Why and How?

I apologize for the fact that I haven’t written a post in the last twenty days. I have been planning to write a day by day analysis of my life in Kota, for a week, and haven’t been able to do it, so I gave the plan up today, and I’ll just write it generally, but it’s gonna be a long post. BTW thanks to the people who inquired why I hadn’t posted including Ish and tigger.

My journey began on the night of 16th April. I had a lot of work to do that day and I was backing up my Desktop data till the moment my father was shouting for me to come down, as we had to leave for the railway station. I wasn’t very sad, but I knew I was gonna miss my friends a lot. So we reached the station, caught our train, and I embarked on a new journey, leaving behind a closed chapter of my book. But, was it really closed so soon? I would live in Jalandhar ever again like I used to…. but how could it end in just fifteen years…. so many plots of the chapter were still undeveloped, or not finished. But, I had to move on.

My parents were coming with me and Vipul(Binny) and his parents were there with us too. It was so exiting… starting something new… you know that rush of getting into a new life routine. But, I sure didn’t know then, that it would turn out to be so difficult. The next morning I spent talking to Vipul and getting to know him better…. we had not been very good friends in school, more like acquaintances or someone you hear about from your friends. Last evening, Sarvesh had called me to tell me that Vipul “ki setting ho gayi hai.” I asked him about it and surprisingly he told me all about it. I also spilled my beans about the oneitises. Well, they didn’t really matter to me much then.

When we reached in Kota, it was hell hot. My father’s friend’s brother, was there to receive us. My father wanted to book the rooms in advance, but the man was like, “It would be done, we would get you whatever hotel you would like” on the telephone. But I had some idea, that many people would be there, and we won’t get a place easily. We hotel hunted all afternoon and after many no availabilities, had to stay in a 3rd grade hotel. It wasn’t so bad, but bad according to our standards, or for that matter according to standard of many people. The rooms weren’t clean, were small, the walls were dirty, the bathroom wasn’t so clean, but we had to adjust.

After hotel hunting, came PG hunting. It was hard and frustrating, as there were many institutes in Kota, with no arrangement of Hostels by the institutes due to which the demand of good PGs was high. My mother threatened me that if we didn’t find a good enough PG, they would take me back with them. Vipul’s dad’s some relative showed us some rooms in Indravihar, but he also said that it was pretty late, most good rooms were already booked. Wherever we went, either the rooms were already booked, or only one was available or the rooms weren’t good, or they had common bathroom or the lavatory seat was Indian style. Me and Vipul don’t know how to operate that way…. call us spoilt, but we have never used or been taught to use Indian style lavatories. Anyway, so it was really difficult. At last we had to settle for a single room, with a double bed and two almirahs. The landlord’s were the relative’s brother, who they didn’t talk to anymore…. so we did the deal ourselves. We had dinner at the relative’s place. We also saw a tennis racket type thingy which has current in the net and is used to kill mosquitoes, for which Kota is pretty famous. We bought one for our room the next day. Anyway, the relatives were pretty nice people, and I mixed up with them quite easily… making jokes and all. They told us that students were easily beaten up here by local boys and police didn’t do anything. So Vipul was advised to keep his head down, as he was quite an influential dude, where he lived, you know what I mean. We returned to the hotel and that was the last time we saw them. By the way, maybe I shouldn’t say this, but Vipul’s dad is like the biggest Kiss-ass I’ve ever seen. He has a wierd style of saying, “Acha acha achachachach” really fast and is a big ass kisser, praising every word by saying, “Kya baat hai”, or “Maza aa gaya.”

Next day in the morning, was my introductory class. We were getting late, and we took breakfast(a bread pakora) sitting in the auto-rickshaw. There was a long lecture by Mr. V.K. Bansal, but it was good. I mean it gave you the feel for the first time that you are here, in Kota, to study in Bansal classes. But it was a 3 hour long class, and I hadn’t brought a water bottle with me. Whenever Bansal drank water, mann karta tha, chaper maar ke paani cheen lun. At the end of the class, they told us about our batches. Mine was R8. The batches are from P1 to S10. So, I was pretty far behind, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hurt. But, I drank the pain as a bottle of dew and went on the shopping spree waiting for us. It was pretty easy, but it was really very hot, which made it tiresome. We also purchased bicycles, as it is the mode of transportation used by most students here. It was a weird feeling to drive a bicycle after like 4 years, and I also remembered how I used to fall every time I took out my bicycle. While I was in the class, our mothers set up our room. But the room is very small, and one of my bags, containing my books, novels and dvds is still unpacked. Vipul’s class was in the evening and he got Q2. Saala, I am smarter than him….. but it doesn’t matter. The batches will be reshuffled after the first test on May 25th. So that night I washed my hair, so that the “juda” done by my mom would last another week. Truly, that was the only thing I was dependent on my mother for, anatomically, at this late age. That day, I also got to know that Vipul ate a lot. The man ate two bread pakodas at 9, then 2 samosas and sprite at 11:30 and 5 chapatis in lunch at 1:30. I mean, I juat eat two chapatis a meal and he looks thinner than me (although he’s not). The next day, early morning, our parents went back and we had two free days before classes began.

The next two days went by pretty quickly. We watched movies on the laptop (who’s volume capabilities sucks), talked to each other and got to know each other better. We are much closer friends now. We also got to know the dude living in the room right by our room, who’s from Ludhiana. He seems to have been pretty spoilt in Ludhiana (girls and fights wise). He is also in Bansal in S5 batch. But, he’s a good kid…. and is sometimes overconfident about his success which he veils as positive thinking. Also, he’s crazy about Amway, as his father does network marketing for Amway and he uses all the supplements and other products made by them. He is also sometimes a little irritating. We also met 3 other guys from Gwalior. One, who doesn’t talk much with us, but is supposed to be pretty intelligent. The other is a total Joker, I mean you just sit with him for a few minutes and you would be laughing your guts out. Their mothers still stay with them and would be leaving in May end. The last one is a IT dude, I mean he’s into computers so we have a good tuning. But, none of these guys watch much movies, and I am a movie buff, so I can’t talk much about movies around them. We now know much about them and we know much about them. Its surprising that we have become good friends in so few days. We also have gotten into the habit of mimicry of the landlord and his family. Me and Vipul also imitate our old teacher and the new science ones. Its really funny.

No one like the landlord our of all of us. He is a middle aged man who smokes a lot, and once when he was sitting in the Verandah, he told Vipul to pick up the stool like “Kamod chakk liya”. We now call him Kamod wale uncle. He is not a nice man btw, and got rude with me once for no apparent reason. I try to avoid him and his family as much as possible.

We eat food at a mess called Annapurna, and the food isn’t so bad, but it isn’t good either. I have decreased my food intake has decreased because I don’t like the food here. And my jeans are starting to become loose, which I consider good news. The most surprising part about the city is that, despite being a major industrial city, It doesn’t have any McDs, Pizza Hut, Dominoes or even a Cafe Coffee day. All the fast food you get commonly is samasos, kachoris and patties, which they fill up with sauces and namkeen like a gol gappa. There a couple of restaurants nearby which have ok-ok fast food. We just had some last night as the mess was closed.

We have been searching for a new PG for 2 or 3 days, which has 2 rooms available and all the facilities we need. We have searched all houses with a board of “room for students” on it, but didn’t find anything nice. We did find an apartment and and a hostel, but everyone has been suggesting against staying in a hostel, so I guess that’s out. But, everything was almost final about the apartment, infact we were gonna give the advance this evening, but Vipul feels like this place is better. And to tell you the truth, I think so too, as at the flat, we will have to take care of many things ourselves, and there will be just the two of us there. So we have decided to stay here only for now.

The classes are OK, but I kind of feel that I could have done studying like this at home also. The thing is that they haven’t put much pressure on us yet, as the second installment of the fees. But still, the 6 or even 3 of us, when study together, spend most of the time joking around. And I haven’t studied in two days. The thing is ki padhne ka mann hi nahi karta yaar……… and the room is a mess because of all the stuff accumulated, which is also a big turn off. We have our first test on 25th May, which is 6 hours long, and after that the batches will be re-shuffled. And I have totally decided that if I don’t get in the first few batches, I’m going back…. it seems like the sensible thing to do….cuz our senior(who is a genius btw) told us that good teachers are only alloted to the first few batches. So lets see where life takes me next.

Roadies 5.0 (Episode 8)- What the Fack was that?

Well, I finally watched the 12th April Roadies episode online, the way I’ll have to watch the rest of them. And man was that an episode full of shocks or what? The arrival of Simran and Varun was surely a surprise. The ladyboy thing was really cool, but man….the guys must be really embarrassed, of getting their legs and especially their eyebrows waxed. Varun and Vibhor did well. Nihal was as cheap as he could be. Ashu ka to pata hi tha, Bollywood style dance. The Girls all looked very sexy and Shambhavi looked like an expert, of course which she is being whorish and an expert at seducing guys. Ok, that was a cheap shot, I’m not sorry though. The second task was also cool, and to my delight Prabhjot and Vibhor won the immunity.

But, the thing that made me give this post that title which proves that I was in disbelief was the attitude of Shambhavi and Prabhjot towards each other. They were talking normally during the show, which seemed ok, cuz they had to spend the rest of the journey together. But the real surprise came at the vote-out. They were sweet to each other, hugged each other, Prabhjot voted against Nihal, she defended her and stuff……….and when Shambhavi got voted out, Shambhavi was saying good stuff about Prabhjot and wanted to meet her after the game, and even said she’d miss her! Heck, she even left a note only for Prabhjot, which Prabhjot considered “SO SWEET OF HER” and also said she was gonna miss Shambhavi. I was completely baffled on seeing that, like what was happening there. I was more than shocked and quoting Ranvijay, ” Kabhi socha nahi tha, ki aisa din bhi dekhunga.”

But, I’m pretty sure they were just acting, really abusing each other and cringing on the inside. Atleast, that’s what I’m telling myself, to give a logical explanation of what I saw. This just goes to show what they can do to stay in the game…………………………………..

The Race begins……………

Not exactly a race, but whatever is going on is pretty rushed. I’m moving to Kota soon, to study in Bansal Classes and the preparations have begun. What with buying new clothes, buying new lowers, new undergarments, new socks, shoes and much more stuff which can be read on my mother’s list. She wants to buy everything here, but I’m trying to convince her that most of the stuff can also be bought in Kota, so there’s no use of carrying extra burden. But she’s right too, my parents are just gonna be there for 1 and a half day and have to arrange everything including a PG, and make arrangements for my food too.

I’m not that scared or worried that I’m going into a new city. I am only a little sad because I have to leave all my friends behind. Only 1 guy from my previous class(Binny) is coming. I gave a little good bye party to my close friends today(when they should give me a farewell, aren’t they total asses!). We had planned to watch Krazzy 4, but it got pretty bad reviews, so we dropped the idea. We bowled, played pool, and had lots of pizza today, all on my expense btw. But, I’m gonna miss them, even if I wasn’t going, we had divided. Everyone was going to different schools for +1. I have really gotten into the song “Dil Chahta Hai” these days. I even watched the movie twice. Anyway, that’s why I’m taking a laptop with me, to access internet and stay connected. Another reason I wanna take a laptop with me is because I wanna remain sane. There’s gonna be no TV, no nothing and those “padhakoos” in kota are gonna bore me with their study talks. I don’t believe in studying too much and this laptop will me my TV, music system, theatre and a way to stay connected to the rest of the society. The problem starts here, cuz I’m very confused between Dell and HP. Everyone has advised me to buy HP, although Dell is better, because there is no service center in my city. I have decided to go with HP, but suggestions are welcomed. I’m also confused with wireless internet service, whether I should go with Tata Indicom or Reliance…suggestions are welcomed again on this topic.

So I am ready for a new experience as this chapter of my life closes as I turn 16. May God be with me……..

PS- Sorry, there was no Roadies post, cuz MTV is not there on my TV anymore, because of the cable provider.

PPS- Ish, aisi bhi kyaa naraazgi ho gayi, ki comment ka reply hi nahi kiya. Agar koi galti ho gayi to I’m SORRY.

Yep, Indian Democracy sucks………….

We have just proved that Indian politicians have sold their souls to the devil and now just live on votes. They would go to any extent for getting and securing votes. They think that doing good work will not have them elected, but rigging vote booths and saving a vote bank by dividing India will.

A latest example is the clearance of the OBC quota law. Now, the SCs, STs and OBCs will have a total of 49.5% reservation in all central universities including IIT, IIM and even JNU and DU. The cream layer of OBC will be excluded which includes, kids of judges and gov. officers, and kids of other wealthy parents. Even the private universities have to follow this, which is unconstitutional according to one of the judges deciding the case. You tell me, is it necessary today that reservations should be kept. Sure it was when certain caste people weren’t given admission in temple schools, but now no one asks about your caste when you go to get admission anywhere except when you fill it out yourself. How is it needed anymore? How forward do they wanna take India when our Government keeps dividing us on caste bases and then asks us to be tolerant of others? They just want to get votes.

And in this so called “Democarcy”, the Government doesn’t even want to hear the public out. The so many possessions and morchas have been squashed, students have been killed and lathi charges are common. So, they are taking away our only right which we could practice without restrictions. And the CJI has to say on this that, “Reservation is one of the many tools that are used to preserve….essence of equality so that disadvantaged groups can be brought to the forefront of civil life.” What disadvantaged groups? When people don’t discriminate, why does the government? I’ll tell you what, the parties should give their votebank a 100% reservation, and we shall be pushed out to other countries, cuz that what it looks like, we are halfway there.

I wanna clarify that I am not writing against the SC, ST, or OBCs, but against the way Democracy is practiced in India. I might even be charged under the law for speaking against the Government cuz the right to speech is not of importance anymore, cuz if mass protests are crushed, who am I? Our fundamental rights are taken away, and then they call out to us to fulfill our fundamental duty of voting which is already rigged with gifts and fake votes and hollow promises. Well I say this to those people:

Well, anyway enjoy your votebank. My faith in democracy has been broken. Communism or anything else, anyone?

BTW, I got admission in Bansal Classes……………..

Musical Musings - Idea stolen from lemonade and ish

This post has been stolen from a tag done by lemonade and ish. I just liked the idea, so I decided to do it too. Ok, let me just say that I’m not so good at pulling jokes out of every answer like ish or lemonade. So please be patient enough to go through the post before swearing and closing the tab.

The rules are:

1. Put your iPod (or other source of music) on shuffle mode.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write the name of the song no matter what. No cheating!

Here go the answers…..please be nice to me apple.

“If someone says ‘Is this okay?’, you say?”
Fack-Eminem

( I don’t say that to their face, but I am pretty lousy at making choices, so I say that aloud in my mind along with some relationship names)

“What would best describe your personality?”
Jag Ja - Omkara

(That’s totally true, I sleep a lot and my parents have to sing that song all through the morning)

“What do you like in a guy/girl?”
My Hump - Black Eyed Peas

( That’s kind of true, but I’m that not an ass man like Joey)

“How do you feel today?”
Shaam Tanha - Agnee

(I feel lonely most of the times, sometimes even when I’m surrounded by people)

“What is your life’s purpose?”
Bahon me tu aaja - Raghav Sachar

(So true……………….. always chasing girls)

“What is your motto?”
Khalbali -Rand De Basanti

(Also true, I am quite a prankster and mess maker)

“What do your friends think of you?”
Satrangi Re - Dil Se

(Thank you, Thank you all for seeing so many shades in me)

What do you think of your parents?”
Paatshshaala - RDB

(Awfully true, most of the times, they are)

“What do you think about very often?”
I wanna fuck you - Akon

(Again true…….this ipod can read my mind)

“What is 2+2?”
Aanan Faanan - Namastey London

(I told you, it can see my mind struggling to find the answer)

“What do you think of your best friend?”
Nobody’s Listening- Linkin Park

(Yeah, my friends do get bored of me, especially my Tech talk and Discovery channel bhashans, and I guess, after a point, they just stop listening)

“What do you think of the person you like?”
Desert Rose - Sting

(Man, I can find something poetic in there, so the song says that I feel like I’ve found a rose in an otherwise dry and dirty desert)

What is your life story?”
Veeraniyan - Namastey London

(Yeah, I’m gonna be alone for the rest of my life chasing girls (life purpose) )

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Smack That - Akon

(Yes, I would get into S&M, once I grow up, it would be too gross just now)

“What do you think when you see the person you like?”
Dum Laga - Dil Dosti, Etc

( Yep…. I think we all got what that means)

“What do your parents think of you?”
Missing Sunday - Sunday

(Yeah, they must miss those alone sundays together, which they couldn’t get after I came along to turn their world upside down)

“What will you dance to at your wedding?”
Keh Lene De - Agnee

(I will always be begging for a chance to speak after that, so practice starts right at the wedding)

“What will they play at your funeral?”
Main yahan Hun - Veer-Zaara

(This is eternal, a message from beyond the grave, that I’m still there will all of you and will start haunting you from that very night)

“What is your hobby/interest?”
Dard-e-Disco - Om Shanti Om

(Yes, thats my hobby, doing Dard bhara Disco)

“What is your biggest secret?”
Woh Ajnabi - The train

(You know my biggest secrets always had been my crushes, so it fits)

“What do you think of your friends?”
Dil Chahta Hai - Dil Chahta Hai

(I don’t want to lose my friends, and I’m on the brink of doing that, so I am feeling like that)

“What should you post this as?”
Dil Hai Yeh Dil - Raghav Sachar

(Just listen to your heart while writing)

Yes, you are never getting those two minutes back, you spent reading this. You can now swear, call names and get out if that cools you down, thank you for going through my post.

Girls of Delhi are hot!!

I’m telling you, its like a big car showroom with shining new mercedes, ferrari, ford gts, lamborghinis with some classic vintages and lincons. You’ll also find a few marutis which are easy to ignore. I don’t mean any offence to girls, but I’m just giving an example. One car looks shinier than the other when you go near it. It’s a situation where it’s hard to choose one. I’m sure all the guys know what I mean. (btw, that’s why i used to believe in crushes where u r hung up on 1 girl) So, its like a orchard where every apple is as red as it could be. At least they were, wherever I went in Delhi. You get the picture so I won’t ramble on.

So I started for Delhi on 5th April, 2008 in the morning at 6. It was a long trip even on a Shatabdi. So, a friend of mine………..

*should i mention his real name* *confused*

ok, so binny(his pet name), and his dad were going too. I was going with a salesman in our shop, who has been working for us for like 15 years. This Binny is a total bastard, in exam days he is like, “I’ve just started, u’ve done so many chapters already.” “I had to leave 5 chapters.” “I studies very less for this exam.”, you know the types…..but then he gets a load of marks, so he is basically a liar. Man, I’m off topic, seems like I’m catching Ish’s disease. Anyway, so he kept asking me maths problems on the way, and I kept solving them, well, most of them. We also talked about other stuff, like our ex-school, the trip(which he didn’t go to, and I remembered the minute I climbed a train). So we parted at the station, as he was taking the VMC exam some place else.

Delhi was dirty, the streets were very dirty, the only thing I found clean was the Metro, which was very cool. I also sat in an Autorickshaw for the first time after sitting in it for one year of school. Anyway, so I went to the place I had to take my test at. The test was hell tough. I think I must have got only 12-13 right, out of 26. When I came out, it was like another world. I was so immersed in the exam, that the place seemed alien to me. Where was I, in Delhi or in Jalandhar. It was all pretty hazy. As it turned out, Binny’s and Saru’s (another friend’s nick name) test had also gone bad and I also found out that 40,000 students had taken the test, out of which 400 would be selected, so my chances were 0. Also, the result is on 25th April, much after Bansal and even city school starts. On another note, anywhere you looked, you’d find a hot looking girl. Man, delhi chicks know how to dress and make-up.

So I spent the night in one of the rented rooms of Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. The room was pretty nice, like a hotel room, except there was no TV and I wasn’t able to watch Roadies. Anyway, I had a really wierd dream that night about a cousin of mine, which I will post in my wierd dream series (Yes, I have many wierd dreams).

So, I concentrated on the Bansal test. I revised the whole Science again on the train to Chandigarh the next morning. The girls weren’t too good looking here(don’t blame me, what’s a guy to do when sitting idle). I met some really nice guys at the test center. I met a guy from Hissar, who sat beside me and we cheated a lot. The test was easy, and I hope I clear it, but going through it again, i found out, i was able to solve many questions, i wasn’t able to during the test, so I did less than my potential. Anyway, I am keeping my fingers crossed for Bansal. Also, I rode the worst mode of transportation in Chandigarh, the riksha. I respect the people who drive it, but it was kind of embarrassing, when you are sitting there and other people are looking at and judging you. I came back in an ordinary bus cuz there wasn’t a train or a deluxe bus available, but I wouldn’t know the difference, cuz I’d never even sit in a deluxe bus. I’ve only sit in school and “travel company” buses.

Anyway, it was a good trip. I was hoping to get admission in Delhi after all the sightseeing *wink*, but God has other plans for me. Let’s see what happens…………………

10 shows which make TV still watchable………………II

Yes, back to the list. So I was talking about how the TV is filled with daily soaps and reality shows on every channel. Reality shows are just a method of earning money by gathering votes. But, it was a real mystery why women liked daily soaps, despite them being away from reality. But, I found an answer a few days ago that the women actually see their own figure in the “heroines” of these shows. They try to identify with them, and think what would they do in such a situation. They want to be a rebel or a sacrificing lady like whoever Tulsi and others. Anyway back to the list:

6. Scrubs - Do you think hospitals and medical training is funny? It certainly is in this alternate universe. Scrubs really does seem to be in another universe. It’s a story of doctors, janitors, assistants, friends, relationships, and much much more. It presents the problems and tensions of doctors and employees in such a funny way, that you can’t help but crack into a laugh. It’s a sugar coated lesson in life. You can catch it everyday at 9:30 pm on Star World. Here’s a link.

7. The Simpsons - Who doesn’t know about the Simpsons? Even after 2 decades of it’s running, the episodes are still as original and as funny as hell. The style of The Simpsons is just so absurd and funny, that you can’t help loving this show. The story revolves around Homer and his family in Springfield. I don’t know what it is about this show that makes people love it, but we just do. Bringing a fresh episode everyday, it is an excellent entertainer, airing everyday at 6 pm on Star World. Here’s a link.

8. Sun Yaar Chill Maar - Ahh, after so many English shows, here’s another show that has qualified for my top ten list. It is one of the most original and most entertaining shows I’ve seen being churned out from the Indian TV channels. The story revolves around 6 college friends in Delhi, and their daily problems. You never get bored with the vulgar style of Omi like “Uska toh ghanna lamba hai……..[pause], kadd”, neither do you get bored of the yos by piddi. I think it is a true representation of Indian Youth(in a funny way), offering characters of every kind. You can catch it Monday-Thursday at 10:30 pm on Bindass. Here’s a link.

9. The Looney Toons and Tom & Jerry - Another evergreen show. Whenever nothing worthwhile is being shown on the TV, this show often comes to my rescue. I never get bored of an episode no matter how many times I have seen it before. The characters are all colourful, and I think you’ll really like it, no matter whether you are a kid or an adult. Tom and Jerry is another such cartoon, which never gets old. I don’t know the exact timings of these shows, but Looney Toons airs on POGO and Tom & Jerry on Cartoon Network. Here’s a link.

10. Discovery Channel, History Channel ‘n’ Nat Geo - Yes, I know the name doesn’t have the name of a show. But, my list seemed incomplete without the mention of these channels. I don’t watch any particular shows on these channels, but most of the time, happen to catch something that grabs my interest. They are great channels and I don’t think they are boring or nerdy. Rather, they help us understand Science, History and Cultures in a fun way.

I also loved these shows till they got canceled and I got tired of watching the re-runs. But they deserve a special mention. They are Khichdi, Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai, Suite Life of Zach and Cody, Aliens in America, Lizzie McGuire and That’s so Raven.

Ok, I don’t know how this works, but I tag whoever wants to do a post about their favourite TV shows, including you Ish (from Dead End), Balu (from CHUPchap) and Amit (from mashed musings).

10 shows which make TV still watchable………………I

Yeah, I know, I haven’t posted in 2 days, but I was studying……yes I do study occasionally, when I’m not watching movies that is. Anyway, so I had a post, but that’s taking a little longer to shape up, so here’s another one.

With all the crap being showed on TV including the ghisse pitte daily soaps and boringly repetitive reality shows, there is very less to watch except MTV or V. But, eventually some shows come along which you actually like. Here are 10 of the TV shows currently airing, which I like to watch and make TV watchable for me.

1. MTV Roadies - Everybody who has been reading this blog, must know that I absolutely love this show. I have been following it since the 4th season, when I first discovered it. I never let myself miss even 1 episode of this show and can watch it again and again. Of all the new reality shows, this one only seems to offer a piece of reality. Every Saturday at 7 pm on MTV. Here’s a link.

2. Drake and Josh - A show which, I think all would be able to enjoy, despite their age. But me and my friends absolutely love it. Its about two teenage step brothers Drake and Josh, and the problems faced by them. What’s particularly interesting is Drake and Josh’s different approaches to the same problem. Drake is the cool dude who gets out of every mistake without punishment and Josh is the geek who gets blamed for everything. Their encounters with their cold blooded sister Megan are also intriguing. I swear, if I had a sister like that, I would kill her. No matter how many times you watch an episode, you never get bored. Every day at 9:30 pm on Nickelodeon. Here’s a link.

3. House M.D. - A modern day Sherlock Holmes, except that he doesn’t solve crimes but medical cases. You will see some of the most unusual medical cases being solved in 1 hour with various mistakes and realizations. The best thing about the show is Hugh Laurie who plays Dr. House. The character’s dry and inhumane style is, cool, if you will. The other characters are very finely developed and it’s the closest show to reality, I’ve ever seen. It’s based on one principle: Everybody lies. You can always relate to one or the other character. Every Tuesday 11 pm. Here’s a link.

4. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - An all time favourite. Actually this is the only show which is so popular, that I could find it’s season DVDs in my local store and didn’t have to got to Planet M. I know it doesn’t even remotely come close to the real lives of people in New York, but it’s a really fun show. The characters and situations are lovable and there isn’t a moment when you might get bored. It was kind of like my introduction to American TV shows and I love it and trust me, you will to. My favourite character is Chandler, cuz I’m kind of sarcastic like him.It airs weekdays, 7:00 pm on Star World. Here’s a link.

5. My Wife and Kids - Evergreen, that’s what this show is. Filled with witty comments and funny characters, it is one of the best examples of American Comic Shows. There’s a guy called Michael, and this show is about his relationship with his wife and kids. It provides quite a number of laughs, and you learn a lesson or two about relationship or disciplining children with Michael’s Signature moments. It airs every weekday at 6:30 pm on Star World. Here’s a link.

All the timings are IST. The next part has 5 more great shows……so stay tuned.

I hate shopping for clothes…….

Yes, I hate it, I simply hate it, for the basic fact that I’m fat, a condition which many people call “healthy” in India like my mother, my sister-in-law(i hope thats what we call bhabhi) and many others, even some of my friends. I remind them again and again that healthy is being fit, and the thing is called being fat or obese.

Anyway back to the point, I hate shopping for clothes, my parents have to drag me to the shop(not literally), and I shop just once at the start of every season. I hate it because I’m totally embarrassed. I know that I should accept it and I do, but it’s just embarrassing to ask for over sized clothe, which have to be altered in length for you, and even more embarrassing to stand there in the trial room, and pulling up a pair of jeans which just won’t go higher and then walking out with those overtight jeans and ur mother asks you, “Kamar se tight to nahi hai?”(”Is it tight at your waist?”) I mean you’re there like totally red trying to hold your breath to flatten your stomach a little bit, and this bomb drops on you in front of the salesman and you are thinking, “wtf, I can manage if it is tight or not, why’d u have to ask me?”. But you say that it’s tight and the salesman picks out a bigger waist jeans for you, which is OK at the waist, but longer than you need. And then you try out t-shirts, which are equally embarrassing if they don’t fit. Finally when you are sitting in the back of your car, your parents are like giving you advice when you don’t need it. I have plans, I’m just too lazy to get off my ass.

I have written this, because I had to go through all this today, again. But no matter, I have a new plan and I’m gonna work on it from tomorrow.

IF………………….

I searched stuff about Rudyard Kipling when I watched a movie called “My Boy Jack”, and loved it and I found this beautiful poem called “IF…”. I won’t comment, just enjoy the poem………..

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream–and not make dreams your master,
If you can think–and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings–nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And–which is more–you’ll be a Man, my son!

–Rudyard Kipling