I have reached US...

Hi America!!

Kal aa raha hai... Main jaa raha hun!!

That means "Tomorrow is coming, I am going" and that's right (I know the title was very cliche). I have my flight to Boston on July 16th at 12.40 am (i.e. Wednesday late midnight) by Air France (with a 7 hrs layover at Paris). I have heard they don't give you a transit visa there or let you go out of the Paris Airport (that's going to really boring unless I find some good company, i guess you know what I mean.. lol). At Singapore Airport, you can actually get a transit visa there itself if your layover is more than 4 hours; they even have bus tours there (which I couldnt use in my visit because I was there at night). Lets see how Air France & Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport is (Why do they have to give such weird & non-memorable names for these International Airports? Just the City Name is not good enough??)... Preparations are full on, tons of shopping including clothes (I even bought formal suits as they are mandatory I have been told. & I dont know how to 'tie a tie') & groceries (i know cooking so I am supposed to buy full kitchen ration) for the foreign trip. Its really an ordeal to pack & on top of that, this shopping for/before packing. Trust me I am no good at packing (my reasons will ocnvince you & peopel who know me have seen how pathetic I am), on the other hand my Dad is an expert (I think because of Defence Services, they make you move & pack a lot!!); so he still takes care of all my packing when I am going outside India. At other places the pain is mine, but I have always got great help from my friends till now (but I still paid almost $200 while coming back to Inda because of my extra luggage)... Thanks Dad & Friends too!!

I am lil excited & lil tensed too, leaving home is never so easy. My parents, my sis, my friends & a lot of my people are here and they are already concerned for me & missing me (specallly my mom, I know she just loves me & get sreally upset over this). But you have to move as life moves, and world has anyways become a small place now. Daily chatting including voice & video (I use both skype & yahoo), occasional visits and it all seems just one place (my mom who didnt even used to touch computer has become an internet & chatting expert, even better than my dad & sis at times!!). Ofcourse the company of your people around you is special on special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, festivals etc & I do miss that too (remember I spent my 25th b'day alone). But a different experience for something better I would say. I am hoping things turn out just great & amazing, please hope & pray the same for me. Amen & Thanks a lot everyone... Goodbye India!!!!

I am finally going...

I am going to Boston, USA next week for my new project assignment. I have heard it's a nice but expensive place. I'll be leaving very soon and gone for who knows how long. Am I excited & thrilled?? yes!! Am I sad & disappointed?? not really!! I have been waiting for this & trying quite hard for this from a long time. Things do not always turn the way you want or follow exactly your wishes. But that should never stop you from pursuing your dreams & goals. Things are not going to be easy even further, they never are. But as long & as hard it takes to achieve something, it makes you realize the true value & importance of it.

So I finally achieved this, that's what my friends said & I said... "itni shiddat se tumhein paani ki maine koshish ki hai, har lamhe ne mujhe tumse milaane ki saazish ki hai... agar kisi cheez ko poore dil se chaho, to saari kaaynaath tumke ussey milaane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai. Hamari filmoki tarah hamari assal jindagime bhi end tak sab thik ho jata “Happys Endings”.Aur agar end tak sab thik na ho to wo the end nahi hai dosto...". (I have tried so hard to get you, that every moment has conspired for me to find you. If you ask for something straight from your heart and you truly mean it & try for it, then the whole universe will drive you towards it & help you to achieve it. Like our movies, things turn fine by the end in our lives as well. And if things don't turn okay, then it's not 'the end'...)

(The movie, is still not over my friend!!) Picture, Abhi Baaki Hai Mere Dost...

3 mistakes of my life...

So... what am I talking about? Chetan Bhagat's book '3 mistakes of my life', which I read recently or "3 mistakes of my life". I am not sure, but for a start i'll talk of the book. I LIKED IT... now you might think that I like anything (I had enough praise for Inscrutable Americans, remember?), but it's not true. Actually I hardly like anything except myself, it really has to be good or even more for me to like it; this book was a good read though. As I said in my previous blog "the events which are news for many can change life of the people who are part of it"; a nice story of 3 friends whose life's go through several turmoils as per the event around them (9/11 attacks, Gujrat earthquakes, Godhra riots etc). I feel he has done a good job with of creativity and language of the story, like a bollywood masala movie.

As for me, I don't remember how many mistakes I have done... guess I haven't done any. Or at least I don't consider them mistakes. Those were decisions taken on those moments or driven by moments; I accept them and I am fine with it. I am what I am because of what I have been through and the decisions I have taken. Ummmm, they might be considered as mistakes if I am too analytical but I don't regret any of my actions yet. We are supposed to learn from our mistakes, but do we?? But all of us do mistakes; they make our life interesting. Most of the people keep repeating form mistakes without any learning.... and the ones who do are considered different & special!! Have you done any mistakes... or I should say would you like to share any?? Or your views about mistakes. Till then... keep reading, commenting & enjoying. This is RAHUL saying Good Bye & Good Luck... JAI HO!!!!!

New York... & India's got Talent

Just to be clear, what I am talking about is not the city New York but the 2009 Indian Movie 'New York' released this week. I watched it today at Satyam Cineplex in Janakpuri (can you believe that the AC was not working through out the movie in a Housefull show of Rs 160 each, just terrible. I thought people used to go in AC theatres to even sleep in this damn heat of Delhi). After a long time I saw long queues for a movie ticket, I had to wait 45 mins in queue to get the ticket for 1.40 pm show. I couldn't watch the planned 12.30 pm show as I got on the ticket counter at 12.45, so no point missing the first 15 mins of movie (I had this friend in college who used to say that he can't watch a movie if he missed the numbering/credits). The movie was nice, I would give 3 out of 5. It's a story of 3 people of Indian descent in New York city whose lives change after the 9/11 attacks. Many Asian people were badly impacted all over the western world after those attacks, they were being eyed as villains all the time. Many innocent people were arrested by security agencies & harassed/tortured considering them as terrorist suspects. So this movie is a story of such people who turned into a terrorist or FBI agent & what happened to them after that. The first half of movie is fast paced & interesting compared to second part where the climax is not as striking as could have been considering the subject of the movie. The fun element of the college time or an Indian in US for 1st time could have been lil more but maybe the director wanted to stick to the topic. Good performances by Katrina (she has actually acted for the 1st time and spoke Hindi with accent which is not acting but her real style I guess), John (I have always liked him as an actor of caliber, but its lil funny when he says in a pure Indian accent that "I am an American") & Irrfan too. Neil (the guy hardly looks Inidan though) is really good, he has great range of facial expressions and has given a nice performance. Overall a nice Movie which shows how the events which are news for many can change life of teh people who are part of it, enjoy!! (FYI... I also need to watch X-Men 4, Terminator 4 & Transformer 2 sonn)

This weekend also marked the start of India's Got Talent (IGT) on Colors. It's Indian version of Got Talent Series like many other Indian version of American/European shows on Indian Television. Seems we can't come with our own original ideas & just love copying there shows like American Idol=Indian Idol; Dancing with Stars=Jhalak Dikhla Jaa; 30 Seconds to Fame=Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega; Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao=I'm a Celebrity…Get Me out of Here! and many others. But I like watching Talent & Reality Shows comapred to any saas-bahu drama or other stupid stuff. Even news channels have become drama with all of them accepting & promoting the INDIA TV format. IGT has Shekhar Kapur (he's an international celebrity so I like him but quite an emotional/dynamic guy. starts laughing or crying or acting hysterically at any moment), Sonali Bendre (you get old & useless then you become judge I guess. she definitely was very pretty but still... aren't you suppsoed to shine ur own career before jumping on others) & Kirron Kher (she's nice & Also Anupam Kher's wife) as judges and the 1st week was not bad. Hopefully the show will bring out some good talent of India.

So what do you think about the movie & these TV sh0ws, any comments/questions?? Till then... keep reading, commenting & enjoying. This is RAHUL saying Good Bye & Good Luck... JAI HO!!!!!

good news, 500 more visits... bad news, Michael Jackson 's dead

Michael Jackson is dead... he was one of the most known foreigner celebrity in India. He even did a show in India in 1996, which was very popular I heard. Honestly, I was never a huge fan of Michael and I don't remember any of his songs, but even I tried to unsuccessfully imitate his moonwalk a few times like tons of us. He was definitely known as one of the greatest dancer too, and I do think he did it pretty well. And like many other celebrities, he had his share of good & bad in his life. But ultimately after he's gone, world has lost someone. May his soul rest in peace...

The cool thing is I had another 500 visits in less than a month. Since my previous blog when I had more than 1000 visits in less than 5 months, now I have more than 1500 visits in less than 6 months. 1000 visits in 5 months was cool but more than, but 500 visits in one month is just COOOOOOOOL. This is basically because of my "Fight against MAX" post & the June month Blogs. Thanks a lot readers... please let me know what do you like in my blogs & what you don't like much. Also let me know what more would you like to read & hear from me. I would be waiting to hear from you; till then friends/readers/critics/foes... keep reading, commenting & enjoying. This is RAHUL saying Good Bye & Good Luck... JAI HO!!!!!

Happy B'day Maa... Happy Fathers Day Papa!!!!!

It was my mom's b'day and I was here to attend it after 3 years. My heartiest wishes & love for my dearest mom, one of the greatest person I know on this earth & admire the most. I think moms may be the best person for most of the kids in there life (until they grow up & other best half comes in, i guess u know what i mean. & the the holy fight of power/hold begins, lol!!). However my mom is really a great person... so much patience, love, caring, bearing and so much more. It's not easy to be even related/known to me, just imagine being my mom; I am not sure if even I could take it myself. But she has not just taken it, but done a great job of it. Thanks a lot Maa, for being my Maa... Happy Birthday!!

Yesterday was Fathers Day... I actually did not greet or give Fathers Day wishes to my Dad, but want to say something (have said so much for maa, how could i dare to leave Dad now). He is one of the coolest person & coolest dad I guess. My friends used to be scared of him when I was a kid; few thought he was very strict/harsh & others thought he was just too chatty, lol. My dad is kinda extremist, he has loved & cared for me extremely & could have been angry or mad at me at extremes too. But all of that has moulded me into whatever I am today, and I do think I am great... umm greatest... ahh better than the best!! Thanks a lot Dad & Happy Fathers Day!!

General Motors Diet Plan

This post comes atleast a week late (i know you guys were just waiting, lol), because I started the GM Diet Plan 2 weeks back & finished it a week back (& took a week to write this post too). It's not just that I was busy but I also wanted to validate the results, after a week of completion of diet plan (nice excuse, you can't beat that). The result is I had lost 3 KGs in a week & I have gained 1 KG back, so I am still down 2 KGs... not bad!! (& I have no intention of disclosing my past or current weight. You may just know that I looked awesome & now I look more more awesome). I am not going to strongly suggest this plan to anyone (maybe i don't want the whole world to get fit & awesome like me!!) but it's not bad and you may try it if you want to. May not work for you or might do wonders for you...

GM ( General Motor's ) Diet is a well known diet program designed to detoxify body & also for weight reduction. GM Diet is a 7 days diet program & it should be follow once in a month or in two months. GM diet is very effective if it is followed sincerely than the individual can loose up to 2-3 Kgs in a week. However after following GM diet one must take care of the diet because the person can regain weight within 2-3 days. However obese individuals who are suffering from Diabetes, hypertension or other heart problems should not go for GM Diet. I've heard that the program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the foods eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value. Anytime during the diet plan,you should not feel hungry, eat the suggested food as much as you can.

1. Day 1 is a all fruit day except banana. Water-based fruits like watermelon & cantaloupes are better. You are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food.
   
2. Day 2 is all vegetable day, boiled or cooked. Have one boiled potato for breakfast. This day starts with a fix of complex carbohydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.
3. Day 3 you can have a mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today. This day eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. Your system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.
4. Day 4 is for Bananas & Milk. Eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. Bananas are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days.
5. Day 5 you start eating some food. Eat a bowl of brown rice and have beef/chicken (for vegeterians: Rajama/beans, chhole/chikpeas, paneer/cottage-cheese or Soya nuggets) combined with 6 tomatoes (must eat). The beef/chicken is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Increase intake of water to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.
   
6. Day 6 is similar to Day 5 diet except the 6 tomatoes. You can add raw/cooked vegetables too to your diet today. Iron and proteins from beef/chicken, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination.
7. Day 7 will consist of food similar to Day 6and also fresh/real fruit juice. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.

G.M.'S Wonder Soup

The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. This recipe is not inflexible, you may substitute vegetables according to your taste. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.

28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.

Beverages you may consume while on the program :
Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
Club Soda is OK.
Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven. Avoid any oil & sweets. During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol & smoking. You must drink 10 glasses of water each day. Try to honestly stick to the plan.

Taking care of your weight & health is very important at any age. Excess weight is the most critical factor in keeping good health and excess weight is responsible for the most problems including coronary diseases, heart problems, arthritis and cancer among other serious life threatening diseases (that should be scary enough). Most serious health problems can be avoided by the single function of maintaining an ideal weight. Excess weight for women aggravates arthritis problems and leads to rapid joint decay (& excess weight doesn't looks good too, to most of us). Pain and joint deterioration can be lessened by weight loss as weight loss removes the stress on the knee joint (now I feel like a doctor, yay!!). Some common tips in general for weight loss & good health:

• Drink warm water in place of usual/cold water.
• Avoid oil/oily food, excess fat & sweet as much as possible. You may start having fat-free & sugar-free food & stuff, it actually makes a difference.
  
• Mild exercise of 30-60 minutes, 4-5 times a week is also essential. Do not tire yourself out, but being regular in your exercise and maintaining an ideal weight goes a long way in ensuring a happy, healthy and long life.

So, any suggestions or experiences you would like to share? Here are few links which I had consulted (1, 2, 3, 4) and a good diet-chart here. And you may also enjoy my celebrity-morphs & TRM blogs. Till then friends/readers/critics/foes... keep reading, commenting & enjoying. This is RAHUL saying Good Bye & Good Luck... JAI HO!!!!!

Johnny Depp vs RAHUL vs Anthony Hopkins

click here to see me morph into Bill Gates

Heartless Hospitals & Doctors, the sad story continues...

please click here & read this post (including the comments) first and then continue...

In contrast to most of my other posts this is completely unplanned, so it is just what I feel right now. After all the comments I received on my blog I had to write this... The reason I had started blogging was not just for fun & leisure, or make it a diary entry of my life. I had a motive to express my opinion and bring up my voice on different issues and concerns. And I tried, atleast sometimes I did, like this one... And after hearing other people's story I feel terrible, its so sad what people have gone through. Not just government hospitals, but even private medical facilities are doing this and just trying to mint money. Many of us might have faced some or other, big or small issues with hospitals & doctors being victim of there carelessness, ignorance, greed and insensitivity. I think it's high time all these Hospitals & Doctors are mad accountable for there actions. I mean, there should be a measure of performance & quality based on the number of unsuccessful cases handled. I know that Doctors are not god and they can't fix everything, but unless they are measured on these scales & they have to face consequences of there actions in there career/business, they won't start acting right. Also the hospitals should not be paid any money in death cases, even if it does not makes there services better, this will atleast stop them from squeezing money out of dead bodies. This definitely needs to be well thought, but there has to be rating based on there performance...

One of my friend was recently saying to me that Doctors have to be very objective and treat there patient/subject as a mere object, so they don't feel any emotions and can treat them well. But as a human being should ever become so insensitive towards another human being, that all you can think is to reap money out of him until last drop of his blood? Wake up people and if you can't be a good Doctor, or even a GOOD human being... just try to become HUMAN, atleast!!!!

(Friends, get in touch with me and we can actually try to do something. You may Yahoo IM me or email me)