Lust - It doesn't last!

As a matter of fact, I am currently reading Dan Brown’s Inferno. Inferno (Hell) is the first part of an epic “The Divine Comedy” written by Dante, who in his lifetime of suffering has probably scripted one of the best pieces of literature in the history of mankind. He has described what hell is, heaven and purgatory to his apparent meeting with Satan after going past the seven gates for the seven sins –  wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. The inferno was responsible for the uproar of the Church as it struck fear in the hearts of those who read about it and their realizations of their sins drove them to confessions and prayers.

According to the Inferno, there are nine circles in Hell. In the second circle are those who succumbed to their carnal desires as a result of “lust”. They are those who couldn’t reason with their inner desires. It is the most-least terrible sin but it is punished first above all. The feeling can make the most arrogant man kneel before it.

Helen, wife of Menalaus (King of Sparta) was said to be the cause of the Trojan War: acclaimed as the most beautiful mortal woman, she was abducted by Paris and brought to Troy as his mistress. The "great Achilles" was the most formidable Greek warrior in the war against the Trojans. He was killed by Paris, after being tricked into entering the temple of Apollo to meet the Trojan princess Polyxena. This is what lust could do, does and will continue to do.

Sherlock, yes the latest BBC series gives me a modern take on lust. Wherein Holmes suggests how he has detached himself from all kinds of mortal emotions which aids him focus on his core activity without any distractions. Lust has seen the fall of many greats from such heights that they couldn’t get back up there.

Unlike the ancient times, no more do wars take place for emotions like pride and love. People are bamboozled if they have fallen in love or the pit of lust. What is the difference really? Love and lust. One is about understanding, the other wrecks understanding. One brings two people together for eternity, the other just for fulfilling their thirst. One speaks from the heart out, the other from the teeth out. One is about the beauty on the inside, the other is about the flesh on the outside.

Lust is the reason why Delhi is the rape town of our nation; others soon joining the capital. It is the very reason why women don’t feel safe anymore. It is very reason why the species of men are losing their trust worthiness day by day. Only one good has lust done, it has paved way for businesses for pepper sprays and stun guns! They are indeed blossoming with the women’s day just passing by!

Phoenix

Phoenix

Taking leaps towards my goal

But the path is horrifying

Hurdles and thorns are all I face

It just gets harder and harder

It wasn’t supposed to   

They just want me to fall

Oh God why!

Please tell me why!

Broken and beaten, I chase my fate

Never giving up is all I know

Success is my only option

It just gets worse and worse, was it supposed to?

They just want me to burn

Oh god why!

I just don’t care anymore

Because I’ll rise,

Rise from my ashes to fulfill my destiny

And crush those en route

As failing is something I’ve never known!

Note: Originally written on 13th Jan'2011 

          Library, MLDC. 

Give him an Oscar for God's sake!

The man was named Leonardo because his pregnant mother was looking at a Leonardo da Vinci painting in a museum in Italy when DiCaprio first kicked. He made his little break into the TV line at the age of five and ever since then it has only been an upward career movement for him. 

I do not watch love stories or any type of gooey movies and so I have never watched the movie completely which was Leo's big break into Hollywood- Titanic. He began shedding his chocolate boy image post that phase by phase. The movie won eleven out of fourteen Oscar nominations. 

I have watched Catch me if you can where he literally convinced me how becoming a con man and earning millions before turning 19 is such a piece of cake. The movie was nominated for two Oscars. 

The Departed, where Leo played an undercover officer. The movie blew minds all over and he played huge a part in doing so. The movie won four Oscars out of five nominations. 

Blood Diamond, I can't refrain from writing just a couple of lines about this movie. The movie almost makes you think twice before buying the shining stone after the watching the movie. What makes the movie so real is the cast's portrayal of their characters. Leonardo's borderline role of Danny Archer, leaves you to decide if was the hero or villain till the very end. It's a shame the movie although nominated for five Academy Awards failed to win any.

What happens when a top class actor meets a top class director? Inception! I don't know if it really was the movie or it was me convincing myself; but I did have a dream within a dream! The movie won four out of the eight Oscar nominations. 

Leo played the elegant slave owner of Candieland, Calvin Candie in Django Unchained. I was routing for Django throughout the movie but the villain appealed more to me. The movie won two out of five Oscar nominations. 

Had it not been for Mr. DiCaprio, I would've never watched The Great Gatsby and his impeccable portrayal of the mysterious yet a hopeless romantic, Jay Gatsby. The novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald has been adapted by six movies, with Leo turning out to be best acclaimed Gatsby of all. The movie was had two Oscar nominations.

It has been my raw deal that I haven't yet watched Aviator(Won Five Oscars out of eleven nominations), Gangs of New York (Ten Oscar nominations; Both these are being downloaded as I type this!), Revolutionary Road (Three Oscar nominations; where he reunited with his Titanic co-star) and Romeo + Juliet (One Oscar nomination; Not keen on watching this one!) 

^MY POINT FOR MENTIONING ALL OF THE ABOVE^

- JUST GIVE HIM HIS DAMN OSCAR ALREADY!

As far as his movies are considered, he has chosen them very carefully and his acting has only leveled up with age.

All in all, his dozen movies have racked up as much as 66 Nominations out of which they've won 26 Academy Awards! I'm not saying he was the sole body responsible for this achievement. Hell no! I give the Director and his technical team most of the credit. What I'm saying is that, him playing the lead role in most of these movies- deserves an Oscar and not just five nominations that he has! 

All of this before the The Wolf of Wall Street! The movie has five nominations; Leo is competing with Christian Bale for the Best Actor's! 

I have watched American Hustle and I have watched Wolf of Wall Street too; I most definitely won't say that Christian Bale doesn't deserve an Oscar, sure he does but Leo deserves it more! There is no bias in my opinion. I'm a Dark Knight fan first!

And the curtains finally close down

Being a part of an institute for a decade, wearing the same patterned clothes every single day; It is indeed a very emotional moment when school ends- although I really don't know why, it wasn't for me. I miss school but I was pretty much content to know I was entering college; far from the boundaries of discipline, birthday clothes everyday, no more remarks or calls for my parents to attend my complaints at school!

 

Attendance sheet!

First glance at MLDC back in 2009

 

Before even taking admission there, just to know where I was stepping my in to- I decided to go down and take a look. I took a rick from the station, got down in front of the gate and I simply couldn't figure out if I was standing at the right infrastructure. I could see the gate of Sathaye and indeed it looked like a college- with a campus too! Dahanukar, on the other hand, looked like a 60 year old society undergoing redevelopment. 

Junior College

 

Gameoooo!

Somehow after getting into college, it was not just about getting through with HSC but utilizing the two years to decide my future, take part in college fests, participation in college activities, good attendance, scoring well etc. Now that was the plan, what I ended up doing was regular attendance at Naturals, C.S at Gameaholics, flunking once in FYJC and hanging out with friends wherever that was feasible. Learning German was one of the highlights; especially the treks that tagged along! Who can forget the constantly nagging Amma?

Library

Library 

I've spent more time at the library than any other facility at the college. What's intriguing about group studying is the how you can help each other while studying, sort out each other's queries and succeed in exams. Just kidding! It was hugely about group breaks which usually were prolonged leg pulling sessions, Gaabheri misal, CCD (You know which one I'm talking about), coffee, football, cricket at the katta etcetera

Kattaa

 

Vella people at the katta!

I really don't like the open canteen. It's a shabby hangout spot. Not until a couple of years ago that the katta came into existence. And ever since then it's been mistaken for attendance criteria by most of us. Be it waiting for the exam, studying because the library is full, dressing up for some day or fancy dress or for no reason at all- all photo sessions are duly held at the katta. 

   

 

Someday again!

The Industrial visits

 

All I can recall about degree college is my articleship and the two industrial visits. The first one at Chandigarh-Shimla, although hectic was unforgettable for the singing competition in the mangalam express on the return journey. The latest IV at Agra-Jaipur superseding the earlier one in terms of better management by the college, enjoyment and that "last year of college wala" feeling- had it's own moments! Industrial Visit was really just a jargon for short bonding vacations!

Friends

 

The snow was worth it eh?

I wasn't gonna miss out on writing something about the most bearing compatriots of my college time. I've had just the unique friends. It's them who have made college life what it is. It's them that I'll miss. It's them that I hope I cross paths with. Though it's only some of them I know I'll be in touch with.

If I visit our usual hangout spots again, no matter how crowded, they will always look deserted to me. Hereon, we won't get the chance to see all the familiar faces together at the same time and the same place. Of course there are reunions; where one fourth are unable to make it, another one fourth don't want to make it, another make it but don't matter to you and it just won't feel like what you've been missing. 

Life after college

 

The last trek!

Unlike post school, where it was just the decision of which stream and then which college, now the questions will be much more and answers even m
ore decisive. Some might go distant places in order to post graduate or jobs. These five years- nothing casual like this time is coming back again. Life will take a mature turn after graduation. Be it B.Com or the other expensive forms of it, graduation is a formality and a necessity now.

Soon enough, we will be thrown out of our comfort zones, finding ourselves sitting in a room full of people with ironed faces, earning enough but spending it with whom? 
 
Some write ups are from the teeth out, this one's from the heart out. Soon enough the day will come when I can wear the black robe thing and throw that hat up in the air! Just like the movies ehh. 



Quick Poll: How about just enrolling for M.COM to enjoy two more IVs and railway concession for the same period? What do you think? :-D

The Juan Mata saga.

It's been inked again and again how Mata being the Blues' Player of the Year for two years running fell out of favor for the Special One and Mata has now become the Desperate One to find playing time ahead of the coming World Cup Finals at the Samba land. 

His move to United only has ups for himself, United, United fans, Chelsea and certainly not for Chelsea fans who have to see their favorite wear the Devil red jersey. That must hurt. 

In a brief note, the move is;

• Big Money for Chelsea

Well, for a change, the spenders will be earning. This is the highest they have earned on a player, surpassing 25 Million move of Arjen Robben to Real Madrid in 07-08 season followed by the recent move of Kevin De Bruyne to Wolfburg for 17 Million.

• A chance to break into the World Cup squad

Mata has never really been amongst the favored ones in the Playing XI of Del Bosque's Spain ahead of the likes of Barca trio; Iniesta, Fabregas and Xavi. The move to United only gives him a chance to be chosen ahead of David Silva. 

• Hopes of season revival

The transfer takes place on the back of losing the Capital One cup's final spot to Sunderland; how much more can Moyes take? Mata's play can turn the tables for United like Ozil did for Arsenal. He can deliver what is asked of him; create chances and score an odd goal every now and then. None of their midfield is clicking and Mata just might make the much needed difference!

• Not the player that Chelsea fans would want to cash in on

Just a few reactions from Chelsea fans on Twitter.

@chelsearumours : I want Bakkali, Draxler and Messi as replacements for #Mata. No, not one, all three.

@a_norin9 : I can only thank you for the memories but I will never think of you the same

@VrunTIPS : I've just read that #Mata to #MUFC article from the Telegraph. Do you know what I think about it

@DeeSansXO : Please dont leave us ... we need you, we love you ... You are a blue and blues never give up

All in all, it's good move for all the parties involved. I'll be happy to see the little Spaniard in action again.

A Mumbaikar's lifeline.

I've been a Mumbaikar all my life. I'm too accustomed to the crowded roads, the Mumbaiya language, the beaches I never step my foot on, the roadside food etc. to barely come close to thinking about moving to any other city. 

Any part one of the world I travel, I compare that particular place with Mumbai, how empty the roads are, do they make vada pavs, how long the frequency of their train or bus system is or in other parts of India- how pure their hindi is! 

Life in Mumbai is an adventure in itself, especially the train life. Only rich brats and delicate dolls are supremely deprived of traveling in a Mumbai local train. 

The early days of traveling in a local all by yourself.

Just like most of us, I commuted in a train after 10th standard, for college. I was in the middle of chaos on Borivali station on the very first day. Getting late for college. I had no clue as to which platform I was supposed to take off from! Fast train or slow train? Which direction train is the Churchgate one! It was a pretty big dilemma at that time.

Suburban war.

Having no clue whatsoever about any feuds between any suburb passengers, I resorted to travelling in a fast train coming from virar. I was really getting late on that day! The platform was deserted; I realized later why. The train arrives. Turns out Borivali passengers are debarred from getting on a virar train. I wasn't spared either. Disheartened, I tried to persuade my way in the next one. 

Virar dude: Piche waale dabbe me ja idhar jagah nahi hain.

Pitiful me: Mere akele ke liye toh kaafi jagah hain. Andheri hi utarna hain boss.

Dude again: Borivali se chootnewala train pakad na.

Very pitiful me: Please chadhne do na class ke liye late ho raha hain!

Virar dudes: akela hain sirf, le lete hain isko.

Relieved me: Pheww. :| (Train mafia!)

The East or West saga.

I get over my first day somehow. Enter second day. A slow train from borivali; it had to be. I'm late again, yet to get along with the timings. I get down at Vile Parle, storm my way up the stairs and off the bridge and booom, it's all changed. I can't see the Ram Krishna Hotel or the HDFC bank where my classes were. I ask around and I am told I was the wrong side of the railway track. Damn. How stupid I felt I was. 

Never have I mistaken for east/west after that day!

Many people have their set of tricks to identify this without anybody's help. Stand in the direction of Virar- to your left is west and to your right it's east. 

Shopping market.

Ladies compartments are a shopping bazaar for many petty items! Over the years I have come across many innovative products in the general coach myself.

An ear cleaner with a torch - How does anybody use it on self? Gift it to their wives? or girlfriends? 

A light bulb which is unbreakable - Why would I need one? I, like most common people, don't have the habit of banging light bulbs at reasons unknown.

Pens with waterproof ink which actually looks good and they give you a free trial as well - Nothing funny about this. What bamboozles me is that fact that they are being sold  for "Paanch ka das" because their "company has a special offer". 


Gas lighters- The guy was confidently selling each for 10 bucks and giving away a confident warranty of a week. I wonder how that was supposed to work  
Etcetera.

Aarti groups

I'll be very honest; I'm not a very huge fan of the aartis and bhajans in the train. Sometimes it all sounds like a noise and sometimes it in fact sounds good to the ears. What puzzles me is how those men have the energy to be so energetic after a long day's work, every damn day! Those people are seated in the same train, same coach, same seats, every single working day! 

These are few things you will not find in trains in any part of the world. 


It is weird how people are looking for a seat so badly when the trains are crowded like hell and people stand at the doors when seats are available in plenty. It is sometimes bewildering how most of us are bothered about being late for work when the trains are late because of an accident on the tracks. It is humble how there is always a "fourth" seat in a general coach and space just enough only for your buttock on the third seat of a first class coach. It is only Mumbai where life gets back on track almost the very next moment after a crisis strikes us. It is crazy how a fatso becomes a certain Usian Bolt at the sight of his train taking off. 

Commute by the railway for a week and you learn the value of a few seconds. We are Mumbaikars, we live by the minute! 

A Letter to Santa

At the Palladium, Lower Parel.

Dear Santa,

I don't want a fancy gift or expensive clothes

Neither do I want shiny jewellery or leather coats

Nor do I want to lead a luxurious living.

All I want is friendship that is true,

Love that is unconditional,

A promise made that ain't gonna be broken,

Trust which is worthy of it,

Respect which isn't namesake and

A life with not just puzzles but its solutions as well.

I know it’s not feasible,

Is it because I've been a bad kid? Or it is too much of good to ask for?

I guess I'll never know.


Note: This was originally written last year 24th December when I did not own a Blog. So I thought I'd share it on the same day this year! :)

I love my country and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage. Is that so?

FlashFiction#1

He was just a kid. Born in a poor family, all he heard time after time as he grew up was that he was born in the wrong race. Nobody could blame him; and they couldn't let him live freely either. His family was insecure and scared. War between the superior and inferior race. They took away his everything; his parents, siblings. He had no one. He became helpless. He was lost, but he had nowhere to go. If only he had a different skin.. things would've swung his way.. 

Why do we love our motherland indeed? Is it because of how wonderful our culture is? Our history has been revolutionary? What about the likes of those who were and are ill treated by the very place they were born in? Aren't they supposed to love their motherland? Don't they deserve a place they can safely call "home"?

African civil war ridden countries.. Libya.. Racism between the whites and the colored.. Congo.. Lebanon.. it goes on and on.. 

Do they love their country? - For her rich and varied heritage?

5 Most clever moments in Football

We come across dozens of impossible passes and trickery but some of this is just rare!

• Some brains with the gloves!

 

Starting off with something very simple yet clever. Not the most uncommon.

Someone who has made Pirlo's panenka look silly; an always animated Barca Keeper Pinto playing mind games with the penalty taker here. Does he win it?

•   North pole-South pole!

 


When this kind of a trick works out, doesn't it look really good? The look on Ibra's face - priceless. 

Not one but most of the Inter players trapped offside here by Sienna.

•  Life is unfair.

 
Chelsea vs Man United with C.Ronaldo.

A really clever move by Rooney, well supported by Giggs and an impeccable finish by Ronaldo. But did the referee appreciate the cleverness here?

•  I'm gonna take that!

 

Couldn't trace the German teams involved in this video. Nevertheless, looks like a messed up freekick at first. Then the very next second the entire act comes together. They ought to have practiced that!

•  Whoa, what was that?

 

Theyab Awana, playing for UAE in a friendly-match against Lebanon scored this penalty. Although, it was more cheeky than clever since there was no risk involved considering their team's position. However, their coach did not appreciate it and Theyab was subbed a few minutes later for this move! 

Unfortunately, he died in a car accident in 2011 at the age of 21. 

The moment He finally retires.

It came as quite a surprise to me when he announced his retirement. Although it was imminent, I expected him to call it a day after playing his last game; just like he did for the ODIs.

That would have drawn a lot less media. Not a single day has passed by that not a single newspaper has not printed about Sachin's glorious career, his records, upcoming events in his name, tributes by celebs around the globe, the grand hoopla circling Wankhede and how his retirement is the only thing that matters in that Test series. 

What more came as a surprise was the fact that he mentioned about retiring after his 200th Test game. I've always known a Sachin who doesn't care about any milestones. Never did he mention about playing 500 ODIs or scoring 50 ODI Centuries or even 100 ODI half Centuries. The only milestone he chased was the World Cup.

He has invited a lot of unnecessary presssure onto himself. Pressure to perform, to please the crowd for one last time, give them moments they can't forget and above all the media pressure.

This retirement announcement seemed very un-Sachin-ish to me.

A young Sachin always excelled under pressure; in fact it got the better of him. But with age, he hasn't coped too well under pressure. Take for examples, his nervous 90s streak jinx, low scoring in Grand finales; be it the World Cups (2003 World Cup still upsets me), IPL or any other. Can't seem to forget the monkey he finally got off of his back after his 100 International tons either!
 
Unlike the above, this time he has only this one chance, in fact two innings so two chances, to set his farewell right.

This is just my take on some possibilities that could happen in that in His last appearance in the field: 

Starting with a negative one (and a dim scenario too). How frustrating is that gonna be? If the match is abandoned. Bad weather. November rains. Let's not be so sure that it won't happen. Mumbai's weather off late hasn't been the most predictable one. And what's more unfortunate than the rain Gods interrupting our cricketing God? Sachin doesn't play. Whatsoever be the reason, he might not get injured- how about a little stomach upset? That would just be pitiful. This is like the worst case scenario and I hope it doesn't happen!

If He doesn't get his 200th cap, it should be upsetting and both interesting to see if he extends his last game to another series.

On the positive side, let's first say he scores just decently and stays on the pitch for a fair amount of time. That should be good. We fans will be happy to see him bat. The media will probably ignore his mediocre score. A fair goodbye.

How about an hundred? That should be a heavenly feeling for him and the best possible moment for the billions that will be watching him on the entire planet.

He scores a duck and wait, it seems very sad at first but its not that bad. His comparisons with Don Bradman will resurface! Sure the West Indian who does this crime is gonna be the butt of all jokes, just like Ishant Sharma is right now. He will probably feel guilty too!I just hope He doesn't crumble under all the expectations from us, his family, his team members and the media.


Let's give him a break. Let him breathe. Let him enjoy his last game. Let him play in his typical fashion. I am sure he will bowl too! With an era coming to an end I'm gonna be one of those who won't be following cricket as much as I did.