Quakeboy LIVE !

RIP Steve Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:40:00 +0000

Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. - Apple Inc.

I have to admit, I used to hate Steve Jobs. After a thousand 'Jobs Vs. Gates' arguments with my buddies, a million articles about Steve Jobs and his history around the internet which never once talked only about positive side, A Day of 'Pirates of the Silicon Valley' movie which also really didn't portray him half as a so-called nice guy, and almost 3 years into using Apple products, here I am saddened for the loss of a man who millions of us truly admire.

I guess the biggest problem for me in admitting him as a great one, was that Steve Jobs was not a technology geek, he did not know how to code, he doesn't know if the algorithm is optimal, but It took me some time to realize that was actually part of his greatness. I remember not even bothering to see the Apple keynotes when the IT guy in my company downloads it and places it in a network share for many events. And after seeing typical videos on youtube titled "How to present like Steve Jobs", I watched the first keynote, I did complain Apple were exaggerating their products and features at first, But I NEVER missed any Apple event after that. It was only because of Steve Jobs.

RIP Steve Jobs.

We will miss you for the years to come and remember you forever.

6 ways to respond to people who point out that you are losing hair

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:32:00 +0000

The author is not responsible if people remove you from their facebook friends list (or) start hate clubs for you, after following this guide. I have used * symbol all over the article, please imagine your favorite swear word there while reading. Thank you.

I don't know about you, but its one of the most pissing off moments in your life when people point out that you have thin hair. Especially the cursed ones like me, who are blessed to eternally have right amount of thin hair, so that the thinness is visible only when your hair is wet and you are standing under bright sun. Even people who are actually bald will not go through these worst confrontations. Nothing is more irritating than a guy exclaiming amidst a crowd of friends pointing at your hair, and screaming - "Duude ! Everything is visible mann !!". Seriously guys, do you really think, the guy who you are pointing at, doesn't know it. Its his *head dammit.

So coming to the post. Here are some ways to respond to people who point out that you are losing hair.

1. "Thank you.. (Look at the person with gratefulness in your eyes and face and after a pause say) Christopher *Columbus!"

2. Some people have a different way to start this. "Is you father bald?" (Now even though you know exactly why he is asking this, just keep a curious face and ask 'why' was he asking that). "No, its just that you have thin hair, so if your dad is bald, you will go bald too" (Great find Sherlock! With a sarcastic puzzled look) Oh really ?!, then... Your Dad used to be gay too ?"

3."Thats Ok. At least unlike you, I still have my brain left."

"Looks like you are losing hair"

4. Sometimes even old guys who are almost completely bald will try it on you. To them you could say - "Yeah.. It should be awesome being you! you don't have anything left to lose"

5.Yeah no worries, its just the autumn season. It'll be back in spring. (Then if he looks at you with a confused look, give a horror stare and ask - "YOURS DOESN'T ?!!", who knows he might even get scared!).

6. Thanks for finding that out man! I had no *idea. Can you give me money so I can buy a non-bald-proof mirror? please?

I would really like to add more to this list. Please contribute in the comments :)

I told you not to tell everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 17:49:00 +0000

Mar 17 - 4:55 PM
(An SMS from an unknown number)

Mar 19 - 9:23 PM
Me: Who is this?

Mar 19 - 9:32 PM
Unknown: XXXX (Says his name)

Mar 19 - 9:34 PM
Me: I guess this must be your new number.

Mar 19 - 9:38 PM
Friend: Yeah, I threw that old sim of mine as I got too many wrong calls from too many girls :)

Mar 19 - 9:51 PM
Me: I told you not to tell everyone that you went to school with me. But you didn't listen :)

Mar 19 - 10:06 PM
Friend: Haha :) :) good one mate :)

The last set

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:21:00 +0000

The arena was filled with a sudden silence. It was just announced that he will break his own record. The hundreds of thousands of audience comprising of men, women and children were personally shaken by this decision of their champion. Though the crowd was mixed, the event manager knew that women formed the majority of the crowd. At a far end of the arena, a group of people lit candles to pray for their favorite hero to win this historic event. Infinite banners were held by the faithful fans hoping the camera would catch a glimpse of it anytime. Cameras kept looping through some of the interesting ones.

"WE LOVE YOU. PLEASE MARRY ME AND MY SISTERS!" said a banner held by a group of 5 ultra hot Quintuplets sisters with the center one dressed in Princess Leia's costume in Star Wars. All the others sisters were dressed identically in a slightly slutty futuristic costume. They jumped in joy when they saw themselves on the big screen. The other screen switched to a camera pointed at their hero looking at the girls on the big screen and smiling. He winked his eyes and gave them a flying kiss. The roaring audience cheered for it, setting a new record of decibel level in the arena recorded by any past event, amidst the annoying vuvuzelas which never stopped.

The Bell rang thrice and a blanket of silence crept over the arena again. All the cameras pointed at him, at the center of the arena inside the ring. The commentators were raising the heat of the situation asking critical questions like - "Will he disappoint his faithful fans by failing this attempt to break his own previous record ?", "Is he going to loose his fan given title of 'EVER WINNING WONDERMAN' by the FFFUUs (Female Fan Federation of United Uruguay) ? All of this will be answered in the next one minute." paused the commentator.

ONE.... yelled the show host on the ring who stood near him as he took the first step towards eternal glory. The audience cheered over the arena following his voice on the speakers.

TWO... Another round of cheers along with claps heard all over the arena. The audience cheered and clapped like they swore to cheer louder than their previous one each time.

One by one the count kept increasing THREEEE, FOURRRR, FIIIVVE, SIXXX.... SEVVVEN and by the time he reached EIGHT, the audience cheering sound level raised even more, that it almost shattered every glass present in the place. With just two more to go, when he made the attempt for NINE, he just paused half way and the whole crowd went .. "Ohhhhhhhh!" and he stopped there in mid air unable to complete nor give up THE NINTH step. Horror crept upon everyone's face in the arena including the commentators who were left speechless. If you were there, you would have thought you suddenly went deaf. And then a little boy jumped over the security towards the commentators and yelled in their Mic - "Youuuuu Can Doooo Itttt......Pleaseeee Don't give uppppp!" One by one the audience started to shout and in a matter of seconds all of them yelled in a chorus "You Can do it", "You Can do it".... and it went on..

Then the miracle happened, he, in the center of the ring on the stage, started to move, and the crowd started to increase their tempo "You can do it", "You can do it" faster and faster. And then Bang... he reached NINE and for another quick one and TEN!!!!!

"This is unbelievable, history has been rewritten today and we are all extremely thankful for being a part of it and witnessing it" - the commentator went on the Mic. The crowd went on like they can never get tired. Camera showed a bunch of girls who even flashed themselves on the event of this epic moment revealing his name tattooed all over them.

And then I open my eyes completing my extra set of crunches, coming to the real world surrounded by guys working out with full focus like no one else even existed in the gym apart from them. I get up and say good bye to the instructor and get out.

Its one month since I joined the Gym :P

When in pain, don't talk to anyone about it !

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 22:38:00 +0000

Disclaimer :- I hate being an 'Emo' on the internet. In fact I hate being even the slightest percent of 'Emo' anywhere. Probably I'm the most wrongly inspired person of the character 'Dr.Cox' from Scrubs. I recently realized I'm subconsciously obsessed about becoming like him. 'Subconsciously' because, I realized it only after I noticed a great change in my character in a while and ended up self examining. Nuff said, So this is NOT me cribbing about my problems or tragedies in life. My life rocks, period. This is just some kind of experimenting with my mind I would like to call :)

It is generally said that you should share your pain. When you feel life is being unfair or when you have problems, you are advised to talk to friends, parents about it. It is told that way because, you would feel your burden reducing when you talk about it and when a person listens patiently and empathizes with you.

I have mostly been blessed with at least one trust worthy soul most of the times, in many different times in life. So the cycle goes like this. Often I face an unfair situation in life. I get all angry about it and think about how to change it and plan to take some steps. Sometimes these incidents have led to important changes in thought processes, decision making, habits etc. over the years as a gradual change. But none of them have had an instant noteworthy impact. If you don't know what I am talking about, I am talking about something 'slightly similar' to (and a 'lot different') Mark Zuckerberg making Facemash.com immediately after his girlfriend dumped him. (The Social Network Movie)

The immediate impact, like I said was missing in my life because, I always talked about it to one of my friends who luckily would hear it out and make me feel better, thus reducing my motivation born out of anger born out of unfair situation which I faced.

So this time I decided not to talk to anyone about it. The flames, surprisingly are growing bigger. Its a little hard to overcome the urge to talk about it, which is very evident from the fact that I made this blog post (:P). Still, I think I see the motivation not fading away, pushing me to take steps to reach a place to put an end to the unfairness faced, instead just talking about it and not taking any significant steps.

Would like to quote lines from 'Rang De Basanti' by DJ character
'There are only two ways to live life: Tolerate things the way they are... Or, take responsibility to change them'

Azhagiya Tamil Magan - Shortest Movie Review

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 04:29:00 +0000

First one hour fifteen minutes I was occasionally saying to myself - "Oh my god, SHE is killing me with her looks and expressions".

The next fifteen minutes I found myself saying almost the same sentence - "Oh my god, he IS killing me with his looks and expressions"

I Switched it off after that.
I don't think I will be able to bear the next half of the movie.

P.S. Please read my new label 'YoSuck Vijay' the same way you read 'Joseph Vijay' - his original name

What Is Your Earliest Human Memory ?

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:57:00 +0000

My earliest memory is when I was a toddler, I was crawling in the kitchen of my grand mother's house towards a hot cooker kept on the floor. I also have faint memories of getting burnt on my thighs on it. I wish I remembered the face of my grand mother. People say she loved me more than anybody in the world. Showered me with attention, Ignoring the whole house and cooking only the food I loved - Kesari with lots of Cashews and Ghee they say, I loved the ones she made. She always had the ingredients ready, they say, in case I dropped in with my mom or dad as a surprise visit. Unfortunately she passed away before I could walk properly.

I grew up watching the neighboring kid and my then classmate getting all the special attention, love and care from his grand mother, who never let him down, even when made mistakes. Probably she wanted to show me that all the marks I scored better than him (in fact all others, yes I used to be the 1st rank kid) and the prizes I won at school for competitions, and being the famous kid, none of them made up for what I was missing.

Another notable memory I remember is in my childhood house, while sitting in the kitchen entrance again (ahem.. OK, its coincidence, really! :P) and watching my mom make food and acting like doing the homework, while all I did was watch my little baby sister. I turned away from her and turned back again to see her trying to roll over for the first time in life. She was half way through and I started to jump and yell running around her cheering her to do it, while my mom stood watching her along with me. After a few nail biting seconds, she finally rolled over. It was such a cute sight to watch the cutest baby girl** in town roll over for the first time. I was so happy like I achieved something great, and I guess I went up to each and every one in school including my poor school teachers telling how amazingly my little sister rolled over. Everyone I remember, gave that trademark smile which means "OK Kid, STFU and get the hell out of here instead of dramatizing your boring story" in their mind, but instead they would say "Oh really.. that's very nice" to not disappoint me and quickly walk away. There are times I wished that me and my sister didn't have that 6 years age difference, which if it was lesser could have may be bonded us better ? These are moments that make me realize how lucky I have been.

**(My sister was very cute as a baby, in fact like the ones you see in forwarded mails, fair and chubby with round eyes, while I was nothing short of the scary fugly babies that appear in Horror movies and Doom 3, I can post photos as evidence soon)

Thanks to Tumblr Bot for asking this question. Sorry for betraying Tumblr and posting answer to this on Blogger :)

Good Fiction - An attempt

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:57:00 +0000

He glanced through the corner gap of his green curtained window at the big 'dot like' red light on top of a distant mobile phone signal tower. What if that was a sniper's laser beam ? He thought to himself and smiled at his own insanity. There were sprinkled pieces of cake littered from a empty packet near the mouse. He held the mouse and did a right click.The speakers played some music with soft beats. His dark face was lit with bright white light from the LCD monitor. There was only text on it.

'Thud !!' a loud bang was heard at the window glass. He thought he saw a quick shadow. Panic clung tightly on to his veins. He slowly rose from his chair. There was no sound except for the music and the fan. He lowered the volume. As he looked down and he froze out of fear at the mysterious black area on the visible area of the window glass. He took a few seconds to regain strength. In normal situations he would usually run out of his room and wake up his flat mates. But now that they were out of town, he was all by himself. Slowly he took out his mobile phone and turned on the torch on it and directed the beam from the floor slowly towards it.

'Screw it'- I am never going to write good fiction, he thought to himself as he opened his eyes unable to continue his imagination. I am posting this to my blog titled - 'Good fiction - An attempt', no matter what, he said to himself.

Are you your own Doppelganger ?

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Sat, 29 May 2010 15:26:00 +0000

Sometimes in life, you really believe in something, even though you have absolutely nothing to back it up with. No logical reasons, or no reasons at all about why you believe in it. Sometimes you are right, and you become a local superhero, a film star, a business giant or a highly successful person. But when it goes wrong, you have 2 choices. You could just let it go, probably blame something else for it and forget it. Or you could treasure that moment, that priceless moment, where you realize how stupid you actually were, and finally learn a life lesson, make a note to remember it throughout your life to become 'A Better Person'.

It could be a career path you took, a relationship choice you made or anything that could influence your life a lot. The important thing to realize is that you should always feel happy for it. Whether you win or loose, you should always remember that you had the guts to take that risk, rather than always staying at the safe zone, playing easy like most others do. Quoting one of my favorite dialogues from Scrubs -

“I’ve been thinking a lot lately about taking chances, and how it’s really just about overcoming your fears. Because the truth is, everytime you take a big risk in your life, no matter how it ends up, you’re always glad you took it. ”- John Dorian, Scrubs. (Source)

I used to wonder about things like purpose of life and measure of success. I finally realize there is no answer to those questions. We all are born in different places, to different parents, surrounded by different people, brought up in different ways. I realize its not fair at all to compare people and their lives. So what exactly is the purpose of life ?

In spite of whether you get success or failure due to a risk taken in life, the important thing to realize is that you always win something priceless, something which cannot be acquired by any other means. And that magic element is 'Experience'. It is this experience that make you better, that completely changes you and completes every missing jigsaw piece of the puzzle of life. I'm starting to think that the most happiest people are the ones with the most variety of experiences in life, the ones who were able to take risks, enjoy its success, withstand the failures caused by it and persevere by taking more of them.

Once a great man told me, you need to experience pain to appreciate pleasure. Unless you have one, you are not going to appreciate and enjoy the other. So don't worry about risk and failures. Now look back and think about how you were 5 years ago. Do you see radical changes in you, in your outlook about life and people. Have you learnt a lot more, about things that can be learnt only by Experience ? Have you become your own Doppelganger in the few years? If yes, your life rocks, if you don't think so, you will realize it soon. If no, then you better start realizing that you are wasting your life. By staying on the shore, instead of cruising through the storms, missing the excitement and experience.

Post inspired by Ted's dialogue in the latest episode of How I Met Your Mother - Doppelgangers.

P.S. - I know I used to abuse people who use tough words in their blog posts :P. I just don't like it when there is a simpler way to do it. I learn t the word Doppelganger recently. My understanding of the word is 'someone who looks very much like you, but is a completely different person'. Its something more than just a lookalike.

P.P.S. - People who are seeing stars after reading the whole thing, I'm sorry. The point of the post, is that there is no point to run behind success, fame, money etc. instead try to enjoy every aspect of life and to experience the variety of life.

How did she ever get in those clothes ?

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:42:00 +0000

This is a very very old post. But it was published only in the blog running in my mindosphere. Many things have changed since those days, me, my thoughts, my outlook on life, culture and relationships. But still, this might be interesting for a few of you. Moreover I was reminded of this incident when I saw my label 'Winning Arguments' on the side bar.

Time was about 6.30 and it was a normal evening in September 2007. Jencil and I were on a stroll. I saw a girl on the road walking in the opposite direction. Boy, she wore a tight dress. So much tight that out of all the odds, the first thought that ran in MY mind on that sight was 'How did she ever get in those clothes ?' She was definitely uncomfortable, but she sure was enjoying all the attention she received from everyone on the road. I am sure no one looked at her face, not at least at the first glance.

"Ithellam konjam overa iruku da" (this is way too much) - I spoke. Jencil immediately turned towards me, and said - "Why too much? Its her freedom and choice. When guys build their body by going to gym don't they wear tight clothes to show off and walk around ?" I listened patiently to some more things he added to prove that I'm wrong. Then I said - "Ok Machi, let us say you build your body like Hrithik Roshan, (Sorry Hrithik Roshan wherever you are)... and wear tight clothes on the road. And someone commented a 'little loudly' that you had an attractive body and you heard it. What would you do then ?" Very happily without even thinking he replied - "Definitely I will thank, wave my shoulders and raise my collar". Then I continued - "Ok, let us say you are married and your 'awesome' wife walks with such clothes and someone on the road comments that her body is very sexy a little loudly that you and some more people on the road happen to hear it". "Appavum collar raise pannivittu thanks solluviya machan?" (Even then will you raise your collar and say thanks ?)

I couldn't hear any reply. When I turned around, My friend Jencil was missing for a moment, the person standing in his place was Mr.Jencil - The Toothpaste Ad Model. "Sorry, I acknowledge I was a bl00dy hypocrite" is what I heard even though he didn't speak.

Please don't judge me based on this post. I believe if you support something, that applies to you too.

One awesome short story ! + Avant Garde Bloggies award winners

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 07:33:00 +0000

Before doing anything else read this short story. It won the best short story award here.

Read the following only after you read the short story. Its a must read for all Indians, probably even all human beings. The winners for Avant Garde Bloggies Award '09 have been announced in various categories. Check out the results for some exciting blog posts of all sorts.

Dedication to the last 20 mins of my life

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:47:00 +0000

I wanted to blog this with my bike parked on the hosur road fly over lay bye..but sadly doing it immediately after reaching home

I never thought anyone cud ever make simple things in life like - a walk outside office, a few moments on the terrace, or even a simple bike ride something so wonderful, precious and a beautiful memory in life. But now you proved me wrong. You are the best thing that has happened to me in my past few months life. I can't believe that its just your presence thats giving me goosebumps all over my body. With you around me, I feel happier than ever, care free, joyful, and you make my moments one of the happiest. I know I am going miss you, in fact I am going to miss you more than I have ever before.

Today you made me go so crazy, that I feel like I wanna be with you forever. I know its beyond my control and you are going to leave. But you need to know I will try to bring you back.

Forever.

My Dear lovely Bangalore Weather.

- Dedicated to Bangalore Weather on 31st March 2010.

I really think we Bangaloreans and in fact all Indians, should protect something so beautiful that nature has given us like Bangalore weather. Plant trees, travel less, at least some of you start car pooling.

Location : Hosur Main Rd, Singasandra, Bengaluru, Karnataka,

DONT DO THIS ! Especially when I am working on Saturdays !

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:40:00 +0000

This is what happened to my friend and colleague, on a Saturday evening, when he was actually working hard to meet a deadline.

Please notice the timestamps on the right. OMG! I can't stop laughing... Fortunately for the other guy my friend didn't press ENTER after typing the last message.

A Silly 'Flu'sh Back

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:48:00 +0000

Day 1:- Swine Flu's fear and fame was at its peak among the people. I was even more worried as the area in which I lived in Bangalore had some reported deaths and a lot of infections. A friend and colleague said I am over reacting and panicking too much. I replied with Tha'lame' fake anguish on my face - "Yeiiii ! Na Thani Aal illa !" (I am not just a single/one person). He replied - "Yes, I heard you eat three people's lunch"

To multiply the horror effect, suddenly many people in office were starting to catch "common cold". So, at times in office, when I am one among 2 or more people, who try to pass through a small space between cubicles, I do "About turn" and take my mobile and start calling Credit card telemarketers to make the move seem natural and escape the situation.

Day 2:- I was sitting at my place heavily concentrating on tasks like pointlessly checking mails continuously and occasionally doing productive work. Then I heard the dreadful sound. The heavy and loud sound of some one trying to Dry clean a 330 ml Pepsi bottle through a Straw trying to pull the last nanolitres of beverage in it. Damn ! It was coming from right near my ear or it even sounded like it came from inside my ear.

I turned around and with a sudden gasp, I pulled back my face at the speed of light from Mannu's Nostrils who brought his face closest to me without smooching!! "Dude! What??" I asked trying not to sound very loud and irritated. He actually being a sweet polite guy, said "Sorry to bother you Dude. Can you please show me the sample code that you were showing that day?". "Ok. Sure I will IM you the link" I said. "Ok man. Thanks a lot !" He said and left the place. PHEW !

Later in the day, I asked him about his cold and he replied with a cool tone - "No Dood, its just 4 days since it started, I have to go to doctor tomorrow or in the weekend". "What ? Is he out of his mind !" I thought. Is it possible I got infected because of him ?. "Naah You are just crazy and scared" I thought to myself.

Day 3:- The next day I woke up like every other day, brushed, bathed and dressed up for office. Then I did something subconsciously. I tried to suck back something with my nostrils... Whh.. What ! Mucus ??! To describe my feelings that moment - I really felt like setting my hair on fire and running on the roads screaming like crazy !

Without wasting time, I decided I will go to hospital in the lunch time even against the deadliest odds of in fact ... skipping ...... lunnnnchh ! I know there was a good sized hospital behind my company building and so started walking towards it as soon as it was lunch time. I noticed there was no way or door in the front except for the pharmacy.

So I went to the security and asked about whether "Out-Patients" are allowed. He said Yes. Then I asked do they perform "Swine Flu" check up? He said Yes again. Immediately He asked me back "Patient Yellidhare ?" (Where is the Patient ?) I had to control all my emotions and say with a plain face - "Its for me".

I reached inside and I had one of those dreadful hospital moments, where everyone who came in the opposite started looking literally 'green'. Again "About TURN !" I reached the end of the corridor which was the Out-Patient area. I met a Nurse and inquired about Out-Patients and Swine Flu check up and secretly prayed that she should not ask "Where is the patient ?". She did not. "Doctor will be here in a minute. In the meanwhile you can Please bring the patient here" She said instead. I said "I am the patient" with a plain face again and explained - "Today Morning onwards I am having a cold, so I just want to be cautious." She turned around and I think she chuckled.

I don't remember how it ended, but I did have a slight fever also, but eventually both of them disappeared.

Vijay Movies statistics - with graphical reports !

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:37:00 +0000

Quakeboy gets Cauvery water for Tamilnadu - Special Report

Few days ago, the TN government top official from Chief Minister's office called to thank me. When I asked about it, they said, Karnataka finally agreed to give water for Tamilnadu. It seems someone was inspired by the above graphs and threatened Karnataka that they will send Actor Vijay from Kollywood to Sandalwood*. Following this, they have request from a group which doesn't want Andhra to be separated. They request TN Government to intervene and threaten to send Vijay to Tollywood if the chaos in Andhra doesn't subside. Rumour has it that this news has leaked and already things are beginning to settle down in AP.

*Sandalwood is Kannada film industry's awesome name.

Inspiration for this post - Vettaikaran movie :) and KrishAshok's Graph Jam Posts

An unfair world - An unknown hesitation..

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:29:00 +0000

It was an unusual day and something did not feel right. As I was locking my house gate, In my thoughts I knew, something is wrong with me today. A few moments later I realized it was because I was leaving home on (right) time to office. I wore my turtle-shell helmet, which usually I take care of, instead of it taking care of me while driving. A lot of people praised me telling how 'awesome' (disclaimer:- the actual word might slightly differ e.g. good, okay etc.) it looks and how it fits my face and head perfectly except for the silly bike I owned. They always recommended me to buy a Bullet or Harley Davidson type of vehicle due to my huge build over the last 2 years.

As I drove, I saw a kid of around 8 years driving a small bicycle about 25 meters away from me. A big Innova car was coming in the opposite side in that 'not so big' road and there were Auto-rickshaws parked on the side of the road. The kid trying to get through the small gap between the Auto-rickshaws and Innova car, accidentally drove over the 'just stepped out' feet of an Auto-rickshaw driver, who actually was busy talking to someone inside probably about his cruel wife who doesn't let him in if he comes home totally wasted and drunk at night, INSTEAD of actually watching the road while getting out of his vehicle.

The driver and the kid clashed and the driver caught the bicycle, which almost tumbled down and fell against himself. The next 5 seconds, there were POWs and SOKs over the poor kid's head, as the driver slapped the boy 3 to 4 slaps on his head slightly above his right ear. He yelled at him for not watching the road and for driving so close by the Auto-rickshaw. With a sad and slightly scary look on his face, as the kid opened his mouth to explain something, THUDDD ! he got the next slap on his head. The kid just drove away with his heavy eyes and disappointment. There were tears waiting to roll down his cheeks and the pressure on his eyelids was enormous, but he controlled himself and drove with a face which turned from sad and scary to shrewd and angry yet with slight tears starting to roll down his cheeks.

That face showed a hatred. Hatred towards the driver, hatred towards the world for being unfair. After all, he was not the one who made the mistake. No one on the road came to help or support, none of the other drivers even pulled back the driver while hitting him.

As I passed this incident, I drove with my mind imagining about the series of unfortunate events that could follow due to this incident in that kid's life, the kind of feelings he might develop against people and world in general. What if his parents never hear him out when he gets home, as they were not present in the spot to see the actual impact ? May be someone should have consoled him, supported him, cheered him up.. I know I wanted to. But I never did. Shame on me.

I just decided while making this update that, the next time I pass by such an incident, I WILL definitely act....

If u smell what the Quakeboy is Cooking...

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:50:00 +0000

A post revived from the dreaded "draft" pit by me. Its a long time ago, I saved this empty post with just the title. Everyone who comments will get a Dosa made by me :)

When I think of it now, it amazes me about how much a little new activity can bring a change. I don't remember from when I wanted to be regarded as a good cook. I was proud once during my school days that I was able to make the crispiest Dosa, even slightly better than Amma, once. After I left home after my 10th standard its been almost 6 years since I started cooking again.

It wouldn't have started if it was not for my completely impulse driven friend, classmate and room mate. He just wanted to start cooking, and one day, bought utensils worth 250 for 750 Rs. as usual and came home with victory smile.
I still remember the time, I, proudly wanting to impress everyone with my Dosa skills, made them almost say 'your Dosa kills'. I think my Dosas could have made excellent candidates for being used in Rorschach Ink blot tests. But not for long, by the time I made my 7 or 8th one, I once again regained control and became The Dosa Man !

Another thing, I remember is how much I used to bug my mother for recipes particularly after we started using the Pressure Cooker.
I would call my Mom. She would ask what happened ? I would reply "Cooker whistled".
I would call my Mom again. She would ask what happened ? I'd say "Whistle Stopped".
I would call my Mom yet another time. She would ask what happened ? I'd grin and say "No Whistle yet".

Now I belong to a South Indian family where we don't enact even 0.001% of Karan Johar movies' sentiment scenes during our lives. The love just is understood between us. I used to come home with bleeding legs due to small accidents at play and expect to receive all the attention from my Mom, only because my friend's mom reacted that way when it happened to him. But she would say "go in wash and apply some ointment". If I said I am not eating tonight due to some problem, or if I was angry, she would say "Oh, thank god, I can sleep early" with a big smile so as to irritate me and I would have to sneak into the kitchen after everyone slept. Later in life I realized she did that to not spoil me and was thankful and loved her more for it.

Now coming back to bugging my Mom over the mobile for cooking directions. I felt and knew that I was really bothering her a lot. But once as we were talking, she just paused and said "You should cook everyday". I am sure there was almost no pause before the next conversation rolled it. But how ever small it was, during that time, I am sure we both experienced the same effect and BG music, which was played in K3G when Shahrukh sets foot anywhere near his mother... Its same as the words, that JD wishes to hear from Cox always but almost never gets to. On your face JD !

Though its late in the day. Happy Birthday to the best Mom in the world :)

Top 10 Melodious and Soulful songs

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:33:00 +0000

This is a kind of tag, a very interesting one, as we can explore the world of songs and discover and remember really soothing melodies. Here is where I found it.

There are always two ways to get interesting results from such a situation. One, just give it a rapid fire without thinking. Two, Spend a really lot of time and do a lot of thinking. I am opting for One here. Let me go

My list with no order (I guess I am going to mention multiple languages)

1. Vennilave Vennilave
Movie - Minsara Kanavu.
Music - AR Rahman
Singers - Hariharan, Sadhana Sargam.

~~2. Nila Nee - (Lucky you songy ! - I am addicted to you right NOW. So :P)~~
~~Movie - Pokkisham.~~
Music - Sabesh Murali
Singers - Vijay Yesudas, Chinmayi (wasn't able to regard it as an all time classic now, especially after seeing the video)

2. Etho Ondru
Movie - Lesa Lesa
Music - Harris Jeyaraj
Singers - Harish Raghavendra, Franko, Srilekha Parthasarathy

3. Anbe Va, En Munbe Va
Movie - Sillunu Oru Kathal
Music - AR Rahman
Singers - Shreya Goshal

4. Ooru Sanam (I like the instrumental version more)
Movie - Mella Thiranthathu Kathavu
Music - Ilayaraja
Singer - Janaki

5. Yaaro Manathile
Movie - Dhaam Dhoom
Music - Harris Jeyaraj
Singer - Bombay Jayashree

6. Poi solla
Movie - April Maadhathil
Music - Yuvan Shankar Raja
Singer - Yuvan Shankar Raja

7. Pehli Nazar Mein
Movie - Race
Music - Pritam Chakraborty (Ok.. he copied, but his flavour is a great plus always)
Singer - Atif Aslam

8. Devathayai Kanden
Movie - Kadhal Konden
Music - Yuvan Shankar Raja
Singer - Harris Raghavendra

9. Kal ho na ho
Movie- Kal ho na ho
Music - Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy
Singer - Sonu Nigam

10. Mudhal Mazhai
Movie - Bheema
Music - Harris Jeyaraj
Singer - R Prasanna, Mahathi, Hariharan

Like I already said.. Its rapid fire, there are lots and lots more in the universe of music all over these years, but I could remember these immediately. Some other worth mentioning extras are Etho Ondru from Lesa Lesa, Katrukullay from Sarvam which I can think of like right now again.

Please take up this tag and include songs from any language and leave me a comment. I will update the post with your post links.

My new blog - WTF Raj ;)

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:35:00 +0000

I have started a new blog for no reason, I am going to maintain them both. Posts that are worth sharing with others here and random junk there. But, sometimes random junk turns into cool posts when I put more time and effort into it ! then what ?

Arghhhh ! Introducing WTF RAJ and I have updated it just 5 mins ago.

Quakeboy's Evil Scientist Lab Release

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:53:00 +0000

Here I am presenting the blog readers (I mean the few of you who are my good friends who I irritate terribly asking to read after posting this and also the amazing few who read it on their own and the poor ones who reach here by google !)...

Lets begin again. I am presenting the blog readers the new column - "Evil Scientist". This is what popped on my head suddenly as I was sitting at office thinking about how to solve an OpenGL surface generator problem..

I composed an SMS in my mobile as written below

"latest magic sms viRus - you cAnnot Just forwArd this Very msg 2 more thAn 3 ppl. If u do, ur phoNe will switch off automaticallY. bt u cAn turn it on again."

and forward it to some people, some were girls (as I believe 90% of the girls in this world are dumb) and a some guys too who are my close friends who would understand my intention and forward it to others :)

Will have to wait and see if this message spreads fast !

Extra hint :- The Caps in the msg mean something :) I forwarded it exactly like that...

If you hate Rajnikanth !

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:59:00 +0000

Foreword

He is 58 years old in real life, yet he has been a 25+ years old in reel life for the last 25 years.
His heroines are mostly with their real ages, equivalent to his reel life age.
He looks just like the guy next door and not with the killer looks you will fall in love with.
He doesn't have/never had muscles like Arnold, Salman or Aamir Khan in Ghajini.
He is bald now, and has been for a long time, never combed his hair properly in movies !

He doesn't know to dance like Hrithik Roshan, aaaw forget Hrithik. If you have seen the "Desi Girl" song in Dostana movie where Abhishek and John compete for the "Who can be the worst dancer ? contest", Rajnikanth's dance is only slightly better than that. At times he has proved himself to be a sufficiently good dancer too.

He is the highest paid actor in India, 2nd highest paid in Asia after Jackie Chan.
He was born, brought up in Bangalore, but today he is the most powerful guy in Tamil Nadu.
He has a really huge number of Japanese fan base for his movies dubbed in Japanese language.
and yet ... e- ha- ha- ha- ha .... I am a fan of Rajnikanth !

A Journalist who bitched about the movie 'Sivaji'

When his last movie, Sivaji was released, I loved that movie. I was soo engrossed in the movie admiring him, his style, dialogues, charisma in many scenes. During that period, Anuradha SenGupta a journalist @ CNN-IBN and blogged about how much the movie "Sivaji" and "Rajnikanth" SUCKED !!. The post has 1800 comments !

Before reading further, please note that, I am not illiterate. I am not FRED FLINTSTONE. I am a game programmer (a professional one now !). I know 5 languages. I watch FRIENDS. I understand the serial too and I love Chandler and Joey. I love Bruce Willis, Adam Sandler and many others, not because they look good or have muscles (like many Indians loved Ghajini Aamir for), but because I love their acting too. I have watched every American Pie and loved Sean Willian Scott. I probably understand science fiction more than Anuradha SenGupta does !
and I love Rajnikanth.... phew !

She is right, but she is narrow minded

She is right. Yes she is. Anyone who sees a recent Rajnikanth movie for the first time in their life will see him as a clown, joker and may be even a retard. They will probably think, the whole clan of Rajnikanth fans are retards too, or may be voodooed by Rajnikanth using Black Magic. Its perfectly normal. I am not going to get angry at them.

She is narrow minded ?? WTF Dude, she is a journalist and she works at CNN-IBN. She must be well educated, sophisticated and classy - I don't wanna reply the Stiffler way*. Let me explain why.

But before that, just remember the olden times, where famous people, who we today regard as great scientists were all considered stupids and lunatics by even the highest regarded people of those times. In fact the whole world would have believed them to be lunatics except for a few who actually understood those scientists. Now, don't start laughing again at me as if I am a lunatic who compares Rajnikanth with great scientists. I just said "remember".

Understanding Rajnikanth as a phenomenon, not just as an actor/person

I can see people who argue comparing Rajnikanth's impossible stunts, actions with Hollywood movies and actors. But that my friend, is wrong. Remember "The Matrix" or the "Spiderman" ? Why are people accepting that worldwide and not Rajnikanth's movies ? There is a basic difference. Matrix, Spiderman are movies based on fictional stories with a strong storyline explaining the concepts. So when Spiderman does something crazy you don't get annoyed, but you enjoy watching it. That is exactly where all the difference lies !

Great.. as if we don't know this ! Then still why do you like Rajnikanth ?

Hmm.. the concept of Rajnikanth is not as easy or simple to understand like a Spiderman or a Neo. It develops over the years in the mind of a person who has seen his movies from the olden days and has been coming up the gradual curve. I have been watching and loving his movies since when I was a child. The message - "Rajnikanth is slightly more than a normal man" can only be slowly taken in by human beings. I am able to enjoy his movies because when he does something beyond what a normal person can do, my mind automatically accepts it.

So, you accept his crap and enjoy it ?

I won't accept the word crap because it is NOT crap. It is not a simple task to develop and maintain such an image in the minds of millions of fans. If anyone could do it, then there would be countless Rajnikanths. He is still the icon of Hardwork and regarded really great as a person. He did not grow to the super hero Demigod status over night or suddenly from one of his movies. He made the people believe that he is something more than a common man only because of his skill, style and his magnetic charisma. Ever seen a not so attractive guy in your life who you could never believe to have so many hot girl friends ? Thats about charisma. You can't understand just by looking or being with it once. It takes time. First you might make fun, but soon once you are in it, you will find yourself gradually admiring and getting attracted.

Sometimes it gets too much. I agree

Yes, sometimes things do gets kind of funny or crazy. Like his "style" song costumes in Sivaji, the naked fight in Padayappa, First Stunt Sequence in Chandramukhi with poor graphics. But who doesn't have mistakes, remember Main Hoon Na Rickshaw fight ? Even Hollywood has bloopers. But that doesn't make them stupid. Look at the positives, they are rich, abundant and a mountain compared to just a handful of bloopers.

Here it ends

So you see Rajnikanth is really a Phenomenon which takes time to understand and enjoy. So Anuradha Sen Gupta, you need to take time. Somethings in life can't be judged immediately.

Appo naan.... Var...ta ??

Are you reading a book ? - Hahaha !

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Do you like to read general books and think it is one of the most useful things you do in life ?
(Or)
Do you think reading such books are for losers and you are proud to say that you don't have such bad habits ?

I belonged to latter group and later moved to the former after discovering the amazingly cool world of good books. Before that all I read was about Technology, Computers etc. I thought books that don't talk about science, history, geography are just mutated forms of waste materials. Today I love reading good books about general subjects like personality development, efficiency, productivity, relationships and even dating !

Ah.. that's where the clash started - Dating books. There was this amusing dating book written by David De Angelo (excuse spelling errors). It was not just about how to impress girls and get them, but it was about improving your overall personality, moral betterment, avoiding bad relationships so that you don't get wasted and totally ethical ways of the dating process and a lot of self improvement tips. I realized (all) Dating books are not EVIL.

It helped me a lot too. I can tell you its not just that one book, but the combined/filtered knowledge I gained from many personality development books + dating books made me a better person in dealing with people and yes, girls also. Please don't consider this to
actually mean I am a playboy, macho, player, charmer etc. Just that it made me better :)

Ashwin started arguing suddenly as usual - "These things are no fun, if you just read and get them. It has to come just naturally, born within" and started his usual - "I am Ph.D in every subject in this world", "I am all powerful, omnipotent, cloned god" kinda talks.

If you think what he said was fair and you belong to the same crowd which says such things (Dating, handling people, productivity, time management, relationships kinds) have to be inborn, then LISTEN !

"What exactly do you mean by inborn ?".. Would you have known how to eat, play, drink, talk all by yourself ? Would you have known that you have to say sorry when you do mistakes and say thank you when you receive something all by yourself ? Do you think people who argue too much, who are very stubborn etc are like that by birth ?

All of these can be grouped under one word - "behavior". Behavior never comes inborn. It has to be taught, trained, learnt by seeing. So what exactly comes inborn ?

Have you ever trained up yourself to like Rock music ? like your favorite color, food, drink etc ? So that answers - Genes don't hold behavior. They might actually a little influence but its very low. Genes hold your basic traits and that is what decides your tastes, attributes etc.

Handling people in general is all a collection of behaviors you need to learn and use in response to their actions. If you found someone who has done this without reading books, he is NOT a superman. It is just that he has learned it by other means - Hearing, Observing similar incidences, taught by parents, elders etc. When you actually ask them how they do that, they would probably say - "It just comes automatically". Do you remember who exactly taught you how to lie ?

I gave this argument back and turned only to see all his teeth visible. He stood grinning. That actually means "Yes I acknowledge I was an A$$ ole !"

Funniest greeting card - New year special

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:56:00 +0000

I found this card in a near by gift shop and bought it immediately ! Just kept it as a collection... lol. The pics below are of a birthday greeting card. Examine the first picture carefully before viewing the next one.

.
.
.
.
.
Little more to scroll..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Happy New year Everybody !

P.S. My friend Suz was the only one who never even smiled after seeing this. On asking him about it, he said he was disappointed as he expected something romantic and he found it 0% amusing. I have no comments about this :D

A Branded Crazy World

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:29:00 +0000

What is your name ? - "I work at Infosys"

Scene happens just outside a regular Kerala style mess (eat-out). Its a usual sight to see men/women along with their hanging dog chains, err sorry company ID tags even though its highly inconvenient to do other tasks when hanging it.

Jencil, another roommate & Myself are standing near a similar guy. For convenience let us call him Mr.X. Hmm.. better to call him Mr.F. B'Coz trends show that Indians like the F Word more than anyone else in this world.

Mr.F is a typical IT worker @ a reputed services company with his only pair of Reebok shoes, 2 weeks old Jeans and T-Shirt with a golden tag (looks golden only to him).

Jencil suddenly takes out his old mobile phone with invisible keypad technology with added zero battery advantage. Starts talking to someone ?? (May be his dead ex-girlfriend)
"Hello"
"How are you, Its been a really long time" (since someone dumped you ?)
"Yeah Yeah." (how did he read my mind ?)

"I'm get irritated with these people nowadays" (Who ?)
"They think its something great. Looks like dog tags, even worse than that. Always hanging around the neck. Won't these people even remove it when they s*** in the toilet" (Now I start my Deer Karate process. On your mark...)
"They don't have any common sense yaar. All useless idiots, just showing off" (Get set... But I could not control my laughter, burst out laughing at the same time)
Slowly Mr.F took his ID tag and slips it into his pocket and starts his bike (eh ?? I was about to run away.. never mind no one knew it..)
Both of us have a good laugh together about our feat (It was his feat wasn't it?).

It reminds me of a post on Twisted DNA blog which I read long ago where something similar happens. Someone in your native town asks you where you work. When you reply proudly that you work for Google, he looks at you pathetically and asks you "Why ? Didn't you manage to get a job @ Infosys ?" and just walks away with a look you wear after seeing a sick beggar. So much for working @ Google.

If you see a guy walking out of a company with an old crumpled T-Shirt with no ID tag, watch, glasses, no proper shoes and looks almost close to someone who doesn't have money to shave. He is probably a great programmer who has been the mastermind behind an innovative software which contributes to almost a huge amount of the entire company's profit. On the other hand if you see a guy who walks with well visible features, a show off attitude and of course with his ID tag very visible and swinging, Its definitely someone who is an application support guy whose job is to configure and set up that software and answer phone calls and emails about technical queries.

I am not here to under rate and humiliate support engineers and others, as dealing with people day in and day out is a hard job too. But what I am trying to express is my concern towards the amount of brand hype people use and show off which is nothing more than worthless.

"In today's world, Empty vessels make noise with digital surround sound"

May be some people just forget to remove the tag. Not all of them. and I know whether it is easy to wear the tag hanging or walk around with it inside the pocket. So please don't tell me you feel uncomfortable to keep it in your pocket than hanging it outside. Please note my emphasis in only on the tag and other added things in this post are just junk :P

Necessary Evil

noreply@blogger.com (Quakeboy) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 11:17:00 +0000

I have the desire to blog about many things, but I am really busy* !

*I have to

keep thinking/ planning to resume my current project at regular time intervals
but instead waste time on the internet reading stuff
read game/movie reviews that pop up my head
check torrent sites/blog statistics/feed burner account without any aim countless times
check the tech/news feeds I have subscribed on my Google reader which are flooded with feeds which suck at least 3 – 4 hours a day if read properly.
keep thinking about various things to blog, but never do it as I am busy* (recursive :P)
finally start suffering from information overload and be a loser without accomplishing anything useful !

Let aside the above junk, lets come to the title. (I was about to write about something else Phew !)
I typed the term – Necessary Evil when coding my current project done in C++ as a comment line somewhere. (this is my problem, I work only 1% of my actual work time to do only this)

I glanced my mind vision on the words, It gave me a lot of thoughts. First one being, if there was no evil, will there be any good? – Definitely Spiderman, will have to start cleaning skyscraper windows for money

I googled to see if anyone has already blogged about it. Someone had written a beautiful article too.. I loved the points he had mentioned. In short – evil existed because of three possible reasons

1. It happened itself (This would make the omnipotent god theory impotent)
2. God created evil (For us to understand the value of good blah blah..)
3. God is both good and evil (I liked this !)

Whenever It comes to a clash between we and they. We always regard ‘we’ as good guys, super heroes etc. We have to remember that the same thought runs through the minds of the opposite party. Okay.. This was also mentioned in that article.

Anyways I have also thought of such things but in more of a geeky sense. In batman we had a device which can show what is running through your mind visually, I seriously wish we had it in real and test it out on George Bush, Bin Laden, My only enemy in life now ‘DoubleM’, of course Myself and finally SRK – anyways he is in the news all the time, so he won’t mind.

I will blog about DoubleM later - I definitely have to. BTW I confirmed the person who stole my PSP. Waiting for the judgement day.. Muhahahaha !

Though I have many interesting things happening in life, I had to write this obsessive self-oriented article.

*@#$%^&*()_SDdkjsdjv(&^

.Comn$%gupnxt#%$acomparsn*&%bw$$%b3o*34*obs%$n%&%belys

.@#l-!2343o%%^*l

<Connection interrupted, end of transmission>**

** tht woz copied again from IM conversation with Arun