ceilingzero

2007-02-25T23:24:00.000-10:00

Views from the Udyan Express - Mumbai to Bangalore

2006-10-17T00:38:00.000-10:00

Views from the Udyan Express - Mumbai to Bangalore

2006-10-16T23:58:00.000-10:00

Cultural Fusion

2006-10-16T23:51:00.000-10:00

2006-08-11T21:46:00.000-10:00

At the station,
Crowded pavement, dirty pavement,
Cigarette walla round the corner,
Only men at the stall,
Rockin' in the same boat,
Tryin to make a livin'
Where have all the women gone?
Where have you gone?
I can still see you
All these fucking walls around us...
These layers....
Let's just dissect them so
We can see the softness and warmth beneath
Too soft, too warm...

simple

2006-08-11T21:39:00.000-10:00

Lovely and gentle....a gift from nature. Don't look me in the eye.....please don't, coz it makes me want to reach out and I can't do that. Oh how I wish I could. Don't you see it too?

!@$34

2006-08-11T21:29:00.000-10:00

Shrunk into your cabin hole wondering why you find yourself in these recurring situations. Ahh.....addicted to this pain, this sweet pain, the only respite, smoking a cigarette and relishing it to the max. Maybe an excuse to relish that cigarette. Not even respite but part of the experience. What to do? A feeling of being human...this is real. You are real. Too real and too close. Why hadn't we met earlier? Then again, it would not have been the same, coz it can never be the same. Nothing ever is.

A moment of clarity

2006-06-23T19:34:00.000-10:00

It's one of the most wonderful sensations - that 5 seconds of clarity you get every once in a while. You're in the train on the way to work with your eyes closed just enjoying the ride, and taking a break from struggling to find the answers, and just as you're falling into a lazy dozy state, you experience 5 seconds of pure letting go. No struggle, only clarity - and you know that if most of your life was like that, you're clarity in seeing your path would be seamless. In those 5 seconds, you get the answer to one of your questions, and your state of being suddenly oozes with a confident relaxation.

Big city

2006-06-23T01:18:00.000-10:00

So you go through life confident of your bravery and and ability to accept change. You're excited about sailing on that ship and losing sight of the shore. Nothing's gonna stop you. And wham....you get a curve ball which throws you completely off guard. And you're not handling it well...panic, fear, helplessness take over. You get emotionally desperate and you just want something familiar to hold onto, but there's nothing in sight. You're alone in a fucking raging city that has chewed you dry and spat you out. The only thing you can grasp on is hope because that's all there is at this point. And you keep plugging away through the down time hoping that the next day will bring some answers to your cluttered mind. Because right now, it's filled with confusion. You're exhausted from wondering where the fuck you went wrong that landed you in this mess. But then there is hope that if you stay long enough with the discomfort it will pass just as it has in the past and it'll be another one of life's lessons you will learn from. This also shall pass.

Gambling pt 2.

2006-06-20T02:09:00.000-10:00

Here is an article I came across Soccernet.com on football gambling in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong gripped by World Cup betting
HONG KONG, June 20 (Reuters) - Hong Kong may not have a team at the World Cup but that has not stopped interest reaching stratospheric proportions because of the craze for soccer betting.

The current World Cup competition in Germany is the first since Hong Kong legalised soccer gambling three years ago and the territory's already healthy appetite for betting is at fever pitch.
Alan Ho, a store manager, is impatient for Brazil's next game.
Confident the South Americans will go all the way, he is betting HK$800 (US$102) on the reigning world champions every time they play.
'I think Brazil will meet Argentina in the final and Brazil will win,' Ho said.
Soccer gambling was legalised to curb illegal soccer betting, which totalled at least HK$20 billion in 2001, the government estimates.
Taxation of legal soccer gambling meanwhile raised HK$2 billion in fiscal 2004/05, helping push government finances into the black for the first time since the Asian financial crisis.
Gambling on matches has become so popular that even 10 percent of school children aged between 9 and 12 said they planned to bet on World Cup matches in a survey by Watsons Athletic Club.
Retailers and bars are keen to cash in on World Cup games, which begin at 2100 local time and go on until 0500.
Shopping malls are packed overnight with some installing massage chairs to encourage people to stay for late matches. One mall has sleeping bags and shower facilities available for shoppers who spend more than HK$1,000.
At Olympian City, a suburban mall, crowds gathered in front of huge TV screens to watch Portugal play Iran.
Cheerleaders on a stage throw giant soccer balls into a seated audience before the game begins. When it does, the crowd cheers both sides' efforts at goal in equal measure - Iran supporters say they want to back an Asian team.
Hong Kongers are avid football fans thanks to 24-hour cable soccer channels that screen matches from the major European leagues.
'Every night there is some football news or game on TV,' said Jonathan Lau, a personal trainer. 'I love watching English football.'
Manchester United and Real Madrid have big followings and Brazil and England are the most popular teams in this World Cup.
While late-night games are not deterring fans who have to go to work the next day, they have prompted the normally laissez-faire government to issue health guidelines.
World Cup fans should eat fruit, avoid fatty foods and stretch while watching games, they say.
Local newspapers meanwhile reported the government fears some legislators may not turn up for a crucial vote on funding a new government headquarters because it coincides with the later stages of the World Cup.
In the Watsons Athletic Club survey 47 percent of girls said they planned to watch the World Cup.
At Olympian City, Katherine Chan, an office worker in her late 20s, has come along to watch the Portugal game with two girlfriends. They too are gambling, although at HK$10 each per match their contribution is modest by local standards.
'We're not usually interested in soccer but it's fun to go out with friends and watch the World Cup. It's a big international competition and it's only every four years,' Chan said.
All three friends are rooting for England.
'I don't think they'll win, but their players are handsome,' Chan said.

Burnt out

2006-06-14T04:00:00.000-10:00

So I'm totally fuckin burnt out.

The intense energy of Bombay has gotten the better of me and it's a frightening feeling. Today I left work at 11 for a few hours to just take a break from it all. I'm not even able to enjoy the world cup properly because my energy levels and morale have taken a nose dive over the last couple of weeks.

This city is too crazy for me and I don't find the high energy levels and crazy pace of life are suiting me at the moment. I want to just not go into work tomorrow and head off somewhere for a couple of weeks. But then again, I have to get back into this rat race and face it all over again. Too much concrete....everyone always on the go and everyone a go getter. Why do we call this progress. What's so great about it?

Gambling and football

2006-06-14T03:48:00.000-10:00

My friend Avi had posted a comment on the previous post asking my opinion on Football and Gambling.

Yes, it is pretty big business and some of the big companies that administer it are Ladbrokes and Bet365.

For me, gambling on football doesn't mix. I do agree with you that it kills the flow of the game for the person who is betting. At least I think that's the effect it would have one me. Football has exploded into such big business over the last 10 years that monetary issues shape the game in many ways today. Infact, I'm quite sure that there is more corruption in the game than we care to believe. Just before the start of the world cup, Italian Football was rocked by claims of dirty business. Referees being influenced and players illegally engaging in gambling. Let's also not forget how Marseille, from the French division was relegated by one league because they were found guilty of match fixing.

On a micro scale, individual waging on the game is also growing. I don't know much about it but I have been around people who bet on football games. I find it too stressful and what if there is a team you support such as your home team but you have waged against them in a game. How do you manage such a situation?

A few of my favourites

2006-05-31T18:05:00.000-10:00

Every world cup produces a player that stands out as a leader of his team. The person that is willing to risk his reputation for the team's progress. He has to stand up when the going gets tough, and is usually the answerable one when the team does not perform to expectations. More often than not, these players do perform. Three of my favourites of the modern game are:

1. Roberto Baggio - Italy (WCs 1990, 1994, 1998) What a player. Calm, composed, skilful, gutsy. A player with balls if you ask me. Spearheaded the Italian team to the final of USA with spectacular leadership performances in the quarters and semis. Scored when Italy needed it. After missing his penalty in the penalty shoot out final with Brazil, the world sports media did not spare him. Infact, many reporters even went as far as blaming him for Italy's loss. Come France 1998, a game in the group stages of regular time and a penalty is awarded a penalty. Roberto Baggio steps up and scores. I can't imagine the pressure that must have been on him. A even recall the comentator saying "The muscle of a man to step up and take this penalty after what he has been through." That takes tremendous emotional strength. In so many respects it was a fantastic moment. I even recall the poise with which he took the kick. One of my favourite moments in WC from a truly world class leading player.

2. Paolo Maldini - Italy (WCs 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002). What can you say about the best left back the world has produced. Once voted Fifa player of the year, and that was a couple of times too few. Dedicated, committed, sturdy, reliable. How many players of his calibre stick with one professional league club their entire career. By the 2002 WC, he was a veteran at the football's biggest stage. Having already played in 3 WCs previous, he is probably one of the best players not to have won the big prize. Nevertheless, the fact that Italy were runners up once and semi finalists once has a lot to do with his marshalling of the water tight Italian defence. A no nonsense defender, he is one of the most reliable I have seen in the modern game.

3. Romario - Brazil (WC 1994). 5 goals in 1994 and a WC winner the same year when the tournament was staged in the USA. Skilful, arrogant, confident. He knew he was good. Scored the winning goal in the 88th minute against Sweden in the semis. Timing could not have been better. He delivered when it was most needed. Not to mention the manner in which he scored. Not a tall player by any standards, he headed the ball home after towering over the Swedish defence. Somehow, you knew that Brazil were the favourites with Romario in it's team. Was terribly dissapointed when he was dropped from the Brazilian team at the last minute before France 1998 due the a nagging injury. Scored over 700 career goals in all competitions.

Phew

2006-05-30T02:06:00.000-10:00

What a great feeling to be relieved of a mega tension that lasts a week.

From the 5 of us in our work team, one was going to be selected to be going to Cochin for a weekend trip June 9 - 11. This trip is all expenses paid; airfare, lodging in a 5 star, food, booze, sunset cruise, ayurveda...etc. It is basically a work related trip with the purpose of educating us on Cochin as a city as well as our hotel there. The criteria that would decide who would be selected is basically which of the 5 of us can bring most number of clients on the trip.

Now, World Cup opening day is June 9th, and no way in hell I was gonna miss that. I was not making a serious effort to get client confirmations for the trip coz I didn't wanna fuckin go. However, most of the first batch of clients I called confirmed. I tell you I was getting stressed. In case I was selected, I had even formulated a back up plan of getting down on my knees and begging my boss to relieve me of Cochin duties because of WC duties. Luckily, a colleague of mine had overtaken me this morning with double the confirmations. And much to my relief, our new employee has been selected to go (not the one who got the most confirmations). Since he's new to the company, they thought it best to send him.

Chale, too close for comfort.

World Cup 2006

2006-05-26T19:51:00.000-10:00

Just 13 days from the greatest sporting show on earth. As much as I can't wait for it to arrive, I also can. The sooner it comes, the sooner it goes. I vividly remember the atmosphere in Honolulu 4 years ago when the WC was for the first time jointly held in South Korea and Japan. And what a tournament it was. For me, the highlight was seeing 2 Asian nations make it past the first round, with one even going as far as the semis. I have the argue that the Koreans, who made it to the semis did have lady luck on their side. The refereeing was atrocious with their game against Spain, and as much as one wants to see the home underdog side progress further, it's unfortunate for the game that a side has to go out because of very poor decisions by the officials. However, I can only imagine that the pressure on the officials is as intense as it gets, and after all, human errors will kick in. I foresee the officiating in this year's tournament to be more precise.

I also foresee a good tournament. By that I mean lots of attractive football, some great goals, sublime individual skills and tight matches. The reason I say that is because of the quality of players gracing the tournament. From the last 4 WCs that I have seen, this one seems to have large crop of football maestros. Brazil can boast of an embarrassment of riches: Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ronaldo, Adriano, Robinho, Dida and Roberto Carlos. The Dutch have V. Nistelrooy, Robben, Makaay and in my books, they are the second favourites to lift the trophy. Even the Germans, who for the last 4 years at least, were fielding an average team now have a handful of talented youth and veterans in it's side. The respective team sheets promsie a mouth watering tournament. From Africa, Ghana and Ivory Coast have the best chances of progressing because of the quality of players they have. However, don't rule on any of the other three, Angola, Togo, and Tunisia. Let's not forget Cameroon of 1990 and Senegal of 2002. Ukraine is the dark horse of the tournament, but their success depends on the fitness of a certain Mr. Andriy Shevchenko, who I think, is one of the finest strikers in Europe. Most of their players play with Dynamo Kyiv, a successful Ukranian club, and that may work in their favour since their opposition may be unaware of their style and method.

On a personal level, I'm supporting Ghana all the way. Being so far away from home, I'm trying to get as many people from my office team as possible to watch the Ghana games together. Next objective is to find cheap ass Ghana jerseys somewhere on Colaba causeway.

All in all, I'm looking forward to a month of total football, colour, life, joy, unity and dissapointment. That's what the greatest sporting showcase is all about.

Hit the spot

2006-02-06T04:36:00.000-10:00

Have you ever watched a movie or read a book that you find yourself disturbed at the end - because you can relate to it and the fictional events are realistic? I just finished "A Fine Balance." A fantastic book because the author went in detail and I could relate to bits and pieces of each of the main characters. Nonetheless, it was disturbing, and after polishing it off on Saturday morning, the rest of my day was fucked. Morbidly depressing or inspirational? To top it off, read most of it when going through one of those low mood swings. Not a good anecdote. Anyways, awesome book.

Broken Flowers

2006-01-22T18:13:00.000-10:00

On Saturday night, I watched the movie "Broken Flowers" with Bill Murray. It actually got released in the States when I was still in Honolulu but didn't have the chance to watch it while there. Anyways, been waiting for it to come here, and finally borrowed it from the library over the weekend. Bill Murray can be a brilliant actor when it's required of him. The movie also stars Sharon Stone and Jessica Lange.

But, I didn't get the ending. Has anyone watched it? If so, please share your thoughts on what you thought the ending was about.

Random

2006-01-19T06:30:00.000-10:00

Already 20 days into 2006? WTF?

Found out today that George Bush is visiting India first week of March. Haven't really been reading or watching news in earnest in a while (which feels kind of good actually) and every now and then, people in the office keep talking about what's going on in the world, most of which leaves my memory almost instantly. But hearing about this today prompted me to read the front page of Times of India. According to the paper, the trip is still tentative. His seat is waitlisted or something.

Another very interesting piece of news that struck me a couple of days ago is this satellite NASA has launched that's heading to PLUTO. Apparently, it will arrive there only (relative) in 2015. Dang. How does such stuff even get planned? If I'm not mistaken, and correct me if I'm wrong, the blue planet is some 2 billion miles away.

Bombay is as crazy as ever, and getting nuttier by the day. I'm starting to feel the effects of lack of nature and greenery around. There's so much focus on construction of new buildings but there hardly seems to be any on putting some greenery somewhere within this intense concrete jungle. Malls and shopping arcades cropping up all over the place.

Opinions

2005-12-14T03:52:00.000-10:00

I've been slowly reading this wonderful book by Pema Chodron. It contains several powerful essays which I've been looking forward to blogging. Here's an excerpt of one I read this morning. It's called "Opinions."

"Let's use the example of the ozone layer. We can rightly say that the thinning of the ozone layer is a scientific fact; it's not simply an opinion. But if the way we work with trying not to further harm the ozone layer is to solidify our opinion against those we feel are at fault, then nothing ever changes; negativity begets negativity. In other words, no matter how well documented or noble our cause is, it won't be helped by our feeling aggression toward the oppressors or those who are promoting the danger. Nothing will ever change through aggression.

You could say that not much changes through nonaggression either. However, nonaggression benefits the earth profoundly. The root cause of famine, starvation, and cruelty at the personal level is aggression. When we hold on to your opinions with aggression, no matter how valid our cause, we are simply adding more aggression to the planet, and violence and pain increase. Cultivating nonaggression is cultivating peace. The way to stop the war is to stop hating the enemy. It starts with seeing our opinions of ourselves and of others as simply our take on reality and not making them a reason to increase the negativity on the planet.

The key is to realize the difference between opinions and clear-seeing intelligence. Intelligence is like seeing thoughts as thinking, not having opinions about whether those thoughts are right or wrong. In the context of social action, we can see that what a government or corporation or individual is doing is clearly causing rivers to be polluted or people and animals to be harmed. We can take photographs of it; we can document it. We can see that suffering is real. That is because of our intelligence and because we don't let ourselves be swept away by opinions of good and evil or hope or fear.

It's up to us to sort out what is opinion and what is fact; then we can see intelligently. The more clearly we can see, the more powerful our speech and our actions wiil be. The less our speech and actions are clouded by opinion, the more they will communicate, not only to the people who are polluting the rivers, but also to those who are going to put pressure on the people who are polluting the rivers.

Just as the Buddha taught, it's important to see suffering as suffering. We are not talking about ignoring and keeping quiet. When we don't buy into our opinions and solidify the enemy, we will accomplish something. If we don't get swept away by our outrage, then we will see the cause of suffering more clearly. That is how the cessation of suffering evolves.

This process requires enoromous patience. It's important to remember, when we're out there nonaggressively working for reform, that, even if our particular issue doesn't get resolved, we are adding peace to the world. We have to do our best and at the same time give up all hope of fruition. One piece of advice that Don Juan gave to Carlos Castaneda was to do everything as if it were the only thing in the world that mattered, while all the time knowing that it doesn't matter at all. That attitude leads to more appreciation and less burnout, because we do the job wholeheartedly and we care. On the other hand, each day is a new day; we're not too future oriented. Although we are going in a direction, and the direction is to help diminish suffering, we have to realize that part of the helping is keeping our clarity of mind, keeping our hearts and our minds open. When circumstances make us feel like closing our eyes and shutting our ears and making other people into the enemy, social action can be the most advanced practce. How to continue to speak and act without aggression is an enormous challenge. The way to start is to begin to notice our opinions."

On the business front

2005-12-08T01:04:00.000-10:00

So I got an email from my wholesaler saying that my relationship with them is actually not profitable - for them. They asked what I plan to do about it.

I basically wrote back to them saying I'd rather speak with them over the phone than by email - reasoning that we can brainstorm together while chatting.

I was worried for about an hour after I read the email but then I just stopped worrying. It's probably good news - a push for me to be creative and work a bit harder. Plus I'll learn more about what doesn't work as well.

The main obstacle being the time difference between India and Hawaii. Means, I'll have to call them from 1230am onwards and I don't have internet telephony at home so will have to be at the office bright and early.

Odd stuff

2005-12-05T19:48:00.000-10:00

Have been thinking about what to blog about but until now, nothing that I felt like jotting down in cyberspace. Either today or tomorrow is exactly 3 months since arriving in the sub-continent. Last night, I dreamt I was taking a walk by the Ala Wai canal where Sly and Lavi live. The actual walks were very pleasant experiences. After waking from the dream in the middle of the night, I lay there for a while, reminiscing about Honolulu; for the first time in such detail since I left.

It's funny coz after awaking this morning at my aunt's place in Colaba, I decided to go for a walk by the seaside near the Gateway of India. First time I've done this particular walk since being here. I had forgotten about the dream until after the walk.

Last Sunday, I was in Bandra East at 10:00 am taking an aptitude test. Don't ask. It was a bad idea. I guess I'm that jobless on a Sunday morning to skip a hot cup of tea and the Sunday paper to take an aptitude test. Anyways, one section had 30 questions and a time limit of 5 minutes. So, with about 2 minutes left, I had completed about 20 questions. I figured I could take my time to complete the last 10 questions. Well, with about a minute left, I completed the 30 questions, only to realize that there were actually 50 questions and not 30. So much for my confidence/over-confidence. Well, I started busting but could complete only 47.

Another example of absent mindedness. I came home and rang the door bell waiting for someone to let me in. I live alone.

Yet another one....around the same time as the door bell. I start ironing my t-shirt but forgetting to turn the iron on. I kept ironing though assuming the job was being done. The best part was I actually turned the t-shirt around coz I thought the front side was done.

A conversation I overheard at the shop in Crawford market between the elderly shopkeeper and a young lady customer after they were debating over the product and their discussion seemed to be heating up.

Lady: So you don't have it in ceramic?
Old man (noticeably frustrated): If you want it, you have to buy minimum six pieces.
Lady: Why 6 pieces?
Old Man: Actually, I don't want to sell to you.
Lady (shocked): What?
Old Man: I don't want to sell to you.
Lady: I don't want to even buy from you.
Old Man: Get out!!
Lady: I hope no one buys from you.
Old Man (now shouting): GET LOST!!
Lady: You bastard!!
Old Man: You bastard. You son of bitch.

I guess Bombay is a major transit/visiting point for the Sindhi diaspora. Lots of friends stopping by this month. Can count 5 off the top of my head. Lookin forward to seein' old pals.

Black Stars

2005-11-17T22:44:00.000-10:00

I'm so happy for Ghana as a nation that they've qualified for the first ever WC. Sometimes, it still seems blur. Growing up over there, there was always promise that one of Africas all time best teams on the domestic stage would make it to the global areana. But the promises failed to materialise due to odd number of reasons, which I won't get into.

But Mr. Radomir Dujkovic has put together, in my opinion, a fairly decent team that has finally made it to their maiden WC. Actually, the players were always there, but them playing as a well oiled discilplined unit was what was missing.

If I don't make it to Germany next summer, I'd like to at least be in Ghana to support them through the tournament. That would be awesome and I hope they are able to progress to at least the 2nd round.....for the team and the people of Ghana.

In Ghana, we have a team that can boast of 5 top class players. There may be more, but I know of only these 5: Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Sammy Kuffour, Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan.

The national team is known as the Black Stars.

The seeding system loopholes

2005-11-17T21:55:00.000-10:00

Ok, so in the previous piece I gave a brief intro into the seeding system and why 8 teams are seeded. The 8 teams seeded are chosen on the criteria of footballing prowess on the pitch. The seeded team will play against 3 other teams that are not seeded.

How teams are seeded

This is how I know teams are seeded:

1. Their performances in the last 3 WCs (World CUPS)
2. Their FIFA ranking
3. Their economic status (Yes, there is a fine print stating this).

Flaws in the system

1. If this is the case, what are teams like England and Netherlands doing there. The best England has done in the last 3 World Cups is 1994 (not qualifying), 1998 (2nd round), 2002 (quarter finals). South Korea has qualified for the last 3 WCs and even made it as semi-finalists the last time around. Netherlands did not even qualify for the last WC.

2. Apart from the WC, FIFA ranks its member nations by all other matches played, including friendlies. Infact, most matches that a nation plays are not WC matches. Due to geographic concerns, most of the time, an African country will usually play another African country in an international match. Maybe out of 10 matches, an African nation will play another African nation 7 times, and 3 times nations from other continents. African nations are usually ranked in the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and upwards. Rarely does one find an African nation in the top 10, let alone the top 20. As of now, there is no African nation in the top 10. For a team to climb up the rankings it usually has to play and beat teams that are ranked above it. So if you're constantly playing teams that are ranked 25-75 9, you're probably not going to climb above 16-17, and that's with consistent winning. But 7/10 games are played against teams in your own continent, so where's the opportunity to better that ranking. So, the top 20 spots, which are occupied by mainly European teams are likely to stay that way for many years to come. It's sort of a cache 22 situation.

This way, I just do not see how an African team, even a mighty good one will get seeded. Now, without a minority team getting seeded, it's chances of progressing to the next round of the WC reduce, or, even if it progresses, it is likely to face a seeded team. So, it's almost a constant uphill battle. With African teams chances of progression reducing, their rankings aren't going to improve, and they aren't going to get seeded. 2 of the best teams in Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon, did not qualify for next year's WC, so their chances of getting seeded for the WC in 2010 if they qualify are minimal. But you may ask, if they are good teams, why didn't they qualify? Well, that is another issue altogether. It's not uncommon for so called good teams not to qualify once every 4 WCs. After all, Netherlands (ranked in the top 10) did not qualify for the last WC. Neither did England for USA 94. And what has Spain achieved (apart from qualifying) in any of the the last WCs.

Secondly, with only 5 slots for Africa, and 4 for Asia, being awarded, the chances of even 3 teams (60% and 75%) qualifying for the next round is very very slim. In the last WC, did 75% of European teams (4 or whom were seeded) qualify to the next round. Of course, not. And these are the so called "mighty Europeans." So, if the seeding of the next WC is partially based on how a team performed on the previous 3 WCs, how can FIFA expect an African team, whose chances are 1/10 in qualifying for the WC, to consistently perform if even a European team, whose chances are much higher (1/5 or 1/6) cannot. It does not make sense and is illogical. You're expecting a team that is labelled "weaker" to consitently (remember, 3 WCs) perform than a team that is stronger. But the weaker team is not given the chance to get stronger. Or, the weaker team is a strong team, but is not given the chance to show that because their rankings cannot improve for mathematical reasons.

3. As for the third reason of seeding a team based in the country's economic status, well that is just pure bullshit if you ask me. What has that got to do with football? So, if Cameroon is ranked 4 in the world, has done well in the last 3 WCs and is considered one of the best teams in the world, they may not get seeded because their GDP per capita is $800/year, as opposed to another team that is ranked 8, done ok in the last 3 WCs, but has a GDP per capita of $20,000.year. It's an absolutely bogus, partial system that is implemented by righteous European aristocrats in the FIFA organization. And I'll tell you the reason for it. Economics. Money from media rights that FIFA will get if England progresses is higher than if Angola progresses.

Well, you may say that if they system is bias, then how come Argentina and Brazil are seeded? Well, Argentina and Brazil are exceptions to the rule. They have been there since the first WC was held in 1930 in Uruguay where African and Asian teams were not invited. They established themselves within the organization from its grassroots level. In 1930, qualifying for the WC was not required. It was a matter of getting invited. And after establishing themselves as football powers, they have been consistently performing well (bar a few tournaments here and there). Argentina has won 2 WCs and Brazil, 5. And if they weren't seeded, then we'd have 8/8 seeds being European teams. Now, monsieur Blatter and co, that would be a bit too obvious, wouldn't it.

Germany 2006

2005-11-17T21:36:00.000-10:00

So all the 32 slots for the upcoming world cup have been decided. Just 2 days ago, 10 nations were playing off for the final 5 slots. The teams are:

Asia - 4 teams: Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran

Africa - 5 teams: Angola, Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast, Tunisia

Oceania - 1 team: Australia

Concacaf - 4 teams: USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago

South America - 4 teams: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador

Europe - 14 teams: Netherlands, England, Germany (hosts), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Serbia and Montenegro, Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Portugal, Ukraine, Croatia.

At the WC (world cup), there will be 8 groups of 4 teams each who will play against each other once. The top 2 teams in each group (16 teams total) will qualify for the 2nd round. From the 2nd round onwards, the tournament goes into a knockout faze. ie. 2 teams will be paired against each other to play one game, withe the victor progressing to the quarter finals, and so and so forth, till you have 2 teams in the final.

To figure out which teams get paired into the intial groups, FIFA has a seeding system. 8 teams (usually the strongest) will be seeded and will each be in their own group so as to not meet each other in the initial round. This is to ensure that the best teams have a chance of progressing. For eg, one would not want to see Brazil and Argentina in the inital round with the chance of one of them getting eliminated. Rather, viewers prefer to see them meet later on in the competition when the stakes are higher. We don't yet know who the seeded teams will be but here's my guess:

Brazil, Argentina, England, Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Italy. That's 2 South American teams and 6 European teams.

So basically, these 8 teams will not play against each other in the first round group stage thereby enhancing their chances of progressing to the knock-out stages. For instance, let's say there weren't any seedings and by chance, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, and Germany got drawn into one group. With only 2 teams being able to progress, 2 will surely be eliminated in the first round. That's the logic behind the seedings.

In the following piece, I'll explain why the seeding system is partial towards European nations.

Chenchardee

2005-11-11T18:48:00.000-10:00

Saturdays in Mumbai just don't have that Saturday feeling: you know, when you wake up, draw the curtains to let the sunshine in, and stoll around in your PJs for another couple of hours, before having a hearty breakfast with a milkshake to top it off. You know the weekend has started and it's your time to chill, play sports, be outdoors, indoors, watch a football game on tv - you have the liberty to do as you wish - and it feel's right coz almost everyone else is doing the same.

But here in the commercial capital of India, it's just another working day - your Saturday is your Friday. Traffic is intense, pedestrians are in a hurry, cab drivers seems stressed out, and if you decide to abstain from work, you start feeling guilty. I guess that's what comes with a 6 day work week - dang man, I'm movin' to France.

But exactly 3 weeks ago, I had the most wonderful Saturday - truly awesome. It had nothing to do about the event, but rather all about the atmosphere. My friend Amit Sikand had come into town the afternoon before, and that was an extra bonus, coz I took most of that Friday off as well. For those of you who don't know, Amit Sikand, and a few of us - Avi (from Indodreamin), Rishi (aka Rishtafari), Amit (from Dreams), Varun, and I, amongst others spent a couple of years growing up together in college in Hawaii during the mid to late 1990s.

Well, after receiving him, we chilled for a few hours - of course, got the customary Indian shave, and then proceeded to meet Varun. We hung around at a couple of bars in Bandra, catching up and drinking away, and as it all most male bonding adventures that involve drinking, the night just kept going till it became day.

Well, the next afternoon, being somewhat tired, and as a result, lazy, we decided to do absolutely nothing but chill at Varun's place. 3 lazy bastards perched in the same comfy positions for 3-4 hours listening to Floyd, REM, and Dave Mathews, munching on take out Thai food and napping off and on. A gentle breeze caressing the dimly lit living room. It was special. Those few hours of being in the presence of old friends, that soft feeling of being comfortable in front of people whom you see very seldom but seems like time hasn't passed.

Balloon

2005-11-11T18:38:00.000-10:00

Brother Varun himself....perching on the ledge of his custom made garden (yeap, designed it himself).
Sorry for the dark photo.

2005-11-11T18:32:00.000-10:00

Who told you to party so hard?

Whaat!!!!

2005-11-11T18:19:00.000-10:00

This is at one of my favourite chai wallas....Sikand chowing on a guava doused with red mirchi and salt.... (all for 2 rupees) and a hot, thick, cup of coffee (7 rupees)....to ease the hangover pain. This is on the side street adjacent to the main road our flat is on. Whenver you guys are visiting, we're gonna hit this place....the coffee is so darn tasty that you don't give a damn about the dirty cup that have been through about 100 mouths before yours. Of course it has been rinsed (without soap), but hygeine standards are a matter of perception.

Deddy

2005-11-11T18:13:00.000-10:00

I thought this was actually a pretty awesome pic. Taken by Varun at Varun's pad.

You know you're on a Mumbai fast train during peak hour when...

2005-11-02T18:54:00.000-10:00

1. You've actually taken a cab to a station further away from your destination as opposed to boarding at the station closest to your office. This is done to ensure you get a seat on the train. Now you have to worry about how to the exit.

2. You're hanging on the edge of a train moving at 70 km/h where the chances of mortality are 10%. However, this is a safer option than standing in the designated standing area.

3. You stubbornly decide to do the daily crossword puzzle and use the stranger's back in front of you as a rest for your paper. Of course he doesn't mind, and even if he does, he doesn't have the room to turn around and give you a slap.

4. When 15 minutes before you arrive at your destination you start making your way to the exit which is 4 feet away.

5. You don't mind releasing a nasty fart coz you could blame it on any one of the 50 people standing within 4 feet radius of yourself.

6. You don't even have enough room to get a hard on.

7. The notion of being in a mosh pit at a rock concert brings a comforting sensation.

Please feel free to add to the list if you've experienced the Mumbai western railway during rush hour.

Chillin

2005-10-31T21:04:00.000-10:00

Here's a pic of my friend Sly's cat. The most chilled cat I've ever seen. A little heavy on the pounds too, thus her appropriate name: Fatso.

2005-10-16T19:23:00.000-10:00

2005-10-16T19:17:00.000-10:00

Forgot to add these to the original set

2005-10-13T02:33:00.000-10:00

Paradise

2005-10-13T01:26:00.000-10:00

The latest series of photos are from a recent hike up Diamond Head. This was actually the last weekend I was in Hawaii. Prior to this, I had hiked Diamond Head only once, and that was years ago, so didn't have much recollection of the journey.

So, I decided to do it one more time. I went alone and it gave me the opportunity to go at my own pace which allowed me to stop and admire the sights when and as I pleased. And boy, were there some. Infact, there was beauty all around. Not only the view from the peak but also the journey to the peak itself. Not only the rich colours, but also their combinations as well. Mother nature in action. There were times when the colours of the ocean were so vibrant that you just wanted to reach your hand out and feel the texture. It looked like candy.

Unfortunately the pictures do not justify what it looks like, felt like to be there in person. Aspects such as panorama, peripheral vision, smells, touches, sounds, and colours aren't captured in these photos. A mere taste perhaps.

A big thank you to all those who put the effort to maintain this trail and the mountain.

2005-10-12T23:57:00.000-10:00

Stairway to Paradise

2005-10-11T21:30:00.000-10:00

Solitude

2005-10-07T02:38:00.000-10:00

Life and Death

2005-10-07T02:09:00.000-10:00

Phew....

2005-10-05T02:30:00.000-10:00

Thank goodness the work day is over.....or almost over.....hope I get a seat on the train....will have to hustle for one considering its rush hour....unless I wait till 9m - about the time the crowd has dies down - but that this still not guarantee a seat on the train. Freshly squeezed sugar cane juice on the way to the station - good consolation.

Well, the latest version of the site got launched on Monday the 3rd of October. I hope it picks up. Luckily, Mumbai has lots of web support firms and now that I am in the same time zone as them, it's made communication much easier. Communication to India while I was in Hawaii was inefficient, and web support firms based in Hawaii were too expensive for my pocket.

I really needed to do this - to quit my job in Hawaii and pursue entrepreneurship. I was starting to feel dull. Now that I am learning new things with regards to my career as well as social life, and living in a new country I feel far more motivated and energetic, and scared as well. Why do we feel scared of failing though? I know I do. It's not so much about failing but the implications of it. What's the worst that can happen? As long as we have a roof over our heads, are in good health, and food to eat - after all, isn't survival the most basic and important of our needs, or is it?

I feel very lucky to have had a chance to study and live in America. I now see why America is such a popular place for advanced studies. I have met and read about several people in the States who have started businesses without having much prior knowledge to what they were getting into, attempted crazy shit such as using their credit card loans to venture into war-torn Iraq to also pursue their careers, studied off the wall subjects and landed interesting jobs or even landed jobs unrelated to their majors. I like their attitude of trying. There are many who fail and fail again but get up and are persistent. Somehow they manage to keep going.

I frequently think of my grandfather who set sail in 1932 from present day Pakistan to Ghana in search of a better paying career. Up to today there are people who will travel to Europe, Asia, and the Americas but not to Africa, even for holiday, because of fear of the "dark continent." What's there to fear though? What about back in 1932. And with hope too. Hope that he would land there and make enough money to send back to his family in India. And he did. Or maybe its because there was hardly any media coverage of West Africa, so the unknown was sort of comforting. My grandad's son (one of my uncles) was just telling me how his father had landed in Ghana. In a nutshell, there were a few prominent Indian firms in West Africa back in the early 30s - I think he mentioned Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria. So, young Indian men would apply in India for these West African jobs and would be randomly placed in one of the above mentioned countries. Or they would choose. One such firm was Chellarams. Ghana boys, do you remember them. I'm not even sure they still exist, but until about 8-10 years ago, I still saw an office building with "Chellarams" painted on it in central Accra.

Independence Rock

2005-10-03T19:32:00.000-10:00

I know that rock music is popular in India but I wasn't aware that there are actually numerous local rock bands that sound just like the western bands. I guess most of the rock music videos I've seen on tv here are from foreign bands.

I discovered this on Sunday night at the I Rock (Independence Rock) festival that's taking place in Mumbai at the moment. Not sure if it takes place in other parts of the country. Jax? I went with a couple of friends to the ground in Andheri where the concert was being held. It's an annual festival that normally takes place around the 15th of August, but due to some complications (with the govt. officials or some cops or commissioner with rocks up their ass), it almost got cancelled but was eventually postponed to last week.
There were a handful of bands....Sceptre, Gary Lawyer, Agni..... I haven't seen any of these guys on tv.... and they played a combo of originals and covers. Some of their originals were pretty heavy stuff - sort of death metallish - and the covers were from bands like Pantera, The Doors, Guns and Roses, U2, Led Zepellin, and Bon Jovi (WTF is a BJ song doing in a rock concert gaddamit). It was pretty solid .....there was a hot energetic chick who did a couple of Led Zepellin covers.....she was probably one of the better performers....

It was good to listen to some solid oldies - and some of the guitarists also put on a show for the crowd... can't tell you how sick I am of R & B mushy ass crap.... and why the hell is it becoming so gaddam popular all over the world?

I guess this year is supposedly the last one for the festival....something about the chief commissioner banning future festivals.... the bastard is probably an R & B fan or something...

Unfoldment

2005-09-29T21:23:00.000-10:00

Today marks the end of the third week being in Mumbai. I'm gradually settled here and Honolulu is seeming further and further with each passing day.

So far, I can say that I've been pretty lucky here. I've received lots of help along the way - from getting the office set up, to having a comfortable home to stay in, plus a super great neighbour who also helps me with translation every now and then.

Apart from work, being lazy at work, commuting, and spending time at home, I haven't done much. I have been spending lots of alone time....even though this is a mighty crowded city. It's funny how you can be literally squashed between hoards of people in the train, with the next passenger's breath caressing your skin and you still are in your own solitary world.

Today, I decided to look for an old friend who lives here. I had no idea where he worked lived, or what his phone number was. So, like the 21st century thing to do, I googled him, and luckily, his name popped up on the first page. I called the company that the site was linked to and sure enough, he was right there in his office. I was quite surprised how easy it was. Took no longer than 15 minutes.

But...more important than that was how happy I was to hear his voice. To be in a place where apart from your family, you know almost know one whom you can say is more than an acquaintance or social friend at best. I'm talking about someone you can sit down over a beer with and just shoot the shit. No formalities or superficial conversations.

It's a wonderful thing how after not being in touch for years with someone, you immediately feel at ease after a couple of words. So we gonna meet up tonight and have a few beers.

Dinner time

2005-09-27T04:30:00.000-10:00

First full day of work finally over. Cant wait to hop on that train and head home. Visited Kyani and Co this morning again for chai. I had a chance to speak with one of the owners and he mentioned that this Irani restaurant has been around sine 1904. Wow!

2005-09-27T04:26:00.000-10:00

2005-09-27T04:22:00.000-10:00

2005-09-27T04:17:00.000-10:00

2005-09-27T04:12:00.000-10:00

Kyani and Co

2005-09-27T04:04:00.000-10:00

2005-09-26T00:41:00.000-10:00

Stage 3 of the internet connection procedure completed today. Sitting here typing from my cluttered desk with wires and cables creeping all over the place. Now what? I guess will have to sort out the mess.

Ever heard of "Bombay flu?" Neither had I. Apparently it's not your regular type of category 1 Hawaii flu or flus that are associated with more hygenic environments. This is a strain of its own kind...not to be taken lightly....or so I was told....and so I experienced....over the weekend. Started feeling ill on Thursday night, and 24 hours later....Category 4 hit home....mama's gonna knock you out. Let me advise you...if you're in Bombay, and you're told to ingest loads of Vitamin C so as to dodge the notorious, contageous "Bombay flu" then ingest away. That sucka was no joke. Knocked me offa my feet straight into bed for a good 15 hours or so. I guess it comes hard and leaves fast...like many things we know. Fleghm emitting from all parts possible (sorry).

Yesterday was the first time since I landed here that I saw the sun. Appears that the extended monsoon season is over in this part of the country. I was quite enjoying the rain and overcast weather, with cheesy romantic bollywood tunes blaring in the taxis....although I gave up on polishing my shoes with all the guppa around.

And so it goes

2005-09-22T00:25:00.000-10:00

Well, still have not gotten an internet connection at the office. The service provider I have decided to use has a 3 step process to getting its clients online. 1) Cables have to be installed 2) The testers from a different department have to test the cable lines 3) The computer guys have to configure the PC. So stage 1 is out of the way. Hoping to get stages 2 and 3 done tomorrow.

Also, communication is not that smooth with the language barrier between myself and the ISP.

In the mean time, apart from cleaning the office and running errands, I spend a bit of time in a really cool restaurant right across the street. It's called Kyani and Co. I wonder if the Co. stands for Colonial because it is a colo ass place. According to my dad, it's been around since he was a kid. I guess it started business just after independence. It's nothing fancy at all, infact poorly maintained and dimly lit with ageing furniture and poorly kempt wait staff. But the food and atmosphere rock. Excellent chai too. I usually start my day off here with breakfast and maybe a snack in the afternoon. One of the beauties in Dhobi Tallao.

Bombay Dreams

2005-09-15T20:18:00.000-10:00

Have been in Mumbai for almost a week now. Was sitting on the bus on the way to work today and peeking out the window...observing the intense traffic with Haji Ali in the background. Dang!!! A whole new world...on the outside at least. For some reason, I'm not yet shaken by it. Perhaps it will just sink in slowly....at least I think it will happen this way.

I've only ever been in Mumbai for holiday purposes so working and living here is gonna throw new perspectives on the experience. I am a bit overwhelmed by the fact that poverty in this vibrant city is ubiquitous. Living in Bandra and commuting to south Mumbai gives one an opportunity to see that. From what I read and hear, there is abundant wealth as well, but only in a few hands.....so I guess it's a city with several sides to it.

As for the culinary aspects of it, I haven't been holding back so far. Infact, had the runs yesterday which continued this morning....I think from that nice thick cup of chai from a chai walla....not recommended for foreign Indians like myself with weakened stomachs...especially during the monsoons....I even asked chai walla to wash the cup with sabun and they guy started blasting me...I understood about 5% of what he said but kept nodding my head in agreement. So far, the tastiest dish I've had has been a Thali plate. Chale, that sucka was delicious....especially with a little dhai to mix with the various bhajis.

So, it's been different to say the least, and am enjoying it so far....apart from a few frustrating experiences regarding chaos in the train during peak hours and finding a punctual internet service provider.

2005-09-02T17:11:00.000-10:00

As Sly, Lavi and myself were walking out to dinner the other evening, we noticed that the street right outside our apartment building (Nahua street) was looking different. There were a couple of trucks carrying movie filming equipment, crews in jackets that sort of resemble the ones 'traffic cops' wear, a man with a commercial movie camera, lights on poles (like the ones used on studio sets) set up at intervals on the street.

"Hey what's goin' on over here?"
"We're filming a movie about John Lennon."

Yeap, right on Nahua street. I guess the guy who assassinated Lennon had some ties with Honolulu, and they were filming that part out here in the Islands. Also, it's not a Hollywood production but a British one.

Here are some pics from the next day. Most of the equipment had not been set up at the time we took the pics.

2005-09-02T17:09:00.000-10:00

Here are some of the cars from Lennon's time that are being used in the shoot.

2005-09-02T17:05:00.000-10:00

Another one of the old school rides there. Behind it, you can see the famous truck that carries some of the equipment.

2005-09-02T17:03:00.000-10:00

And that's the protagonist of the feature

2005-09-02T17:02:00.000-10:00

With the classic ride.

2005-09-02T07:16:00.000-10:00

So you're riding on your moped from work to the mall to get a haircut, minding your own business and glad that you're relinquishing control of one part of your life to someone else. The beauty about getting a haircut is the fact that we don't have to worry about it. I usually tell the barber how much to cut off and then proceed to close my eyes and enjoy the ride. Let her do the rest. And it usually doesn't get really messed up because I don't have any high expectations on how my hair style should look like. Maybe it does, but to me, it always seems fine.

Well, on the way to the barbershop, you get hit by a realisation. Wow. That's the answer, and the ironic part is that it's been there all this time but the clutter in your mind has prevented you from seeing it. It's so simple and so clear. Well, it became clear after deciding to just wait for it. After several weeks of struggling, running up and down, and looking on the outside for it, without any success, you decide to just stay still and wait, and continue with other parts of your life. And during this time of waiting and letting go, the dust starts to settle and there you have it. Staring at you in the face.

Gateway to the Universe

2005-08-29T17:15:00.000-10:00

Black and White

2005-08-28T13:06:00.000-10:00

Sunday evening blues

2005-08-21T18:50:00.000-10:00

Totally worn out right now from the weekend. Played basketball with Sly and Dale on Saturday and an intense volleyball game today by Waikiki Beach. After that, hit the waves to cool down. That was sweet. So the sun has taken its toll on me. Not to mention, had to wake up at 5am today to catch the Chelsea-Arsenal game. Actually woke up at 3:47am and was paranoid about not being able to go back to sleep and wake up at 5. Well, I did fall back asleep and finally arose at 5:44, only to miss the first 45 minutes. But, caught the second half with a nice cup of chai.

I'm really thankful that the new Premiership season has started. Gives me a reason to wake up early and have a full day ahead. However, it somehow balances out since I'm snoring a couple of hours earlier too.

They're showing a couple of good movies too. Might catch one tonight. Gonna choose between "Broken Flowers" with Bill Murray and "Me and You and Everyone we Know" with some actors I haven't heard of.

a regular night...

2005-08-20T02:38:00.000-10:00

Behind the wall I see a face
Of is it a scar?
Maybe a nostalgia
I don’t care coz its gonna come back, no matter wat
You were a mistake, I enjoyed it…
But now I know it
It kills me inside
But wat do I do
You r a damn virus
No cure
That’s for sure
You’ll be back
And I know it
Just cant wait to feel it
Get it over with
Get u outta my mind
Iv had enough
Whispers all around…
People screamin
While im dreamin

2005-08-19T14:17:00.000-10:00

Lavi and I walking to get some tea after a very delicious dim-sum lunch.
Today is actually a state holiday but we had to work. Well, can't complain too
much as it's a fairly casual day at the office as well. We finally had some rain
this morning. I was sooooo happy I tell you. Not only do I love rainy days
but temperatures have been hitting record highs lately. 30-33 C most days. So,
understandably, the cooling sky juice was a refreshing change. Didn't last more than an hour though. Well, Aloha Friday it is. Have fun.

Lift

2005-08-17T11:24:00.000-10:00

The elevator is really an interesting contraption. Or, I should say, human behaviour in an elevator is interesting. In fact, it's down right fucking weird.

Most of the time, we tend to put on such a 'mask' when in an elevator. Well, we probably put on masks in most situations, but in the lift, it's on a whole new level.

Why does everyone suddenly become stiff? The change from the hustle, bustle, and almost free flow ease of being in the lobby to the unflexible and uncomfortable silence of the elevator. For sake of context, I'm speaking of being in an elevator with a bunch of strangers. I'm not so sure how it works in many other parts of the world, but here in the US, people generally tend to face forward, some with their heads down so as to avoid eye contact, and some just gazing at the floor level screen, looking eager to disembark. Even when someone has to speak, it's usually at a whisperous tone. Seldom does someone just let loose and seem relaxed. I've done it a few times after a couple of drinks. Or if I'm in the elevator with a buddy, then we might start doing something silly. for eg i) pretending to speak a language that doesn't exist to screw with the others. ii) start making fun of the other person or vice versa.....a friend once told me to stop farting, while there were a bunch of others...that was embarassing. I have another friend, and when him and I were in the elevator with a bunch of strangers, I would ask him if "the doctor had burned the scab that was hanging in this throat?" and he would usually come up with a different reply ever time...once to the extent of "yeah, he managed to remove the hanging skin that was caused by the dildo." And the conversation would go on from there...hahaha. Oh man....don't think I could muster something like that now.

When I'm alone, some of the activities I might partake in include i) scratching my balls ii) digging my nose passionately iii) dancing to a beat in my head iv) attempting to sing a song v) whistling a tune vi) pacing up and down if I'm dying to take a piss, or worse, a dump, and can't wait to get to the loo. vii) release an overdue fart....usually do this just before getting off my floor. Don't want to have a passenger accidentally walk in to a stench with me being the only one there pretending not to know what the hell is going on. I once released a solid smelly one with still a few floors to go. Just as my luck would have it, the elevator stopped on the next floor and somone got in. In a fraction of a second after that, I busted outta there, with my actual floor still lit up on the button. Couldn't have been more obvious and painful to the other dude. At least I wasn't there to witness it.

Well, that's human behaviour I guess.

Please share any weird elevator experiences you may have had.

another standstill situation

2005-08-16T12:56:00.000-10:00

why do people take things literally?
In the end everyone suffers bitterly

Its just life ; a game
everyone is the same
sometimes i wish i were solitary confined
left alone where no one would bother me

but things turned out otherwise
I know it wasnt wise;

just another standstill situation

Look on the bright side
Now i cannot hide
there is someone watching me...
how else did they come to know

you finally meet someone who turns your life around for the better
she is gentle and sweet
thats what i see in her.

It does get scary,
she knows too many people
never want anyone to take her away.
she says she loves me.
i love her too!

No matter what i do,
i hope she understands me

Never in my life i felt love so fast
nothing compared to the bullshit past
just want it to last forever
but i just have to wait

another standstill situation

Now this is another problem
as if stuck in an alienated relm.
no rules.
This being...
A standstill situation

I am being played about like a game
The conker being thrown about,
yet he feels it...

Remember, no rules.
Another Standstill situation...
Or am i made to think otherwise...?

Premiership

2005-08-14T12:55:00.000-10:00

It feels good to have had a different sort of weekend for a change. Crashed at 1100pm both Friday and Saturday night and woke up at 630amish the next mornings to watch Premier League games. The games are broadcast live in Hawaii at those ridiculously early times coz of the time difference between the Islands and the UK.

Amit, saw Boro - Liverpool on Saturday. Kind of a scrappy game I thought. Only player that seemed to play with some sort of intention was Gerrard. But there weren't many goals in the league overall, so I'm guessing the players are still rusty from the break. I have a feeling the standard of play will improve within a couple of weeks. Doesn't look like Morientes is fitting into this team though. Don't think the Premiership is a place for a player with his sort of style. What do you think?

Today, watched Arsenal - Newcastle. Did you get to see that. That was an intense game in terms of attack vs. defense....the Gunners being the attackers. I felt sorry for the Magpies defense after conceding the Thierry Henry penalty. They suffered to hold out the Arsenal attack for a good 80 minutes of the game, especially playing with only 10 men. But, the 2-0 result was at least fair justification of the performace of the teams. It does seem though that the Magpies are fielding a more stable defense than they usually do. Arsenal though, a class apart and business as usual.

TGIF

2005-08-12T10:26:00.000-10:00

Today, I woke up feeling really calm and relaxed. It was like I was injected with a healthy dose of self-assurance and self-confidence. I even left for work over an hour later than I normally do, I didn't give a damn. It was especially appreciated today because of the the anxieties I had been feeling the last 2 days.

There's this thing I've been wanting to happen that can possibly enhance my career and business. So, I've been trying to get it. Infact, can say that persistence has not been at lack. And yesterday, I got so drained from thinking about it and trying to get it that by 9pm I was beat. Exhausted, drained, and frustrated. So after laying down on my pillow to a sigh of relief, I decided to just forget about it for a while and let the answer come to me. I've given it almost my best shot, so if I get it, fine, if I don't, that's fine too. Those were the thoughts I fell asleep to. I even woke up in the middle of the night feeling great, and non-attached to the result of my endeavour. However, states like that usually don't last too long.

Well, no doubt that effort is important if you want to move in a certain direction. We still have to drive the car if we want to get from point A to point B. But at what point does one decide to let it go and move on? How much persistence do we put out there before we decide to head down the other road?

Interested to know how you guys handle such scenarious.

remains?

2005-08-10T12:42:00.000-10:00

Remembering the times we had
Things weren’t so bad
We always did the new, spiced up the old

Why did u run?
It was the end of all the fun
I paid all my life’s dues to u
But u jst kept coming behind me
Things got so hard, excuse me
U jst gotta let it be
Wot do u want now
U had yr chance, but now its all gone
All gone from me….

For this is wat I wish to have.
My piece, my life. Not u

But I am in love with u.
U just cudnt ever see.
So I leave…letting u be.

2005-08-05T19:54:00.000-10:00

Intoxication of the conscious,
Is the only cure,
From the pain through your words.
Let me suffer,
Why did you,
Why did I?

Release is peace

2005-08-05T10:54:00.000-10:00

I have had a couple of powerful experiences this week, or realisations should I say. Not so much what happened this week per se, but accepting certain unfoldings and instinctually knowing that these are decisions in the right direction.

For at least the last 10 years at least, I've been a fan of Newcastle Utd. football club. That means from the 20 clubs in the English Premier League, I favoured (for lack of a better word) them over the other 19. I however feel that affiliation coming to an end.....and it's a great feeling. A great feeling of "letting go" of something I thought was so important in my life. Perhaps for those 10-12 or so odd years it was important. I think associating with them in that sort of passionate way was a way of identifying with a group of people....or fitting into a group.

I would get agitated when they lost or extra excited if they won an important game. Even if it was for just a paltry 2 hours a week, now that I think about it, why would I want to subject myself to emotional torture on purpose. It's a liberating feeling to know that something so trivial is not in control of my emotions as it once was. I think I'm also making a conscious decision towards this direction. I could be resisting the fact that all this change is happening, but rather, am going with the flow and taking it for what it is. It's really a freeing feeling, letting go. May sound a bit dramatic...hehe....

If I could apply this seamless acceptance with other parts of my life....it indeed would be much simpler and more peaceful no doubt.

Well, it's Friday afternoon so time to let go of work and home to play.

Hindustan

2005-08-02T21:39:00.000-10:00

Seems there's been a lot going on in India this last week, in terms of unfortunate events that is....or if you want to be really optimistic, fortunate ones.

Not only the floods in Mumbai but also the fire on the oil drilling platform. Stuff really does happen in waves doesn't it.

Regarding the floods, it seems that it was inevitable something of this sort should happen. I'm referring particularly to a metropolis in India not being able to cope with a natural disaster on a medium level scale. A reality check that Mumbai needs to maybe get it on it's toes to improve it's shabby infrastructure. Not to say that having a shabby infrastructure is anything to be ashamed of but the fact that the Indian government is portraying the wrong image of the city to the western world, in an attempt to attract foreign investment. At least the airport should be upgraded to be more welcoming to foreign visitors.

It's obvious the almost all of India's cities need major work to live up to the image that the country is trying to portray. There's nothing negative about admitting that the airports are in terrible shape, public transport is ineffecient, and the drainage system is well and truly outdated. It's realistic and only once the government stops living in denial will there be sincere effort to get the infrastructure improving.

We saw the whole fiasco with the BJP in the last election. Trying to portray the "India Shining" image to the world, most of whom do not know that there are still 700 million people in India living in villages and close to poverty levels. Well, naturally the ignored majority got ticked off and didn't want a repeat of the governing party.

I just hope that Congress doesn't make the same mistake by focusing on the very few glossy aspects of India (IT industry, outsourcing centers) while ignoring the real work that needs to be done to get the country out of poverty and into prosperity.

So, fortunate events that will hopefully give the government reality check to get off their back sides and cushy jobs and into service for the people.

Livin' it up on Nahua Street!

2005-07-31T20:04:00.000-10:00

Last to last Sunday, Lavi had cooked some Punjabi style thick dal and luckily, we had leftovers. The following Monday, I went to visit some Indian friends of mine, one of whom had just returned from Bombay.

I was going to collect a parcel that Preeti had sent for me and to pay a visit. Reminded me of Accra days when we'd go to collect a parcel, drink vithky and eat papad. Vy, small buoy, you grow. Drink vithky, not lassi bhenchod. Well, after sitting down and chatting, I was making my way home when they gave me some food to take with me.....tuar dal and a bhaji. I was delighted of course, especially that Preeti had sent some spicy chevra and mithai and it was already seeming like the right combo for dinner.

So at home that night with all these wild food options.

The dilemma: Our kitchen counter with these exotic foods but not an appropriate container to eat them in. What to do? Well, that's when Lavi pulled a heroic move and whipped out the silver thali plates that had been in hiding for as long as they've been hiding. Dang, we got so happy I tell you. A veggie thali plate in Hawaii.

Without further adieu, here are some pics from our Monday adventure.

2005-07-31T20:02:00.000-10:00

Kya presentation hai yaar. Check out the ghee in the background.

2005-07-31T20:00:00.000-10:00

Left to right to center: tuar dal, punjabi style thick dal, some bhaji, naan.

2005-07-31T19:57:00.000-10:00

Chevra and Mithai from Mumbai

"Poetry is poetry, no matter the tongue" - anonymous

2005-07-22T15:01:00.000-10:00

Another proverb from an msn messenger conversation.

I am at work listening to Pankaj Udhas. I don't understand most of what is being said, but you can feel it. That's what I love about ghazals, being able to feel the music. I'm sure I would enjoy it even more if I were able to understand.

Ghanaian Proverbs

2005-07-16T09:25:00.000-10:00

This post is inspired by indodreamin's "Pidgin" post, which touches on Pidgin English, the way it is spoken in Ghana. It's quite funny and I know some of the boys from back home had a good laugh. Here are some Ghanaian proverbs. No attempt to analyze them on my part. But if you have an idea as to what they mean, how they came to be, or are just willing to give it a long shot, please, express.

By the way, the proverb on the previous post was quoted by my cousin, Tarun Lakhani. We were having a debate on msn messenger, and he whipped out this proverb to sum it up. The best part about it was that he made it up right there and then and it was totally befitting to the discussion at hand. Apart from being blur, I was in cramps from serious laughter chale. Good stuff Tarun. More of those.

Ghanaian Proverbs:

- "A crab does not beget a bird."

- "If there were no elephant in the jungle, the buffalo would be a great animal."

- "Only when you have crossed the river can you say the crocodile has a lump on his snout."

- "A cracked bell can never sound well."

- "By the time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed."

- "Do not call the forest that shelters you a jungle."

- "Fire and gunpowder do not sleep together."

- "Hunger is felt by a slave and hunger is felt by a king."

- "One camel does not make fun of another camel's hump."

- "When the cock is drunk, he forgets about the hawk."

- "When a man is coming toward you, you need not say, 'Come here.'"

- "No one tests the depth of the river with both feet."

food for thought

2005-07-15T14:17:00.000-10:00

"You can't chop fufu all time. Sometime's it's ok to chop kenke." - TL

Perspective

2005-07-13T14:17:00.000-10:00

Mahalo Rish. Perfect gift.

2005-07-06T11:48:00.000-10:00

Was at the book store the other day browsing around for a book to read - was looking for a mystery/suspense/thriller - definitely fiction, but so many books there and all of them have a bunch of rave reviews on the back cover. Can't even differentiate between these books anymore or know what to believe. Ended up leaving empty handed.

Looking for suggestions please (fiction), and preferably the genre mentioned.

?

2005-07-05T14:57:00.000-10:00

If you could bury one item today to be dug up in 200 years, what would it be and why?

Religion and Spirituality in my life

2005-07-02T10:06:00.000-10:00

"Religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell. Spirituality is for people who have already been there" - anonymous.

I've used this quote on Indodreamin's "God is dead" post once, and I haven't been able to find out who said it, but it's profound nevertheless....maybe oversimplified a bit.

There are those who will argue that religion and spirituality are one and the same. But if we dig deeper into it, we can see that the rites and rituals of religions are based on the fundamentals of spirituality. After all, most of the world's major religions have not been around for more than 3000 years or so, although human beings as a race have existed for much longer.

Growing up in Ghana, I was raised as a Hindu, and during my youth, practised many of the rituals that come with being a Hindu....abstaining from eating meat during a full moon, the 9 days vegetarian fast during Navratri, so on and so forth. I was very fortunate that my father took the time to explain the meanings behind a lot of these rituals, and it became apparent that most of them had practical logic behind their purpose. A way of leading a healthy and balanced life so to speak. I think what prompted me to even be inquisitive about these rituals was the fact that I was surrounded by people who seemed to base their practise of religion based on fear, and that didn't fit? After all, isn't love the fundamental message behind the major religions. So, how can you love if you live in fear? To me, it seemed that a good part of the "society" i grew up in was getting the wrong message from religion. The sort of "pray and you will be blessed" kind of message. What about one's actions in his day to day life? Isn't that actually what matters the most, and isn't that what religion is actually based upon.

After I began to understand a lot of the underlying reasons for the rituals that we practised at home, it made sense that the fundamentals of religion and daily life are interconnected, yet so much of our society today is getting the wrong message.

Today, I don't classify myself into any one particular religion, because for me, learning to lead a more life more spiritually makes more sense than blindly following religion based on fear.

Getting back to the quote, and the reason why I think it's a powerful statement is because of the concept of pain in our lives. These days, it seems we are conditioned to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Always think positive, suppress your negative feelings. Positive means strong, negative means weak. But, pain is inevitable in our lives. How we choose to experience pain is optional. So, why not feel it and take it for what it is, just like any other feeling or emotion...the pleasant ones and the unpleasant ones. It's all part and parcel of who we are. It's not easy looking within ourselves without the filter because we're scared of what we might find. All the
"stuff" that's going on. But, if we can see pain in ourselves, then we can see it in others. It takes a lot of courage to open up to pain in this life, to understand that it's also a part of who we are as human beings and accept ourselves and others for it.

For now, I'm just a beginner with lots of work to do.

Not looking for any preaching, so if you're inclined to do so, kindly do it on your site. However, if you have anything else to say or your opinions on the issue of religion and spirituality please feel free to contribute.

On the spot

2005-06-30T10:28:00.000-10:00

So, getting back to the issue of identity...on a lighter note...here's a short story....

Before I proceed to the story, let me paint the scene....

A small convenience store about the size of a small 7-11 that specializes in Indian and some Middle-Eastern products...mainly food items....the usual...chai, olives, rich tea biscuits, papad, gulab jamuns, bollywood dvds, pickles....well, you get the point. Usually one person behind the counter, a person of Indian ethnicity, who's probably some relative of the store owner. None of that "Have a nice day, come again soon" 7-11 formality....on the contrary...quite casual.....

So there's this woman...probably in mid 30s or so, that I find quite attractive...just something about her...you know the Indian woman who has a western touch but still wears a Salvar Kameez confidently....she also seems quite simple...maybe I'm getting that impression because she doesn't say much....plus I just like older women in general....the mysterious older woman....

So, on Tuesday evening, I decide to go to this store to get some papads and gulab jamuns...you see...Lavi was making parathas at home so we decided to go all out for the full course meal....

So I enter the store and there she is....miss (I have checked twice and no ring) mysterious woman. Well, I pick up the necessary items and proceed to checkout and decide to strike up a conversation. The usual hello, how are you doing...etc....and I tell myself "she seems cool...speaks well and polite, seems confident" At this point is quite apparent that she's spent probably a few years of her life out of India. She then proceeds to ask me "You're from India, right?" Oh no........the all dreaded question. Under different circumstances, I would just blurt out whatever comes to mind and seems appropriate without really giving it a second thought. But here I am trying to make an impression (I don't think walking into the shop with my pajama bottoms and office shirt combo did any help). Do I say "Yes, am from India, and have her think that I haven't experienced other cultures." (complexes I tell you), or do I say "actually, depends, and have her come up with the notion I am not proud of my heritage (hahaha)" I tell you, I was on the spot. Within a fraction of a second, I had about 8 chain of thoughts.

So, my clumsy ol self hesitated and blurted out something to the extent of "uhhhhhhh.....born in India, grew up in Ghana....etc).

And I then proceeded to ask her where she was from...and proudly, without hesitation said "India"....although she had lived in California before this......

I tell you, the whole experiece was just surreal now that I think about it....made for some tasty food that night though....

You ol' chap

2005-06-28T09:56:00.000-10:00

Don't know if anyone is up for a grim evening, but if so, I highly recommend the movie "Young Adam" starring Ewan McGregor (from Star Wars).

I watched this movie last year, after luckily reading a review about it in the Honolulu Weekly. To me, this is Ewan McGregor at his best, or the best performance that I have seen him give.

It's based in 1950's Scotland, and infact, is a Scottish movie. It would be doing injustice to the movie to pinpoint exactly what it's about, as it could be about a couple of different things. As Jax would say "A matter of perspective." But the general synopsis is "A young bachelor's relationships/connection with the people he encounters while working for a couple that own a barge."

What I like about the movie is the way in which it just captures you into its mood. It is intensely grim and dark, and you can totally 'feel' it just being there in the theatre. Then again, I was watching it solo at Varsity, which is a low budget, dimly lit, non glittery kind of joint. Dang, it probably was the theatre and not the movie. Bloody bastards, conning me.... Anyways, it's one of those movies that has the ability to get you engrossed in the mood of it. It doesn't have a high funda plot or some glossy moral waiting at the end so don't expect any of that. Do not watch it if you want to be left with a sour taste in your mouth of how certain people live their lives as it can be a depressing movie, or not, depending on how you look at it.

But if you need for a break from the predictable Hollywood popcorn flicks and are looking for a movie with substance, solid acting, and a taste of 1950s Scottish barge life, this is sure to tickle your pickle. A refreshing change.

A pimple is simple

2005-06-25T19:23:00.000-10:00

Simplicity rules.

Here I am, on a cool Saturday afternoon, with a cup of chai and some Gypsy Kings giving me company, and it's......perfect. Can't see any reason to be somewhere else, nor am I looking for one.

Having a chat with my sister on the phone, relaxing with Sly and Lavi on the lanai on Sunday mornings and just shooting the shit or listening to the sounds from beyond...the birds, the chatter of the tourists...and whatever else that wants to be heard..and then going back to bed for a nap...or doing absolutely nothing...

Here's one for life's simple pleasures...

Mother Nature Human Nature contd...

2005-06-25T09:15:00.000-10:00

I guess there are many ways you can look at it, depending on how you want to look at it.

Another theory, is that this is just the small picture within the larger scheme of things. Perhaps this happened millions of years ago.....we self destructed (for lack of a more appropriate term), and the process of life on earth started all over again.... That is part of process of nature too.

Human nature is natural...infact, there isn't anything that isn't.

And you may be asking "Why the hell is this fool thinking about this bloody issue so much." I guess it's because I'm just trying to understand why I seem to struggle so much, as a mental state that is, especially recently. What am I really struggling for? No sersiously....what? I'm working with it though..gradually....the struggle that goes on within my head, and I feel a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that I'm slowly opening up to these mind states and attempting to look at them from a less judgmental perspective. I know they've been going on for years, but I guess constant distraction prevented me from seeing them.

Solitude

2005-06-23T17:31:00.000-10:00

In solitude, I find calm,
In solitude, I find peace,
In solitude, I find a place,
That cannot be harmed,
In solitude,
I am free.

Mother nature vs human nature

2005-06-23T13:05:00.000-10:00

This morning, I was glancing through a magazine which featured an article on the booming of China's economy and exponential growth in terms of capitalistic consumption.

It featured statistics such as:

growth rate: of car ownersip
of number of retail outlets

I think for the most part, China's boom, amongst others (India, Russia, Philippines) is praised and looked highly upon. It's understandable that those in poverty want to break free from the ball and chain and lead a normal healthy life where they can afford to eat sufficiently and have a roof over their heads. But there are those of us who just have an insatiable appetite, myself included.

So, getting back to the main point, it seems that all this "booming" going on is gonna leave the environment with no chance. Even with treaties like the Kyoto Protocol, and micro level efforts like recycling and water conservation while shaving, the heftier on-going called development is just destroying mother nature. But it's a tough issue because that is human nature at its core. If we have kids, we want to send them to school, which requires the land for the school, and the transportation to get them there. Almost all our daily mundane activities strain the earth in some way or the other.

At this rate, mother nature doesn't stand a chance, even though we are a creation of it.

Identity

2005-06-20T10:47:00.000-10:00

What is the definition of the word "Identity"? Well, there are a few variations out there, so I just picked a radom one (whether it was random or not is another question altogether). This is how dictionary.com defines it: The collective aspect of the set of characteristics by which a thing is definitively recognizable or known.

Most of us have a sense of identity. We identify ourselves through the colour of our skin, what our social standing is, our level of education, our sex, our income level, our country of citizenship, our ethnicity, and also where we are from, to name a few. But I'm gonna talk about the last one on that list...where we're from.

When I was growing up in Ghana, and someone would ask me where I was from, I would say India, even though I basically spent most of my life in Ghana. Infact, I don't recall ever once saying that I was from Ghana. However, being in the US changed the response to that question. Now, if someone asks me where I'm from, my answer varies. Depending on the situation, it's either 'Ghana', 'India', 'both', 'Hawaii', 'all three', or 'it depends' . The last one sometimes throws a few people off. But, I think deep down, I identify myself as an Indian, even though I haven't lived in India since I was 1. Why do we choose one place over another?

Sometimes, with a sense of identity comes a sense of posession.

In Hawaii, for several years now, esp. since 1959, the year it was unionised, there has been a debate as to who the land belongs to. The native Hawaiians argue it belongs to them, and there is even a Hawaii sovereignty movement. They argue the mainland Americans did not have a right coming here annexing and eventually unionising the once independent state. But, the people pioneering this movement, are they themselves native Hawaiians? Did they not migrate on canoes to this land hundreds of years ago in search of whatever it is they were searching for? So who does the land actually belong to and does it even belong to anyone? We see similar examples in Jammu and Kashmir and Jerusalem. As for Indian Sindhis, we have some of our roots in present day Pakistan. But if we dig deeper, some of our forefathers migrated to Pakistan from areas way beyond. So where do we draw the line?

Am very interested to know what your thoughts are on how you define where you're from?

Why not?

2005-06-16T19:23:00.000-10:00

To answer your question, why not??

So many times, I find myself reacting to situations instead of just observing and experiencing them. My conditioning has made me so....but I'm starting to realize that and let's see if I can learn to unlearn.

So, we're going with pink. It's a colour normally associated with the female sex, homosexuals, panzies, wimps...well, the list can go on. But what is a colour actually?