tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14733372100100071152024-02-08T06:30:44.982+05:30Funny Side Up...Musings.... Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-24898696451509166912023-10-17T17:12:00.007+05:302023-10-17T17:12:57.998+05:30Mr. Big Mouth<div style="text-align: justify;">Before you read the blog...plz glance through this....<br /><a href="http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/indvaus/content/current/story/312735.html">http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/indvaus/content/current/story/312735.html</a><br /><br />I don't understand whats wrong with the Australians. I believe the folks below the equator think reverse...or maybe bcoz Australia is so far down.. that wo log sirf GIRI HUI BATEIN KARTE HAI....<br />Ponting has had the notorious reputation of shooting his mouth off at press conferences... but dude, u gotta grow up.... in the above article, he mentions the Aussies wud be better off playing against India wid SACHIN-SOURAV-RAHUL trio than without them.... big joke...thats a clear cheapshot...<br />I dont understand what he wants to prove wid a statement like this... Whether he thinks he can pressurize the Indian Selectors into not playing these 3 greats, or whether he plans to affect their confidence, either way, he must understand, that perhaps after scoring more than 35,000 runs between them, such people r IMMUNE to cheapshots like these....<br /><br />No doubt the new and youthful team did a gr8 job in T20 WC...but 50 over games r a different ball game...(actually its a bat-ball game), and so the <span style="font-weight: bold;">experience-youth-confidence </span>combination is gonna be hard to beat..<br />DRAVID, free from the onus of leading the side, wud be eager to score heavily....<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_O52HFJXatKs/RvvRHvAkS7I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/SYjMr_Xnkmw/s1600-h/rahul_dravid.jpe" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />DADA, wid his classy drives and powerful lofts, wud be as solid as ever at the top...<br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_O52HFJXatKs/RvvRWvAkS8I/AAAAAAAAA9g/2c7Pzg9COMM/s1600-h/25afp2.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />and ofcourse,<br />SACHIN.... what to say of him.... Is in gr8 form, and i m sure Ponting wud eat his words and choke on them while he is chasing the balls to the boundry.....<br />On the other hand, Ponting himself is not 100% fit...and Hussey and Watson r out of the series...so when Ponting thought of winning the series, an Andaz Apna Apna dialog popped up into my mind...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Abe saale, pehle koshish ke kaabil to ban...."</span><br /></div><br />However, looking at the recent India matches..(not T20), I feel you dont need good bowlers of fielders to get these 3 legends out... All you need is ppl like this....<br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_O52HFJXatKs/RvvSG_AkS_I/AAAAAAAAA94/IAsdKmYysoQ/s1600-h/14523774_Aleem_250x350.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />So knowing the fact that ICC has plenty of these species.... I am sure that this series is gonna be a gr8 one...... Do enjoy the cricket....<br /><br />P.S. This post is also written by me from office... So it complements the earlier post...<br /><br /></div>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-72493303517911760782023-10-17T17:12:00.003+05:302023-10-17T17:12:19.540+05:3012K and still counting.....<span style="font-size: 130%;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">Congratulations:</span></span></b> <i><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-style: italic;">Take a bow Sir!!! A career spanning 2 decades, (bat)tling the expectations, the pressure and the criticism. And when you consider the rate at which children are born in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place>, the number of people expecting him to perform everytime, increases every second. For someone who has gone through all this pressure and more, numbers seem to be insignificant but nonetheless they just testify the class of Sachin Tendulkar, God to his fans, terror for the opponents, role-model of many a youngsters, motivator in the dressing room and yet a quintessential boy next door. Congratulations Sachin Tendulkar</span></span></i></span><br /><br /><br />Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-7350426392421632542017-03-29T16:41:00.005+05:302022-11-04T11:51:53.823+05:30Analytics in cricket...the surprise elements...<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px; word-wrap: break-word;">
A very closely contested series between India and Australia just concluded. As an Indian cricket fan, I am very glad we won, and retained the No. 1 test spot too. Generally, everyone congratulates the players on their success. Some also include the coaches in their wishes. And a handful few also thank the support staff - the physios, conditioning coaches, and so many more...</div>
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I have hardly found anyone who openly acknowledges the role of the analysts in their success stories. It is clearly evident that cricket has evolved over the years. It is no longer a game to be played just on the ground. Gone are the days of “See ball, hit ball”... Any series or match starts way before we actually see the first ball bowled. With the intrusion of technology, there is a plethora of data available for teams to study. Preparation for each series is unique. Analysts, coaches and players sit for hours together studying footage of key players. Huge amount of time is invested in breaking down a player with respect to what his strengths are, his Achilles heel, his tendencies in general towards various scenarios. Mountains of data is collected, analyzed and then strategies are formed as to how teams approach each game and counter each player of the opposition.</div>
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Personally, I find this really intriguing. Combining technology, analysis and domain expertise with the sport itself seems extremely interesting. But it also makes me wonder, are teams these days too dependent on player data and analytics? Is there no purity left in sport? Everything has to be planned, calculated and executed as per the ‘analysis’. No more sheer talent, brute force or heroic moments. As a die hard Sachin fan, I cannot stop myself from mentioning the ‘Desert Storm’ innings of 1998 (if you don’t know, no need to read further). I am not aware if analytics had penetrated cricket back then, but no amount of advance planning or analysis prepares you for a desert storm (the actual one). And then no one can help you against the storm that Sachin kicked up... These kind of moments are rare in recent times.</div>
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Another indicator that teams rely on too much on pre-series analysis is the performance of wild-cards. In the first test vs Australia, everyone was worried about Starc and Lyon. O’Keefe was an unknown entity. Nobody expected him to spin India out of the match. But he did. But what after that? In the next 3 tests, he was as useless as the ‘ueue’ in ‘queue’. He was not unknown any more. He had been ‘studied’ out of the series. Other examples - Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, who joined the team mid-way. Same effect. For India, Kuldeep Yadav had the same impact in the first innings of the 4th test. Nobody was picking him at all. You could see players struggling against the wrong’un. But the second innings was a whole different story. He looked like a completely different bowler. </div>
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As I pondered over this, my mind went back to the T20 World Cup last year where Lendl Simmons, joining the team on the morning of the game as a replacement, batted India out of the competition on his own. There are surprisingly many instances where wildcards have influenced the game way more than expected. The sportsman in me wants to believe that these players were in the zone on those days, had their moment of glory and played the hero for their sides. The analytical part of me thinks this has to do with the (lack of) player analysis before the game. Either way, it does seem to be a good strategy for team selections...After all, not everyone can counter the opposition’s analysis of your weakness and refrain from playing certain strokes completely while scoring 241*... </div>
Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-66283067185593909422011-05-12T09:13:00.000+05:302011-05-14T02:03:11.194+05:30T20 Fever...I am back!!! I realized I was troubling a few people in my free time by cracking senseless and 'fatal' jokes... So I thought... well... I should start writing again... that way I can reach a wider audience... :)<br /><br />Anyways, a lot has happened since my last post... A whole chapter of my life unfolded during these past 2 years... Journey to the US... Masters'... Research... Coursework... Teaching... Cricket... TITANS... All-nighters... Toppers... Road-trips... MAFIA... Badgers... Packers.... the list is endless... infact its not even a list... its something different... something that I can't put into words with my limited vocabulary (part of which was boosted due to GRE preparation...)...<br /><br />The title of the post suggests I will end up writing about cricket... people who know me will not be surprised with this.... But this ain't about cricket... this is just a light post to get me back to writing...<br />The title actually has different interpretations.... the most obvious being the current IPL 4 and the buzz and excitement around it.. Another one is just a play of words... it could be T20 fewer... just hinting people are bored of T20 now.. cricket in general.. and there should be fewer of those matches... I guess after the WC triumph, the emotions of the Indian cricket fans would be maxed-out... The next occasion I feel these emotions are going to take over the entire cricket world is when GOD decides to retire.. (if at all...)<br /><br />The reason I have this title is a little different .... its more to do with the attitude... Everything around me is moving at a break-neck speed... My MS was completed in record time.. I returned home from US before anyone even noticed I was gone... started working again... got a car... started playing cricket again... and then.. the most important event of my life... getting engaged... on a 10 day notice....<br />Like they say, every sport evolves with time... so did cricket... from the traditional longer format played in whites.. to the shortest one involving lots of colors, music, dancing, glamor, money... and more importantly, speed... The one thing about T20 is that its quick... it gets over before you even realize... It makes players take decisions fast... think on their feet... plan.. implement.. or improvise... Likewise, I feel we need to play the innings of our lives the same way... very fast.... that's whats happening to me..... thats why I decided to name the post this way...<br /><br />Anyways, I'll end this here.. more to follow....Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-22412634959120513052010-08-12T10:37:00.000+05:302010-08-12T10:37:50.114+05:30Reading the batsman<a href="http://www.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/472024.html?cmp=viral">Reading the batsman</a>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-20077653919921487292008-10-21T00:02:00.000+05:302008-10-21T00:03:40.978+05:30Shitty Post.....<span style="font-size:100%;">Excellent poems by not so famous poets... found on toilet doors and walls... <br /><u><br />A budding poet trying his best...</u> <br /><br />Here I lie in stinky vapor,<br />Because some bastard stole the toilet paper,<br />Shall I lie, or shall I linger,<br />Or shall I be forced to use my finger.<br /><u><br />Before he graduated to be a poet, he wrote this... </u><br /><br />Here I sit<br />Broken hearted<br />Tried to shit<br />But only farted<br /><u><br />Someone who had a different experience wrote</u><br /><br />You're lucky<br />You had your chance<br />I tried to fart,<br />And shit my pants!<br /><u><br />Perhaps it's true that people find inspiration in toilets.</u><br /><br />I came here<br />To shit and stink,<br />But all I do<br />Is sit and think.<br /><u><br />There are also people who come in for a different purpose...</u><br /><br />Some come here to sit and think,<br />Some come here to shit and stink,<br />But I come here to scratch my balls,<br />And read the bullshit on the walls...<br /><u><br />Toilets walls also double as job advertisement space... </u><br /><br />(written high upon the wall)<br />If you can piss above this line, the Singapore Fire<br />Department wants you.<br /><u><br />Ministry of Environment advertisement. </u><br /><br />We aim to please!<br />You aim too! Please<br /><u><br />On the inside of a toilet door:</u> <br /><br />Patrons are requested to remain seated throughout the<br />entire performance.<br /><u><br />And finally, this should teach some a lesson...<br />Sign seen at a restaurant: </u><br /><br />The hands that clean these toilets also make your<br />food...please aim properly.<br /></span>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-41670842731654519812008-10-15T00:49:00.002+05:302008-10-15T00:59:09.147+05:30PJ_1I thought I should do what people say I am good at....No...I aint gonna play cricket here....i m gonna start putting some Deshpandisms (Arshat named them) out here....<br />So here goes....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The War</span> (Deewar)<br />Vijay (Amitabh): Mere paas bangla hai, gaadi hai, bank balance hai, naukar hai chakar<br /> hai...tumhare paas kya hai???<br /><br />Ravi (Sashi Kapoor) : Mere paas bhi bangla hai, gaadi hai, bank balance hai, naukar hai chakar<br /> hai.....<br /><br />Vijay: Abe kameene....to fir <span style="font-weight: bold;">Maa </span>kiske paas hai?????<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fantastic 4</span>:<br />4 mitra hotel madhe jataat..<br /><br />waiter yeto ani sagle order detaat..<br />1st: 1 masala dosa<br /><br />2nd: ajun 1 masala dosa<br /><br />3rd: ajun 1 masala dosa<br /><br /><br /><br />4th: CHALLENGE!!Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-67530494126031045392008-08-24T15:39:00.029+05:302008-09-02T02:06:49.866+05:30201 : TOW The Puncture.....<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">201 : TOW The Puncture..... </span><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">There are many things happening around me that i could have written about in my blog regularly.... but being derived from the base class '<span style="font-weight: bold;">LAZY</span>', there isn't a data member '<span style="font-weight: bold;">m_ExtraWork</span>' in my class.....That kept me away from blogging for almost a year....<br />What then prompted me to override 'void <span style="font-weight: bold;">Relax()</span>' with '<span style="font-weight: bold;">void Blog()</span>'???It was this exceptionally funny incident that took place yesterday, 23rd August, involving <a href="http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Profile.aspx?origin=is&uid=4188857961107286918">Vishal</a>.<br />On Sat. 23rd Aug, me n Vishal started at 7.00 am towards Kothrud, to play cricket with office colleagues.... As we were passing the new stadium for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG)</span> on the highway, Vishal's bike got punctured....I got off and Vishal decided to return and get Minal's Scooty. As I waited, Vishal called me and said he had found a tyre repair shop not far from where we were, and was getting the puncture removed. Since I was getting bored, I decided to go there myself....<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheprXsJKYWRg8SI7x_eoIcD0uSfaIVQg-VFlwMPCVeeRV6CurXlQBsQxY-SfpE93a-ZWJXZI_MV43b6EwmiFs8GSlCC9xWk-_1B4dMq8q0lKfNwtV8PvTF6DM1vdCpYcH4v1FsB5LYz7k/s1600-h/Puncture.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheprXsJKYWRg8SI7x_eoIcD0uSfaIVQg-VFlwMPCVeeRV6CurXlQBsQxY-SfpE93a-ZWJXZI_MV43b6EwmiFs8GSlCC9xWk-_1B4dMq8q0lKfNwtV8PvTF6DM1vdCpYcH4v1FsB5LYz7k/s320/Puncture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241154412514472866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> Upon going there, Vishal told me about the most funniest misunderstandings and misinterpretations you could hear.... The following is the actual conversation between Vishal and the puncture-repair man, as narrated by Vishal....<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Puncture Man</span>: Sahab, khila hai tyre main, tube poora gaya..badli karna padega..<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vishal</span>: OK. Theek hai... Naya daal do..lekin accha wala tube daalna..... MRF ka hai naa???<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Puncture Man</span>: Sahab, accha hai...lekin MRF ka nahi hai....<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vishal</span>: To kya aisa hi koi local hai kya??<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Puncture Man</span>: Nahi sahab, global hai.....<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vishal</span>: ??#$%#$:?>":>$$<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">(Thinking....bloody, this road-side puncture-wala...where the hell did he get this vocabulary from.....Maybe the upcoming CYG and his shop's close proximity to the stadium has encouraged the tyre-shop man to learn english....No wonder he is familiar with terms like local, global....etc...hmmmm......)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vishal</span>: Theek hai..daal do....<br /><br />Then, out came the tyre man with the replacement tube......The picture says it all...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoiVoEfKiPE6w6ZA4Snhyoa8kjURjA2QMX78Lx0eG7B7-PK370fy4POIWlH8xSWUiMecAKC3Z3kY615abcxhmFaT1_zNEGbxGoao3hb9xmgt4HSuSkOmxb-5fQkRIfNRuTakzo9nDZ1g/s1600-h/GlobalTyres.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoiVoEfKiPE6w6ZA4Snhyoa8kjURjA2QMX78Lx0eG7B7-PK370fy4POIWlH8xSWUiMecAKC3Z3kY615abcxhmFaT1_zNEGbxGoao3hb9xmgt4HSuSkOmxb-5fQkRIfNRuTakzo9nDZ1g/s400/GlobalTyres.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241148968071008098" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">When Vishal saw that...he almost fell on the ground with laughter.....And when he told me about it, I started laughing like crazy, and decided immediately that this incident is worth writing about....I clicked a few snaps and after everything was done with the tyre, we resumed on our way to play cricket....<br />We played for a long time and enjoyed ourselves a lot....but the highlight of the day remained the knowledgeable tyre-wala.....<br /></div>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-7867965882023962712008-08-23T15:18:00.006+05:302008-08-23T22:01:09.805+05:30Season 2 Begins!!!I am back....after almost 11 months, I decided to restart the task of writing about petty things in life....things about which other people won't even give a tiny rats ass.....but hell...who cares???I like banging my fingers on the keyboard, and I am gonna do it fairly frequently now..... so...prepare for the second season of Funny Days.... I'll try to make them Funnier Days..... :DAbhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-55815149162376812232007-09-06T15:24:00.000+05:302007-09-06T17:38:26.877+05:30104 - TOW The Workaholic Me<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">104 - TOW The Workaholic Me</span><br /></span></span></strong></div><br />Well, the title to the post (and also my orkut display name) is justified by the fact that i posting here after a gap of more than 1 month....<br /><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify">In my last post, i mentioned my schedule.....well, soon after i posted it, my timetable went for a toss...training began to get extended, tests started becoming exceedingly tough.....no gym, swimming pool seemed non-existent and tennis was out of question.... My primary goal was redefined....going back to the basics....FOOD, CLOTHING AND SHELTER.... If this goes on, pretty soon i mite end up like this....</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107049032262307602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf14almyFuy9Dgq2uKSIz3hIMN7u0yG7iU5s_OkLtU1ynWqDaMC28iahT_YtXRg2uA_ZcWkMalZnn4CmXMNPltp__5PRgjldzUwQlu9upIOsAacZK51nHvTlF09ldtnKS-oMxlS8mQCI/s200/workaholic.jpg" border="0" /> I made it a point to hv a heavy breakfast, coz lunch time was as fickle as the Indian cricket team's form....1.30...2...2.30....sumtimes no lunch at all...just a sandwich....I even had tough time finding some moments to grab a cup of coffee(yes...even though its free, i didnt drink much...)...and dinner was just like a midnight snack....<br />Here, I can't resist quoting a dialog from Andaz Apna Apna.....<br /><div align="center"><strong><em>"Aisa hi chalta raha, to 1 din mere hi patte bich jayenge......."</em></strong></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="justify">However, I realized that all this was coming to me naturally..... We had an allotted lunch time....every1 took their lunch around 1 pm.....but it was just my ass that was not willing to lose contact with the chair in which i sit.... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107060628674006850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 109px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="116" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfsjVLO5nHYYh99y33_I_PbdNDlj73rPVGiBzVO_IIIllT9Rmw7vxUVdT5dURHsbLWdKDQDrrJKYlR4UZGxRY7mghL283GHOOLrMJhMLP9m9TLCyccuG8st4Gt6SW2df4VDrv14Km4Po/s200/Work-aholic_3190_s.jpg" width="126" border="0" /></div><div align="justify">It was not like I was being stopped fm going home at 6.30...but I liked staying and working late...... I enjoyed sitting and staring at the code in my computer, making it look like i am actually gonna come up with a breakthrough snippet in a short time...even though in reality it was just like a Brett Lee bouncer, going about 10 miles above my head.....</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107058438240685858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="200" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEBehEdgTyOYhwW7PprqTSZlkeySHqmS6Rf93jPp1i_qJrVX4fjTGUpB8oxrsVKmZr3wK_9haMwZFKJ0l2gT8XX0pMBbbD3_KpEs7i1oJ9XuY9QPlwQezbLjUxaNDrIXtXrDfDXcS4TD0/s200/workaholic1.jpg" width="213" border="0" /> Whatever it was , i realized that there was always a voice inside my head saying...."A few more mins., and I'll complete this part....." or "Let me do this much and then I can hv a nice lunch....". But each time, those few mins stretched to long hours....and even though my body wanted sum time off....it was mind that kept resisting.....<br /><br /><div align="justify">Even in my sleep, i keep thinking about CAA(thats what i m working on..)...which files to include.. how to solve particular erors...which identity card file to update...which DICO file to modify...n so on...(this is CATIA CAA jargon...just read n forget...actually i m disobeying the IPR privacy policy....but who gives a damn.....)</div><br /><div align="justify">Thats when it struck me.... I was slowly turning into a workaholic...... (seems pretty abstract, considering its only my second month at work...) Now you all wud be wondering....how come this self-proclaimed workaholic found time to write all this crap....the answer is simple...I got a couple of days free....coz a project is always initiated on a Monday, so I got 2 days to relax....pretty cool huh????<br /></div><br /><div align="justify">Well, not for me.... I am getting restless to start my project asap..... thats how bad the situation is.... I hv realized 1 thing......the more I try to get out of it, the more I am gonna get deeper into it...so for the moment, I feel writing abt it wud help..... lets c how it goes........I hope i dont end up like this......</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5107059370248589106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8VuX0kQhBL0DMNEHNSci89ZJRlV85dgdVAzvnE4gRf5EwYXIAwPW1M5Ym_4jKMxbRHvJ_NWhw1UYWY5xNn6hkBHFEp4QSJouKMfOLs0urQ1m6Ah-EBgf2dh5MfxTMlvPM_b9FV6yxAk/s200/workaholic_shit.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="justify">P.S.... For all those who thought I will lose my PJ skills due to this, be ready to be disappointed..... all this work and very little play is leading to all the PJs being bottled up and stored inside my system.... so if ne1 does nething to let it lose, then GOD help them........I wont take any responsibility for the consequences......lol......</div>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-32628054671005083912007-08-02T21:48:00.000+05:302007-08-02T21:59:19.024+05:30103 - TOW My Routine<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">103 - The One With My Routine</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Every1 who understands cricket , would know that after the initial jittery start, once the batsman is set, he can play a very long innings in the middle....For me, this was only partially correct...It seemed that i was into my groove right from the beginning...Immediately from the 2nd day, i had started Gym, n had begun to plan my days ahead... Here's what i came up with...my schedule...<br /><br /> I report to work daily at 9.45..(yaa...late as usual...)undergo training as decided....hv lunch at 1.30,...then again training, then get free at 6.30 pm.... Ofcourse..the training comes with a couple of nice coffee breaks....After that, on Mon-Wed-Fri, i workout in the gym.... on other days, i do Cardio or swimming....Weekends i hv decided to keep for relaxing or visiting home @ Mumbai...apart fm that, after I get home, theres hardly nething to do except watch TV, Orkutting or writing such silly posts....<br />So, lets c how much of my routine i stick to in the coming days.....ofcourse, everything will be documented here....so keep checking....<br />(P.S.- this is a relatively Shorter post...)<br /></div>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-8402100952404191952007-07-24T20:22:00.000+05:302007-07-27T21:50:37.359+05:30102 - TOW My Training Begins<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">102 - The One Where My Training Begins</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">(Music.... Long Frame shot of GEOMETRIC, pan in....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Abhijit</span> walking in.... Music....)<br /><br />My second day started in the least unexpected way.... I had decided that I'd join the company Gym that day, so had packed in soame workout clothes n sport shoes for myself...so me n <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Vishal</span> had decided that we'd take the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Scooty</span>, n store the stuff in its <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bootspace</span>, but to our dismay...(actually, dis is July)...the scooter was badly punctured....so we were delayed a bit....but we switched to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vishal's</span> bike n scooted off to work...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Vishal</span> dropped me off, and I reached just on time....<br />My schedule was 9.30 to 6.30 training, with a lunch break in between. I thought it was gonna be really hectic n taxing ...especially <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">coz</span> i had a gr8 track record of attending college with similar timings...n trust me, when i did attend, i felt like i was getting tortured...(i hope my profs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">dont</span> read this...).<br />My training in the first week was supposed to be on C++, n i was expecting the usual C++ crap..but the training started from about level 6, n it was like facing 6 bouncers in an over...for the entire duration of the innings....(never dun that b4...). So to give a brief idea (actually i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">hv</span> Dolphin , not Idea), c++ training was going to be really tough, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">coz</span> it was a 10 day course crammed into a 5 day time slot... so I knew that we were in for some brainy action in the week ahead...n i would much rather not discuss it any more...<br />Moving on... one thing i loved there was the free n casual approach n work culture...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ppl</span> were in jeans, tshirts..semi-formals...I was looking really overdressed in the lot....with my plain full sleeved shirts, black trousers n black shoes....i decided <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">fm</span> next day, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">i'll</span> be wearing casuals...<br />Along with that, i must mention here about the amount of Tea-Coffee every1 drinks out here... n why not..we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">hv</span> a small Pantry section at virtually every corner inside the building...with tea-coffee machines n a microwave...but the greatest hit among everybody is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cafe Coffee Day machine..</span>that churns out everything ranging from a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cappuccino </span><span style="">to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Espresso</span> to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Latte</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>, even plain tea or milk.....all that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">u'd</span> get at a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">CCD</span> outlet, except the <span style="font-weight: bold;">BILL</span>..... so its fair to say, i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">hv</span> so much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">caffeine</span> in my system, that i dont shut down till 2.30 am ....n still i dont feel tired...thats really sum hidden strength i discovered....<br />Since i hv brought up the topic of strength, i'd proceed to the Gym part...We hv an exceptionally well equipped and well maintained gym on our premises...along wid a nice swimming pool and a tennis courtas i said earlier..i had planned to start gym that day, n for the first time, i actually did what i had planned.... i changed and went in the gym....enrolled myself...spoke to the trainer abt my gym history....n then started my workout with some warmup, Cardio, and sum basic weights....about an hour in the gym made me feel good...refreshed n ready for action.....<br />But unfortunately, the only action left was to Go home , hv dinner n sleep...which i did with all my gusto.....<br />Once again, feeling that i hv achieved something....feeling that i hv put the time in my life to some good use...i retired to bed....waiting for a fresh new day tmrw......<br /><br />More updates cmg up in my next episode....103....stay tuned..<br /><br />(Music.....Credits.....production house Logo....Music....End...)</div>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-92214658801245202602007-07-23T20:26:00.000+05:302007-07-27T21:51:41.091+05:30101 - TOA My First Day<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: courier new; font-weight: bold;">101 - The One About My First Day...<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(Before u start, i would like to mention that this is a hybrid post between </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >F.R.I.E.N.D.S</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. and </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Scrubs</span><span style="font-size:85%;">, title is like the former, while i m visualizing myself as if i m narrating this in a </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Voiceover</span><span style="font-size:85%;">, just like </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >J.D</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. of </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Scrubs</span><span style="font-size:85%;">...)</span><br /><br />Monday, 23rd July, 2007, a major landmark in my life.... its my first day of professional life...I joined GEOMETRIC SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS LTD.......... (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dont</span> get surprised...i was supposed to join <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">TCS</span> on 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> Aug, but this offer came up n was difficult to say 'no' to...)..Many of my friends know i always wanted to join <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">GSSL</span>... n so, there I was, being a part of my dream company as a fresher......<br />My first day was quite an experience in itself....I was required to report @ the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Agra Fort</span> Bldg..(yea, these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ppl</span> @ Geometric <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hv</span> got strange nomenclature...gets even bizarre ahead...) at 9.30 am. After signing in at the reception, I waited for the recruitment manager to show up. The receptionist informed him <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">abt</span> my arrival, and I was asked to wait. After about half an hour, i was called in , and I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">recieved</span> my Offer Letter with salary details. Immediately, I was shown the way to the auditorium, where, I was told, the Induction was going on... when I reached there, a lady then took me to another room, where actually the Induction was being held....n guess the name of the room....<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Takshashila</span></span>....lol....(told u...bizarre). I was handed a huge bunch of forms to be filled, which i started to do wearily.. Passport Details form, PF form, PF nomination form, PF declaration, Insurance Form, Declaration, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">LTA</span> n Food Coupons declarations n related forms, n what not.....all the while, the HR <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ppl</span> were helping us with these forms, n clearing our doubts...<br />The form filling session was followed by various presentations...first up was the Organization Overview n Compensation structure clarification.... that was followed by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Infosystems</span> Security rules n procedures <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ppt</span>... which also included the use n rules of use of email id n related process.... the security presentation was very important as it stressed on the Dos n <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Don'ts</span>, n also on the importance of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Confidentiality</span>.<br /> After that, we were taken for lunch in the company canteen. A table had been arranged nicely for all us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Joinees</span>, and the food was also quite delectable. We all ate pretty quickly, in anticipation of the post lunch session, which was to begin @ 1400 hrs.<br /> After lunch, we were educated about our payroll and all related areas, including how to maximize the Take-home salary... This session was followed by the opening of the Bank Accounts...here, representatives from 3 banks (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">CITIBank</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">ICICI</span> n <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">HDFC</span>) entered the room n started boasting about their respective banks' offerings and other crap.... i was least interested to listen to all that, coz Vishal had strongly recommended HDFC...so i went in for an HDFC bank acct...now all the ppl who knw how a bank account is opened in nationalized banks, prepare to get amazed.... gone r the days of lengthy forms, signatures n tireless waiting for the account to get opened... all it takes now is a couple of signatures , a photograph, an id, n ur instant bank account is ready..(faster than u can cook Maggi...)..all complete wid ur ATM-Debit card, netbanking pin n cheque book...call it 2 min. account....<br />After that, again the boring presentations resumed.. with a wide gamut of topics covering the facilities layout, HR instructions, Admin instructions...n such other stuff....<br />At the end of the day, we got our Access Cards, sans our Ids...only blank access cards...we were told we'll recieve our ids in a week's time...after thaa, all our forms n documents were collected, and we were collected and we were asked to report to our immediate Managers... I wasnt assigned any, but i got a copy of my schedule of the week.....i had to begin C++ training the next day....so i went to chk out the training room on 2nd floor.... (only so that i could use my new Access card...).... Having checked out the room, and used my Card at every possible opportunity n more, i decided it was time to leave... so i went out to where my scooty was parked..(yes..i had ridden Minal's scooty that day..), where there was a customary bag checking..n left for home...beaming with pride on the inside....looking forward to the next morning...<br />More about my first week at work in my future posts......</div>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-77297751370773864582007-07-15T08:14:00.000+05:302007-07-15T11:03:24.194+05:30Harry Potter......Friday saw the release of Harry Potter's 5th movie, The Order of Phoenix...Rated as perhaps one of the best adaptation of a book into a movie, The Harry Potter series has taken the world by storm...but for me, I have never been intrigued by the notion... I havn't read a single Harry Potter book, nor hv seen any of its previous movies....But that was all about to change.... coz Minal got us tickets to watch the 5th movie....@ Pune's E-Square...<br /> For Vishal, he had a general background of the story of Harry Potter.... Aakash n Minal, both avid Potter fans, had dragged him to previous 2 movies..... n now it was my turn... So Aakash n Minal gave me a general outline of the story n whats been cooking in wizard land.....<br /> I got hooked on to the concept, and so was watching the movie with some interest, with Aakash helping me fill in the blanks... I also came to know how much ppl love their young wizard boy... The theatre was filled with applauses n whistles when something happened, to which I was somewhat oblivious....<br />Even though i was developing liking to the movie, some happenings n jargon were clearly over my head... for eg, the nomenclature, characters, their spells, magic words, an so on......One part where Sirius is made to go away, behind something called the '<span style="font-weight: bold;">Viel</span>', the entire cinema went silent... n i could make out that everyone was feeling sad... Minal n Aakash explained that Sirius was a very imp. character, n once gone behind the Viel, no 1 ever returns....thats y every1 was a little sad there..... Imagine an American Guy, who watches nothing but baseball n basketball, watching a Cricket match, n someone like Sachin gets out....the entire stadium would be disappointed, but this guy wont be even moved...coz he just doesn't knw whats happening on the ground, n who Sachin Tendulkar is.....thats exactly how i was feeling @ E-square....lol...<br /> But nonetheless, I would definitely want to watch the earlier 4 movies.... So would make it a point to do so asap...n would again wrote about it then.....Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-28926132506081806792007-07-15T07:08:00.000+05:302007-07-15T08:03:01.463+05:30Pandumonium...It seems like all the traffic cops, not just in Mumbai, but in Pune as well, are gunning for me these days.... Its like after Osama , i m the most wanted one now.....<br /> I hv had a clean record until now, as far as vehicles are concerned....but last week was a pathetic one for me.....<br /> It started on Monday, when I had gone to the ICICI bank @ Vile Parle East, Hanuman Road, to get franking done on some affidavit stating that I had a clear criminal record...(like thats possible....lol...). I parked outside the bank, along with some other bikes, and went inside.. My work was completed within 20 mins, n when i emerged fm the bank, voila....no Activa there....and written in perfectly legible chalk writing, VAKOLA... I rushed to the highway and took a bus fm there upto Vakola... Onkar accompanied me there... there, i entered the impound n saw my scooter parked neatly among other unfortunate ones... had to shell out 200 bucks to get it out....but there was another scare.. the Pandu at the counter asked for the papers n PUC... i had everything in the scooter, but was unsure abt the date on the PUC..i checked it out, n guess what.. it was xactly upto that day... LUCKY ME...... i got onto the scooter n literally got the hell out of there......<br /> The second incident happened to me n Aakash in Pune....we borrowed Minal's scooty pep, and decided to ride around Pune, watching the 'sights', if u knw what i mean.... We were also supposed to meet Jaydeep(JD) on Ferguson (FC) road. so we parked the bike on FC road where countless others were parked, and decided to wait for JD near Roopali Hotel, just sum distance from where we parked. As we waited, a Towing van came n stopped in front of us, n it was totally empty.... Me n Aakash were just wondering who wud be d unlucky one to hv his /her bike taken away... just then, Aakash started running, n thats when i realized the it was us....the van picked up just 1 bike from about 200, n it was ours...the reason...coz it was just outside of the white border line.....fucking assholes.....Nonetheless, we just got there in time before they cud load it in their van, n offered to pay the fine there n then....so Aakash shelled out 100 bucks n offered the Pandu... but this was not an easy cookie....again he demanded to c d PUC.... (which we didn't have)n thats when i realized that this thing cud get ugly...n we were in for a big hole in our pocket.... but when i looked at Aakash, I almost burst out laughing..he had made the most innocent of faces, n was looking so pathetic, that even the money-sucking pandu had to relent...he initially was demanding 1000 bucks for no PUC, but we finally got away with just 50 bucks for that, totalling 150 bucks for both offences, parking n PUC....n to top it all, it wasnt even a bribe...we got the 'PAVTI' for both....haha....<br /> The third incident, was yesterday....again at Pune.... Me, Aakash, Amod, n Minal had gone wid Vishal for swimming at Geometric, and after having a gr8 time there, we were returning home, with Minal pillion to Aakash on her scooty, while me n Amod squeezing behind Vishal on his caliber.... thats when we were told to stop at a police stn by a lady Pandu...(mabbe i'll call her Pandi....)we slowed down n halted for sumtime, but nothing happened, n we started going again....but alas....there, with full headlights n horns blaring wildly, 2 guys (potential pandus of the futures) came up behind us n told us to come to the Chowki... so we complied, and there, we got the most unpleasant welcome...(like I was expecting a cake n music ...)the Pandus n Pandi were inclined to book us for running fm the police, n confiscated Vishal's bike n started noting down his details....but as time went by, her sternness started to wane, and we realized that the Pandi was just looking for sum extra allowance or Chai Paani....(mabbe her son's bday was approaching...)So quite intentionally, we offered to pay the official fine for going triple-seat...that was mouthed to Rs. 500 by the Pandi.... n when she realized that we were actually ready to pay that sum, (although we were not...), she started the regular sweet talk.... n again, we shelled out just 150 bucks...making it look like, "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Jitna tha sab laaya hoon Maalik</span>".....<br /> So it seems like the last week was just not lucky one for me...but then again, as aligned to my nature, i decided to look at the bright side of things...in all 3 cases, the outcome cud hv been even worse....What if my PUC had expired a day before?? what if the Pandu @ Pune didnt think 'Aakash was a 'Lahaan' Mulga"??...what if the Pandi @ Wakad had stuck to her initial sternness n decided to take us to court??? Well, all I can say is, I learnt many important lessons which I had ignored countless times..... the most important ne being..never take the Pandus for granted...once they hv u in ur sight, get ready to get short by abt 200 bucks.....well, ofcourse, add the inflation rate to that....Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-83096155231729772692007-07-05T23:33:00.001+05:302007-07-06T00:26:58.008+05:30Andaz Apna Apna......Perhaps the best comedy movie ever made in Bollywood would be Andaz Apna Apna...It is my favourite movie, and I cannot get bored of watching it ever. I have watched the movie more than 70 times atleast. But each time, the movie seems equally hilarious and entertaining...Yeah, u can call it obsession... i dont care...<br /> One of the aspects of the movie is the Overacting of the actors. Everything is shown extravagant. This virtue makes the movie even more funnier. I think the director just explained the shot to the actors, and let them perform it according to their own will... this is clearly evident in the totally natural and free flowing humor and presentation of the same. Aamir Khan's 'Aila' and Salman's 'Ooi Maa' are truly clowning. The characters are also interesting. Robert with his peculiar 'Galati se mistake ho gaya' and Bhalla with his ever sinister 'Pilaan' add to the humor coefficient. Paresh Rawal with a double role is twice as good. Shakti Kapoor as Crime Master Gogo has also played a blinder and made the audience roar with laughter.<br />Personally, I have the entire movie etched in my brain, but a few incidents and dialogues steal the show...One of my favourites here is Amir n Salman's conversation in the bus..."Mehta Textiles ... Choudhary and Sons..." Another such scene is when Teja unravels his future plans in front of his twin, Ram Gopal Bajaj..." Bread ka Badshaah, aur Omlette ka Raja, Bajaj....hamaara Bajaj......." The last fight, especially Salman's rope antics, and his virtual duel with Gogo, are simply amazing.<br />The movie's music is also pleasing...All songs have a traditional old-song like score. (However, I should not be commenting on anything related to music else ppl will report me as bogus....lol..)<br />When u watch a movie so many times, u look for the minute details ... like the amount Amir pays Teja as ransom... <span style="font-weight: bold;">8535 rupaye, 29 paise</span>.... Amir's latest hair cut...<span style="font-weight: bold;">La Coupe France de Hair....</span> then Bhalla's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sharbat-e-jannat, </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Guldasta-Gule-e-Pakaavli, </span>not to mention <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vasco De Gama ki Gun</span>...everything in this movie is unorthodox. The scene where Amar n Prem walk with Hands Up , behind Gogo, is really, sum imagination on the director's part. also, when u observe, most dialogues are repeted twice in the movie...'<span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyon nahi Kyon Nahi.. </span>or<span style="font-weight: bold;"> ..Uthal Puthal, Uthal Puthal???<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span>But perhaps, the most unnoticed shot is that of a fighting extra, which lasts less than 5 secs, but had left me n my friends rolling wid laughter.... heres a screenshot, c for ur self and then u'll understand....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsB4cQNAHP_sX97ZzGhPa5WR-yyyCc-4hNOiWT7ZJGTyiwJ0JR6WTTEvWQnKvavdD7yygZpTtApOvACLngA31CN2iZG35OF6RE4anh5OfOJ3Z1YZJi_vuKg86W4XuxXGgumA7S6TeeAhs/s1600-h/vlcsnap-2241.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsB4cQNAHP_sX97ZzGhPa5WR-yyyCc-4hNOiWT7ZJGTyiwJ0JR6WTTEvWQnKvavdD7yygZpTtApOvACLngA31CN2iZG35OF6RE4anh5OfOJ3Z1YZJi_vuKg86W4XuxXGgumA7S6TeeAhs/s200/vlcsnap-2241.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083784005196551330" border="0" /></a> AAA, for some strange reason, didnt rock the box-office at the time of its release in 1994, but its popularity increased with time. These days, there are large no of AAA fans all around. Its a real classic and i'll never get bored of watching it again and again ....<br />P.S. Above image is Pranay's display pic on msn messenger......haha...Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-64454598955809818162007-07-03T14:29:00.001+05:302007-07-06T00:17:31.859+05:30Lawyers....<div style="text-align: left;">Sticking to my blog name...here's some fun stuff..... really hilarious....<br />The last one is the best……………<br /><br />These are from a book called Disorder in the Courts of America, and are things attorneys actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters, who had to suffer from the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.<br />________________________________________<br /><br />ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his<br />sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?<br />WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?<br />________________________________________<br />ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?<br />WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?<br />______________________________________<br /><br />ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?<br />WITNESS: Yes.<br />ATTORNEY: How many were boys?<br />WITNESS: None.<br />ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?<br />______________________________________<br />ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?<br />WITNESS: By death.<br />ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?<br />______________________________________<br />ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?<br />WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.<br />ATTORNEY: & Was this a male or a female?<br />______________________________________<br /><br />ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?<br />WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30p.m.<br />ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?<br />WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an<br />autopsy on him!<br />______________________________________<br />ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a<br />pulse?<br />WITNESS: No.<br />ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?<br />WITNESS: No.<br />ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?<br />WITNESS: No.<br />ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you<br />began the autopsy?<br />WITNESS: No.<br />ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?<br />WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.<br />ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?<br />WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and<br />practising law.</div>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-25693987747046156962007-07-02T14:16:00.001+05:302007-07-06T00:19:00.605+05:30The Future Cup......<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Sunday, 1st July was a perfect setting for the final One-day between <st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region> n SA in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Belfast</st1:place></st1:city>... Now, after the World Cup debacle, people had lost interest in cricket...The BCCI n Graham Ford made many attempts to spice up the lead up to the new season by Ekta-Kapoor like twists in d Coach chapter..but still, the excitement n the passion for cricket had vaned. Even the media had many other important things on mind... like listing down Sunita Williams' favourite snacks, among other serious news....</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The Indian Team left for <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Ireland</st1:country-region></st1:place>, without the usual Halla-Gulla at the airport.. It played a one-off game against <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ireland</st1:place></st1:country-region>, before a 3-match series against the Proteas. Nobody even knew the schedule. There was only 1 man who could get things back on track (and the Indians back in front of the TV)... One Mr. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar......</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Written off by his critics, The Master replied in the only way he can...with his bat.... he scored a classy knock of 99, and was run-out trying to steal a cheeky single. Though India lost the match, that innings served 2 purposes... more people got hooked on to cricket again...n secondly, it made the FUTURE GROUP a whole lotta money....</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The second one-day had a better TV audience, anticipating<span style=""> </span>Tendulkar<span style=""> </span>magic. And, the SAHEB, as I like to call him, didn't let us down...He was at his sublime best...cutting, driving, hooking, pulling the SA bowlers all over the park.. He made batting look so easy... He once again missed out on a century, being bowled on 93. <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place> won the match fairly comfortably..thanx to a late contribution by Yuvraj.... that leveled the series 1-1, setting up a cup finale on Sunday...</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The final started late, and was reduced to 31 overs a side game....SA innings ended at 148-6, and was characterised by 50s by Justin Kemp n Hershelle Gibbs, along with some fine umpiring...(giving the A.B. DeVilliers not out when he was caught at slip....maybe the overcast conditions made it difficult for the umpire to see....)Nonetheless, Indian chase started shakily, losing the Gr8 man for only 8..n then losing 38/3... then Yuvraj n Dravid steadied the ship... and Yuvraj got us home with a fine unbeaten 61. He got the Man of the Match....while Sachin got the Man of the Series award, which he decided to Share with Yuvraj..... a gesture rarely seen in the cricket world....</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Now, the next assignment would be India-Pak series in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Scotland</st1:place></st1:country-region>, followed by India England series... As Sachin said..this was only the starters, the main course is yet to begin.... We all hope the main course is as delicious as the starters..with a generous serving of an ingredient called S.R. Tendulkar.......<o:p><br /></o:p></p>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-70941389364957912872007-07-01T19:16:00.000+05:302007-07-06T00:19:27.585+05:30Lohgad Trek.. Contd....<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">We started the climb sharp at 11.01 am according to Pranay’s watch…Initially, we began climbing the stairs we saw..but as we reached some height, we realized that it was the way to Bhaje caves, and not the fort. So we asked a local villager there the way to the fort, and he suggested a route through the dense greenery. We trekked along it for about half an hour, and then again realized that we wee lost. However, during this little detour, we were joined by a dog from the area, and she kept following us everywhere till the end.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, our task was to get on the right trail and reach the top asap. We managed to find a route, and began trotting towards the fort. The scenery was magnificent, and we were having a great time. We kept going on for about 45 mins, when we came upon some civilization… A hotel ‘Baba’… It was really some sight… We stopped at that spot and clicked some photos of the golf course-like, picturesque land. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After that, it was another half an hr. walk to the base of the fort, and from there we took about 20 mins to reach the top.<span style=""> </span>The view from the top was ravishing. I am literally short of words to describe the resplendent sight. You have to look at the pictures to believe what I am saying. Or better still, go there….You will find the photos here:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/pranayjoshi/LohagadTrekWithSchoolFriendsJune262007">http://picasaweb.google.com/pranayjoshi/LohagadTrekWithSchoolFriendsJune262007</a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">We then took a break and helped ourselves to some snacks. Rutam had brought yummy Puran-poli while Kalps had some jam-sandwiches. We munched on those and also emptied whatever packets of biscuits we had. We also fed the dog plenty of them. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">Break over, we decided to look around a little. That’s when Tejas (Goho) noticed a weird phenomenon. At one spot, the water that was going over the mountain seemed to be flowing upwards like a fountain. It was a totally amazing sight. The strong winds seemingly defying Mr. Isaac Newton. We enjoyed the shower there, and were totally drenched and shivering as we started to proceed. Now as some of the guys were getting exhausted, Pranay suggested we go and see Vinchu Kaata. We located the spot, very far for where we were, and hesitantly, we started towards it. Upon getting somewhat closer, we noticed that the way towards the Kaata was a little tricky, and needed some rock climbing and risk taking. So, every1 decided to rest it out, while Me, Pranay and Kalps decided to take our shot at it. As guessed, the route was a bit treacherous, but we managed it with minimum difficulty, and reached Vinchu Kaata. The view form there was breathtaking. We could see the entire Mumbai-Pune Expressway from there. All three of us wanted to stay there and appreciate the beauty, but were forced to return back, as it started to rain again, and none of us wanted to do the rock climbing part while it was wet. So we hurried back to the others, and we all started back at exactly 3.30 pm. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">While going down, we made good time, even though there was a heavy shower. On the way, our eyes fell upon a gorgeous waterfall. Mousami, Goho, and Kalps were under d fall in a flash, Rutam followed after sumime. Pranay n Sawant decided they had had enough and disappeared in the direction of our car. I stopped and clicked snaps of the bathing quartet, while constantly fighting the urge to go in myself. About 20 mins under the fall, the folks got out and we returned to our car. We asked a villager to find a spot for us to change clothes. He managed to get the girls in a house, where they changed n freshened up. Pranay n Sawant had already changed in the car, while Goho had done so near the waterfall. Me and Rutam managed to find an empty room (classroom converted to a stable, thankfully unoccupied). </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">It was around 5.30 when we finally got going again. We were all famished, since we had had little to eat. So we decided to have a nice supper. We went into a decent looking hotel, and ordered lotsa non-veg stuff. Everyone ate their hearts out, and then we started back to Mumbai. In the car, it was about to get dull, but then I started talking crap (rambling) about all biological shit I knew. We then had some baseless and senseless discussions on a myriad of topics. Surprisingly, we had very little, in fact, virtually no traffic en-route. We reached Parle by 8.45 pm, settled the vehicle bills, and then said goodbye to each other. As we were parting, we all felt a little sad, as it had been a great day for all of us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">We all decided that we should soon meet-up and have a Laughathon, watching Andaz Apna Apna, at someone’s house.... However, for the time being, the excitement for the day was over. I returned home and realized how exhausted I was. Nonetheless, I found myself logging onto the internet very soon, and was least surprised to find almost every1 already signed in. I downloaded the photos, chatted a while, and then decided to retire for the day….</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">I spent whole of the next day cooling my heels, relaxing at home. Now, we all r waiting to get together and watch that movie. The plan has to be implemented very soon, as Pranay is gonna start with his professional career from Monday, July 2. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">I’ll update you about the happenings in my future posts. Feel free to leave your comments….Adios…</p>Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-65704022922490756502007-06-30T12:23:00.000+05:302007-07-06T00:18:29.595+05:30Lohgad Trek...The Implementation...<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Team.... </span></span><br /> Well... the wait turned out to be no more than 1 day.... On Monday, Pranay called up again and told me that 6 ppl were ready to go to Lohgad on Tuesday...So it was decided taht we hire a car for the trip...I said I would make the necessary arrangements...and so as decided, we booked a Qualis...FInally, it was decided that we'll leave at 7 from my place... The gang consisted of... Me, Pranay, Kalpita, Mousami, Tejas Sawant, Rutam, n Tejas Gohokar.....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvZbUgGPBzV4uFBfflqgtsddPllmjzy9CFWyWCi9-Fhwtl7u5R9kp6n7PuAcv2XLxeH8Ed8uGr7cphSsLC11Lc3v7cmu160g5iQihjkLLZ1k0IqBxRZNZXmg0ZXzPiQqaIRAZrHoSvFU/s1600-h/P6140920.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvZbUgGPBzV4uFBfflqgtsddPllmjzy9CFWyWCi9-Fhwtl7u5R9kp6n7PuAcv2XLxeH8Ed8uGr7cphSsLC11Lc3v7cmu160g5iQihjkLLZ1k0IqBxRZNZXmg0ZXzPiQqaIRAZrHoSvFU/s200/P6140920.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081749071166542978" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Get...Set...Go.... </span><br /> Now, as agreed, every1 gathered up at my place at 7...n we started d trip at 7.15 am... As we had started early, the travelling was smooth..No traffic hassles...and we made it to Lonavla by 9.45... There, we had a heavy breakfast...Most of the guys had kanda pohe, but were really disappointed, as they were not satisfied by d preparation... the Sabudana wada n Thaleepeeth were good, n the coffee was mediocre. For some reason, the waiter in d snack place was refraining us from clicking snaps .. (Like it was some secret military installation..). Neways, we finished breakfast and left the place by 10.30...<br /> After a long wait at the level crossing near Malavali Rly. Stn, we reached Bhaje village by 10.50... That was the beginning of the trek....We looked up and saw the beautiful mountains, greenery everywhere, and the most beautiful weather you will ever find...We Thanked God, as we knew we had an awesome fun-filled day ahead of us.......<br /><br />More about the actual trek in my next post........Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-21554902163287802592007-06-30T00:08:00.000+05:302007-07-06T00:19:46.605+05:30Lohgad Trek...The Planning.....Well...now lets get to serious blogging.... I'll begin by describing the best 1 day trip i hv ever had... The Lohgad Trek with my school friends....<br /> It all started actually when my cousins, Vishal n Amod started planning about the Trek. Aakash had everything chalked out, and we were supposed to go for the trek on Sat., 23 June, 07. The people involved were gonna be, Me, Aakash n Amod from Mumbai, Minal n Vishal fm Pune, and Nilesh, who was to go to Pune n join Minal n Vishal. Everything was set, and I was supposed to go to the Lonkars' on Friday. I was all packed up n ready to go, when Aakash called up and said d plans were cancelled, coz he had a campus interview at Honeywell on Sunday. So the trek was called off....(Aakash got selected for Honeywell....)<br /> That left me with nothing to do on Saturday...so I was sitting at home, watching Friends, when Pranay called me and asked whether I wanted to come for lunch wid Tejas Sawant m Kalpita... I agreed to give them company...N went to Tejas' house. We left for Bandra, picking up Mousami on the way... Here, we started thinking abt going out somewhere in the next few days. Pranay was carrying his book abt weekend spots around Mumbai. But I suggested Lohgad, as I had already mentally prepared myself to go there... Now, as we were sitting in Zaika at Bandra, we planned abt going to Lohgad on Monday... possibly by some1's car, or if we had a crowd, maybe hire a vehicle. So, as we went back to Tejas' place, we almost had the plan finalized. Monday, Lohgad. Ppl ready for action were me, Kalps, Tejas, Pranay, taking Pranay's car.<br /> However, on Sunday, it rained a lot... and it was really in no mood to let up... So on Sunday evening we decided to keep d plans on hold for a while......Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473337210010007115.post-8327353763806409502007-06-29T23:30:00.000+05:302007-07-06T00:20:08.264+05:30The Beginning....Well...This is my first ever blog.... Always wanted to c what this stuff really is..But being overly lazy, I never actually went to d trouble of creating a blog. Until tonite, when my coll frnd Pushkar asked me if I wanted to join d blog he made for our class. That prompted me to look into it, and so I created my own blog. Now, let me warn you beforehand...that i suck at writing, so kindly bear with me n my childish way of writing.<br /> Firstly, I'll tell you y i hv named d blog "Funny Days". People who know me, also know about my sense of humor...couple that with the name of the autobiography of Sunil Gavaskar, 'Sunny Days', and you get my blog...pretty pathetic logic, huh? Well..I ain't that creative either.<br /> Anyways, I'll keep updating my blog from time to time, writing about my coll. days, fun moments, and loads of other stuff, as I get time... So feel free to leave ur comments.....Abhijit V. Deshpandehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470764075865579938noreply@blogger.com0