My health insurance

I was suffering a mild pain in my right leg. After consulting a sports injury doctor, he pinpointed my problem. There was a slight difference between my left and right leg. It was all visible by looking at my old pair of running shoes.

Check out the extra wear on my right shoe.

I used Reebok Torrent Elite IV for the past 1.5 years. It has covered more than 1000 kms now. The doc immediately suggested me to change the shoes. Though the shoes look good from the outside, the actual cushioning inside the shoe has died. So, for a runner, it is always recommended to change his shoe after 1000 kms of running. I was also given some stretching exercises which will correct my right leg. 

When you catch cold, of fall ill, you go to a doctor, he will use his stethoscope, thermometer check your health and will prescribe you some medicines. You go to a medical shop, buy them, follow the prescribed dose, and get healthy again. 

This doctor also gave me a prescription, not of medicines, but shoes which suit my leg. 

1. Adidas Supernova Control 10

2. Nike Triax 11

Instead of a medical shop, I went to a shoe shop, checked out the shoes, and picked up the Adidas shoe. The shoe cost me a lot, but Its ok, that's my health insurance. 

Five unusual reasons to Ride a Bicycle

You probably think that you've heard all the arguments for riding a bicycle. Sure, the bicycle doesn't use non-renewable resources or pollute (including noise pollution), is inexpensive both for ownership and in terms of public infrastructure to support it, can be parked anywhere, and is a healthy activity.

"Blah, blah, blah. Tell me something new," you say.

O.K., here's five reasons to ride a bicycle that you've never before heard of. Not in your wildest dream. And if you don't already ride a bicycle for fun, fitness, or transportation, this will surely convince you to get your gears spinning.

All of this is copied from a very informative site on bicycling. 

1. Bicycles are more technologically advanced than motor vehicles.

Don't let the shiny, complicated looking engine on that Ecstasy S.U.V. fool you. A bicycle is in certain ways the most intelligent vehicle ever created. It has the world's most advanced "engine" controlled with the most wondrous and sophisticated "computer." The engine often knows what's wrong with itself and usually fixes itself. A bicycle is also the world's most energy efficient mode of travel, using just 35 calories per passenger mile versus 1860 for an average automobile with one occupant. And the engine can run on all kinds of strange fuels, like masala dosa.

Affordable bicycles are manufactured with exotic materials such as titanium, carbon fiber, incredible aluminum alloys, and high strength alloy steel. If you've never ridden a high quality modern bicycle, you're in for a treat.

In comparison, cars are dinosaurs. Actually, they burn decomposed dinosaurs in an internal combustion engine that, evolutionarily speaking, is about at the Paleozoic era. We've had rocket ships that go to the moon and back since 1969. We have limitless solar energy and enough nuclear technology to atomize the earth, but our motor vehicles still use fossil fuel. Cars are made with steel, iron, and plastic. You can't pick them up. And try to fix one!

2. Bicycle manufacturing is not controlled by special interests.

Well, special interests are EVERYWHERE, but relatively speaking, this is true. Bicycle manufacturers could have invented the Army recruiting slogan "Be All That You Can Be." Their goal is to produce the best vehicle possible. Bicycles are the perfect synthesis of body and machine. Be a cyborg.

Cars on the other hand, are the epitome of special interest controlled products. The oil industry wants cars to get the worst gas mileage possible. The steel industry wants cars to be big and heavy, ostensibly in order to be safe.

So, reject the greed of huge multinational corporations. Tread lightly and ride a bicycle.

3. Bicycles are faster than cars.

In urban areas, this is sometimes literally true. Congestion, traffic signals, parking-space-search time, and walking-to-final-destination time all conspire to reduce the speed of even the highest powered motor vehicle to about that of a bicycle. However, if you consider that the time cost of travel also includes the amount of time spent working to pay for the vehicle, bicycles come roaring ahead. Also, why spend loads of time working to pay for the car to get to work to pay for the car?

Since exercise is mandatory for optimal health, and riding a bicycle to some necessary destination incorporates exercise which would otherwise take time in the gym, pedaling to someplace can be considered as taking zero time. Therefore, bicycles are infinitely fast. That's faster than light, which, according to Einstein shouldn't be possible, but nonetheless reverses time. Riding a bicycle makes you younger. Be a kid again!

4. You can be part of a cutting edge movement.

According to the 1990 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey, only 0.7% of all transportation trips are made by bicycle. Ninety percent of trips are taken in a personal automobile with the remainder via transit, walking, or other modes.

Lets face it, bicyclists are a minority. But, by the same token, we're unique. So why be normal? Be different, ride a bicycle.

5. Someday you'll wish you had.

Helen Hayes, the much beloved "First Lady of American theater" who died at the age of 92 was asked in an interview if she regretted anything. She said she had only one regret. "I never rode a bicycle. I wish I had. That's all."

While few of us can hope to achieve the stature of Ms. Hayes, we certainly can fulfill a dream that she never did. The simple pleasure of riding a bicycle — effortless motion at one moment, challenging yet empowering hill climbing the next, followed by the thrill of the decent.

Bicycling is the wind in your face and your senses on hyperdrive. It's life at its best. Try it. Ultimately there will come a time when you won't be able to.

Will you please let me run ?

The first and the last time I participated in an international event was on May 18th in the Sunfeast World 10K. Since then, I had dreamt of running so many events lined up in 2008. Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in any of those. 

I missed the Hyderabad Hi-tech Marathon on 16th August purely because of negligence, I was totally unaware of the date. From that day, I closely followed the Run calender. 

The second one I  was Chennai Marathon on 31st August. Sadly, I had to go to Mumbai for the 1st death anniversary of my grandfather. 

The third one I missed was, Portsmouth Seacoast Marathon. Yes, This one was in UK. I was supposed to go to UK for a business trip, and I had plans to run this one while I was there. Unfortunately, the trip got cancelled, and so were my dreams of running a marathon outside India. 

The 4th one I missed was Kaveri Trial Marathon. The actual venue was very far from my house. Also, I felt very insecure to travel that far, run for a minimum of 21 Kms and come back. I voluntarily dropped out.

The 5th one I missed was, Bangalore Ultra Marathon. As the name suggests, Its ultra. 25Kms, 50Kms, 75 Kms, or 100 Kms. You decide where you fit. I didnt fit in any of these. I had already made up my mind to skip this one as Hyderabad half Marathon was lined up next for me.

The 6th one was Delhi Half Marathon, I opted out as it was not worth traveling till Delhi and running.  

The 7th one I missed was Hyderabad Half Marathon. I was fully prepared for this one. Had booked return tickets for Hyderabad too. But for these fuckin' terrorist attacks on Mumbai, My mom advised me to skip this one. Last moment I had to cancel my tickets, and stay at home in Bangalore. 

The 8th one I will be missing is, Pune International Marathon. I had waited for a long time for this one. Unfortunately, it clashes with my cousin's marriage date.  Sadly, I will me missing this one too. 

Bad luck or bad timing, whatever you call, for a  passionate runner, this is enough to bring his spirits down. Enough to make him disappointed for the rest of the year. But as one of the marathon says, "Keeping the spirit alive, year after year", I am not one of those who will give up. I am not a professional runner, I am not 100% dedicated to running. I have a family for which I earn. That is why I am here in Bangalore. I have to respect every word what they say before I decide what I do. I had to skip some of the marathons for them, there were times when I was frustrated, angry on people, my job and sometimes myself. Running alone in the silence, cool and pleasant weather @ 6 am makes me calm down. It makes me realise, there are so many good things in life you need to pay attention rather than taking out your frustration on someone else(especially my mom). Running is one good habit I have put in myself, and I don't want to lose it.  This is just the 1st year I have started this craze. There is no point getting disappointed, there is no reason to lose hope.  There are at least 50 more years I will run, 300+ more marathons I will participate. 

The next in line are, Bangalore Midnight Marathon on 13Th December 2008 and Mumbai International Marathon on 18th Jan 2009.  Will you please let me run ? 

Dec 9th 2008 : Just an update : Bangalore Midnight Marathon is postponed due to Govt ban on public rallies till 15th December :x :X :X

The 1000 Kms Distance Club

The day has come, I have completed 1000 Kms on my nike+ipod. It took me 10 months to reach this goal. According to logical calculations, I ran almost 100 Kms every month, 3.3 Kms every day. 

Sounds easy, but trust me, it is tough.  These 10 months I experienced some excitement, some fun, and a lot of pain. I have emptied at least 

4 bottles of Iodex

1 tube of MOOV

1 tube of anti friction gel (too shy to mention the name :p)

2 packs of vicks vaporub

2 bottles of cough syrup

2 bottles of Dettol

10,000 litres of drinking water ! 

I disposed at least 5 underwears, 5 baniyans, 4 T-shirts and 3 pairs of socks. (These were all dedicated to my Training plan) Soon after Mumbai Marathon in Janauary, I will have to dispose my shoes too ! They are just 1.5 years old, but have sustained my whole weight for those 1000 Kms. 

1 Km = 1320 steps. 1000 Kms = 13,20,000 steps. (Thats 13 lakh 20 thousand steps !!!)

My knees, hamstring muscles and calves  deserve a huge kiss from me for this. 

Normally our heart beats @ 72 BPM. While running at my pace, it beats at around 135 BPM.

I completed 1000 kms in 90 hours = 5400 mins. So for 5400 mins of my life, my heart had to beat at almost twice its average rate.  Dude, my heart is precious. 

To make my heart beat at 135 BPM, it requires a blood supply twice as fast than its average time. My lungs were a great contributor in my heart's achievement. 

My lungs were able to perform so well because I could breathe enough air during my runs. So should I thank my big nose ? \o/

Breaking the law

 I always get irritated when someone comes on chat and asks, "How are you" I've written a whole blog about my feelings on this questions earlier.  For the sake of an answer everyone says, "I am fine" But are they really fine ? Maybe they are, maybe they are not. Yesterday, while listening to my ipod, I found a song which matches perfectly with the life I am living now a days. Weekdays go in at least 3 hours of travel, 9 hours in office, 2-3 hours of television, 6-7 hours of sleep. Weekends go away in watching movies, visiting friends, food in some nice hotels, sleep in the afternoons. Want to do something else, but dont know where to start. This song by Judas Priest describes it all. 

Here is the video for the song and here are the lyrics. 

There I was completely wasting, out of work and down
All inside its so frustrating as I drift from town to town
Feel as though nobody cares if I live or die
So I might as well begin to put some action in my life

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

So much for the golden future, I cant even start
Ive had every promise broken, theres anger in my heart
You dont know what its like, you dont have a clue
If you did youd find yourselves doing the same thing too

Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law
Breaking the law, breaking the law

Maybe I should continue the same life, or BREAK THE LAW

Bankruptcy Concept for Dummies

This one is a direct copy paste from an fwd email. I recommend, you spare some time and do read it till the end. Initially, it is easy to understand whats happening. later on, it starts getting confusing and in the end, you might think, NOW WHAT ? read it maybe 2-3 times and you will get it.

Here is the story....

Once there was a little island country. The land of this country was the tiny island itself. The total money in circulation was 2 dollars as there were only two pieces of 1 dollar coins circulating around.

1) There were 3 citizens living on this island country.  A owned the land. B

and C each owned 1 dollar.

2) B decided to purchase the land from A for 1 dollar. So, now A and C own 1 dollar each while B owned a piece of land that is worth 1 dollar.

* The net asset of the country now = 3 dollars.

3) Now C thought that since there is only one piece of land in the country,

and land is non producible asset, its value must definitely go up. So, he

borrowed 1 dollar from A, and together with his own 1 dollar, he bought the land from B for 2 dollars.

*A has a loan to C of 1 dollar, so his net asset is 1 dollar.

* B sold his land and got 2 dollars, so his net asset is 2 dollars.

* C owned the piece of land worth 2 dollars but with his 1 dollar debt to A,

his net residual asset is 1 dollar.

* Thus, the net asset of the country = 4 dollars.

4) A saw that the land he once owned has risen in value. He regretted having sold it. Luckily, he has a 1 dollar loan to C. He then borrowed 2 dollars from B and acquired the land back from C for 3 dollars. The payment is by 2 dollars cash (which he borrowed) and cancellation of the 1 dollar loan to C.

As a result, A now owned a piece of land that is worth 3 dollars. But since

he owed B 2 dollars, his net asset is 1 dollar.

* B loaned 2 dollars to A. So his net asset is 2 dollars.

* C now has the 2 coins. His net asset is also 2 dollars.

* The net asset of the country = 5 dollars. A bubble is building up.

(5) B saw that the value of land kept rising. He also wanted to own the

land. So he bought the land from A for 4 dollars. The payment is by

borrowing 2 dollars from C, and cancellation of his 2 dollars loan to A.

* As a result, A has got his debt cleared and he got the 2 coins. His net

asset is 2 dollars.

* B owned a piece of land that is worth 4 dollars, but since he has a debt

of 2 dollars with C, his net Asset is 2 dollars.

* C loaned 2 dollars to B, so his net asset is 2 dollars.

* The net asset of the country = 6 dollars; even though, the country has

only one piece of land and 2 Dollars in circulation.

(6) Everybody has made money and everybody felt happy and prosperous.

(7) One day an evil wind blew, and an evil thought came to C's mind. "Hey, what if the land price stop going up, how could B repay my loan. There is only 2 dollars in circulation, and, I think after all the land that B owns is worth at most only 1 dollar, and no more."

(8) A also thought the same way.

(9) Nobody wanted to buy land anymore.

* So, in the end, A owns the 2 dollar coins, his net asset is 2 dollars.

* B owed C 2 dollars and the land he owned which he thought worth 4 dollars is now 1 dollar. So his net asset is only 1 dollar.

* C has a loan of 2 dollars to B. But it is a bad debt. Although his net

asset is still 2 dollars, his Heart is palpitating.

* The net asset of the country = 3 dollars again.

(10) So, who has stolen the 3 dollars from the country ? Of course, before

the bubble burst B thought his land was worth 4 dollars. Actually, right

before the collapse, the net asset of the country was 6 dollars on paper.

B's net asset is still 2 dollars, his heart is palpitating.

(11) B had no choice but to declare bankruptcy. C as to relinquish his 2

dollars bad debt to B, but in return he acquired the land which is worth 1

dollar now.

* A owns the 2 coins, his net asset is 2 dollars.

* B is bankrupt, his net asset is 0 dollar. ( he lost everything )

* C got no choice but end up with a land worth only 1 dollar

* The net asset of the country = 3 dollars.

************ **End of the story; BUT ************ ********* ******

There is however a redistribution of wealth.

A is the winner, B is the loser, C is lucky that he is spared.

A few points worth noting -

(1) When a bubble is building up, the debt of individuals to one another in

a country is also building up.

(2) This story of the island is a closed system whereby there is no other

country and hence no foreign debt. The worth of the asset can only be

calculated using the island's own currency. Hence, there is no net loss.

(3) An over-damped system is assumed when the bubble burst, meaning the land's value did not go down to below 1 dollar.

(4) When the bubble burst, the fellow with cash is the winner. The fellows

having the land or extending loan to others are the losers. The asset could

shrink or in worst case, they go bankrupt.

(5) If there is another citizen D either holding a dollar or another piece

of land but refrains from taking part in the game,  he will neither win nor

lose. But he will see the value of his money or land go up and down like a

see saw.

(6) When the bubble was in the growing phase, everybody made money.

(7) If you are smart and know that you are living in a growing bubble, it is

worthwhile to borrow money (like A ) and take part in the game. But you must know when you should change everything back to cash.

(8) As in the case of land, the above phenomenon applies to stocks as well.

(9) The actual worth of land or stocks depend largely on psychology 

Garud Puran punishments and a Software Engineer

Inspired by the movie Anniyan(Aparichit in Hindi) I searched google and found out a list of punishments from the Garud Puran given to sinners. I had a weird idea of linking all these punishments to the wrong things we do in our lives. To my surprise, lot of punishments are applicable even to a common man. Some of the punishments are harsh and very sick to read. I have taken some of the punishments very seriously and some of them very lightly. Its upto you how you handle it.

Anthakuubam :

Those who murder pious people and those who cheat divine ones will be sent here. This place is a well filled with dangerous animals, insects, birds & snakes. These creatures will endlessly torture the sinners till their sentence is over.

For Software Engineer : Software Engineers who produce fake permanent address proof in order to get a driving licence, open a DMAT account. will have to face Anthakuubam. 

Kirumibohjanam 

Those who eat food without offering to God will take the form of worms and other worms at this place will bite them. 

For Software Engineer : Software Engineers take food from the cafeteria. If you don't finish whatever is in your plate, You will have to suffer. I don't offer food to God, But I don't waste food either. So I think, I am spared :-) Remember, Never ever waste food. Its YOU who took take the food by your hand, and its YOU who is throwing the same food in the dustbin. 

Pandri Mugam

Those rulers/kings who sentence others unjustly and those who torture the weak old people will be sent here. This place looks like a pig's face. Here the keepers of hell will break the sinners' arms and legs. Their bodies will be squeezed in between rollers like sugar cane. At such moment, the sinners will faint without realizing it.

For Software Engineer : You are not a king. But being rude to the security man if he insists you to display your badge, blaming the bus driver for traffic jams, paying no respect to the cleaning staff.......welcome to the place that looks like a pig's face.

Thaamisrum

Those who steal others' wife, property or children will be terribly beaten up by the keepers of hell. The continuous torture will make them semi-conscious, overcome by greater fear and tremendous pain.

For Software Engineer :  At least I am not eligible. Married techies, think yourselves.

Annatha Thamisrum

Those who deceive their life partners by not offering them food, will be tortured here till they look like a lifeless tree. They are made blind for their sins.

For Software Engineer : Again, I am spared. 

Rauravam 

Those who take away others' property by their cunning speech and those who destroy other families for their own happiness will die as pauper. In hell, those affected by him will take a cruel form then a poisonous snake to punish him. Such sinners will be held in Maha Rauravam till their sentence ends.

For Software Engineer : Troubling the landlord, Not paying the rent on time. Preparing fake rental agreements, duplicating the landlord's signature. You can suffer !

Kumbibaagam 

Those who do cruelty to birds and animals and those who eat their meat will be pushed into a pot of boiling oil. They will be in it for countless years.

For Software Engineer : Most of us will suffer this punishment. Eating Chicken, Mutton, Fish everything is counted ! 

Kalasuthiram 

Those who chase their parents away will be brought here. This is a place of fire and tremendous heat. Sinners will suffer internally and externally. They will not be given food or water. At such stage, they will be walking, standing and rolling on the floor with great pain.

For Software Engineer : Software Engineers who don't know the value of money they earn. Instead of sending sufficient money to their parents, spend it on drinks and cigarette, movies, hotels, and other unnecessary stuffs. Not obeying what their parents say, Fall in love with a colleague, and marry her without their parents permission, This punishment is for you.

Asibathiram

Those who convert to other religions without a good reason will be brought into this forest with sharp knife like leaves. They will be beaten with sharp edge belts. Those running away from them will suffer more cuts from such leaves and stones. Moreover, they will be cut into pieces continuously till their sentence ends.

For Software Engineer:  The words are clear enough to be applicable to all software engineers. 

Saaramehyaathanam 

Those who burned down houses or poison others, those who do mass murders and politicians who destroy countries will be held here. They will be fed on dog meat and in return more than 700 dogs will bite them before they are freed.

For Software Engineer :  More than Software engineers, Politicians need to worry.

Ahvisi 

Those who do good services for mere publicity will be brought to the top of high place or hill to be pushed down. The hard surface/ground will shatter their bodies into pieces. The hell keepers will gather the bodies together to repeat such punishment again.

For Software Engineer : Those who study for CAT in the office, use office material for personal use. Come to office on weekends just to create a monster.com / naukri.com account and claim overtime and eat pizza. Beware.

Paribaathanam 

The drunkards will be sent here. They will be given boiling iron liquid to drink.

For Software Engineer :  I am spared here too ! Most of the software engineers will face this. 

Shaarargartham

Those who disregard other qualified ones or holy ones and those who boasts about themselves while insulting other capable people will brought here. They will be hanged up side down, beaten and tortured by the keepers. 

For Software Engineer :  Every word is applicable for every software engineer.

Rashohganam 

Those who do human or animal sacrifices in Yagna and those who eat their meat will be brought here. Those killers will be turned to animals and those animals or others killed by them will take human forms. They will tear them apart and eat up their flesh and drink their blood.

For Software Engineers : You will be rewarded with either Kumbibaagam or Rashohganam. Anyways you have to suffer. I am sure I will get Kumbibaagam.

Suulapurohtham 

Those who cheat the innocents who trusted them and those who commit suicide by hanging or piercing the trident into their body will be brought here. Tridents and birds with sharp beaks, will pierce them as punishment.

For Software Engineers : Switching jobs just for a higher pay, Applying for jobs in other companies using fake experience, Producing fake medical bills, showing fake bank balance in order to approve a loan. Suulapurotham is waiting for you !

Vadaarohtham

Those who torture animals or other creatures staying in caves, valleys and webs will be sent here. They will be placed in smoky pits, fire pits and punished by poison.

For Software Engineers : Dont know whether this punishment is valid for torturing cocroaches, mice, lizards etc. If yes, I am afraid, no one is spared.

Paryaavaathanagam 

Those who murmur to themselves by cursing their superiors while having their meals will be sent here. Crows and eagles will poke such sinner's eyes till their eyeball drop off.

For Software Engineers : The description is clear enough. cursing your managers, piers during your meals. Discussing how you can take revenge, teach him a lesson, how you can shock them by your resignation. Every small detail is counted.

Susimugam 

Those who become arrogant about their wealth, those who show hatred to the poor, those who bury or protect their wealth with 'genies' guarding it and those who refuse to return the money borrowed from others will be brought here. Such sinners will be tied with ropes and their bodies will be cut into pieces.

For Software Engineers : This a similar punishment is already given by banks if the loan is not repaid in time :-) Software Engineers who borrow money from their colleagues in order to buy a bike, laptop, land, flat etc. and not return it in time, Producing fake documents in order to save tax, all such deeds are counted for Susimugam. 

Agni goodam 

Those who take away others' things by force will be sent to this chimney like place to be barbecued continuously.

For Software Engineers : Those who download songs, movies, and other high volume stuff, watching youtube videos during office hours, you are not aware, you are stealing others bandwidth by force. 

Vajra goondam 

Those who have illegal affairs will be forced to hug burning rods while been whipped.

For Software Engineers : Beware. Thats all I can say :-)

Sunmaali 

Those who flirt will be poked with spiked weapons.

For Software Engineers : All weekend lovers. Visiting malls, parks, gardens just for the sake of "bird watching". Very common !

Vaitharani 

Those who offend the 'shastraas' will be pushed into the river filled with blood, pus, flesh, fats, hairs, bones, urine and bowels. They will be bitten till they bleed by the creatures dwelling in it. The sinners will struggle helplessly unable to reach the shore. 

For Software Engineers : In order to offend the shastraas, first of all you need to know them. Anyways, you will be pushed.

Pooyohtham 

Those who neglect their culture, those who have illicit affairs with low status women, those who misbehave without self-discipline and those who neglect the right way of living so as to live like free birds or animals will be brought here to eat bowels and to drink blood, urine and pus. 

For Software Engineers : These sins are mostly committed when in college. Doesn't matter, if you've done it, you will be punished.

Prinarohgam 

Those Brahmans who rear dogs and donkeys and use them for hunting will become targets for arrows shot by the keepers. 

For Software Engineers : Those techies who used ready made code copied from the Internet and use it in your programs claiming it as yours, get ready for some target practice.

Visasnum

The keepers will whip those who sacrifice cows for the sake of pride.

For Software Engineers : ???

Laalaapasham

Those who force their wives into unhealthy sex performance will be drowned into a pot of sperm forcing them to drink it.

For Software Engineers : No Comments.

These are just few of the punishments from the Garud Purana. I am not 100% sure of the genuinity of the punishments. I have copied the punishments from here. Even if you have committed some (or rather most) of the sins, there is always time to remorse. Be good to yourself. Be good to others. Or else Mr. Aparichit will give you one of the punishments for sure !

Half Marathon !

Today, I did something what seemed impossible to me 1 year ago. I finished a Half Marathon. The timing is not very impressive, but trust me, for a newbie, this one is a huge achievement. Now there is no stopping. A Full Marathon is not far, and training for it has already started.

Ironically, when I returned home, and read the newspaper, tomorrow is "World Heart Day" So should I say "Thank you" to my heart ? or say "Sorry" for making it struggle on just before his day ?

Aduei #883

* I've been working on this since a year now. But finally, my room mate came up with the write up. I added some snaps, and modified the content to make the blog more memorable.  This blog is written by a guest writer Rohan (Bunnu) who was also a resident of #883 and is written with Rohan as the 1st person. This blog is dedicated to all the lucky guys (and few gals) who were the "victim of fun" in #883. A special thanks to our land lord Diwakar a.k.a 'D' for his kindness and patience to tolerate us in his house. Here is the story.... 

For those who know "Good bye 695" it can be a sequel...

Our contract for 695 was getting over by August 06 month end. We could have extended  it by paying revised rate of 10K. We opted for the other option and quest for new home was began.There were 3 of us, Me(Rohan), Dahsin(Nishad) and Sappya(Swapneel).

Our main condition was house should be near to the office.After searching in ad magazines and papers we came to know about House no.883,near East end.

              When we saw it we found it bit small area wise.Though area in which it was built was  convenient one. After discussing for a short while we decided to take that house on rent. And a new era of my stay in Bangalore was began. I would have been more than surprised if somebody had told me  this will be one of your finest stay. I must admit that for first few days I found it bit small.Very soon I realised it was big enough to give us a memorable stay. In the meantime our friends Jakya, Busaan and Vinya also found a house nearby.That triggered amazing memories spent together.

For the first 3 months Sappya used to stay with us.He used to study all the day:-)

The house saw the Birth of Magician 21!dahsiN.He used to learn new magic tricks of his own and then we were victims of his experiments:-) He has mastered the this art by now.So many videos are  evident for it:-) Again most of them are taken in 883. After Sappya left the house, one of my friend Barvya arrived. The house saw so many events like late night bakar,patte sessions, bday bash of different kind, world cup hawaa. I remember most of the  bdays were celebrated in different fashions.I loved the way Dahsin brought triangular caps having cartoons

over it  for all of us. It was amazing feeling to celebrate bday of a 24 year KID:-)Another memorable bday was of Chaaandya's, to whom minimum 10 empty boxes were presented as gift.

So many of our friends had the Privilege of staying in the house.Sunnya,chandya and Chaaandya will top the list.

Once, there was a naming ceremony done for each one of us, based on what we did, 

1. Swapneel : Gurappan Palya (due to his Guruji abilities)

2. Rohan : Dhery Circle (In Marathi, Dhery = Belly)

3. Omkar : Crazy Frog, Dungya (Crazy frog for his body language, and Dungya in memory Mr. Raj Singh Dungarpur for changing his statements every other day)

4. Amar (Jackie) : Jakkasandra (Just because his pet name matches with an area in Bangalore)

5. Chandya : Kuchka Futana (For his cunning and witty humour)

6. Diwakar (Landlord) : D (Based on RGV's Movie "D") 

The house witnessed so many things related to 'Food for thought'.Correct, all the things related to food, whether we brought N no of Idlis or planning to go to our favourite hotels, finding reasons to treat a Mosumbi juice @ Cool Corner, or an even better reason to enjoy ice-cream @ Pick 'n' Move.

I remember one evening when dahsiN managed to throw out a mouse.Mouse tried his best to survive from dahsiN only to be swept away by dahsiN in one shot.Needless to say, he never came back. At the time of World cup our house was full of friends and wafers,chips,cold drinks, never to forget the famous "Vicks World Cup" and unlimited fun.All these things were enough to convince our landlord that the no of people staying in the house was more than 8.:-).We tried to convince the landlord that it is impossible to fit 8 people in a 550 sq feet 1BHK without anyone noticing ! But instead of warning us about the 8 people conundrum, D calmly said," You want to stay 8 people, stay. But you will have to pay extra for water bill !!!" After cherishing every moment over here finally time came to say Good bye.I had to shift from Bangalore to Mumbai. 

        I left the house with heavy heart on 29th of sept. I decided to visit the house sooner.Hardly a week passed and I came to know about Barvya's transfer to Pune.Suddenly Dahsin had to bid adieu to 883 in very short time.Finally he packed his bags and shifted to his friend's house.

10 months are over by now still we find it hard to have a conversation in which 883 is not mentioned.

For those who have never visited the 883, this can be just a story; but for those who have stayed there it is far more than just a blog.

The last footage and some small memories from the house. (I had tears while making the video)

Rubik is back !

After I mastered the Rubik's cube algorithm, Rubik is back in news ! 

Rubik's cube is voted as the greatest toy ever !!

http://in.news.yahoo.com/ani/20080412/r_t_ani_tc/ttc-rubik-s-cube-voted-greatest-toy-craz-a34fb50_1.html

Ganesha Symbolism

I never knew there was so much of details hidden in the statue of Lord Ganesha. Thanks Swaroop for educating me !

Spot 10 differences

Its more than 24 years now, So many things have changed, I wish these moments never change.

So close to a Half Marathon !

Getting closer to my goal. Half marathon is just 5 Kms away. And a full marathon is 27 Kms away. When will I reach 42Kms mark ?!

dahsiN's top 10

A lot of people, friends, relatives, park joggers keep asking me, How can you run so much ? How can you pedal for so long ? Why do you have to get up so early ? Why are you doing all this to yourself ? What do you get after doing all this ?
In order to answer all the above questions, I have created my Top 10 reasons, Why I am doing all this. I will start in the reverse order,

10. When I was 20 years old weighing 73 kg, I wasted (or rather enjoyed) my time playing Quake 3. College days, played quake 3 all day and night. Food I ate was all junk, Chicken, eggs, fried rice, Noodles, and what not. At the age of 24, I was 82 and I realised where I was heading. That's when I decided to lose weight.

9. Joining a Gym, a diet program was all tried and tested, nothing worked.

8. Running at first thought, was not for me. Like others, I used to bonk in just 1 or two rounds. Others of my age, completed 5-6 rounds in ease. That made me feel ashamed of myself. One day, I don't know, what happened, This running and cycling got into me. (In Marathi, we call it "zapatne") It became my habit, that every morning, I go to the park, run at least 3 rounds and come back. I took the harder way of losing weight, Run run and run. Cycling helps build your stamina, so cycling came along.

6. Of all the people I see around, I notice, 60% are overweight, if not overweight, they have a bouncing tummy. A survey has predicted that by 2040, all the people in US will be overweight. I have made up my mind, Never in my whole life, I will become overweight again, have a tummy like that. Today, I have a massive intake of food. In order to maintain, I have to go through all this running and cycling.

5. Nobody is born strong, You have to make yourself strong. People drop their jaws when they hear about my stamina, how much I can run or pedal. (I drop my jaw when I hear about real athletes, and their stamina) You need not be this strong, but at least you should have the stamina to walk the stairs 6 floors without running out of breath. Trust me, I was one of those who would come last in a 200 mts race. Afraid of the traffic on the road. Ate chicken as if it was the last chicken left on the earth. Waited for lifts to take me to the 2nd floor. Now, I don't care if the lift works or not. going up to the 10th floor is never a problem.
Check these 3 things in life, and you will live healthy :
a. Always use the stairs. Never take the support of the handles along the stairs.
b. Sit on the floor with your legs folded. When you get up, never take help of your hands. If you already have problems getting up, I doubt, you need exercise.
c. Everybody uses shoes. Majority of them tie their shoe laces while sitting on the chair. I say DON'T DO THAT. Make it a habit to pull your socks, tie the shoe laces while you are standing.

If you follow these 3 habits, you will never have a health issue. You might also not have to read all of my dahsiN's top 10 !!!

4. These habits help me save money ! Don't believe me ? I have saved a lot ! A descent bicycle cost me 4000 rs. I have done at least 10,000 kms on it. Imagine me buying a motorcycle and riding it for, lets say 10000 Kms. I might have consumed petrol worth 12000 rs + the actual cost of the motorcycle. I can travel to any part of Bangalore on my bicycle without second thoughts. I don't keep any shame in my mind about being such a grown up, and still riding a bicycle.

3. This habit has changed my lifestyle. Earlier, I used to sleep late, get up late. With this running in my mind, I have to go to sleep early, and wake up early. And you all know the benefits of a early morning walk. These habits make me stand out in a crowd. Instead of a me being recognized as on of the millions and millions of software engineers, I am better known to people as a guy who rides a cycle to his office and does a 10K run in his free time.

2. We have a company bus to our office, One of my team mate asked me, why don't you join the bus ? You can come to office, and go back sitting peacefully. I replied, " That is what I don't want" People find it easy to board an auto, bus or accelerating a bike. Instead of the easier way, I would rather choose the harder way. Accelerating a bike is easier than pedaling a bicycle. Even for the weight loss, joining a fitness centre, paying thousands and thousands of rupees to lose weight was much easier than running. I chose the hard way to lose weight, so, weight gain for me will be harder :-)

1. People say, riding a bicycle for such a long distance is crazy stuff. Yes it is !! but only in India. In many European countries, people respect cyclists. For them, no distance is too far on their bicycles. People ask, "What pleasure do you get by doing all this to you ? " I said, "Pleasure ? I do it for the pain" Yes, its as as crazy as riding a bicycle. Like most of us, my parents have brought me up in a very simple way. No costly gifts, no un-necessary spending, no fancy clothes. When I started earning, I was living a luxurious life. A salary which my parents would not have thought of when they were of my age. A few month's salary is enough for you to forget the pains your parents had to suffer, just to give you good food, good education, and a good life. Riding a bicycle or running long distances, hurts a lot. My legs pain, my stomach pains, my back aches. Every time they hurt, it reminds me about my parents, my relatives and all the good people who came in my life. There was pain when your mom's hands burnt when she prepared food for you. There was pain when your mom was worried about your illness. There was pain when your dad had to pay donations for your admissions. There was pain when you grew up and stopped listening to what your parents said. I feel good when my runs make me hurt. Maybe this is my way of thanking my parents for all the things they did for me! This pain will not go unnoticed. In a couple of years from now, my mom will see me as a healthy, fit, and a very active son.

Dosaaa Anyone ?

Run maadi run

Finally, It was race day. I was all set. I knew I was not here to win.(At least in this race) but to finish in the top 200. A total of 20,000 runners had participated, and around 5000 had opted for the 10K run. I saw people warming up. getting their shoe laces tightened, Clipping the bib numbers to their T-shirts, visiting the rest rooms just before the run. I was cool. No worries. I was pretty confident of finishing the run with a good timing. During my practice runs, I could finish 10K with ease, Thanks to my Nike+ipod. I had prepared a "Run Special" playlist which will make me run faster. I saw a couple of guys who used to practice at the same park as i did. All of them were very serious about the run. It seemed, that I was the only one who was taking the run lightly.


It was 8:55 am, and we all gathered near the starting line. At sharp 9.00, the run started. I started with a steady pace. I knew I had taken a lot of efforts for this race, and I will not quit in the middle. 1 Km milestone passed. I saw Kingfisher females giving away water bottles to the runners. Cheer leaders (Yes, like the ones you saw in IPL) cheering you, residents near the road coming out in their balcony, entrance gates and cheering us ! The media van taking live footage of the run, A helicopter taking rounds over your head, An Ambulance, just in case, and above that, 5000 determined runners along with you. It feels great when you are a part of such an event. 2 Kms passed, but my Nike+ipod showed that I had covered 2.5 Kms. I knew, there was something wrong. Till yesterday, I was thinking that the 10Kms counted by the device was exact 10Kms, and based on this, I had done all my calculations. But now, I knew 10 Kms was longer than what I expected. I trusted the milestones on the roads, as this was an international event, the distance ought to be accurate.
At 3 Kms, I saw people slowing down, falling behind, stopping for water. I was not yet tired, I continued. An old man, in his 60s just crossed me and went ahead. he was all sweating, but I couldnt see fatigue on his face. Withing a minute, he was far ahead of me. This incident made me feel ashamed of myself. A 60 year old has the guts and the power to continue, and a 25 year old young blood is slowing down ! In spite of so much of practice, so much of efforts, I was felt that I was not at all worth of doing this run. If I am like this today, at the age of 60, I will not be able to get off a simple chair !! Maybe I might not survive to celebrate my 60th birthday !
Even today, as I write this blog, this incident always makes me bow down in shame. Now I knew, why others were so serious, and I was so cool. At 8 Kms milestone, My nike+ congratulated me for completing 10 Kms. Actually, there were 2 more Kms to go. My device was very badly calibrated. By now, the sun was sucking all the energy of me. I started having stomach pains. I had to slow down. I collected a bottle of water, and started walking on the road. people started overtaking me. A female, about my age crossed me and zoomed. This was another em brassing incident for me. After about 500 mts of walk, i again started running. The stomach pain had reduced. I focused my sight at the finishing line, which still seemed to be very far.
I slowly gained some more speed. I saw cheerleaders again boosting my confidence. Photographers started clicking photos, I saw the timer, as i crossed the finishing line. I took 56 mins to complete the race. My nike+ read that I completed 12.5 kms. My friends were waiting for me just next to the finishing line. They were glad that I completed, they congratulated me. I collected the refreshment kit and went straight towards a bench. My legs didnt seems to get hurt, but I was mentally stressed out. I had expected to finish the run in 45 mins, and i took 11 mins more. The friends said, your position was not bad. the winner had taken around 40 mins. and I was still better than the rest. We went home, had nice lunch and a good nap.

A few days later, I got a courier of my run timings certificate, and a link to the photos which the officials had clicked. I opened the envelope, found out that I took 56:18 to complete.
And my overall rank was 211 !
I didnt expect me to be in the first 200, especially when I had slowed down at the 8 kms mark. But still 211 was not bad at all ! I have not lost hopes. I've done the 10K, now its time for half marathon. People think its crazy, but I think, it is required if I want to live to 60 without any disease or medication. Trust me, events like this can change your life. They will make you stand out in the crowd. At my age, people lose their health to earn money. And at the age of 40+, they lose their money and (try to) earn health. Everybody earns money. Very few earn good health.

Be the change you want to see

This is a real life incident which happened in my life. Instead of me writing the whole incident, My friend Manjunath has made my job easier.
Here is the complete writeup.

Moments of Joy

People have different reasons to celebrate. Buying a high end Mobile or a Bike or a laptop. It can be your birthday, promotion, festival. So many things to celebrate.
I found joy in the smallest things in life. Recently I took running and cycling to a bit extreme limit. And within few months the result we astonishing. Here are some of my moments of joy captured in my camera.

Watching the weighing machine dip from 77 to 72 was fun. Here, Biggest loser wins !

The trip to the road side belt seller was another moment of joy. watching him drill 2 extra holes on the tighter side of my belt.






Buying new 32" trousers was fun. Comparing them with my 34" ones was even more fun. I was so confident that I bought 4 new trousers and discarded all the 34" trousers.

The time has come, you dont quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! if you must; but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow;
You might succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit;
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

The spirit of Marathon

The Banyan Experience

I was waiting for a long time for this one. Finally last sunday, we did it. I always wanted to go on a long bicycle ride. This one was perfect. A 30+ kms ride on the Bangalore Mysore Highway. Our Destination was The Big Banyan Tree.
Here is the route which we followed :


I was accompanied by my friend Paresh. We both started off at 5:15 am. It was all dark outside. We felt very nice riding our bikes on the empty roads of Bangalore. Somehow we had to reach Mysore road, we asked directions and finally hit the highway. From here it was a straight road. I have a cycle computer fitted on my cycle. It give accurate readings of my current speed, average speed, total distance etc. We recorded a top speed of 41 Kms/Hr on the highway. Everything was going as expected. Before leaving, we had decided to reach the Banyan tree in less than 3 hours. Within a hour, we had already covered more than half the distance.
Finally we saw a diversion board : "Way to Big Banyan Tree ----> " From here, it was 8 kms more. We happily pedaled our way towards the tree.

We passed through a small village. There were funny stares from the people there. Imagine 2 stupid guys wearing a helmet, T-shirt, shorts, shoes and riding bicycles in a remote village. We continued the journey and followed the only road ahead. We saw a couple of BMTC buses # 227 overtake us. I thought, If anything goes wrong, we always have a return ticket :-)



Finally, we reached. We saw a huge jungle, and we were sure, this was it. From the outside, it looks as if it is a dense forest, but actually its just one Banyan tree, with its roots spread all across. It was 7:30 am and we knew we were too early. The Banyan tree is surrounded by a compound, and has an entrance gate. We asked one guy, when will the gate open, and he said, "Welcome, the gate is open for you !"

We had brought our own breakfast. we sat under the tree, and had it. After that we roamed around, and decided to head back. The place was excellent, but you can spend a maximum of 1 hour over there. Also, If we decide to leave late, we would have to pedal our way in the afternoon sun.
So at around 9 am we started back. The sun was up, and we had started sweating. The return trip was all uphill. The highway was full of vehicles. and we two innocent riders were always riding on the edge of the highway. Our speed had dropped, we were all exhausted. We took a halt at Kengeri town. gulped a lot of water, and continued. As we proceeded, the conditions worsened, My t-shirt was all wet with sweat. Bangalore was still 18 Kms away. I was confident of making the distance, but Paresh was falling behind. This one was the first long distance ride for both of us ( Me and my bicycle :-) and of course Paresh) . After a 30 mins ride, we had another halt. gulped more water. We were near Majestic. Actually, we missed the Banashankari bypass, so had to travel till Majestic and back. Third halt was at Majestic. We had finished our water supply, so bought some more water, and finished it there itself. This journey lasted for more than 2 hours. Next stop : Jayanagar 4th Block. again thirsty. had sugarcane juice. Finally, the last stage of the journey, and within 20 mins we were home. We parked the bikes in the garage, looked at each other and smiled. My hands were all Sun tanned, Face, which is already dark, had become darker. That was a wonderful ride. I called up my friends and told them about the trip. They were amazed. Actually, The trip distance was not that much to get amazed. I could have done another 70 Kms on the same day, but my ass was not ready to bear the cycle seat.

Onwards Journey :
Trip Distance : 30.15 Kms
Trip Time : 01:48:22
Avg Speed : 16.4 Kmph
Max Speed : 41 Kmph

Return Journey :
Trip Distance : 39.44 Kms
Trip Time : 03:14:54
Avg Speed : 12.3 Kmph
Max Speed : 33 Kmph

Total trip Distance : 69.59 Kms
Total Trip Time : 05:03:16
Avg Speed : 14.3 Kmph

I am always ready for another ride. The next destination will be Nandi Hills.

Yes, Running can give you a high !

*Article from TOI Bangalore dated 28-03-2008
The reason I decided to copy paste this article was, Sometimes when I am having my 10K run, After 5-6 Kms, I start feeling lighter, and it seems I have no control on myself. My hands and legs continue their motion and I just helplessly witness the "Flight".
Maybe this is what happens to me sometimes :

The runner’s high: Every athlete has heard of it, most seem to believe in it and many say they have experienced it. But for years scientists have reserved judgment because no rigorous test confirmed its existence.
Yes, some people reported that they felt so good when they exercised that it was as if they had taken mood-altering drugs. But was that feeling real or just a delusion? And even if it was real, what was the feeling supposed to be, and what caused it? Some who said they had experienced a runner’s high said it was uncommon. They might feel relaxed or at peace after exercising, but only occasionally did they feel euphoric. Was the calmness itself a runner’s high?
The runner’s-high hypothesis proposed that there were real biochemical effects of exercise on the brain. Chemicals were released that could change an athlete’s mood, and those chemicals were endorphins, the brain’s naturally occurring opiates. Running was not the only way to get the feeling; it could also occur with most intense or endurance exercise.
The problem with the hypothesis was that it was not feasible to do a spinal tap before and after someone exercised to look for a flood of endorphins in the brain. Researchers could detect endorphins in people’s blood after a run, but those endorphins were part of the body’s stress response and could not travel from the blood to the brain. They were not responsible for elevating one’s mood. So for more than 30 years, the runner’s high remained an unproved hypothesis.
But now medical technology has caught up with exercise lore. Researchers from University of Bonn in Germany, using advances in neuroscience, say that the folk belief is true: Running does elicit a flood of endorphins in the brain. The endorphins are associated with mood changes, and the more endorphins a runner’s body pumps out, the greater the effect. Leading endorphin researchers not associated with the study said they accepted its findings. NYT NEWS SERVICE

CHASING EUPHORIA: It has finally been proven that endorphins exist! Getting a high during running or other intense, sustained efforts isn’t a myth anymore