5 comments Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Happy new year to all those who happen to wander to this blog. I on behalf of world at odds wish you a happening new year. Do not drink a lot and don’t complain a lot after that! Ok guys will take this off record with you all.

2009 will be welcomed without a sound, yes Franz we cannot farewell 2008 with much fan fare. Sorry to say that but the truth is most of the nation has nothing to do with 26/11 now, it is over for them. But for India this is a national tragedy and for those families who lost their dear ones it will always be a blemish. I leave this topic here for one’s own discretion how to go about it.
On personnel front we all can have lots to look for in the New Year. I and Chika have already shared our resolution with you guys. May be you all have worked some resolutions. Remember try to get rid of special amendment act, like us.

From World at Odds front I can only say that in the New Year we will be on track to define limits. We may have new posts from new people who are passionate like us for the world around us. I can promise on behalf of da player you will get more heartening blanks and Saurabh will be like always touching the core of social justice and odds we are to this world. Yes, I too will be keeping you guys posted with my wavering thoughts. Abhishek too will be back from his trip of Himalayas(Dharamshala is in Shivalik ranges I assume). One topic I think we can look to build is a special place for is ‘peace’.

For our readers who are more or less our frenzo’z keep rocking in the free world.

We are like you and you are like us.
You don’t differ with us but we differ with you.
We are world at odds.
Don’t salute us, keep pace with us.

Regards
Aj

2 comments Sunday, December 28, 2008

This is my favorite part of a given year. We get ready with resolution for the next year. I am been in this practice now for quite a few years but have not achieved a bit because of the special amendment act present in the clause of my life. Well this year I am abolishing the amendment act. That means I may be not be favorite friends of some, nevertheless this is being done to keep my everlasting friendship with Chika and control my life.

Chika has known me from the days when I was a sensitive young boy and haven’t seen the world beyond the cricket field. My resolution used to be not to get bold over the year and score more run than my bigger brother while Chika was resolved to get a girl friend at least that year. Year by year went, I scored lots of run but never got pass my bro and Chika got slapped by many in his attempt to have that maiden gal. Suddenly we realized we have grown up .I was in an Engineering College and he was in a Medical college. Resolution changed and somehow we as people changed. My resolution were not false but true to the time ,I wanted to be the coolest guy in my college and this time I did everything right for next few years. Chika too had a girl friend and a bike. I remembered his resolution over those days was to lose those extra pound before the gals keep on dumping and start watching & listening some English movies and music ( He was branded a desi by us and that is so true till this date, he is best when he sings like Chamkila ). He like always faltered.

Few years later we have passed from our colleges and got engaged in our assignments. We were no longer in touch like old days and I hardly knew his resolution over these years. My few bad resolutions have meant creeper and vermin feeding on my life and as far as I know Chika had done the balancing act well. He lived for himself and followed his heart and I followed the world. My heart it was in such a mess and weak. The determination of past has vanished. I had weak resolution and some of them are the proof of disintegration I had gone in this year. I had to resolve to get rid of addictions of some sorts and I was faltering every year. I had to talk to Chika, he is the best man of mine after all.

Chika was now a practicing physician and was having a tough assignment in their term. How many doc wants’ a rural assignment and even if they take how much sincere they are. Before I had put my quandary in front of him I asked him what his resolve was for the year. I though true to his spirit must be something lively and more of fun. But I was for a surprise, He has evolved over the year and I disintegrated. He talked about Justice to his profession and making a difference when for me his location was the biggest challenge to work. In all his adversaries he has a vision a resolution for better. I had my answer and for this year I will have resolution with a declaration statement and for sure no amendment what so ever.

I shared them with Chika and he suggested to me to keep them to myself only. But no my friends my resolution will be a declaration. I want to be at peace with myself and I had to get some meaning for my existence.

I will be getting rid of Tamas and all such things that are source of it. Well I hope you peopled have understood it and will help me in keeping my resolution.

Secondly I will be a good friend, a good son, a good citizen. What all implies is left to my discretion.

Thirdly and last of all I will keep dreaming and will never let this feeling die that I can fly.

That’s all folks, Aj is resolved this year. Don’t laugh, yes I have been talking the same over years but this year It’s little different after all I am been talking to Chika lately.

You too have your resolution and feel free to share with us.

Regards
Aj

2 comments Saturday, December 27, 2008


I don’t want to be a slave of time. Let me introduce you to the proudest monkey. I heard about him while listening over a track from Dave Mathew’s Band. Monkey keep on doing same things over again and again jumping from tree to tree, sliding down the hills. One day one of the monkey reached City and he become the proudest monkey. Is it all that’s we can talk about him. Yes we can talk more about him but cannot take him out of you.

I am not able to understand is the monkey is proud on himself or the other monkeys are proud of him for moving out. It has to be the monkey himself, the other monkeys will tell him he can face difficulties, unseen enemies and will be left out of the pack forever. Proudest monkey won’t buzz off. He is on a mission of his own. Being a monkey will not be a boring affair anymore. He will do new things in the city and will be learning in every step he takes how to survive.

May be Dave talked about Monkey because like us he is also a social animal. He too lives in pack, has laws of territories, competition, fears and hope. He has a special role in his society. May be not as organized like ants. Yes ants I think they are the supreme creation with Bees and all such creatures that are the superlative example of collectivism at its best. Ants and bees are like a successful communalist state and we with our dear closest neighbor monkey are a failed affair. Monkey fights, they sit idle, steal, rob and may be under stress of living in a corrupt society. That’s why they have all the chances of making some Proud Monkey.

I am not writing more because more things here will set up confusion and that is not required. You all can listen to this wonderful track and try to interpret what it means. Are the people so nuts to write about monkey or they are really pissed about day to day dealings.

2 comments Friday, December 26, 2008


Its 25th and you having a nice holiday. Santa and his Reindeer are now too old themselves to visit you.X’mas tree and gifts are not your way of celebrating a year ending holiday.X’mas spirit that’s only there in good old movies like Home Alone or Miracle on 33rd street. Even you have heard Santa is red coz of some Coca Cola advertisement in early 19th Century. It’s a high society festivity and you should make a point to greet your boss for sure. Red and white are the color for the occasion and if you can afford make sure to go to any of those posh parties.
Ok guys, I am not a spoil sport, I was just missing the fun I had used to have on X’mas and most of all I am missing friends and family today. I take my words back. Its X’mas time and time for all of us to share the joyfulness and happiness with all around us. Even if its watching GHAJNI with your dear one’s today, you had done a wonderful gesture (I did not got the ticket, that show the spirit how much we want to be with family and friends, we just need an excuse).
Like all of you guys I am also born and brought up in India so I also do not relate with the significance of this day like Diwali.but I know it’s a universal day of Celebration and we Indian’s like globalization has embraced this too. And what’s most important about X’mas it is a year ending holiday and unlike Indian festivals it falls every year on 25th.
Did I tell you that it is Jesus’s birthday today.Oops I may be wrong but it got to be something like that? And I should also tell you my friend Chika has meet Santa on his trip to North. He told me Santa is now much slimmer than 80’s.He has also trimmed his beared.The best thing is he has given up his red attire. If coca cola can have a new brand Image why can’t he have? Santa was also concerned with growing population, he is uneasy how he will reach everyone on time.Chika told him to make his Reindeer work out so that they can run/fly faster. Chimney’s are not in fashion anymore that will also save time. So Santa needs not to worry. Santa has a new consultant, yes it’s my dear friend Chika.
Hahaha did not you get how much I love X’mas by now, if not than you must try to read this post again.
Merry X’mas folks!!!!

2 comments Tuesday, December 23, 2008


It was something I waited for long. Citizen Kane has been voted the Number 1 of all times, and I wanted to see why? Well I don’t have any doubt’s left after watching this movie. I had watched epic like BEN HUR, SPARTACUS, TEN COMANDMET, GONE WITH THE WIND etc but I am convinced there is something special about this movie.
Whoever have known me over all this year must be knowing one thing how big a movie buff I am been, so praising mortal never has been my trait. Coming to the movie it’s a movie that tries to capture the life of Citizen Kane after his death. The movie revolves around the last words uttered by Mr. Kane at his death bed. Now a reporter is trying to figure out what these words meant. He follow the remarkable journey of this man, who always have loved to be himself. Once destined to be America President to almost gone bank Corrupt NEWS Mougal, it’s a story worth watching.
What is most remarkable about the movie is its technical superiority; take it from lighting to Camera angles. Movie has a natural pace and you are connected throughout the movie.
I think you all should try to get hold of this movie and judge it by yourself.
And hey do you know what “ROSEBUD” meant; it meant everything. A boy did not choose to be a Man he is forced to be one.

2 comments Monday, December 22, 2008


Just finished reading Aravind Adiga'a booker winning novel "The White Tiger..It Was a huge respite after going through jeffery archer's bland story telling in "As the crow flies"...Its a journey of a man called Balram from an obscure indian village, "Darkness" as it is referred to in the novel, to the land of light, to the city life where he makes it big as an enterpreneur after he slit's his masters throat and steals his money...He proves to be a White Tiger...The story vividly describes the indian socio-political system, mocks at our social fabric, our democracy, magnifies our crumbling family system, our rottening virtues, the long lost innocence in children. I nodded all along the novel as the story unfolds and tears apart the great indian hypocrisy of "India Shining"...

But giving it a second thought, I thought the book itself epitomised all the evils it talks about..The book now looked like a cheap attempt at putting all that is bad in india and packaging it with an eye at winning the man booker prize, Well aware that jury that sits out of england has displayed in past its fondness and taste for indian poverty, bribery and Socio-political system..This somewhere pricked the Indian in me..and mind u am no great patriot myself...Just that i couldnt see someone packaging indian poverty and selling it to the west , the way average indian's blood came to boil when he saw Maharashtra CM taking celibrities for Terror Tour of Taj, My blood came to boil as i felt that the author has attempted to take the West to a tour of all the filth and scum of India in return for the booker prize...
Infact its not the Balram of the novel but the author himself who deserves to be called the White Tiger because he has Slit open his nation's throat before the world and transcended from the "Darkness" to the "Light"...Kudos for that !! But no thanks I will stick to the belief that there is more good than bad in this nation..India is certainly not defined and limited by Aravind Adiga's imagination..

P.S. When you become little too well Aware of your disqualities you contract an incurable disease called "No-Self-Respect"...and this epidemic of lack of self respect as a nation ,as individuals needs some urgent introspection


Yours not so faithfully,
Faceless Indian !!

4 comments

Few words are to be said to this man,

He shoot his innocence, to got this terrible power,

He tied sun, awash moon, in his mind,

Isn’t this man dangerous? Name him he is all here.

Is he the man of tomorrow?

To tell you the truth,

Once he was the cutest boy in the town,

He laughed aloud, to get that happiness,

He sprinkled happiness, unbundled joy, in his world,

Isn’t this boy lovable? Name him he is all gone.

Is he the boy now who is the man of tomorrow?

4 comments Sunday, December 21, 2008

Nobody tells you how to rock and roll,
Hey you wake up!!

nobody tells you where to go,
hey you stand up!!

Its time to listen to your soul,
What you have alcohol,hash and coke!
hey you rise up!!

I know once you were a winter lover,
it was cold and harsh,
Don't be her lover,
She stays alive for few days,
white to more white thats all.

its time to listen to your soul,
What you have alcohol,hash and coke!
hey you rise up!!

Shall i open your skull,
Enough of your sorrow,
Darkness and wolves,
howling sounds and dooms picture,
Its for better you plug off.

its time to listen to your soul,
What you have alcohol,hash and coke!
hey you rise up!!

I know the dreams you dreamed once,
how you sailed across the clouds,
Rainbows over rainbows,
it was one whole new world,
you lived you played,
you loved yourself,
Moving swiftly from dream to dream,

How can be you so lousy ???

I wont be your frined,if you dont rise up??

Let me tell you,
Shall have music as your master,
I come back,now even you can,

Nobody tells you how to rock and roll,
Hey you wake up!!

nobody tells you where to go,
hey you stand up!!

2 comments


Well friends finally I completed watching this movie. It’s a 3 hour marathon and a must watch for those who love war epics. It’s not like Saving Private Ryan or any of those hero’s movie where it’s an adventure in war ravaged world. It’s more in the way of cult movies like Apocalypse Now or Full Metal jacket. Let me put straight all these movies are about the complexity of human relation and ill effects of war.
Deer Hunter is a pure drama that captures life of three friends, who are Pennsylvanian Boy’s and hunting deer over the weekend. But fate took them to the Vietnam War where they are captured. Their captors make them play Russian roulette. The pun is here these 3 here a Russian Americans. Now I won’t reveal more about the movie, but will let you know 3 of them are able to escape from the captivation. Now how there world is effected and changed forever forms the background of this movie. It’s a serious American movie.
I really cannot put in words what this movie tries to deal with it, the horror of the wars or the after effects or it just want to tell a story of friendship. It’s too good a movie to be left out.Cimone was never able to replicate it again and such movies cannot be made in today’s time.
All should remember after watching this movie “You should always get a Deer in one shoot.”
I rate it all time Number 2 in the war epic Genre after Apocalypse Now.

4 comments Saturday, December 20, 2008


Hi guys! Nothing is better than a few flights of fantasy.

Like me, you must have also heard about legends and myth, mostly part of folk lore. Abominable Man, famously known as Yeti or the lockhart legend from Europe, all such story has catch up fantasy and imagination of every young boy or girl while growing up. I too come across one of legend or I better say a myth. Time to share with you, as this is still not come out of my land and mystified the epic world.

I had heard the name Iltu, first time from my best pal; Chika.Chika as usual was the one who used to introduce me to the outer world.Chika has caught the picture of the world in his own canvas. I was his strong believer and I was in total awe to hear the story of Iltu as a 10 year old then.Iltu as to the local was a hermit who has been camping on the white cape mountain on the other side of the Valley of the thousand bears for the last 100 years. Few people had said to meet him while grazing sheep’s on the foothill of the Cape, on the shallow side of the valley. Nobody has dared to enter the Valley in the last hundred year, because what goes in never gets out. Legend says that Iltu was a local physician, who had served the people of the region for years but failed to fight the black epidemic. Thousands of people died and he saw all that helplessly. It has a moving effect on him and he went into a shell for years. He exiled himself to the foothill of valley. People from distant places, near places all places started flocking his abode to sanctify from his wisdom. He was a soothing figure to a region that has seen a few bad days lastly. But one day he disappeared to be never seen back by the commoner. Legend grew he draw a pact with DARK that he will not touch his region, if he leaves at once. From that day Iltu was the secret guard of the valley, And for some reason the valley and the region has no dark years in the next 100 years. Legend even grew stronger. Few people saw him, in all those year and people stopped entering the valley of 1000 bears. Reason for that I last heard was that it was now the territory of dark, you don’t enter his zone, and he don’t enter yours.

Well that was the people story,Chika had his own version. He told me that few months back he meets some German tracker who was on their way back from the valley. One of their own was lost.Chika had come to know the dark secret and know I was even knowing that “valley was abode of cannibals, that’s why no one entered it”. I had apprehensions about Chika’s story but He was my best friend,and he can never be wrong. Next day I asked then what about “Iltu”?Chika was ready with his answer.Chika told me He and his German friends concluded after discussion “Iltu” has turned into man eater and he created the legend to pray freely without being rediscovered. I asked him if he is still alive as people claim.Chika told yes he is “after eating human flesh you get extra life and that’s why people has spotted him.”Chika has told this version to me only and I have believed him. Folks would have laughed at him and kicked him to mock and question a revered.

Things remain same for years, I was 21, was studying science in an uptown college and Chika was a herdsman. I had returned to my village after 11 years. I had been a fellow of the Rational Community of India and now Iltu and his legend was all rubbish to me. I had meet Chika and first thing he told was that now Iltu eats his herd to keep himself alive. He won’t remorse till dark keep away from the villaige.i had two stories, one where he was revered and one where he was scared off. I was on a secret mission, had my chance to climb up in the Community. I told Chika we will enter the Valley of thousand bears with his herd and will have a faceoff with Iltu. Chika was not convinced and he did not want to risk his and my life for something that he knew for sure was not human. But like all good friends after two three powerful senti he was with me. We planned to enter the Valley at Dark. It was white light in the valley; snow has fallen a week ago. We can see up to distance in dark. I had my experience from numerous hunting expeditions I had taken part of earlier. Howling wolves were not good enough to scare us off. We walked all night with his herd to the centre of the valley. In morning I asked him to count his herd and it was all 30 in number, not one more not one less. My confidence has grown and I told Chika see how you people had been fooled for years.Chika as scared to death, he kept on repeating we have messed up with Dark and Iltu both, nothing can save us now. I asked him to shut up. We as planned will travel till the river source and return.

It was dusk, we have been walking for a long now, had not slept for in the last 24 hours. We decided to halt and have a break till morning. Camp was set up and we too sit next to each other talking about the scared people and there creations. We had our food and were getting ready to sleep near the fire. And then I heard a cry from far. I thought fear has treaded my fat skin too, but when I heard the second cry, I cannot hide my apprehension. I was gazing at Chika face.Chika by now had been murmuring his god’s name. I asked him to calm down, take the torch out we will go to the source. After five minute we were there. A Deer was trapped in the hunters trap and was crying in pain. I was wondering from my experience how can such traps be there in a forbidden valley. I searched around; it was a plot to ambush a snow leapord.People has been intruding this valley. Nothing has been guarding this valley.Iltu was all was a legend.Darkeness was rulings every where it was not confined to the Valley of Bears.Chika was trying to get the Deer out of trap, but it was too deep. Deer was crying with pain, restlessness has set up among both of us. I asked Chika to bring rope from the camp, I was not letting him cry to death’s was going down the trap to get him freed.

Chika was back, in few minute and I was ready to descend. I was down there with rope tied around my waist. I tried my best to tie and move the deer but to no effect .He was too heavy. Frustration creped in after few minutes. I cannot see the agony of animal, our minds were freezed, ke bus tab a flash light bathed the scene. I asked Chika what’s happening up there.Scilence proceeded for few minute till I saw a white man with a gun pointing towards me. I was sure this must be the heartless hunter, who had been poaching easy in the shades of legend.

Like always I was going to face another surprise. Chika was asking me to tie the knot again around the deer. So he must be a friend. With combined effort of stranger and Chika we pulled the deer out of the pot hole. He was in pain, before I can understand what was happening the white man was nursing the deer. I had an astonishing half an hour. The deer was better, was back on feet and limped into the dark.

Time for some who’ who? Chika was talking to the white man as he has known him before. I was feeling left out, before Chika introduced me to the Lost German. He was Doctor Urich, who was left behind during the expedition and so like against all odds planned to stay back in the valley and solve its mystery. He was fighting with the local forest department the poaching of the animal in the forbidden valley lately. Legend has made it tough for authorities to reach numbers but things were dwindling fast.

The German had given years in valley and he was the spotted Iltu in last few years.I was understanding the whole myth and the power of the legend, how it has been helping the valley. I had no plan to share the new secret with anyone. I had only one thing to tell people when I would return back. I too meet Iltu and he is for real. Protecting valley and the region from DARK. Nothing can harm us till he is guarding the frontier. Hope those mute but innocent creatures get their share of life till the legend rules my part of world.

Yours truly
Aj

9 comments Tuesday, December 16, 2008


Do love me, oh my fair lady,
Do love me, the beautiful damsel,

I miss you every minute,
So, I call you once in a day.

My love is not like a season,
Even if it rains, snow or hail,
It’s still the same,

Do love me, oh my angel,
Do love me, miss sunshine,

I got a round of flattery done,
Even than why you not impressed,

Don’t weigh my love,
Can’t you feel my love,

Do love me, do love me,
You are my only love,

Let me put some reasons,
But then will it be the love,

You don’t make me mad,
Do love Do love me,

By now, you have done it,
Are you in love? Or it’s me in love,

What’s the matter, don’t you listen,
Hold on for a second, let me tell you,
Even if you don’t love me, I will love,

Woman you won’t understand,
It’s man who love, he still say,
Do love me, do love me
Do love me, do love me………

Note: - Please read it as I felt, a man tries to show his attitude and love in first verse, but women are woman. Man mellow down by the second stanza and try to flatter her by praising his love for her. She is unmoved, by then he has lost his cool, and he let her know what she is, still he loose, by the end of all this, he again start to woo her back.

Love is sacred! Love is divine!!!........Fall in love, feel her love!!
regards
West

5 comments Sunday, December 14, 2008


yo supp dear friends ....
just saw rab ne bana di jodi another brilliant performance by srk... for those of u who know Mr. Zabardast are sure never to forget this movie cz srk potrays him thru out the movie... the movie was gud and they very carefully released it at the end o the year so dat srk can make it to filmfare our version of the oscars dis yr too.... m not here to review this movie but to speak on a generic topic called y do gud guys finish last??? y do chics always go behind the bad boys??? well i dont know so ts open for a debate... Mr. surinder Sahni in da movie loves daani with all his heart nd soulnd wont be wrong to say da he worships her but he is not the good lookin sexy hunks kind o a guy so his wife is not very happy she falls in love with RAJ who is sahni again in a new avtar a modern 1 i must say... the movie goes on till finally daani wants to run away with raj. but my question too u is wat did poor sahni do to deserve this he hasnt even slept wid his god damn wife till now cz he loves n respects her so much but she is still ready to go with raj eventually as it is a movie she goes back to sahni and says not to raj... as in every movie raj dsnt get the gurl... here t was the same guy though so no heart breaks for ne 1... i guess my parents have named me wrongly cz even in real life raj treats his women like princess but when they get bored they kick him and go...
so my question to all o u is y do the nice guys finish last... i kno i dont look like brad pitt but can make u feel like angelina for sure soo i guess tis for our dea readers to answer dat y do the nice guys always finish last y does raj never get the gurl may be in reel or real life... may be west would agree with me on dis when u love some like u can jump of the cliff of the everest or dive into the pacific without even knowing swimmin is more important than havin a chisseled body a six pack abs or vice versa cz ur body wont stay till the end but love will so i leave it open to u all to tell me y do nice guys finish last and y does Raj never get the gurl???


PS- if u guys find it like jack shit i am open to ur valueable feed back- raj

3 comments Saturday, December 13, 2008


I was sitting in a café, when I noticed a young gal sitting on the adjacent table. Somehow I was getting the feeling I knew her.Na Na my friends absolutely not the gimmick we used to pull during the school day. The face looked so familiar. I must have known her some days or the other. But I was in Pune, 2000 km away from home, chances of serendipity were zero. But the face was attractive and she was alone, so I listened to my heart and was convinced I knew her.Hey hey she glanced towards me, she noticed me. She now knew for sure I was looking at her. She too turned around for a second time and for a minute her eye stopped on me. I was thinking her too having the apprehension she also knew me.i was not sure what to do next, if I go and say a hello, what would be her reaction. Gal’s reactions to strangers are very unpredictable and I was no more a college student. Sitting in this café was a daily ritual; I had all the chances of making it my last day.

I said to myself,Anuj take a long breath, go back the memory lane and sort it out how you know this face. Meet her in train, saw her in office canteen, may be in a shopping mall, or she one of those from the college days. I was blank again, it was time to make a bet with my heart and take a chance and say at least hello to her. She looked again towards me; give me a smile I suppose. like you I was also thinking I am not that smart looking on weekends (I prefer shabby look on out of office days, and gals say I look nice in formals haha) that gals end up giving a smile, must be those funny giggles, gals give it to you when you stare a lot, can not afford to be wrong on this front. I gulped one glass of water in hurry, that’s boys’ way to calm down nerves. Decision was made I will for sure ask her do I know you?

My mind is a ticking bomb in such situation, I had a nice plan. I took a napkin and jotted down on it “Do I know you, must have meet in Priya’s part?”.No no, that’s too filmy, I took another napkin and wrote on it”Hi I am Anuj,I am having the feeling that I know you?”That look better called for the waiter and asked him to give this napkin to the lady sitting on the adjacent table. He took it and gives it to her; my anxiety level was at its highest. How will she react? She read it, and now she has a more mischievous smile on her face. Wait for a second, let me confirm, which napkin did I forwarded?Oops the wrong one, I was screwed,she smiling before she get ready to scream.Anuj boy,you need to sleep well in night to avoid such visions in days.

Surprise, Surprise, she waved towards me. I was getting nervous, I too waved back.Dekha bola than a, she was a friend or a friend of Friend, now she recognized me. Must be Tina’s friend, she had lots of friend and must have meet her in a party. I was thinking to go to her table and ask her to join me, for a cup of coffee, ke utne mein, she rose from her seat and start coming towards me. It was again a sinking feeling, I was never been slapped in my life by gal and maybe it was time for this. She was looking angelic, no like satin. I was not sure, but she was so beautiful, I was sure when she will speak to me I will forget to speak. She leaned toward me standing near my table, I was blushing. Said softly in my ear(yes she did) “Hi” and slipped a napkin paper in my hand and left. My mind that was a ticking bomb sometime ago was now dead. I opened the paper, she must have left her number, was not comfortable talking to stranger (of course she knew me, but Indian gals, it take time to break ice after these many days).Hey what was that, it has a strange scription, I haven’t seen any phone number like that before, SF202MFH.i hate riddles, this was not a cryptography class.i called for the waiter, and asked do you know what that means. He said yes Sir, why not. Man now what even a waiter know what is written here, I am going nerdish day by day,Lagta hae I am out of sync with happening things of todays.Must be a new lingo, even waiters are knowing. I asked him to come close, whispered to him “ do not tell anyone I don’t know about it, I will be embarrassed, I know about how to read it, but just today cannot figure it out.”He said without emotion “ok” and passed me the bill. I haven’t eaten anything then how the bill, I was going to raise the eyebrow ke he just pointed towards her table. Got it, she is a dear friend, so paying bill is her expectation, I am such a goose does not even remember her.Ok I pay it but you batao what’s written on the napkin. I took money out of my wallet and paid the bill. He turned around to spell it “Second floor 202 May fair hotel. “and left giggling.

What’s funny about it that he has to giggle; I was still not getting what it means? I too left the café,ke when it struck my mind, God I am baffled, I am really out of sync with this world. I got it right it was not my date with serendipity and will never try to have one again. I never turned back to that café,I would have kept my embarrassment with myself but wanted to share so that you all not make a fool of yourself when you go for a coffee in Café Frozen.

7 comments

As soon as forever is through, I'll be over you...
but is this a fact or may be m just lyin to me and u
cz as soon as forever is thru, may be the world will not be so blue
may be ur thoughts wont haunt me nemo, and i will certainly not bug u...
is dis a dream sometimes i wonder, as i sit here drenched in the thunder
when forever is thru , wonder if ill get rid of this pain deep down under...
cz u are like none b4 and none to be made ever again, so how can this be true???
may be ill never be able to get over u, even if forever is thru...

urnt something to be forgotten...
as i sit here and rot...nd cherish every sight of urs dat ive ever got...
cz when forever is true, will truth not be true,
will there be no happiness or pain in this world, wont there be shades of black and blue???
even the thought of gettin over you... is like cutting open my heart without a drop of blood dat too...
all i ever dreamt is dat there be just me and u
cz u make my world go around without makin ne effort too
i can live off ur smile, lost into ur big black eyes
when i look up into the sky, tears roll down my eyes...
cz i kno dis is how far i am from u oh my angel sittin up above so high...
when forever is thru wont the land and the sky remain too???
all i know is my love for u is true...

when forever is thru, may be truth will not be true...
i may not be here so may not be you...
but my love for u will stay, lightin up the stars again...
creating a whole new world... with me and u
and may be this time, i may not need to get ova u...
cz when forever is thru... i ll be reborn again for u my princess
with the sole purpose of loving you.......................

4 comments Thursday, December 11, 2008



This is a book I read way back in 2004, when it holds very less meaning to me. Even after 4 years I do not agree or differ on this book relevance to an MBA or a Manager. Henry Mintzberg come out with this book in late 90’s.It’s his cry against the present day management and management institute, he categorically ask the question about what is taught in institute is implemented or what he learn through experience during work is more of importance. This book asks a few honest questions, but fails to deliver. It looks like a man’s attempt to raise the odds.
Let me share some excerpt from the book “What skill-set do you look for when you're looking to hire a manager or team leader? Do you prefer someone who has the technical background and expertise to do the job or someone who has the ability to teach someone else? I prefer to surround myself with MBWA's instead of MBA's. (MBWA's manage by walking around.)”.
This question ignites the long standing debate “managerial skill’s are inherent or at the best they can be sharpened with experience, it can not be taught through books, it all by sharing”.

From my own experience, I do agree on this front, form my two accounts of working I have been assigned managerial jobs. On both instance the skills that were imparted to me in classroom were of little relevance. It’s always been a continuous learning curve through out the job. It’s what you learn at job, that you use most of the time. And if you have the nature of getting involved in your work, have carried some relevant knowledge form classroom, you can always transfer it to work (Note I am convinced that its experience than theory that works).

I think Henry’s observation to carry your experience from work to classroom is a very valid. Indian institute should encourage this and we should see more and more manager’s learning concepts in classroom rather than MBA’s learning concepts in field.

I do recommend this book, as it does solve the purpose of writing it to an extent. It is a view of a learned teacher and he can debate at his level of expertise or some top Managers or people who shape big corporation can have some insight to even debate or assert his observations.

For us the the label of book appeals and that all for real it has to offer.

4 comments Wednesday, December 10, 2008


I am so ordinary!!!
Shall I tell you,my story!!
When I was a boy,
Maa told me I was extraordinary,
I was the best boy,
She told me that for sure many times,
When I was in School,
Teacher told me I was a gem,
I was the best student,
She told me that for sure many rimes,
When I was in college.
Friends told me I was a talent,
I was the best pal,
They told me that for sure many time,
And then one day it all comes to an end,
I was no more a boy,
I entered to the man’s world,
In days,I was told I was so ordinary,
I was no more the best,
Neither did I had talent nor did I have pals,
I was so alone,and
For all I was made to believe,
I was so ordinary,
I lost my grace,
I lost my confidence,
I was so ordinary,
I was so frightened,
I wished I can went back to my ma,
At least she will still tell me,
My boy is still extraordinary!!
But for true
I am so ordinary!!
I am so so ordinary!!

7 comments Monday, December 8, 2008

Hi All,

We completed one month of happy bloging.Well whole idea of this Blog was conceived a month back and it has been a wonderful experience so far. Like all journeys, this one also has been full of twist and turns, but most important of all we have sticked to the basic’s of this blog.It will always be the feel factor surpassing anything. It’s a world in itself if some one goes through the nest we people have created in last few days.

It’s not three of us who are part of this blog but our family is bigger and more beautiful. All those people who read us and those whom we forced to read us, are to be acknowledged here today, we thank you all from bottom of our heart. Specially those, who have gone out of the way to read every single of our post, we cherish your presence on our blog. Your comments have been valuable as well as heartening, not only driven us but has made us to fell proud, that we are serving too an intellectual lot.

Next few milestones on this beautiful journey we would like to share with you.

Completion of 50 posts!!!
Running this blog, with same passion and zeal for next 5 months for sure!!
Introducing blog roll where fellow bloggers visit us and we visit there blog, synergy!!
And most important of all increasing this wonderful family at worldatodds.

For myself I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else” Winston Churchill

Thank you
West on behalf of worldatodds

7 comments Sunday, December 7, 2008


This friday i reached the multiplex some one n a half earlier than the movie show, while the friend accompanying me went to a store to get some photos clicked, i started wandering purposeless in the upmarket area, as i went past a building under construction i saw a huge cage lit by two bulbs under the building's staircase selling birds...They were sparrows in all colors..Brilliant shades of color which only the nature can paint, shades of white sprinkled with droplets of blue, red and green..I forgot where i was for a second, when i came back from the initial awe i realised i was in the same market where i come every second day, may be i was too blind to see them or perhaps they were put up here this very day...such marvels of nature and caged ?? I should get all of them freed said the social worker in me, I called up the man selling them..What is the cost of each ?? three hundred for a pair he told...There were atleast 20 such pairs, I checked my wallet, 600 bucks in cash..shall i get two pairs freed-up and leave the rest..That would be worse since the rest of the pairs in cage would see the freed ones flying away and they will curse me...I must find an ATM i thought...such beautiful birds on sale ?? Life cant be on-sale..nobody shall trade living creatures before my eyes...The social worker in me had assumed unrelenting proportions now...I headed for the ATM two blocks away..On my way i saw a man who had parked his black honda accord beating up the parking guard since he didnt want to pay the Rs. 10 parking-lot charges..He held him by his collor and in the process the poor guard's shirt tore off..Perhaps the only shirt he had..I clinched both my fists in anger...I wanted to buy-out that car owner for the sake of poor man guarding the parking..What cld be the price tag on him..Perhaps a few crores...then a call center cab went past me..There were youngsters in it..All of them were leaning against each other, few of them asleep, worn off by their mundane job...I wanted to free them too, what cld be the price tag on 7 young lives sapped by their work-life...The entire place looked eerie..I could see a price tag on every soul going past my eyes..My ATM card suddenly looked useless...Am i on sale too ?? I walked away from the place not once looking in the glass windows of the shops by the side..else i wld have definitely seen my own price tag..I never returned to the birds waiting for me in the cage..I was not to be their messiah, am their culprit and am ashamed of it..Perhaps am a coward...As always the socialist in me was defeated by philosopher in me who is little too well aware of the stark-realities of the daily life..But one day I will come back and free them all...

5 comments


Loving you was my life,
Then one day you left me,
You died so young, leaving me behind
I sing a cheap love song all my life,
You were all my life,
I did cared for you,
I just talked about wind, but you flew away,
I realized now, you had one reason to live,
Loving me all my life.
I am not dying today,
But I am burring myself six feet down,
I will sleep here
Till I figure out who took your life,
If it was me, I will not return,
But I ask whom?
She never let me know
She loved me more than her life,
Loving you was my life,
Baby, something we should have talked about,
You should not have killed yourself,
You took my life too,
I had always loved you,
I slept around, but I never loved any one,
I agree
I sing cheap love song all my life
But it must not have been you,
Loving you was my life...
Loving you was my..
Loving you was..
Loving you..
Loving..


7 comments

There is some1 in my head,
but it is not me
She is with another man which i can see...
some days i curse, twist and turn
what did i so do for which i should burn
the pain is never ending
the suffering immense
but what i still feel for her is so very intense...
i know she is an angel
of which i am sure
y dont they make em like her nemo
her beautiful eyes n long flowing hair...
i would be lyin to myself if i say i dont care

there is some 1 in my head
but it is not me
she is with another man which i can see...
so what is it that he has nd i cant be
no matter where i go whateva i see
ts her everywhere laughin at me
all my life i never longed so much
have never been so desperate for ne 1's touch
i dont hate him cz ts no fault of his
but what did i do to burn in this ignorant bliss
she told me from the from the beginin dat we can never be together
but still i truly will love her forever


there is some 1 in my head
but it is not me
she is with another man which i can see...
my heart bleeds whenever she takes his name
deep down inside i sulk nd wonder if ts all in vain
well i guess ts my turn now to play host to the pain
no matter what it shall always be
i will love you with whoom so eva u may be
cz may be in this life u n me couldnt be we
i dont know how it began nd cant see no end
there is some 1 in my head
but it is not me
she is with another man which i can see...

5 comments Saturday, December 6, 2008

I was 16, growing up in a small Himalayan town. Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, MLTR, Backstreet,Boyzone was the music for us during those days.CCD and Barista were not into existence, coolest drink of all was FP(fountain Pepsi).Watching movie on rental/Star movies and playing cricket all season was life for me. Hanging out with friends, siping tea and sitting for hours in Chachu ka dhabha were the daily rituals to be done, no matter what if it is raining, snowing or hailing. To be caught in the influence of Buddhism was bit natural with strong Tibetan presence in the region. Peace, happiness and satisfaction to the people were the blessing from the god. Life was perfectly poised with all gears fully meshed up. And than one fine day, things were going to change forever, for a boy, who has not dreamed far than his hometown. He was going to realize more about this world, the bitter truths which no one has told him before.

It was a harsh winter morning, cold has gripped the town. I was getting late for the practice match, running down the hill to the venue was the only option. I slipped and last thing I remembered was I had a deep plunge. May be 30 minute latter, I opened my eye and found myself sitting on a Colonial bench. I was filling dizzy, it was paining.

A plain text voice whispered to me, are you o.k. I turned around to see an old man, dressed up formally and for sure English descendent.Ya, but it is paining I replied.Hey what was that, the place looked quite different, it looked too Colonial, I can recognize the Hill in front, but it was all green, where are the concrete buildings. There use to be a Car parking on the turn, now there stood tall Deodar trees. I was just not myself, must be my head has forgotten to recognize modern thing, closed my eye, and may be all be back after I reopen them. It just didn’t happpend.Panic stricken I was going to scream, when the Englishman requested me to calm down.Yes, Sir you can explain me what is all going around here. Who are you? and Where I am? He replied don’t worry I will answer you all, first catch some breath, you run too fast.

We had deafening pauses for next five minutes. He replied I am Roger Leopold. I died here at the same place 60 years ago. I am holding the clock still. I have been left behind by the angels, it’s being a long wait on this bench all these years.

Ok, you telling me I am listening to a ghost, I said to myself. Hold on mister, I asked “what are you upto, scaring a boy, I am leaving”. “You can not leave, you are into no time. Can’t you see things from your world has vanished and know you see things which are there in my world? “he replied. I was now feeling the fear, chilling sensation swapped my body. I asked “How can I see you? I am real you are dead”. He laughed “You are dead like me; I carried you after your fall in to my time. I will leave today with the angels who going to come for you and you serve in my place in no time till you find your replacement, 60 years wait of mine is too long”

I wasn’t getting what all crap he was telling but one thing I had figured out I was not in my time. So why not believe him for the best and see what he up to, for all I was already late for practice, may be a few ball in net after the match, if this thing gets over on time. I got firm and asked him “If it’s my angel, I will go with him, I m not going to wait like you, I am young and have a life ahead”.Oops wrong dialogue. Roger starts laughing again. “Boy, you are now dead that’s reality, 60 years I have waited Even I don’t know where I will be taken, I don’t even have the answer why I was not picked up”.

I was ready for more investigation, after all this is matter of my death. “Roger bhai, I believe in karma and sansara, there is life after death or you get into some other life form, may be a toad or a monkey. It’s a circle, you English don’t know about such facts. I may be reborn. It’s Yum no Angel Shangel that’s gonna come”

Roger was in no mood to joke, he meant business “Absolutely young man, you may be right but today is my day.60 years ago I was left behind by the white torch, he could not lift me up, I was too heavy for him. It took me all these years in wilderness, thinking about why I was not into either of the world. I told a lie that led to killing of quiet a few innocent people in war. Was hiding in this small town from my guilt and detractors, when somebody pushed me down the hill? It was not a natural death, I lied down here screaming for help, cried in pain, but no one helped. I saw the hell angel coming and start running, but somehow he didn’t want to take me with him. He comes to confirm I was trapped in No time.”

Hmm, interesting story, now what next? “Man you should have done some good in life, I am feeling for you man, you don’t have fate, halo let my angel come, I talk to him to take you with me, but in no chance, I let you go in alone in my place, now cheer up, I have a kind heart”.Roger bhai was not impressed, being a ghost must not be easy. Next few minutes no one spoke, we both were waiting for his white torch and my Yum.

I saw a white space opening in sky and a white light bathed a portion of road. I asked him “Did you see that, something is happening”.Roger was blank, may be the old man wanted a new glasses. I shook him up, “are baba cannot you see that”. He said no “I cannot, but that must we the way to the other world”. I noticed the desperation, he was getting itchy, 60 years and still he is not invited.

“I will take you with me, follow me” I grabbed his hand, but he shrugged me off.Roger “only one of us can bath in this light and travel across, white torch is for one of us, it either you or me”.

So in that case it will be me, I said to myself. I was leaving him behind. He was going mad. I did not want to see him screaming and howling. But suddenly my foot stopped, what I was doing, after all I am dead. It won’t matter to me, if I go to the other side today or tomorrow. May be I will have an easy time in No time, I was not carrying any guilt whatsoever from past. I know this man has died every day for the last 60 years and today he had his chance and I can give this man I don’t know what I call it, was not life but may be life after death. I will duly call it HEART’s PLAY.

I had tears in my eye. I turned back and gently asked Roger it’s your day today. He was shocked than excited. I was too young to die, but he was too old to be in such a mess. “Go on mate, I see you soon there and be nice this time wherever you go from here.”Roger did not moved he was being tested I suppose. He will take it or not take it and for my surprise he refused.

Roger “Boy, You shouldn’t have died in the first place, you are too nice to be left here, It’s too bad then you thinking here in No Time, I had a guilt for 60 years and now I think I won’t like to carry any guilt into my after life”. It was fast the light torch turned and in second’s it bathed Roger and he vanished to some place I was supposed to go. He has realized the meaning of guilt, he was purified and for me It will now be long time in No Time…….ke tab………………………………………….

I was woken up in Bed by my friend Chika. I had fallen off while running down the hill and was unconscious for hours he told me. It was over, HEART’S PLAY never ever repeated. I was alive to tell you this story; I was rewarded for being myself when I had lost it all. You can come back from nowhere, if you have the guts to follow your heart. Thing’s changed for me forever, I realized the meaning of life, value of life. The bitter truth of all death was not the final reality, there are still test to be passed.

7 comments Friday, December 5, 2008

Hi, the most famous cliché of present day is attitude. Ask anyone, why you are successful, how you approach work and many other question they all round up on one answer its attitude that matters. I do agree that it is attitude that matter, but do we have an understanding of what it actually means to say so?
Well attitude is not something that can be copied into your life, it is you who built it on the bases of your education, valuses, family background, enviourmental factors and many more. I had a discussion with Wanton Boys once and the way they described form of attitude was really refreshing. I think it’s time for me to share it with you guys and see you can come up with some more classifications.
First one was the SUPERHERO ATTITUDE; this is where you believe that you have solution to everything on earth. Talk big, jump to conclusions but execution is never heard off,coz all superhero are there in fiction.Aboslutely right my friend,you are now getting people into classification.
Second and the most hated of all these attitude is RAPIST ATTITUDE, they rape the society and have no remorse. Raping is a way of life for them. They can degrade to minus levels but will have no qualm for it. Folks avoid such people from day one; they are menace for society and see for sure if some such attitude is getting into your way of life.
Third and somehow like by me is the GANGSTER ATTITUDE, these people have high respect for their mob, actually they don’t die for their people, but you can find them standing with their herd. Gangster have their own life and some rules which conflict with the other world, but more or less they are not at harm to society till messed up with. A little gangster in you is always welcomed.
Fourth and the very Indian attitude is the RUSTIC VISION ATTITUDE, now this really never let you get started. You are stuck to past glory, in place of improving and moving ahead, you love to pull things to old rustic days. Can be avoided, but sometime this rustic vision let you cling to some of the Values from the rustic world, that are getting lost these days.
Five,it is the GUNGHOO ATTITUDE, this is very American, you are ambitious,bostering and just ready to take any challenge. Way to go, my friend, but it turns you blind every day for 4 hour, when you make all those big mistakes.
Sixth is the TURKEY ATTITUDE, this gets is referece from SICK MAN of EUROPE,you are always cribbing about this world and you are a cry baby.It doesn’t really matches the description, but such attitudes are in abundance and I think the way these sort of attitude can spoil a party, has made them coin it the TURKEY ATTITUDE.
Seventh is the ROBINHOOD ATTITUDE, this is rare, again contrary to the description it is more about being sharing then looting people. You can always be a ROBINHOOD,once in a month and help and share with others.
Eight and the last of all is the KNIGHT ATTITUDE, this is chivalarious, and true men attitude. Somehow according to WANTON’s this is the only romantic attitude. I don’t know about you people, but woman love such people and most important off all, never fake this attitude, it can be fatal. It is there in you by first breath.
Folks!!, I can have hundred of such classification but that doesn’t solve our purpose, Idea is to classify, Like De Buno six thinking hat, I had Eight and you will give me more to juggle with.
Thanks a lot guys, more classifications are awaited.

THE POST IS SOLEY CREDITED TO MY FRIEND BELU, MOHIT AND MY ALTER EGO.THEY TOGETHER FORM THE WANTON BOYS.

12 comments Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Before I go into overdrive, let’s read an excerpt from a conversation. Year 2007, place a small room crowded by five young men. I am the observer in this heated but sometime humorous exchange of ideas, thoughts, egos, ignorance and the biggest bliss of all arrogance. Topic of discussion was too much intellectual for my liking so I took the role of an observer.Bandhu, with his sparkling eyes and sheer disdain for all visible mortals; put forward the concept of theology and his desire for spiritualism to forefront. I was smelling a confrontation of a sort as other dignitaries present in the room, had strong reservation’s about what they think about there world. First to break the ice was Vabhi, a non conformist in all respect to few things that were not lively. He put an honest opinion, but too direct for the liking of others. In his words “Why you have to go to a temple of special kind every Saturday to look for spiritual enlightenment, you are a learned man, even Lord Buddha got gyan under a tree, you should search it the way that’s natural and opens to interpretation than questions?”Vabhi 1 Bandhu 0, it was first time I was thinking about the relevance of this debate, so let me get it unfolded.

Bandhu was ready with his tark vitark.He was poised, rolling the beads in hand he replied “I had a liking for theology, I have left drinking, smoking and eating non veg.Its the place I get the peace of mind. Even the Guru’s there are guys who have been to IIT’s sometime in there lives, people of status and recognition come to that place. It’s my world and my ways to learn, your question don’t hold good my friend”. I was convinced by his logic that who are we or anyone to question his choice of living. Score 1 all.
I felt Vabhi was more curious now. “What they teach you there and how it changes your life? I still see you chasing girls?”.Bandhu “I am not looking for perfection, I am in a search of God”.Vabhi “Why you looking for god? Have you seen your reflection in a mirror, are you away from the bliss of life, don’t u feel jealous, don’t you have greed, don’t you need to lie sometime, God is in you, you can find him, I suppose if you wake up early than chatting all night long with girls”. Hold on guys, you are getting personel, we are into a discussion and don’t need to be driven by emotions.
Time for Sakha to join, calmest of guy you will come across.Hmm, now it will be more interesting; his calmness will drive us further.Sakha “I also went there, it’s really refreshing, they show you video’s about Charles Darwin theory and do you know they are present in Europe and US, people of class come up there, even one of my senior was there on last weekend.” I can not be observer for long. I too jumped in “Charles Darwin, that dude has given nice theory for evolution, now don’t tell me they are going to put it in question on basis of religious and ancient text”.
Big Brother the fifth and the last to jump in is always been strongly opinionated about most of the stuff, so I was thinking he will decide the fate of the discussion Big B “ I am believer in the traditional route to Spirituality,worshiping,you need not to go to any special place or special person to learn it, they are like us, some are failure of daily life, looking for a refuge in such stuff, some are there to solve their purpose, may be some ignorant fools need them.”Score level at 2-2.I was undecided. We were getting out of context. Like always when you are in doubt best thing is to do google.Spiritualism in Hinduism is about existence of soul. So may be its about searching of soul. It’s questioning the very basic of existence. It must take you away from materialism of any sort. People who have understand its meaning at the best will not even break into an argument of this sort. Calmness and light reflecting from their face will be amazing.
I had more question than answers after going through this discussion. One thing for sure none of us knew about the topic in hand. My search for spirituality is still on from that day till date. What it is? Can anyone really tell me what I have to look for? The best answer I have got from a living person was reading some texts from His holiness Dalai Lama’s writing.(Will cover in another post).

I will leave this discussion as inconclusive for the time being. But I really want to pose a question to the HARE RAMA HARE KRISHNA type of communities, what are they looking for, or what they are offering for. They are growing into gigantic trusts, millions of turnover or I say Guru’s and lord of rich. If you are that near to the almighty, why you don’t open your door to all, why are you so much into self proclamation?

I am away from spirituality, not even search of it; I am too much consumed in my own world, to even think about it the next day I wake up?


NO OFFENCES MEANT HERE, ANY RESEMBLACE TO ANYONE LIVING OR DEAD WILL BE HIGLY CO-INCIDENTAL.
BE IN SPIRIT TAKE IT ALL IN SPIRIT.

4 comments


Let me take you to my dream
It starts from dark room in my head
Spectrum of light enters
I count the rays, they are six in number
Someone is missing, not for sure a VIBGYOR

It’s my dream, It’s my head, nothing is real, Nothing is perfect…
So people, don’t you question me, be with me,
In my dream, in my head..
Till I found the seven..

I touch the ray, to change it into a day,
It’s no more a room, its open; I can see the blue sky,
I can’t smell the flowers, but can hear and see the bird fly,
It’s not a garden I guess, even grass is not green, it’s blue in nature
My dream tell me now, where I am,
You in heaven, you are stubbed you are plumbed,
Goosh,I am cheated, I am dreaming in a dream forever,
I thought I was here for my missing seven,
And now I am told I am in heaven

Hold on I am in my dream, in my head, in my world, but I still don’t see the seven?
My dream if you are real, prove me it is heaven,
Close your eye, make a wish, and open it to realize heaven,
I was next into my bed, into a day, with loads of sleep in my eyes,

I still don’t know why I was taken to heaven,
I still don’t got which was the missing seven,
Need to go back into my dream, into my head,
At least we will find the missing seven……

DREAMS IN A DREAM,I assume it will be comprehended, nothing is missing in your life in your dreams, you have your heaven offered to you, but somehow you don’t want it. You still searching for the seven?
Wake up and realize you are dreaming in a dream?

This form of writing is called blank, loving for a reel of criticism.