Filter Cafe

Travel and Maggi

2010-03-02T14:12:00.001-08:00

Day 1

Some of the fall outs of last minute decisions during peak season are having to deal with annoying itineraries and ridiculous prices. Our flight to Puerto Rico had a 11 hour overnight layover in Atlanta. Whoops! Another hotel booking and double the check in baggage fees (Thanks Delta! Your customer service is something else. Not.) later, we arrived in Atlanta. We heard a lot of whooping and cheering in the airport arrivals section. The troops were home for the holidays - presumably from Iraq. While they deal with world problems, we had one brewing for ourselves - Dinner. No car + late night = hungry and irritated. Anyway problem solved. Luckily, we’d packed a few Maggi’s to get us through any bad days and poor culinary experiences (That’s life when you’re vegetarian). So, one maggi + coffee cups+ microwave later, we were all set to tackle the next day’s flight to San Juan – Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico!

2010-03-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

Puerto Rico trip – Dec 09

It’s funny how some decisions can be made very quickly. Out initial thoughts were to head to New Orleans for Christmas week. We even bought the travel guide! But something changed and off the fly (pun in retrospect) we decided to go someplace further. We booked our tickets to Puerto Rico and planned the entire trip in 2 weeks (after buying a new guide book of course). We did not have time to learn any Spanish phrases unfortunately.

Why Puerto Rico? Its in the Carribean. Its exotic. Its tropical which is nice since we've been shivering our a$$e$ out in Austin. Its not technically the US but we don't need a passport to get there from mainland US. (Imp since husband's passport was running out. Countries need 6 months validity for international travel. Not to mention that Indian passports always means visa i.e. more planning)

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Travel Austin- Atlanta. Overnight stay

Day 2 – Atlanta to San Juan – capital of Puerto Rico

Day 3 – San Juan and surroundings

Day 4 – Snorkeling and kayaking off Culebra (the Spanish Virgin isles)

Day 5 – El Yunke rainforest and kayaking into the bioluminescent bay in Fajardo

Day 6 – Luquillo beach – About 45 mins from San Juan

Day 7 – Driving on the Ruta Panaromica into the central mountains. Overnight stay in the mountains.

Day 8 – Guanica, in the South coast of Puerto Rico

Day 9 – Guanica

Day 10 – Return to Austin

PS: Advise for other Indians passport holders in the US planning a trip to Puerto Rico. Just your US driving license will do. Travel to Puerto Rico is considered domestic travel. You will not need your passport anywhere. Take it though - just to be safe (it has your US visa). Plus, your US mobile phones work there (no international roaming)

Travels and travails

2010-03-02T12:19:00.000-08:00

I am going to kick start the revival of this blog with a brief description of the travels we have done here.

The real reason we came to the US was that a lot of other places are accessible from here. I think Sriram and I have been fairly happy with the travelling we have managed in the past 1 year (yes we recently completed out 1 year anniversary in Austin!).

Lets see. We arrived in Austin - Feb 09

April 09 - New York City - Always wonderful. Spent time with brother. Even after having spent months in NYC in the past, I had never seen Liberty island and Rockefeller Center. So with that done, I think I've completed the tourist circuit in NYC. Which means, I can do other stuff when I go there again next month. Oh wait its already March. So this month.Yippie!

June 09 - South Padre Island - Spring break Mecca and for us, a long interrogation by US emigration(the island is barely 30 miles from the border with Mexico). and we hadn't even left the state of Texas! One lesson learnt on that trip - carry passport everywhere you travel.

Houston - Boring. I can't even remember when we went!. Its the only place apart from Dallas (even more boring I hear) that's an easy drive from Austin. NASA was a total let down. Yawn. Did I say boring? The highlight of the trip was perhaps the old old pub we visited in downtown Houston. Their cash register was at least 2 centuries old and it rang real nice. Side note - I read just yesterday that the sound of the cash register is one of the most pleasant sounds on earth (it ranked something like #2 in a top ten list). The other highlight? I almost forgot. Leaving our car in a garage that was closed for a public holiday. Convincing the Mexican inside to let us in to retrieve the car so we can go back home was no mean task! Lesson - Use hotel valet. Even if it means 30 bucks a night. Robbery.

August 09 - Trip with parents and brother to the West Coast. Lovely

Vegas - Every bit as over the top as you hear it is. The shows are nice. The casinos - you could'nt lose your money faster. Vegas even seems to have liquor that costs thrice what it would in a regular pub. In any case, people from Austin are spoilt with the low cost of living. Couldn't believe that a pint of Budweiser (about 3-4 bucks in Austin) could be 9 bucks in Vegas. They just used some fancy packaging. Anyway, the fact that I lost my camera and it was actually found and returned to me (posted home by the Casino I lost it at). Priceless.

Grand Canyon - The best decision we made was to rent a car and do our own driving. The desert moonscapes around Vegas are to be seen to be believed. The Grand Canyon is breathtaking. We really want to go back there and make the hike down to the river. Sigh!

Los Angeles - Finally. The land of Hollywood. The drive was interesting. The traffic in LA - legendary. Universal studios - touristy. But surprisingly, we had a lot of fun. The veggie food in a cafe there was one of the best I've ever had. Santa Monica beach - cold. But a beautiful sunset.

The bay area and San Fransisco - Reunion with with old friend. Great time. San Fransisco - as magical as ever. The redwood trees again. I never cease to be amazed by their size. A whole day wine tasting in Napa - hic! I've never had this much champagne before. The flavoured ones were excellent.

Sept 09 - Trip to Bangalore and home sweet home. Does this count as "travel". I guess not. What would have counted was the trip to Goa. But then - that was a disaster. We got caught in torrential rains that flooded the area and we basically scooted from there before you can spell G-O-A. There was that trip to Calcutta too. The less said the better. The street food in Calcutta always rocks!

Dec 09 - Puerto Rico. Now this, I wont let any of you go easy. I have spent a precious few hours writing a travelogue and read it - you must. It will go on this blog shortly.

Am I back?

2010-03-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

Its been a whole lot of time since I last blogged. Its funny how things turn out differently from what you imagine (I don't mean it in a good or bad way). Seeing as it was that I was set to make a huge move in life (really this is a pun!) to live and experience the US of A- Austin Texas it was. Wanted life to change a little bit- actually a whole lot. Living in Bangalore for all those years. Working. Earning good money. It was just way too predictable and I wanted to get away. Its even quite strange how the universe throws things at you when you need it. Not a few months before we left to the US - the husband and I, we had talked about how moving some place far - like the US will be really nice. So it happens.

I thought I'd have a lot to share and a lot to discuss and this blog would be brimming with posts. None of that happened.

It feels strange and I feel strange. I think I need to start writing again.

The swanky hotel in Manali

2009-09-10T03:51:00.000-07:00

Its the "catch your eye" generation. Agreed. But why feature the Burj Al Arab next to an advertising piece on Manali holiday packages? Plain stupid. Seen in in the Times of India online edition today.

Road to indebtedness

2009-07-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

In India, the banking system is still traditional. Yes there is the occasional Lakshmi chit fund and Vini Vic scheme. We all take housing loans, student loans etc. After getting to the US however, I see some of the “advance” (pun intended ) ways in which people can get hold on money. Its about the “right here right now” out here. Its mainstream. Plus, its not even the banks that do this.

1) Title loans – There are tons of ads. Smiley couple needs cash. Sad. Walk into a “title loan” shop and walk out with money, beaming. Anyone can get cash. Instantly. What they omit to tell: They just kept your car as security for a 500 buck loan.
2) Cash into gold – Got broken chains and unwanted gold jewellery at home? (Yeah really they believe jewellery is unwanted). Just send it in an envelope to the automated processing center and they will send cash. Instantly. Almost like its free.
3) Turn a structured settlement or annuity into cash now – Its just simple cash flow discounting to present value with obviously a tidy profit involved. The ads encourage people to get their cash flows (usually from lawsuit settlements) discounted so they can buy their dream home!
4) Cheque discounting – Even Walmart does it. Take a check and get cash immediately for a small fee. Encourages people to not even wait for 2 days that it takes for a cheque to clear.
5) Most shops offer EMI schemes and many many people buy expensive stuff only because of those schemes. Cars, houses? Fine. What about TV, furniture, holidays. Yup all of this.

Financial advancement is great. Deception is not cool. Some of this is taking place in India. Its just not mainstream yet. I really hope it remains that way.

I like, I dont like.

2009-07-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by Maanasi to do this. She wonders if I’m alive and breathing these days, seeing that this blog has no updates. So, this is to show her up.

1) I like driving – Even in Bangalore. Especially in Bangalore maybe. I know the traffic sucks yada yada, but secretly, I liked all that alone time I used to get.
2) I like things natural - It may make me look like I just got out of bed, but I’m not cheating anyone. Plus, I’ll never figure what to do with make-up. Its effort I don’t know how to make. Anyway, I NEVER look like I just got out of bed unless I just did or I’m lazy. That happens sometimes.
3) I hate exercising in the gym - I still do it but I hate it. Its boring.
4) I love traveling – That’s all I ever want to do. Go to as many different places as possible. I never get a travelogue done though. Much as I try. It’s the laziness again. I won’t even include that as a separate point.
5) I like to read in the loo. Some may find it disgusting. I like it. In Bangalore it was the daily newspaper. Here, it is Time magazine.

Hmm so far, 4 “I like” and 1 “I hate”. I have to change the equation

6) I hate “girl talk” other than with girls I share a wave length with. Its sooo boring to hear women talk about their daily lives. Unless they want to use humour or say something interesting, I don’t care for it.
7) I like studying. I complain and complain about it when I have to study for exams, but the nerd deep inside loves it best when studying.
8) My latest passion is America bashing and also some “Indians in Amrica” bashing. Got nothing against the country. Noticing a few things and making fun of it makes me feel good. It also makes me mean. But I don’t say anything to anyone’s face. So I’m good right?
9) I love watching programs like CSI and also Medical Detectives and such like. In fact, in my CA exam studying days, I used to allow myself 1 hour everyday to enjoy watching grisly murder stories re-enacted while having lunch. But horror movies? No siree bob. No can do. Hate them and don’t feel silly to say - I get really scared.
10) I love clothes but hate shopping. I will never buy stuff at some discount stores, not because I’m a snob but because I hate sifting through stuff that’s in a heap. If its all nicely put up on a rail, I’m all for looking. I cannot tolerate shopping trips that last more than say 3 hours. Not even at these fancy American outlet malls.

Lets see, now I’ve reached the same number of points as on Maanasi’s list. Just need one more to top her effort. If not content, sheer numbers talk baby!

11) I’m really bad at keeping awake for late nights. I used to be called "8 ‘o clock news" in my childhood for my penchant to quickly drift off to sleep soon as the anchor came on. No much has changed today. Ok, its not 8 pm anymore. But its certainly not all night or even close.

Guilt and the environment

2009-06-10T09:52:00.001-07:00

Leave the World a Better Place™ - Carbon Offsetting Option

EcoSkies - Carbon Offsetting OptionContinental has partnered with Sustainable Travel International (STI), a non-profit organization that supports global climate protection and environmental conservation. STI offers customers the option to make a contribution to offset their carbon footprints for travel on Continental. All contributions are paid directly to STI. Continental does not receive any portion of any contribution.

Sustainable Travel International calculates that to offset your amount of CO2 from this itinerary, you may contribute $0.21 or another amount.

I just make an airline booking and noticed the above paragraph just after the booking details. Very interesting concept I must say - to make the guilt disappear.

But, another though that comes to mind is that the carbon impact of a 4 hour flight seems to be worth only $0.21, a miniscule atom amount. So, will this achieve the proper purpose of assuaging guilt? What if someone thinks “I’ll have a heck of a number of really long flights to do and even then my impact cannot exceed $10”.Therefore, I do not care.

Did I contribute the amount? No. I’ll turn off the light bulbs when I leave a room.

Windy Austin

2009-04-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Austin can be windy. Very windy. The reason, I feel, is because there are so few tress here. I mean the REAL ones. The only kind you see here are the dwarf boutique variety. You know they’re small and look pretty. So, anyway, there is nothing to stop the damn wind from flying right through and helping you and your shopping cart get ahead of yourself. I give below a very real example to substantiate this.

I go to the grocery store today. I know it’s a windy day because I fight my way to the car. All is well. Groceries are done.

Now, I go back to the car where I balance the cart, the car keys and myself. Have to open the door to put the stuff in. In the melee, the shopping cart runs away on the gentle gradient (helped by the wind of course). I somehow put everything in and then after the mandatory which side of the car to go towards confusion (this whole right side driving thing drives me crazy), I get to the driver’s seat. I open it with zero visibility. My hair is flying all about. Then I notice some important papers inside the car are swirling like crazy and one is already on the driver’s seat ready to sneak out. I quickly stop that by jumping towards the driver’s seat with my ahem!, posterior. Now I’m deeply satisfied. I saved the paper but wait a minute! I can’t turn!. The wind had made my hair go vertical and then some of it was still stuck between the door (on the top) when I dived in! I must have been a sight. That was confirmed when I came home looking something like this.

Kooky series

2009-03-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

I think this is fun. I will start a number and “side-series” and see where they head.

Today’s series is: “Things to avoid/not do in America especially if you are from India and your taste matches mine and you are 5 feet tall or above”. Since this is my series, I have the right to name them what I want.

1) Do not walk. Drive! – Please, even if it sounds like the sanest thing to do, do not walk in this country (disclaimer: This is for the average American location. Not New York City). You do so at your own risk, as I discovered yesterday.

On a lazy Sunday afternoon who wants to cook? So the Mr and I decided to go get some grub from a place that was apparently 200 yards away (thank you google maps!). And so we walked. The footpath (the sidewalk as it is called in these parts) narrowed and finally becoming non-existant. Soon we had to walk on a dirt path ok. (gulp), ditch. Yes, ditch with some serious clay that stuck to my brand new shoes. We had a tough time steadying ourselves from the wind that almost blew us away everytime a vehicle passed, not to mention the quizzical looks on the face of the drivers. Are those people walking on their OWN TWO FEET or is that a mirage from all the Texas heat? Anyway you get the picture. We walked and never got anywhere and of course we were murderously hungry. Had to go back home, take the car out and get a meal eventually.

So, no walking please.

2) Avoid root beer – As exotic as it sounds all it is, is Iodex stirred into carbonated water with very little sugar. I discovered this yesterday, after the grand walk. Worse still, none of my aches and pains went away.
3) Avoid grapefruit juice – If like me you thought it was grape juice, you are forgiven. If I had paid any attention to the colour of the drink, I would have been forgiven too. But alas! It’s the bitterest most horrible drink on earth (along with root beer of course!). It does’nt DESERVE to be pink in colour

This list is bound to expand and I will delight you with all the information.

As always>> You’re welcome.

Statutory warning

2009-03-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

The herein mentioned blog is titled Filter Cafe that bears close resemblance to Filter Coffee - the wonder drink from South India, a liquid which the writer loves (ok, is addicted to!). It thereby follows that good content can only stem from lavish gulping of the beverage mentioned. Now, the writer has been denied this simple pleasure owing to the move from Bangalore to Austin. Thus, future posts may be "Nescafe instant" like until a certain shipment arrives from Bangalore, India. Till then as they say :

Coffee is not my cup of tea.

Chew on this.

From "simply adjust maadi" to "howdy partner!"

2009-03-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

For all of you who thought this blog is dead dead dead! …too bad. I’m back!

A new series shall start on this blog to high light the recent events in my rather eventful life. The move from Bangalore, Karnataka, India to Austin, Texas, USA. Yes, just recently moved countries from the land of Yedyurappa (what’s with the moralistic BJP these days?) to Mc Cain country (although Austin is supposed to be the haven of wierdness in the midst of the conservativeness that defines the rest of Texas). Yay!. So, after having stayed in Bangalore all my life, here I am in Texas.

So, lots of observances shall be showcased to you – reader and will shift depending on mood of self. So don’t berate me.

My current mood is as follows: The US is a developed country? Really?.

Chew on this. For more, patiently await my posts.

Bangalore - hot and happenin!

2008-11-21T00:06:00.000-08:00

We all know that Bangalore is changing and there is a steady influx of people from every place around. But really, has it changed this much!?

Check the screen shot below of the piratebay website (Click for enlarged image). Yes, yes guilty as charged! I download torrents all the time! But, for the first time, I noticed the young ladies on the left column. See for yourselves. I’ve lived all my life in Bangalore but I never knew Dasarahalli was this cool!

MTR for the uninitiated

2008-11-09T23:23:00.000-08:00

Tell me about one travel article to Bangalore that does not mention MTR (Mavalli Tiffin room) as THE place to go for authentic South Indian meal in Bangalore. The ambiance is ahem! unique and believe me, all of Bangalore wants to eat here on any given day.

Everyone tells you to go there but no one tells you what to do once you reach. Therefore, in this post, I help by letting you know how to have a satisfactory breakfast experience at MTR. Here follows some tips from me. If you continue to the end of the post, there’s also a surprise waiting!

1) If you’re not a morning person like me, the best time to visit MTR is around 10.15 am – Breakfast closes at 11 am and the doors shut after around 10.45 am. No one’s allowed in after that. Why 10.15 then you ask? Well, many people just like you wanted to have breakfast at MTR and many people just like you, are not morning people.

2) Put your name down with the chap who calls out for tables as they become free. Well, this part is not difficult. But be sure to hang around him. I suggest a you maintain not more than 2 feet distance between the chap and you at any moment. Why? Sometimes the guy’s prone to calling out names in such a soft voice that you may not hear. He does not believe in second chances and right in front of your eyes, you may see the family with the kid carrying balloons bought from Lalbagh trooping in instead of you.

Now we come to the most delicate part of the operation:

3) When your names are called out, spring up from your seat and follow instructions to you table but AT THE SAME TIME, make a sweep of the entire room and check what’s on everyone’s table. If you’re Sherlock Holmes that no problem. Else, like me, you’ll need to practice about 2-3 times. Why you ask? Well, there are no menu’s in MTR. When the waiter blesses you with his presence, don’t annoy him by asking what’s there. Else, he’ll annoy you back by giving rattling out the entire menu in 5 seconds flat. Ever seen someone do speed reading aloud? That’s a necessary qualification to be an MTR waiter

4) So now that you’ve observed what’s on everyone’s tables, you can get ordering. But wait! There’s still the dosa aspect to mention. Of course you’ve gone all the way to MTR and the reward is perhaps a nice Ghee Masala Dosa. The waiter will tell you there’s no dosa, ALWAYS. Then, he’ll let tell you “maybe I can manage the last few dosas for you”. Then he’ll scold you and let you know these are the last possible dosas and he’ll send you to eternal hell if you ask for one more later on. You’ll meekly agree. Here in MTR, he tell YOU what to do. Its his way or the highway. Oh yes, you can note this charade going on in the tables round you as well. Once the artificial scarcity is created, I see that everyone orders dosas.

5) Refer to point four. The dosas have been ordered. Now, look desperately around for the waiter again to place the rest of your order. Or yes, if you are less than 4 people, expect to share your table with the boy carrying balloons from Lalbagh.

6) Once the food arrives, save for some minor irritants (you have to BEG for a second serving of chutney etc) the experience is excellent. I refer here only to the food.

All right so here’s the bonus I promised for reading the entire post. Below is MTR’s breakfast menu from my Sherlock Holmes’ing’.

Masala Dosa – Order first. It comes from the black market.

Rava Idly

Khara Bath – Not always available

Bisi Bele Bath – Yummy

Badam Halwa

Gulab Jamoon – so so

Badam milk

And the piece de resistance:

The Fruit Custard – From the second you put your eyes to it, you WANT it.

All breakfast items come with a generous helping of ghee.

You’re welcome!

Mid Day - Mid week crisis?

2008-10-16T04:47:00.000-07:00

I know people are losing their jobs and that’s a sad thing

I also know that mid-day is filled with tripe and no one ought to take it seriously.

BUT STILL

Today’s cover story talks about the the Jet Airways sacking of 800 employees (and more to come). Here are some gems from the report:

Monica Gawande (28), one of the 800 odd crewmembers laid off by Jet Airways is distraught. “I underwent eye surgery, since the airlines wouldn’t allow me to fly with my spectacles on.

Yeah right. Ever heard of contact lenses?

Also mentioned in the story, “As mid day found out, 90% of the 800 odd crewmembers being laid off have huge educational loans and home loans to repay, families to support and dreams to fulfill”

What? 90% have dreams to fulfill? That’s some survey!

Mid day to crew member (22 years): So, do you have any unfulfilled dreams?

22 year old: Nope. I just want to wander about with this vacant look in my eyes. Its quite fun actually!

Essence of India

2008-10-15T04:11:00.000-07:00

I suddenly felt like looking at the Indian government site. Plain curiosity that’s all.

http://india.gov.in/

Turns out, this site serves a dual purpose. It’ll help you learn the art of writing in flowery language, one tests the limits of artistic expression. If you don’t believe me, outlined are some phrases. Decide for yourselves…. on you own. Get the redundancies?

This section introduces you to the National Identity Elements of India. These symbols are intrinsic to the Indian identity and heritage. Indians of all demographics backgrounds across the world are proud of these National Symbols as they instill a sense of pride and patriotism in every Indian's heart.

The Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus, the national bird of India, is a colourful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck. The male of the species is more colourful than the female, with a glistening blue breast and neck and a spectacular bronze-green train of around 200 elongated feathers. The female is brownish, slightly smaller than the male and lacks the train. The elaborate courtship dance of the male, fanning out the tail and preening its feathers is a gorgeous sight.

The long span of Indian history covering more than 3000 years and enumerating several civilizations has been a constant reminder of the country's rich multicultural extravaganza and world-renowned heritage. The people and their lifestyles, their dance forms and musical styles, art & handicrafts, and such other elements go on to reflect the varied hues of Indian culture and heritage, which truly epitomises the nationality of the country. This section attempts at showcasing all those elements, which act as a window to the culture and heritage of India.

The beauty of the Indian people lies in their spirit of tolerance, give-and-take and a composition of cultures that can be compared to a garden of flowers of various colours and shades of which, while maintaining their own entity, lend harmony and beauty to the garden - India!

I don’t know about you, but I find this stuff funny (ok also deeply educative. I did not know our national tree was the Banyan Tree.)

Crisis!

2008-10-14T22:45:00.000-07:00

So far, I’ve never discussed work at my blog. However, of late, with the financial crisis rocking the world (you know when even Mid-day has several cover stories on it), it is time to discuss my work. My job involves closely following the markets – specifically the fixed income markets (bonds), which have been at the epicenter of the crisis. This post will also stand as proof that I was in the thick of things during the greatest financial crisis since the Great depression (1929-1940) (I’m not saying this. Experts are).

I think it’ll take years to properly attribute reasons to all that we’ve seen take place in the financial world in the past year. Yes, although grabbing the headlines now, the financial crisis has been making news since April last year believe it or not!. That was pretty much when I joined my current job (July 07). So its been very interesting for me.

In this post I will not do anything other than present a time line of the crisis that I have nicked from Bloomberg as well a graph where you can see at what pace things have been moving of late. Its rather long. I’ve warned you that the crisis has been going on for ages now!

So without further ado, here goes:

2-Apr-07 New Century Financial Corp., which specialized in loans to people with poor credit defaults, files for bankruptcy protection after being overwhelmed by customer defaults.
17-Jul-07 Investors in two Bear Stearns Cos. hedge funds that invested in collateralized debt obligations backed by subprime mortgage loans are told there is no value left in the funds, wiping out $1.6 billion originally invested.
19-Jul-07 Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke tells the U.S. Senate's Banking Committee that there may be as much as $100 billion in losses associated with subprime mortgage products.
22-Aug-07 Countrywide Financial Corp., the biggest U.S.mortgage lender, sells $2 billion of preferred stock to Bank of America Corp., the biggest U.S. bank by market value, to bolster its finances.
14-Sep-07 Northern Rock Plc says the Bank of England agreed to provide emergency funds to ease a ``severe liquidity squeeze'' sparked by U.S. subprime mortgage defaults following the first run on a British bank in more than a century.
11-Jan-08 Bank of America, the biggest U.S. bank by market value, agrees to buy Countrywide for about $4 billion.
14-Mar-08 Bear Stearns Cos. gets emergency funding from the U.S. Federal Reserve and JPMorgan Chase & Co. as a run on the bank depletes its cash reserves in three days.
16-Mar-08 JPMorgan Chase agrees to buy Bear Stearns for 7 percent of its market value in a sale brokered by the Fed and the U.S. Treasury.
1-Apr-08 Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., the fourth- largest U.S. securities firm, raises $4 billion from a stock sale to quell speculation it's short of capital.
9-Apr-08 Washington Mutual Inc. rejected an offer from JPMorgan Chase to buy it for as much as $8 a share, or $7 billion, before announcing it received a $7 billion capital infusion from a group led by TPG Inc., the Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the situation.
28-Apr-08 The U.S. Internal Revenue Service starts distributing tax rebates electronically as part of a $168 billion economic stimulus plan.
31-May-08 Bear Stearns ceases to exist as the acquisition by JPMorgan is completed.
11-Jul-07 IndyMac Bancorp Inc., the second-biggest independent U.S. mortgage lender, is seized by federal regulators after a run by depositors depleted its cash.
31-Jul-08 Nationwide Building Society, Britain's fourth-biggest mortgage lender, says U.K. house prices declined the most in almost two decades in July and consumer confidence fell to a record low as the economy edged closer to a recession.
31-Aug-08 Commerzbank AG agrees to buy Allianz SE's Dresdner Bank for 9.8 billion euros in Germany's biggest banking takeover in three years.
7-Sep-08 The U.S. government seizes control of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the largest U.S. mortgage-finance companies.
15-Sep-08 Lehman Brothers files the largest bankruptcy in history, and Bank of America agrees to acquire Merrill Lynch & Co. for about $50 billion.
16-Sep-08 American International Group Inc. accepts an $85 billion loan from the Fed to avert the worst financial collapse in history, and the government takes over the company.
18-Sep-08 Lloyds TSB Group Plc, the U.K.'s biggest provider of checking accounts, agrees to buy HBOS Plc, Britain's largest mortgage lender, for 10.4 billion pounds.
21-Sep-08 Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley receive approval to become commercial banks regulated by the Fed as tight credit markets forced Wall Street's two remaining independent investment banks to widen their sources of funding.
23-Sep-08 Goldman Sachs Group Inc. says it will raise at least $7.5 billion from Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and public investors in a bid to quell concerns that pushed up the Wall Street firm's borrowing costs and hurt its stock.
26-Sep-08 The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ends a program that monitored securities firms' capital after Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, the only companies remaining under its jurisdiction, became banks overseen by the Fed.
26-Sep-08 The SEC's inspector general releases a report asserting that the agency failed in overseeing Bear Stearns because it knew the firm had ``high leverage'' and was too concentrated in mortgage securities before its forced sale to JPMorgan Chase & Co.
26-Sep-08 Washington Mutual Inc. is seized by government regulators and its branches and assets sold to JPMorgan Chase in the biggest U.S. bank failure in history.
27-Sep-08 Washington Mutual files for bankruptcy protection.
28-Sep-08 Fortis, the largest Belgian financial- services firm, receives an 11.2 billion-euro ($16.3 billion) rescue from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg after investor confidence in the bank evaporates.
29-Sep-08 The House of Representatives rejects a $700 billion plan to rescue the U.S. financial system, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 778 points, its biggest point drop ever. Citigroup Inc., the biggest U.S. bank by assets, agrees to acquire the banking operations of Wachovia Corp. for about $2.16 billion after shares of the North Carolina lender collapsed under the weight of overdue mortgages. Bradford & Bingley Plc, the U.K.'s biggest lender to landlords, is seized by the government.
30-Sep-08 Dexia SA, the world's biggest lender to local governments, gets a 6.4 billion-euro state-backed rescue as a worsening financial crisis forces policy makers across Europe to aid ailing banks. Ireland says it will guarantee its banks' deposits and debts for two years.
1-Oct-08 The U.S. Senate approves a revised version of the rescue plan that was refashioned to entice enough votes for passage.
3-Oct-08 The House passes the revised version of the rescue plan. Wells Fargo & Co., the biggest U.S. bank on the West Coast, agrees to buy all of Wachovia for about $15.1 billion, trumping Citigroup's government-assisted offer.
4-Oct-08 U.S. President George W. Bush signs the rescue plan into law.
5-Oct-08 BNP Paribas SA, France's biggest bank, will take control of Fortis's units in Belgium and Luxembourg after an earlier government rescue failed to ensure the company's stability as the global credit crisis worsened.
6-Oct-08 The Fed says it will double its auctions of cash to banks to as much as $900 billion and is considering further steps to unfreeze short-term lending markets as the credit crunch deepens. The German government and the country's banks and insurers agreed on a 50 billion euro ($68 billion) rescue package for commercial property lender Hypo Real Estate Holding AG after an earlier bailout faltered. The Dow Jones Industrial Average falls below 10,000 for the first time in four years.
9-Oct-08 Citigroup walks away from its attempt to buy Wachovia, handing victory to Wells Fargo. The Dow Jones falls below 9,000 for the first time in five years and briefly dips below 8,000.
13-Oct-08 An EU summit meeting is called and most EU nations agree to implement rescue packages for their country's banking institutions. Agreements were reach with regards to guaranteeing inter bank funding, debt, injecting capital into banks and changes in mark to market accounting rules

Every dot on this graph represents an important event during the ongoing crisis. Notice how its almost a line in the last couple of months (From september 08 onwards). Things are happening at a screaming pace.

Of cheats and generosity.

2008-09-22T23:18:00.001-07:00

A very small snippet of what may be right and wrong with the world today explained through blatant consumerism:

Last Sunday, I wake up with the usual thought of picking up the Sunday supplement to read with a cup of coffee and there I saw on the newspaper, a sachet of Vivel shampoo – the new range by ITC. Well, that’s a freebee! (I think we threw the paper into our recycle stack though, shampoo et all).

Then, we go over to our friend’s house for lunch and conversation leads to why there’s a white blank rectangle on their Sunday supplements. Turns out the news paper guy has nicked the shampoo sachet before delivering them! Ouch! Now this is approximately a 300 home apartment complex which equals 300 stolen sachets that the newspaper dealer may be selling to the shop around the corner for a profit, unless Rapunzel lives with him.

Turn to Monday morning in our house and guess what? another Sunday supplement is delivered to us! Looks like the dealer had a few extra newspapers and wanted us to have the sachets.

Now that’s generous. All’s well with the world again (for the next 5 mins).

End of the world

2008-09-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

I went about my usual daily business scarcely aware that this potentially devastating device (Hadron Collider- Will post the link later. Looks like the entire world is searching for it so it wont load) will be unleased on the world today. Imagine the irony - the experiment CERN is conducting to study the Big Bang - the birth of the universe can cause the the end of the world. All the radio stations are inviting callers to discuss their "in a blaze of glory" exit from this world. A lady wants to take her husband to all his ex's so they can give him a last goodbye kiss? Huh? Another guy wants to propose (sic) to Sania Mirza.
Anyway, what about my blaze of glory? I want to discuss a movie. A movie called Dark Storm that I watched quite recently on TV (was that a sign from up above?). This obscure movie (took me tons of googling to get to its name - had forgotten it) talks about exactly the world faces today. Scientists in some super secret military lab discover "dark matter" and the mandatory evil and greedy one amongst them wants to un leash that on the planet for his own excitement (or to sell it or whatever). You see, its very hard to understand what the movie tries to convey. But if you ask me, this was the warning god gave to us long back (movie released in 2006). What's the fun if you dont use your grey matter to figure out the deep implications of the movie?? So here we have Mr. Rebonded hair scientist (turns out he has a web site for his "fans" but again I get an error. Is it just me?) who has swallowed dark matter (the evil guy puts it in him in true Guinea pig fashion). He can now control it. He's got this flashy presence on screen (literally) and can throw electricity bolts at people amongst other things. A boring 2 hours and tons of close ups on the hero's hair style later, Mr hero guy goes to this "lab" to stop the dark matter from creating a black hole in order save the planet. I'll leave the ending for you to figure. Come on you've got to use your grey matter too - to figure out how to tackle today.

As for me - I've now told the whole world how to save planet earth. Watch Dark Cloud.

The Indian connection

2008-09-05T06:20:00.000-07:00

I do not have to introduce anyone to the habit of Indians taking credit for everything important that happens around the globe. Not to take away the accomplishments of talented individuals but I totally gag everytime the media digs up an Indian connection within no time for any happening that gets widely reported about. Take this for instance. It took them what? One week? to decide that an Indian was behind google's new browser Chrome.
Booker price? Gotta have an Indian. In fact none of the other nomineess with even get discussed in the Indian media.
Man on the moon/Mars/Uranus? - The little Indian needs to be waving right from up there!

Umpteen other examples. Bah!

Speaking of Greyhounds....

2008-08-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

... Maybe this would have made my 8hr odd journey less agonising.

Bus journeys

2008-08-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

So how many times have you rued the inter-city bus services in India. Bangalore Goa – think Paulo travels. Delhi-Manali – Raj transport. Indifferent drivers, nasty way side eating places (its all in the commission), surly conductors, late arrivals yada yada. But hear this – I had a one of kind bus journey some time ago that I feel compelled to narrate.

Cut bank to fall 2006 (Because I’m in the US silly).

I’m in some sleepy village in New Jersey (on work) and I decided to visit my brother in Syracuse – NY over the weekend.

Initial (crazy) thoughts were to drive down – all by my alone. Immediately discarded – miss a freeway exit in the US to know why! Next option was to catch a train to New York city and then take a bus to Syracuse. This was going to need to some expert syncronisation of time using various modes of transport for me to get to Syracuse by Friday night.

I took off early from work, took my bags and drove to the train station. Guess what? Not a single overnight parking slot free! Many people with similar plans to mine. Hmmph already lost time. Had to go back and call a cab who charged me a princely sum ($40) to take me back to the train station (about 6 miles). Its like the train was waiting in the station for me. I picked up my tickets, hopped onto the train and 1 hour hence, was in the Big Apple. Then, in less than 10 mins. I was on the subway to the bus terminus. All in a days work I say! I made it in record time and thought to myself its my lucky day. In a way it was, I now get to tell this story.

At the bus terminal, I bought the Greyhound ticket to Syracuse – made my pockets about a 100 bucks lighter. One way people!. Then, stood in various queues and guess what? the bus left at least half an hour late and many of my co passengers were dodgy to say the least. There was this African American, dreadlocks et. all how spent half the night trying to make up with his rather pissed girlfriend. I’ll spare you the details. So, we’re wizzing by on the roads and I think to myself great, will be in Syracuse by 10 pm! Yay! Then came the stupendous announcement from the bus driver. The mike is switched on and the driver very mater of factly says he’s lost his way! Ever heard of a bus drive how must be plying the high way routes a zillion times lose his way? Also, I have to tell you, the road from NYC to Syracuse is for the most part one road. Keep on it and off you go. The bus driver had no update on when he might reach Syracuse. This was down right annoying. More so because I don’t have a cell phone and have no way of telling my brother who’s coming to pick me up from the bus stand.

At the rest stop, I tried to make a phone call from a public phone. Believe me, it was a spooky experience. I had to go to the truckers lounge where a bunch of beefy rednecks wearing bandanas and long hairr and MASSIVE muscles are well, lounging around. Fearing for my life, I put my quarters in and realized damn! I don’t have my brother’s phone number! I did have my cousin’s no who incidentally was also in Syracuse. Only its about 11 pm and he was asleep as expected – likely a Captain Morgan Run induced happy sleep. No luck. I scooted from the lounge fast as my legs would carry me while looking suitably nonchalant – like it’s the most normal place in the world to make phone calls out of. THIS is exactly when I realised the power of the cell phone. May whoever invented it become immortal.

After all the agony, I finally reached Syracuse at about 3am! My brother was pissed and rightly so. He’s been waiting alone at the bus stand for eons. Anyway, this was the prelude. The rest of my weekend was very nice. Oh! also, on my bus journey back, the driver has to keep stopping every half an hour for at least 10 mins. for the windshield mist to disappear since her defogger was’nt working.

Think about this the next time you board a bus for a Rs 500 journey in India.

India and the wily British Empire

2008-08-11T23:53:00.000-07:00

Time: 1800Ad
Place: Some remote village in North India. Anyway almost everything was a village in those days.
Location: Fields.

Gangubhai: Where’s Raju kaka? I have’nt seen him all day today?
Munshiram: Must be off in the fields again! That addict!
Gangubhai: You mean addicted to tending to the fields?
Munshiram: If you intend the pun, yes.
Gangubhai: Huh?
Munshiram: That rascal fellow always likes to go sniffing after the poppies. The plants put him to sleep for obvious reasons.
Gangubhai: Really? Lets discuss this over some fine opium.

..and so it went on.

In all those agonizingly long history lessons did any teacher tell us that the British kept India as a large opium production factory?

All this talk of how India’s wealth attracted the British. Her glory blah blah.

Well, the British East India Company wanted to have a monopoly on opium production in India and that's what made the Empire stinking rich.

In fact the opium that was exported surreptiously by the Empire from India to China triggered the Opium Wars.

Time: 1800Ad
Place: England
Location: A fancy manor.

Her ladyship: Martha, where’s that luverly Chinese tea?
Martha: Coming your ladyship.
Her ladyship: Hurry up wont you? I was to look at some fine China after this. The lord has been rather clumsy lately. My fine porcelain collection is now but a few colourful pieces.

Sniffles.

So there you go. The British loved their tea and porcelain from China. The Chinese however were’nt interested in buying anything that the British produced.

There was a growing trade deficit with China that the British had to tackle. Hence the wily idea to export opium to the Chinese. Get them hooked and crying for more. The deficit narrowed and then became a surplus. Very clever!

Will try to get more of these interesting educational stories.

Slew of bad news

2008-07-30T00:12:00.000-07:00

RBI hikes rated by another 50bps. Show me a bankruptcy form or a nice place to hide. My mortgage lender is after me.

Ever taken a look at air fares these days? Yikes. With these fares I could have flown around the world about a year ago. Now, it wont even take me to Chennai.

Inflation expected to be managed down to 10% by next year. Interesting means of population control. By then, half of India would have died of starvation. Actually, this may be quasi good news. The world needs fewer people.

No jobs anywhere. People getting laid off everywhere.

Gloom.

An absolute shame

2008-07-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

Still shocked on hearing the news about the serial blasts in bangalore, I thought 'd check the CNN IBN webiste for the latest update. Below are the screen grabs of what I wanted and what I ended up with.

Perhaps Urmila Matdonkar or the hot lady in the Bikini know what happened?

Himalayan trek. Batal-Chandratal-Baralacha La

2008-07-21T00:55:00.000-07:00

We went on this wild adventure a month ago - a 6 day trek in the Himachal Pradesh. A month of procrastinating later, my friend Venky has been nice enough and not be lazy like the rest of us and got our travelogue going. All the gory details on the trek are here. You may need to down scroll a little since post this trek Venky's been inspired to get a full fledged blog going!

http://venkymixedbag.wordpress.com/

Do read and keep the comments coming.

The bold new world

2008-07-18T03:18:00.000-07:00

Guess what ebay is selling these days?

Hint: Bottom left of the page.

Your guess is as good as mine!

2008-07-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

In a dark dingy move hall somewhere in our vast country, someone goes with a video camera and records a movie. Then, I suppose as a SERVICE gesture, the same chap spends an agonizing few hours conjuring up sub-titles for the movie. Below, I’ve extracted the subtitles for the prelude to the movie - Race – apparently the biggest hit so far in 2008 (Lets not even get into that!). Without further ado..enjoy.

This is a Durben Biggest Race Course.

There is millioners coming on every country.

and some people get dreams for make milliniors.

And human live and dead and lose about this dream.

Today is a seasons biggest race.

World Cup

He is a Rabir Singh There is also Bet on the Ranbir horses.

Race is his bussiness.

His Passion.

His Life.

Stallions.

This Rent house Owner is Ranbir Singh and his Younger Brother Rajive Singh.

There is Trained Every Good Cast Horse.

and doing his Beading.and sale out and running in Race.

Against Race Ranbir passion is outdoor smoke.

He lives life on the age.

Born to kill Ranbir Favourite Jockey.

Ranbir's horse Corte on his hands.

Kabir Ahuja Ranbir's Biggest Rider.

One of the biggest bookie.

ln the race his horses are on the bet.

lf any one is against on the Ranbir then only Kabir.

Horse running alone in Race. But in life race human wants a Friends.

Soniya an upcoming model.

he is finding a man who save

her in his heart.

Sometimes love begins with eyes.

and he grow up with meetings.

Ranbir and sonia now too closed.

Just propose is remaining

Ranbirs younger brother Rajiv Singh

Peoples wake up and Drink Tea.

Wake Up Sir Now Morning is on the way.

Beer

And Rajive Drink Beer every morning.

He have no interest in his family bussiness.

Ranbir too much love his younger brother.

But Rajive wants only wine.

Sophia Ranbirs Secretery.

Sophiya love too much with Ranbir.

But renbir think that is his effeciency.

Hi Rajiv

Ranbirs horse white lightning is todays hot favourite.

He bet too much money on this horse.

lf he win then all problems solve of Ranbir.

PS: Prices for guessing the real meaning of the sentences/words.

The eternity of a minute.

2008-07-10T04:51:00.000-07:00

While the topic suggests that I’m going to launch into some zzz giving philosophical discussion, perhaps I just will!

Ok Gotcha!

I’m just talking about the one minute that feels like forever when spent at home in the morning on a wasted activity when one is already running late for work. Now isn’t that a familiar feeling? You’re just about shooting out of the door, when the phone rings (the landline of course. A marketing call – but of course!). You’re half way through the stairs and you mom/spouse asks you if you can fish out the laundry and give them on your way… and an innumerable other inane situations.

You can’t help but get angry right? There you are and you KNOW that you’d have been on time if not for this annoying last minute distraction.
However, in the darkest corner of you heart, you feel something. Is that a tinge of elation you sense? After all you now have someone to blame!! A tiny voice tells you that you would’ve been late anyway but now you have a legal and valid reason to make a face and tell the person who caused the delay that its all because of them. You can even tell the boss why you were so un-necessarily delayed. It’s the one minute that you NEED to believe lasted till eternity.

Italian fixation

2007-06-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

All advertisers seem to have an Italian fixation these days. So many advertisements on TV these days with the dialogue including pronounced Italian accents and as time moves on, they seem to be evolving.

Stage 1 - Not much dialogue in the ad but has a distinct Italian flavour. Eg: The Hide and Seek biscuit ad. with Hrithik Roshan aka Mario and the sexy Italian girl. The setting is distinctly Italian and is confirmed by the couple of sentences the girl's father speaks. Hrithik remains quiet through the ad doing what he does best - looking good and getting all the girls.

Stage 2 - Lot of dialogue, but all pseudo-Italian. For Eg: The Sunfeast Pasta Treat ad with Shah Rukh Khan and the cute kids. The mantra of this ad. is just to end all words with an 'o' and there you have it! Authentic Italian speak. So Shah Rukh sells Pasta Italian'o' with tomato and corn'o' and jumps'o' and prances'o' and the kids are very happy'o'

Stage 3 - Lots of dialogues and this time with real Italian words. Eg: The new Bingo ad selling Nimbu Achar chips. Yeah, the one with learning Tamil with 'Vaango' , 'Poongo' is gone (Although even this can qualify as Italian for the uninformed). So this ad, teaches the viewer many Italian words and ends with Bingo - of course!

So, what can we expect next? Ads completely in Italian? Bring them on I say - just make sure that hot Italian guys hog screen space and I'll watch.

Something I never understand..

2007-06-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

So, I've been watching Discovery Travel and Living a lot these days. Its one of those channels you can watch all day. They have an interesting mix of programmes and I think its a great way to pass one's time. However, there is something I have always noticed -

The anchor is travelling to some part of the globe and invariably gets hold of a 'native' to stir up their local speciality. So, the anchor stands around with the native, calls out the list of ingredients (for the viewers) and makes small talk with the cook. Cut to when the dish is getting completed and she will open the lid of the pot and go.."WOW! Can you smell that? I just can't wait" and rub her hands excitedly. Cut to when its tasting time - she will put one spoonful/forkful in her mouth and go "ummmmmmm, delicious, awesome!". Always! even if she is fed dung! How come the anchors never ever come across food that they don't particularly like, something that will not send them into paroxysms of delight. I wish my cooking turned out like this.

This is what I can never understand. Why are they so fake about this?

Bangalore Mirror

2007-06-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

"'Bangalore Mirror'. An all-colour morning daily that cuts through the clutter to give news the way readers like it — crisp, pointed, and in a language they speak. Says Bangalore Mirror editor KR Sreenivas "We'll tell stories with a spirit of fun; we'll expose political fraud, highlight civic issues, crusade against denied justice — in short, issues that anger readers. But we'll do it all without 'gyaan' or 'fluff'."

So, when they say they cut through the clutter, they mean exactly that. They cut it all out, make a pretty little collage out of it and call it - The Bangalore Mirror.

So, the editor says, this is not a paper that promotes hypocrisy but one that tells it like it is. Shouldn't he then be calling a spade a spade? What is all this I see on the Times of India about how the group has recently launched a "Compact newspaper" - whatever that means! Call it a tabloid because that's what it is!!!.

When I picked up the papers from my doorstep a couple of days ago, to my surprise, I saw a complimentary copy of the Bangalore Mirror there. So, as curiosity would have it, it read it although I'm not sure if you can call it a read. Maybe I just looked at the pictures and let me tell you the content leaves you so breathless (and I don't mean this is a nice way), I couldn't even finish the entire paper! Just to give you a flavour here are some of the topics covered:

Headlines - How Bangalore is warming up. Shock. Horror! Anyone living here will tell you, for the last few weeks we have seen nothing but pleasant weather. Some days being actually cold!

Some little piece on "Suicide in the name of love"

Another piece on car napping (Maybe the only interesting read in the 40 odd pages)

One on how bragging loudly in a club about your wealth can get your children kidnapped, as a businessman in Koramangala recently discovered to his surprise. Apparently he's never heard about keeping quiet about his wealth.

And yes, a good smattering of pictures of Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and the like. But of course.

The only thing I have to say is, if Bangalore Mirror is going to publish all this in the future, are they then going to leave the Times of India alone and do away with Bangalore Times all together. That will be such a great service to community. Then, I won't even mind if they call it a compact newspaper. I no see, I no care.

Hope is dim though. I could tell you about a dozen articles and stories that were common between the Bangalore Mirror and the Times on this particular day that I read both papers. I will keep hope alive though. Can one look forward to anything otherwise!?

Bangalore has arrived!

2007-06-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

So, here I was carrying on with life as usual and then there were these moments; moments that seem out of your average movie - you know, where the principal charater experiences this moment of realisation (along with assorted drumbeats and flashbacks). I just realised how things have changed, in namma Bengaluru.

Cut to moment 1, scene 1- Was getting my daily caffeine fix and standing on the portico in front of my house when I witnessed he following scene - an old newsaper guy- the kind that buys your stack of newspapers for 10 bucks so he may sell it to the recycler, has dumped his regular cargo and viola! a computer monitor nicely strapped up to the carrier of his bicycle! Looks like the transaction just took place. Our neighbours have sold a computer monitor to the kabadiwaala. Talk about moving up the value chain!

Moment 2, scene 2- I saw a stretch limo today! Right here, on the road next to the park near my house. A Ford Endevour lovingly cut up, and joined back with a kilometer of metal in between! Please correct me, but I for one have not seen a stretch limo in India ever.

Has Banglore arrived or what?!

Style street.

2007-06-07T00:44:00.000-07:00

Spotted in Agra. Crap suits anyone!?

Exams!

2007-06-05T03:13:00.000-07:00

So, how many of you break out in a cold sweat when you hear the dreaded word. How many times do you relive those moments.. ah precious moments!, the dread, the anticipation, the good 'ol shiver in the spine, and why oh why do these host of butterflies make your stomach their home?

I wrote one of these exam things recently. They are such an integral part of your student life that you end up going thro' the motions, just like everyone else. Hell! the whole thing was almost normal. Every summer, with the sweltering heat and the promise of summer holidays and mangoes to cheer you on when you learn to rote that one last topic on the plinth area of the - 'something or the other temple' built in 1056 AD.

Nothing changes.

Now, however, I did pay some attention to the environment - to the people around and what they were up to in that last half an hour when you are forced to enter the examination hall and sit down, but no sirree , the exams don't start. Not yet.

Lets look around. There are about a hundred people in the room. About 50 of them, with tikkas and assorted colourful material on their forehead - those are the ones wearing their prayer on their forehead, quite literally. I'm sure after breaking about 10 coconuts at the temple, hope soars with every extra one offered to god. Its almost time! I should meditate, collect my thoughts if you will. Oh but I can't. One of those eager beaver bunches have just gathered up two desks away. Confidently throwing out formulae at each other. Its a competition, the one who recites the most in number and in the tone most audible wins! Tough call - they were all loud, they were all winners.

What is that rhythmic drumming I hear. Oh the lady next to me who decides to gainfully employ herself by drumming on the desk. Rocking new beat that one, accompanied by at least a dozen people tapping their feet. Rhythm you say? Nervousness I say. Get over your nervousness. Shake your leg baby!

There's of course this guy on the other side of my desk. Lets see, 1,2,3... 10 pencils, 2 pens, 2 calculators, 3 Snickers bars (for when the fainting fit threatens to come I presume), one large hand kerchief, a bottle of water... Who can take risks? Always have plan A,B and C ready. What's this I see though? oh yeah! no space left on the desk to keep the question and answer sheet. I feel sorry for you buddy.

Where was I though? Hmm collecting my thoughts, meditating, but help! My mind , its empty! Horror horror, what about my exams, what about all those days spent with my nose to the books? All to naught? Wait, I see a sliver of a tought entering my mind. I smile. Its a song! beedi jalaile la la la - the last song on the radio on my way to the exam center. It hate it , yet it stays on in my head with dogged determination. I have to hum it. Will it then go away? No it wont. Now, I'm the one getting stared at. Horror!

Oh god! make me invisible. I want to be a million miles away.

HELP!

Trrrrrrrring. It starts.

It starts

2007-06-04T05:36:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am blogging finally! I wonder why I never did this before, but then again I do know.
Without boring anyone with the details, suffice to say now's as good a time as any!

Of couse the last time I wrote was wayyy back in my school days but I won't disappoint you. I always got stars from my english teacher :-).