very first ball, but failed to connect, ball was straight into the waiting palms of the wicketkeeper and rest of the players across the boundary line started booing him :) . But the next 2 balls went sailing across the boundary line albeit on a bounce, so we were up and rolling now. Once the other opener was forced to retire as he started to tire, it was our captain's turn to show up. He was off like a flash. But when the Barca Boy was finally run out, it marked the return of Komet to the competitive cricket after long. Komet to did not disappoint, hoiking the very first ball to long leg boundary for a four. In a very short span of time, Captain Incredible and Komet, showed incredible running between the wickets converting singles into 2s and 2s into 3s... All the while crowd cheering (led by Mr Nair Sr, I could clearly make out his voice out) Komet, Komet, Komet... Then Komet decided to go berserk and as the luck would have it, he skied the ball to the deep midwicket boundary to the waiting wolf of a fielder. Then, one after the other batsmen went in and came out, all the while ensuring that the run rate was maintained.

We had thus scored 62 in 8 overs. Yes, we should have scored more but that is cricket.

At break there was a bigger dilemma, damn, who amongst is a bowler or atleast can try bowling??? We decided our lineup. Now, I knew, since I was not a bowler and a pretty woeful fielder, only way to get save by backside on the ground was to run before and stand behind the stumps and yell I will be the wicketkeeper :) .

We started with Nair Sr, I did not know where to position myself! to stand back or up to the stumps, coz by the build Nair is a heavyweight! So I decided not to take a chance and stood way behind :). And game was off to a astonishing start, Nair Sr bowled an inswinging low fulltoss, the ball caught inside edge off the bat and came to my left at a lightening pace, Komet dived low to his left and the ball luckily stuck to his hand and thus, Hooligans were off to a flashing start. And oh yes, Nair bowled bloody fast. In the next two overs, Komet picked 2 more catches, Nair senior took another wicket, Barca boy rattled a couple and we were on way for a comfortable way to a win.

With 19 runs off the 8th and last over and one wicket in hand, one wouldn't have given opposition much of an chance, but nope... it wasn't to be... over that followed, first five balls turned out to be 1wd, 4,4, 1wd,2,wd,1,4 ... and with last ball to go, opposition needed 2 runs. A clincher of a finish! Now, opposition clearly intended to score just a single and play the super over! The ball was a low, full length ball. Batsman played it to square leg and set off immediately, the fielder who had virtually done nothing all game long (as per his own words latter), collected and threw it as hard as he could, the destiny as it would have it, the ball hit the stumps and the batsman running to the non-strikers end was caught a mile out. A roar erupted on and off the field. Even the neutrals stood up applauding the 2 sides! What a win it was! And thus, hooligans, were through to the semi-finale.

P.S:

1. The way we were getting out, one of our opponents came up to Nair Jr to say,"I've never got anyone out this way before, this is insane".

2. One of our managers would say , "only one plan of ours went as planned, that was to play Komet as the wicket keeper".

3. The most bizzare P.S. Mr Jehangir, when bowling, sent to balls into stratosphere :) . People who were there that day, will know exactly what I mean, this one is a real "ROFL".

4. Prasad's specs, at some time, when - unknown, fell off on the pitch... yes the playing strip and was retrived much after the game finished, and amazingly it was left untouched!

a) Komet in full flow b) That is how close it got, last runout

c) and d) Post match celebrations

e) The overdose...

f) The entire cast...

Until next time, regardless of we win or not, Signing off,

Yours Truely,

Komet.

A Royal Challenge of Sorts - Bangalore Angle

2010-03-16T11:28:00.006+05:30

Aah, first question that rises in my mind on hearing that IPL is back in India, is can Bangalore repeat what they did a year ago in the rainbow country? or will it be an action repeat of the IPL 1?

Hard to predict, about two days prior to the IPL, I looked at the RCB's squad. Most of the IPL team are overly dependent on their overseas players (apart from Delhi I feel), Bangalore is different. Yes, we have great overseas players in Kallis, KP, Bangalore's sweetheart Ross Taylor, Boucher, Morgan and many more but I believe we have the strongest Indian contingent that there is in any of the IPL sides. Kumble, My hero Dravid, Uthappa, young sensations Manish Pandey, Virat and A Mithun, also Praveen Kumar. Well, well, well, almost forgot, set to join us soon is an aussie in red hot form, who has been in ravishing form offlate - "Cameroon White".

This is a side strong on balance. Last time when we played in India, we lacked balance big time, we did not have a decent allrounder, we did not know which foriegn player to play? which guy to go in with? based on form or his name, i.e Boucher walked into side ahead of a Du Perez or Merwe. Our local player were even woeful, Akhil never was qualified to play T20, Bharat Chipli was bun of quite a few banters pointed at me by ma friends and colleagues, Waseem Jaffar despite all his talent, was never a T20 Material.

Last time round too, we were off to a bad start despite that clincher against Rajasthan, it was not until Jumbo caught hold of reigns that we start winning. If Kumble lead bowling along with the likes of Praveen Kumar, Ross Taylor sailed ball after ball into midwicket stands, there was no ground to stop him, young Virat finally showed his class and fabled quite a few famous win (esp the Chennai game) for the liquor baron, then there was the rise of a very young Manish Pandey. All along, one man stood like a corner stone, without being noticed, scoring in game after game with craft and class, almost unnoticed, as has been case with him all along his career, The Wall of Indian cricket scripted some of the finest comebacks.

Bangalore was perhaps the only side that relied on team work than individual show, until it all fell apart in the finale, against chargers, this after a fine display by our bowlers. But finally, RCB had arrived, shed their tag of being Test Side.

Now, we are back in India, we gotta prove we are far from being one season wonder, and if you believe in superstitions then we had a worst start facing the same team in the 1st game that thrashed us so badly in the same game 2 years ago. Result, this time round was the same as then.

So what next, it was only the beginning as Rahul and Kumble said. There is a lot of cricket to be played, and I feel once we have White, Ross and KP, we will be a different side, so will others be when they have Gayles, Pollards and Bravos comeback. Lets hope for the best.

Before finishing off, if I were to place my bet on one RCB player it would be who it will be? I would go with an young rookie A Mithun, has been in scintillating form, being top wicket taker in Ranji and bowling with pace. Stage is set, go RCB, there ain't no holding back. Do us all proud.

Until Next Time, Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Vintage Goa, Klassic Komet

2010-03-14T00:52:00.002+05:30

Aah, yet again I begin with a statement, real long time since I last wrote a blog! Well, life has been moving real fast, not that great things are happening but just the fact that I have been too over occupied at work or with something else. As mentioned previously, I have been oft travelling and having much needed short breaks. First it was a wedding at Hassan then it was Goa, the topic of this blog!

It been around 3 weeks since that trip, but this is the first time I had some time to write! The trip began with a group of strangers, only one person did I know previously, my mentor whom I fondly call Sirjee. The rest of the group, never had seen em before. This was a reason why I was tenacious, thinking if I would be able to fit in with them? or would I be a nuance to them? But all such thoughts were squashed the moment we hit the road!

We were to start at 8:00 PM from Sirjee's house, but as always with him, we did not start until it was much past 11:00 PM :). As was a diktat, none of us were allowed to sleep during our journey, which ofcourse was on a Tavera. We reached Goa at around 9 AM. We immediately hit to the beaches. In between, we had booked a room very close to the most popular beach of goa, Calangute, Bardez. People who love alcohol, bought em'selves a pint of beer, at a much cheaper price. We spent most of our day on the beach, wearing beach-print chaddis and t-shirts.

We then got into our hired Tavera and roamed around the streets of Panjim, the capital of Goa. Most of us were surprised to find that shops at Panjim close down so early (around 8 PM), I have been often to Goa, so I was quick to explain them - "Quick to Bed, Late to Rise" policy of Goans!

Next day, we decided to go to Old Goa and visit heritages of Goa such as St Xavier's Church, the Museum etc. Then we had an authentic Goan cuisine for our lunch at Bon Sucess, in Cardolim. Food was wonderful. Thereafter, we went to the "Dil Chahta Hai" fort and Anjuna beach (only low point of the trip), before we hit beds.

Last day of our trip started with a more positive note, we again took to the Calangute beach, only this time to enjoy water sports more than anything else. When we were through it, we decided to bid adieu to Goa and start back to the complex jungles of Pune. Nothing ever matches Goa or never ever will.

Until next time (god knows when), signing off.

P.S.: First thing I asked a friend of mine as we entered Pune is, "Mate, why do gals here wear so much clothes?"

Yours Truely,

Komet

A Bakery of Peace, that there was... Once

2010-02-16T23:33:00.002+05:30

Aah, it was to be a very pleasant weekend, correct me, a long and pleasant weekend or so I thought until something disturbed us. A grave news to be precise.

Saturday started on a bright note, coz I woke up when it was nearly noon... yes a PJ, bad one. We were to go shopping, coz my roomie is supposed to get home this Holi. That was as much for the austerity drive that we were on (if ever there was one). Siting potential problems Mr Verma might have with Income Tax guys if I reveal the money he spent that day, I shall stay mum.

It was indeed a pleasant day. We got home at around 7:45, which is when we came to know that there was a gas explosion at the legendary "German Bakery". German Bakery is an uptown, hip place, frequently visited by Foreigners, thanks to its vicinity to the OSHO Park. It also happens to be in one of Pune richest localities. At this time we did not worry much of the issue and went about to do some more shopping, this time of groceries.

When at BigBazar, I got my first call, it was from my sis, she was checking out was I ok? Had a nice little chat with her, and it still was a gas blast. Then, came the bolt, my good ol' frnd Mr Nair called to check me if I am fine, this is when I got the first wind of it. It was a bomb not a gas said Mr Nair. There was a fear now running through me! Ghosh, German bakery happens to be less than 2 miles from my home! and even worse, about 1 mile from Big Bazaar! Then came a series of calls from long estranged friends! It must be bad, I thought. It was necessary to get home, stay in, stay safe! This definitely will be the first reaction of each of us. I reached home and called my parents, just to let em know that Komet's alive and fine.

Now, every nerve in me is settled and I ask, what do these people so called Jihadi's get by killing innocent people? What kind of cowards these must be to kill harmless souls? No religion says that you have to kill, does it? These people I am sure do not belong to no damn country nor religion nor for the good in itself.

Pune, of all the cities I have lived in exemplifies the diversity of culture, of relationships, of friendship, over all PEACE itself. As Nair said to me a day latter at office, Pune shall never be the same again. How True. But lets promise to stay strong and stay united against any evil that there is...

Signing off, mourning the lives of all those innocent souls...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Cola Cola - Mirchi Kola

2010-02-12T23:33:00.003+05:30

Aah, a long weekend... how exciting :) . I and my roomie made long list of plans to do over the long weekend, but as most of the weekends... all those plans were trashed at the very beginning of the weekend :) ... Neither of us woke up until sun was well over our backs and started its decent !!! Thats Komet for you, quintessential me ...

We continued lazing around for the rest of the day (whatever was left of it). By 7 PM, I decided to go shopping for clothes, was madly hoping to find some discount somewhere, for clothes are so expensive these days!!! Well ended up buying a Roland Garros T-shirt from Adidas store. Now that I had spent money or rather wasted it, I had to find someway to make sure that my roomie to bought something... That did not take long, he bought a T-shirt from the next door Nike store... weight on my heart was off...

Well, of all the plans that we had plotted for this weekend, we did indeed keep one... that was a to dine at Mirchi Kola, name of the restaurant actually underlines my affinity to the cola based soft drinks :) ... Well not actually was it so, a colleague of mine had suggested this place to me when she came to know that I too was a foodie.

Mirchi Kola indeed is a great place for Non-Veg, we had this yummy Konkani Fish Masala, wine, Mojitos and Manchurians... on the contrary, it failed to live up to expectations w.r.t Veg food. But yet, fish out there was one of the best I have had in quite some time. So I would indeed recommend this place to any non-veg food lover. Quite a nice place... But I still cant make my mind as to why was this place giving me a 1990s uptown restaurant??? Was it the ambiance or the setup? what ever it might be, it is a great place to be on an idle weekend...

Until next time, Signing Off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Guys Gals and the Booze...

2010-02-06T01:21:00.012+05:30

Aah, the day was so full of tension, the code that I had been coding over a fortnight was now to be delivered and the very thought off it bought everything I have on a platter in my mouth ( a lame try to translate sab kuch mu mein aane wala tha). But surprisingly the day went off smoothly, perhaps because I had put extra efforts yesterday.

However, there was another reason for extra efforst yesterday, whole lot together!!! that was - I along with my colleagues (who are more than mere colleagues to me) were supposed to be partying around at Mocha, a fav hangout for many to kickoff a weekend.

But as the fate would have in it, we had to drop Mocha for the fact that they did not offer much of a dinner. So it was decided that it will be CARNIVAL, a hip place for most of the IT folks, about a couple of kms from our office. But the main reason to me was that some of us wanted to Booze/smoke Hookah. Apart from usual cast in myself, Mr Nair and Nair (we have 2 of them now ), Barca boy and Mr Jalpari we had 3 other female collegues - Ms Ojha, Ms K (surname is too long and I dont reveal names ) and Ms Mayekar, who were as sport as we were.

We spent about 2 hrs in all at CARNIVAL, and as I said above without dinning, we decided to break off... On the run, we all felt it was too early at 10 pm to go home, we along with our new gang mates, went to an uptown Coffee shop (or was it???) to drink some coffee and have more fun. I had this thing called Vienna... others did not like this much, but I found it good enough, thanks to my profound love for coffee and espresso, but then I perhaps liked it even more coz I was not the one who ordered it otherwise might have had to face the furry of others for whom I would end up ordering it... It was around 11:00 PM and a bill near almost same as that at CARNIVAL when we moved on.

On our way back walking, I and Mr Mamachan and Mr Nair, the younger of the two... relived our college days, we even found it convenient enough to sit on a bus stop in the middle of the life and relive those dreaded Viva Voce days of gone by era.

Looking forward to our next outing... Signing off,

Yours Truely,

Komet...

Long time no see

2010-01-31T01:17:00.002+05:30

Aah, its nearly a month since I last wrote a blog!!! Life has been very fast over the past few months. Office life has now taken a precedence over personal!!! May be this is the way managers want to get back on me saying, dude u have had enough of fun, now work.

Well, even though there has been an overdose of work, life hasn't been bad, I have been having fun, looking out for new avenues of entertainment. One of my passions being exploring new food/restaurants and what better place to do that than Pune. Recently, I had been to this place called Sigree, a plush urban place. Food out there was as I would say "Rapchandoooz", there was this soft music in the background as we yummied the borderwali machli, paneer tikkas and on and on and on.

Its been 3 months and more since my sis moved into Pune along with her husband, but for one reason of the other we couldn't catch on to each other until today. It was great meeting my sis, first time after her marriage and my Bro-in-law. All along it was a great day. The day that started with a visit of my old friend "Meshram bhai "to my house, then I had a call from a long lost friend of mine from my college days, was amazed to find out that she has now shifted bases to Pune (joined a firm here). En-route to meet my sis, I met a couple of my office friends. Then on my way back, again I met Mr Nair (not the usual one), another guy from work who stays next door.

Well, I would be getting a much needed break from office latter next month, and what a break it would be - a double header... First a splash and dash trip to Hassan in Karanataka, where 2 of my best buddies will get married (to each other, ofcourse), when I'd get back to my college. It was nearly a decade ago that I started my journey called Engg. Then, the much awaited Goa trip, on the long weekend, Feb 27th. What better way to welcome the summer than being at Goa at this time of the year!!! Hic, I am high...

Until Next time, Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

European Football - This Season, Thus Far...

2010-01-09T15:23:00.002+05:30

Aah, for long I have wanted to write this article, but my laziness caught good of me... Here it goes, I have mainly taken into account 3 leagues La Liga, EPL and Serie A top 4 clubs and their performances thus far in league and Europe and each of their season until christmas break. These are purely my views and doesn't necessarily mean u feel the same as I.

Lets start with league that is most widely followed in India, EPL. The season has seen Blues get over their post-Mourinho trauma and put in a series of dazzling efforts. Manchester United have shown all their grit by playing half of the first half season with Carrick and Fletcher as their centre back pairings and occasionally J.S. Park giving them a company on RB!!! despite all these short comings they still are second and will only get better as their defenders are now coming back. Then there is English version of Barcelona, Arsenal. Gunners have looked great against weaker sides and pathetic against the stronger opponents! Apart from that game against Liverpool. But then who hasn't won against Pools this season! Form of Liverpool has been appalling. At the start of year and first half of the year, they were probably the best side in England giving Man Utd one hell of a time in the league, who can forget their remarkable destruction of Real and ManUtd in a space of 4-5 days? Would it not be right to say selling of Xabi Alonso has been a bigger blow than that of Ronaldo for Man Utd.

Flip side? Chelsea have been shaky in the past few games and wins aren't coming that easily and add to it African Cup of Nations, they have some of their top players away. Man Utd, as my roomie said its been real long since a side has won the league after loosing 5 games in the first half of the season. Arsenal, they continue to fail when in crunch situations and add to that they have not a single fit forward in their line up at present. Liverpool, they are walking alone at the moment.

Come to Italy, its been a two horse race not for the first spot albeit. Inter are already 8 points ahead of Milan in 2nd. While a resurgent Milan (thanks to Madrid) and Juventus despite their jaw dropping from have been battling for 2nd and 3rd. Milan who mysteriously could win not a single game even against the weakest of the weak teams have turned the tables, rallied from 11th odd in the table to second and have a 1 pnt lead over Juve with a game in hand! And now they have Becks. Juve on the other hand after a great start to the league have been aweful, to the extent that they have been dumped out of UCL. The other suprise package from Italy have been Fiorentina, who would have believed that UCL minnows could script the elimination of 3rd most succesful side in UCL champs? While the illustrious sides like Inter have been ranging from pathetic to hopelessness in Europe when they came against sides such as Barca! Milan weren't assuring either in UCL. They were pushed by Madrid (even though they won one and drew the other,Milan were far from assuring.)

Now, to the most exciting league, the league in which the sextuple champions play in... Yes, I am talking of Barcelona and La Liga. La Liga has been a two horse race again. After spending multi-million dollars, Real are still trailing Barcelona!!! Real have for most of the season been inconsistent and lacked co-ordination and when they found their footing came the christmas break! They have given us mouth watering football such as 2 games against Milan (we won neither of the game nevertheless), Marseille, Valencia while they have also given us pathetic performances such as 4-0 loss to division 3 side Alcorcon (only recently have I been able to get over it after Man Utd lost to Leeds!!! if only by 0-1). Then, Barca, no need to define anything about them!!! Last year there was a talk of Man Utd going for Sextuple but fell just short... But Barca bettered it, first time in the history, they won everything that there is to win in one year!!! Damn! Yet, for past couple of matches they have been stuttering. But then as VDV said, you cant always maintain the same level can u? Amongst the rest, Sevilla are now one of the best sides in Europe. Their growth has been amazing. Valencia is reinstating the hope of their past!

So who does Komet think to be best 3 and worst 3 of the season thus far???

1. It has to be BARCELONA

2. Man Utd for sheer grit (watch Wolfsburg away game if u think I am mad) and I would say it to be a tie with a resurgent Milan.

3. Fiorentina just for ousting a side like Liverpool and catching the imagination of non-Serie A fans.

Worst Sides???

1. It has to be LIVERPOOL. I am disappointed that they failed to show up on the promise of last season.

2. Spanish version of liverpool, Athletico Madrid, for most of the season they have been in relegation zone with all the superstars that they have, they also managed to get themselves eliminated from UCL and not to qualify for Europa league by qualifying 3rd! Also they got beaten by Recre 3-0 in Copa Del Rey.

3. Italian version of 1 and 2, Juventus. Again, at the moment, it seems that they can't win a single game. all they needed was a draw against Bavarians in last UCL game to go thru to next phase and they were destroyed 1-4!!! toyed.

Well, new year shall bring new promises and new hopes. See you all.

Until next time, See ya all. Enjoy football.

Your's Truely,

Komet.

Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter are the ones missed out.

3 Idiots on and off the screen

2009-12-26T23:48:00.002+05:30

Aah, Its been xmas week... A long weekend, rather extra long as I have taken an off from office whole of next week. The long weekend end was supposed to start in Hyderabad, but thanks to the Telangana issue, a 48 hour bandh had been invoked. It was no longer safe to travel down south. Sad, it was supposed to be my roomie's first trip to south.

But then we found a couple of alternatives, 1st I along with 2 other idiots (Mr Genius Verma and Mr Nair) decided to watch 3 idiots at Gold Adlabs. Well, other two accompanying me to the movie Verma and Nair don't exactly qualify being idiots, they were I am told hotshots at studies when at academy... I was the only one who came close or outdid the guys on screen in terms of idiotism. Well, coming back to the movie, the script has been big time diverted from that of the 3 IITians kids in "Five Point Someone". Yet the movie leaves a mark on you. Every one in the movie has done a commendable job but the stand out has to Boman Irani, an actor who stands out in every movie he features in. So, if you have nothing better to do this weekend, do run to a screen nearest to you and watch "3 Idiots" (possibilities are that you will return sad as the movie is running houseful every where).

Movie was followed by a great round of Table Tennis at office. Mr Nair, is really good at it. He did teach me a trick or two. For a novice, I think I did a good job. As in Volleyball, Tennis I found that my serve is my strength, it comes to me almost naturally! well, rest was absolute mess, but with practice I can be better... We played non stop for 3 hours.

Today, Saturday, started on a much brighter note, my parents and bro reached Pune at 4 AM. They would be staying with their elder son for a week now. I played the day out with my kid bro.

In the evening we went to Laxmi road to shop some sarees for my mom (its her bday today, 27th dec) and also for myself (dad gifted me some clothes on behest of my bday, ofcourse it was 3 months ago), we also shopped for my dad and bro. Tomorrow, we will again be shopping, but for our cousins.

Well, I must now be sleeping. Until next time, Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Komet's Conquest of Ananda Valley

2009-12-20T19:21:00.007+05:30

Aah, it had been long since we had been out on an outing with our colleagues eat HSBC. It had been a general consensuses that every one at office was over burdened with work, so we all decided to go to a wonderful resort called Ananda Valley about 110 Kms from Pune, for a days team building exercise (as they called, we called it fun).

We were scheduled to meet at office gates saturday morning at 7:15 AM, but then this is India... I and Nizam were the only guys at office that day on time (this despite that I had been with my friends partying until 2 AM!!!), rest of the aristocrats and Bureaucrats (my colleagues) decided not to show up until it was well past 7:45 AM. We finally started at 8:15 AM. We reached Ananda Valley by 10:15 AM. One of my best buddies (moron) at office had scared me that it was not a great place and was next to being pathetic... but when I reached our destination it was exactly opposite. It was fun... There were ATV rides (4 tyre bikes), lake boating (girly stuff).

We were treated to some mind boggling breakfast. Then came the best part, the eco tour/trip across the valley... It was deadly awesome... My Manager proactively took up my camera and took pics of team mates, which was awesome... and as most of my friends know if Komet loves one thing, it is getting himself snapped. My Managers dropped all qualms and ranks that day.

When we were done, most of my mates were dead tired, I loved it, it suited my athletic body. Then came the group games, people from various companies were randomly divided into group of 10 each and were challenged with tricky games, after 2 rounds, I decided to quit it and go and play cricket. I had my manager as batter and I charged in to bowl, I had been playing after a span of 2 years. I was surprised that I still was able to generate some pace, I even managed to hit my manager's thigh with an full toss, he smiled as I apologized and tossed the ball back to me. We also tried our hands at carom and football, still have it in me to send in darting crosses.

We were then treated to some authentic Marathi food, licked the finger tips off, YUMMY. Once the lunch was finished we found that there was a magic show and what a show it was!!! Loved it, never had seen something like that. Everything was happening so quick, after magic show it was volleyball, where I hurt my leg, but it was not a day to sit and rest, continued playing volley. At this point, my manager and senior manager came requesting us to go and join rain dance specially arranged for us. After a few rounds of request, we did go and soaked the cold water and danced our hearts out to a few hindi, a punjabi and a few rock anthems.

By now, it was 5 PM, time does fly by when u are enjoying the most. We changed our clothes quickly and had a round of evening snacks, a bit of team pics and then 2 hours back to home. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that on our way to and back we did play a quintessential round of Antakshari and Dumb Charades (thanks to gals). We enjoyed that as well.

L-R, Top to Bot - 1) Early Morning Blues, 2) Komet shows his spirit during the uphill trek, 3)Team Together, 4) On top of the hill, waiting for the rest to show up, 5) Rain Rain Don't go away, 6) After Math, just before we left

Until Next Time folks, Signing off....

Yours Truely,

Komet.

AWATAR - Dissected and Digested!!!

2009-12-18T23:57:00.004+05:30

Aah, Ramayan of modern age??? Every one was painted blue as in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan (from the bygone era). Jokes apart, a lot has been expectated from James Cameroon's latest flick which reportedly has been created for a whopping Rs 1200 crores!!! But then if you are to bank your money on someone then there can't be a director better than James.

Movie starts with Jake Sully being recruited by some sort of mercenaries/army (Earthlings) for a mission on Planet Pandora. He is handicapped, the real reason being that his twin brother died just before going into his avatar and lot had been spent. Outline depicts that Earthlings have invaded Pandora to learn more about their nature/environment (ironically the same time when Global leaders are meeting at Copenhagen Environment summit!) but the true designs turn out to be the quest to mine "Unobtonium", some sort of stone that costs billions odd per kilo. Well, its simple isnt it? Nope, there is a problem, local inhibitants, a mutated race of humans called Na'vi have their HOME TREE on that piece of land!

While scientists and researches find it hard to get friendly with locals (Na'vi), Jake an ex-Marine, legless, instantaneously strikes a emotional cord with these locals. He is invited to learn Na'vi way of communication and warfare! Then there is a concept of Turukmatu... a legendary leader.

His part of the bargain is to share intel with Human comanders etc and plot the downfall of Na'vi. But then hero changes mind, as expected of him!

For great parts of the movie, Cameroon seems to want us to soak into this wonderful, jaw dropping, unbelievable Navi world. Flex Vortex, Flying mountains of Pandora, Evya are sheer SFXically jaw dropping...

There ain't much new other than that in this movie, there is a battle royale between Good Bad and the ugly. A few parts of the movie seem to have been extracted from legendary hollywood movies such as Matrix (as in Neo entering Matrix, is as good as Jake switching between His real body and Avatar) or the part were his gal says "Ikran chooses its rider!!! and one ikran has only one rider in its life time!", seems to have been copied from Eragon or Flex Vortex la Bermuda triangle where electronic gizmos go haywire and many more. However, the movie relies round the importance of protecting environment. I plead Copenhagen guys to watch this movie once :) .

Having said all this, the movie awesome in terms of cinematographic experience, do not forget to watch it on 3D, its mind blowing, Pandora comes alive in it! Do watch it this weekend, worth spending your hard earned bucks on. Let me warn you on one thing, names of creatures and things are so cryptic that you might not remember it when u hear it 2nd time round.

Below is a cool pic of mine sporting cool 3D glasses (real glasses underneath those 3D ones), lol.

P.S: I loved even more for the fact that hero Jake Sully looks like Real Madrid's Galactico Xabi Alonso :)

Until next time, Signing off

Your's Truely,

Komet

This Happened on One Dark Night - A Scary Story

2009-12-05T22:11:00.002+05:30

Aah, I had been away for a while on yet another vacation, which kept me away from my blogs... Well, what I am about to tell you folks is something that happened just a couple of days before I went home. It was a strange night, a scary night one at it, took us by suprise coz these are what usually happen in Movie or television and not in reality. Lucky was I to have Barca Boy with me that night and I guess so was he to have me by his side!

Well, It was 16th November 2009. Time 1:00 AM (you are reading it right). We had a party that night... A friend of us was gonna travel onsite and a couple other had reasons to celebrate, their bdays. So we partied late into night, despite for the fact that we had office next day. We partied as there would be no tomorrow. Not usually do I get high!!! That was a night I was! I along with Barca Boy and Mr Mallu (A Kanadiga, A Mallu and a Keralite, south India minus Andhra!!!) decided to have a walk from Viman Nagar to Shastri Nagar (around 3 kms) in the middle of the night when most of the morons would be asleep.

We bid farewell to Mr Mallu and took the turn towards Shastri Nagar, something was not right that night definately, I thought it was my mind being drunk. There was no power, everything was dark, pitch dark. Just as we entered the gates of our society, our hearts stopped thumping, every bit of high went low at once as a girl came running screaming "Security, Security, Bachao (help)... Kuch log mujhe ched rahe hai", she was about 23-24, slightly on the heavier side and fair. First thing to cross our minds was that it must be a case of robbery, then we thought an case of something grave like you know what! She asked us to save her, I got scared that we might have to have a fight, what about implications! What if those guys mark us down for a latter day!

I mustered up courage to ask her to calm down. But that was about it. Then came a car screaming in, 3 guys got down. First guy was about 100 kilos, dark and spectacled. Other was stout but not that heavy, last was a kid of about same age as the gal and thin like me. The second guy started pulling the gal into their car, by her wrists. We asked them to cool down, and tell us what it was all about! Fat guy said, "She is our sister". Barca Boy turned to gal, she refused and said she had never seen these 2 guys. The thin guy now stood in between those guys and the gal.

Gal asked us to call the police. This continued for a while. Things getting tense with each passing moment! Then, gal in a moment of mistake, let out a word that "Bhaiyya". This is when we got that this is a family matter. Barca Boy whispired to me lets leave this is a family matter, my heart felt that we could not leave a gal in peril, but then if this is a family matter we cant help much. As we turned to leave, gal screamed "Bhaiyya, Dont leave me here, Hume bachao", well, if we save you who will save us? But we couldnot let a gal out at large.

At this time, the fat guy said the other one "Lets Leave". The other guy, "papa ko kya bolenge? Kya hoga unka?"... Fat guy replied "Boldenge hamari behan mar gayi"... Ghosh!!! was this a movie? Saying this those two flew off... Then we asked the thin guy what was the problem, he said calmly, we are lovers and those were her brothers, they were against our love!!!

At this, we asked security guards, who were looking all the things happening and doing nothing until now, to give the gal a chair, asked them to call the police. And we walked back silently towards our house! While walking back silently, I thought, how could people do this to their own people!!! when I say this, I say this from the perspective of both set of people there... Gal, how could you disregard your family who have grown you to what you are today? and those guys, how can you act in such foolish and humiliating way to your own sister? Don't you all realize that doing this either of the party will never be happy.

To finish it off, I was all alone at home, my roomie had been away to home on vacation. I was all alone in the darkness of the home, I was hell scared that some one might jump from one other room and throtle my neck to death!!! God, it was real scary!!! Could not believe it...

Until next time, Signing off...

P.S: Did I mention that Barca Boy gave those people his details trying to pacify the gal (I was most scared at that point)!!! and if they were ruffains, what might have happened to us?

Yours Truely,

Komet

En La Macha - Komet and Mahendra!!!

2009-11-17T00:41:00.003+05:30

Aah, my indiblog rank has fallen to 49 thanks to my laziness. So, I have decided to write meaningless blogs more often than not. Sorry guys the quality of my posts are bound to go down (if ever there was any). Kuch paane ke liye kuch khona padtha hai.

Have been all alone at home as my roomie decided to go home on a vacation. Life has been dull and boring in last couple of weeks, I have been using weekends to rest and relax after heavy work. Extent to which I have become lazy is that I am still reading saturday's newspaper and yet to finish it off :)

Also, today, India have begun playing Srilanka in the first test in Gujrat amidst the celebration of Tendulkar's double decade anniversary. India started disasterously!!! loosing 4 wickets under 45 runs, that included the master blaster himself, but as always a certain Rahul Sharad Dravid decided to hold up the gaurd for an amazing rearguard action by Team India. For once he got the limelight that he deserved. If you ask me, Sachin is greatest Indian cricketer and Rahul Dravid, India's greatest test batsman.

The day at office has been as long as it always is but it was lightened up by the call from my dear friend Mahendra. One of my best buddies whom I met as a fellow fresher joining TechMahindra (MBT-Mumbai, back then), in the same batch; June 26 2005 it was, a month before the deadliest rains that Mumbai had ever seen. It was perhaps almost 3 long years since we last met. I immediately said I would come to meet him at his lodge. I was able to reach his place at around 9:30 PM.

We strolled around dhole patil road. Rewound our memories of past, MBT and all those fun of past. Well, its been 4.5 years since, but most of us are still the same. We also met up with Saurabh Marghade, another gem from our legacy batch of MBT, rewinding the memories of past all over.

Macha, stay happy where ever you are :)... Until next time, Signing of...

P.S: I still remember when guys from our batch would pull Mahendra's leg and call him Mahendddddder in a very irritating tone, angusih was on his face to be seen all the time, but he never reacted...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Splash and Dash is Me

2009-11-11T00:48:00.003+05:30

Aah, it was 8:30 PM and day was 8th November, when I finally realised that on 10th November was one of my best buddy's marriage (at Bangalore).

I desperately searched for my cell phone all over in my room, I couldnot find it like most of my things at my home, I called my manager at around 9 PM. I said, "Is it ok if I take an off on 10th November". My manager said go ahead :) ... I ran back and booked my to and fro tickets to Bangalore. As always I did not know what flight I was leaving by!!! All I remembered was the time at which I was supposed to fly. That was enough.

At office, yesterday had to assign my work to others. One of my collegues asked me... How come mate you are going to Bangalore and that too for one day!!! and that too out of the blue so suddenly! I said to her, "Its always last minute planning with Komet", ever since my birth I guess.

I reached Bangalore airport at around 8:00 PM and my cousin's place, where I was to stay, by 10:00 PM. We had dinner, had a hearty chat of all the things happening in our lives, the latest movies either of us watched etc...

By 10:45 AM today, I bid adieu to my cousin's and met up with my old roomie, Vins. We had met after I believe an year. Ironically I had last met him at his marriage! Well, I forgot, I did not mention why I was in Bangalore. Well, our third roommate at Mumbai, in our TechM days, Mr Chotu (well he stands 6.6 feet tall, god knws why we call him chotu!) was getting married today.

I made a mental note of hardships of a marriage, mainly being to stand hours and hours and smile for the shutterbugs!!! such a pain. Food at the wedding was awesome. I ate sumptuously We too shamelessly had ourselves snapped with the couple. Also, we gave the new bride and insight of Chotu's dark past, he would be still repenting inviting us :).

Then, it was time to fly back. My flight was at 9 PM, and the new airport is some 50 kms away from city, so I'd start my way back at 5:30. Had a quite dinner at airport and flew back. I was greeted by a very strong rain in Pune, pretty pleasant one. Today, it seems that the winter has finally decided to show up at Pune. I love it...

Until Next Time, Signing off.

Yours Truely,

Komet

Return of the Komet

2009-11-07T19:40:00.005+05:30

Aah, Thundering Tycoons, Captain Haddock would have yelled to Tintin had he been to mangalore this time of the year (I thought it was Winter!!!), as I did a couple of weeks back. As I reached back Pune, temperature I found was atleast 10 degrees colder than at Udupi/Mangalore. Also, there was a stark difference in temperature here in Pune aswell, it was quite hot when I had left Pune for Mangalore in the middle of October and when I returned on the last day of the same month temperature had amazingly come down to 14-15 degrees. Most of my friends are aware that I am a beast that thrives on colder temperatures :)

Lets rewind a bit now and see how I spent my holidays.

It was 5 am on 17th Oct 2009, I set out by cab to Mumbai Airport, from where I was supposed to catch a flight to Mangalore. It had been 6-7 months since I had last been to my home and was very excited to meet my family especially my brother. I reached airport by 8 AM and spent rest of the 3 hours at airport by playing sudoku at the cafe coffee day (at airport). Flight took off on the right time and I was in Udupi by evening.

It was the Diwali Night. We routed our cab from Mangalore to Udupi via a cracker shop close to our house. We shopped hell a lot of crackers (well, I hate those who are against crackers, thats their choice, this is mine). Next 3 nights we would spend bursting crackers, lighting firepots and all those various sorts of fireworks. Was such fun.

Then, it was time for my cousin's marriage. A few relatives came to our place to stay. It is always such a fun when you are with your family are relatives. Had a ball of a time with Sunil (my other cousin, older to me by an year).

By the time my feet would be back on ground, it had been 12th day of my vacation! the day I was supposed to travel back to Pune. Cursing all the lords that I possibly could recollect for such a quick end to my vacation, I packed my bag and caught the bus back.

Here I was at 6:30 AM, infront of the Natraj hotel, at Swargate in Pune. Thundering Tycoons, Captain Haddock would have yelled to TinTin had he been to Pune at this time of the year as it was 1o degress colder than Mangalore.

Until Next Time, Signing off

Yours Truely,

Komet

A Much Needed Vacation

2009-10-15T20:21:00.003+05:30

Aah, long time since I last wrote a blog, isnt it? Offlate, have been stuck with quite a few things. Beep Beep Beep... yells my alarm every day at 5 AM, cursing all the demons of my life... slowly I get up and start getting ready to go to office... Well, yeah... For over a week now I have been asked to get to office in the first shift. I get to office by 6 AM and leave it not before 7 PM. Thats life cant help it. I love it when it is tough.

Tomorrow is a traditional day at office which normally means that no work all time-pass. But then, people do deserve it, isnt it? They work so hard all year round and this is one day of the year we get to have fun. Thereafter, people will start moving to their respective places to enjoy diwali with their beloved family. Coming back to me, I too get to go to home. Its been real long since my last vacation.

I usually have fun with my bro on diwali... we light our house with lights of all sorts, mom prepares great delicacies... and we burst a lot of crackers, yes we do that and one hell a lot of it...

Also, my cousin has decided to get married to her love... so there is gonna be a function in the family so it will be all the more fun... I would get to meet most of my relatives. I love it.

Going home is always fun. Isnt it?

Until next time... Have a safe and sound Diwali... Happy Diwali...

P.S: My next post will take some time coming.

Your's Truely,

Komet

Happy Birthday Komet, the King of 9 Times

2009-09-29T23:19:00.005+05:30

Aah, today I have turned 26, happy birthday Komet. Well, it was a very pleasant day today, a normal day, did not feel that it was my birthday. My family, colleagues, my long lost friends all kept calling me (some of them even surprising me). Distributed sweets at office, which is a custom at office. Well work? wow, very busy... did not have a moments time even to break the sweat! Every one kept telling me man, you should not work this much on your birthday! (guys I am paid to work, am I not?) or some one would say man you should not be staying late!!! some one came to me and asked what are the plans for the evening (when it was 9 PM). I finally left office at 9:35 PM, a full 13.5 hours after I had entered office.

Well, this being my first birthday since I started blogging, I thought I would thank a few folks...

Lets start with my friends without whom my life would be so pale and empty. I always like it when I am with my friends. I have studied at 6 different schools and 2 colleges, so there are quite a few friends from my academic past. To this day I have managed to stay in touch with most of them, thanks to Orkut and Face book to some extent.

My Colleagues - Without them, I wouldn't have grown to what I am professionally. I share a great rapport with my colleagues, I believe in befriending them so that we could work better (and manage to get them help you when you are all seas ).

My Roomie (Mr Verma) and a Moron (Adi) - Mr Verma, as I have said has been with me for past 4.5 years. He and I worked wonders at TechM... we were kind Munna and Circuit or Jai Veeru types. He has always been there to help me at work (Genius that he is :)). He keeps me alive by cooking such delicious food all the time and never ever complains, thanks mate. Adi, I have known him for about a year now. A humble, down to earth guy. Always at the wrong end of my teasing comments. A person whom you can call upon in the middle of the night and yet he will help you with a smile on his face. I miss you mate (he recently shifted bases to Hyd).

Finally, My Parent and Brother. All that I am today, I owe it to my dad. He has been such a support to me, always been supportive. It is all because him that I am what I am today. A person whom I have always looked up to and in the face of adversity I always think what would my dad do! He is such a great dad. My mom, like my dad has been of great support. My parents are my strength. Any one close to me would know, how much I value my family.

And my brother, my kid brother Rahul, the person I love the most on this planet. Ever since his birth, he has brought me such joy. When I am with him, I become a kid that I was years ago. His innocence teaches me a thing or two. He looks up to me as an inspiration and tries to copy me all the time :) , hope I don't let him down and he goes on to be better than me and even dad in all walks of life.

Until Next time, signing off...

P.S. I along with Mr Nair, Barca Boy and a few colleagues are going out of town (to picturesque Divyaghar) this weekend to have fun.

Yours Truely,

Komet

Farewell Moron, by Komet

2009-09-27T02:08:00.006+05:30

Aah, it has been another spectacular week for me... for all the reasons. Office has been very hectic, work increasing by each day! All the while I was working, my parents and my bro had a vacation at the picturesque Coorg/Madikeri. It is such a lovely place, during my college days, we would often go there once in a year or two and enjoy the pleasures of Coorg. Coorg I say picturesque coz, it is full of coffee plantations and also is a hill station. God you have to visit this place once. No pollution what so ever!

Well, apart from this, one of my best buddies, Adi "The Baddie" moved back to his hometown Hyderabad as his bosses agreed for a transfer to HSBC Hyd, well he had to struggle for it but all is well that ends well. Lucky chap. Perhaps he doesnt realise the void he leaves in the hearts of mine and Mr Verma (no dostana stuff, so dont put your thinking caps on). He has been a great friend ever since I moved to Pune. A gentle guy, who would laugh his way out when I would grill him to insanity with my constart bickering of his and teasing him. As I said, Mate, whereever you go, I will keep reminding you of the 4 named !!! And of the golguppas you did not let me have, when we were in Delhi and off 5:30 Am ko koi sotha hai!!!

All said, you are a great friend buddy.

oh, I almost forgot. I had a tooth surgery on Friday. It still hurts. I had this wisdom teeth problem for quite some time. So when I ended up at my orthodontist's place this friday, she told me that my tooth had to uprooted and since it was a wisdom tooth (no ordinary tooth), we would need a small surgery. I very nearly fainted at the very mention of this! god! What on earth is going on? As said in movies, "My world came tumbling down". But I decided to do a Mel Gibson Brave Heart and said cool, perhaps I was smitten by the beauty of my doc :) ... Well, how was I too know that it was a beast who would uproot it and not the beauty who was my consultant!

Well, after an hours procedure, all that was done was - My lower jaw was cut (incision as they say), wisdom tooth mercilessly pulled out and 5 stitches. God, still aching. I went back to work for a while and then excused myself for the day and went to sleep asa I was home.

I woke at 8:30 PM, and realized Adi was to leave in an hour, forever! and that I hadn't bought him a gift. So I and my roommate scampered through Kalyani nagar, at signal close to crossword, did a bollywood stuff by running to the shop and buying a book in a record time. Well, on my way I had decided to gift "The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown, his latest. On my way to bus stand, I borrowed a pen from my roommate and wrote some departing comments and made it just about in the nick of the time.

Then came Saturday, I spent most of it at office, working my day off. Well, last night I just decided to give a try to Mafia Wars on Face Book, and ever since I have not stopped playing it! Played it until 4 AM last night and same tonight too.

As for tomorrow, Monday, is a holiday and we are gonna be visiting our old friend Misra saheb on occasion of his Grihapravesh! Will be fun, when I get to catch up with some of my friends from previous organization.

Until Next time... enjoy the pics from the farewell party that I and Mr Verma put together for the Moron (aka Adi).

*Note - The Guy who is sipping the blue drink is Adi and the person with me is Mr Verma.

PS: Happy for u Mate, all the best. See you in December.

Yours Truly,

Komet

Reflections - 25 Glorious Years of being Komet

2009-09-19T18:32:00.004+05:30

Aah, This monday, I officially enter the last week of my year, of being called a 25 year old, so I take time to reflect of the year that it has been for me i.e since last bday and this. I believe this will be my last birthday as a bachelor, an eligible bachelor or even most eligible bachelor in my family.True, my parents have been trying to catch hold of me and me to marry, settle down, for sometime now. But, Komet being Komet, is very vary about this, I fear the responsibilty marriages tend to bring with em, why cant we be just as we are.

Over the last year, there have been some developments personally and professionally. I have met great new friends in PP, Adi "The Badie"/"Moron" (I call him by these name), Mr Nair, The Barca Boy and a mysterious friend and raised the existing bonds to a newer level. Also, I have cut down on a few friends, coz of unavoidable circumstances. People close to me know that you will get away insulting me or fighting/quarelling with me, but never will Komet forget you if you hurt me.

When we (I and Verma) moved over to Pune, we met a this giant of a man, PP, dont you ever go by his size, he is a true gentleman (atleast since he got married). I and Verma had been roomies for over 3 years now (since our TechM days) and joined by PP, was such fun. We would never have a dull moment at home as we indulged in Mental disintegration of one amongst us all the times, well it was PP who was at the receiving end most of the time :).

At work, I had made switch to HSBC, arguably at the worst time as the world was facing worst financial crisis and job cuts were just raining. Initially was very scared, but now have grown in stature at work. At work, there is hardly a dull moment, we keep partying, trekking or be it picnics every now and then. My collegues are all so full of energy.

Also, I say this past birthday year of mine has been the best for sometime, because I fulfilled a few dreams (I cant reveal them, they are dark!!!) and also the fact that I came so close to achieving another dream of mine, going abroad! sad, it fell through but am a man with positivity, so I know as long as I do my best, chances will come through. I even bought a laptop and a new cell phone, which I had been planning for past how many years? god knows.

One of the highlights of the year was our trip to the northern parts of India for PP's marriage. We went places such as/in Delhi, Punjab, Uttaranchal and even Uttar pradesh. Trip rocked and PP was hitched.

Until my next Bday, signing off.

P.S: Damn, I keep getting old. I hate it!!!

Yours Truely,

Komet

Why is Happiness always Punctuated!!!

2009-09-12T22:58:00.008+05:30

Aah, title of the blog suggests it all, how my week was :)... well there is more to it than what meets the eyes (this line is borrowed from the movie "Transformers"). Why are deadlines always so tight? why can't there be more breathing space? May be because it is the human tendency to be lazing around when you have time. Well, why is it that every time you feel that you will just about meet the deadline, workload is increased but not the deadline! is that not amazing? Well, for a techie this is how the life is always... I am used to it now, I guess... Thereby, I say "Happiness is always Punctuated", what fun the glory is of? unless you don't pain for it...

As I have mentioned in various earlier posts how perfect and happy I have been over the past year!!! Well, the curse has stuck me. I made one hell of a mess at work, was a small mistake, rather oversight, that cost me dearly, ended up working additional hours. Well way past 10PM. Well, trying times are here as I said, the deadline of the flagship project on which I work is nearing and we are now where on schedule, we will eventually. There has been very little break that I have been oblidged to over past few months. I have been working 13 of the 14 days in last 2 weeks and have to be there 2mrw aswell. Days at office are getting longer and so are the weeks.

Well, the past week has not all been that bad either, it was fun, we had some awesome food too. First the sizzlers, I have already blogged it. Both, me and my roommate have a fetish of trying out various cuisines, some time Thai, some times it would be authentic Maharastrian food or something other. Therefore, it was Andhra istyle food, thanks to Adi "The Badie" for guiding us to such a fine restaurant. If that wasn't enough, then it was Irani Biryani at arguably best Biryani place in Pune, "The Blue Nile" and as I always say, "Pelke khaya"/"Mast Khicha"...

And aah, yes, Gas that had run out a week and half back, while I was preparing Chicken is now back. So, you all are invited to come over when you wish to have some authentic Chicken cuisine...

I awaited for this, Dan Brown's latest novel "The Lost Symbol". Moron, takes such a long time between two books! I am eagerly awaiting the release. I am sure to finish it in a day or two. It is supposed to be based on a single day's events!

Until next time, by which I would have done with the above mentioned novel...

Signing Off,

Yours Truely,

Komet

Every Coin has the other side...

2009-09-05T21:32:00.010+05:30

Aah, how spectacularly unspectacular my past week was! It started on a high, then there was kinda ok part and smashing disaster towards the end of it. Disaster I say is because, my manager screwed my life by assigning a mission impossible task smiling gently at me as though it was nothing at all... All through the meeting, I starred blankly back at him, cursing my fate in my mind... damn, why does it always have to be me! Well, this is life, accept it. Nothing can be done about it - Every Coin has the other side.

Earlier in the week, I and my roomate decided we would cook some chicken dish at home.... guess what, the gas cylinder that kept us alive for the past 3 months, decided to give up... and phoof, our gas went offline... luckily we had just about managed to finish cooking the dish, we got ourselves some phulkas from a restaur next door.

Also, we now have cemented on our plans for next vacation, it would be Ooty, for 2nd time in 2 seasons, it will fun there, as always.

Well, weekend has been as lazy as it could perhaps get. I love it this way :). I slept until sun had started its descent. I decided to go to office to do some unfinished task. At office, today, I met PP, my ex-roomate, rarely do I see him busy on the weekdays... But of all the days in a week, I saw him busy today, on a saturday, lol.

Apart from this, I watched quite a few movies, such as G.I. Joe, Inglorious Basterds, watched some animes (Japanese Animations).

Well, at 10 PM, my room mate all of a sudden started feeling hungry. I suggested we had something different for dinner tonite, a sizzler/shaslik. Thus, we landed at this posh restaurant called the "Yana Sizzlers", at the Mariplex complex. It turned out to be a fantastic plan indeed, sizzler as shown in the pic below, turned out to be awesome and was priced pretty affordable.

Sizzler did sizzle!!!

Well, it has been Onam season, greetings to all my Mallu friends. Also, today is the Teacher's day. Thanks to all of them, coz without them I and we wouldn't have been what we are today. Also, how ideal it was that my mom by chance happened to meet my first teacher of the Lower KG, she was such a nice lady, she remembers me to this day. Thank you Ma'm.

Hmm, what else? Well, I had a hair cut. This is how I look after my cut, not much of a difference from the way I looked earlier :) ... Enjoy...

Thats as much for now, Until Next Time... Enjoy your sizzlers...

P.S - My eyes are all so red, coz of the shampoo, which ended up in my eyes by mistake!!! lol, eyes are still burning.

Signing Off,

Komet

Clock ticks Life away...

2009-08-31T23:53:00.008+05:30

Aah, in about 7 mins the clock will tick to tuesday Sept 1, 2009... My birthday month... Well, it is towards the fag end of the month... Yes my birthday is here... soon, I shall loose another bright year of my life... I am a Libran, and according to me a true libran to the core. So, let us try and match my traits with that of Libra...

Libra is the only inanimate sign of the zodiac, all the others representing either humans or animals ex Gemini, Leo etc...Many modern astrologers regard it as the most desirable of zodiacal types because it represents the zenith of the year, the high point of the seasons, when the harvest of all the hard work of the spring is reaped. They have elegance (very true), charm (really) and good taste (is it w.r.t babes???), are naturally kind (ask my friends, if it is true), very gentle (same as the last one), and lovers of beauty, harmony (both in music and social living) and the pleasures that these bring.

Librans and I do not like it when people challenge our point or argument!!!

I like the true Libran am very sensitive, I do not usually show this, people tend to believe that I am never sad or down, but in reality I sheild my pains and sadness... Never ever does it come out...

Librans are always there for their friends to an almost psychic extent, of understanding the emotional needs of theirs and meeting them with their own innate optimism - they are the kind of people of whom it is said, "They always make you feel better for having been with them." - I hope that is what my friends think of me :)

Everything on this planet has a flipside... So do I and my fellow Librans... It can be changeable and indecisive, impatient of routine, colorlessly conventional and timid, easygoing to the point of inertia, seldom angry when circumstances demand a show of annoyance at least, the line in bold best describes what my fellow collegues and friends feel about me... that I never fight back, even if I am right and the other person is wrong... and yet Librans can shock everyone around them with sudden storms of rage... ha ha ha, very true... ask my closest friends, not many have seen me when I am in rage... I am totally wild when I get angry... but then I tend to cool down easily and never train a vendetta on any person...

Overall, What a Libran-

LIKES

The finer things in life
Sharing
conviviality
Gentleness

DISLIKES

Violence
Injustice
Brutishness
Being a slave to fashion

Until next time...

P.S - So, how much of a Libran do you reckon I am?

Signing off,

Komet

Memoirs of My Life - A New Chapter called HSBC

2009-08-30T21:07:00.007+05:30

Aah, a year back, every person to whom I mentioned that I was gonna be moving to HSBC GLT would tell me that I had made an incorrect choice that I should move to EDS or Fiserv or CSC blah blah blah... That HSBC wasnt good enough. But I thought otherwise, I never reckoned myself to be a genius to move to such huge companies. Also, main reason behind my move to HSBC was that I wanted to move to a company that already had my friends there. And, HSBC already had Ms Shetty(now Mrs Shetty), Ms Simbha, Bob and many more. My roomie at TechM too was moving along to HSBC. So, what better than HSBC?

I was scared to make my first switch!!!

Not long after joining HSBC did the world get hit by the global recession. I was scared to no bounds, as people were being fired left right and center. Luckily, we, at GLT were not that badly hit. To add that we were supposed to get through one helluva test called Competency Frame work! God, this was scarey. I got thru with 74% and with it my career at HSBC would take a new turn. It was the begining of something awesome.

At the begining, I found that the new environment was a bit different than my time at TechM. People, I often found werent that professional, would run outta office by the time clock ticked 6PM, office politics seemed to have been more important than the work at hand. But, as the time went by I found some real good guys, not that bad after all. It was then that I realized that perhaps my mentality of having come from a service industry to a captive unit was not right, I had to go by the flow. Today, I have some great friends at work, in Adi, Mr Nair, Vermaji, Khede saab, the Nizam, Barca boy and many more, list keeps growing. Today, I am really happy with my life.

At HSBC I have been more than happily been involved in extra curicular activities which had been missing for the past 3 years... be it night trekking to Singhad or one day outings or the cultural festivities etc.... Slowly but steadily my managers and my collegues realized the hard work I put into any of my work. I was given bigger and better assignments by the day. I even was supposed to travel onsite to realize a dream of my lifetime, only to be cancelled at the 11th hour due to costing (Irony was, the very evening I was told I wouldnt be travelling, did my passport arrive with a UK visa stamped all over it)...

Now, I have been involved into a flagship project which perhaps is by far the toughest assignment I have been involved in, definately since the days of Apple IPhone project at TechM. I have accepted this new challenge just the way I have done all my life.

I must say that I am for the first time in my life, loving my work, like never ever before. Hope this continues like a Cinderella story :).

Below, are a few glimpses of my life at HSBC.

Until next time...

Signing Off,

Komet

When Old Friends Came Knocking...

2009-08-24T22:57:00.008+05:30

Aah, not often do you see me throw my things and clothes here and there, I like things when they are where they belong. But, today was a very unusual day at the office. Had too much work at hand but was amazingly done by 6 PM, my head was aching like hell, I ran out of office as fast as I could. On the way out it was raining like hell. Pune, is having perhaps the biggest rain thus far this season, the roads were full of water... wow, reminded me of Mumbai... It was so overcast... So, on the way out texted my friends of the situation out side :). Here is a pic of rain soaked society in which I live....

Well, the weekend too was suprisingly spirited. Out of the blue a couple of my ITPian (fellow Freshers at TechM) friends came over to meet me. I had not expected to meet my buddies so suddenly. I immediately said yes guys come over. Actually, Mr Mike (as we fondly call him) had gotten a transfer to Bangalore and come over to meet all the friends in Pune. We chatted the afternoon away and then had a nice lunch then parted ways. It was such a nice sunday. Other was Mr Marghade (a jovial fellow).

Apart from this, Sunday evening, I also got a myself a new Samsung Star 3G (cell phone), full touch screen, which clearly was the main requirement for me. It was a real long time coming, often wanted to buy a cell for over an year now, but the cost and my self consciousness (not kidding) kept me at the bay. It did not take me long buying the cell, as I walked into the store, I clearly had the phone which I needed in my mind,in less than 15 mins I was out of Croma.

Apart from this, today, there were quite a few friends who had come back from the festive break, there were lots of sweets on offering, but sadly I would have none of it, thanks to the heavy work load that I had mentioned above. Specially, one friend had so dearly called me to desk and have some cashew modaks but couldnt make it, when I finally was free at 6 PM, the sweets were all but gone :( ... Damn... All my life I have been terrible at keeping promises... Hey friend, if you are reading this, I am really sorry... Next time pakka...

P.S: The pics on display in this post are the first ones to be taken from my new Samsung Star 3G.

Until Next time, Stay safe...

Signing off,

Komet

Tag Tag Tag - 1 To 10 Of My Life

2009-08-23T00:49:00.011+05:30

Aah, I had been tagged way long back, by Prashansa Puranik (http://prashansapuranik.blogspot.com)! August 10, to be precise but I did not know how to come up with 1-10!!! I am very lazy... Thanks Prashansa, this is a vague attempt, nowhere near to your amazing post :)

For depicting the numbers, I have used the jersey's of Real Madrid players... Fanatic

Is the number of brothers I have. My kid brother is 10 yrs old... yeah quite an age difference i.e 15 years. He is lively and very naughty, every bit like the me of past.

Is the number of companies that I have worked for. First it was Mahindra British Telecoms(Now TechMahindra) Mumbai. Thereafter, it has been HSBC, Pune.

Is the number of years I had spent at Mumbai, the best years of my life. I loved every moment of my it. The Spirit of Mumbai is unbelievable. Be 26th July, the train blasts or be it infamous 9/11, city stood tall, every time. I salute Mumbai, every bit of it and have always said that I am a proud Mumbaikar.

Number of people in my small but sweet family i.e Papa Kamath, Mama Kamath and chota Komet and yeah, me included.

Is the number of years I have been away from my family. First studies and now work... God it kills me. Also, 5 is actually the number of languages I speak! English, Kanada, Konkani, Tulu and Hindi. I am a vivid linguist. Also, I understand Marathi pretty well, since it is very close to konkani and also able to speak broken Marathi, a true novice, learning, will reach there soon.

Is the number of goals by which Barcelona thrashed my beloved Real Madrid in the last El Classico, which laid the foundation for the homecoming of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Benzema to Madrid. Real spent an whopping 250 million Euros on these players which is estimated to be greater than the GDP of a few minor countries aswell as the whole of Newcastle united was worth 100 million Euros!!!

Is the number of places we visited during our last vacation... Delhi (It was time capital city met up with the charishmatic Komet), Amritsar (Golden Temple, Jalian wala bagh and the famous Lassis and parathas),Wagah Border(Indo Pak Border),Roorkhee(my rommie's home town), Meerut(Roomie's marriage), Bangalore(to catch up with old friends) and Udupi(my home). All these places were covered in 7 days. Oh hell yeah.

Are the number of things without which I could possibly not be able to live a single day! 1) My Laptop, which keeps me connected with my friends and family. 2) My PSP, I love playing football on my hand-held. 3) My Ipod shuffle, I love music, any kind of it. 4) My Cell phone, same as point1. 5) My novels, I love suspense and thrillers, currently reading Venitian Betrayal. 6) Television, how would I be able to watch football? 7) Coke, Thumbs Up and Pepsi, these are kind of steriods that stimulate me :), kidding 8) My spectables, I would virtually be illiterate without it.

Is the number of places my dad has been transfered to since I have been born. Kolkutta(1983-85), Bangalore (1985-87), Udupi(1987-91), Bellary(1991-93), Dharwar(1993-1996), Karwar(1996-99), Kumta(1999-2001), Hubli(2001-03), Chikmaglur(2003-2006). Currently he is working at Udupi again (i.e 2006-N/A). Ghosh... I have studied in various schools at almost all these places apart from Kolkutta and Hubli... God...

8 and 10 were the hardest numbers! So this is the best I could attempt... 10 is the number of the jersey worn by my favoriate footballer, Wesely Sneijder... of Real Madrid... very lame attempt, I know. Also, I love my kid bro more than any one on this planet and he's turned 10 years old this august. So, I thought, I end this tag the way I began it.

Having done this activity, I will try and see how my roomie fares at this? He is kinda genius... Let me grill him a bit :)

Dude, here comes my tag - http://vermaankit.blogspot.com and the rest of my friends can try it out aswell, it isnt as easy as it might seem.

Until next time.

Signing off,

Komet.

Festive season begins with Lord Ganesha...

2009-08-21T23:34:00.003+05:30

Aah, another week has gone by. It was less tidious this week. Over the course of the week, I realised that I surely need a new cell phone. My existing phone, a Nokia 3230, India's first smart phone is now very well almost 4 years old and gives up every time I get a call or I type a message fast or even when damn alarm rings in the morning. I have been wanting so dearly to buy a touch screen phone, but don't want to over spend as I rarely use the much, I hate cell phones, but for the sake of my family and friends, I need one.

Well, I will get one tomorrow morning. Let us see what I end up buying!

Other than that, friends have been planning trips to back home to have fun with their near and dear ones on the occasion of Ganesh Chathurti. Some left earlier in the week, some today and some tomorrow. Well, I have been stuck in Pune.

It has been 4-5 or may be more years, since I had last been home for this festival! ghosh, ever since I left the shores of Karnataka for the greener pasteurs of Mumbai, I havent been able to make it home. Well, I never regretted though. Mumbai, would come alive during this festival, people would stand in queues for days just to get a moments darshan of the famous Lalbaugh cha Raja... Sukoi (Amazing in Japanese), it was some Statue! It must be the most celebrated and cherished festivals for an Mumbaikar. I am one such proud Mumbaikar.

Coming back to me, when young we would all go to our ancenstral home in Udupi, wherein a Ganesha Idol would be installed and the whole of our family would assemble. We, all the kids from across the various branches of our family would just play, have fun and merry, regardless of the pooja going on... That was all so long ago, now a days I am not sure any such thing happens! I have been so out of touch from my extended family! well, these are the flip sides of a professional life. Can't help.

As the Swine flu is still out there at large in Pune, I would be bound not to go out to temple or to famous pandals, sad. So, I will visit the idol being worshiped at our very society, and have as much fun as possible. It is only me and my roommate here in Pune. Even, the moron Adi(I know he will read) has gone home. Need a hair cut badly.

Celebrate the festival without any fear... Take care of urselves and dear ones. Until next time...

Signing off,

Komet

In Fond Memory of a Friend

2009-08-18T23:12:00.004+05:30

Aah, its been fairly long since I last wrote a blog! by my standards i.e. Well, the extra long weekend finally came to an end. Monday was as usual, very tough, lots of work and would only come back home at 9 PM.

Today was much better, I am a programmer by profession and must say the last time I wrote a fresh piece of code would atleast be an year and half ago... God, that is too long isn't it? Well I have more or less been assosiated with support work, the fire fighting kinda things. With the project implementation coming closer, things are now getting tighter and days in office are getting longer. I am already huffing and puffing :).

Well, my friend Mr Nair turned an year older than he was yesterday and seemed to be pretty happy, happy birthday mate. This reminds me of my birthday, it is one day in the year that I fear most. Invariably, something or the other goes wrong and leaves me sour!

As for the weekend, it was not all that great. It was sunday evening when I got a call from an old friend of mine, he broke the news that a very dear and close friend of ours, had expired due to some unfortunate circumstance. My friend Kiran Mallya (this is the first time I have revealed a name, perhaps it wouldn't be appropriate if I wouldn't), was a very nice, sweet and caring person, always cheerful. This was not something I expected to hear. May your soul rest in peace, dost. We will never forget you.

Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Memoirs of My Life - White Past, Academics!

2009-08-13T23:14:00.009+05:30

Aah, another week has passed by, well to me yes, not for every one else :). I have taken an off from the office tomorrow. I have been contemplating this for sometime now, taking a break from office, but thanks to my new project, thought was never put to paper! But now, I finally got it, if only for a day!

This was a week that passed by so quickly, with lots and lots of work at hand!

Well, with this topic, I introduce you to me, true me. In this topic I will mainly be covering my Educational background. So shall the story of Myty Komet being.

I was never a bright student, never. My dad is a Bank Employee, and we would get transferred once in every 2 to 3 years. So, not suprisingly I studied in 6 different institutions! Come to think of it! Ghosh

I started off at Udupi, at St Marry's Eng Med High School, from Lower KG to 2nd std. Then it was a rural term of 2 years for my dad, now we were in a village called Tekkalkote in Bellary District of Karnataka, did my 3rd and 4th std out there at S.E.S, had to trod 12 KM to get to the school by a State Transport, at times seated on the roof, those were the days! Thereafter came the awesome Dharwar, to the north of Karnataka, I sucked at study there. My school Basel Mission, was one of the best in Karnataka, I wasn't, can't help :). Did my 5th to 7th out there, I got 57% in 7th std.

Thereafter Komet's studies started roaring! Enter Karwar, the coastal paradise on the west of Karnataka and about 50 Kms from Goa (yes, I would oft venture into neighouring state). I did my 8th till 10th stds there, here it is said (by not many, mostly by my parents) that my studies and my handwritting (which was very very pathetic, to say the least) did improve. I would go on to score a decent 64%, 71% and 78% respectively. But I did improve drastically on a couple of things in Karwar, firstly, my Cricket, now every team wanted to play for them and my soccer, I started playing it, mostly as a Right winger.

Enter the teenage bit, I did my pre graduation at Kumta, a konkani speaking hub of North Canara. Well, was able to score another > 70% double in 11th and 12th. Well my CET score sucked! I could best achieve a mere rank of 12235! God, I always knew I would never get a Electronics seat, now with this rank even Computers and Mech were gone aswell, anyways I was worse at programming!

I told my dad I would do an Electrical for gradution degree. I still rembr my dad saying, beta, would you be able to get through a single year of it? You need to study all the time, if you are gonna pass Electrical! But I was admant that I need a free seat, and this was the best I could achieve. Well, I got enrolled at A.I.T, in Chikmaglur, which could easily pass for a Hill Station!

And, I did pretty good with my grades, after all I was perhaps amongst those handful of people who would clear engg without failing in a singel subject over 8 sems and more than that I would get 4 distinctions in 8 semester and go down as a legend in my branch (atleast according to myself). My friends, even to this date would agree that they would invariably spot Komet at some Tapri or on college ground and rarely study. How I got the grades are still a mystery, even to me. Also, I would go on to play some of the best cricket of my life out here.

When in 6th sem, M.B.T now TechM, would gamble on this rookie and take him onboard. Thus I was now an software engineer, who could hardly ever write a decent piece of code without mugging it, and it holds good even today! What happend after this, would follow soon.

P.S: In these distressed times of Swine Flu, I thought writting something totally away from it, might cheer my family and friends. Hope you liked it, it is too long, I know, as I said can't help, this is Komet, everything is detailed! No Shortcuts!

Until Next time, Signing off...

Your's Truely,

Komet

Life Aaj Kal...

2009-08-11T22:07:00.006+05:30

Aah, I do not have much to write today, only reason seems to be that I did desperately want to post the photograph at the bottom of this post :).

Fear of Swine flu is gripping Pune a bit more than it was a few moments ago! People are running to get masks, so much so that the masks are being now sold in black at astronomical prices. But are they worth it? I do not believe so, not atleast until the guy next to me sneezes!

Forget all this. Apart from this, it was a very busy day at office, hardly did I get a moment to take a break. But I'd prefer a busy day to a dull day with no work to do. It had been a very eventful day for most of my friends. My chat friend, lady from a floor above at office, today had completed her 1st year of professional career, wished her best of luck for the future. Man, I felt so good, bringing my old memories back, we ITPians ganged together and got away to Lonavla. Then, there is an ol' friend from Techm, who completed his 3 years of same. Ghosh, nostalgia!

My bro turns 10 year old tomorrow. Kid, has grown up, hasn't he. When I see him, I feel he is a better version of mine, far more intelligent than I ever was, far more cuter than I was back then, ofcourse I am hell a lot better than I was 10 years ago :).

Oh, I havent mentioned this before, I love music, you will oft see me these days clutching my Ipod Shuffle and listen to the songs of Love Aaj Kal or 21 Guns(green day), play it all so loud that I can't even hear a lorry buzzing its horn at the loudest. Soon, I am gonna be having an IPod Touch 8/16 GB, depends on its price in the market. Heard that it is pretty cheap at Heera Panna, in Mumbai. Well, let us see how it goes :).

And, now finally, the pic, I had to write all this nonsense just to post this pic, below.

Off to dine. See ya folks, until next time, Signing off.

P.S: I found Mountain dew comment pretty apt w.r.t Swine flu, "Dar ke aage jeeth hai", don't panic, stay safe and do take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Yours Truely,

Komet

Hate this weekend!

2009-08-09T14:44:00.000+05:30

Aah, this was a weekend, when I would catch up with my ITPianfriends of TechM at Lonavla, on a weekend's getaway. Damn, that did not happen, thanks to the recent outbreak of Swine flu! Last I heard of it was that India is planning on implementing Mexican Model to prevent it. Which would mean that shopping malls Cinemas and public places will be closed down for specific (As they say) amount of time. Ghosh! The very thought of it scares me.

So what did I do this weekend? Pretty much nothing. I have been stuck at home on my couch, downloading Prison Break season 2 and now Card Captors Sakura (Anime). I have been at home watched a plethora of movies Harry Potter and The Goblet of fire, not once but twice on HBO, Naruto - The Ninja clash is the Land of Snow (on DVD) and then Ice Age 3 - The dawn of the Dinasours (on net) and then there was a game of soccer between Lazio and Inter, Lazio sprung a suprise by beating the reigning Italian Scudetto winners.

My roomie prepared yummy things to munch my while away, a very talented guy I must say. Does not say a word while cooking as I am of total zero help to him :). But yes, I did a bit to inspire and motivate him to start blogging and is as good a write as he is in rest of the things he does.

I just cannot wait for this weekend to finish off, I want to go to office and catch up with my friends and collegues out there. It kills me, being alone and doing nothing. Not that I am all that energetic, I am such a talkitive idiot, I need people to blabber to all the time.

What else? I chatted a while last night to a college friend of mine, we chatted on the topics as varying as from technology, sports, life, family etc. It had been such a long time. Ghosh, people have moved on, some one is in Europe, some are in US, Canada, Bangalore, Pune etc. Thanks to internet and all sorts of messengers that we are still able to stay in touch with one another!

Also, a very talented footballer by the name of Daniel Jarque (skipper of Espanyol, age -26) was found dead in his hotel room, late last night, it is said to have been a cardiac arrest. May his soul rest in peace. It was really sad. Elsewhere, Arsenal were beaten by Valencia and later tonight Real Madrid will be playing DC United in a preseason friendly.

In memory of Daniel. Signing off...

P.S. : My Bro told me, he came across this line somewhere, "Roses are red, Violets are Blue, I have swine flu and now so do you", found it funny. But on a serious note, do take very good care of yourselves and your loved ones. Stay safe.

Yours Truely,

Komet

Rise of the Galacticos...

2009-08-08T15:59:00.001+05:30

Aah, as I write this blog, scoreboard reads Real Madrid 12-2 Racing Santander, it is year 2017. Well it the scoreline on my PSP, playing FIFA2009. I have ensembeled a Galactico team comprising of Alexander Pato(rating 96/100), Bojan Kirkic(96),Jesus Navas(97),Ben Arfa(91),Rafael(97),VDV(91), Gareth Bale(91) and Sergio Ramos(91), finally not to forget Casillas(90). A successful team is only as good as its younger members so Madrid in year 2017 has a 17 year old super forward Guillermo Diaz(84), A. Maric (89), a sensational goalie called Baigorria (77) and a few others. Also, Higuain is about to retire this season.

Well now in reality, Real Madrid have assembled a squad not far off from the dream team that my PSP has Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Benzema, Albiol, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa and add to that the already there superstars Casillas (our saviour in quite a few games over a decade now), Raul (ageless wonder), mercurial Guti (on his day the best playmaker in the world), but these days he is more of a nuance to the team and ofcourse Wesely Sneijder and Lass, Sergio Ramos, Robben. The veterans M. Diarra, VNR still good for us. But then our youth is what tantalizes me, Marcelo, Drenthe,Gago, Higuain and the Granero. The last of whom has already been touted by experts all over the world as the next Raul, a better one, his verstailty is unexplainable. He could play as a winger (rembr that game when Getafe beat us last season? He ran the show by himself cutting in from Right, making Heinze look a fool), he could pass on as a Central Midfielder and an Attacking midfielder as well. But there have been times when he has played a forward for Getafe. Atleast that bit wont happen at Real, we already have a fist full of best forwards in the world. If treated properly this kid could be next Xavi, Kaka or even Ronaldo!!!

Offlate there have been comparisons of Real Madrid superstars and that at Barcelona. Well let us see man to man; Xavi = Kaka, Ronaldo = Messi, Benzema is as good as Zlatan (i never liked the Swede), Ramos = Daniel Alves and the list goes on. On paper teams look so even. Perhaps the only difference is Iniesta, to me the most important cog in Barcelona's cart. But then they still lack in the middle of defense, exactly the position this season that Real have 3 of the very best in business i.e a reborn Metzelder, a mercurial Pepe, to me he has it what it takes to be the very best defender in the world and then the new accusition, Albiol, the best of them all and also not to forget Garay.

Last season what Barca played football cannot be explained, they were on a whole a lot of different level. Their starting XI would still be better than that of Real for they have played together for over an year now. But at Real, the stars have just come together, of course we will only get better. But, the difference to me is beyond the first XI. Last season Barca struggled to even the lowly sides when Messi and Iniesta would not play. There is not much on Barca's bench that would strike fear, it is a case even now. Their defense would come cropper in the absence of Puyol. Pinto never looks convincing in the absence of Valdes. Now look at what Real have on bench Dudek(a Champions League winner, one who won the penalties), Robben (One foot wonder can kill opponents by cutting in from Right, good sub), Sneijder(one of the best playmakers, great vision, the Dutch Captain), then there is Granero, Higuain, Gago and Marcelo, Drenthe. God! I do not know how long there will be harmony in the dressing room, if we do not rotate the squad, but one has to agree that Real Madrid have the best squad in the world, something that has been lacking over the past few years.

There is an air of wanting to win and win big, this season. It is said that the defeat of Real at the hands of Barca at Bernebeu by 6-2 was were seeds of the monsterous reformation laid. If so, then it was good we lost, the pride and the parity are now being restored.

Last night we saw the first glimpses of the Neu Galacticos. Passing was on a whole new level, every goal brought the whole team together, if only against a lowly side, so what? These may be the signs of things to come.

This season, El Classico will raise to a whole new level i.e If Barca can stand the onslaught (I am being a Madirista, I know). The mother of all derbies. World is now divided, one the Madristas and the rest anti Madristas, lets be frank, every one who is talking foul of Real Madrista is only envious of what Real has done and most of the other teams cannot do, not that we have wasted such huge money. Well, it is evident that it is a huge risk taken by Flo, but one worth taking. We are determined this summer, to win a record 10th Champions league, grande finale of which will be held at the very sacred Santiago Bernebeu. Lets all get together and support our side like never before... Halla Madrid.

P.S, I read this quote somewhere, I found it very funny and apt - " Senor Perez has put together the greatest monster world has seen, since Frankenstein"

Until Next time, Halla Madrid {I am out to play Manchester United on my PSP in the Champions League finale and hoping to win what would be Real Madrid's 17th Champions League Crown :)}

Signing Off,

Komet

Time Flies - Reflections of a wandering Mind

2009-08-07T23:31:00.000+05:30

Aah, time flies like anything these day!!! I did not get a clue when did this week start and how its flown by (well, when I say week, generally it is monday-friday, ofcourse). I only remember getting into the office each day and having left the office for home. I am unable to recollect a single moment in between these two! damn, what a week it was, hell load of work and a deadline to meet, which was today. Ghosh, I stayed late Monday till Thursday to ensure that friday, I could get out of office by 6 PM. So it was, I got outta office at 6:15 PM.

On my way back from office, I have a habbit of plugging my IPOD on to my ears, listening to the music, I surrender myself to my "random thoughts". Today, on my way back, I saw a vacant school compound, usually it is full of kids playing soccer or practising basketball. On the first glance, I could not recollect as to why it was so, but then I rembrd the "Swine Flu" fear that has been flying high across Pune.

God, media these days, specially in India are going to trash. Every morning, as an habbit of mine, I watch daily news as I get ready for the day's work, the past few days, it seems every news station is playing the same thing "Swine Flu" pandemonic. Feel, they have been blowing it out of proportions... any ways its not a bad thing to be attentive. It is oft said, prevention is better than cure.

As I walked quietly back to my abode, I saw the pani puri tela on the corner of the road, a dabeli shop, a samosa place etc, decided not to be tempted by these things until the deadly H1N1 has its shop open. oh god, love these road side chats... But then, I dont wanna end up on the same TV news stations telecasts (as a victim of H1N1!), that I hate so much.

Off topic, this is the night when Real Madrid finally bring to field their full strength side, the trident as it has been termed, the combination of Cristiano Ronaldo-Benzema-Kaka coming together for the very first time, worth staying up late and watching? I guess so.

Until Next time, Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

The Week's Flown By... Geared up for Weekend...

2009-08-06T21:53:00.000+05:30

Aah, another week has almost flown by. Its been a week with lots and lots of work. Would you believe, I have hardly had a chance to browse goal.com! that rarely happens. Well it is good to have a lot to do, I just can't sit idle, not at office atleast.

My friend has returned from home. So caught up a with her, listened to her explain how it was and fun she had all the while. Ghosh, when am I gonna be getting a break?

Else where, my sis pinged me, requested me to be alert and stay away from Swine Flu. It seems Pune has been the worst hit Indian city.

I have been eagerly waiting for this weekend, as I get to catch up with my ITPian friends(my fellow collegues, from the days we joined MBT as freshers). We also have an elaborate plan of having a weekend fun trip, at Lonavla, celebrating 4 years of our professional life.

Next week, my kid bro will turn 10 years old. I have been planning the gift am gona be giving him this year. God, it seem that only a while back he was a baby, now grown into a inteligent 10 year old. I just love my bro.

Until next time... Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Hero To Zero on the same Day - Komet's Memoirs

2009-08-04T22:44:00.000+05:30

Aah, not much to write today, it was a simple day with lots of work and fun with collegues. Had a quite dinner at a hotel near my house, overlooking the street. The aura of Pune is amazing... Well now that I do not have much to write, here we go, a peep into my past. First of many recollections to come.

This was one fine summer's noon. I was in my second year of graduation. When my friend "KID" called me for a game of cricket. He and a few other friends of his had challenged a local team for a game of cricket and they had fallen short by a player! Enter Komet, Kid had seen me play cricket in the college and knew I could play atleast a couple of balls, I would pass as a "OK" fielder too.

So was it, we won the toss and decided to bat first, not to do so was considered a disgrace back in those days, and I believe much hasnt changed since. Our skipper did not have much faith in this new member. My team in a game of 10 overs a side(tennis ball cricket, ofcourse), was reduced to 15/5. I cursing my team in my head went out to bat. I never had imagined what I was about to do!(this line will again repeat shortly, in a different circumstance). I smashed 7 sixes, phew, and smashed my college's record for fastest fifty, it was 12 balls I was told latter by KID. Stunning array of attacking shots, I had never even imagined (most of it was possible because the bowler bowled way too short and too slow, I would reach the next station on a Mumbai Local, by the time ball would reach me). We would end up at 85/5 in 10 overs.

Skipper was all jolly and happy. We started bowling, the guy who opened the bowling got smashed for 20 runs in the very first over! I cursed my team again and pulled the ball into my own hands and decided I was gonna be doing it by myself. I never had imagined what I was about to do! (I promised, this line will be back). I was quite quick those days, First ball was right in the block hole, no run. Damn, I was on form. Next 5 balls, would make me retire from bowling forever and for always! Those 5 balls went flying in 5 different directions, all over the ropes, and had conceeded 30 runs! ghosh. Game set and Match.

I was a lot better than the bowler who followed me, he bowled a 7 ball over, and he was smashed for 6 sixes off them :). We lost in 3 overs!!! and by 10 wickets :).

This was the single most reason, for over the next 3 years, I would go on to become one of the best wicketkeepers of my college :).

Signing off...

Yours Truely,

Komet

Monday Morning Blues

2009-08-03T23:05:00.000+05:30

Aah, I just hate Monday mornings. After a fantastic weekend, it was time for a new week. When I reached office, it was unusual, I did not see my inbox flooding with work. Started the day helping my friends with HLS batches (its nothing but loans, HSBC terminology). I kinda specialize in it, that is what they think.

It was not long before by official Messenger started blinking vociferously, it was the lady from a floor above me. We had missed not 1 but 3 batches. I knew, I was in for a long day, a very long day... damn... Jai Monday.

By 11 AM, I had my day's task to run 3 batches simultaneously, damn, it takes such patience and concentration, exactly the 2 things that I lack :). I tried my best to weather the storm. Along came so many issues, and more work.

Ghosh, finally I called it a day and headed home at around 9:30 PM!!! Atleast I got to go home!!! This was a historical day, cause, my roomie had managed to get home ahead of me!, that never happens. NEVER.

He had cooked a wonderful, sumptous dinner for us. I enjoyed it, as always.

I even caught up with my friend (on GTalk), in Canada, whom I had dedicated my previous blog to.

Not a bad day after all, like always looking forward to tomorrow, one that would be better than today, no space for negetivity in my life. Days just gallops by!!! Ghosh, soon I will be a year older than I am! I hate Birthdays :(

Until Next Time, Signing off.

P.S - Pic was taken on a fine Friday, u can read it off the spark on my face.

Yours Truely,

Komet

Friendships Day - People whom you value all life long

2009-08-02T11:37:00.000+05:30

Aah, Its friendships day today. This day always pegs me back into past, the glorious days of college. When there were no tensions and pressures as such of this cut throat professional life, yes there were pains and tensions of diff kinds back then, those I would say were far harder to get over than those of this professional life, I am refering to the attendance, getting up early in the morning, appearing in all those internal, external xaminations, those Viva's and how the examiner would always ask you that one question u had thought would not be asked or deemed worthless and whole of your world would come tumbling down.

This day, I will try to put on paper (literally), my friendship with Motu and Kid (names changed).

Kid, a konkani guy, down to earth, who would instantly fall in love with every gal he came across :), lol (I was no better either). One of my 2 best buddies in college. We would sit together, bunk together, tease people all the while. Kid, was one of the brightest guys in the class, single reason why I passed thru all those deadly practicals and ofcourse the machine drawing, my god.... what a hell it was. Kid was a guy who would never let his friends down, always there.

Kid, now a successful techie who is well settled in Canada... Miss you mate... Miss those Jayanna Canteen days :), cursing Suresh, our common enemy...

Motu, a lovable rascal, as I always called him, the other best buddy at college and even today. He too was a genius at study, but a diff kinda man from Kid. If Kid was a master at perfection this guy was master at screwing up. You cant imagine, almost after every Practical exam this guy would come running to me and say "Dude I am gonna fail", I would camly say, "do not worry mate, you will get thru in flying colours". And the result would be that, bugger would invariably score more than me :). Invariably, this became a ritual to him, even when he wouldnt screw the exam, he would come crying :)...

I rembr, when I had to clear HR round, to get recruited into M.B.T (now TechM). I called Motu to seek his advise, for the first time it was other way (as he would latter say). He gave me the most sensational gyan of all time "Treat HR as your Girl Friend"... Thanks Mate...

Together, we three rocked... The master stroke was the project at Power Grid at Hyderbad... we were supposed to have a month long hard work and get a project done. What we did was completely opposite to that :). Ofcourse, our scoring chart went spiralling down :)...

Today, I am in Pune, Kid is in Canada and Motu in Bangalore, i.e world's apart... We will someday, come together over a bottle of Daaru and recherish those good old days.

Guys, True Friendship is very hard to attain, but easy to loose. So try to nourish it as much as possible, for you won't find true friendship day in, day out in life. So cherish it....

Once again Happy Friendships Day...

P.S: I do not have Kid's recent pic to Upload.

Signing off,

Yours Truely,

Komet

The Week That it Was to Be But Wasn't

2009-08-01T11:59:00.000+05:30

Aah, Offlate my life has been very much rocking, it was as if nothing I do would go wrong, was being so happy and loving life like never before. I made quite a bit of new friends, at office and out of it aswell. My friends from all walks of life were coming to Pune and settling down here. Even my sister is getting married and settling down in Pune (her fiance works in Pune, with TechM!!!).

I was loving this simple beautiful and lovely life of mine, but how was I to know that all would come down tumbling in a matter of weeks time!

I was supposedly travelling to UK, for a 2 month long assignment. My dream of going saath samundar par was finally gonna be realised. I was relishing it. But I was told that due to some descrepencies, I would not be travelling, that the plan was suspended. Suspended in IT Firms mean "CANCEL". I was sad but then, u cant help it, isnt it. Irony though was, that very evening, my Passport arrived from VISA consulate having the UK VISA stamped all over it. It was like a hot knife thru the butter. Damn, I said to myself.

Then, I decided to take an off from the office this past friday. I would go to Mumbai, meet up with my old friends, collegues, my family etc and was gonna go to Heera Panna and get myself a trendy, sleek Nokia 5800. Thursday, I packed all my bags and carried it over to the office, with the intention of leaving for Mumbai right away from the office. Damn, curse stuck all over again, I was asked to cancel my sanctioned leave to handle the additional task that had just come in. As always, I gave in.

We then planned that we would do a quick weekends getaway to either Mahabaleshwar or Goa, but for some reason that too did not materialize.

But come saturday, things would strat falling back in place. The day started with the Table Tennis tourney being held in our office. I reached there at about 1 PM, my friends, sadly were already eliminated by then. I found Mr Nair out there, he helped me with the TT gyan, which I seriously lacked, it was such an captivating event. Thereafter, I along with my rommie went out to have some authentic Thai food in the posh Koregaon Park area, to a place called "Herbs and Spices". The food was so delicious, ghosh we had a sumptous dinner and walked over to our home.

Today was a brand new day, woke up late as usual. Watched a couple of movies on DVD, before I went out to watch the brand new movie Love Aaj Kal, which could be rated as an OK movie. Thereafter, we went to have our dinner at the much talked about restaurant called "Bagbhan". Have lots of chicken out there, food was one of the best nonveg I ever have had. Loved it.

Before I finish, all I would like to say is, Bad Times are only temporary. One should not get bogged down by these, You must always be ready to take up the challenge, fight, in your face kinda attitude. If you give up without even trying, you would end up cheating yourself.

Until next time, Signing off.

Yours Truely,

Komet

Culinary Skills De Komet - Bisi Bele Bath

2009-08-01T11:46:00.000+05:30

Aah, if I have ever, all my life loved one dish that would be BisiBele Bath (Hot Dal Rice Dish??? I think this is a very rough translation)... thanks to one of my oldest and closest friend who runs the blog called http://www.pakashale.blogspot.com/ (do visit, if you want all those awesome Indian receipes)

BISIBELE BATH AUTHENTIC STYLE

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup rice, washed and drained
2 cups toor dal
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1 tbsp. oil
1 1/2 cups chopped, mixed vegetables
(beans, carrots, bell pepper, ridge gourd, turnip, peas)
1 onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp. tamarind juice
1 small piece jaggery
6-8 curry leaves
2 tbsp. ghee or butter
1 tbsp. chopped coriander leaves.
Salt to taste

FOR MASALA:
1 tsp. ghee
1 tbsp. Bengal gram
1 tbsp. black gram
1 tbsp. coriander seeds
1 tbsp. poppy seeds (gasagase)
1/2 cup grated copra (dry coconut, kobbari)
8-10 dried red chilies
3 cloves
1 cardamom pod
1 small piece nutmeg(optional)
1 cinnamon stick, broken

( If you cannot do this masala, just get MTR bisibelebath powder and skip this step)

FOR SEASONING:
1 tsp. oil
1 tsp. mustard seeds

METHOD:

For Masala:
Heat ghee in a pan, add all the masala ingredients (except dry coconut) and roast until lightly browned.
Remove from the heat and mix with dry coconut. Then grind to a smooth paste with water. Set aside.
Wash dal and put it in a heavy based sauce pan with water, 1 tbsp. oil and turmeric and cook.
After the daal is cooked add onions, vegetables and allow it to cook. After the vegetables are half cooked add rice.
Keep on stirring, add water if required. After the rice is almost cooked add the ground paste, tomato, tamarind juice, salt, jaggery, curry leaves. Let all the ingredients mix well while you keep stirring.
Add ghee and simmer until the mixture blends. Remove from the heat.
Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, and allow spluttering. Pour it over the rice mixture and mix well.
Garnish with coriander leaves.
Serve hot with Raita.

Signing Off, Thanking KK

Yours Truely,

Komet...

Old Lady of Turin vs Neu Galacticos of Madrid

2009-07-29T22:01:00.000+05:30

This morning, I was unusually nervous and worried, that is very unlike me... had a sleepless night too... well, it wasnt work or assesment that I was worried about, it was my team Real Madrid's game against LDU Quito, late last night.

In the past few days, there has been a heavy spotlight on World's most successful side, Real Madrid. We have spent around $ 200m, in players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Albiol, Kaka and now Arbeloa. We are supposed to win each and every opponent, not sparing a thought that these guys have come together as a team only a week back. To add to that, we managed only a draw against a lowly Al-Ittihad and Quito was leading the table. To reach the semis of Peace Cup, we would have to beat Quito, a very good side.

Real as I read this morning, were able to do very less in the first half and the score remained at 0-0. At this point, coach made a decsion to substitute Robben with Esteban Granero, a Real Madrid youth team product. This was the catalyst, he lent a great balance to the side full of blockbuster stars. Cristiano finally did his 90mE tag some justification, as he dribbled past 2 defenders and was brought down in the box, and he stepped up to take the penalty and ofcourse no way was he gonna mess it... This now was his first goal for Real, a weight now off his shoulders and was visible clearly by the delight he displayed.

After this, there was no comebacks, Granero, Metz and Negredo all scored a goal each. But we did concede two goals from set pieces. Bad, very bad. Coach latter did agree that we need to better our set piece defending. Real in second half did play the sexy football that is expected of them, and this without Kaka, Ramos and Albiol. Things could only get better on from here.

Well, well well, what was the reward for this dramatic 4-2 victory? Yes, a date with an old nemesis, a deadly and great adversery, the Juventus of Old Lady Turin... It will be a battle royale this friday, when the best offense in the world go head to head with the best defense.

"Halla Madrid"

Elsewhere, Owen continued his goal spree, scoring a brace for Man Utd against an unknown side from Asia. I desire to see him in South Africa next summer playing the World Cup. Also, Inter thrashed my other favs AC Milan in a derby. Also, Ibrahamovic finally inducted into the Barca Master Class for a whopping 45m Ruros + Eto going other way to Inter Milan + Hleb for a year's Loan!!! sensational signing... Can't wait for Next El Classico :)

Finally, one of the my all time favoriates, Fernando Morientes joined French Giants, Marseille. Best of luck, former Galactico, a true one thou.

I would eagerly be waiting for the game against Juve, but then I would be in Mumbai...

Until then....

Signing off

Yours Truely,

Komet

Mumbai Calling - Much Anticipated return to my former Abode

2009-07-28T23:19:00.000+05:30

Aah, yet another week has begun...

As always I reach office by 8:30 (even thou office hours start at 9:30 AM) and start working by 8:45. This monday I reached office, logged into my internal messenger and looked for a sweet friend to greet the begining of a new week, only to rembr that she had told me sometime last week that she'd be on a weeks leave, this week i.e... damn, it has been a customary routine for me to chat a while every morning with my ST(int messenger) friend on all sort of things that happen in each our life and then proceed to work my day away.

Work at office is not all that bad after all, in a short while at this company I have made some great friends like the ones in Batch team, each one a fabulous persona in his own way, specially SS and VK. These guys come to office at 6:30 Am and leave not before 7 PM, what energy. Not long ago, was I a part of this fabulous team :), and more than anything u get shift allowances too for turning up so early :)...

Then there are a couple of guys who are football fanatics as I am, Mr Nair and Barca Boy... Mr Nair comes across a very nice guy, whom I have known for only 2 months I guess. He is a person who I feel has knowledge of anything and everything be it work, trading, sports, travel etc... awesome and all the while keeps saying "Aisaaaaaaa Kya" or "Chal Re" ... Barca Boy comes across as a very polite and talented people, who is always ready to help his friends out... cool... These are only a few of the many friends I have here... As I said, work is not all that bad...

Then there are my best buddies. One of whom AK47 has been with me for past 4 years I guess. We worked together back at TechM while it still was called M.B.T and now here at HSBC and offcourse Adi "The Badie"... I still curse him for not letting me have any of the infamous Golguppas of Delhi...

However, this has been a week that I have been waiting for long, for this week I will finally get to return to Mumbai, if only for a weekend... This had been long overdue, promised my people that I will be there every now and then, but some thing or the other would keep me from revisting India's Heart. I simply love the life of Mumbai, I have always felt that I had spent the best years of my life at Mumbai. The spirit of Mumbai simply is awesome. I will get to meet my old buddies, my family, my extended family, my ex Collegues and ofcourse the Nimbu Chicken at my fav restaur "URBAN TADKA". All in all I just cant wait this week to pass by... and feel some of Mumbai's Rain...

P.S: I was also told this morning that I had become and uncle. My cousin was blessed with a baby boy :)... Congrates Bro & Bhabi

Signing off...

Yours Truely

Komet

The Novice

2009-07-26T13:28:00.000+05:30

"Every Legend has a Begining... This be Mine"

Aah, have been asked by many of my friends to start blogging, but am too lazy for that and did not know where or how to start... But now, one of my friend Mr Nair has inspired me big time to start one...

This post is about a Tree Plantation Drive to Valathi, 30 kms from Pune. We the HSBCians had decided to take up this activity as a part of our CSR drive... We were to start at about 8:30 AM in the morning.

It was damn troublesome to get up so early on a cold, cloudy rainy day in Pune. I damned myseld for having signed up for this (ofcourse I never knew what was to come this day). It was me, SS and Barca Boy(names deliberately not revealed) from our usual gang of boys who were available for this trip, rest of them had been to Hyderbad for a tour, enjoying SnowWorld I suppose :) . I and Barca boy had walked up to our office, about 15 mins from our resp homes, talking about Real Madrid, Barcelona etc, whom they should sign for the next season, what their stratergy for the next game, as if we were the head coaches of two of the greatest clubs on the planet!!!

Once at office we met SS, so we started the day with 97 other people. It was around 10:00 AM when we reached Valthi, we halted at a local govt school. We were welcomed by about 300-400 children (of that school) and by their teachers... These kids were latter asked to sit on the mud ladden school ground (brought back the memories of the bygone era!!!) and we were offered tea, biscuit and some light breakfast, all the while children continued staring at us as thou we had descended from Mars!!! Every one of us was dressed up as thou we were out on a party and not to plant the plants... A few babes amongst us would latter be found digging the ground wearing a Addidas cap and a fine range of imported shades...

We thus started plantation drive. we were required to plant about 450 sapplings, we had broken the our 100 people Regiment into 4-5 teams, one to carry soil to ground zero, one would get the wormipost (worm compost/manure), a few would carry the Thymide, and rest to carry those sapplings and plant them. We had such fun digging the ground, planting the plant, watering them.

No doubt we finished it all in less than an hour and half! Wish there were a few more... All the while we had some very young school kids under our charge to help us or was it the other way round!!! They seemed as enthusiastic as we were. We clicked pics with these kids, they were so cheered up :)

Thereafter, we were treated to some of the finest authentic spicey Maharastrian food, I could but not stop myself from licking my fingers off...

Like all good things, this too had to come to an end. We started at around 1400 hrs and reached back pune by 1530 hrs. Latter in the day I reflected at what I had been thru the day and could not but stop grinning that I had not only done something good to the environment but also made a few new friends and some of them were very young kids of that school, one of them was Yogesh

Yours Truely,

Komet