A Slice of Luck

Its 5pm. Just got up from a siesta. Nothing much to report actually, my saturday was a short day. I played a bit of NBA, resumed reading my novel and then went for a walk in the evening. Sunday was similar, but saw the Australian Open final in the morning. Roger Federer was amazing. He didnt play perfect tennis and he committed quite a few uncharacteristic errors in the first set. Gonzalez had that perfect chance, two set points to tie up the first set and then go into the second set with confidence. He would be the first person to have won a set against Federer in that tournament. But it was not to be. Federer like a true champion dug out the game, and then crushed Gonzalez in the tie breaker to win the first set. He then went on to finish off the match.

Gonzalez was finished. If he had just got won those two set points, he earned that slice of luck or opportunity (whatever you would like to call it). But, then he didnt take his chance. Taking your chances. So this means that you may get your slice of luck and good fortune, but it is upto you to take full advantage of it. Some lessons to learn.

The same can be said for Arsenal FC who played Bolton Wanderers in the evening in the FA Cup 4th round tie. Bolton who are often termed as Arsenal's bogey team, did the trick again. Bolton went close to scoring in the first 20 minutes, and Arsenal again showed their lack of aerial prowess. Headers were won by the Bolton players at set pieces, and the man marking on set pieces was awful by Arsenal. Arsenal got their slice of luck, just like Gonzalez, but in this case did not earn it. Arsenal players realising that this was their chance tried to muster up pace and score, but were found wanting. There was no determination and the chances were not too decisive. Half time. Arsenal came back on, realsing that they dont want to go back to the North to play Bolton in their home ground. Arsenal have won only twice in the last 5 years at The Reebok!

And it was no surprise when Bolton playing some great passing finally broke the deadlock and went ahead. Arsenal who were used to going behind at the Emirates, knew that a fight was on. They put pressure after pressure to score eventually and secure a replay up north. I am not too confident about them winning in Bolton. And this is where Arsenal lost it. They had the opportunity or slice of luck that they got a home tie. They again had the luck of the score being 0-0 , inspite of numerous Bolton chances. They did not make the most of it. Same story. It has to be seen whether, the save made by Almunia(arsenal goalkeeper) when the score was 1-0 would prove decisive. He made most of his opportunity.

The above two situations has taught me something. Who says football is not educative!!?? ha.
I got another rejection today morning. So I was thinking, if I get that slice of luck and get an interview offer, I am not going to let it go. I should give it my best shot and shoot for goal. But let me get my slice of luck or opportunity first. 6 rejections uptil now. No interviews as yet. Maybe I am worrying too much about this job situation and maybe I should. I don't know. I don't know my future. So I am playing it day by day, application by application. There was this doctor once who looked at my hand and said that there are problems and obstacle throughout my life and that there is a lot of hardwork required. Well, I don't believe in palmistry or anything like that. I kind of agree with the latter part of what he said. In the words of Hellen Keller, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved."

Finito...

Freedom

After almost a month of studying and worrying, I am finally rid of my exams. Yesterday was my last paper, and I am glad it's all over. It is a mere coincidence that India's Republic day and my last day of exams just happened to be the same day. I feel like people back home are celebrating not only the Republic day but also my end of exams. Haha..what a stupid and crazy thought..ahem..the world does not revolve around me. Reality check!! Anyway, my exams started on 23rd, tuesday and I had four in a row which meant that I had to finish studying for them well before hand. First two exams were great, third one was crappy crappy doo and yesterday's one was great. So that's that then.

It has been an eventful week, with surprises and shocks. I almost got my marks for one of my submissions deducted due to some plagiarism issue. I was foolish enough to email my assignment to my friend, so that he could get a "basic guideline" of the assignment. Unfortunately, the report he ended up submitting was identical to mine except for a few graphs and diagrams which were different. I had no idea about all this and so was surprised when I got an email a week ago from my proffesor, saying that he wants to meet me on the 26th(ie. yesterday). My first reaction on reading the email was...I have either failed the module, or I am in for plagiarism. My friends tried to cheer me up by stating that the reason he wants to meet me is that he is so pleased by my report that he wants to meet this new young prodigy..haha.

Anyway, I decided that whatever will happen will happen and I had better things to concentrate on..such as my exams. So, I successfully gave my exams day by day until it was the 26th. The meeting was in the morning and I had an exam in the afternoon at 13.30 hrs. I had luckily finished revising the night before so I was feeling fine. I was prepared for the worst at the meeting, and I had a slight feeling that this meeting was something to do with my assignment and the fact that I had emailed it to my friend. So, I went to the meeting, and my worst feelings were confirmed. My friend was present at the meeting. Anyway, to cut a long story short...my friend admitted he had plagiarised my stuff and I was free of any charge with no reduction in marks. However, my friend is in serious trouble.

The moral of the story...you cant trust anyone. This guy was a very good friend, and I thought he was smart enough to realise what he should and what he shouldnt do. But, "thats the way the cookie crumbles". Anyway, all's well that ends well. I am a free bird now, with a week of holidays. I have nothing planned for the next few days, just relax in my room, maybe watch a movie or something. There is some "End of semester big bash" at the union next friday, so I will be going for it. Should be fun and this will be my first time.

I woke up late today morning, and missed breakfast. Lunch in the halls are from 11 am to 1 pm on weekends. So I'll have a brunch most probably.

Hokey tokey, I gotta go. And Oh yeah, ..tomorrow is the Aussie Open final, and the lovely BBC are streaming it live on their website, ..brilliant. Also, Arsenal play Bolton Wanderers at The Emirates tomorrow evening. This is an FA Cup tie and we are gunning for revenge after last year's dissapointment at The Reebok. Go Gunners!!!

Yo man, just stop

I can't see no end to this revolution,
Can't see no answer or any solution,
The power is theirs, one cant share or borrow,
I can't see the start, can't see no tomorrow.

And so I say hey man just stop,
and have some fun.
Thats why I say hey man just stop,
put down your gun.

I see some troops ready to surrender
Just keep on poking till the chicken is tender
The power is ours, their uncertain tomorrow
I can see the broad smiles, observing the sorrow.

And so I say yo man just stop,
and have some fun.
Thats why I say yo man just stop,
put down your gun.

I see now that the end is near
we have killed ourselves..oh dear, oh dear
A choice was made, our power would provide
A hole was dug in which we were to reside.

And so I say yo man just stop,
and have some fun.
Thats why I say yo man just stop,
put down that gun.

Music

Some songs I like to hear again and again(song name followed by artist).

1. Where do I begin - The Chemical Brothers
I like to wake up to this song.
2. Everything in it's right place - Radiohead
Because I want my day to be perfect.
3. Out of the city [Hardcandy mix] - 2 Heads
Sets the right mood.
4. When it's over - Sugar Ray
Nice, just nice.
5. Take a picture - Filter
Beautiful song, something I can relate to.
6. Stand Back - Linus Loves feat. Sam Obernik
A dance tune with a difference.
7. Hai Hai - Panjabi Hit Squad
Fast paced song to get you into the groove.
8. Strange Magic - Darren Hayes
Pure magic...transports you into a different world.
9. Lucky Man - The Verve
Relaxing song, with some great lyrics.
10. Jenny was a friend of mine - The Killers
Dont know..just like it.
11. Just my Imagination - Motown
Close your eyes, relax, imagine....
12. Fix You - Coldplay
We all need those lights to guide us home.
13. Have You Forgotten - Red House Painters
"I cant let you leave...coz you're beauty won't allow me to.." Simple but beautiful.
14. You're all I have - Snow Patrol
Reminds me of someone.
15. This Year's Love - David Gray
Melts my heart.
16. Roobaroo - A.R. Rahman
With your friends, on a long drive, wind blowing in your face, ...perfect song.
17. Breathe - Telepopmusik
Close your eyes, lie on the grass...and just breathe.
18. Head over Heels - Tears for Fears
Great song, great band.
19. Mother, Just can get enough - New Radicals
For that someone special.
20. Elevator Beat - Nancy Wilson
I can see my whole life flash me by ( From the Vanilla Sky soundtrack).

Under Pressure

"Hi Doc. How are you today?"
"I'm fine thank you, Marvin. Why dont you take a seat?"
"Doc, you know why I am here, right?"
"You need someone to talk to. You like talking, and share your thoughts, feelings"
"Doc, you know it all. Today, I want to ask you about intelligence. What is intelligence?"
After a moment's pause.
"It is the ability to think of a suitable answer to this question" smiled Doc.
"Okay...I mean...does it boil down to the fact that we have the ability to think and make decisions? Is that intelligence? I think it is."
"Hmm..good point. Okay, what else do you think?"
"Umm...I was thinking,..well, do ghosts have intelligence. This is assuming that ghosts exist. Ghosts apparently can pass through walls, are see-through. Atleast, thats what we think we know. So, if they are all that, I dont think they can have brains,...so how can they think? I mean, you are a ghost, a ghost has to think sometime or the other, rite? So, if he is dead, and no blood flowing through, no feelings, no senses....hence no brain. Then, how the hell can ghosts think?"

"Interesting...I am sure researchers are working on this, I recently spoke to one of my..."
Marvin cut in.
"It's just an observation. You think I am mad anyway, but I am trying to think here, doc."
"Okay, okay. How was breakfast? Old Jim giving you any trouble?"
"Naah, that ass can go and f... kiss some roses. Ha! That old humbug, he cant live alone in his shanty ..so he comes up and stays here with us. He just wants us to see us suffer from his food. Anyway, breakfast was fine. Some crap and some other crap. And then I washed it all down my gullet with some coca crap. I then went and took a nap, and then went for a crap. Hehe hee, I love rhyming words, they are great. Do you like poetry doc?"

"No Marvin, I don't do poetry, I listen to some music though. Do you want to listen to some now?"
" Nope, doc."
" How are studies going? Project alright? Do you like what you are doing?"
" Kind of. The project takes up so much of time that I don't study. None of the professors want to see me. Its funny. I send emails, I have even spoken to the Principal, but what can I do? If they are busy, they are busy. The lab assistants are nice though, they help me a lot. If it were'nt for them I would be lagging behind. But the pressure is killing me, doc. Really...I dont know about you but, I heard that Roger Bircham quit in his last year and started working in the garage. He is so lucky you know. His parents won't say anything. But my father will not allow that, there is so much pressure. He thinks I am like him, but I am not. My mother is understanding though. We get along well, really well. She tells me to do what I want"

" And what else Marvin, how is your football going?"
"Its fine, but havent practised in a month. No time. I am a busy man, I have work to do. This is an important year."
Beep Beep. Beep Beep.
"Hokey tokey, time's up Marvin. I will see you in a week's time then. Good Luck...and take it easy, you will do well in tomorrow's exam."
"Thanks, doc. Intelligence, thats what I am searching for, but if ghosts get along well without a brain my chances look smashing indeed!! Ha! See you later doc."
"See you later, Marvin."
Doc picked up the phone and dialled a number.
"Nurse, get me Mr. Williams, Principal of Largeville High please."

" Hello! Yes?"
"Hello Mr. Williams, I am Dr. Clark speaking."
" Yes, Dr. Clark, how is Marvin?"
" His condition, it is better, Mr. Williams."
" You mean, he knows nothing about ..about..what happened."
" No, he is working for his exams. He keeps repeating that he is under a lot of stress. His line of thought is linked with the pressure of doing well in his last year. But I can see that he is much better now. He feels safer."
" So ...there will not be any more attacks?"
" It is too early to say. His parents visited yesterday. The father blames himself for putting too much pressure on Marvin. The mother just sits there and listens. Cries sometimes. She says that there were so many other options for him. His final year was not the last thing in life. I tried my best to explain that their son needs medication and lot of care. They seemed to understand and then left."
" I pity them. He was such a quiet and good natured boy. Everyone in his class liked him. Maybe, it was is ..the school..to be blamed. Maybe we put too much pressure on students to perform well these days. "
"Well, Mr. Williams, it is hard to explain. His mother says that Marvin was studying in his room. There was a phone call from his friend. He spoke on the phone for five minutes. He then silently placed the phone down and went up to his room. After about half an hour , his mother went up to see if he was alright. Marvin was just seated in his chair, with his books in his lap. He then said, Look ma, I have my most important exam tomorrow and I still haven't finished the portion. Saying that, he went hysterical, threatening that he will not give his exam. His mother tried to calm him down until he became unconscious. He then had to be admitted to the hospital. He missed his exams. He spent a week in the hospital."
" And then he was normal again"
"Yes, and thats when his mother contacted me. Since then, I have been coming here to his house to check on his progress. He seems alright now. God willing, he gets through this phase and graduate."
"Yes, anyway Dr. Clark, I have a meeting in five minutes. Thank you for your call. Its good to know that he is on the road to recovery."
"My pleasure"
Dr. Clark put down the phone.
"Won't you wait for some tea, Dr. Clark?" asked Mrs. Smith, Marvin's mother.
"No thanks Mrs. Smith. I need to get going."
He put his watch on. Set the alarm off and walked towards the door. Marvin just needs to think about other things now. Football, girls, or maybe he is ? Its a complex thing this mind. It makes you do crazy things. Hysterics...atleast he didn't commit suicide.
Thud!!
Dr. Clark stopped in his tracks. The gate was halfway open. He gulped. Leaving the gate open, he ran towards the garden and then he saw the body. Prostrate on the ground, was Marvin Smith. 16 years of age and blood flowing through his side. There was a piece of paper next to his body. Dr. Clark picked it up and read.
"Tomorrow is my toughest exam and I have not finished the portion. What am I going to do?"
Dr. Clark looked at the body. "Why Marvin, why?"
He heard a scream and then someone running towards the garden. He closed his eyes. Somewhere, someone was playing the Queen and David Bowie hit,.."Under Pressure..".

Laugh like you mean it

You're Beautiful (rewritten for men bored with their wives, based on James Blunt's hit, sing along ,same tune)

My life was brilliant
Now it's a bore..
I saw an angel,
but now I'm not so sure..

She smiled at me on the subway,
She was with another man
But I won't lose no sleep on that
'Coz
I had a plan

Was such a fool
Was such a fool
Was such a fool..it's true

I see your face
such a big disgrace....,
And I don't know what to do
Got my whole life to live with you.

Yes, she caught my eye,
as I ran by..
She could see from my face that I was..
RUNNING
fast,
And I didn't think that I'd see her again,
But we shared a moment that I'll regret till the end...

Was such a fool
Was such a fool
Was such a fool...so true..

I see your face
such a big disgrace
And I don't know what to do,
I've got to bear your tantrums too...

No No No Noo
Nah Nah Nah Naah
Nah Nah Nah Nah Naaaaaaah

Was such a fool
Was such a fool
Was such a fool, it's true...
There must be an angel with a "smile" on her face
When she thought up that I should be with you...

But it's time to face the truth...
I will always be with you.

An Interrospection

Year 2006: The Year that just went by

Fell in love with the IPod Nano.

Visited home twice for the first time.

Death... Cry over it, and then get over it.

Time... The best healer of them all.

Graduate Jobs.... Keep faith and persevere.

Friends...the only difference between Friends and Fiends is an 'r',hehe.

Two types of people....1)People who you know and 2)People who you like to be with.

Fell in love again, I think...But chances of meeting her are low now.

Once Smitten, Twice Shy.....Never told her that I liked her even though she stayed just next door.

2007 ?

Graduate...with distinction.

Get a job.

Ride the bumps and surf the waves.

Go with the flow, but in the right direction.

Butterflies

I saw her on the moon and gently went and told her,
that I really liked her,
and I'd like to know her.
The last time I saw her she was walking in the noon..
with beauty and splendour,
faces around her in wonder.

There.. she.. goes again..
looking at her makes me feel the pain.

She said I'm not the kind of man,
somehow I didn't fit her plan,
Her ideal man is somewhere I don't care
but how can I ever forget that stare?

There are words that will never rhyme
There are sheep that will never climb
These words...well, never mind..
Her smile unforgettable, and her voice, sweet like a chime.

But, I didn't get a letter back
maybe its Jim now..or maybe its Jack.
Stolen words can never find their rhythm,
Maybe I should have learnt some french,
maybe I should cooked some chicken.

But there... she... goes again,
looking at her makes feel the pain.

She said I'm not the kind of man,
somehow I didn't fit her plan.
Her ideal man is somewhere I dont care,
but how can I ever forget that stare?

Now my life is like a comma
just waiting for the full stop.
And girls are like butterflies
they flutter around you..and they never stop.