The Toxic Waltz - by Exodus
Here's a new dance craze
That's sweeping the nation
It's called the Toxic Waltz
And it's causing devastation
You're jumping up and down
Like a psycho circus clown
Slamming with waltzers
All the way around
You get caught up in the whip
Thrown into a flip
You aim for someone's head
To stain the floor red
Give someone a kick
To prove you're truly sick
Bounce back from some blows
And blood runs out your nose
Flailing round and round
And you're injury bound
Waltz it up!
The pit is it!
You can take your chance
On this rough new dance
If you dare!
To dive in!
There are some that try
But they don't survive
They don't hit!
'cause they're wimps!
And this exercise
helps you brutalize
With us!
Exodus!
(chorus)
Everybody's doing the toxic waltz
Kick your friend in the
head and have a ball
Come on and do the toxic waltz
And slam your partner
against the wall
Everybody's doing the toxic waltz
Good friendly violent fun
in store for all
Get up off your ass
and toxic waltz
If you hit the floor
You can always crawl!
Used to do the monkey
but now it's not cool
The twist and mashed potato
are no exception to the rule
So don't be a dunce
and dance like a runt
Just throw your elbows
with good friendly violent fun
don't start to cry
if you get a black eye
just dive back in
and give another try
but too much action
may leave you in traction
so you better get insurance
no matter your endurance
flailing round and round
and you're injury bound
Waltz it up!
The pit is it!
You can take your chance
on the rough new dance
If you dare!
to dive in!
There are some that try
but they wont survive
They dont hit!
'cause they're wimps!
And this exercise
Helps you brutalize
With us!
Exodus!
(chorus)
Everybody's doing the Toxic Waltz
Kick your friend in the
head and have a ball
Come on and do the toxic waltz
and slam your partner
against the wall
everybody's doing the toxic waltz
good friendly violent fun
in store for all
get up off your ass
and toxic waltz
if you hit the floor you
can always crawl!
Get up on your feet
Don't look so obsolete
And thrash like an athlete!
Don't sit there on your ass
Don't look like you
got too much class
you'll be harassed!
You know we guarantee
This is the key
So rage or get the third degree!
You begin frontal assaults
and start your somersaults
And do the toxic waltz!
Do the toxic waltz!
Do the toxic waltz!
Do the toxic waltz!
Do the toxic waltz!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Nineteen-nineteen to the dozen
Once upon a time, Ashok Leyland gifted CET with a beauty.. a highly fashionable, state-of-the-art, roaring bus, (which will be the subject of this post).. the "KRV 1919"!! Hear one, hear all! This bus runs through the winding lanes of Trivandrum everyday, transporting a hundred ( that's right..a hundred, mind u! choke! suffocate! die!) engineering aspirants to their alma-mater..
There are rumours that it has even been given special mention in the "History of the Kingdom of erstwhile Travancore"!!! Initially i was made to believe that the registration number of the bus had something to do with its year of manufacture!
so, this bus is like this huge rectangular box, carelessly balanced on six wheels.. When the bus starts, it'll appear as though the wheels and the body have a difference of opinion and threaten to part ways!!.. but i assure u, it gets worse when it gets moving..
It seems that 'Ground Clearance' was given a lot of importance in those days..when u see the 1919 coming from a distance, it reminds u of the latest edition of Fashion-Week Paris.. the tyres are very showy, and if u pay attention, the wobbling from side to side and the mini-skirtish look of the body r enough to give u the memory of the best cat-walk ever!! The seats are rock solid, with metallic frames designed to suit the tastes of an engineering student.. when the bus passes over a little pot-hole, u can feel ur ribs rattle, reminding u that u r still alive..worse, when its time to screech to a halt and the brakes are applied(?), u feel as if forty-three amateur violinists were rehearsing poor Beethoven's Last symphony right beside u!!
Oh, and that's not all..there is the return trip home, which starts with half a dozen hefty boys pushing the bum of the old beauty whilst the driver tries, cries and practically dies to get the engine kicking into a roar...and what a blessing it is to be chosen as one among those half a dozen of boys!! i envy them..i envy them all!! grrr..
Also, the 1919 has a distinct style of acceleration..its show of power..well, in the process, an unfathomably huge cloud of black smoke drifts out of the exhaust..that for the vehicles behind the bus, it'll look as though the power cut had come 3 hours early..and all calls to mobile phones within the region would be thwarted with an 'out-of-coverage' response!!
All in all, it's worth a bumpy ride!! I do make it a point not to miss the bus the moment i know its gonna be KRV 1919..the unpredictability, the team spirit, the emotion..priceless!!
Ashok Leyland, we owe u a lifetime full of rib-rattling pleasure!!
There are rumours that it has even been given special mention in the "History of the Kingdom of erstwhile Travancore"!!! Initially i was made to believe that the registration number of the bus had something to do with its year of manufacture!
so, this bus is like this huge rectangular box, carelessly balanced on six wheels.. When the bus starts, it'll appear as though the wheels and the body have a difference of opinion and threaten to part ways!!.. but i assure u, it gets worse when it gets moving..
It seems that 'Ground Clearance' was given a lot of importance in those days..when u see the 1919 coming from a distance, it reminds u of the latest edition of Fashion-Week Paris.. the tyres are very showy, and if u pay attention, the wobbling from side to side and the mini-skirtish look of the body r enough to give u the memory of the best cat-walk ever!! The seats are rock solid, with metallic frames designed to suit the tastes of an engineering student.. when the bus passes over a little pot-hole, u can feel ur ribs rattle, reminding u that u r still alive..worse, when its time to screech to a halt and the brakes are applied(?), u feel as if forty-three amateur violinists were rehearsing poor Beethoven's Last symphony right beside u!!
Oh, and that's not all..there is the return trip home, which starts with half a dozen hefty boys pushing the bum of the old beauty whilst the driver tries, cries and practically dies to get the engine kicking into a roar...and what a blessing it is to be chosen as one among those half a dozen of boys!! i envy them..i envy them all!! grrr..
Also, the 1919 has a distinct style of acceleration..its show of power..well, in the process, an unfathomably huge cloud of black smoke drifts out of the exhaust..that for the vehicles behind the bus, it'll look as though the power cut had come 3 hours early..and all calls to mobile phones within the region would be thwarted with an 'out-of-coverage' response!!
All in all, it's worth a bumpy ride!! I do make it a point not to miss the bus the moment i know its gonna be KRV 1919..the unpredictability, the team spirit, the emotion..priceless!!
Ashok Leyland, we owe u a lifetime full of rib-rattling pleasure!!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
LINE OF FIRE
A real story ...A conversation between a Soldier and Software Engineer in Shatabdi Train .... .....An interesting and a must read ! GOT IT FROM AN ORKUT COMMUNITY
Vivek Pradhan was not a happy man.. He was the Project Manager and still not entitled to air travel. It was not the prestige he sought, he had tried to reason with the admin person, it was the savings in time.
He opened his case and took out the laptop, determined to put the time to some good use.
'Are you from the software industry sir,' the man beside him was staring appreciatively at the laptop.Vivek glanced briefly and mumbled in affirmation, handling the laptop now with exaggerated care and importance as if it were an expensive car.
'You people have brought so much advancement to the country, Sir. Today everything is getting computerized. '
'Thanks,' smiled Vivek, turning around to give the man a look. He always found it difficult to resist appreciation.
'You people always amaze me,' the man continued, 'You sit in an office and write something on a computer and it does so many big things outside.'
Vivek smiled deprecatingly. Naiveness demanded reasoning not anger. 'It is not as simple as that my friend. It is not just a question of writing a few lines. There is a lot of process that goes behind it.'
'It is complex, very complex.'
'It has to be. No wonder you people are so highly paid,' came the reply. This was not turning out as Vivek had thought. A hint of belligerence crept into his so far affable, persuasive tone. ' Everyone just sees the money. No one sees the amount of hard work we have to put in. .
'Let me give you an example. Take this train. The entire railway reservation system is computerized. You can book a train ticket between any two stations from any of the hundreds of computerized booking centres across the country. Thousands of transactions accessing a single database, at a time concurrently; data integrity, locking, data security.
Do you understand the complexity in designing and coding such a system?'
The man was awestuck; quite like a child at a planetarium.
'You design and code such things.'
'I used to,' Vivek paused for effect, 'but now I am the Project Manager.'
'Oh!' sighed the man, as if the storm had passed over,
'so your life is easy now.'
This was like the last straw for Vivek. He retorted, 'Oh come on, does life ever get easy as you go up the ladder.
Responsibility only brings more work.
Design and coding! That is the easier part. Now I do not do it, but I am responsible for it and believe me,
that is far more stressful. My job is to get the work done in time and with the highest quality.
To tell you about the pressures, there is the customer at one end, always changing his requirements,
the user at the other, wanting something else, and your boss, always expecting you to have finished it yesterday.'
'My friend,' he concluded triumphantly, 'you don't know what it is to be in the Line of Fire'.
The man sat back in his chair, his eyes closed as if in realization. When he spoke after sometime, it was with a calm certainty that surprised Vivek.
'I know sir,....... I know what it is to be in the Line of Fire.......'
He was staring blankly, as if no passenger, no train existed, just a vast expanse of time.
'There were 30 of us when we were ordered to capture Point 4875 in the cover of the night.
The enemy was firing from the top.
There was no knowing where the next bullet was going to come from and for whom.
In the morning when we finally hoisted the tricolour at the top only 4 of us were alive.'
'You are a...?'
'I am Subedar Sushant from the 13 J&K Rifles on duty at Peak 4875 in Kargil. They tell me I have completed
my term and can opt for a soft assignment.
But, tell me sir, can one give up duty just because it makes life easier.
On the dawn of that capture, one of my colleagues lay injured in the snow, open to enemy fire while
we were hiding behind a bunker.
It was my job to go and fetch that soldier to safety.
But my captain sahib refused me permission and went ahead himself.
He said that the first pledge he had taken as a Gentleman Cadet was to put the safety and welfare of
the nation foremost followed by the safety and welfare of the men he commanded...
....his own personal safety came last, always and every time.'
'He was killed as he shielded and brought that injured soldier into the bunker. Every morning thereafter,
as we stood guard, I could see him taking all those bullets, which were actually meant for me.
I know sir....I know, what it is to be in the Line of Fire.'
Vivek looked at him in disbelief not sure of how to respond. Abruptly, he switched off the laptop.
It seemed trivial, even insulting to edit a Word document in the presence of a man for whom
valour and duty was a daily part of life; valour and sense of duty which he had so far attributed only to epical heroes. The train slowed down as it pulled into the station, and Subedar Sushant picked up his bags to alight.
'It was nice meeting you sir.'
Vivek fumbled with the handshake.
This hand... had climbed mountains, pressed the trigger, and hoisted the tricolour.
Suddenly, as if by impulse, he stood up at attention and his right hand went up in an impromptu salute.
It was the least he felt he could do for the country.
PS: The incident he narrated during the capture of Peak 4875 is a true-life incident during the Kargil war. Capt. Batra sacrificed his life while trying to save one of the men he commanded, as victory was within sight. For this and various other acts of bravery, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra,
the nation's highest military award.
Live humbly, there are great people around us, let us learn!
"Winners are .....
too busy to be sad,
too positive to be doubtful,
too optimistic to be fearful
and too determined to be defeated "..........
Vivek Pradhan was not a happy man.. He was the Project Manager and still not entitled to air travel. It was not the prestige he sought, he had tried to reason with the admin person, it was the savings in time.
He opened his case and took out the laptop, determined to put the time to some good use.
'Are you from the software industry sir,' the man beside him was staring appreciatively at the laptop.Vivek glanced briefly and mumbled in affirmation, handling the laptop now with exaggerated care and importance as if it were an expensive car.
'You people have brought so much advancement to the country, Sir. Today everything is getting computerized. '
'Thanks,' smiled Vivek, turning around to give the man a look. He always found it difficult to resist appreciation.
'You people always amaze me,' the man continued, 'You sit in an office and write something on a computer and it does so many big things outside.'
Vivek smiled deprecatingly. Naiveness demanded reasoning not anger. 'It is not as simple as that my friend. It is not just a question of writing a few lines. There is a lot of process that goes behind it.'
'It is complex, very complex.'
'It has to be. No wonder you people are so highly paid,' came the reply. This was not turning out as Vivek had thought. A hint of belligerence crept into his so far affable, persuasive tone. ' Everyone just sees the money. No one sees the amount of hard work we have to put in. .
'Let me give you an example. Take this train. The entire railway reservation system is computerized. You can book a train ticket between any two stations from any of the hundreds of computerized booking centres across the country. Thousands of transactions accessing a single database, at a time concurrently; data integrity, locking, data security.
Do you understand the complexity in designing and coding such a system?'
The man was awestuck; quite like a child at a planetarium.
'You design and code such things.'
'I used to,' Vivek paused for effect, 'but now I am the Project Manager.'
'Oh!' sighed the man, as if the storm had passed over,
'so your life is easy now.'
This was like the last straw for Vivek. He retorted, 'Oh come on, does life ever get easy as you go up the ladder.
Responsibility only brings more work.
Design and coding! That is the easier part. Now I do not do it, but I am responsible for it and believe me,
that is far more stressful. My job is to get the work done in time and with the highest quality.
To tell you about the pressures, there is the customer at one end, always changing his requirements,
the user at the other, wanting something else, and your boss, always expecting you to have finished it yesterday.'
'My friend,' he concluded triumphantly, 'you don't know what it is to be in the Line of Fire'.
The man sat back in his chair, his eyes closed as if in realization. When he spoke after sometime, it was with a calm certainty that surprised Vivek.
'I know sir,....... I know what it is to be in the Line of Fire.......'
He was staring blankly, as if no passenger, no train existed, just a vast expanse of time.
'There were 30 of us when we were ordered to capture Point 4875 in the cover of the night.
The enemy was firing from the top.
There was no knowing where the next bullet was going to come from and for whom.
In the morning when we finally hoisted the tricolour at the top only 4 of us were alive.'
'You are a...?'
'I am Subedar Sushant from the 13 J&K Rifles on duty at Peak 4875 in Kargil. They tell me I have completed
my term and can opt for a soft assignment.
But, tell me sir, can one give up duty just because it makes life easier.
On the dawn of that capture, one of my colleagues lay injured in the snow, open to enemy fire while
we were hiding behind a bunker.
It was my job to go and fetch that soldier to safety.
But my captain sahib refused me permission and went ahead himself.
He said that the first pledge he had taken as a Gentleman Cadet was to put the safety and welfare of
the nation foremost followed by the safety and welfare of the men he commanded...
....his own personal safety came last, always and every time.'
'He was killed as he shielded and brought that injured soldier into the bunker. Every morning thereafter,
as we stood guard, I could see him taking all those bullets, which were actually meant for me.
I know sir....I know, what it is to be in the Line of Fire.'
Vivek looked at him in disbelief not sure of how to respond. Abruptly, he switched off the laptop.
It seemed trivial, even insulting to edit a Word document in the presence of a man for whom
valour and duty was a daily part of life; valour and sense of duty which he had so far attributed only to epical heroes. The train slowed down as it pulled into the station, and Subedar Sushant picked up his bags to alight.
'It was nice meeting you sir.'
Vivek fumbled with the handshake.
This hand... had climbed mountains, pressed the trigger, and hoisted the tricolour.
Suddenly, as if by impulse, he stood up at attention and his right hand went up in an impromptu salute.
It was the least he felt he could do for the country.
PS: The incident he narrated during the capture of Peak 4875 is a true-life incident during the Kargil war. Capt. Batra sacrificed his life while trying to save one of the men he commanded, as victory was within sight. For this and various other acts of bravery, he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra,
the nation's highest military award.
Live humbly, there are great people around us, let us learn!
"Winners are .....
too busy to be sad,
too positive to be doubtful,
too optimistic to be fearful
and too determined to be defeated "..........
Friday, December 26, 2008
The Handshake
What do you do if a friendshows you his hand for a handshake before parting? Obviously you would take it. But what if that friend was of the opposite sex? And would a person of the opposite sex even offer to do that?
The following is a real experience that I had not long ago. There were five of us there, talking about somethings. Then one of us a boy had to leave. He offered his hand to each of us boys in turn and each of us returned a hearty handshake. But when he turned to the girl, instead of offering his hand, he just gave her a wave. He then said goodbye and left.
Why the double standards? Why the handshake for the boys and nothing to the girl? Personally if i were in the girls place, I would have been offended. Here is one guy who I consider to be a friend who shook hands with everyone else but me. Why would he do that? The girl didn't seem to mind. She just smiled at him and said goodbye.
I was pondering on this and then I realized where I was. This was Trivandrum, Kerala. Touching girls is probably taboo here. Nattukaar enthu parayum?
These conservative notions are surely outdated if even a simple handshake is out of place!
Friday, November 21, 2008
MANIFESTO OF A HACKER
This is not my original article. I got it it from another site. Decided 2 post it here coz i found it interesting. Enjoy if u hav de patience, nd b ready 2 face reality
Another one got caught today, it's all over the papers. "Teenager Arrested in Computer Crime Scandal", "Hacker Arrested after Bank Tampering"...
Damn kids. They're all alike.
But did you, in your three-piece psychology and 1950's technobrain, ever take a look behind the eyes of the Hacker? Did you ever wonder what made him tick, what forces shaped him, what may have molded him?
I am a Hacker, enter my world...
Mine is a world that begins with school... I'm smarter than most of the other kids, this crap they teach us bores me...
Damn underachiever. They're all alike.
I'm in junior high or high school. I've listened to teachers explain for the fifteenth time how to reduce a fraction. I understand it. "No, Ms. Smith, I didn't show my work. I did it in my head..."
Damn kid. Probably copied it. They're all alike.
I made a discovery today. I found a computer. Wait a second, this is cool. It does what I want it to. If it makes a mistake, it's because I screwed it up. Not because it doesn't like me... Or feels threatened by me.. Or thinks I'm a smart ass.. Or doesn't like teaching and shouldn't be here...
Damn kid. All he does is play games. They're all alike.
And then it happened... a door opened to a world... rushing through the phone line like heroin through an addict's veins, an electronic pulse is sent out, a refuge from the day-to-day incompetencies is sought... a board is found. "This is it... this is where I belong..." I know everyone here... even if I've never met them, never talked to them, may never hear from them again... I know you all...
Damn kid. Tying up the phone line again. They're all alike...
You bet your ass we're all alike... we've been spoon-fed baby food at school when we hungered for steak... the bits of meat that you did let slip through were pre-chewed and tasteless. We've been dominated by sadists, or ignored by the apathetic. The few that had something to teach found us willing pupils, but those few are like drops of water in the desert.
This is our world now... the world of the electron and the switch, the beauty of the baud. We make use of a service already existing without paying for what could be dirt-cheap if it wasn't run by profiteering gluttons, and you call us criminals. We explore... and you call us criminals. We seek after knowledge... and you call us criminals. We exist without skin color, without nationality, without religious bias... and you call us criminals. You build atomic bombs, you wage wars, you murder, cheat, and lie to us and try to make us believe it's for our own good, yet we're the criminals.
Yes, I am a criminal. My crime is that of curiosity. My crime is that of judging people by what they say and think, not what they look like. My crime is that of outsmarting you, something that you will never forgive me for.
I am a hacker, and this is my manifesto. You may stop this individual, but you can't stop us all... after all, we're all alike.
Another one got caught today, it's all over the papers. "Teenager Arrested in Computer Crime Scandal", "Hacker Arrested after Bank Tampering"...
Damn kids. They're all alike.
But did you, in your three-piece psychology and 1950's technobrain, ever take a look behind the eyes of the Hacker? Did you ever wonder what made him tick, what forces shaped him, what may have molded him?
I am a Hacker, enter my world...
Mine is a world that begins with school... I'm smarter than most of the other kids, this crap they teach us bores me...
Damn underachiever. They're all alike.
I'm in junior high or high school. I've listened to teachers explain for the fifteenth time how to reduce a fraction. I understand it. "No, Ms. Smith, I didn't show my work. I did it in my head..."
Damn kid. Probably copied it. They're all alike.
I made a discovery today. I found a computer. Wait a second, this is cool. It does what I want it to. If it makes a mistake, it's because I screwed it up. Not because it doesn't like me... Or feels threatened by me.. Or thinks I'm a smart ass.. Or doesn't like teaching and shouldn't be here...
Damn kid. All he does is play games. They're all alike.
And then it happened... a door opened to a world... rushing through the phone line like heroin through an addict's veins, an electronic pulse is sent out, a refuge from the day-to-day incompetencies is sought... a board is found. "This is it... this is where I belong..." I know everyone here... even if I've never met them, never talked to them, may never hear from them again... I know you all...
Damn kid. Tying up the phone line again. They're all alike...
You bet your ass we're all alike... we've been spoon-fed baby food at school when we hungered for steak... the bits of meat that you did let slip through were pre-chewed and tasteless. We've been dominated by sadists, or ignored by the apathetic. The few that had something to teach found us willing pupils, but those few are like drops of water in the desert.
This is our world now... the world of the electron and the switch, the beauty of the baud. We make use of a service already existing without paying for what could be dirt-cheap if it wasn't run by profiteering gluttons, and you call us criminals. We explore... and you call us criminals. We seek after knowledge... and you call us criminals. We exist without skin color, without nationality, without religious bias... and you call us criminals. You build atomic bombs, you wage wars, you murder, cheat, and lie to us and try to make us believe it's for our own good, yet we're the criminals.
Yes, I am a criminal. My crime is that of curiosity. My crime is that of judging people by what they say and think, not what they look like. My crime is that of outsmarting you, something that you will never forgive me for.
I am a hacker, and this is my manifesto. You may stop this individual, but you can't stop us all... after all, we're all alike.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
the gear.. of choice..
FOUR..thats the number of ways u can drive ur car on a highway..
the highway is where u r right now..moving on with life..u know not of the destination, of the road ahead.. of bridges, tunnels and dead-ends..
the wheel is in ur hands.. u control it.. and as u would've already guessed,.. ur dreams, aspirations, abilities and persona r what drive the car..
now, add to the picture a lot of gorgeous, breathtaking scenery sprawled out there in front of u.. infinite with beauty, painted with the rhapsody of colour by nature's finest hands..
1) u could start ur car, take it straight ahead, without giving a damn to the scenery.. all u really want is to reach the destination(which u don't knw abt..).. u see other cars in front of u and follow them.. riding rough on the roads.. the car gets cranky but u don't care.. yes, u've reached somewhere..
..engine-kill.. slam door shut.. no looking back.. blank..
2) u start ur car, move on a bit slowly, watching the countryside treat offered to ur eyes, feeling the wind in ur hair.. oh but, u need to reach somewhere.. so u step on the gas a bit.. later, u feel like stretching out and the car has to cool off .. finally, u reach somewhere..but a little late..so what?
..u glance at the scenery.. thank the car.. look back at the way u've come.. feel happy
..look ahead..
3) u start the car, b'cos everyone else has done so..and u realise that u have to make it to someplace special..ur dreams and aspirations r strong..but nobody seems to believe they'll work out well for u.. u r totally in love with the scenery..mesmerised, u take ur car off the highway, and ride right into the wilderness.. later on, u feel uncertain.. was the way wrong? is the car still ok? but oh no! u need to reach somewhere and catch up with the others..
u..feel lost..feel passion for ur real dreams..feel frustrated..feel lonely..and lost..
the rest itself is uncertain..
4) u start the car, u don't give a damn to the highway.. u don't give much to the car either.. but u believe the scenery is all yours.. Nature has offered u a tiny line of a road on one hand, and a world full of possibilities and unexplored destinations on the other.. u sprint right into the adventure.. ur car has lots of horsepower and keeps u going on and on and on.. u find ur haven atlast..
..bliss.. satisfaction.. rich-life experiences.. forever grateful for the journey..
..the car has even more horses to pull it now..
the highway is where u r right now..moving on with life..u know not of the destination, of the road ahead.. of bridges, tunnels and dead-ends..
the wheel is in ur hands.. u control it.. and as u would've already guessed,.. ur dreams, aspirations, abilities and persona r what drive the car..
now, add to the picture a lot of gorgeous, breathtaking scenery sprawled out there in front of u.. infinite with beauty, painted with the rhapsody of colour by nature's finest hands..
1) u could start ur car, take it straight ahead, without giving a damn to the scenery.. all u really want is to reach the destination(which u don't knw abt..).. u see other cars in front of u and follow them.. riding rough on the roads.. the car gets cranky but u don't care.. yes, u've reached somewhere..
..engine-kill.. slam door shut.. no looking back.. blank..
2) u start ur car, move on a bit slowly, watching the countryside treat offered to ur eyes, feeling the wind in ur hair.. oh but, u need to reach somewhere.. so u step on the gas a bit.. later, u feel like stretching out and the car has to cool off .. finally, u reach somewhere..but a little late..so what?
..u glance at the scenery.. thank the car.. look back at the way u've come.. feel happy
..look ahead..
3) u start the car, b'cos everyone else has done so..and u realise that u have to make it to someplace special..ur dreams and aspirations r strong..but nobody seems to believe they'll work out well for u.. u r totally in love with the scenery..mesmerised, u take ur car off the highway, and ride right into the wilderness.. later on, u feel uncertain.. was the way wrong? is the car still ok? but oh no! u need to reach somewhere and catch up with the others..
u..feel lost..feel passion for ur real dreams..feel frustrated..feel lonely..and lost..
the rest itself is uncertain..
4) u start the car, u don't give a damn to the highway.. u don't give much to the car either.. but u believe the scenery is all yours.. Nature has offered u a tiny line of a road on one hand, and a world full of possibilities and unexplored destinations on the other.. u sprint right into the adventure.. ur car has lots of horsepower and keeps u going on and on and on.. u find ur haven atlast..
..bliss.. satisfaction.. rich-life experiences.. forever grateful for the journey..
..the car has even more horses to pull it now..
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Grand Holiday
On the massage bed I lay,
Thinking of what to say,
Without the tour the class was glum,
Right then the hot nurse lady smacked my bum!
Thats when I sat up and thought,
Here's an idea for the tour I've got,
But there was one thing left to do,
The nurse and I had a job to do!
I wore my pants and left the room,
I promised the girl I'll come back soon,
Straight for the college I went,
And for the tour "committee" I sent!
Though they were feeling very sad,
I told them not to feel so bad,
A novel idea is what I have to say,
Its something all the boys will crave!
We'll pack bags and go to Kottakkal,
On the way we can drink, smoke and yell,
There we'll get a massage, ayurvedic,
from a really nice hot chick!
Its not just massages that they do,t
hey offer a lot of other 'things' too,
Flexible and bendy is what they are,
In any position they can spar!
The girls need not worry either,
Male nurses may also be there,
If not there are 50 of us too,
We'll start in the bus, it'll be cool!
Some in the class are quite horny you see,
They would like to be set free,
This is the perfect opportunity,
It will also remove any disunity!
I request the tour committee to think over this
,Give us a chance to get some bliss,
Any groupism will melt away,
In this perfect holiday!!!
Thinking of what to say,
Without the tour the class was glum,
Right then the hot nurse lady smacked my bum!
Thats when I sat up and thought,
Here's an idea for the tour I've got,
But there was one thing left to do,
The nurse and I had a job to do!
I wore my pants and left the room,
I promised the girl I'll come back soon,
Straight for the college I went,
And for the tour "committee" I sent!
Though they were feeling very sad,
I told them not to feel so bad,
A novel idea is what I have to say,
Its something all the boys will crave!
We'll pack bags and go to Kottakkal,
On the way we can drink, smoke and yell,
There we'll get a massage, ayurvedic,
from a really nice hot chick!
Its not just massages that they do,t
hey offer a lot of other 'things' too,
Flexible and bendy is what they are,
In any position they can spar!
The girls need not worry either,
Male nurses may also be there,
If not there are 50 of us too,
We'll start in the bus, it'll be cool!
Some in the class are quite horny you see,
They would like to be set free,
This is the perfect opportunity,
It will also remove any disunity!
I request the tour committee to think over this
,Give us a chance to get some bliss,
Any groupism will melt away,
In this perfect holiday!!!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Nitish, Kottakkal and our final hope!
*****SCENE # 1 - The Castaway*****
Nitish thought class was a hell
so he went to kottakkal
In a world so very hectic
nitsh needed a massage-ayurvedic
In the community, he did sabotage
And he got 'laid' down for a massage
s-5 began to 'dope' his head
n-5 then to kottakkal fled !
*****SCENE # 2- The Magic of Kottakkal*****
Soothing it was, and nitish felt peace
the herbs and oils put him at ease
nitish! nitish! went into bliss
the world and its joy were now his !
nitish soared in the skies of joy
he was now a 'man', not just 'boy'
his eyes were closed and he couldn't tell
"who" was rubbing the oil so well?
He thought abt his friends- poor souls!
They were sitting at home like stupid a$$-holes
Nitish then had an idea so very bright !!
that he came to tvm in the next flight !!
*****SCENE # 3 - The Great Escape*****
The teacher came to the class and got a shock
Mass-cut it was and the class was under lock !
*****SCENE # 4 - The CET Redemption*****
Far, far away in a small Malabar town
66 applied students- from a bus, got down
Nitish! nitish the brave man he was,
he lead the team from front like a horse
Three hours hence the clock tick-tocked
66 in number the massage tables were stocked
We all saw bliss and happiness this time,
when the herbs and oils did their beautiful crime !!
nitish! nitish! the leader that he was!
never says things without a cause !
"With this massage all of your misery ends,
Here is your precious I.V. my dear friends"
****CURTAIN*****
*****APPLAUSE*****
Nitish thought class was a hell
so he went to kottakkal
In a world so very hectic
nitsh needed a massage-ayurvedic
In the community, he did sabotage
And he got 'laid' down for a massage
s-5 began to 'dope' his head
n-5 then to kottakkal fled !
*****SCENE # 2- The Magic of Kottakkal*****
Soothing it was, and nitish felt peace
the herbs and oils put him at ease
nitish! nitish! went into bliss
the world and its joy were now his !
nitish soared in the skies of joy
he was now a 'man', not just 'boy'
his eyes were closed and he couldn't tell
"who" was rubbing the oil so well?
He thought abt his friends- poor souls!
They were sitting at home like stupid a$$-holes
Nitish then had an idea so very bright !!
that he came to tvm in the next flight !!
*****SCENE # 3 - The Great Escape*****
The teacher came to the class and got a shock
Mass-cut it was and the class was under lock !
*****SCENE # 4 - The CET Redemption*****
Far, far away in a small Malabar town
66 applied students- from a bus, got down
Nitish! nitish the brave man he was,
he lead the team from front like a horse
Three hours hence the clock tick-tocked
66 in number the massage tables were stocked
We all saw bliss and happiness this time,
when the herbs and oils did their beautiful crime !!
nitish! nitish! the leader that he was!
never says things without a cause !
"With this massage all of your misery ends,
Here is your precious I.V. my dear friends"
****CURTAIN*****
*****APPLAUSE*****
Monday, October 6, 2008
FRIDAY TALKS
‘Friday Talks’
Topic : Anti-terrorist Laws in India –An Analysis
Speaker : Dr. N. Krishnakumar
(Lecturer of Laws,
Topic : Anti-terrorist Laws in India –An Analysis
Speaker : Dr. N. Krishnakumar
(Lecturer of Laws,
Govt. Law College, Trivandrum)
Venue : YMCA Youth Centre
Date : 10th October 2008
Time : 5.15 pm
UNI-Y & YMCA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
All are welcome
Venue : YMCA Youth Centre
Date : 10th October 2008
Time : 5.15 pm
UNI-Y & YMCA
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
All are welcome
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ha Ha Ha!!!
They say that listening to heavy metal gives a greater high than smoking cigarettes — they must’ve been referring to Megadeth.
\m/Megadeth\m/
\m/ Rules \m/
\m/Megadeth\m/
\m/ Rules \m/
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Greatest Artists
This is my list of my favorite music artists. These are the ones who have influenced me the most. It is in alphabetical order after Megadeth which is me most favorite. I'm posting it here so that atleast someone reads it.
Megadeth - This is my favorite band. It is one of the best thrash metal bands ever. It was founded by Dave Mustaine after he got kicked out of Metallica. This band has released mindblowing tracks over the years. It has combined all the aspects of thrash, speed and heavy metal into an awesome mix of sound. The best thing about this band is that its songs are for normal headbangers and it is not full of screaming. It can be sung by us. Though it has been pluaged by a lot of lineup changes I feel that as long as Dave Mustaine is there Megadeth will rule.
AC/DC - One of the fathers of hard rock and metal. Their album “Black in Black” is one of the greatest albums ever. Every track on it was great. They have cool lyrics hard, rocking music and great vocals.
Deep Purple - The gods of heavy metal. They along with others like Iron Maiden and Motorhead invented Heavy Metal and inspired bands like Metallica. Though their songs may not fit the Heavy Metal genre now but they are still one of the best songs ever.
The Doors - One of the first English songs I heard were of these guys. I was about 6-7 years old and they are the ones who paved the way for my metal addiction. Their slow melodious rock is just great.
Eminem - An excellent rapper with great lyrics and cool beats. Unlike most other rappers whose songs are about either cars or babes or money, etc. this guy has released a number of great tracks with exceptional lyrics and wordplay. He also has a lot of funny rap songs which are hilarious.
Gwen Stefani - This ex-lead of the band No Doubt is a great singer. She has an amazing voice and can make a variety of sounds(pitches and notes and stuff). She has a wide vocal range which one can see in almost all her songs.
Jay-Z - Just like he says he is the best rapper alive. He has a lot of hard-hitting songs which would get anyone up and into the mood. The lyrics in his songs are cool too with a lot of double meanings and other wordplays. The music is also sometimes different than the mainstream ones.
Korn - One of the best Nu-Metal/Heavy bands there. It is one of the ’Against the system’ band with a lot of songs in that style. The music is really cool with a lot of effects.
Limp Bizkit - This may not be among my most favorite bands but it is one that has brought me into metal music early on. Limp Bizkit also has a lot of the against the system songs which are really great. The rap+rock mix has come off better here than in bands like Linkin Park. Though its lyrics are littered with a number of fucks here and there it is qiute cool still it is a children’s band.
Metallica - Another Thrash Metal legend. Metallica has a number of exceptional songs with great lyrics and awesome riffs. James Hetfield’s angry voice and Kirk Hammett’s superb guitar solos are just great. Though it can be compared with Megadeth, I feel that Metallica has some exceptional songs and Megadeth has many good and some great ones.
Nelly Furtado - This is another exceptional singer with an amazing voice. She has a lot of cool folksy and funky tracks to her name. Though she recently acquired a more glamorous image, the quality of her music has not changed.
Outkast - This is a great rap group which has a lot of different songs in the sense that they don’t match the existing stereotypes. They are really great to listen to.
Shaggy - The reggae master. This is one cool dude. His song are all upbeat and great to listen to. Though many times we may think that all he says in his songs is a couple of “uh-uh’s”.
Travis - This was a band I listened to a long tome ago when I was probably 10-12 years old. It used to be on MTV all the time. I used to like all their songs. They had an eclectic mix of music and poetic lyrics.
Megadeth - This is my favorite band. It is one of the best thrash metal bands ever. It was founded by Dave Mustaine after he got kicked out of Metallica. This band has released mindblowing tracks over the years. It has combined all the aspects of thrash, speed and heavy metal into an awesome mix of sound. The best thing about this band is that its songs are for normal headbangers and it is not full of screaming. It can be sung by us. Though it has been pluaged by a lot of lineup changes I feel that as long as Dave Mustaine is there Megadeth will rule.
AC/DC - One of the fathers of hard rock and metal. Their album “Black in Black” is one of the greatest albums ever. Every track on it was great. They have cool lyrics hard, rocking music and great vocals.
Deep Purple - The gods of heavy metal. They along with others like Iron Maiden and Motorhead invented Heavy Metal and inspired bands like Metallica. Though their songs may not fit the Heavy Metal genre now but they are still one of the best songs ever.
The Doors - One of the first English songs I heard were of these guys. I was about 6-7 years old and they are the ones who paved the way for my metal addiction. Their slow melodious rock is just great.
Eminem - An excellent rapper with great lyrics and cool beats. Unlike most other rappers whose songs are about either cars or babes or money, etc. this guy has released a number of great tracks with exceptional lyrics and wordplay. He also has a lot of funny rap songs which are hilarious.
Gwen Stefani - This ex-lead of the band No Doubt is a great singer. She has an amazing voice and can make a variety of sounds(pitches and notes and stuff). She has a wide vocal range which one can see in almost all her songs.
Jay-Z - Just like he says he is the best rapper alive. He has a lot of hard-hitting songs which would get anyone up and into the mood. The lyrics in his songs are cool too with a lot of double meanings and other wordplays. The music is also sometimes different than the mainstream ones.
Korn - One of the best Nu-Metal/Heavy bands there. It is one of the ’Against the system’ band with a lot of songs in that style. The music is really cool with a lot of effects.
Limp Bizkit - This may not be among my most favorite bands but it is one that has brought me into metal music early on. Limp Bizkit also has a lot of the against the system songs which are really great. The rap+rock mix has come off better here than in bands like Linkin Park. Though its lyrics are littered with a number of fucks here and there it is qiute cool still it is a children’s band.
Metallica - Another Thrash Metal legend. Metallica has a number of exceptional songs with great lyrics and awesome riffs. James Hetfield’s angry voice and Kirk Hammett’s superb guitar solos are just great. Though it can be compared with Megadeth, I feel that Metallica has some exceptional songs and Megadeth has many good and some great ones.
Nelly Furtado - This is another exceptional singer with an amazing voice. She has a lot of cool folksy and funky tracks to her name. Though she recently acquired a more glamorous image, the quality of her music has not changed.
Outkast - This is a great rap group which has a lot of different songs in the sense that they don’t match the existing stereotypes. They are really great to listen to.
Shaggy - The reggae master. This is one cool dude. His song are all upbeat and great to listen to. Though many times we may think that all he says in his songs is a couple of “uh-uh’s”.
Travis - This was a band I listened to a long tome ago when I was probably 10-12 years old. It used to be on MTV all the time. I used to like all their songs. They had an eclectic mix of music and poetic lyrics.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Train Journeys You Have to Experience.
This is a list of train journeys that I have experienced in my short life till now. The descriptions are of the time I last went on one of them. I don’t know whether they have changed now. The descriptions are rather short for want of space otherwise I could go on and on for pages about each one.
Rajdhani Express (AC 2 Tier) - The Rajdhani Express is the name of the set of fully air conditioned trains connecting various parts of the country with the capital New Delhi. Food is included in the fare and this train has a higher priority over other trains which means it rarely runs late. Now this is one amazing experience where you do nothing but eat, sleep and watch the scenery outside. Try going on a long journey such as Delhi to Trivandrum/Chennai/Guwahati. This way you can stuff yourself with all the food they serve. Food is served at: Breakfast, Midday, Lunch, Evening Tea/Soup, Dinner. The quality of food is quite good too unlike in other trains.
Shatabdi Express (AC Chair Car) - The Shatabdi express is the fastest train in this country and it is surely a thrill going in one of them. Now keep in mind that this is not the JanShatabdi that I’m talking about which is poor guy’s Shatabdi. The Shatabdi Express is a fully air conditioned train for shot journeys of usually less than 12 hours. In one word this train can be described as ‘posh‘. It is just like traveling in an airplane. With the speed, smoothness and the good food(unlike in planes) helping the journey to be quite enjoyable.
Mangala Express (2nd Sleeper) - Earlier before the Konkan Rail Route, the Mangala Express took the long route going through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, etc. Now the Kerala Express may provide a similar experience if you are lucky not to be stuck with a bunch of Malayalees. The great thing about his trip is the sheer amount of distance it covers. And you can also meet people from different parts of our country, people of different cultures, religions, etc. If you are anything like Gandhiji you could probably learn half the languages used in this country in the space of the journey. If it is spring then the scenery is spectacular. Concerning food you can get different things from each state. It’s an amazing treat.
Footboard Travel - This is to be done in a reserved compartment maybe with a waitlisted or RAC ticket. This is actually not legal, but on the other hand is quite an experience. It is even more fun when you are with a friend. You can feel the wind in your air and see some amazing things outside that you would surely miss when inside. You should get down at each and every station and buy something different to eat.
Mumbai Local Train - A ride in this during the rush hours is something you will never forget for the rest of your life. It is the extreme rush, the crushing feeling and if you are standing near the door the fear of falling of. You can see crazy Mumbaikars fighting for every inch of space. There are unwritten rules about traveling on the local that every Mumbaikar knows. If you are being stared at, you’ve probably done something wrong. Also,women are not far behind men in etiquette. You can find women, young and old shoving, pushing, abusing ad jostling for place. Some times you can be lucky enough to be the last one to enter and get about 10 sq. cm of space to one of your feet and on to the pipe-thing that keeps the rainwater away. A similar journey in a local train in Delhi or Chennai would not be the same.
Parasuram Express (General) - Travel from Mangalore to anyplace after Ernakulam. This journey was once described by my friend as ‘Hell on Earth’. You can listen to all the different dialects of Malayalam and learn quite a number of new abuses. You can experience a variety of different smells ranging from the flowery mullapoo smell to extreme nauseating pungent smell of some guy who has not taken bath for a week. You should also empty your bowels before boarding since you may never get a chance once the train has started. This would not exactly be fun but is something you would remember.
Delhi-Patna (2nd Sleeper) - Except maybe for the general class, this is quite probably the most unsafe journey. If your ticket is not reserved you can always bribe the TTE. Just make sure you get to him first. And most probably you will find a person sleeping on the floor in each cabin. You would probably have to keep an eye on your luggage all the time.
Konkan Railway (2nd Sleeper) - Make this journey in the daytime to see some of the most awesome scenes in India. And if it has rained, the land would be all green and beautiful. With countless bridges, tunnels and many rivers, streams, waterfalls and more, you will never get bored. You can also get to eat a lot of vada pavs and bhel puri on this trip and if the season is right a variety of fruits too.
Rajdhani Express (AC 2 Tier) - The Rajdhani Express is the name of the set of fully air conditioned trains connecting various parts of the country with the capital New Delhi. Food is included in the fare and this train has a higher priority over other trains which means it rarely runs late. Now this is one amazing experience where you do nothing but eat, sleep and watch the scenery outside. Try going on a long journey such as Delhi to Trivandrum/Chennai/Guwahati. This way you can stuff yourself with all the food they serve. Food is served at: Breakfast, Midday, Lunch, Evening Tea/Soup, Dinner. The quality of food is quite good too unlike in other trains.
Shatabdi Express (AC Chair Car) - The Shatabdi express is the fastest train in this country and it is surely a thrill going in one of them. Now keep in mind that this is not the JanShatabdi that I’m talking about which is poor guy’s Shatabdi. The Shatabdi Express is a fully air conditioned train for shot journeys of usually less than 12 hours. In one word this train can be described as ‘posh‘. It is just like traveling in an airplane. With the speed, smoothness and the good food(unlike in planes) helping the journey to be quite enjoyable.
Mangala Express (2nd Sleeper) - Earlier before the Konkan Rail Route, the Mangala Express took the long route going through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, etc. Now the Kerala Express may provide a similar experience if you are lucky not to be stuck with a bunch of Malayalees. The great thing about his trip is the sheer amount of distance it covers. And you can also meet people from different parts of our country, people of different cultures, religions, etc. If you are anything like Gandhiji you could probably learn half the languages used in this country in the space of the journey. If it is spring then the scenery is spectacular. Concerning food you can get different things from each state. It’s an amazing treat.
Footboard Travel - This is to be done in a reserved compartment maybe with a waitlisted or RAC ticket. This is actually not legal, but on the other hand is quite an experience. It is even more fun when you are with a friend. You can feel the wind in your air and see some amazing things outside that you would surely miss when inside. You should get down at each and every station and buy something different to eat.
Mumbai Local Train - A ride in this during the rush hours is something you will never forget for the rest of your life. It is the extreme rush, the crushing feeling and if you are standing near the door the fear of falling of. You can see crazy Mumbaikars fighting for every inch of space. There are unwritten rules about traveling on the local that every Mumbaikar knows. If you are being stared at, you’ve probably done something wrong. Also,women are not far behind men in etiquette. You can find women, young and old shoving, pushing, abusing ad jostling for place. Some times you can be lucky enough to be the last one to enter and get about 10 sq. cm of space to one of your feet and on to the pipe-thing that keeps the rainwater away. A similar journey in a local train in Delhi or Chennai would not be the same.
Parasuram Express (General) - Travel from Mangalore to anyplace after Ernakulam. This journey was once described by my friend as ‘Hell on Earth’. You can listen to all the different dialects of Malayalam and learn quite a number of new abuses. You can experience a variety of different smells ranging from the flowery mullapoo smell to extreme nauseating pungent smell of some guy who has not taken bath for a week. You should also empty your bowels before boarding since you may never get a chance once the train has started. This would not exactly be fun but is something you would remember.
Delhi-Patna (2nd Sleeper) - Except maybe for the general class, this is quite probably the most unsafe journey. If your ticket is not reserved you can always bribe the TTE. Just make sure you get to him first. And most probably you will find a person sleeping on the floor in each cabin. You would probably have to keep an eye on your luggage all the time.
Konkan Railway (2nd Sleeper) - Make this journey in the daytime to see some of the most awesome scenes in India. And if it has rained, the land would be all green and beautiful. With countless bridges, tunnels and many rivers, streams, waterfalls and more, you will never get bored. You can also get to eat a lot of vada pavs and bhel puri on this trip and if the season is right a variety of fruits too.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Rendezvous with nature..
If you are a trekking enthusiast, or a nature-lover, I have two words for you - 'Agastya Hills'. Here, you get to walk through thick jungles and open hilltop grasslands, wade through streams and rivulets, and climb near-vertical rock mountains as u make your way to the summit, through a series of unpredictable weather changes and complete isolation from the outside world. That's right. 60 kms of trekking and three days of breathing pure air, bathing in the purest water and living in harmony with Mother nature. No points for guessing that your mobile phone would be useless in this paradise 90 percent of the time.
Agastyarkoodam is the summit. It stands at 6200 feet above sea level, the second tallest peak in the south of India, roughly located at the Kerala - Tamil nadu border. At the peak is a sanctum of Sage Agastya, who is believed to have powers such as controlling the forces of nature, and is credited with the birth of the tamil language from which other south indian languages have sprung. The entry point to the trekking trip/ pilgrimage is at the Bonakkad Forest Office. Bonakkad lies about 10 kms off the Trivandrum- Ponmudi road, and has tea estates sprawled across its slopes. At the office, what one carries into the forest is scrutinized, as a step towards ensuring safety to the forest and its family of flora and fauna. Agastya Hills are renowned for the richness of medicinal plants that they are home to.
Thus one embarks on a 3-day journey of wonderful experiences that one shall treasure in his heart forever. As for my case, I can't wait for the onset of the next trekking season. The mere thought of the place builds up the zest of adventure, your soul would want to infuse with the beauty of the place..and its then that you start your tiny little ponderings on life.. well, sages are supposed to be full-time ponderers. so, putting 2 and 2 together, we can conclude that Sage agastya certainly knew what he was doing!
The first stretch of the trek is through sparse forest, which gets thicker upward. Pleasant walk, a wide forest path, with the mid-morning sun peeping occasionally through high branches, and birds chirping and tweeting in tune to the melody that u gradually start hearing. This stretch leads you on to a set of 3 or 4 waterfalls, one of which is the Karamana river in its beginning stages. As you move from one waterfall to the next one higher up, the chill sets in more pronouncedly and the trees, creepers and vines close in on the path. If the earth is wet, you can expect a lot of thirsty leeches up your leg. ( one of these streams is actually called Attayar!) Every waterfall is a resting point. The sight of the cascade, the sound of the gurgle and the feel of the fresh rapid water is as refreshing as nature meant it to be. From certain points, the view of the peppara dam and reservoir comes in.
After the final waterfall, there's a rapid climb towards open mountain tops. Only tall grass grows here. Co-incidentally, when one reaches this stage, the Sun would be up in the heavens, and it would be scorching heat everywhere, with very little trees to rest under. This is an extreme climate shift. But yes, this is a forest and that's how it will be. This open stretch goes on for about 4 kms, but the view from here is absolutely magnificent. On a clear day, one can see town settlements near the horizon and majestic rock faces further up. It was here that we heard the trumpet of an angry elephant and ran for our dear lives without even turning back to see where the pachyderm was. By the end of this stretch, you would be gasping for breath and water. Sometimes you may wish you had never even undertaken the journey. Even now, only a third and the easiest leg has been completed. Really discourages you sometimes. But when u have a group of 8 people trudging along uphill, u simply have to keep up with them.
All of a sudden and without warning, the geography changes again. It would feel like entering the rainforest after a walk in the sahara. The next phase is called Seven-fold-mountain, or Ezhu Madakku Mala. This is one hell of a jungle. There is no proper path. You need to choose the most stable, least slippery and least leech-inhabited piece of rock every step u take. The slope is very steep, the roots of gigantic trees block your way and in some places, fallen trees themselves obstruct you. This is a kingdom of crickets and rare birds. The sky is mostly not visible, there's a green canopy throughout.
Around early evening, you reach the base camp. The first day's journey ends here with around 20 kms on your tripmeter. The base camp has been set up by the forest dept. and is managed by an adivasi settlement nearby. There's one dormitory for accommodation at night, a make-shift kitchen and a stream nearby. It is here, at the base camp that you can have your first full 'darshan' of the Agastyamala. Its the most elegant, aristocratic-looking mountain I've ever seen. Its magnetism commands you to bow to the supreme power of nature. The verticality of the single piece of gigantic rock gives even experienced trekkers a shudder down the spine.
Nights are freezing cold. Without electricity, you are just stuck with candles, using them more for warmth rather than for light. We sleep on a plain mattress on a cold cemented floor. When the wind blows in every time, you see images of antartica and penguins in your dreams..and maybe of polar bears chasing you for a meal.
The next morning is the final part of the upward journey. After yet another phase of thick forest ,we reached a point where we had glimpses of a vast wilderness of rock whenever the passing mist cleared for a few seconds at a time! It was the most wild,exotic landscape ,gleaming with the myriad water streams running down its face and seemingly disappearing into nowhere! For a moment I felt lost in no-man's land! I was conscious of a sudden desire to spread my wings and fly over the valley, glide along the breeze and break into song! The hillside was rich with wild flowers that danced in the wind and dew drops that glimmered like pearls in the morning light, as if they weren't enough to add to the whole enchantment!
Rains in a forest always mean disaster, and for us, it began to look like we were going to taste some of it. The morning was hazy and misty, attempting to cripple our hopes of going further. From the base camp onwards, the altitude increases at a very fast rate. Visibility was very poor, it was not more than 5 feet. It looked just like a spooky horror movie,especially when one knows that tigers and bears are regularly sighted in these parts of the forest. People who started before we did for the peak started coming back, saddened to hopelessness.
It is foolish to endeavour to challenge nature if it doesn't wish you to. There is a dangerous point on the route. A stream flows fast over a vast flat rock, and suddenly it falls into a deep vertical ravine, just like u see in many movies. To go further, one has to cross the stream. If he slips while crossing, he's left to nature's final cruel treatment. We waited for a long time, praying for the mist to clear so that the stream could be crossed safely. Our prayers were answered, the mist slowly drifted out and we proceeded.
After a while the path stops. It would appear to be a dead end, but there would be a tiny stream flowing down. The only way up is to walk right into the stream, and wade up its course, as if you were searching for the source of the stream. This is the best part of the whole trek. Walking literally up'stream', again is a tricky bit. You have to watch out for faulty rocks and mossy slips. The trees around you get stunted as you climb higher.
The last leg is the toughest. Its impossible to proceed wearing trekking shoes. It has to be barefoot the rest of the way up. The terrain from now on is pure rock, with little shrubs nearby. The verticality of the rock-slopes is one good reason to summon up all the alertness one can gather. The second reason is the mist, and the little droplets of water that get sprayed over you all the time. The third reason is what makes this a real adventure- The final rock-slope is very narrow, with two vertical walls on either side. If one goes near the edge, one would be gazing down at 1000+ feet of gravity travel. The rock has to be climbed intelligently, with tact, holding onto the right cracks and grooves. Because of the steepness, one has to climb on all fours, imitating a lizard on a wall.
The satisfaction on reaching the peak is immense. Here the wind is so strong that it is unsafe to remain standing. The most interesting fact about the whole place is that there is a mystery at the sanctum of Sage Agastya, and we saw it. All the way down from the peak, it was mist and even rain, with powerful wind. But at the sanctum alone, there was sunlight, clear visibility, and not even a hint of the wind that was blowing with great force ten yards away. The sanctum, is nothing but an open space, a continuation, and why nature is so peaceful within that small region alone is indeed a mystery.Then we started the return journey. By this time, the mist had completely cleared and we could even see distant hills on the Tamil Nadu side. This is how weather keeps changing, and to live every moment of it is pure bliss.
The season is only 45 days in a year. During off-season, conditions are said to be inhumane. But every time one treks on the Agastya hills, its a whole new experience altogether. The excitement never wanes because of the myriad possibilities and uncertainties that nature offers. Its a suspense-packed adventure zone, a paradise-next-door for Trivandrum...and its beckoning us again!!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Does a thing called soul really exist?.......
As in the words of the all great Avinash," It is God and only God who has the power to create life and destroy life".. so wat does God create other than just a body?. He creates a divine quata of energy that controls the body.. When the body becomes weak to hold this energy.. the energy shifts to another body.. this is the basic thing behind the Hinduism's Reincarnation theory..
Humanity was entirely satisfied with this theory for centuries..Then came something called CLONING.. It proves that not just God, now human beings can also create life.. Humans create the small embryo from the DNA of an organism and implants it in the womb of a female of that organism.. All the other processes r same.. so now the fundamental law or the only way by which God created life has a loop hole?.... Now this newly formed organism is entirely same as its DNA donor.. But it has an entirely different personality of its own.. So does it means that it also has something called a soul that only God could create?... or is there really something called the soul or just like in the words of N5, is "life just a consequence of some natural action"? ..
Humanity was entirely satisfied with this theory for centuries..Then came something called CLONING.. It proves that not just God, now human beings can also create life.. Humans create the small embryo from the DNA of an organism and implants it in the womb of a female of that organism.. All the other processes r same.. so now the fundamental law or the only way by which God created life has a loop hole?.... Now this newly formed organism is entirely same as its DNA donor.. But it has an entirely different personality of its own.. So does it means that it also has something called a soul that only God could create?... or is there really something called the soul or just like in the words of N5, is "life just a consequence of some natural action"? ..
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Education vs awareness
Education is expected to develop a person,increase his knowledge,awareness and give him a broader perspective of life.In short education helps to improve ones personality.But how far does it actually help an individual?
Women have always been prey to various atrocities from ancient times.The rape cases and molestations continue even in the present scenario.Goa,the state which contributes a lions share towards tourism revenue is highly unsafe for the tourists.The other states are not far behind.Even the chilren are not spared.A seven year old was raped in the capital two weeks back.Sadly,the perpetrators of most of these crimes are educated.The respect element is totally lacking in the "educated" youth of incredible or shining India.The patriarchal and conservative thoughts are still entrenched in the minds of most of the educated people.In this context,I feel education has contributed little towards improving the horizon of thoughts of people.
The world is moving towards a power crisis.Energy shortage is a serious threat."Switch off the lights and fans when not in use".This is a commonly encountered phrase.But how many of us actually do it??
Kerala is one state that boasts of its literecy rate(am talking about the literacy beyond the signing of names).Yet the so called pseudo god-men,the latest in the news find it a very favourable destination.So if education actually makes you more aware,why do these people find it so easy to make a living in this state??
The suicide rate and honour killings continue to show a rising trend despite the various measures taken by the government.So I feel we have reached a position where lack of education cannot be blamed for what is happening around us.(The recent gujjar agitation included,which became this worse only due to BJPs renege )It is the mindset,the thoughts of the people that needs a change,which has a long way to go....
Women have always been prey to various atrocities from ancient times.The rape cases and molestations continue even in the present scenario.Goa,the state which contributes a lions share towards tourism revenue is highly unsafe for the tourists.The other states are not far behind.Even the chilren are not spared.A seven year old was raped in the capital two weeks back.Sadly,the perpetrators of most of these crimes are educated.The respect element is totally lacking in the "educated" youth of incredible or shining India.The patriarchal and conservative thoughts are still entrenched in the minds of most of the educated people.In this context,I feel education has contributed little towards improving the horizon of thoughts of people.
The world is moving towards a power crisis.Energy shortage is a serious threat."Switch off the lights and fans when not in use".This is a commonly encountered phrase.But how many of us actually do it??
Kerala is one state that boasts of its literecy rate(am talking about the literacy beyond the signing of names).Yet the so called pseudo god-men,the latest in the news find it a very favourable destination.So if education actually makes you more aware,why do these people find it so easy to make a living in this state??
The suicide rate and honour killings continue to show a rising trend despite the various measures taken by the government.So I feel we have reached a position where lack of education cannot be blamed for what is happening around us.(The recent gujjar agitation included,which became this worse only due to BJPs renege )It is the mindset,the thoughts of the people that needs a change,which has a long way to go....
Saturday, May 3, 2008
The State of our Class
Why is it that Daysci's of our class never post in our class orkut community?????
Why is it that the NonDaysci-NonMH ppl of our class never post in our class blog?????
Why is it that the MH & LH never post anything?????
What Should we understand from this observation????
Why is it that the NonDaysci-NonMH ppl of our class never post in our class blog?????
Why is it that the MH & LH never post anything?????
What Should we understand from this observation????
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Two People
Consider the following two types of people, we would always want to be like one of these type ourselves but which on should it be???
The first is a person who does not do anything wrong, he does not hurt anybody, follows all the rules of his religion, follows all the laws and does as he is told to do by others(as long as its not against the law), even though some of the things he does may be not what he intends to do but is forced to do so due to pressure from say the govt./religoin/etc., i.e. this is a person who tries his best to make everyone happy even though he himself may not be getting a good deal out of this.
The second is a person who would rather try to change the world when he feels something is not right. This person would stand up for what he feels is right and fight for it. This person wouldn't care if anybody else is hurt or discomforted by his views. This person would keep fighting till he gets what he wants.
Which person would you want to be???
The first is a person who leads a perfect life from every ones point of view. He has hurt no one, broken no law, done nothing wrong.
The second is a person with an identity of his own. He wouldn't care about the rest of the world's viewpoint, as long as what he feels is correct.
Mahatma Gandhi was a person of the second type. So were Hitler and any other murderous killers.
The first is a person who does not do anything wrong, he does not hurt anybody, follows all the rules of his religion, follows all the laws and does as he is told to do by others(as long as its not against the law), even though some of the things he does may be not what he intends to do but is forced to do so due to pressure from say the govt./religoin/etc., i.e. this is a person who tries his best to make everyone happy even though he himself may not be getting a good deal out of this.
The second is a person who would rather try to change the world when he feels something is not right. This person would stand up for what he feels is right and fight for it. This person wouldn't care if anybody else is hurt or discomforted by his views. This person would keep fighting till he gets what he wants.
Which person would you want to be???
The first is a person who leads a perfect life from every ones point of view. He has hurt no one, broken no law, done nothing wrong.
The second is a person with an identity of his own. He wouldn't care about the rest of the world's viewpoint, as long as what he feels is correct.
Mahatma Gandhi was a person of the second type. So were Hitler and any other murderous killers.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Kitchen safari
Situation. Its midnight. And u r hungry. u desperately need to get into the kitchen to stuff some biscuits down ur gut. So, all u have to do is simply go into the kitchen and stuff some biscuits down ur gut.
Welcome to my house. Here, i live in harmony with nature. Therefore, its not directly possible for me to go into the kitchen to stuff some biscuits down my gut. Yup, if i do that, i'm calling for trouble and have missed out certain crucial steps.
Its quite an old house. It's too old that it's tired and exhausted because of counting how old it's getting every year. The sight of Jerry nibbling at a piece of cheese on Cartoon Network can make u relaxed, but it's not gonna be the same kind of entertainment u r gonna get in the kitchen of an old house. U'll jump up in shock, grab ur pyjamas and flee frm the spot, stamping over several cockroaches and lizards on the way... so much mortality just for a couple of biscuits.. why doesn't the media take up this issue seriously?
Watching lions, komodo dragons and killer sharks on national geographic is such a pleasure. Even in real life, safaris r thought to be adventurous and exciting. But what the hell is a squeaky little mouse gonna do to u? well, wild encounters that r made by surprise sure do perplex and unsettle the human mind. forget the biscuits...when u try to sleep u have nightmares about mice, rats and civet cats on the prowl.. i'm not kidding.. they run over the roof like it's a vintage theme park..
Other species that succumb to old mansionly residences include certain spiders, wasps and bandicoots.. populations are chiefly confined to outhouses.. official visits r made to the kitchen when nocturnal conditions prevail.. family trips r common especially during the time of purchase of groceries.. hey, everyone needs their festival alright!!
Well, the simple solution to avoid disastrous consequences is to turn on the kitchen light from outside, bang on the door a few times, and then storm in, singing 'crawling in my skin..' Now u can have the biscuit treat.. and whats new! we have festival offers.. get some rat poison, mix it with 3-week old unconsumed laddoos and lay down the banquet for the night visitors.. the mortein magic takes their lives only when they're outdoors..
Rodents r not seen as a part of mother nature's privileged elite..( sob! sob!)..but the flipside of the pessimism is that they increase our mental alertness.. certain unwritten rules like "tap hard with ur feet when u walk at night", "U r the man before the mouse, don't swap roles" and "Rodents love mortein-laddoo delicacies" certainly smoothen life easier.. and u can digest those biscuits better..
Glossary:
bandicoot: perichaazhi;
civet cat: marapetti;
wasp: kadannal
none of the others taste good except the civet cat! so, who's gonna be my first customer, zam zam or kalavara? :P
Welcome to my house. Here, i live in harmony with nature. Therefore, its not directly possible for me to go into the kitchen to stuff some biscuits down my gut. Yup, if i do that, i'm calling for trouble and have missed out certain crucial steps.
Its quite an old house. It's too old that it's tired and exhausted because of counting how old it's getting every year. The sight of Jerry nibbling at a piece of cheese on Cartoon Network can make u relaxed, but it's not gonna be the same kind of entertainment u r gonna get in the kitchen of an old house. U'll jump up in shock, grab ur pyjamas and flee frm the spot, stamping over several cockroaches and lizards on the way... so much mortality just for a couple of biscuits.. why doesn't the media take up this issue seriously?
Watching lions, komodo dragons and killer sharks on national geographic is such a pleasure. Even in real life, safaris r thought to be adventurous and exciting. But what the hell is a squeaky little mouse gonna do to u? well, wild encounters that r made by surprise sure do perplex and unsettle the human mind. forget the biscuits...when u try to sleep u have nightmares about mice, rats and civet cats on the prowl.. i'm not kidding.. they run over the roof like it's a vintage theme park..
Other species that succumb to old mansionly residences include certain spiders, wasps and bandicoots.. populations are chiefly confined to outhouses.. official visits r made to the kitchen when nocturnal conditions prevail.. family trips r common especially during the time of purchase of groceries.. hey, everyone needs their festival alright!!
Well, the simple solution to avoid disastrous consequences is to turn on the kitchen light from outside, bang on the door a few times, and then storm in, singing 'crawling in my skin..' Now u can have the biscuit treat.. and whats new! we have festival offers.. get some rat poison, mix it with 3-week old unconsumed laddoos and lay down the banquet for the night visitors.. the mortein magic takes their lives only when they're outdoors..
Rodents r not seen as a part of mother nature's privileged elite..( sob! sob!)..but the flipside of the pessimism is that they increase our mental alertness.. certain unwritten rules like "tap hard with ur feet when u walk at night", "U r the man before the mouse, don't swap roles" and "Rodents love mortein-laddoo delicacies" certainly smoothen life easier.. and u can digest those biscuits better..
Glossary:
bandicoot: perichaazhi;
civet cat: marapetti;
wasp: kadannal
none of the others taste good except the civet cat! so, who's gonna be my first customer, zam zam or kalavara? :P
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
