Run Vicky Run...

Busy Busy....

Life has been too busy these days. Firstly the Bangalore trip then had to make a visit to Agra. There also had to keep on running all day long for a week. So many relatives and am expected to meet everyone. Miss one it gets categorised as being rude.

Last few days have been very very hectic. As per historical record when problems come they come from all directions. All systems everywhere somehow stop working at the same time. Everyone is in an emergency as always. Multiple people calling for different problems at the same time.

Well, it's all part and parcel of the game. Have to accept it the way it is.

Have been sleeping for 4 ~ 5 hours in the night for more than a week now which has started taking its toll now. Am feeling so sleepy that the part of the brain being used for logical analysis has now stopped working.

Thankfully tomorrow onwards the load will be reduced considerably.

Bangalore Trip - Day 5

Today was a very dull day. I'd love to delete this page. Had to go through almost 150 minutes of non stop senseless chit chat of two friends with whom I shared a taxi on the way to the airport. Suddenly I repented on choosing the taxi over the Volvo. But we all make mistakes in life, so did I. Imagine a conversation between a chatter box girl and a guy who is totally confused about his gender. Somehow managed to survive the torture and reached the boarding gate and it go worse.

Couple of blokes sitting in front of me were passing stupid senseless jokes which would not even put a smile on anyone's face. But these guys were having a time of their lives. That is all I can say of this day. Thankfully the flight reached Ahmedabad 10 mins before time.

Why do I always get to meet such interesting characters?

Bangalore Trip - DAY 3, 4...

DAY 3

Completing the pending previous days task and solving the new emergency had to be finished today at any cost. For that I had to push myself as well as the guy assisting me to the limits and probably beyond. So I had planned to start half an hour early. But that did not help. In order to get the first job complete my assistant had to buy some components and the market would not open for the next hour and a half. So effectively we started an hour late contrary to what I had planned.

Reached the site and started my work like a maniac. I could see the huge exclamation mark on the guys face as he had so many doubts to be cleared but I did not have the time to clear all of them. Completed the work much earlier than my target time so that I could clear more of his doubts as it would be beneficial for me at a later date. We were through with this place by afternoon and had to rush to the other location which was around 1.5 hrs from here. Suddenly I realised that I had not taken breakfast and neither did I had lunch. As one of my task was over started feeling hungry. On the way had something to eat and managed to reach the other site on time.

This place was in a total mess. All the cabling was wrongly done. So we got onto the job right away. This is the most tedious and the worst thing part of the entire job. But somehow managed to get everything in order. It was already 5 PM. I thought of taking a test run so that atleast we can be relieved of the major work. Minor details can then be taken care of and completed immediately. First trial: successful. Second trial: successful. Third trial: boooof. Everything just stopped working, abruptly. Now this being a working office we are a hindrance there coz as our system stops working people cannot get in and out of doors. Now that issue been taken care of after people had started giving angry looks to us and probably thinking "Look at these idiots, they have been working for so many days and have not yet been able to get it working". But I was there for just a couple of hours. Give me some time, would you please.

So, back to frantic checking. All systems check, options check, wiring check. Power up and still not working. Check, re check, re re check. But in vain. As per my experience and practice which is contrary to what people generally think is once you are in a fix, take a break rather than pondering over the same thing again and again. Go out, have a cup of tea or coffee, crack some jokes and then come back to the problem. It works for me. So, I did the same as per my habit. Came back and started checking all over again. And suddenly I realised whether care had been taken of maintaining the cable length standards? And as expected they were not. So checked that and there was the problem. My assistant was now tired and had given up and with a very helpless face asked "Sir, can we do this tomorrow?". Tomorrow, no ways. I don't want to come in this office again. Pushed him even hard and within 2 hours of painstaking work we finally were able to sort everything out.

All systems working, customer is satisfied. Our work paid off and my assistant finally had a smile on his face an said "Good Sir that we finished everything today. Else we would have to come all the way here again". I just wanted to run out of that place as soon as possible for the simple reason that my hotel was around 2 hours from here and it was already 7 PM.

But as my friends know I am slightly "mad" as they say. I had to treat my self for the 2 days of hectic and successful work that was done. I got the idea of using BMTC as my transportation back to hotel. To my luck only the weird blue striped bus was the option. I had to travel in them for once atleast. And it was peak rush hour. What better way to enjoy the journey back to hotel. It did give me some shivers early on but I was adamant on doing it. So, I enquired about the route no. and hopped onto the bus. And the rush started building up. I was practically squeezed and crushed to the window. After about 90 mins of torturous journey the pressure was relieved and was able to breathe. Got down from the bus all dizzy and joints getting back to their original location. It was another 10 min walk to the hotel.

Back in my room. Nothing like a comfortable nicely made up bed. I was all broken into pieces and just wanted to drop dead on the bed. Dinner? Who's bothered. I'll have a brunch tomorrow morning.

Next two days were easy. I can relax now.

DAY 4
This is a routine day and not much of activity in there.

Bangalore Trip - DAY 2...

DAY 2:

As I had rested a lot the previous day was up early and was completely ready to face any odd situation. Got ready and straight to my customers office. The role I had to play today was that of a site engineer, uh hmm.., it actually gives me shivers. While selling the products you are so very confident as if nothing available on this planet is better than the product you try to push. After trying hard to convince the person try the product atleast once to which he concedes is the best feeling one can have. But, when it comes to get it working the feeling is entirely different. Its like going for an exam. It does not matter how hard you have studied or how confident you are. An hour before the exam hands are always cold and sweaty. There are so many if and but variables that one is never confident enough whether everything would start working at the first flick of the switch. But that is why I was there. If things always started working at the first shot, they would not need me at all. Which means I would have to look for some other field of expertise. Its the same when we buy any electronic gadget e.g. a DVD player. The guy comes over and starts to set the thing up or as it may seem. People unaware of the details normally think that some settings need to be done but all the guy does is change a setting from A to B and a few minutes later back from B to A. You feel that installing a DVD player needs a professional person to do it. The other reason is that no one bothers to read the user manual provided alongwith the products. It happened with me. When the air conditioner in my room was installed the technician asked me not to use the remote and the engineer would come and program it to work with the unit. What? One needs to program the remote controller to work? Why would a company do such a thing? Flipped the manual and tadaaa.. who needs an engineer for such a stupid thing as the programming involved inserting of batteries making sure of the polarity. So, thanks to people of being scared to use an equipment which makes me an important person.

After a briefing at the office of the system configuration we proceeded to the site where I had to wait for the other guys to reach. Initial checks revealed the faults in cabling and the lack of homework done. Almost 3/4th of the day went by rectifying the faults in the cabling and as the premises had not been occupied and work was still ON, there was no place to sit. Had to stand and roam with the guys almost the whole day. Finally the time had come to power up the equipment. The only thing going in my mind was "Oh God, no faults please." The moment the equipment was turned ON and within 10 seconds about 15 faults were being displayed on the LCD. On one hand I was worried as to why they were there and on the other hand I was thankful that now was the time for me to prove my worth. We got back to work and for the next 30 mins I started dictating on how things need to be changed. All the faults were removed and everything started working fine. Initial and the most important task was now over and as it was evening we planned that the programming of the system shall be done the next day.

Headed back to the hotel with my feet aching after standing and running around for more than 11 hrs.

Long day tomorrow. After finishing this job we need to rush to another location as some emergency has been declared there and they need my expertise to sort that out. My collars are now up and I have started feeling good about myself.

Bangalore err Bengaluru Trip - DAY 1 !!!!

Bangalore or Bengaluru as its now known was my destination and work place for 5 days. I'd prefer calling the place Bangalore as it sounds better and more so someone said that it took only 60 years for our politicians to realise that the names were given by Britishers. Before that no one realised that Goddess Mumba devi was being worshipped in Bombay. That is besides the point and so getting on with the trip.

Reach Bangalore on a Sunday. Had a full day to relax and go around. Morning flight woes as the flight was scheduled to depart at 6.00 AM. But thanks to my luck the flight was preponed to 5.50 AM. Security concerns due to the recent terror attacks and intelligence reports that terrorists might strike from the air, had to report to the airport atleast 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. Normally it does not take more than 30 mins from entering the terminal to reaching the boarding gates. Rules are rules and are to be followed.

DAY 1:
Woke up at 3.00 AM and reached the airport in time at 4.00 AM. To my surprise people had to queue up to get the cabin baggage x-rayed. It took almost 25 mins for me to clear this queue itself. What caught my attention was that a passenger was taken to the side and was being questioned regarding the contents of his check-in baggage. As the queue was long I proceeded to the check-in counter which took another 30mins. Then the security check which being the most important of all the checks was done within no time. Thought of taking a short nap before boarding but had sat for not more than 10 mins and they started boarding. Its for our own safety so, another security check after the gates.

At the boarding gate I found the same guy who was being questioned about his check-in baggage. I asked him what was the problem at the x-ray counter. The guy responds "I don't know what to say. I had a cigarette lighter in my bag which they wanted me to remove. Can't carry cigarette lighter in check-in baggages? That is absurd. Cabin baggage is understandable but check-in baggage." The guy was actually right. Why can't a person carry cigarette lighter in check-in bags? They say it is for security reasons. But security against ...? I can think of only 2 possible reasons, 1> Terrorist attack and 2> Chances of the lighter lighting itself up. Well if it is to safeguard from terror attack, wouldn't one first have to take over the plane in order to reach the bag to get the lighter? The second reason is absolutely weird as it was informed that Zippo lighters were allowed. Isn't it a form of racism as Zippo lighters are allowed but other ones are not?

So, discussing these things with the fellow passanger who was coming from the Jamnagar refinery and was on this way to Bangalore I boarded the flight and thought of sleeping all the way to Bangalore. The seats were a bit cramped the leg room just enough for me to squeeze in. I tried to sleep but just couldnot.

Reached Bangalore after 3 hour long flight as it was via Bombay. Typical Bangalore weather to greet. Nice cool and a gentle breeze was soothing enough to take away all the sleep in my eyes. Hopped into the super efficient Volvo buses started by the BMTC which is comfortable and economical as well. They have routes which cover most of the parts of Bangalore and hence is the first choice of most of the passengers. Reached my hotel and killed time the entire day. Being alone is actually so boring even in a city like Bangalore where there is so much to do. Maybe I am wrong but I just can't enjoy alone. I need company to enjoy anything and everything I do. Being a Sunday I had planned to go to the Lalbagh Botanical Garden which is actually a very beautiful place to visit as I've heard. But the thing is even if I'd go there what would I do. Look at beautiful flowers and wonder how beautiful nature is. But I had none to share and enjoy that moment. So I decided to stay back. Maybe some other time.

What were they thinking????

hahahahahhaaaa.... I just can't stop laughing at these people. I mean, what were they thinking before taking such an idiotic step. Not even a single person came up and said "Listen guys, this is not a green car. Its a slap right on the face of the tree huggers and environmentalists and you are making a joke of yourself in front of the world"

Green Car Of the Year: Cheverolet Tahoe. Engine: Bigger is Better so a 5.3 ltr V8 (as expected in an All American vehicle). Mileage: 20 mpg. 20 mpg and you call this a green car. Just because the one without the batteries gives 10 mpg this becomes your green car.

hahahahaa... The Jury includes: Mr. Carroll Shelby known for making gas guzzling V8 sports car. Mr. Jay Leno, this will say it all http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/. Right people with at the right job. My suggestion would be to put in a 6.5 ltr V8 as it would help recharge the batteries fast enough and make it a bit more greener

"For years, consumers have been buying SUVs in increasing numbers because of their functionality". yeah right for sure. So very functional and practical are SUV's. Mom and Dad can now take their kids along in the same car.. phss... When did people buy SUV's for their "functionality".

Guys, if you really wanna average out what you have been gobbling up till now, MAKE A TATA NANO HYBRID. Stop making a joke of yourselves, you've already done it. Please don't try any harder.

Green Car Of The Year.. my foot hahahahahaha..

I'm Wondering...

All the forces have been put on high alert. Everyone is extra cautious and the citizens of my country are still trying to cope with the recent events. Some of them already have and some are still trying hard to get out of it.

All of a sudden new information starts flashing across of new threats of attack from the skies. A 9/11 kind attack on India. All major airports increase the security to the highest possible levels. Its heard that baggages would be physically checked even after X-ray scans. The airports have been fortified by multiple check points. Some channels even go to the extent of contemplating of how the attacks can take place. A micro light aircraft can be used for attack. WHAT?? Are you serious? A 9/11 kind attack using a microlight? Range claimed: 2.5 km. Yeah right, maybe it can damage a couple of huts and break a few bones. Please keep your bright ideas upto yourself. Anything that can fly isn't a missile. Another possible weapon, A motorised paraglider. Oh com'mon, find something bright atleast if you want to scare people.

There as so many questions which keep on erupting in my mind.When did the terrorists attack after sending the information and plans of their attacks? As reported the same organisation, The Deccan Mujahideen, has issued this warning. Also there are intelligence reports that they are planning such an attack. I'm wondering why do all this happen after the attack is done. Why was action, or as I say Preventive Steps, not taken when earlier intelligence reports about being attacked was being sent. The U.S. also now claims that they had warned India twice that such sort of an attack is being planned.

After attacking once have they ever attacked again, immediately? I don't remember of any of such incident where terror strikes have taken place immediately after striking once. In case if they have, did they declare and attack?

Its not that we should not take such threats seriously. We have to for one simple reason, What if...? No body would take a chance. Even I would not. SMS's floating around asking people not to go to Malls and Multiplexes as they are potential terror attack targets. When were they not targets?

Seems this is going to carry on for some time now. Journalists trying their best to nail the authorities for their laziness and more than that lack of concern. Some newspaper claimed that cops get a chance at the firing range once a year and some of them have not fired a single bullet in the last 10 years. The bullet proof jackets are a joke as they failed all the required criteria set by the DRDO and still purchaces were made, for obvious reasons.

Meanwhile the 3 giant auto makers make a mockery of themselves by arriving in their Hybrid vehicles to ask for aid as they are on the verge of bankruptcy. What were they thinking? When was the last time they heard or used the word Hybrid. I bet that the hybrid they made also had a tiny 6ltr V8 engine.

Bigger is better was their slogan. Build huge engines with heavy chassis and no technology whatsoever in it. Get in Plasma televisions, bars etc in them. Forget fuel bills, the government then claims they are doing their best to protect the environment. For sure, by letting them make point less vehicles which are capable of doing from 1 ~ 10 mpg.

As bigger is better, so is true for the aid. $25 billion to $34 billion. May even rise to $120 billion. Who knows?

Tough times ahead for security, mental as well as financial. I'm wondering when will life come back to normal as it used to be.

Next Is What?

As days progress the blame game continues.

The Congress has finally accepted Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh's resignation. One way to look at it is that the CWC (Congress Working Committee) was waiting for the people outcry so that they can accept the resignation of Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh. If things would have not sparked all around the country they would have probably kept it on hold saying they are still searching for his replacement. Once things would have cooled down everyone would have moved on and so would Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh with his "Kursi".

But thanks to the citizens of our country who showed their respect to the martyrs and the deceased which put a psychological pressure on the government to accept his resignation.

Some blame the NSG for taking it longer time to complete the operations. Well, shooting down 10 terrorists does not take 60 hours. But saving 200 odd hostages from 10 terrorists loaded with grenades might even take 600 hours.

Pakistan having refused to hand over the alleged terrorist to India, Mr. Dawood Ibrahim moves on with his business as usual. But the question is, have we been able to stop his operations in India. How much have we cracked down on him?

Some ask for WAR, some ask for revamping our system, some are for peace.

But the question is NEXT IS WHAT?

Sonia Gandhi praises Mrs. Indira Gandhi for nationalising the banks because of which India is comparitively less affected of the Global Meltdown. I somehow do agree to that but not completely. Countires have been praising the Indian Banking System for their stability and would be taking cues from it in order to improve their own systems. But has she ever been to a bank in her lifetime? I'd suggest she must go to a PSU bank and get a loan sanctioned or an account opened for that matter. She'd realise what is lacking and issues Mrs. Indira Gandhi failed to address.

Recent attacks on Mumbai

After the recent attacks on Mumbai we have started doing what we are best at, which is passing the buck and blaming others for their incompetence. Also, frantic decisions have started being taken. Gujarat government has announced to upgrade its fire power, NSG has been sanctioned their own air fleet so that there are no delays.

When will all this happen? How much time will it take for execution?
As we know the pace at which things move in our country, by the time these decisions are acted upon and our forces get the much deserved tools for their operations crores of rupees would have already changed hands. Many pockets would have been filled. The terrorists would have got even more sophisticated weponary and we will still be a sitting duck agianst them.

Will we ever learn to implement and act before events occur? Sometime back Dad and me were going back home from office and he saw a traffic cop stop a bike rider for jumping the red light. We started a discussion and my dad say "We have the habit of taking pro-active measures rather than preventive measures". The cops wait for you to make a mistake and fine you. The question here is how many measures are taken so that people don't break rules. Well, its not always the authorities. The citizens are also equally responsible. I have been fined a few times for jumping red lights. That was completely unintentional.

While driving I try to abide by the rules as far as possible but what would one do during peak hour traffic. Watch the road, the car in front, one on your left, one on your right, a speeding fellow sticking at the bumper of the car taking a tow to cross alongwith you or the traffic signal. If thats not enough there are pedestrians crossing, some fellow on a bike thinking himself as Valentino Rossi waiting to jump the light. I have only 2 eyes which can only see in one direction at a time. The solution to the problem is very simple. Install a traffic light on the opposite side of the junction as well so that people can have a look at it easily. I've seen it in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan etc all the countries I've been to. But no one understands that. It is that simple but no.. we need to fine people who break the law and not stop people from breaking them.

Similarly on larger issues. Terror strikes, some frantic decisions are taken to make the people feel that the government is acting. We need preventive measures. I was watching CNBC a couple of days back where business community was invited for discussions. One of them said that after the cycle bomb exploded outside The Taj Mahal hotel, couple of them got together and wanted to meet the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra with a proposal for security of the city. The minister turned down to meet them and were guided to a subordinate. The proposal was that they would collect funds from the business houses and finance the training of troops and their weapons. All the government had to do is to select the right people for the job. This group of people will be for the city of Mumbai only and will not be allowed to guard ministers and VIP's. The response as usual was, that Maharashtra had enough task force to tackle any situation and they would revert back if need be.

I'm not saying that the force would have stopped it from happening but its about initiative. The government should be the one who should take such initiatives. On the contrary even when people are ready to fund, the government is unwilling to take initiative for the safety and security of the citizens.
I wish this time it will change and fear that nothing is going to change at all.

Ok, enough of serious stuff [:)]

Here's something to cheer.

Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

I've learned-
That sometimes when I'm angry
I have the right to be,

But that doesn't give me
the right to be cruel.

I've learned-
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.