Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Paths


It started out with one road. Step by step. Just one long, lonely road. Lonely, not because of the company I had, but because there was no other road beside it.

I walked and walked. Years went by. Till I finally came to a fork. Ways parted, and now I felt lonely. Because I had no company from those whom I had known all this while, but a few, who walked on the same road behind me, and those who walked with me, on different roads. No one knew who would end up where. Well, some did, and some didn't.

On and on the roads seemed to go. It's a never ending path, this path I've chosen. It gets wider, deeper and darker, and then it finally branches out, but everyone's still in the same corn field.

Some go in circles, for so many roads lead around and around. Bushes all over the place. Some jump to look ahead, while some jump to look around. Few look back. And while going round and round, some see the light, some see another path. Some, nothing, but they've got so used to walking in circles, it leaves little choice.

Zoom out and the big picture seems drawn. It spawns thoughts that otherwise would not have been realised. It beckons us to see, give, surrender entirely to a possibility we'd never considered before. We see things, and then we start to believe in them. Till one day, our beliefs take a turn and transform into reality. The power of imagination. And that of love, and of hope, shall see us through. There is a world out there not as it exists, but as it is created. It would not be the way it is, had everyone, just 1 second ago, stopped and spared a thought for the action they were about to perform. Good, bad, ugly or sad. Heaven and hell are all on Earth. I was so told. I believe. I believe because of the source. Sometimes, you have no choice but to believe, because some make it so evident, you can help but. Sometimes, it seems difficult no end, yet sometimes, it seems so easy. What we make is our decision, what we create is our world.

I don't say I've seen the light. But I believe I have found some light. Should others choose to see it, I am sure, it would lead to a better time. There is much to learn from everyday, whether we choose to be reminiscent is again our choice, and ours alone. Make no mistake, I dwell not on the past, but choose to learn, review and make right.

We choose our paths once, and stay on our line. We can choose to jump across, but what we have walked, remains our trodden path. That will never change. I know I will not end up going around in circles. Because I will walk my path. I will jump across whenever and wherever required. I will adapt my steps to suit the terrain. But, like time, there is only one way. Forward. Every second spent, if accounted for, make you aware of so much. There is no wasted second, if you realise it was one wasted; and never let it pass the same way again. Some lessons take years to learn. Even longer to adapt and follow. But, some take mere seconds, or sometimes, just one.

There are faces that you encounter, some you don't, but still see in your mind's eye. And then, one day, they enter your reality. And life is good. Walk the paths. Walk around in circles. Learn. Till you face your reality. And then embrace it. What you are now, is not what you will be, or maybe not. The choice is yours. Life gives us choices, but not reasons. The latter is up to us to find out. We can choose to do so, or not.

All I know is, I choose to believe. People say I think too much. But, in fact, I hope more so. For when I am at the point of casting aside belief, hope grants an extension. And my mind's eye has a new face. For once, it was reality that took a hold of my imagination. And I am happy to say that I am truly happy. Life always strikes a balance. For without the bad, you would not tell the good apart. As long you have your good and bad, life will never come crashing down.

For those who think of the picture as a random image which means nothing, know this. My thoughts expressed here were based entirely on it. An expression need not be "art" to the eyes of everyone.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

1

1 more push. Out I come.
In just 1 second, she's my Mum.
Amidst the cries, I open my eyes.
1 first glance towards the blue skies.
1 year later, 1 birthday cake.
1 more occassion in which I partake.
1 year slowly, but surely, goes by.
1 more reason for me not to cry.
Out in the open, little girls and boys.
Some running helter-skelter, while some play with toys.
In that 1 moment, 1 new friend.
1 more proof, the world has no end.
We grow up together, 1 group of us all.
We chase 1 another, we rise and we fall.
1 year, it's time to move.
Cos Dad has a point he just has to prove.
Now amidst new surroundings, new people and places.
With no strength to take in all the new faces.
I settle down, and make friends with 1 dog.
From all the animals around me, even a cat and a frog..
My days go by 1 at a time.
Soon it's the day for that 1 bell to chime.
1 moment of truth, I seemed like such a pest.
Till Father said, "Congratulations, you've passed the test.
Welcome to your new school, you'll have fun here."
I smiled contently, as Mum wiped a tear.
1 by 1 the years went by.
10 years later it was goodbye.
I made friends - not 1, not 2..
I'm very pleased to say, quite a few.
Which stream would I pick, the 1 that would define.
A fitting future to this life of mine.
1 mistake was all it took.
Not a king, nor bishop, I stood the rook.
1 piece makes all the difference, makes the count.
More odds and mountains, I felt I would not surmount.
Yet here I am years down the line.
People ask me how I'm doin, I smile and say "Fine.."
Cos the path I walk, may not be the 1 I chose.
I'm sure not every flower out there would like to be a rose.
Cos that's what makes this life what it's worth.
The colors we have on our beautiful planet Earth.
1 color can never define life.
1 moment can never count as strife.
They'll be many more, good and bad, they say.
I nod, sometimes agree, but go my own way.
And now I see the things I've learned.
Are way more important than the money I've earned.
1 small lesson you learn everyday.
Makes you realise your reason to stay.
1 drop of rain, when you feel it first.
Is sometimes enough to quench your lifelong thirst.
1 soft word from 1 near and dear.
Can wipe away a lifetime of fear.
What seems impossible, a threatening constant.
Is blown to bits in 1 very instant.
1 person you never even knew was there.
Suddenly becomes a reason to wake up and makes you aware
the world is just 1 place we all have to share.
I remember this in times of good and despair.
I wish not to lose anyone, not even 1.
Cos everyone's there for a reason - to learn, or maybe just for fun!
I used to believe there's no fate but what we make.
We make our fate, it's something we cannot break.
1 year ago, had someone told me I'd drive a V8,
I'd laugh and cry together, considering my state.
But now I know life can take a turn.
It may not be marked, like a detour, I'd learn.
Cos when the road ends, and the end seems near.
I learned it's not that hard, just shift down 1 gear.
There's every reason to be happy with what life throws your way.
It's our choice to adapt, or stare at it in dismay.
1 more thought can trigger a chain of events.
1 action done right can draw so many compliments.
1 more fight is all that you should see.
1 more punch when it matters spells victory.
It may seem the odds are stacked against you.
But amidst all those, is that 1 light so true.
No darkness can hold back what to you is dear.
Like the mirrors say, objects may be closer than they appear.
When what you need most, seems to be far too distant.
Fret not, with true power, you're there in 1 instant.
But finally, I realise I should be through.
I started off explaining the moments the way I saw them as I grew.
However, only 1 reason pushed me to write up this post.
1 person I barely know, is now 1 I treasure the most.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Un-phonetic English

That's just it.. English is not a phonetic language. That's what wrong with it.. I wish I could be a purist and learn the pronunciation symbols from the dictionary. I always say I'll do it, maybe I should just go ahead.

Ah the beauty of phonetics...

Volkswagen - फोक्सवागन
Mercedes - मर्सेदीस
Porsche - पोर्शे
Renault - रेनो
Chevrolet - शेवरोले
Ferrari - फर्रारी
Audi - आऊदी

Lamborghini - Lamb-urr-gee-nee... :P Very difficult to make the Hindi word. Tried and failed miserably.

Note to self - Study the symbols.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Change to green.

Gone are the days of surfing Formula 1 sites, and taking in the latest developments, forming dream teams, hoping for the entry of other manufacturers (specifically Porsche) and getting excited at the idea of new drivers joining the ranks. Hell, even watching the races on TV is not something I give priority to anymore. The 2010 Spanish GP was the only race I missed since the 2001 San Marino GP. I'm surprised at myself for not realising this sooner. But then, F1 was so goddamn interesting back then. The highlight was 2004, the streak of red across the racing seasons for the past 5 years. And then it collapsed. Full credit to Alonso, behind that cranky, cribby exterior, he's probably the only guy to take the fight to Schumi and hold back the multiple time F1 world champion, apart from being probably the only driver on the grid who grabs any car by the scruff of the neck and drags it 10 places ahead of his teammate (ala Renault 08 and 09). Right, I got carried away.

My point is, I've had enough of seeing fast cars and cutting-edge technology going around a closed circuit. I've also had enough of scouring he internet for more information of the said technologies, not just for the track, but for the road; though that hasn't past me by yet. I now am more keen on delving deep into technologies that can be used in automobiles - that actually make a difference in the real world. And I find myself fascinated even more than I imagined. Technologies like FIAT's MultiAir, VW's TSI and BMW adoption of twin-scroll turbos - single words I'm familiar with, but when put together, get my eyes and ears to open wide.

A group of German and Swiss scientists once stated that there isn't any such phenomenon as global warming - well, the globe is getting warmer without a doubt, but the term is quite misleading from the factors that have been put behind it. They say, and I strongly believe as well, that any source of heat and light will burn brightest and be at it's hottest, before actually dying. The sun, with it's multi-billion year lifespan too, is approaching it's end. True, it will be at least a few million years before it turns into a white dwarf, but the dying process has begun, and it is expected to only get hotter still. And no, choosing a Prius over a Range Rover won't help in any way, it will only make things worse, for you I mean - for having chosen a plastic battery car with two balloons up front, over a rigid home on wheels with it's own multi-camera security system.

Anyway, now I want to push for, create and spread the awareness of simple alternative fuels to anyone who is prepared to listen. It kills me inside to think that Europe's on E85 and we're happily accepting E10, NOW. Ethanol-blended petrol and biodiesel are fossil-fuel savers, while hydrogen fuel cells are only expensive now, because of unthinkably low volumes. Once economies-of-scale kick in, the ball will really start rolling. So all I'm saying is manufacturers need to step-up and kick the ball. There are so many possibilities in just combining simple existing technologies into one complex technology that works just as well, if not better, while at the same time reducing consumption, emissions and operating costs, and delivering a much better power output, and greater levels of refinement. Simple example - Mercedes-Benz. Their current Indian model range features the S350 CDI and the E250 CDI. The S features the 3.0L V6 CRDi diesel making 210bhp and 490Nm (detuned from the global standard of 228bhp/540Nm - which the E350 CDI in India has, surprisingly.) The E250 CDI is equipped with the BiTurbo 2.2L Inline 4, which though a tad too rough, makes 201bhp and 500Nm - more than the 3.0L. My point is this - if we replace massive 4.0L V8 petrols and 3.0L V6 diesels with a Twin-Turbo V4, or Inline 4 for that matter, it works out just fine. You want smoothness - adopt a few more cylinders. No capacity is too less - remember Ferrari's 2.9L V8 in the F40?? Was a hit, right? Audi, as always, has taken the initiative of replacing their big, trademark 4.2 V8 FSi motor with a new 3.0L V6 TFSI motor - that is available in two tunes - 270bhp (replacing the old 3.0 TFSI) and 333bhp - to replace the 345bhp 4.2L V8. Forward? I think so.

The Germans, however, are definitely leading the way for forced induction now, but I don't expect them to downsize their engines too much. Yes, 4.2L to 3.0L (Audi) or 5.0L/4.8L to 4.4L (BMW) is as much I will expect for now. The new M5 won't be a looker, but it will be a performer. However, I expect the Koreans or the Japanese to adopt that magical 1.2L 4-inline 4-turbo layout that redefines specific output. I have in my head an engine design, that isn't adopted as yet, but it is possible that some Jap or German has already thought up. Implementation - that's what I'm waiting for. A concept is only as good.

With a majority of delusional freak shows occupying our roads, I must agree with Volvo, and the Germans' views - let the car do the driving, unless you really like driving. That's why there's the "M" button, right Sir Jeremy?



Thursday, April 29, 2010

All Stepped Out

Dreams shattered...

Smoke's cleared...

Vision's blurred...

Path's disappeared...

No other way to go,
I keep walking forward..

Glance left, glance right,
I walk on alone, into the night.
I thought they shone for me, I said,
looking at the stars and their light..

Blinded by the darkness..
Even more by the light..
I can't see myself anymore,
Only hope I win this fight.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Arz kiya hai..

Here's the work of a budding shayar who should've been nipped in the bud before he got this bad... :P

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Arz kiya hai..

Itni pyar thi mujhe gaadiyon se,
roz sapne mein aati thi ek Pagani Zonda..

Itni pyar thi mujhe gaadiyon se,
roz sapne mein aati thi ek Pagani Zonda..


Paise jhaad pe nahi ugta,
le liya maine ek chotisi Honda..

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Pyaar aur bewafai ki yaadein hum bhul paate nahi...

Pyaar aur bewafai ki yaadein hum bhul paate nahi...


Fevicol ka mazbut jod hai, tootega nahi...

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Kaash tum iss waqt the mere paas..

Kaash tum iss waqt the mere paas..


Sprite, bujhaye only pyaas, baaki all bakwaas..

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Sirf tumne life ko bana di wonderful...

Sirf tumne life ko bana di wonderful...


Amul doodh. Piyo glassful!

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Un dono ko saath dekhkar,
meri saari duniya ho gayi khatam...

Un dono ko saath dekhkar,
meri saari duniya ho gayi khatam...


Rock bottom! Rock bottom!!

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Is umar mein hume yaad aati hai school...

Is umar mein hume yaad aati hai school...


Navratna tel. Thanda. Thanda. Cool. Cool!
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Dosti mein tum jo kuch bhi karo,
sab chal jaayega..

Dosti mein tum jo kuch bhi karo,
sab chal jaayega..

Chahe order kuch bhi karo,
Paila kabab aayega!

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Is duniya mein,
life ban gayee hai ek game...

Is duniya mein,
life ban gayee hai ek game...


Shame, shame,
puppy shame...


WAH! WAH!! More on Facebook. :)

Monday, April 19, 2010

Post #2

THE TIMES OF DREAMLAND

Fueling a green revolution
Pune, India
April 19th, 2010

With spiralling fuel prices, and inevitable exhaustion of natural gas, this was only waiting to happen. With the arrival of HUMMER in India, the company's corporate headquarters have implemented a massive cultivation drive just beyond the assembly facility in Chakan, on the outskirts of Pune.

The cultivation project, called "E100" by the company, aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels altogether. The entire process has commenced on newly acquired agricultural land spread over 500 acres. The produce type is simple - sugarcane and jatropha - the key blends for petrol and diesel powered vehicles. The aim of this project is simply to produce as large reserves of ethanol and biodiesel as physically possible.

Bio-ethanol, or E85, currently supported by HUMMER's gasoline engines is basically a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol. The aim is to develop a successful blend - successful in the sense that it can be used without any petrol blend in the very near future, eliminating the need for petrol all together. Emission control devices can more successfully deal with these blends rather than regular petroleum products. Similarly, with bio-diesel, or simply put, blended vegetable oil, a diesel engine can run to it's full performance level while adequately processing the changed fuel qualities.

The cost factor involved is startling, to say the least. The initial phase will seem heavy for the promoters, but as the volumes pick up, things will all just settle themselves out.

You may ask how this makes sense. But then consider the carbon footprint. It is less than half, or probably more, of the carbon footprint of battery-powered cars. This may seem a small-scale project overall, but with all major automakers adopting these techniques globally, we aren't too far from a cleaner, and greener tomorrow.