And If My Face Becomes Sincere... Beware...

Life Is An Open Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:03:00 +0000

"A very bored human" has commented on "a post by another bored human"

"A narcissist" has created an album

"A talented radio professional" has become a fan of a "superb writer"

"A megalomaniac" has taken the "How much of a megalomaniac are you" quiz

"ABC" became friends with "XYZ"

… and so on and so forth.

It's quite funny, surprising and amusing how human behaviour has changed over the years, keeping the technological excellence achieved by mankind in perspective. There was a time, not so long ago, when "poking a friend" involved a finger trying to dig deep into a friend's flesh. Today, it does involve a finger, but pressing a mouse button. Taking a look at someone's photographs in an album meant sitting at the table (or on the bed, if you will), getting comfortable, flipping the pages of a real physical album, with photographs tucked in their slots with a little bit of moisture on their surface. Now, it means, finger-on-the-mouse-clicking-away-happily-and-periodically and looking at the monitor.

Strangers becoming friends, friends sharing a secret or a joke, someone taking a preposterously dim-witted quiz, another someone trying to judge other people whether he Likes Them Or Not, you getting notified that ABC has commented on XYZ's photograph, acquaintances in your life trying to tell you What's On Their Mind, one funny status message trying to beat another, yet another someone getting employment options by somebody… Well, you get the drift.

Everything, just about everything that we used to do in the real world prior to this "Social Connection" revolution has now found a place in the virtual world. And we accept all of that. Gladly, for that matter. Maybe it was for the novelty it gave us in our rather boring and mundane lives. But, as we have witnessed throughout our lives, getting habitual to anything that takes to our fancy is but very easy for humans.

I am quite amused that the thought of "washing one's dirty linen in public" used to be such a bad idea. On the other hand, even if not "dirty laundry" is being washed, we are giving others a peek into our lives in a way we wouldn't have in the real world.

"Friends" in a way have been replaced by a new set of "friends"… the Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, CPU and Modem. Most of the interaction with our real friends is now happening via these new friends.

There is a large number of people who find a lot of pride in saying that their "Life Is An Open Book". Perhaps now they can rephrase that to the titular message of this post.

But is anyone, including me, complaining? Hard fact… No. Why? Maybe because this is what we have chosen. And now I think that "maybe" in the previous sentence is unnecessary. The fact is, we HAVE chosen this. And for as long as one can see in the future, which of course isn't much, this new way-of-life is not changing anytime soon.

And we wont even stop using all these "Social Connection" websites too. Since the social bit is now virtual, I guess we should rename them to something more suitable.

As I wrap up this post, someone is "gonna go to bed now", another one "thinks If I turn into a man for the day do you think I nice woman would come do my ironing lol", yet another one "thinks… she is in love with someone…=( "… and so it goes on.

Now, I'd better go and update that status message before this funny line that just hit my mind fades away!

Think.

Ctrl-Alt-Del… oops… Love, Peace n' Harmony

Sam

To, The Politician.

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:07:00 +0000

Dear Mr. Politician.

Thank You.

Thank you, for opening my eyes, for showing me the stark truth, for releasing the pent-up emotions within my being. For telling me that Credibility, Liability, Responsibility and Accountability are mere terms that look good in the Constitution, and in newspaper-articles-and-columns. Sometimes on panel discussions on news channels too. For telling me that they don’t really exist in times of necessary action, when it comes to your kind. For telling me that the citizens of this nation have made a grave mistake by exercising their right to vote. For telling me that the very basis of this governance is not to serve the nation, but to earn and live a life king-size (or even bigger), for yourself. At our expense.

What happened in Mumbai, and not just Mumbai, is not something new for the people of this country anymore. Maybe it’s a little startling for all of us. At the same time, we are thankful to you for telling us that this just might be the tip of the iceberg, and many more such "puny incidents" might occur, anytime, anywhere.

I also thank you for telling me that in a moment as heart-wrenching as the one we witnessed on the 26^th of Nov 2008, you will not have a united stand with other of your kind. ("Birds of the same feather DO NOT flock together", it seems).

It was exceedingly overwhelming to know that our policemen are armed with the latest defense-equipment, only that the time-lines seem to be a little mixed up. Lathis and WW-II era 303 rifles seem to be particularly appropriate. Had it been the prehistoric days, that is. Moreover, the coast-line was so protected. The fishermen are the most appropriate people to fulfill that job, highly trained, having immense expertise in that regard. At least this is what your attitude seems to tell me.

Although the list for "Thanksgiving" is endless, but I would like to thank you for one more important thing. The fact that Democracy, as we knew it, died on the same day. Thank you for telling me that too.

Yes. Democracy died. In fact, it got onto its death bed the day you decided to become a politician. The dream of a Democratic State, envisioned by our great leaders of the past, turned into a nightmare. But of course, we don’t blame you for that. On the contrary you are being thanked here. "Then who are the people to be blamed for this?", you might ask. Well, maybe it’s the people who put you there in that position. Who gave you power. Power to rule, and to destroy the very nation and its people who put you there.

It is very strange and absurd that those very people, who elect you and send you into that plush office of yours, amidst the tightest of security witnessed by mankind, leading the life you have been promising others for ages, find themselves crippled by this same "democracy". They find it difficult to have an audience with you, so that they can exercise their basic right to question you.

Thank you once again (and pray pardon me for adding one more thing to the list), for telling me that we, the people of this nation, do not deserve democracy.

I guess the list is almost over. So from here, this "letter" to you shall become a little more unpleasant.

Now comes the part where I'd like to put forward some demands. Do not tell me I can't, because I know I can.

We might not deserve democracy, but there are few things we do deserve.

To make it easier for you to comprehend, a list would be better. (Even in situations like these, we think of YOUR convenience).

Who is accountable for this?
When will the gaps in the system be filled?
When will the taxes we pay be used for the betterment of the system, and not for your benefit?

Three basic questions we deserve answers to. Well, there was one more question in mind, but it would be futile to ask when would we see you and your kind united in trying times, and the answer obviously would be "Never". Hence, it shall pass.

Many people lost their lives there. Innocent ones. I lost someone too. He was just all of 21 years of age. And it disgusts me when the "system" decides to evaluate their lives and tries to compensate it with money.

Time for another demand, and this one might seem "not quite appropriate" to your calculative mind.

They send terrorists, who come and do the very job they have been sent to do. And we just sit and assess the situation, react not-so-promptly, and yet again sit back quiet, not willing to improve the situations. We "forgive" and move on, maintaining a "humanitarian" ground. The relevant question here is, for how long?

In view of this situation, and others preceding this one, I demand a war. They have given us nothing less than that, be it now, or in the past, including 1965 and 1971. Enough "humanitarianism". One can't expect to be "humanitarian" with "barbarians". If they want war, we should give them one they will never ever forget.

Of course, it seems absurd to you, for if this is done and the problem is eradicated from its roots, you shall have no more "agenda" for the next election campaign, and you won't be able to make promises which you have no intentions of fulfilling anyways.

Yet, for those of us we lost there, I demand it.

Democracy died, and now we deserve a dictatorship.

Hoping, against hope though, that you shall take some action now.

Also hoping, yet again against hope, that this letter doesn't come back to me with a "Return To Sender" stamp on it.

Yours "Sincerely"

A Proud and "not-so-sure-about-democratic" Indian Citizen.

As for the rest of you, please Think. And act.

Riddle Me This, Riddle Me That.

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Picture this.

You are in a certain situation, wherein you have done almost everything that you can possibly do, given the conditions, resources, opportunities, time constraints, zeal, enthusiasm, drive etc etc.

Then you arrive at a certain crossroad in life, where there are many paths ahead of you. Most of those take you into new and un-chartered territories, ultimately bringing in a lot of new learnings, experiences, perspectives, ideas… and challenges. Some of them seem quite comfortable, some horrific. Most of them will take their toll on you, physically, emotionally, mentally… and in every possible way one can think of. Some might not. You fit in some, as easily as a hand in a glove. Some are as difficult to fit in to, as a golf ball in one’s throat (or other anatomical regions where it MIGHT fit)!

One of those paths will be an extension of the path you have been traveling all this while. Familiar, friendly, frolicking, fun, … fundamentally your domain. You have learnt a lot during this ride. There is more to learn, but maybe at that particular juncture, the will to learn more is not so strong. You do want to learn, but probably newer things. Things you thought you couldn’t. In fact, others have also expressed a similar opinion on this.

“Not your cup of tea”
“Risky”
“Not your strength”
“Unwise”
“Why?”

Some of the things you might hear in this regard. Almost like riddles. There will be times when you are tempted to think twice.

But then… A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Irrespective of the riddles.

Isn’t it?

Think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

Reminiscing... Thinking... Tormenting...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:52:00 +0000

Life.

Goes on.

Waits for none.

People come.

People stay.

People Give.

Take.

Leave.

Sometimes it's good, sometimes... not so good.

Analysing wont help much.

Not analysing... you wont do.

Many confusions.

Many conclusions.

One reality.

Not much is in your control.

How I wish...

Think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

© Prateek Sharma Jun 2008

“Brought To You By…!!”

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:55:00 +0000

“This movie is brought to you by…”

“Saturday Wild Nights, brought to you by…”

“The XYZ show, presented by…”

“… in association with…”

“Channel Partner…”

“Radio Partner…”

“ABC Presents…”

Just a few examples of how we see sponsors sponsoring various shows, events, activities… and a whole lotta jargon like that. Well, the list doesn’t end here. There are more things that can be sponsored; “Brought to you by”!

We see brands being given “visibility” in a whole lot of ways. Bus stands, autorickshaws, sports teams, movies (in a surrogate manner, Taal being a great example), LPG cylinders, multiplexes, etc.

I was wondering, how many avenues are left now? Almost everything that you can lay eye on can be used as a medium to give a brand some visibility. The marketing of a plethora of products and services exposes you to a multitude of color and creativity. But the question still remains… Is it really necessary? Well, the fruitfulness of all this marketing would need a different post altogether, and we might do it at a later stage. As of now, I would wanna concentrate on the initial thought that I had in mind.

In this age, every marketing mind fights for mind space. The more the visibility of the product, the higher the recall, leading to higher sales, eventually leading to higher profit margins. No rocket science here. Basic priniciple of marketing.

The question that I often ask myself is, how much is enough? When and where does it stop? Will it ever stop? This sudden explosion of “Brand Presence” in our daily lives…

Just as a thought. It’s quite possible that very soon we might find brands being made visible at places we never thought of. For example, let’s say, a school.

We have already seen brands getting a certain amount of visibility there as well, but in a different manner. Like on pencil boxes, tiffin boxes, copy covers, name labels etc.

What I am talking about are the unusual avenues. Intervals, for example, might be one of them. Just imagine, just before the bell begins to ring to declare that the interval has begun, there is an announcement made on the school PA system installed in every room – “This interval is brought to you by ACME Health Foods. Eat Healthy, Grow Healthy.”

The children step out of their classrooms and go to the field, where there are banners all around, displaying various health drinks, sports goods, kids’ apparels etc, of course keeping in mind the “Target Group”.

The biology class, for example, can be “Brought to you by” EFGH Surgical Instruments, or by a certain brand of Sanitary Napkins, or contraceptives for that matter. Of course, they ARE related to the nature of the subject!

The library could have an “Official Book Store Partner”, the staff room could be “Presented By LMNO Furniture”, the common room could have an official “Hospitality Partner”, the amphitheatre may have an “Entertainment Partner” and the dispensary might be “Associated With Dr. Doc’s Hospital and Clinic”! After all, it’s always good if you “Catch Them Young”!

What’s next? Bald heads of men and bellies of pregnant women?

Just a passing thought… You too, are free to think on this.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

One Evening At The Chinese Gully... And A Few Weeks After That.

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:45:00 +0000

King Leonidas, the brave ruler of Sparta, said to his famous 300 soldiers… "Spartans! Prepare for GLORY!". And so, he and his brave 300 fought and laid down their lives. To go down in history in a manner so magnificent, that generations to come will read about them and be astonished.

His weapons… Spear, Shield and Sword.

His strength… Trust and Faith in his men, and vice-versa.

His belief… Respect and Honour.

His motive… Liberty, Freedom, Justice.

That was a different time, and a different story. Had it not been for the 2007 blockbuster release, raking in billions of dollars, the story might have been forgotten by many, and would have been unheard of by many more. People of today’s tumultuous times hardly have time to spare to know about history. ‘Boring’ history, as a matter of fact.

==========================================================

13 Youngsters, 3 Countries, 1 Objective. The way the Reality Show has been promoted, these people come across as nothing less than members of a warrior tribe, uncannily similar to the Spartans.

Their weapons… Treachery.

Their strength… No Trust and Faith on each other, politics and back-stabbing.

Their belief… Not to think twice before eliminating a friend who is a threat.

Their motive… Victory at any cost… Come what may.

And GLORY, it seems, is what they all got, with one guy in particular getting the biggest share of it.

This is today’s age.

==========================================================

In my last post, the one to which this is a sequel, I had described the string of events that occurred on that evening at the Chinese food joint. We had reached a certain point where one woman said something, which compelled me to think.

Quoting myself…

“And then, I started thinking. The latest group of people who came in started discussing about the show. They did discuss about one guy in particular, who belongs to my hometown. (For more on the city, go here.) Seems he is the highlight of the show.
Moving on, something that one of the young women of the group said struck me. What that was, I shall discuss soon. It will require some thinking on my part before I post it. (Half-baked ideas do not seem too tempting or appealing to me, to be posted here.)”

I am aware that the sequel to the post is coming after a long long time. I am also aware of the number of people who read the post and asked me “What did she say?” “Aisa kya boli vo ladki?” and many such questions. But as I had said in that post, I needed time to frame this one. More importantly, I wanted the show to end, so that I could sum it up in my head and then write. Sincere apologies, and thanks for waiting.

Moving on. As I had told you, there was a group of young girls, accompanied by a lady. The lady was the mother of one of the girls, who had invited her friends for a birthday treat at that joint. So, they were having a jolly good time, eating Chinese food, chitchatting in typical girly fashion, and watching the Reality Show.

It was the second or the third episode of the show, and was still quite new to the viewers. The contestants were pretty new to everyone as well. No one had formed any strong opinions yet. Neither any ‘favourites’ established so far. But one thing had already been established. Actually, to correct myself, it hadn’t been established. In fact, it was more like a ‘given’ fact of the show, established over the 4 seasons that the series had been running. And that was… the Politics, the Back-biting, the Treachery. Everyone seemed quite prepared for it.

I had not seen a single season of this show. Had caught an episode or two, while visiting a relative’s or a friend’s place, people who owned television sets. I could never associate myself with the show, purely for one reason, the absence of TV from my life. Hence, I had no opinions about the show, positive or negative. For me, it was ‘just another Reality Show’.

Now, the lady with the group seemed a little perplexed. She, I assume, had never watched the show either. Seemed she had some problems in understanding the sudden excitement among the young women, as soon as they saw the show on the TV screen. She was amused. And then she asked the group, no one in particular, about the concept of the show.

Almost all of the young girls started explaining, all speaking at the same time, so that what was audible was a gibberish amalgamation of words, voices, sounds, exclamations and noise! Now, when such a verbal barrage happens, more often than not, there comes a time when there is a small gap in all the noise. And it was a similar gap in which one of the girls said something, which caught my attention.

She said, “Basically it’s a show where these people are put together for a few weeks and they have to perform some tasks and all, and then one of them is going to win some prize money and a bike. There is so much of politics, back-biting and bit**ing!! Its very interesting! I don’t miss it at any cost! It’s so cool! I looooooove it!”

This is what started that chain of thoughts in my mind.

I am not trying to judge the show. Neither am I running it down. Yet, what amazed me was the fact that the girl had just said all this! She, like the millions of other young boys and girls, and slightly older men and women, found the fact that the contestants indulged in politics, back-biting, treason and bitching to win the game very interesting.

Which brings me to think. If the story of Leonidas was narrated to them as a history lesson, they would not find it “interesting” enough, although that story actually has much more better things to learn from. Bravery, loyalty, justice, freedom… just to name a few. Yet, what appeals to them is the set of “values” the Reality Show is exposing them to.

Sad, but true. Weird, yet a fact. Good stories filled with good values find place in good books. And sometimes, in good movies. But what actually forms a part of our daily lives is full of the other set of “values”.

The girls, like many other viewers across the nation, are still in their formative years in a way. Their individual personalities are still not completely formed; they’re still taking a concrete shape. And at such a juncture in their lives, this is what they find particularly “cool” and inspiring. No wonder, the idea of making it big in life will be a little misconstrued for them. “If I need to get ahead in life, I should know how to play politics. And I should never trust anyone, no matter how close that person is to me.”

As much as I’d hate it, it’s a fact. Sometimes it disgusts me, sometimes it amazes me, and sometimes I wonder “What a fantastic idea!”.

Commercialization and bottom-lines will make people and organizations do things which are ‘logically’ and ‘commercially’ explainable, but inexplicable in other ways.

I am tempted to write more on the show itself, and the concept of Reality Shows, but I wont do that right now. Want to know why?

I just overheard a few colleagues at work discuss something. One woman was telling the others…

“I’ll tell you what this show is about. It has 2 men and 20 hot young women, staying at a villa for some time. Both the men will end up getting one woman each. The power to choose or reject the woman would lie with the men. It’s gonna be amazing!”

Do I sense a similar chain of thoughts rising in my mind?

Think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

One Evening At The Chinese Gully...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:21:00 +0000

“Dekho, dhang se khilao! Sab gir rahaa hai!” ¹

“… hehehehe… And then she just turned around to him and said….” ²

“…market gayee thi, tu kahaan thi?....” 3

“Pehli Nazar Mein… Catch Atif Aslam all this month on…” 4

“Good Evening sir. Table for how many?” suddenly the waiter asked me.

“For two, please. Good Evening” I mumbled, and smiled at him.

I looked around. The place was half-full. At one table was a family of 3, the Mom giving instructions to the Dad to feed the child properly. ⁽¹⁾

At another was a young woman, sitting alone, talking away into the cell-phone to her dearest friend ⁽³⁾, or so I suppose. She seemed quite uninterested and insensitive to the people around her. Well, the volume of her voice told me so… She WAS the loudest of the lot. Whatever the reason, it made me feel a little uncomfortable.

At yet another table was a group of 3 college-going boys. One of them, presumably the leader of the group, was busy narrating an incident to his “minion-type” friends ⁽²⁾, paying no attention to others at the joint. He was loud too, but his levels dipped whenever he had to discuss something of “that” nature. “Boys…” I thought to myself, n chuckled not-so-loud.

Such was the scene at this small yet comfortable Chinese joint. Located in the famous Chinese Gully in Kamla Nagar Market, in North Delhi, this place seemed to be a regular hangout joint for youngsters and young professionals. Yes, yes.. the family at table 1… they were also pretty young!

Anyway, I entered the place with a friend of mine, who has decided that she will show me all the good eating joints of this part of the city, if not the country! She is pretty much aware that I live to eat, hence it is now her self-inflicted responsibility that I get to eat at almost every place known to the average North Campus student. How can I say no to such a noble gesture!

The place seemed ok to me. Not very elaborate in the designs-n-decorations, but decent for a joint of that nature. 9 or 10 tables to seat about 40-50 people, fully occupied. One small counter for the manager. Two doors towards the end of the hall, one leading to the kitchen, and another multi-purpose door, leading to the store-room, the restrooms, the fire-exit, the back-door etc etc. I almost felt like Alice, staring into the rabbit hole, wondering how far it would go!

Thankfully. I didn’t have to do it t find out. The waiter came to the rescue, breaking my chain of weird thoughts. He handed both of us the menu. We decided what to have, after putting in quite a lot of thought… “This would be spicy, that wouldn’t be enough for two. This is too sweet, that has too much of corn!!!” Finally, it was decided that we will have Crispy Babycorn with Salt’n’Pepper and Honey Potato, with two fruit-beers.

Til’ now things were fine. Well, I know they seem a bit weird to you right now when ur READING about them, but come to think of it, such is the scene anywhere you go! Probably we don’t notice it like this, and don’t pay much attention!

Then suddenly, another group of people entered. One lady, with many young girls, about 5-6 of them, and an even younger boy. They took their places at the table, and started chitchatting right away. They were a bit loud as well! By now, I had become accustomed to the loud voices!

There was a TV set ⁽⁴⁾, installed on some kinda TV holding contraption of a weird shape, on the far corner of the hall. I would look at the TV quite a lot. My friend would make sure that I’d be aware of her boredom, whenever I would start gazing at the TV. Somewhere along the course of time, the waiter decided he wanted to surf some channels. He stopped at a certain entertainment channel, dedicated to music and a Reality Show.

That was it! That was the point when every pair of eye in the joint turned towards the TV set. Yes, u read it right! EVERYONE started watching the Reality Show. Somehow, of late, this reality show (how much of it is REAL in Reality Shows, is a different discussion altogether) has become a rage amongst the youth. It reeks of attitude. Tough guys, tough girls, tough bikes, tougher challenges, a tough lookin VJ anchoring it, and some tough lines being muttered by the participants. THAT’S a lotta toughness there!

Anyway, since I haven’t been in the TV-Viewing class for about 8 years now, I wasn’t as amused as everyone else. And then, I started thinking. The latest group of people who came in started discussing about the show. They did discuss about one guy in particular, who belongs to my hometown. (For more on the city, go here.) Seems he is the highlight of the show.

Moving on, something that one of the young women of the group said struck me. What that was, I shall discuss soon. It will require some thinking on my part before I post it. (Half-baked ideas do not seem too tempting or appealing to me, to be posted here.)

By now, we were almost through with our order. My friend did complain about the fruit-beer being not as good as it was the last time she was there, and that we hadn’t finished off everything we had ordered for. But I was feeling quite full by that time. Not coz I ate heartily. Full because of what that young woman had said, and the chain of thoughts that started off in my mind following her statement. I am almost tempted to write about it right now, but as I said, it shall wait.

We asked for the bill, paid and left. Back on to the street, on our way home.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

© Prateek Sharma Feb 2008

Love, Peace n' Harmony.

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 13:29:00 +0000

Three words. Five Years. The association hasn't ended... yet. Hopefully will not end. Albeit life is weird. Cruel at times. You never know what the next corner might have in store for you. Good. Bad. Ugly. Anything.

Over the years, people have asked me the same question a number of times. "Why? Why these three words? Why such a sign-out? Why such a statement? What does it signify? Style? Fashion? WOODSTOCK?!!!" (And no, NOT the bird from the Charlie Brown series. For more on Woodstock, click here.)

How weird... No one seems to understand, it's neither of this... Nor is it preaching... It's just a reminder... These three words... Aren't we kinda losing them on our way to a glorious future? Come to think of it...

Just to answer these questions, and few more that wud be similar in nature, I'll write more sometime soon.

Keep your eyes comin' back...

Til the next time we meet...

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

© Prateek Sharma Feb 2008

Start! Stop... Start Again!! Stop... START!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:05:00 +0000

This is a prime example of leap-frogging through time. One post, break for 6 months. Another post, break for just over a year. One more post, gone as a draft, eventually forgotten. Whoooosh! Time goes by. Goes into making other things. A life, few relations, a career, some money on the way, clearing out some dirt from the closet, throwin away the junk accumulated from time to time, siftin through what's important and what's not. In short, trying to live.

And once again, I am back, tryin to be regular on the blog. Have to write about a lot of things. A LOTTT!!! Have been thinkin so much in the last 12 months, but somehow, just couldn't find the time. Some say that I have been postponing it far too long... Come to think of it, I have! More than anythin else, lemme admit... Sheer lethargy... Procrastination... And now when I am actually penning it .... ummmm... typin it down, I am feelin guilty... Bein lazy for something I love so much! Writing... Aah... Will try to be more regular henceforth...

Soon, very soon, shall post more...

Til that time, keep ur eyes comin' back... this time u wont be disappointed...

And in the meantime, do think. This blog always tells u to do so! U'd know it by now, if u've been readin it regularly!

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

© Prateek Sharma Feb 2008

The Outlaw Torn Returns...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:44:00 +0000

"And Now I Wait My Whole Lifetime...
For You... "

Seems as though my baby, my creation, was howlin' and cryin' the same thing, all this while that I was away...

But now, I'm back!!!!

And here's something to pursue my obsessive mission of constantly ornamentalising my baby...

Something I believe in...

Watch and think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

© Prateek Sharma Feb 2007

"One" Day Maataram... Ye Kahaan Reh Gaye Hain Hum?

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:43:00 +0000

They loved their Mother. Not just as a motherland, but as a real Mother. They bled for it. They sacrificed for it. They lived for it. They died for it...

And NOT just for The Mother. For the children of this Mother. For all the people living in it. For them, for you, for me...

They underwent pain, torment, humiliation, agony, imprisonment, estrangement from their families for weeks and months at a stretch... They sometimes considered the court-room to be their playground, with a lot of "fun-filled" eventualities following the proceedings.

They went on strikes, infinite and infintely long hunger-strikes included. They embraced the hardships being manifested unto them with pride. And more importantly, with non-violence.

Who were "they"? They were THE most important people in the history of our country. The people, without whom this life of absolute freedom and independence would just have remained yet another unfulfilled dream. Without whom, we would still be existing in servitude, being at the beck and call of our masters. These were the noblest of souls to have walked the vast lands of our nation... The Freedom Fighters.

Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Balgangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ashfaq... just to name a few. But these were not the only ones. There were hundreds of thousands more, joining not just hands, but spirits too, in the National Struggle for Freedom.

I sometimes think that it is very easy to comment and criticise the actions and decisions taken by these great men under difficult circumstances, most of which we can't even imagine. But right now, I wont get into this thought much, because it will require an entirely new post.

Right now, I just want to think about what happened today evening, on the 15th of August 2006, our 59th Independence Day.

After a long and hassled day at work, I was returning home. There is a cross-road right next to our office building. I reached the cross-road, and was waiting for the signal to turn green. Now, something really strange yet very typical of our "Indian Civillian System" occured. Even before the traffic signal could turn green, allowing my side of the traffic to start moving, people started moving on their own will. The signal was still red. I stood there, moving just a little bit further, albeit forcefully, because the "gentleman" behind me wanted to join in with the "GOTRTSRO" (Gang Of The Royal Traffic-Signal Rule Offenders) and move on with the flow. Somehow, I could not move ahead with them. It just didn't feel right. I had this recurrent thought in my mind, telling me that these traffic signals are there in place for a reason, which somehow, unfortunately, my fellow brethren (for whom I used to take the "pledge" each morning in school) could not understand. Someone behind me in the long queue of people even encouraged me to join the others. Yet, I waited, til the signal would be green. And I feel proud... Not of the others, but of myself. For doing the right thing. Not that I should be nominated for the Nobel Prize or something, but because I just did one thing which was correct.

The incident doesn't stop here. I moved towards my home, taking the daily route. I approached the next cross-road, from where I had to take a left-turn. There was a small traffic-jam at that point of time. Again, I noticed something very strange and of course very typical of our "way of life". There was some sort of routine inspection of driving licences and vehicles RC papers in progress. A couple of two-wheeler riders had been stopped and were being inspected. Now, there was another compatriot of mine, who in his regular fashion was not carrying his papers which he is supposed to. The person inspecting him, however, did not seem very concerned about this fact. Rather, he was more interested in the other aspect of the whole scene, The "Capital Relief", both for himself and the person being inspected. The two-wheeler rider, in complete and absolute view of one and all around him, dug into pockets, took out a 100 Rupee note, handed it over to the person inspecting him, shook hands with him, and left off. Some "relief" for both, I was forced to think...

"Vande Mataram...

Mera Bharat Mahaan...

I Love My Country...

Proud To Be An Indian..."

Time to think... Am I really proud to be an Indian? Come to think of it... All this happened on the day we celebrate our INDEPENDENCE. A blessing that has been bestowed upon us by the heroes I mentioned above... Would they REALLY be proud of THIS India? Is this what they had fought for? What they had laid down their lives for?

We feel proud of the fact that India is the fastest growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region, the second fastest growing major economy in the world, and will be the fastest growing economy in Asia by 2010. But, do we really maintain the basic discipline to call ourselves the kind of Indians that our true heroes had dreamt of?

The way I see things happening, there is a sudden upsurge and spurt of "Indianness" and a feeling of "patriotism" in the country only on three different occasions...

1) The Republic Day - 26th of January;

2) The Independence Day - 15th of August; and

3) an India-Pakistan Cricket Match.

And then, what do we do? Blame the country's governing system for our plights and quandaries.

Time for me to take a break and think it over. You do that too... Think.

'Til the next time we meet.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

{P.S.:- In case you might not know what the basic purpose of a traffic signal is, or might have forgotten and would want to take a crash-course, hit here.}

"Hush, Little Baby, Don't Say A Word..."

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 13:01:00 +0000

"You're my friend. I want to tell u something. Something that happened with me. I want u to listen. Why? 'Coz you're someone who will understand, who will know what goes in my mind, who will accept it the same way, who won't turn into a broadcasting tower... Or will you???"

"You're my friend. I want to tell u something. Something that I feel isn't really right, neither for u, nor for me. Why? 'Coz you're someone who will understand, who will know what goes in my mind, who will accept it the same way, who won't turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to what I say... Or will you???"

Two different situations. Two different reactions. Something like that just happened in the last 2 days. Life shows u many faces.

I know this seems a little absurd and a bit obscure. Will scribble more on this soon. Don't feel like doin' it right now. Will return. In the meantime, you can think a little on this, if u will.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

A Little Add-On Can Make Things Better

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 12:41:00 +0000

Plain curd. Simple, tastes ok.
Add a little sugar or salt'n'pepper. Tastes better.

A Chicken McGrill. Tastes very nice.
Add some extra cheese. Tastes superb now.

A multimedia comp. Works just fine.
Add good speakers. Sounds awesome now.

You're ready to hit the club, donning your latest party-outfit.
Add a bracelet, a neck-piece and perhaps a designer pair of shades, alongwith your deo. Now, you're glamorous.

Noticed anything? Something common in all the above examples?
Well, of course u did. And it was the power of a small add-on that improved and beautified the thing or object it was added to. Isn't it?

This is how sometimes even the smallest of things, perhaps negligible at times can make things turn-around so much, that even u r astonished at the outcome. I perceive this astonishment in terms of happiness. Of course, anything that is better than before, and is yours, will definitely make u feel happier than before.

This is exactly how I am feeling right now. I started scribbling on this blog quite sometime back. Gradually, I started beautifying and ornamentalising my baby. Today, I added a few things to my page. A few tabs, some add-ons that made me feel good. Not because they will somehow help me in getting better ratings for my blog, or that it will be a visual treat to the people who will stop by and cast a curious glance over it. But, because I did something new... something which I didn't know how to do. Just learnt it, and did it. Makes me feel happy.

Small things in life sometimes do make a lot of difference, don't u think?

I'll take some time-out, delve a little in my happiness, and be back to scribble some more. Stay tuned.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

What's Your Point? Is It "The Vanishing Point"??

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 08:58:00 +0000

Vanished. Suddenly. Without notice. Off to where? What now? What am I gonna do now? So much that I had put in... all gone? What's next? Where do i find help? How? When? Who? Where? Why?...

And a plethora of other questions made the rounds in the mind. Suddenly, one fine day, and that day being 3 days ago, I just tried to open my own blog. This same one. Just to check how my baby is looking today... But, alas... It wasn't there. I thought maybe it's some kinda tech prob, which I am not aware of, and in just a li'l while. it'll be back.

Two hours later... Still no sign. "Might be the same problem, or maybe some other problem... Don't worry... It'll be back. Don't worry so much...". That was what i tried to tell myself. Felt like an anxious father, who is eagerly waiting for his kid to come back home from the playground. But, when the kid doesn't return, he becomes restless. He tries to search, goes to the same playground, but when he doesn't find the kid, he is tensed. Doesn't know what to do.

That's exactly how I felt when suddenly out of the blue, almost all the blogs that I used to read as well as my own, were blocked. Reason being that there was some problem to somebody due to some blog, but when that certain blog was supposed to be blocked, the entire blogspot blogging community suffered. Almost everyone must hv felt the way I did...

Strange, how at times some actions are undertaken to fulfill some requirements, but the effect is such that not just the problem, a lot of other things are also eradicated, necessary or otherwise.

Negligence? Lethargy? Procrastination? How do i term it?

I do not know, and now I do not care.

You guys think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

Can I Say Something...?

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 10:10:00 +0000

Long time... Long long time... Really a long time...

U might be wondering what in heaven's name am I doin'? Well, I was just reiterating the fact that I hvn't visited my own creation in a very very long time...

Started writing this post some months back... The fourth day of April, to be precise. But somehow, in a very weird fashion, lost interest as soon as I started it... Saved the draft, and started doing something else... I do not remember what that "something else" was, but I hv infinite reasons to believe that it must hv been work...

Thought of writing again, opened the draft, took a good look at it, n then saved it again, n pushed off to something else again... Work, again, I presume.

Then, finally, or so I thought, I logged in again and tried to scribble down something, but then again the oh-so-familiar routine repeated itself... Need I point out again what I did?

Strange, isn't it? Weird, how at times u really find it soooooo difficult to actually fulfill what u hv started... To run after ur passion(s)... Time becomes the most essential yet the scarcest of commodities... U hv the time, the will and the resources to do it, yet u find no time... Right now I'm a lil confused abt this... It might be apparent...

Well, u guys think a little... I'll be right back after a short break... Hv to ponder over few things...

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

Never Opened Myself This Way...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Fri, 17 Mar 2006 13:30:00 +0000

Was a little upset for sometime... Had been goin' through a lotta mental turmoil for quite a long time. Wasn't actually able to find a way out... Seemed like everything was over... Was too much for me to bear... Then last night, after I reached home, I started listening to my Gods... And then this one song popped-up suddenly. The words are not too great, the lyrics perhaps not the best in the world, but there's somethin' abt this song that soothes the one listening to it...

There come so many times in a person's life when things seem down. Hope becomes the last word... In times like this, this one song might be able to help u regain ur mind a bit... given that u understand what the song is all about...

Here it is...

So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters

Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know...

So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
And nothing else matters

Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know...

Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say...
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us, something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters...

Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know

So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
No, nothing else matters.... *

Hope this song helps u also in ur time of need and mental peace...

And maybe u might want to think a little too...

Keep ur eyes comin' back...

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

The Bleedin' Of Me...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 15:19:00 +0000

I was just listening to a probably one of the best songs (by my all-time favourite band, Metallica) called "Bleedin' Me" . Somehow this song seems so relatable at this given point of time in my life. I can't really exlpain more... Just go thru it, if u will...

"I'm diggin' my way
I'm diggin' my way to somethin'
I'm diggin' my way to somethin' better
I'm pushin' to stay
I'm pushin' to stay with somethin'
I'm pushin' to stay with somethin' better

I'm sowing the seeds
I'm sowing the seeds I take
I'm sowing the seeds I take for granted
This thorn in my side
This thorn in my side is from the tree
This thorn in my side is from the tree I've planted

It tears me and I bleed
And I bleed

Caught under wheels roll
I take the leash, I'm bleeding me
Can't stop to save my soul
I take the leash that's bleeding me
I'm bleeding me
Oh, I can't take it
Caught under wheels roll
Oh, the bleeding of me
Oh, of me
The bleeding of me

Caught under wheels roll
I take the leash, I'm bleeding me
Can't stop to save my soul
I take the leash that's bleeding me
I'm bleeding me
Oh, I can't take it
Caught under wheels roll
Oh, the bleeding of me
Oh, the bleeding of me

I am the beast that bleeds the feast
I am the blood, I am release
Come make me pure, bleed me a cure
I'm caught, I'm caught, I'm caught under

Caught under wheels roll
I take that leash, I'm bleeding me
Can't stop to save my soul
I take the leash that's bleeding me
I'm bleeding me
Oh, I can't take it
I can't take it
I can't take it
Oh, the bleeding of me

I'm diggin' my way
I'm diggin' my way to somethin'
I'm diggin' my way to somethin' better
I'm pushin' to stay
I'm pushin' to stay with somethin'
I'm pushin' to stay with somethin' better

With somethin' better..." *

Can u feel what this is all about?

Think.

Keep ur eyes comin' back...

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

The Never-Ending Fall... The Abyss...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 13:08:00 +0000

Ur feet lose ground. U lose balance. U bend forward, backward, sideways... towards every side. U try to stand still. It's hard. REALLY hard. But it is very difficult. It seems like an eternity before u can actually regain control. But as soon as u do, u lose it again. This time the intensity of the force that's making u fall is even higher. Beyond any measure, beyond ur control. No matter how hard ur tryin to stay put. Ur scared. Scared of so much. Of falling, of drowning, of not being able to save urself... and most of all... of death.

Scary, right? Of course it is. U wudn't know how scary it is unless u've been there. God forbid that u ever have to face such a situation in ur life. IF there is a God, anyway.

But then, there do come certains phases in ur life when u feel exactly the same. And most of the times u just want this phase to get over as soon as it can. U try. Try harder. Hardest in ur capabilities. Then when ur done trying and ur tired, desperation sets in. Now comes another phase. It's called PANIC. When this happens, ur in for trouble.

Ever seen or heard or read abt someone drown in water? U know what happens? There's water all around, and the person's goin' down. Faster than he can even think. He plunges deeper. He starts groping all around him for something to hold on to, but all that his hands can find is water. He tries to search for something firm below his feet, but again all that he can find is water. In his exhasperation of trying to stand firm, he tends to exert so much that he starts to exhaust all his reserve of energy. It's all burnt out. But to no avail. And in this moment, he does the one thing that he shouldn't do. He tries to breathe. But again, instead of air, he breathes water. The creator then becomes the ultimate destroyer. Now the guy has 3 seconds flat.

Scary, yet again, right? Of course it is.

This is how an abyss is. If you ever fall into one, you r completely unaware of how far u hv to fall. Whether u can find the pit is a question that most of the times can not be answered, becoz of the sheer depth of the abyss.

U might find urself in such a situation, not literally, but metaphorically.

What can u do to avoid such a situation? The answer lies with u... But NOT just u...

Isn't it?

Space n' Time... How Much???? {Part I}

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 13:12:00 +0000

Friendships. Relationships. Many other associations with ppl around u. Everyone has these in his/her life. Some have more, some less. Some are blessed 'coz they have some real good quality ppl in their lives. Some, on the other hand, are not so blessed. Call it fate, or whatever pleases u.

Now, when u r into any of these (frndships, relationships etc.), the one most important thing that everyone advises u, and which sooner or later dawns upon u, is that u hv to give each other the proper time and space, so that both ppl concerned do not feel suffocated or cramped, and they get the required respect they deserve.

In every such equation that u share with others, some conflicts are bound to happen. They might be over big issues, or over very petty things. Sometimes they just happen, maybe because the lack of it. (U know, just becoz there hvnt been any conflicts or disagreements for a long time, they happen.) And there is this strong belief in my head that for any relationship to actually grow, certain disagreements and conflicts are very much required.

But certain things again hv to be kept in mind. "How much" is the question. If u can strike a balance there, nothing can go wrong. Obviously, things are not 100% under ur control, but then by knowing this balance, u can eliminate most of the chances of things goin' wrong.

Then again, this is NOT the only balance that has to be maintained. Hereafter comes the bundle of the two most important things that have to be taken care of.

1. Space.

2. Time.

Well, I am not talkin' abt the concepts of physics here, even though it might seem like that. (Listing the two points like that reminds me of my old physics workbook that I had in school!!)

Space is a very complicated term, yet very simple. Some people understand its meaning very clearly, some do not. Then there are some who have to be educated in this aspect.

Some people are naturally very good at giving others around them a lot of space. Sometimes so much, that people might spill out too! But usually, they just give the right amount required.

Some people, on the other hand, are not so good at it. They feel the other people a little cramped. They don't give them any space to think, to act, to react. This becomes a little taxing for almost all of the people involved. This situation, if left unchecked and unamended, might lead to grave consequences. The occurance of the word "grave" here is not a coincidence. It finally leads the frndship/relationship to the grave, not at all resting in peace.

The second aspect is Time. Again, the two kinds of people that I was talkin' abt in the preceding paragraph are to be found in this situation. Time IS required by one and all to make anything work for them. Time to think, to analyse, to like, to hate, to feel guilty... Thousands of things require time.

The one thing that matters after all this is that how much of both the elements should be given and taken by both the sides concerned? Do we take out time to think abt it?

I'm sure most of us have seen splendid friendships being formed because of the proper balance, and many being completely destroyed, either slowly or rapidly.

Isn't it?

It would be good if u wud think a little on this. I am sure certain things could be corrected, if there IS anything going wrong at all.

Right?

Will write more on this soon. Til that time, keep ur eyes comin' back.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

Choosin' My Confessions...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 08:29:00 +0000

A lot of things happen in a person's life. Many things certainly affect the course of ur life in more ways than one. Sometimes these effects are short-lived, while sometimes they affect u for such a long time that it feels like a whole life-time. If the effects are good, u dont want them to change... That's pretty easy to understand.

But, when these effects r unfavourable, things that make u sad, make u feel low, very low at times... those r the times when u want that things shud get back to the way they initially were.

Many things lead to this situation. Sometimes, there r circumstances, that neither u nor anyone else can change. Sometimes, u and/or others surrounding u r at fault. Well, not exactly at "fault", but maybe not right at that given point of time.

Things might worsen if u r at one end and there r more than one people at the other, and poles become the order of the day. This polarity might lead to further complications. That's because more often than not, there is power in number. And obviously, "one" IS less than "many". When such a situation arises, u find urself under a barrage of a series of questions and at times accusations. Because of the difference in the polarity, the flow becomes one-way. U find urself at the recieving end, hardly getting any chance to speak ur heart out. Sometimes u listen quietly, not knowing what else to do. Rather, mostly u listen.

U might as well understand that it takes two to tango. If there is something that went wrong, then there are somethings that both sides did wrong. U understand urs. And then...

And then u take the courage to say it out loud. To admit that u had been wrong at some places and u want to remove all such happenings from the future. U really want it from the bottom of ur heart. U take a long time to choose ur words. To frame what u wanna say. U go through it in ur mind, over n over again... so many times that u virtually remember what u want to say. Finally, ur doin' something that u hadn't ever thought u wud do... Ur choosin' ur confessions...

But... u find that u can't really confess those confessions to the ones that u want to... Again, many reasons, and possible explanations for those reasons... Some u buy, but some u really don't...

What r u supposed to do now? What abt the confessions u hv chosen?

U been there?

How does it feel?

Think. And confess.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

Coming Back To Life...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 05:32:00 +0000

Somehow this song very much explains certain things that hv been happening for sometime... Dun wanna explain more... Just read... and think...

Where were you
When I was burned and broken
While the days slipped by
From my window watching
Where were you
When I was hurt and helpless
Because the things you say
And the things you do surround me

While you were hanging yourself
On someone else's words
Dying to believe
In what you heard
I was staring straight
Into the shining sun

Lost in thought
And lost in time
While the seeds of life
And the seeds of change were planted

Outside the rain
Fell dark and slow
While I pondered on
This dangerous but irresistible pastime
I took a heavenly ride
Through our silence
I knew the moment had arrived
For killing the past
And coming back to life

I took a heavenly ride
Through our silence
I knew the waiting had begun
And headed straight..
Into the shining sun... *

U been in such a state ever? Then u know how it feels...

If u've not, try to think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

Which Brings Us At Last To The Moment Of Truth, Wherein The Fundamental Flaw Is Ultimately Expressed.... "HUH????"

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Fri, 03 Mar 2006 11:59:00 +0000

U seen The Matrix? And what abt the sequels? How'd u find them? Confusin' at times, right? Well, that was the idea! Things that r not easily comprehensible r made all the more confusing, so that even if u r able to and can decipher the actuality behind the basic purpose of the action, u might, n most probably, will be somehow stopped from doing so.

U'd think even this last line was confusing. Well, if u think this was, just go through the matter that follows.

This is the actual transcript of the famous dialogue that happened between Neo and The Architect, when Neo enters the door behind which the Creator is sitting.

If this doesn't confuse u, ur gifted... It took me a couple of reads to fully understand its meaning.

Ready? Ok then, here we go!!!!

Architect: Hello Neo.

Neo: Who are you?

Architect: I am the Architect. I created the Matrix I've been waiting for you.
You have many questions, and though the process has altered your consciousness you remain irrevocably human ergo some of my answers you will understand, and some of them you will not.
Concordantly, while your first question may be the most pertinent, you may or may not realise it is also the most irrelevant.

Neo: Why am I here?

Architect: Your life is the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced equation inherent to the programming of the matrix. you are the eventuallity of an anomaly which despite my sincerest efforts I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision. While it remains a burden asciduously avoided it is not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control. Which has led you inexorably....here

Neo: You haven't answered my question.

Architect: Quite right. Interesting...that was quicker than the others.

(TV "Neo"s:
Others [how many others?] what others? answer my question!)

Architect: The matrix is older than you know. I prefer counting from the emergence of one integral anomaly to the emergence of the next, in which case this is the 6th version.

(Tv Neos:
5 ones before me? 4...3..2.. what are you talking about? There are only 2 possible explanations, either no one told me....)
Neo: ...or no one knows.

Architect: Precisely. As you are undoubtedly gathering, the anomaly is systemic--creating fluctuations in even the most simplistic equations.

(Tv Neos:
You can't contol me!
I'm gonna smash the wall
I'll fukkin kill you!
etc..)

Neo: Choice. The problem is choice.

Cut to Trinity vs Agent.

Architect: The first Matrix I designed was quite naturally perfect, it was a work of art...flawless, sublime. And triumphed equally only by its monumental failure. The inevitability of its doom is apparent to me now as a consequence of the imperfection inherent in every human being. Thus. I redesigned it based on your history to more accurately reflect the varying grotesqueries of your nature. However, I was again frustrated by failure. I have since come to understand that the answer eluded me because it required a lesser mind, or perhaps a mind less bound by the parameters of perfection. Thus the answer was stumbled upon by another--An intuitive program, initially created to investigate certain aspects of the human psyche. If I am the father of the matrix, she would undoubtedly be its Mother.

Neo: The Oracle.

Architect: Please. As I was saying, she stumbled upon a solution whereby nearly 99% of all test subjects accepted the program, as long as they were given a choice...even if they were only aware of the choice at a near unconscious level. While this answer functioned, it was obviously fundamentally flawed, thus creating the otherwise contradictory systemic anomaly, that if left unchecked might threaten the system itself. Ergo those that refused the program, while a minority, if unchecked would constitute an escalating probablility of disaster.

Neo: This is about Zion.

Architect: You are here because Zion is about to be destroyed--its every living inhabitant terminated, its entire existance eradicated.

Neo: Bullshit
(TV Neos:
Bullshit!
Bullshit!
Bullshit!)

Architect: Denial is the most predictable of all human responses, but rest assured...this will be the 6th time we have destroyed it, and we have become exceedingly efficient at it.

Cut to Trinity vs Agent

Architect: The function of the One is now to return to the Source, allowing a temporary dissemination of the code you carry, reinserting the prime program. After which, you will be required to select from the matrix 23 individuals--16 females, 7 male--to rebuild Zion. Failure to comply with this process will result in a cataclysmic system crash, killing everyone connected to the Matrix, which coupled with the extermination of Zion will ultimately result in the extinction of the entire human race.

Neo: You won't let it happen. You can't. You need human beings to survive.

Architect: There are levels of survival we are prepared to accept. However the relevant issue is whether or not you are ready to accept the responsibility of the death of every human being on this world.
It is interesting reading your reactions. Your 5 predecessors were, by design, based on a similar predication--a contingent affirmation that was meant to create a profound attachment to the rest of your species, facilitating the function of the One. While the others experienced this in a very general way, your experience is far more specific--vis a vis..love.

Neo: Trinity.

Architect: Appropos, she entered the matrix to save your life, at the cost of her own.

Neo: No...

Architect: Which brings us at last to the moment of truth, wherein the fundamental flaw is ultimately expressed, and the anomaly revealed as both beginning and end.
There are two doors. The door to your right leads to the Source, and the salvation of Zion. The door to your left leads back to the matrix, to her and to the end of your Species. As you adequately put, the problem is choice. But we already know what you are going to do, don't we? Already, I can see the chain-reaction--the chemical precursors that signal the onset of an emotion, designed specifically to overwhelm logic and reason--an emotion that is already blinding you from the simple and obvious truth...she is going to die, and there is nothing you can do to stop it.

Architect: Hope. It is the quintessential human delusion, simultaneously the source of your greatest strength and your greatest weakness.

Neo: If I were you, I would hope that we don't meet again.

Architect: We won't.

Neo exits out of the left door.

Phew!!!

Isn't that amazing? That's what I call communication!!!

Think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

Laugh-a-Little, Cos Confucius Says!! {Part I}

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 07:13:00 +0000

Been sometime again since I last blogged. Well, hv been thinking abt a lotta things, but somehow cudn't find the time to blog. Will do so at the earliest.

I just came across some really nice Confucius jokes. Thought I'll post 'em here. Fun to read. After all life is not just abt thinking all the time, isn't it!!!!! Here we go...

1 - Virginity like bubble, one prick - all gone.

2 - Man who run in front of car get tired.

3 - Man who run behind car get exhausted.

4 - Man with hand in pocket feel cocky all day.

5 - Foolish man give wife grand piano, wise man give wife upright organ.

6 - Man who walk through airport turnstile sideways going to Bangkok.

7 - Man with one chopstick go hungry.

8 - Man who scratch ass should not bite fingernails.

9 - Man who eat many prunes get good run for money.

10 - Baseball is wrong; man with four balls cannot walk.

11 - Panties not best thing on earth, but next to best thing on earth.

12 - War does not determine who is right; war determine who is left.

13 - Wife who put husband in doghouse soon find him in cat house.

14 - Man who fight with wife all day get no piece at night.

15 - It take many nails to build crib, only one screw to fill it.

16 - Man who drive like hell bound to get there.

17 - Man who stand on toilet is high on pot.

18 - Man who live in glass house should change clothes in basement.

19 - Man who fish in other man’s well often catch crabs.

20 - Man who fart in church sit in own pew.

21 - Crowded elevator smell different to midget.

Hehehehehe...

And maybe, even in this post u might find something to think about.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

© Prateek Sharma Feb 2006

Another Brick In The Wall...

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 13:05:00 +0000

"All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall."

A few lines from a very famous song. Perhaps the most famous song by the Gods of Psychedelic Rock., Pink Floyd. Do I need to put in an introduction for them? I personally see no scope or purpose. It would be an insult to them if I "introduce" them to you...

How many of us have heard this song? I'd say almost everyone whose eyes turn and return to this blog must hv heard this song at least once in his/her lifetime. And for those who hvn't heard, I really can't say much...

How many of us hum this song on and off? Again, I'd say the same thing...

Now comes the tricky part...

How many of us hv "understood" the meaning behind this song... The underlying message, the pain, the agony?

To be honest, I doubt that many of us have. But anyway, today I am not writing to explain the meaning of this masterpiece... I am writing just to make another point with the help of this song...

I was chatting with someone yesterday... Someone who has been very important in my life. Rather most important in one aspect. Anyway, we were discussing something and I was trying to make a point, which was very conveniently by-passed by the person I was talking to.
And suddenly I felt weird. VERY weird. The whole discussion seemed to come to an abrupt halt. Whatever I was trying to say just fell off into oblivion.

The feeling was almost the same that would be experienced by someone driving a car and crashing head-on into a very hard stone-wall. Some people do that on purpose, trying to break the wall with all their might, but end up being crushed themselves, with hardly a scratch inflicted on the wall.

In fact, there are times in everyone's life when they feel the same situation. U trying to make a point, trying to put ur ideas in someone else's head with all ur abilities, but nothing happens. ABSOLUTELY nothing. And then it's inevitable that u feel a little perplexed, a bit perturbed and a tinge frustrated. U feel like cryin' "WTF" out loud. But as soon as u try to, u realise that even those words would bounce back and hit ur own ears. So no point sayin' that too!

That reminded me of perhaps one of the most amazing and powerful walls of the world. "The Great Wall of China". A wall that has been there since eternity. A wall that has been witness to so much. A wall tried to be grazed to the ground innumerable times. But the wall still lives. And will live. And it is NOT affected by ANYTHING. NOTHING AT ALL. No battering rams, no guns, no cannons... nothing. No matter how hard u try...

That's the tag I give to such "stone-walled" people.

What r u thinking? Are u identifying with such a situation happening ever in ur life?

Think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

© Prateek Sharma Feb 2006

Equality... An Equal Prospect?

noreply@blogger.com (Sam) — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 14:48:00 +0000

It's a democratic nation. All of us have equal rights, responsibilities and duties. Equal opportunities too. Equality seems to be the order of the day. It's the most basic law of nature. Everything in nature, physical, metaphorical, mythological, biological... everything seeks a balance. An "Equilibrium". In mathematical terms, we call it a balanced equation. When one side of the expression equals the other.

Then comes the stark reality. Does it REALLY exist? Do u see deviations from the basic concept of equality around u? In the world ur living in? In the circle u move? At the place where u work? Ur home? Ur mind? ANYWHERE?

Liberties, behaviour, responsibilities, rewards... a lotta jargon, u might be tempted to say. But look closely. Analyse. Be a little more critical in ur analysis. And then if I have been able to explain what I wanna say clearly, u'll know exactly what I mean.

There r times when ur really torn apart by thinking over this. And the most persistent question that comes to ur mind more often than anything else is the most basic question of all. A question so basic that it's a child's favourite question thrown at his folks.... "WHY?"...

U been there? How does it feel?

Think.

Love, Peace n' Harmony
Sam.

© Prateek Sharma Jan 2006