2043 AD

GC0134567894356 – He, ow aba takin a luk at da buk? (Hey, how about taking a look at that book?)

BS1434567894499 – Lem c, luks inte 2 me! (Lemme see, looks interesting to me!)

“It reads ‘Diary of an Infoscion’”



Vishal (13th June, 2008) – I reached office today at 3:00 p.m. after 8 hours of fun. Ya, we had serious fun in the bus. We played antakshari. The bus was divided into two teams. It was real fun. Tomorrow we are planning to play dumb-charades. Goodnite myself!

Aniket (29th November, 2009) – I am still to reach office. I started last week on a Friday, and here it is Sunday. I am in the bus and I need a formal shirt and a tie because I have a strong belief the bus will reach on Tuesday for sure.

Nikita (15th August, 2012) – This is so ridiculous. I haven’t called my boy-friend for 2 weeks. The cell is out of charge. The mobile-charging shops in the Hosur Road are closed for a week too. Dammit! I hate my life! I hate everybody. 20 freaking days and I am still to reach office.

Tamborine-22 (12th May, 2019) – Yes, I won. I finally won the chess match that I started with Dejavu-97! 6 months for 1 freaking match. What fun. Awesome! I heard we are reaching office in 2 weeks. I haven’t seen many faces for a long time. Miss ‘em all!

Caligula (Some freaking day, autumn, 2028) – I am not a psycho! Today I say what I believe. I say what happened. Yes! The bus broke down. I am not a psycho! The bus broke down and I fell off and landed inside an auto-zigzag. A girl was inside it. I fell in love with her. I am not a psycho. I want to marry her. We’ll marry this Friday in the ‘amphi-theater of dreams!’ And yeah, I am not a psycho!

Pablo-Papita (Donno when) – We reached office today and were cheered. It was a great feeling. I was a young girl when I started with the journey from JP Nagar. I was a SE too. I heard am going to be a Senior Project Manager from today. I had fallen for Zapak-007. He is a cool guy. Oh yeah, we have a kid now. Named him ‘MPG-008 (Mobile Programming Blunder)’. Sweet na?!

Bhanoosh (A day in my lifes) – I am the reaching office today only. I am the patiently sitting and eating and having goods time all these years. I am not shaving for the last 3 years. My beard is growing in the tallest like that Nobel prize winner, forgetting his name. My parents is coming to office todays. They will be pointing at me and saying I am proud feelings. After all I son only doing all the great doings all these years only in the bus, opening a road-side dhaba tow below the road-aside. I am stopping my writings in this hair.

Curzzoka (Some day, who gives a damn man!) – I reached office in 13 hours flat. Feels great. Traffic was seriously less. I am planning to work less today, zip-00-blog about some funny incidents. And yes, planning to bunk office tomorrow. Can’t work with all those Monday-Morning blues! Amen!

BS1434567894499 – “E-ha ha ha ha ha….”

GC0134567894356 – “I am b-ing this 4 sur, lem m as ow mch it?” (I am buying it, let me ask how much it is?)”


A man – “80 Dollars”

GC0134567894356 – “hey, Do u av 2 bucks change?”


PS: BS1434567894499 {Boy-Single-14 broken relationships-34567894499(ID)}
GC0134567894356 (Girl-Committed-1 broken relationship-34567894356(ID)}

PPS: Any similitude to actual persons, living, dead, half-dead, traffic-dead, zombies, maniacs, crank-houses and Infoscions is purely accidental.

DON MCLEAN has, without a doubt; one of the most melodious voice mankind has ever laid their 'ears' to. His most famous composition in the name of 'American Pie' is a song of 'historic' significance. This is a 'must listen' for all you folks, it has got the perfect 'jumble' of great lyrics (~that has made people scratch their heads for 25 years and still they are doing so~), great 'feel' (~if you understand the lyrics well~) and McLean's harmonious voice itself. The song takes you through a roller-coaster ride of American people (~mostly celebrities~) and their culture. The song is more of a tribute to the death of Buddy Holly (A rock and roll pioneer) and to the consummate legendary figure of Bob Dylan. The song also touches upon imperative figures of Rolling Stones, Beatles, Janis Joplin, Elvis Priestly, John F.Kennedy and some more of the likes.

Other mentionable creations of Don McLean are 'Vincent' (~Based on Vincent Van Gogh's depiction of life through paintings~), 'Castles in the air' (~one of the most melodious song I have heard my entire life~) and 'Fool's Paradise'. These songs can be labeled as 'beautiful' songs as they throw you in a world of imagination and makes you feel every stroke of the brush 'which Mclean wields' through his lyrical and vocal canvas. :D

Talking of 'feel', we can straightaway venture into the musical designs of one Paul Simon and another Art Garfunkel better recognized as SIMON & GARFUNKEL. Though, I heard their most eminent creation 'Sounds of Silence' a long time back, I got the chance to listen to many other fine music of theirs, very recently. My personal favorite stands out to be 'I am a rock', solely for the brilliant and uncomplicated lyrics.

I request this one to be added to your 'must listen' listing. 'America' (~The song is like a metaphorical journey between two imaginary characters in the different cities of America and their experiences of the same~), 'Bridge over troubled Waters', 'Mrs. Robinson', ' He was my brother' and 'A most peculiar man' are my favorite numbers too.

In the same 'feel' but in a unique genre of 'Piano Rock', let me introduce the one and only, BILLY JOEL. Safely, inducted in the 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame' and 'Songwriter's Hall of Fame', Joel got me in his fan-base by his signature-song 'Piano Man', which identifies the man, in a true sense. From 'soulful crooning' to 'upbeat Rock and Roll' tunes, he did it all. My favorites include 'She's always a woman to me', 'An innocent man', 'River of Dreams', 'Uptown Girl' and finally the historic ' We didn't start the fire' (~The song is a history revising material, on a serious note, it unwinds the events and experiences of Joel in chronological order, running upon politics, sports, entertainment and foreign affairs~). This is a 'must listen' addition too.

The vastness of 'musical repository' that the names 'Beatles', The Rolling Stones' and above all 'Bob Dylan', possess, makes it almost impossible to deal with them in one blog.

Arguably the greatest song-writer of all times, Robert Allen Zimmerman (~better known as BOB DYLAN~) has given us a remarkable collection of 'unforgettable' songs.. Well, my favorites and 'must listen add's' will need a separate 'diary' altogether, but still I suggest these; 'Mr. Tambourine Man', 'Blowing in the wind', 'Like a Rolling Stone', ' Hurricane' (~A protest song on Rubin Hurricane Carter, a very controversial song, the lyrics are very touching and tragic none the less~), 'Desolation Row', 'The times they are a-changing', ' Rainy Day Women', 'Forever young', 'Fourth time Around', and 'Ballad of a thin man'.

Dylan's album 'Nashville Skyline' contained a duet with Johnny Cash. JOHNNY CASH was a brilliant and a highly influential Country and Rock and Roll singer/songwriter. I have always been amazed at the man's simplicity, not only in his persona, but also in his musical renderings. The movie 'Walk the Line' encouraged me to 'Walk the Line' of Johnny Cash's music. :D.
His brilliant 'pieces' and thereby 'your must-listens' include 'Walk the Line', 'It ain't me babe' (~Duet sung with Wife, singer/song-writer June Carter Cash~), 'Folsom Prison Blues' , 'Ring of Fire', ' Cry Cry Cry' , 'Home of the blues' and above all, 'Hurt' (~This was Cash's last song (~it was actually a cover~) and the video quite brilliantly puts forward Cash's early life and thereby proving it to be an ideal tribute to the man) I would recommend 'Hurt' () as a 'must-watch' video for all music lovers.(~You can get hold of it @Youtube ()~).

Very far away from the world of 'beautiful voices', was an incredible voice unlike any other in her lifetime and ours too. An overdose of heroin killed her at a tender age of 27, before she could give the world more 'screeching yet melodious' numbers. I am talking about JANIS JOPLIN (~inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 2005~). She will be best identified by her single 'Me and Bobby McGee' (~A cover, but most people all over love her version the most~) Other brilliant 'Must-Listens' include 'Mercedes Benz', an absolutely crazy 'Cry Baby', ' Piece of my heart', 'Move over' and last but not the least 'Ball and Chain' (~This song is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, an absolute barnstorming and a breathtaking vocal that gives goose-pimples to the listeners; love the way she ends the song with a lovely 'philosophical' message~)

I apologize for the 'long' blog. I just wanted to spread across "Don't stop exploring music, you'll never know what u will 'bump' into, it mite turn out to be 'gems' "! :D

I had known her since my childhood sweetheart deserted me at the age of 8 years. It’s been a long and a memorable journey. I don’t remember a minute I had spent without her. She became a part of mine and stayed so for many years. If I had a pain, she felt it; if I laughed, she followed suit; if I was unvoiced, she was silent too. I loved her to the core and I knew very well that my survival is quite inconceivable without her.

She loved to eat whatever I munched upon. Sometimes she didn’t have a choice; I had forced her to consume things! ;) I loved Chicken Burgers, so did she! I doted on chocolate mousses, she never complained though she didn’t adore it. Chocolates were a part of my life and she was forced to have them too! Sigh, sometimes I feel, I didn’t understand her feelings, or maybe never tried to do so. She was like a muted tolerant existence of nature. She gave her all, when the situation demanded. She silently stood the pain when I went out of my way to feed my stomach.

And now, after all these years of love, pain and implausible tolerance, she left me for good. She breathed the final time at 10:26 last night. Life won’t be the same without her. I will miss her and I know for a fact that there is and will be nothing which can replace her. I still love you dear.

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Friends, I lost my 1^st Molar teeth which resided closest to the pre-molars. It was supposed to be the biggest Molar of all.

If possible, I request all of u to ‘observe’ 1 minute of ‘No-eating’ on my molar’s behalf.

Much Appreciated.

Heart err…Tooth-Broken Sounak

The 5 Stars for the Swiss



As the three former champions John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors and Bjorn Borg, sauntered down the center court, one of them was sure feeling quite insecure. There was certainly no insecurity or languidness in the Swiss reigning champion Roger Federer, as he took a 3-0 lead in the opening set against the precocious Raphael Nadal. The Spaniard broke back and made it 3-3 with some mind-blowing passing shots. The first set went to a tie-breaker and the Champion took the better of the Underdog, to go one set up. The boy from Mallorca fought back with some invigorating tennis as he won the second set 6-4. Some of his newly cultured artistic backhand drop volleys were a treat for the photographers and quite a handful for the great Champion. The latter again stamped his supremacy in the third set and prevailed in yet another tie-breaker. The furious backhand winners unleashed in exquisite style accompanied by some lissome court movements make FedEx the ultimate conqueror that he is.

Just when the feeling of “Roger Federer is mortal on the green” sinks inside a tennis player, it is exactly then he can ‘win over’ the Champion or at least think of doing so. With some impeccable ground strokes, controlled nerves and meticulously executed passing shots, Raphael Nadal made it two sets all. At 0-3 down in this fourth set, Federer had even questioned the ‘Hawk Eye’ asking for it to get replaced, the point went to Nadal, and was crucial enough to dent some Federer confidence and ruffle him to some extent.

As the fifth set started many felt that Nadal will finally see his dream come true. Vijay Amritraj very rightly put it as “Let’s see, who’s got the nerves and who’s got the stomach for this fight now”. Though Nadal had four break points in Federer’s first two service games, the later taking a page out of Sampras’s book, served brilliantly well at crucial points and made life quite onerous for the challenger. The last time a Spaniard had won this tournament, was 41 years back, and unfortunately, history was not to be repeated. With some brilliant serve and volley games Roger, The King shut the doors on Nadal. After 3 hrs and 44 minutes of a grueling battle, a satisfied (of watching great tennis) Vijay stated “He is physically and emotionally drained as he equals Bjorn Borg’s great record of 5 consecutive Wimbledon crowns, a record which has stood for 27 years”.

Looking at Fed’s girl friend, this is what Vijay had to say, “She had some nails four hours ago”. This for sure stated the fact that mankind had witnessed some unbelievable display of nerve-racking lawn-tennis and had also accepted the fact that there is no beating the great FedEx.

At the end of it all, the fighter in Raphael Nadal shouldn’t be disheartened, who despite of a tendon damage, showcased some breathtaking tennis maneuvers and won many hearts all over the world. But last but not the least, if the man sits down at the end of the day and tries to wonder what did he do wrong on the court, he might not find many answers, just that he has to accept the fact that he chose to ‘live’ in a wrong era, an era of a gentle-man named Roger Federer.

Amen!

TH14-The end of an era

September 30, 2000 -- A 23 year old shy, introvert, yet a classy tall figure stuns a few Manchester United defenders by collecting the ball at the edge of the box, flicking it up and swerving it over fellow Le Bleus mate Fabien Barthez for a goal considered by many as one of the greatest strikes ever in EPL history. A star is born in the name of one Thierry Henry. Though THE MAN’s career started as a left winger; at Arsenal football club, Wenger moulded him into a Striker. Unstoppable runs, stunning swerving strikes, unthinkable short passes, enticing footballing maneuvers along with a shrewd mind of splitting long passes and slick back heels characterized Titi’s brand of football. He could do everything from corners to free-kicks to penalties to assists to intelligent tackles! Be it his strike against Aston Villa, where with the pass, he flicks the ball over two defenders to turn and put a screamer past the goalkeeper, be it a long distant stunner against Manchester United, where the ball swerves both ways before entering the net, be it his unbeleivable run from the defence of his own half to the goal of Leeds United to finish with a swerving left leg, be it his run past the Liverpool midfield followed by the defence and scoring past Dudek in trademark fashion sending the Highbury crowds to raptures, be it his out-swinging right foot in the Champions League opening match, 2005, be it his unstoppable run from the left flank and cutting inside for the oh-so-famous right curling foot, be it his immaculate ball-control from a long and high cross to his left leg which drives the ball pass the goalkeeper's helpless right hand, or be it his back heel strike against Norwich, Thierry Henry's goals had a 'lazy elegance' in it. The Man looked to be strolling in the pitch most of the times, yet when he had the ball in his feet, he became The King with a 'pleasant' arrogance that was completely disliked by the opposing defenders! Thierry's game of football was always a brand which never treaded the path of complications. He made thing look easy for himself as well as for his team. A brilliant captain, in the sense that he could very well lead from the front and change the course of any match on a given day with his utter brilliance and a sudden 'piece' of magic! The celebrations of The Man where he slides down the corner flag or where he 'flies' down the 'pitch' thumping his chest with 'black' gloves 'on', or where he simply stands and smells or rather feels the Highbury crowd going berserk and chanting The Lord's name (Read King Henry) are scenes that would remain in the minds of all Gunners throughout their life. Ian Wright, Cliff Bastin, Dennis Bergkamp, the records of all these Arsenal legends have been buried deep by THE MAN! The MAN was premeirship's top scorer for four consecutive years from 2002 to 2006, such was his dominance of english football. In short, in these 8 years for Arsenal, he did it all. He came, he saw and he conquered, in style.

The entire passage written above mostly in past tense makes people wonder whether its the end of a career?!? The truth is, it might not be the end of a career, but it certainly will be the end of an era, an era of breathtaking football which guaranteed EPL viewers non-stop entertainment weekend after weekend. The 'transfer' of The King to Spain, is not only a loss to Arsenal, but a loss to English football or maybe (as i hate to say this) a loss to the game of football,itself. TH14 won't be seen anymore running with panache and poise on the greens of North London.

I, for once looked skyward and 'threw' a silent prayer on the Friday the last, 'Let the news be untrue' (with tear-drops all over my face), but HE(The Almighty) and HE(Our Man), both had other plans for me and for all 'unhappy' Gunners!! The greatest that ever was, the greatest that is, the greatest that ever will be, Thierry 'The King' Henry, The Legend 'LIVES ON'!

Amen! :'(

TAGGED!!!

I picked up this tag from somewhere in blogspot and here I go:


1. Pick out a scar you have, and explain how you got it?

I have a deep scar on my left eye-brow thanks to 5 internal and 3 external stitches! Damn, my details! :p
I picked up the blemish in the 2nd year of my college life when I was trying to impress myself with some footballing skills! I hit the jagged corner of my bed (inside my hostel room) before blood started flowing like the Niagara Falls! :)

2. What is on the walls in your room?

Nothin really special to be mentioned here.
My repeated attempts at sticking posters of footballers and musicians have been ruined by my mom! :(

3. What does your phone look like?

It resembles a black Nokia 6030. (at least it was black when I bought it!)

4. What music do you listen to?

Well, ppl who know me, knows very well that answering this question is a bit difficult for me in this limited space.
In a summary, I love soulful hindi stuffs, country English stuffs and above all some good rock music with a lot of guitar riffs and distortions in it. :)

5. What is your current desktop picture?

At home, it's a foto of an angel in the name of Elisha Cuthbert (Girl next door fame!)

6. What do you want more than anything now?

I want 'peace' of mind which can help me in doing some rational thinking!
Am just kiddin! :p
I want a person in my life who can teach me the 'meaning' of life, coz currently am too 'insane' and 'lost' to find out the same! :)

7. Do you believe in gay marriage?

I believe in 'happy' marriages! :X
Next question please!

8. What time were you born?

OMG...twas certainly a bad time for Mother Earth! :p
Seriously, I was born @ 18:15 hours on a Wednesday! 

9. Are your parents still together?

Excuse me! :X Obviously yes!

10. What are you listening to?

Its 12:00 midnight now, so if I put on any kind of music, my roomie will cut me into pieces and sell it to the poor and underprivileged! :p
Though, I can hear distant water droplets at a drop/5 secs.

11. Whats something that ppl may not know abt me?

Once, in my school days, I hit my principal hard on his head and ran around the school shouting "Our Princi is a Pimpi"!
Obvsly, kiddin man! :p
On a serious note, there is a 'something' that ppl don't know about me, something very deep, but I won't reveal that! :)

12. The last person to make you crazy!

Am a little confused on this! Do they still need to do something to make me crazy? :)

13. What is your favorite perfume/cologne?

None.
I like the Ice-Kool Rexona thing! Not that i love it!

14. What kind of hair/eye color do u like in opp sex?

Hair: Magenta with greenish blue tinge and fluorescent orange streaks! Eyes: One dark red and another dark green! I wud understand the 'signals' properly! :p Kiddin man! :p
I just love deep black eyes and black hair! :)

15. Do you like pain killers?

Whats there to like about it? :p
Though, I had to take a lot of them during my footballing days! :(

16. Are you too shy to ask someone out?

Absolutely, even the thought of it makes me enter below my desk, cover myself with jute bags and start chanting prayers to The Almighty shivering at the same time!
This time am not kiddin! :p

17. Fave Pizza Topping?

Not a sucker for pizza! Anything with quintals of cheese will be sufficient for me! :p

18. If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?

Rotten Camel's milk. Shit, whats wrong wid me? newaz what do u xpect me to have this hour of night! :p
An apple will do! :)

19. Who was the last person you made mad?

Nobody as such. I don't like seeing ppl sad!
Oh Sorry, my sleepy eyes read that as 'sad'! Damn!!
Donno, maybe the ppl I chat with can say that! Did I? :p

20. Is anyone in love with you?

*No Comments*
Its so easy to freak ppl out!

I "TAG" EVERYBODY READING THIS THING! :)

escritura del poste 1: If u don't find things funny anymore, visit a doctor, a cardiac surgeon maybe.

escritura del poste 2: To understand the thing on the left, u need to know spanish!

escritura del poste 3: Soy enojado!

A Beautiful Dream


The excessive 'cheer/jeer' sometimes plainly 'deafens' u! 1998, a 15 year old Sounak gets ready to be 'tested' by an elated and confident Arsene Wenger.
Its the 'derby' match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur! A 63rd minute injury to Emanual Petit 'forced' Wenger to 'try' me on the pitch. I looked 'up' for a silent prayer and some blessing.
**I could see fairies in denim blue jeans and 'surf white' tops dancing to the tune of Shakalaka boom boom, rubbing mine eyes vigorously i looked down**

The referee took my hand to check if there is anything 'illegal' that i am carrying!
**I felt like kicking him there, then jumping on him flat and grabbing his collar and shouting 'i wanna marry ur daughter', but no i didn't do that**

Touched the ground, prayed and entered Highbury (this was Arsenal's old home ground) amidst rapturous welcome from the 'Gunning' crowd. I was quite unaware of this 'euphoric' mood as i was quite 'new' to the crowd (and even to my team-mates)
**maybe they saw a sticker on my back saying 'Kick me hard, i am a fool',those old cheap pranks played on school kids**

Though Wenger had asked me to play as a Left Attacking midfielder, i went right ahead and played as forward, he kept on shouting at me, 'Kid what the cufk are u doin?'
** I yelled back, u old drunk French hermaphrodite!! Now, go to hell, i won't listen to you, say whatever u want to!! Mocks at him!!**

I gathered a lovely 'thru-ball' from Patrick Vieira and instead of shooting it past the goalkeeper and to the utter amazement and disbelief of the crowd, i started running towards my goal. Every Tottenham soul looked in disbelief and my team-mates looked in horror! i dribbled past David Seaman (Arsenal Goalkeeper) and 'smashed' one into my goal.

**as i ripped my shirt, and started waving aka 'Ganguly-ishtyle-in-Lords', i got smashed/hit by tomatoes and potatoes and even big cabbages, damn, what happened???Why booos??Why aren't anybody coming and congratulating me? I love you people!! I just looouuuveeee u!!! Come, look i have 'scored'!**

**Patrick, my captain comes and slaps me! What have u done, kid?? i slap him back and start running towards the dressing room and i can visualize the whole team escorted by a 'bloody-eyed' Wenger running after me and yes half the crowd is following them**

Child P.S: I can see 13 fingers of mine, while typing and my watch is showing 13 o'clock!

Father P.S: I didn't mean to 'hurt' the shhhentiments of any french lunatic, any Nosal Heshammiya doter or any bengali fan of Dada!!

Grandfather P.S: All (c) Denim Copyrights preserved in a refrigerator! :)

T&T 2: Early Morning, i need to walk down from Jayanagar 6th Block to 4th Block to catch the bus (8:10 a.m.). I found an old person sitting near one Ganesha temple (i pass by everyday), the clothes were tattered and he had a helpless and innocent look on his face. He didn't put out his hands to 'beg'. I somehow felt pity for the soul and ditched out 2 bucks from my wallet with a sense of inexplicable pride. The person took it from me very gently and...**this part is nasty**
after approximately 4 secs of an eerie silence, flinged the coin back to me, nearly hollering at me.."Main bhikhari nehi hu!!!" (I am not a beggar)

**Sheeeeesh..what embarrassment, i looked around, picked up the coin and raced myself towards the bus stop**

T&T 1: Somebody (a female) calls me at 11:45 p.m. a few days back..and goes like this...
"Hey listen, its better we meet tomorrow, its quite late now and my parents are still awake, i promise to see u tomorrow and ya sweetheart don't forget to bring that gift u promised me" ...
Yes, am certainly dumbstruck, believe me i had no such plans!! ..

Am like..."Sorry, but are you sure that you are unraveling the plan to the right person"...

The girl is like..."Ahhh...Indra right??? (Yes, i am the Lord of War..temme whom do you want to declare a war on???)"

Me..."Sorry mam, i am not the One (U aren't Trinity right??) u r trying to send across this "insanely shady" (No, obviously i didn't say that! :)) message!!"...

Our mam..."Oh my God (Sorry again, this is not Indra)...am really really sorry to disturb you!!!**line goes dead**
i go to sleep just missing the chance of blackmailing somebody (No, this idea never came on my mind :p)

Its my Stairway to Heaven-4...(1)







“There is no pain you are receding
A distant ship, smoke on the horizon.
You are only coming through in waves.
Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying.
When I was a child I had a fever
My hands felt just like two balloons.
Now I've got that feeling once again
I can't explain you would not understand
This is not how I am.
I have become comfortably numb.”

Such legendary lyrics are found few and far In-Between.

Either you go for Cannabis, mescaline, LSD (all kind of drugs, rather psychedelic drugs) or you listen to the vocals of Roger Waters, the guitar of David Gilmour, the drums of Nick Mason and Richard Wright’s wind instrument all at the same time, the effect as ‘they’ say is the same.
‘Pink Floyd’ is known for their psychedelic rock and also for their timely and experimental progressive rock music. The incredible journey started with one ‘Syd Barett’ who was supposedly the founder of the band. His creative legacy and exemplary vocals is the yardstick of early 1960’s rock music. He wrote most of Floyd’s earlier materials starting with ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn’. This album has highly whimsical lyrics and is according to me and many, the first kind of psychedelic rock ‘shown’ to UK then. Do take a listen to ‘Astronomy Domine’ for the ‘strangeness’ of the music and lyrics together.
Apart from the awe-inspiring vocals, Barett’s guitar techniques were admirable too. He experimented with a lot of dissonance, distortion and feedbacks. Because of his erratic behavior (soon he went into seclusion), he had to be replaced by guitarist and vocalist David Gilmour. It was heard that Barett’s behaviour was so erratic that it was impossible to continue with him. (He was found staring into space while one of the live performances of Floyd took place). With Gilmour now, the trio, also including Waters and Wright, were at their creative best, each contributing with different materials. Waters believed more in complex lyrics and ‘thundering’ and ‘dominating’ bass lines, the music was more of ‘jazzy’ melody attached to it. Gilmour focused more on guitar-blues while Wright on ‘hard’ keyboard-driven numbers completely based on their own likes. I somehow prefer the complex lyrics of Waters for reasons completely alien to me. The band initially came up with one ‘A Saucerful of Secrets’. Very personally, I feel the ‘impact’ wasn’t made with this album. I love the song ‘Remember a day’ from this album which is more of ‘soulful’ country singing but still the ‘psychedelic’ element intact thanks to the inscrutable music. (The water-droplet sound a trademark I guess). This album is still loved by devout Floyd fans completely because of the feedbacks, percussions and the oscillators involved in it. (Believe me, the title track of Saucerful is very scary!). I don’t have a particular liking to their next ‘Ummagumma’. The lyrics, music and the attempt at psychedelic adventure pass tangentially over my head. Do give a listen to Grantchester’s Meadows, soothing folk ‘sound’ and simple ‘guitaring’ with bird-chirps throughout. (Few know that Mason’s wife made a contribution here as a flautist)
In 1970, Pink Floyd came up with their ‘orchestral’ music in the name of ‘Atom Heart Mother’. Most of the songs from this album are on the lines of ‘orchestral’ music, though ‘Alan’s psychedelic breakfast’ is one completely different and innovative track with a collection of real ‘touching’ piano keys and other instruments to take us through a man cooking and then eating breakfast, a must listen I guess. A very nostalgic ‘Summer 68’ can be given an ear too.
Mid 70’s -> Floyd’s love and association with the ‘psychedelic’ music was shed to an extent and the sounds and ideas of Wright, Waters and Gilmour was blended and fused together to get that unique combination/product in the name of ‘Dark side of the Moon’ and ‘Wish you were here’. This is where the philosophic lyrics of Waters touched people’s heart. ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Money’ are my all-time favorites. ‘Time’ goes like this…

“Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day
You fritter and waste the hours in an off-hand way
Kicking around on a piece of ground in your home town
Waiting for someone or something to show you the way
Tired of lying in the sunshine staying home to watch the rain
You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today
And then the one day you find ten years have got behind you
No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun”

In the early 70’s Floyd came up with their ‘Meddle’ which certainly include the epic 23 minute ‘Echoes’, a song that can send shivers down one’s spine if heard alone in a dark room, the lyrics are as usual ‘interesting’ and music ‘strange’ and something that is beyond definitions. ‘Obscured by clouds’ an album containing songs dealing with life and death, fixation and mostly loneliness, a Floyd trademark.
A tribute to Syd Barett came in the form of a 9-part song suite ‘Shine on you crazy diamond’ and the lyrics completely deal with Barett’s seclusion and his breakdown’s aftermath. Every desired and adored sound were produced from atmospheric keyboards, blues guitar pieces, extended saxophone solos to jazz fusion workouts and aggressive slide guitars, a treat to all music lovers.

....Its my Stairway to Heaven-4...(2) (Waters era to be continued….)

Baby's Day Out!

Me boarded the 9:25 a.m. DN-635 with a certain degree of disquiet, as the chances of landing on the ground always looks dim whenever I choose a ‘Air Deccan’ voyage. :)
I like to take up the seat just behind the wings, so that I can see all the different movements the ‘machinery attached to it’ makes, this time too I didn’t make an exception.
The ‘wait’ to find out who is going to be seated next to me often rankles me but still a bit of excitement stays back.
To my downright disappointment it’s a ‘sweet’ lady with her little ‘angel’, who is planning to give me company for the next 2 and half hours.
I give a warm smile to the ‘lady’ as I get back the same from her, but the little ‘angel’ stares back at me and gives me that disapproving ‘what-the-hell-u-think-u-r-doing’ look!
Unfortunately (maybe) the little ‘angel’ is parked by my seat. Presuming that it’ll be a peaceful journey, I close my eyes for a short nap, so weary that I am least bothered to ‘check out’ the air-hostesses.
As expected the flight gets delayed and goes air-bound only by 9:45 a.m. A few peaceful minutes passes by, when a sudden bellow wakes me and with it the realization that I have got a hard time ahead of me.
While, the whole airplane is bounded to their seat with seat-belts, our little angel lies next to my feet with a magazine in one hand and an eerie red toy in the other and a feeling of playing in the playground of its ‘nursery’. The more I try to pretend that I am least hassled by what the little ‘angel’ is up to, the more ‘it’ tries to unsettle me by pulling my jeans and even trying hard to go for my laces. I take a glance at ‘it’s’ mother and find that the woman is fast asleep as if I have been given the undisputed responsibility of the little ‘angel’s’ well-being in this journey to Bangalore. Making faces at the little ‘angel’ didn’t help my cause; it rather infuriated ‘the 4-something deadly creation of The Great Almighty’.
Soon, the ‘angel’ got up on its feet and decided to climb up its seat and throw a gauntlet at its fellow passengers, come-and-face-me-if-u-can!! Though the others could have afforded to be unperturbed by the little ‘angel’, I had very little choice but to give a smile and ask, no, request ‘it’ to get seated as ‘it’ might get hurt. It blatantly ignored me and placed a hand at my shoulders, nearing my heck as if to say ‘Dude-u-have-no-idea-who-i-am’. I knew that was it. I grabbed the little ‘angel’ by its tiny belly and shoved ‘it’ to where it belonged. Just when I was about to tie ‘its’ seat-belt, the unwanted catastrophe took place. The little ‘angel’ burst out into a tumultuous whimper bringing its mother ‘into life’ and with it the entire crew of the ‘peaceful’ plane. There wasn’t a single drop of tear from the little ‘angel’s’ eyes but still it formed an expression which made me and ‘it’s’ mother believe that I was literally playing basketball with ‘it’. This ‘sound’ of crying/weeping/howling produced by the little angel and also many of its tribe, is according to me the most irritating sound on this earth and nothing flusters and annoys me more!
The mother somehow, after minutes of coodling and doodling and whatever she did, bought serenity back on the air-bound giant vehicle and tranquility in my existence on board.

The plane reached Bangalore airport and I made a dash for my baggage and life, praying hard to God that I don’t have to face or rather encounter the little ‘angel’ naah...the ’devil’ again!!!

P.S: I referred to the kid as ‘it’ coz I had no idea of its gender (seriously) Never cared to find out, but I guess it was a g**. :)

2048: Times Of India Headlines....

SupriyaRanjan DasMunshi(grandson of PriyaRanjan DasMunshi) has announced a 'Dream Big, One day we'll achieve' project for the 2050 World Cup football to be held in Bangladesh(Automatic Qualification for them). India is yet to qualify for a football World Cup.

Shoroth Basu has been elected the new chief minister of West Bengal. No points for guessing which party he belongs to! Kerala and West Bengal are still ruled by the Left Front.

Infosys Technologies Limited, India appointed their 10000000th employee! Moreover, they celebrated their 'touching' of the 75-Billion mark, with distributing 'La Gauche' leather jackets and 'Police' sun-glasses to all.

An unknown old man, claimed to be Subhash Chandra Bose, before he breathed his last. He died in a village near Ayodhya and had several scars on his body, which he had claimed to be of a 'plane crash'!He was believed to be 174 years old.

Though millions of people are still unemployed and illiterate, Rajiv Tushar Prasad, the prime minister of India, publicised the successful testing of Vikramaditya 16, a nuclear missile of the range of 9400 Kms.

The Indian cricket team lost in the finals of The Carlton and United Tri-Nation One-day series, to Australia, in Melbourne. The last time they had one a tri-series outside the sub-continent, was 47 years ago in England(Natwest Challenge). Sourav Chandidas Ganguly,74, the estranged former Indian skipper, requests the people of the country to cheer for their team. (Please listen to Dadu (Grandfather)!)

Dev Anand's (127 years old) new production, Masti in Melbourne, has hit the theaters. It launches a new face named Pratiksha Mehta(former Miss India).

Dhoom 22 has been shortlisted as the official entry to the Oscars. A lot of hopes are clinging on to this movie, Indian Cinema is yet to recieve an Oscar.

The Pakistan Prime Minister Sharfaraz Ahmed, has called for a meeting with the Indian Prime Minister, to settle land disputes around the Cashmere region.

An unexpected Tornado brushed the shores of western Gujarat. The exact numbers of death and injury are still unknown.

P.S: This blog is completely hypothetical and its not meant to hurt anybody's sentiments!! :)

They were inducted to the ‘UK Music Hall of Fame’ this year. One of their single is considered to be the best/greatest/finest rock numbers of all time. They were recently ranked #1 in VH1’s ‘100 greatest Rock Artists’ of all times. A year back, they received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Grammy Awards’. Widely known magazine, ‘Guitar World’ labeled them as ‘World’s greatest band’ in a February 2006 issue.

Rock fanatics world over (please include me) consider ‘Led Zeppelin’ as the pioneer of Rock music and the initiator of Pop/Rock culture phenomenon. Introduced to their music by a childhood friend of mine, I wondered what it is all about, coz it appeared completely different to me, compared to other musicians of their ‘Genre and Gener'(Read Generation)! I was held-neck-forced/threatened/blackmailed to hear their compositions by this friend of mine, after I used to go ga-ga over Metallica and Pink Floyd. It took 8 mins and 3 secs of soulful crooning accompanied with a shift to some high-pitched vocals, heavy guitar riffs and galloping baseline, to make me realize/understand that I had undertaken my first ‘theory’ session of Rock Music or rather I had found the long-awaited ‘Stairway to Heaven’!!

James Patrick ‘Jimmy’ Page, Robert Anthony ‘Percy’ Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham embarked on a journey or rather undertook the responsibility of mesmerizing the ‘Human Race’ with their inspiring music. Jimmy Page started his ‘serious’ career as a bass-guitarist for ‘The Yardbirds’ along with noted classy guitarists Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. ‘The New Yardbirds’ aka Led Zeppelin (originally named Lead Zeppelin) was formed by Page hiring Birmingham scene singer Robert Plant, drummer Jon Bonham, and John Paul Jones (a keyboard/bass guitar specialist). The first four albums Led Zeppelin 1, 2, 3 and 4 (the fourth one actually didn’t have a name, but only 4 symbols) catapulted Led Zeppelin to super-stardom. They became a household name in the early 70’s. They have probably touched every genre starting from blues, reggae and soul, going through funk and jazz and ending with classical, Celtic, Indian and even Arabic and Folk music. During the early 70’s they spread a unique clothing and hairstyle that would become a legacy among Rock admirers. Terms like ‘Rock God’, ‘Hammer God’, and ‘Guitar God’ would become rock jargons in years to follow.

I have a crazy fondness towards their single ‘Stairway to Heaven’. Plant says ‘the lyrics just got struck one fine day, when Page was strumming something and he was scribbling something on the paper. He penned down the ‘immortal’ lines of ‘There’s lady is sure, all that glitters is gold, and she’s buying a stairway to heaven’. (I am getting goose-pimples even while writing this down). Though some people say that the song had ‘satanic’ implications if heard backward, Page and Plant rubbished such grapevine saying twas a simple song with a simple message ‘A woman getting everything she wanted without giving anything back’!

Songs like ‘Heartbreaker’, ‘Rock and Roll’, ‘The song remains the same’, ‘Kashmir’, ‘Going to California’, ‘Four Sticks’, ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Achilles Last Stand’, ‘When the levee breaks’, ‘The rain song’ among others are my favourites too.

The extremely pacy ‘hammer-ons’ and ‘pull-offs’ in the song Heartbreaker, is a treat to all rock worshippers. ‘Whole Lotta love’ covers trademark Page guitar-riff, free-jazz like breaks, an irresistible Plant vocal solo (famously called the ‘orgasm section’) and finally breaks into one of the most famous guitar solos of all times. A famous personality(don’t remember the name) once told “The famous Whole Lotta Love mix, where everything is going bananas, is a combination of Jimmy and myself just flying around on a small console twiddling every knob known to man”. ‘Going to California’ is a stark contrast to their trademark songs. It’s more about soulful lyrics and captivating Plant vocals. The list doesn’t end and I can go on and on!

A heartbreaking and untimely demise of drummer Jon Bonham (due to asphyxiation, it seems he had 60 shots of Vodka the night he died) supposedly lead to the ‘end’ of Led Zeppelin in 1980. Though they reunited for many concerts/relief shows and other stage performances, the same ‘Led Zeppelin’ wasn’t to be seen again.

The band, accordingly to me, hinged on these two stalwarts (not undermining the other 2’s credentials) -> Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Jimmy Page, a base guitarist to second-lead to lead guitarist is the founder and soul of Led Zep. He has an ‘iconic’ status among Rock devotees. His eclectic(diverse) stylings, studio mastery, musical improvisation, stage presence and overwhelming charisma is unmatched and probably will be unrivaled with years to come. His trademark Gibson Les Paul guitar (a double-fret with which he famously played Stairway to Heaven live), the fuzz guitar (for Whole Lotta Love), slide guitar, pedal steel guitar and a Marshall amplifier are rock memorabilia and a collector’s delight.

Robert Plant, a perfect foil to Jimmy, a quintessential rock front man, an adroit and rare soul-vocalist is the embodiment of ‘stage bravado’! Emulating him or for that matter ‘his voice’ is next to impossible, at least I feel so! He even had a wide range of musical taste and was brilliant in writing ‘mysterious’ lyrics too. It is believed, Plant had to undergo an operation during the late 80’s as he had tore some vocal cords singing high-pitched songs(It took quite some time to heal!).

According to me, a ‘live’ performance of ‘Achilles Last Stand’ in a concert in 1977 should be considered as their best performance ever. The song is a ten+ minute epic with a hurtling base-line, lightning fast drumming, and harmonious guitar riffs, along with Page and Plant’s most revered solos, especially a haunting vocal solo from Plant. (P.S: The entire vocal performance of Plant was on a wheel-chair (after an accident)). It’ll remain in the hearts of those present over there, in years to come.

Led Zeppelin’s ostentatious dressing, onstage bravados, crazy hairstyles and above all ‘Musical Influence’ have permanently placed them in a league of ‘Great Rock Musicians’.

Amen!

Never-'Mind'

They say he was not fit for it! He had epitomized the sanctity of an introvert soul. He had groped for that definitive simplicity or rather minimalism to make certain that the common populace would effortlessly construe his graspable preaching. He never dwelled in the waters of an esoteric ocean of obfuscating thoughts. Never ostentatious, never a swank! He wasn’t a charlatan, he could never be one!

They say he was not fit for it! He had improvised when the situation demanded him. He had sacrificed innovation and the ‘Erudite intellect’ for the hoi polloi! He had built a crenellation between his inward and outside existence. He never let the two intermingle with each other that would have jeopardized his innocuous survival.

They say he was not fit for it. Did he get it all wrong? Didn’t he show his alacrity towards understanding the human mind completely, an arduous task though? Wasn’t he fervent enough to achieve what he set out to do? Where laid the glitch? Why didn’t anybody come forward and remediate his imperfections? Was it too late? Or was it the one-upmanship of this evil society that precluded their attempts?

Whatever it is, they have proved that he was not fit for it!!!

What should he do now? Now, that everything is over. He has lost a chance!

P.S: An attempt at interpreting the meaning of the above metaphorical thought process can lead to permanent malfunction of the sane mind. The writer shouldn’t be held responsible for the same.

Unbelievable! Believe it!!

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar had a fault in his footwork when he used to go for his square cut over the fielder at point. How many of you knew about this? Very few, I guess! It was me, yes, me, who changed it all. I met him when he was practicing nets in Mumbai many years ago. He saw me intensely watching him practice. Finally, he came up to me and asked for some inputs. That was it! The next day, I took up the responsibility of changing his footwork, so that it goes front and sideways back as he goes for his squarecut. That was 15 years ago. After that, there was no looking back or rather as they say Its History!

Pete Sampras used to have a two-handed backhand. How many of you knew about this? Very few, I guess! It was me, yes, me, who changed it all. I had gone for a holiday to New York when I met Pistol Pete. He was pretty adamant about not changing his two-handed backhand. I spoke to him over a lunch break. Told him about how this will change his life, how he will grow and become an icon. He listened to me. Two years after that, he won his first Wimbledon and with time, went on to become the greatest champion that ever treaded on the grasses of Wimbledon.

Michael Schumacher was/is a supercilious person. The champion wanted to stay with Benetton and race for them throughout his life. I met him in an exhibition football match at Munich, Germany. (I was also playing in that match). At half-time, I took him aside and explained to him about how it feels to race for Ferrari, how he could change the world, if he decides to drive for the Reds and believe it or not, he signed for Ferrari next season. Needless to say, rest is History!

Thierry Henry, the lanky and charismatic French forward was a left-winger when he used to play for Monaco at the tender age of 17. I had gone to Paris for some charity work. I met him at a restaurant. I happened to speak to him about changing his style and revive his career as a left-forward. Quite unbelievable, but yeah he listened to me. He is now one of the most lethal forwards on this planet and defenders, they simply curse me! :)

Do these names ring a bell?
Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Joe Santriani, David Gilmour, Slash, Steve Morse, Carlos Santana, Mark Knopfler, Kirk Hamett, Keith Richards, Dave Murray, Kurt Kobain, Eric Clapton and Mike McGready among many others. These men have devoted their life for only one cause, a cause which is beyond the attainment of a ‘normal’ human soul, a cause which changed the lives of many music lovers. In short, they have propelled music lovers like us to reach ‘Nirvana’.

The sound of the guitar is just not like any other sound. The extraordinary abilities of the above mentioned stalwarts have lead to some inconceivable music for which they took the aid of only six strings of an acoustic or an electric guitar.
These dexterous gentlemen (don’t take this word seriously please) have excelled in their modus operandi and simply created musical delight, which will keep ringing in our ‘ears’ for ‘years’ to come.

Jimmy Page’s Stairway to Heaven keeps on enchanting people to this date. It’s the biggest selling Solo ever. Gary Gilmour had probably no clue that ‘Comfortably Numb’ and its 5-minute classical strings to end the song will make him a GOD among psychedelic rock admirers. (Not freaks please!!). When Axle Rose stops crooning November Rain and makes way for Slash to stand on ‘his’ platform, an unforgettable musical mayhem is created(again only 6 strings are involved). I haven’t listened to Jimi Hendrix LIVE (obviously not), but I have heard that people found it difficult to do two things at the same time, listening and breathing, such was the effect he created when he played Voodoo Chile among a mammoth live gathering in USA. Kurt Kobain had own style of playing the six-string. He was left-handed and he enthralled the audience with his deep voice and adept guitar-playing skills. (Consider Smells like a teen spirit or Man who sold the world). I am a big fan of Metallica’s Kirk Hammett. I take the assist of ‘Nothing else matters’, ‘Fade to black’, ‘Turn the Page’ and ‘Unforgiven’ to change my mood or rather elevate me to a position of ‘Divine Serenity’ (Please don’t try to find meaning in this!).

I can’t imagine a world without these guitarists!

My rendezvous with insane fantasies!

My love or rather the passion for the game of football dates back to my early school days. I remember i use to have these fantasies when i was in my 10th standard. It will sound very frivolous now, but in those days they use to be like 'real' stories starting at midnight and ending early before i got up! I don't need to mention who the protogonist was in those tales, its pretty obvious that I was it! :)

One such story:

I get a call from the top boss of Manchester United, Sir Alex Fergusson.(Manchester United's Manager) (I wasn't a crazy Arsenal fan then) "Hey Sounak, i have seen you play football in India, when i had come for a visit there. U are pretty good ya know that, i kinoff feel u'll shine in Old Trafford (Thats Manchester United's massive stadium in England). Why dont ya give it a try? I mean u can pack ya bags an come all the weah to England and i'll guarantee ya 1st team action..what say buddy?" I am still holding the phone, though i am dumbstruck and obviously speechless! I gather my composure and am like.." Are you serious Sir? I mean do you mean what you want to mean? am sorry...i mean to say Sir am i really that good that made u feel that i am good.." Oops..what am i saying..for god's sake am talking to one of the biggest sporting stalwarts in the 90's, its bound to happen, am bound to stammer!!!" I am sorry sir, but is this really for real, i mean is this reality, is this happening?"

Sir Alex " Yo son, but it ain't happening until you plan to land in Manchester in five days time, coz the pre-season training gonna start within a week's time"

Then there is a time-shift in the story! I am 'teleported' to Old Trafford! (The subconscious mind doesn't believe in Visas, i guess! :))

I touch the 'green', say a silent prayer and enter the ground with millions of fans chanting my name, God knows why? Maybe the time-shift has some concealed episodes which i wont know! Under the cacaphony of jubilant manchester united fans, i start my English Footballing career, with goose-bumps all over my body! My touches, ball-control, passing are simply immaculate. Its like, whatever i touch turns gold! My shots at goal are simply brilliant and the ferocity of my free-kicks leaves the opponents panting. I apologize for not remembering who the other team was! Actually, it was all me. Then came the moment i was waiting for, i dribbled past 7 players with all possible skills that the greatest players to ever play the game would be envied off! It was me, one-on-one with the goalkeeper! I even dribbled past the goal-keeper with a famous Johann-Cryuff turn (football lovers would know that) and find the net, with a cool finishing! The crowds go berserk, i don't feel my pulse for a moment, its like a 'dream in the dream come true'. I celebrate with a nonchallant attitude without any arrogance in display. But i couldn't stop myself from giving that 1 leap airbound, that would finally bring my doom!

Yes, i fall down from my bed, holding my back and my mom is like 'One more dream right?' 'Ebar otho, brush koro aar school jayo?' (Get up, brush ur teeth and get ready for school!) . Why do these fantasies end such abruptly?? :( Anyways, i shouldn't complain. i enjoyed every moment of the adulation i got from those people in Manchester! :) :)

FIFA WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2006-->ITALY

An enigmatic figure, right from his Marseille days, he was a person difficult to understand! His footballing acumen and his unmatchable vision will be unrivalled with years to come. He had achieved what people only dreamt of, winning the Spanish league, champions league, a world cup and add to that his 3-time World Footballer of the year crown! His ball-control, ball distribution, bursting runs, twists and turns made him the most envied footballer on this planet! His uncanny knack of doing things the easy way made him a 'Living Legend' on his own right. I have worshipped this person my entire life and learnt the 'concept' of ball-control from this magnanimous stalwart!
But, then why did he chose the occasion of a World Cup Finale to change it all, his image, his worshipper's trust and belief, his team's hope on him! Why, Zinedine why? The reason asked to him is not because he is playing his last football game, nor is it that he is the french leader, even not because its a World Cup final, its because it is 'The' Zinedine 'Zizou' Zidane that did it! A demi-god doing an act of 'evil' so to speak, is untolerable and has left the planet shocked and shattered!
All said and done, we shouldn't take anything away from the Azurris! They deserved every bit of that beautiful cup they kept on kissing the rest of the night! Hats off to all the penalty takers who held their nerves and converted in style. i felt the italian captain was absolutely marvellous. Fabian Cannavaro gave it all, there was a point where i felt he was overdoing things! :)
Neways congratulations to the Italians, rightly named 'THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2006 CHAMPIONS'!!