the way it is

The Elusive 18th Grand Slam - Roger Federer

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 11:06:00 +0000

Tennis was a new realm of entertainment for me. I had never taken interest in any other game than Cricket. But the year of 2001 and especially, the Federer and Sampras game was the one to which intrigued me and have been following the game since.

Sampras and his achievement weren't new to me. If someone from a third would country, where Cricket dominates every other sport, in terms of popularity, knows Sampras then, it is evident enough to list it among his milestones. People were already calling Sampras as the greatest open era tennis player. But little did Sampras know, the boy he was playing against in the fourth round of Wimbledon 2001, will be the one taking over all his records and creating new for his own. Federer was a over night celebrity after the win, but, very few players have had the talent and determination to maintain the success rolling. Though, he lost the very next match to Tim Henman but not without making him earn every point.

That was Federer's start and I know that he has finished but today, I'm writing to make myself realize that possibly, the 18th grand slam will be an elusive dream. Today, I saw Federer loosing 2015 US Open final to Novak Djokovic. Federer also recently lost to Novak in the finals of Wimbledon 2015. I saw that game too expecting a Federer win but it didn't came. Same were the expectations today, but, the result was the same. Though, considering it as a good change, Federer was playing a lot better than the Wimbledon final today. His timing and power on that trademarked backhand was exquisite. When Federer took the second set back after breaking Novak's serve, I was elated and had a strong feeling that today may be THE day. But, in next 90 mins, Novak took the game away, far away from Federer. There were bursts of brilliance from Federer in between, enough to make Novak sweat, but not enough to trouble him.

The results of the two grand slam finals between these two players reminded me of Federer's dominance over Agassi. Following is a statement by Federer for Agassi and how he needs to pick his game:

"On my day where I'm not playing perfect, I know I can beat him. He's not as good as he was when he was at the top of the ranking, otherwise he would be there. Fortunately, I'm there. I think he has to raise his game, not me"

Believe, this is something similar happening to Federer these days. Seems like it is karma.

Being a Federer fan, I wish to see him retire with a great win under his belt and will to be waiting for that currently elusive 18th grand slam.

Src - theguardian.com

And The Trek Starts

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 06:54:00 +0000

Waiting at the pick up point for more than 40 mins was not helping with the restlessness. But I'm not among the elite group of people who can emote that easily. My restlessness was buried deep down and usually doesn't see the day light. But, in my mind, I was picturing all those great things that I had heard from people who trek. My imagination was flying sky high. And it was not just about the trek but also about the bunch of strangers I would meet on this trip.

While waiting, I found myself surrounded with a bunch of hyperactive people. Hyperactive isn't my genre. So was sitting calm and subtle, observing, judging and imagining the next two days away from my comfort zone.

After about 50 mins of wait, we all boarded the bus and next 7-8 hours went sleep deprived. I do like some or any pleasant noise around and me being me, its felt good to be part of a group where some people can just not sit quite. We reached our base camp by morning 4-4:30 and started our journey to Lushington Falls by 8 AM. Soon, we reached the place which was the starting point of our 16 km trek.

Note: - The trek was through a rain forest in monsoon season and I realized that a bit too late.

We were given a tiny bag of salt at the start of the trip, which I ignored and didn't carry, keeping in mind the pictures of the earlier trek I had seen on Bangalore Mountaineering Club's facebook page. A few 100 meters in to the forest and I realized what grave mistake I have committed by not keeping the salt pocket with me. I caught or vice versa about 18-19 leaches on my legs and had to cry for help every time. While, I found most of them on and around the ankles but a couple of the leaches were too intimate and were found pretty close to my - you know what. I don't regret my decision on wearing a shots to the trek but it would have been a better idea to wear something different.

The trek started from a village just off the road, through fields, followed by dense rain forest and ending at this.

Src: Prashant Nayak || Flickr

After spending hours absorbing peace around the violent water fall, we returned for lunch. Its not easy to even remember what one ate a few days back, but the sumptuous meal offered for the lunch was worth remembering. The simplicity of the food was the best feature. It wasn't overloaded with spices which is somewhat of a rule in southern India.

Src - mrbiped.wordpress.com/

Returning base camp by night, we lit some wood and sat around while playing and listening music, This exact moment was were I felt that I have had it all from trip. All of my expectation from the trip were ~~met~~ exceeded.

I believe, that the first experience of something new matters the most as it sets you up for later experiences. Here's hoping for many such experiences in life.

People behind the pictures: -

Samuel Sawian and Prashant Nayak

Is cricket really shadowing other sports in India?

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:32:00 +0000

I recently read a blog post by someone who believes that other sports in India aren't getting the same recognition and appreciation despite various sports person achieving great heights in their field of sport.

I, for one, am fed of these comparisons where people think that Indian cricket got this reputation and fan following over night. Indian Cricket team also has struggled similarly like most of the sports around India and probably more than a few sports too.

Indian team won their first test match at home in 1952 and 1967 overseas in New Zealand. Indian team was not a great test match team till they started competing and winning since Ganguly lead the team. Before that India was a less than an average test match side. Though, they were great at home but never outside of their own turf.

Yes, India was good One Day side and they proved their metal for the first time with 1983 world cup win. But that was not it, Indian team retained the great form and won the Prudential Cup, involving all the test playing nations in the year 1985. These victories out side of India was responsible for creating the buzz among the people at home.

Decline in India's performance in Hockey at this particular time also lead to the growth of Cricket's popularity. This was also the time when cricket started attracting glamour and investors started pouring money in to the sport. The balance then started to shift towards Cricket and lack of success in other sports was a major contributor.

From then on, Indian cricket team hasn't been out of the picture. They have been consistent across ODI's, however, test cricket still requires a lot of improvement.

And we as Indians have accepted all who have risen to glory in their own field of sport. Saina Nehwal to Gopichand, Peas - Bhupati to Sania, Vijendar - Sangram - Yogeshwar Dutt - Sushil Kumar, Deepika Kumari et.al.

Its not that we don't appericiate efforts sports person make in other fields but they would have to struggle a lot and really a lot, if they want to compare themselves to the status of Cricket in India.

We Are (G)Root !!!!! - English Challenge in Ashes

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Fri, 10 Jul 2015 07:09:00 +0000

At the start of this decade, the world of cricket saw some promising new corps making a statement on the international stage. However, one of the most promising and consistent performers over the last few years is none other than Joe Root.

Joe Root, like his challengers for being the best rising batsmen around the world, had performed exceptionally with scores around the world. You can point to any country on the map where English team traveled and you'll find Root's stats reflecting his genius. He, now, has become the spine of his national test side similar Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli, who are also made of the same thread. Though, Williamson and Root seems very similar to each other. Both are classical and text book batsman. They play by the book which is what every coach around the world wants their students to learn. But, reason for me mentioning Root today is because of the on going Ashes.

England is hosting the Ashes 2015 and with the recent performance at home against New Zealand, Aussies shouldn't mistake them as any less. English team is going through a transition at this moment. They have moved on from Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root has made that transition as smooth as it possibly could get. I was eagerly waiting for the Ashes to start especially cause English team is playing on their home turf. On the very first day, we saw a gem of an inning from Joe Root. His 134 lead to a total of 430 and Root again stood rock solid against the Aussie fast bowing attack. Even better, he attached the Mitchell's from Australia and scoring fast against them.

I admire the way Root usually approaches his innings. He is always smiling doesn't matter if its Mitchell Johnson - staring down his throat with dread eyes - after delivering a fast bouncer - which goes whispering past his ears. He has shown a different side of temperament.

Joe is the most exciting player to be participating in this years Ashes, at least for me. Here's hoping for the best and a great and competitive Ashes 2015.

src - behance.net

Why Pay MRP?

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 06:55:00 +0000

The first thing I should tell about me sharing about the following information is that I'm not paid to do it. I'm just happy to share the information and I hope this information helps explore the benefits too.

So, I believe these days you are not counted to be among the smart people if, you are paying MRP for products or services starting from groceries, to booking cab, to paying for a movie etcetera and etcetera. I always try to find some deal on products and services whenever I'm going out to buy or while buying online. To tell you the truth, I'm the worst when it comes to haggling. However, online shopping isn't the place where you have to. But it is also the place where you can get many a deals. When you hear that different people paid for same service or product, its simple that the person who got it cheaper has "googling" skills. Yea, it is a word and I'm standing on its side so that Oxford will recognize it as well.

So next time onward, spend few minutes on the internet. Search for good deals you can get on the service which you are trying to buy in MRP. Even in the worst case scenario, you'll just be loosing a few minutes of the day, however, if you luck strikes, you might get a good discount.

The reason of sharing this information today is because of the experience I had today. Minions the movie is releasing this Friday and I'm all excited to watch it. Plus, my last movie experience was at this IMAX theater which I want to visit again. So, while searching for the deals available on the movie, I found that the IMAX theater was offering a 30% discount, if, I pay through a specific online wallet service. It took me less than 5 minutes to make an account and money to it. And in next 15 minutes, I was able to book movie tickets for the same theater at 30% lesser price than what I had paid the last time round.

So, give it try. It is like one of those Magic 8 balls where it won't just tell you to try your luck again. You also might be able to get some help out of it.

Rise of the Challengers - Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 07:13:00 +0000

As the umpire adjudged Mustafizur LBW, it marked an Indian win and also concluded the India vs Bangladesh ODI series. Though, the win was a saving grace for the Indian team, however, it being the high point of the 3 ODI match series wasn't something which fans back at home were execting.

There's no doubt that Bangla team has learned a few new tricks. They have produced some exceptional performances against one of the best teams in the world, especially, on their home turf. They have "Bangla-washed" New Zealand and Pakistan in ODI series in past few year, latter came just a few months back.Underestimating this Bangla team is a mistake which team India, Pakistan and England has recently committed and have paid the price.

The zeal and grit displayed by Musrafe Murtaza and Co. proves that the team is ready to graduate from newcomer to the challenger. My favorite player from the Bangla team has been Mushfiqur Rahim, who stood tall against the best of the attacks in the world to take his team home. Watching him slogging one of the best off spinners around, Saeed Ajmal, through mid wicket was nothing less than a treat.And that's not just it, his quiver is full of shots to play all around the ground. Another player which has come up in the ranks in this year has been Taskin Ahmed. Taskin is a gem of a fast bowler. He can bowl above 140 kmph without sweating, hits the deck hard and has been the only bowler to extract extra bounce from the pitch in this Indo Bangla series. Mustafizur is the find of this series. His accuracy and change of pace was impeccable and the best of Indian batsmen couldn't find a way through. He finished the series with 13 wickets and entering the record books subsequently. However, I still rate Taskin as a better bowler than Mustafizur. Bangla pace attack shows great hopes with both these youngsters in their rank, lead by seniors players like the captain Murtaza and Rubel Hossain.

Moving from Bangla's fast bowling to their spin bowling, which is lead by the ace all rounder and current number one, Shakib Al Hasan. He is the first Bangla produce who has proved himself in all different conditions and rightfully earned the title of being their best player. He leads the attach with Nassir Hossain and any occasional spinner in the team. He accuracy with the ball is the flawless.

Now, the batting of the Bangla team. The roar is lead by the fearless Tamin Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar. Sarkar being counted among the players like Gayle and Baz to have the best boundary percentage in their careers in recent year can display their ruthless aggression against any opponent. Batting line then feature the experience of Mushfiqur and Shakib whom the middle order depends. But the lower middle has Shabbir Hosain who makes sure than even with 4-5 wickets down, Bangladesh doesn't go out without a fight. Shabbir has produced a few innings in this short career which have proved crucial in Bangla wins.

I skipped but didn't forget to mention the star of the world cup for Bangladesh, Mahmudullah Riyad. Scoring two centuries on the trot doesn't happen to players every week. He plays at the most crucial position of a cricket team, No. 3. I would like him to play at the same position for many years to come.

The best aspect of this current gritty Bangla team is average age. This team has the perfect mixture of young and restless energy measured and controlled by perfect amount of experience.

I hope to see great cricket from the Bangla Tigers in the coming years.

src: ap2tsroundup.com

Take a Break - Ooty and Coonoor

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 09:56:00 +0000

It isn't difficult to find eateries in cities where tourists line up all year long. Ooty and Coonoor is one of these places. Though, being the hardcore North India food lover, it isn't easy for me to adjust to the South Indian food and their eating culture. So, the first thing I search for after getting down in a new city is to find the good North Indian serving eateries.

So, I was stayed one day each in Ooty and Coonoor. I landed two good places serving great food. First was the Earl's Secret of King's Cliff which was a bit far from Ooty railway station, however, eating in a glass house especially when its raining, make it worth your money. The property seemed pretty old, reflecting ancient English architecture.

The food left me wishing that if only the food was as good as the weather outside, then, it would have been among my top three places to eat I have eaten, yet. It goes without saying that Earl's Secret is for the elite class with an average cost of 1600-1800 INR for two people, especially when the food's taste or quality doesn't match its price. However, the property is so beautiful that I don't mind spending. In case, you are travelling with someone especial, then, this is one must visit place.

Glass House - Earl's Secret

The second best of the trip was Hydrabad Birayni House in Coonoor. Its close to Coonoor railway station. Would you be amazed to hear that their Biryani was their USP? Naah, right. Me too. But, it was among the top three Biryani's I have ever had. They serve biryani's in three sizes. Everyone knows at least one of those people who would eat as if they have been living in a dessert for last 2 years. If you know such a person, then, call her/him and challenge them to finish one large serving of HBH Biryani and bet your life earning on it. Even you home or life, I you will. HBH is exactly for those kind of people who live to eat. I would highly recommend HBH, not just for their sumptuous food but also to their great taste. I couldn't try much after ordering their biryani for obvious reasons.

If you ever get a chance to visit these place, then, try to keep an eye for these places. Also, if you tell them that I have referred you, then, you might have to pay for dessert which we didn't.

"Its monsoon in India and probably not a good time to travel" who so ever tells you this, tell them to STFU. Take some time out, visit places, when ever you get some time take a break from this hectic lifestyle.

Miniclip - The Vicious Circle

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 05:08:00 +0000

One day, you think you have a few hours to kill and doesn't have any thing good to do. Everything around you is pushing you towards boredom and nothing in real life is exiting enough.

You, then, decide to take on the virtual world to seek help. You find Miniclip as the first search result for online gaming. Your inner you tries to stop you to click the link, however, the thought of being alone and bored for the next few hours has more drive. You couldn't resist yourself from click the link and landing to a home page which is filled with options, probably millions, if you count them.

This is exactly where Miniclip sucks you in and puts you on a hamster's workout wheel. You start trying out different options one by one but you can't find the way out. Actually, there isn't. Well, at least not for the faint-hearted.

Src - gymjunkies.com

Once you are addicted to Miniclip, the only way out is to have a real life. Yea, in the real world, which by this time scares the life out of you, cause lets face it, you are more alive on the virtual world than you ever were in the real world. You get your long due acceptance in the virtual world. The people in the virtual world now know you by your fake, but the one you chose, name. And, you love it more than your real life.

Like every other drug and its addiction, you would need the support of your family and friends to throw aside the addiction. But, if you had them in the first place, you wouldn't have fallen for this life sucking virtual world. This is exactly why, moving out of virtual world isn't for the faint-hearted.

I'm part of this virtual world / vicious circle. If you aren't, help me out. Calling all the people out there.

Toilet For Babli

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 19:36:00 +0000

During our early years of childhood, we all would go for a family trip to my paternal home/village. Being from the far and remote land of Uttranchal, the fun of spending the whole vacation at a place where we did not have regular connection to electricity, would walk about half a kilometer to fetch drinking water and poop in the open was equivalent to the amount of discomfort, if not less.

Though for us, being children and boys, pooping in the open wasn't the worst thing. After a few days of embarrassment, we would kind of start taking proud of doing it. When back in Delhi/NCR, I would boast of the my "pooping-under-the-open-sky" stories among my friends. The fun stories where we would, after being already warned many times by the neighbors, would poop in their paddy field.

But it did not take much of time for me to realize, why wouldn't it be the best arrangement for the ladies and girls of family. The same would be an unfeasible option after the sun sets, when the reptiles and insects in the fields wouldn't even visible easily. Especially, for the locals of the village, it wasn't an experience but a suffering which was ignored over the years by the men of the family. Men of the family, who would direct them to the backyard of the house or to a lonely field, but wouldn't make an effort towards saving their dignity.

But, don't know triggered it, probably government policies or general awareness (if you want to believe) that one year when we were back in the village for vacation, we had a small walled compartment just beside our home which was marked "toilet". I wouldn't say I was happy to use it as it wasn't the nearly close to the arrangements like in cities, however, it was still a relief from pooping in the open. However, small construction like the one we had, cleared the threshold as more and more families adopted the concept of "walled toilets".

After being past the experience, I would and have always suggested and promoted the "walled toilets". I'm here adding my experience and support towards Domex's effort towards making India villages an "open defecation" free.

You can bring about the change in the lives of millions of kids, thereby showing your support for the Domex Initiative. All you need to do is “click” on the “Contribute Tab” on www.domex.in and Domex will contribute Rs.5 on your behalf to eradicate open defecation, thereby helping kids like Babli live a dignified life.

Be part of the change. Show Domex you support on twitter by following them @DomexIndia and be part of the awareness and twitter conversation with #ToiletForBabli.

SkyScanner's SkyScanning

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 15:47:00 +0000

What makes those experiences special which last in our memories for years? Well, it’s not a simple question to answer. Frankly and possibly, this is the first I’m trying to find an algorithm for this “Chemical X”. Let me start then, from the first to the last step.

The meet was started 24 hours when Indiblogger and Skycanner announced contest for the best travel selfie. It started showing soon in my twitter feed and many a Indibloggers started tweeting. I also couldn’t resist the amazing prize of the contest and tweeted ~~a few~~ 7 selfies. I did get a few retweets and favourites from fellow Indibloggers, which started the Skyscanner meet for me on twitter.

The venue - Le Meridien, is possibly the best venue I have came across and I have been to 14 different Indiblogger meets. It has this huge hall which accommodated the biggest Indiblogger meet till now, close to 400 Indiblogger. The lunch was delicious, sumptuous and very well organised too.

The people - I always believe, people around you make the experience special and the bloggers crowd was nothing less than a rockstar. All the people sitting around the table with me were energetic and full of enthusiasm. We were all together laughing at every joke, dancing when asked to, cheering loudly, listening to every point of view presented and enjoying every moment.

Presentations – All presentation and promotions were, gladly, short and precise. Skyscanner promoted their product/webpage in the best concise manner. They rightfully promoted their best features – “Everywhere” and “Monthly and Yearly”- instead of hogging time for commonly found services.

Contests – All the games we played individually or with teams were another reason why this meet was special. The prizes were special too. Actually, I and my team won the team amazing “around-the-world” treasure hunt contest too. This was the first ever team win for me at Indiblogger meets.

Even after writing more than 300 words, I still can point to one reason which puts the Skyscanner meet among the top few. I would give it up to everyone at the meet, the sumptuous lunch, the crazy content we won and new exciting people I met.

I Wished - Your Wish My App

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 19:05:00 +0000

So, I got a mail from Indiblogger, while sipping coffee in a conference room at my office. I tried reaching the Indiblogger webpage and register, but damn the network service which left me high. I couldn't leave the room for another half hour and it, seriously, was killing me. After leaving the room, I rushed to my work station and registered for the event and called by friend / fellow blogger to register too. I was lucky too, cause, the number of seats left after me registering went into single digits.

After grabbing some deep breathes, I looked at the complete mail about the event and its agenda. That's when I got to know that the event was sponsored by Nokia, who were also backing "Your Wish My App" season 2. Now, I do remember the season one of #YWMA, cause it gave me the chance to see Rajiv Makhni and Chetan Bhagat face to face. Yup, face to face means face to face. I was asked to sit in the audience for the Season Final of #YWMA, which was this huge wave innovation coming across in Delhi from several and very different cities of India.

So, to be at an event, which also marked the official start to the #YWMA season 2, was thrilling. This offered me another chance to meet Rajiv Makhni, who also told me that he recognizes me from another event, Vikas Khanna, you better know him and if not, stopping reading and leave, and Vishal Gondal, the witty/sarcastic entrepreneur. Even though, we reached late for the event, but what happened next installed my faith in god. At start, we had to stand at the back, as all the seats were taken. But then Poonam Kaul, Nokia, appears from heaven with a halo invites people to move to front to the bean bags. AND WE GOT THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE.

With best seats, I was all geared up and the event was nothing less than an absolute laughter riot. Rajeev with his funny stories, Vikas with his innocence and Vishal with his sarcasm and wit. The wired discussions between Rajeev and Vikas, Vikas's responses to Vishal and Rajeev and Vishal playing to his reputation of being the bad-ass judge. Two best thing about the whole #YWMA Indiblogger meet was the chemistry and amazing sense of humor among the all three judges/host/celebs.

I did hear a lot about Vikas before the event, though, I found him way better than described. It's not cause others weren't or I'm being paid to write for him, it's simply because he was. I was not a fan of Vikas's but after the event, I'm and have been following him on Fox Traveller.

Even though, I didn't win or get anything this time around, but I went home with an evening filled with laughter, heart filled with memories of meeting Vikas Khanna and Rajeev Makhni (Vishal - let's give it one more chance) and tummy filled with delicious dinner at the Oberoi Hotel.

Here's wishing to be in the stands again at the #YWMA season 2 finale.

The "Many" People

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 15:14:00 +0000

"These people should be hanged, life term isn't enough", is what I heard when entering into the local billiards club. There's nothing to be amazed about, I know how to play pool. Any who, I couldn't ignore the discussion, not cause that I wanted to participate, but cause they were so loud. The discussion was over Indian supreme court overruling the high court verdict of categorizing of section 377 of IPC as unconstitutional.

The views of these guys were just a mere reflection of the rigid and conservative Indian culture and mentality. This has nothing to do with education. This has everything to do with upbringing. Many people don't like changes and the sad part of being in a democracy is that the "Many" people form a majority. And these "Many" people are scared of the up coming changes. There "Many" people believe homosexuality is not natural. There "Many" people believe that its a disease which can be cured and is against their religion.

This post is not to change anyone's view on the issue in hand. I don't have the convincing power, same's the reason I'm not into sales or marketing. But this is just to the induce a thought that if you are among the "Many" people then be ready for the change. You may not want it, but it will come in.

src: twitter.com

Token Ka Jaadu

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 17:49:00 +0000

This is a comeback. Well at-least, I believe it is and if you are reading this, then, its a comeback for you too. So, you don't get into the comeback and I'll try to be regular this year.

The year started with a small skit performed right in front of my home recently(read today). So, Mother Dairy has already posted about the skit a couple of weeks ago. The skit was to spread awareness of Mother Dairy's toned Milk and how it is better than other varieties of Milk available at Mother Dairy. Following are few :-

1: - It reduces the Carbon footprint cause it doesn't require any packaging,
2: - The quality of the Milk is same as others available, just, less fatty,
3: - It is easily available cause of mass production.

Other than the advantages, that the performers sang about throughout, the real eye catcher was the enthusiasm of the skit performers. After arriving on time, they had to struggle to find and gather people to the venue. They went on and round and round to different streets and parks urging people to come to the venue and be part of the awareness program. Ultimately, when they did gather a substantial crowd, they started. They immediately found support from the crowd, who were singing and dancing along, especially the toddlers.

It a was small 10 minutes skit but an effective one. It encouraged people to drink milk and toned milk, specifically and to all age group. The skit was aimed to all age groups and spreading advantages of milk in all age groups.

It felt good to see the initiative from Mother Dairy and thus, they deserve a thumbs up for the effort. Same goes for the ENTHUSIASTIC BUNCH OF PERFORMERS.

Ek Tu Sacha. Ek Woh Sacha

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 17:30:00 +0000

There are only two truths of ones life and as soon as one admits and commits to one of them, then, that's it - bliss. This is something I have come across and know none of them is as easy as it sounds or said, but, i can still count it as a correct path to go forward. Many a times choosing a path could be as difficult as walking the line, however, choosing a path is just a start. If ones life doesn't throw any challenges, then, one is completely living ones life wrong.

Believe in God or the almighty and in love, it of them will guide, help and take you the right course to your aim.

Crossing The Threshold

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 11:57:00 +0000

Yea, it could just be as simple as walking into a room or facing someone. The moral is just to cross the threshold which have been holding you back from doing stuff. Believe you me, the picture is much more beautiful from the other side of the hedge.

People are hesitant of exploring new things, well mostly. Everyone would say that they like taming new territories but not many work towards it. Don't know what they think? Possibly, waiting for some kind of force which would force them to do things, that they should do on their own. Yes, fear is not the easiest emotion to overcome, but when you do, it is THE most satisfying emotion. You know, I mean you people must have tamed some of your fears if not all. Some of you have admitted to your crush, as many don't. You of you may have jumped of a cliff into water or bungee jumping whereas many just watch others do it.

Its all about moving out of your comfort zone. I added two new territories to my list this month and to keep it going. There are many things I can do but it's just the deficiency of determination because of which I keep procrastinating things.

G-Cube Premier League

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 08:10:00 +0000

And the major event of the year, which probably or at least half of us wait eagerly for, is here or actually it has reached half way. We have completed 2 days of entertaining, fun filled, ego clashing and cliffhanging matches and another 2 are left, including the final.

Though, I know many of you may not be interested, but this is for me and I think I want this. So, here a little zest of the tourney till, now. GPL started with three teams – Smashers, Rock ’n’ Rolla and The Avengers, namely. Yea, we watch movies. We - Rock ’n’ Rolla, comprising majorly of players who won the GPL – 2011, started as the favorites and till now have very much lived up to the expectations. Talking of the format, all three teams needs to play two matches against each team, meaning four matches for each team. Leaving all the technical jibber-jabber, the center of interest today is the evenly poised condition of the open tourney as it reaches the last stage of the league matches. Rock ’n’ Rolla with 1-1 win-loss of the two played, Smashers with 1-2 win loss of the three and The Avengers with 2-1 win loss ratio will clash ego of the last day. All kind of permutation and combinations are in for this week till we all actually get to know what happens on this Saturday and the picture will be clear.

So, if you didn't get the seriousness of the game till now, these few will surely make you.

The Battle Ground

http://tapanpunetha-photography.blogspot.in/

Tapan Punetha man behind the pics and one who killed it at the end

For the complete slide show and pics for the coming days, visit Tapan Punetha or facebook.

Better – We All Can Be

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 07:39:00 +0000

Life will not always be in a slump. These may not be the best days of your life and you may not be at your best. Everything around you seems good and you envy every one of them for not having them or not being one of them. But, trust me; you don’t want to be them.

Me is always good and me is everyone should be. You know you have hit the iceberg, if you are trying to be them. Believe in you, have that unshakable conviction upon yourself, invest in yourself because you are your own best bet or shot.

Zipped

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:45:00 +0000

We are now almost Taliban. People being arrested or being attacked on for their views. Hmm… well, that’s what exactly the greats and legends have gone through around the world, many a times in their life. Now, considering this, I’m confused to congratulate people like Malala Yousafzai(student and education activist), Pakistan or Razan Ghazzawi (blogger and activist), Syria.

src: flashfictionfriday.com | read them too.. they are good

The recent show rage and disruption caused against someone’s view on national activity (talking about the “bandh”) in India – the largest Democracy, as they (the government) boasts of as an opportunist, here and there, now and then. Well, if I was in shoes of people who control this, I would have chosen not to do anything like this and let the view of that “commoner” die its own little, pitiful life rather than trying to make an example out of the commoner and thus, giving one the much needed fame and popularity they needed to be the next activist or great or leader. You don’t want to give someone opportunities like this and give them that push which may push them across the threshold and then you have a new enemy in line.

I have no idea where I started from and where am I leading to. I’m all in for free speech but think if I’d be holding the position of a suppresser or dominant, I believe, I would have done a better job.

It’s great to have a couple of readers and thus, I believe this won’t land me into any kind of troubles.

Ek Woh Sacha -- Ek Tu Sacha

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 18:07:00 +0000

A - I can't translate the above title in any other language with out demeaning it.

B - Let's see if I can justify the thought I had in my mind and write something as spectacular as it felt in my mind.

With the title, I tried to wording my a thought, a feeling and an emotion. The feeling of believing, a conviction about the two truths of life. The truth of almighty and Love. Cause there are only two. Believe in both and life becomes easy, simple and straight. Even if doesn't make your life that easy or simple or straight, the belief and conviction will surely help you get through.

OLX India

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:00:00 +0000

OLX is household name now. I see my colleagues cracking jokes on people and enacting the TV adverts of OLX India, which are a huge hit and responsible for OLX's sucess in India. And its just not about the promotion, it is about the customer satisfaction which buyers and sellers get while working with OLX.

OLX, which is one of the largest free online classifieds, has a network established in more than 96 countries and serve in more than 40 languages. With the institutional campaign of "Where Buyers Meet Sellers", OLX provides the services which support and stand up to their campaign all the time.

What do you get from OLX as a Seller/Buyer ?? Listed below are few: -

You can customize adverts of your products by adding pictures and videos
You can control and monitor activities using MY OLX
Your ads are displayed on social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace etc
You can use your mobile to connect to OLX
With support for more than 40 languages, you can possibly get OLX in you language too

Being a buyer, you get a variety of stuff, coming in from different sellers, which in turns gives the best possible price on the product. I think that what every buyer wants, a good product at a reasonable price and that how OLX works.

OLX stands firm on their aim is to give their customers a simple, fast, effective and safe solution to the buying and selling of goods and services, regardless of the their location. They have opened work spaces in different countries they are working and which covers some of the biggest cities of the world like Mumbai, Sao Paolo, New York, Beijing, Buenos Aires and Moscow.

Following is an OLX advert, which became a huge success and helped OLX to reach the stature of the most popular online classified.

Indiblogger - Delhi Meet / We Loved Rajiv Makhni

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:20:00 +0000

It was the Indiblogger Meet in Delhi today............. I think, I did write about it a week earlier. Any who, it was great which I believe, is becoming a pattern with the blogger meets these guys are organizing. Well, actually, they had planned for two Bloggers meet - one and also the first was for the Women bloggers sponsored by Dove and other sponsored by Spice Mobiles. So, a lot of women bloggers over stayed and made it - by far the largest gather of Bloggers under one roof that Indiblogger have organized in Delhi and I believe, we may have crossed the all time record too.

About the Meet

The high points of the meet where the opening welcome by Anoop (The zombie) from the Indiblogger team and everything just went up and up after that. Rajiv Makhni - the famous guy from GADGET GURU - took it over from there and then, taken to new heights by Karan Singh, of whom I hadn't hear of earlier but won't be forgetting after today. Rajiv with his wit and presence of mind hosted and kept the show high though out the time and Spice mobile offering free phones, helped him pretty well. Karan Singh, the mind reader, only god and few intelligent people in this world know how he played games with people's mind. I have not seen anybody do that kind of stuff - LIVE. And performing LIVE isn't easy.

These were all high points. A few low points were the discussion in which I was involved about "Mobile Security". I could see people all sitting in front of me were eyeing me as if they are counting the ribs they were going to break after it. This is caution note cause if you see people talking trash and cursing me for those painful moments...... yea, I know it... it was painful for me too.... I lived them too.

I thing which upset me most was not getting my "30 seconds of Fame" and probably, would have disappointed a few others too. So, a big BOO HOO for that from me.

I wish I had some pics to share but I have a bad camera and don't want to ruin the image I have created, probably.

Anywho, to finish it up, it was the BEST Indimeet I have attended and mind it cause this was my sixth IndiMeet....... how many have you attended huh..... ????? huh ????????

Plan with Roadtrip-a-Matic

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 19:03:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PA Tourism for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Planning is something which doesn't come easy to me and thus, i try to rely on someone else's idea cause mine's mostly fail. The last time I planned a trip, we reached the destination 4 hours late plus missed a lot of interesting sights.

I always thought that there should be something or some help, for people like me, which can give one all the information about a trip. I mean, what places to visit, where to stop, where you can find good place to stay incase of the long distance trip and anyother information for which one have to visit a bunch of different sites or people to get the complete information.

Roadtrip-a-matic is one product which gives a traveller every information needed for a good trip to turn brilliant. If you are visiting Pennsylvania and are looking for a great road trip, then, Roadtrip-a-matic is the perfect companion. Visit them on pa-roadtrips, choose whcih kind of trip you'd prefer like I choose the one called "Shutterbugs". I got a detailed map of the places and the route I can take. With all the information in your hand, you would feel like Guru of travelling. I'd love to boast about that in front of my friends when I take them to this roadtrips.

I would recommend Roadtrip-a-Matic to everyone who love to travel and want to cut down on the effort of planning for it. You one stop destination for all the information.

Howzat Cricket

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:59:00 +0000

Being a cricket buff, Howzat Cricket had to do really good as game for me to like it. And for change, it did. I have gone through different online games but ESPNCRICINFOR's Howzat Cricket is the best cricket simulation available online.

I have been hooked to Howzat for more than a couple of months now and been enjoying and getting a bit addicted to it. Plus, because Howzat works with Facebook, I can play the same with my friends. I can challenge them, brag about my achievements in the game and just about anything which I choose.

The game lets you hit shots all round the park. Though, I specifically like the one offered through the "off-side". The bowling style of bowlers does change really well according to their international namesakes. So another way, for the people who love cricket, to have fun.

So, in case you join the network. Add me too.

Snow White and the Huntsman

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 16:10:00 +0000

I did try to save my weekly expense on movie this week so that i could spend it on the two movies releasing this coming Friday, though, couldn't as I was getting bored to death today - Monday. I went down to watch the newly released "Snow White" movie. One of the primary reasons to choose the movie ahead of others was Charlize Theron on the posters,though, I did see Kristen Stewart in cast but I'm more of a Theron fan than I dislike Stewart.

Cast

Charlize Theron's being part of the movie was enough for me. I have been a great fan of her and have been missing her from the big screen since a few years. Primarily cause of her movies doesn't release in India that easily and Hancock was the last Theron movie released in theaters given that Prometheus is yet to release in India. The only movie of Kristen Stewart I liked was "In the Land Women" but then she had a small supporting part in it. It was good to see Chris "Thor" Hemsworth, whom I recently saw in "The Avengers". I hadn't hear about Rupert Sanders "Director" about much earlier, so no comments for him.

Take

Src: Wikipedia

The movie takes a bit darker take at disney's fairytale of Princess Snow White. I liked how the movie starts. It has pace which remains with the movie for most of the part. Being a fairy tale, good graphics and animations was pretty much given. The action sequences in the movie are good starting from the first one when the King saves the "Ravenna" (Charlize) from the Dark Army which proved as a trap, till the one in the end between the wicket witch Ravenna and Snow White (Kristen). The characterization of both the characters played by Charlize and Kristen is pretty strong and where as, Charlize did a brilliant job with it and shows her experience and talent which bring the character to life. Though, Kristen failed to do so and seemed pretty weak at few moments. Her lack of experience showed through her portrayal, though, I'm not trying to prove anything less of her, she did have her moments in the movie but lacked the maturity. She was looked beautiful and innocent to be easily related to Snow White, though, the same she couldn't do with her performance. Chris Hemsworth was good with his part as the huntsmen. He plays the guy who saves the Princess and then, falls in love with her beauty and innocence.

The second half of the movies moves it focus from the Witch to the Princess which kind of killed the movie. Though, it is a movie which i recommend but that's only because of Charlize Theron.

I Can't Go On, I'll Go On

noreply@blogger.com (Hitesh Rawat) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 17:48:00 +0000

I have no idea why I picked this title for the post, possibly, it won't be relevant to the things I'll be keying ahead. But, that's what I believe is the title about, doing the things you like, even though, you suck greatly at'em.

Any who, after working for two successive weekends, which doesn't mean I didn't on the weekdays, I had a weekend of this time. I kind of enjoyed it - my style. Went for dinner a few good places. Laid back and saw a few movies I had in my collection of movies-to-be-seen. But it was the news I got sometime in the evening on Sunday. Its about the next Indblogger meet to be held in Delhi, which a bit unusual cause they don't do Delhi this time of the year and cause the Indi team doesn't like the heat of the Delhi at this time of the year.

Well, hoping that this time the Indimeet won't be lonely as was the last one which is why missed the Bangalore Indimeets as i have attended 3 Indimeets there and a few people know me by my name.

Also, the reason for this post just to announce that this space ........ is not dead......and I have taken up my blog again and many of you people will be seeing a lot of this blog around the places soon.