Sunday, February 29, 2004
The Pink Cow
I had heard a great deal about The Pink Cow -- the food, the music, the arty interiors, etc. Last Friday, a co-worker decided to celebrate his birthday there and it seemed like a good idea to go somewhere I had never been (I like trying out new places), esp. on a night when their regular DJ, Steve Peak, who had some ministerial committments, was NOT going to perform. You see, Steve and I work in the same company. Will tell you about that some other time.
Anyway, we got there just in time for the dinner buffet. The food was good but I didn't see any of the things they promised on their menu on the website. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the food. The drinks were reasonably priced but we could not go for the "all-you-can-drink" deal coz we could do it only if we were at least 20 people and everybody went for it. If that was not disappointing enough, the smokers had to be huddled in a tiny room on the side to smoke. It was people on top of other people trying to get their nicotine fix. There was so much smoke coming out of the room that it didn't matter if the smokers sat inside or outside. But, Rules are Rules!
I couldn't endure shouting at the top of my lungs after a hard day's work (you needed to do that make yourself be heard over the loud music). Some of us who don't have loud, booming voices gave up trying to have a conversation (often halfway through the subject) coz it was just not worth the effort. So, all in all, our tummies were full but our heads were hurting and we escaped at the first possible opportunity. I would say its a nice and cozy little restaurant which might be perfect if you are on something!
Link to this post here
Anyway, we got there just in time for the dinner buffet. The food was good but I didn't see any of the things they promised on their menu on the website. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the food. The drinks were reasonably priced but we could not go for the "all-you-can-drink" deal coz we could do it only if we were at least 20 people and everybody went for it. If that was not disappointing enough, the smokers had to be huddled in a tiny room on the side to smoke. It was people on top of other people trying to get their nicotine fix. There was so much smoke coming out of the room that it didn't matter if the smokers sat inside or outside. But, Rules are Rules!
I couldn't endure shouting at the top of my lungs after a hard day's work (you needed to do that make yourself be heard over the loud music). Some of us who don't have loud, booming voices gave up trying to have a conversation (often halfway through the subject) coz it was just not worth the effort. So, all in all, our tummies were full but our heads were hurting and we escaped at the first possible opportunity. I would say its a nice and cozy little restaurant which might be perfect if you are on something!
Link to this post here
Sunday, February 01, 2004
The man, the mystery - ULTRABOB
Ultrabob said that this blog will end with the last post I made on January 29th. So, just to prove him wrong I will dedicate this post to him.
Ultrabob, you see, is the co-author or, shall I say, the "absentee author" of The Dynamic Duo. The real author is Ultramom, who I will say is one of the most prolific and delightful writers on the blogging scene. I had heard about her when Ultrabob and I used to work together and after reading her posts (here is the latest piece) on Dynamic Duo I have become a big fan. I also love her because she gives out these juicy tidbits on Utrabob, the co-blogger formerly known as little Bobby. I wanted to give more information about Ultramom here so I went to The Dynamic Duo for insight but Ultrabob hasn't updated the profiles on his About Us page (talk about being slack). Ultramom should really do something about that.
A little about Ultrabob. He hasn't updated his profile either but he started his own company, Akatombo Media, last year and from what I hear he has done some really good work in website design. I am sure he will tell you more about himself since that's what he loves to do.
Sorry Bob, turns out that this post was more about your Mom than you. But I promise to post an interview with "The man, the mystery: ULTRABOB" as soon as I meet you (which is unlikely to happen anytime soon since you are so busy)!
Link to this post here
Ultrabob, you see, is the co-author or, shall I say, the "absentee author" of The Dynamic Duo. The real author is Ultramom, who I will say is one of the most prolific and delightful writers on the blogging scene. I had heard about her when Ultrabob and I used to work together and after reading her posts (here is the latest piece) on Dynamic Duo I have become a big fan. I also love her because she gives out these juicy tidbits on Utrabob, the co-blogger formerly known as little Bobby. I wanted to give more information about Ultramom here so I went to The Dynamic Duo for insight but Ultrabob hasn't updated the profiles on his About Us page (talk about being slack). Ultramom should really do something about that.
A little about Ultrabob. He hasn't updated his profile either but he started his own company, Akatombo Media, last year and from what I hear he has done some really good work in website design. I am sure he will tell you more about himself since that's what he loves to do.
Sorry Bob, turns out that this post was more about your Mom than you. But I promise to post an interview with "The man, the mystery: ULTRABOB" as soon as I meet you (which is unlikely to happen anytime soon since you are so busy)!
Link to this post here
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
To Blog or Not to Blog OR I am still Alive!
The other day, a friend told me that I should "update my blog more often". Given the fact that I haven't "updated" it in over 6 months, I wonder if updating my blog once every 5 months would qualify as "more often".
But I would like to offer some very good reasons for not writing for so long:
1. My computer had the "mad computer" disease.
2. My life resembled a hackneyed Danielle Steel novel, where everything that could go wrong does.
3. I had amnesia and didn't know this blog existed (I am sure a lot of people I haven't contacted in ages will testify to that.) I am still recovering from it so I will add more reasons as and when they occur to me.
Anyway, I would like to say I am back, for how long I don't know. It could just be a passing fancy. AGAIN! But it sure as hell beats writing the same generic emails to let everyone know that I am still alive and kicking.
Wishing you a happy 2004!
Cheers,
Rachna.
Link to this post here
But I would like to offer some very good reasons for not writing for so long:
1. My computer had the "mad computer" disease.
2. My life resembled a hackneyed Danielle Steel novel, where everything that could go wrong does.
3. I had amnesia and didn't know this blog existed (I am sure a lot of people I haven't contacted in ages will testify to that.) I am still recovering from it so I will add more reasons as and when they occur to me.
Anyway, I would like to say I am back, for how long I don't know. It could just be a passing fancy. AGAIN! But it sure as hell beats writing the same generic emails to let everyone know that I am still alive and kicking.
Wishing you a happy 2004!
Cheers,
Rachna.
Link to this post here
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Matrix Quiz
I ventured to Ultrabob's blog wondering if he was back from Hawaii and writing again. And found this Matrix Quiz on his website. So I decided to give it a shot and here are the results:
You are Neo, from "The Matrix." You
display a perfect fusion of heroism and
compassion.
What Matrix Persona Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Link to this post here
You are Neo, from "The Matrix." You
display a perfect fusion of heroism and
compassion.
What Matrix Persona Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Link to this post here
Sunday, May 11, 2003
Tokyo Earthquakes
This weekend kinda shook me up...literally. We had 4 earthquakes in a space of 3 days. The magnitude went up a bit with every earthquake. Tokyo has been expecting a major earthquake for the last 5 years but we have been lucky so far. In Osaka, I experienced 3 earthquakes in a space of 3 years. So the whole earth shaking 8 times in one year is still new to me.
Greater Tokyo has a population of 25 million people. A lot of these people live in old-style wooden houses which will not be able to withstand an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 and over. Experts predict that an earthquake with an intensity of 8 will render 4 million people homeless and over 10,000 people dead. That is a scary thought especially when you take into account what the Great Hanshin Earthquake did to Kobe which has 1/9th of the population of Tokyo.
Related Articles : Seismologists Predict Trillion-Dollar Earthquake Will Strike Tokyo Soon
Tokyo braces for Fuji eruption
Link to this post here
Greater Tokyo has a population of 25 million people. A lot of these people live in old-style wooden houses which will not be able to withstand an earthquake with a magnitude of 7 and over. Experts predict that an earthquake with an intensity of 8 will render 4 million people homeless and over 10,000 people dead. That is a scary thought especially when you take into account what the Great Hanshin Earthquake did to Kobe which has 1/9th of the population of Tokyo.
Related Articles : Seismologists Predict Trillion-Dollar Earthquake Will Strike Tokyo Soon
Tokyo braces for Fuji eruption
Link to this post here
Monday, April 07, 2003
Much Ado About Hanami
I don't go to hanami because I am too good to go and have a good time under the beautiful cherry blossoms with my ex-coworkers.
by Rachna
Correction (by the real Rachna): I didn't go to hanami beacause I was sick last week and had some catching up to do at work. Not to mention, I could not afford to be out in the park on a windy day like Sunday with a cold.
Link to this post here
by Rachna
Correction (by the real Rachna): I didn't go to hanami beacause I was sick last week and had some catching up to do at work. Not to mention, I could not afford to be out in the park on a windy day like Sunday with a cold.
Link to this post here
Sunday, March 30, 2003
Roppongi Night
Went to a party in Roppongi last night. The party totally rocked. Met some new people and did some catching up with old acquaintences. It made me realize how easy it is to lose touch with people. We get so caught up with our lives we forget to live, to make time for our friends.
Anyway, last night was undeniably the best time I have had in a long time. But the highlight of the evening was the punjabi music which played interspersed with the Western rythms. I never thought that I would never hear Indian music in a nightclub in Japan. But thanks to the organizers, we had loads of fun and danced like never before. I got home in the wee hours of the morning and still wanted more.
New resolution: Get out more and make time for friends.
Link to this post here
Anyway, last night was undeniably the best time I have had in a long time. But the highlight of the evening was the punjabi music which played interspersed with the Western rythms. I never thought that I would never hear Indian music in a nightclub in Japan. But thanks to the organizers, we had loads of fun and danced like never before. I got home in the wee hours of the morning and still wanted more.
New resolution: Get out more and make time for friends.
Link to this post here
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
War Against Terrorism : Justified?
Last week was a bleak week. India lost to Australia in the Cricket World Cup finals. Clearly the better team won and the Indian team was let down by its bowlers. So poor was the Indian bowling form that the captain looked like he did not know whether to cry or scratch his eyes out. Ditto for me. But the batsmen tried to make up for it and came up with a reasonable total given the circumstances.
Last week also saw the start of yet another unjustified war started by the United States. I am sure that people think that I give precedence to cricket over the war but there isn't much to say about the war, which already hasn't been said. Everybody’s scrambling to take a stand without having a clear understanding about what is really happening. What is really happening? America will have us believe that it is a classic “good over evil” fight. I think the lines between good and evil are grossly blurred in this scenario. U.S. says that Saddam is evil and Americans love fighting against all evil, right? So what of Osama Bin Laden? U.S. Intelligence (an oxymoron) told us that Bin Laden is hiding in a cave. They created an image of a scared, weak Bin Laden days away from being caught. When that didn't happen they went in search of another evil guy to shift the American public's angst. And guess what, once again it is Saddam Hussein who has the (dis)-honor of being the Enemy No. 1. Now how many political figures can boast of that?
Let's not talk about oil, which is foremost on everyone's mind. Let's not talk about the surge of military contractors since the last Gulf War. Let's not talk about the reconstruction of Iraq to be done by.... you guessed right, American contractors! Check this out: Halliburton Handed No-Bid Iraqi Oil Firefighting Contract . They would rather have us talking about old-fashioned morality. Here's America trying to "save the day", very much in the tradition of the old-fashioned cowboys, riding into the face of danger to liberate the poor Iraqis from the big bad Saddam. They have used every excuse available to them. They have tried to link Iraq with Al-Qaeda in a bid to sway public opinion. If this is not shameless exploitation of people's feelings, what is? They have found no evidence of a link between the September 11th attacks or for that matter any other terrorist events and Iraq.
We know Saddam in a bad guy, was a bad guy, but why is he suddenly in the limelight again. Is it the oil, the sagging American economy or a failure to deal with Bin Laden? The question we must ask ourselves is whether a country has the right to force a regime change on a sovereign country. We must not forget that it is the same America that supported this regime not so long ago. Just like they were responsible for the creation of the Taliban. U.S. goes through the pains of consulting with the U.N. but in the end does whatever the hell it wants to do. U.N. is as redundant as the League of Nations and the U.S. is largely responsible for it. To hell with the world opinion. To hell with the vox populi. Whatever happened to “for the people, by the people and of the people”? Is this the face of democracy today? When they are done with Saddam, I shudder to think, where they will shift their focus next. This war is never going to be over. America will continue its war-mongering as long as there is a region of geo-political importance involved.
I have penned down my thoughts and I am sure there will be more to come. Tell me what you think.
Link to this post here
Last week also saw the start of yet another unjustified war started by the United States. I am sure that people think that I give precedence to cricket over the war but there isn't much to say about the war, which already hasn't been said. Everybody’s scrambling to take a stand without having a clear understanding about what is really happening. What is really happening? America will have us believe that it is a classic “good over evil” fight. I think the lines between good and evil are grossly blurred in this scenario. U.S. says that Saddam is evil and Americans love fighting against all evil, right? So what of Osama Bin Laden? U.S. Intelligence (an oxymoron) told us that Bin Laden is hiding in a cave. They created an image of a scared, weak Bin Laden days away from being caught. When that didn't happen they went in search of another evil guy to shift the American public's angst. And guess what, once again it is Saddam Hussein who has the (dis)-honor of being the Enemy No. 1. Now how many political figures can boast of that?
Let's not talk about oil, which is foremost on everyone's mind. Let's not talk about the surge of military contractors since the last Gulf War. Let's not talk about the reconstruction of Iraq to be done by.... you guessed right, American contractors! Check this out: Halliburton Handed No-Bid Iraqi Oil Firefighting Contract . They would rather have us talking about old-fashioned morality. Here's America trying to "save the day", very much in the tradition of the old-fashioned cowboys, riding into the face of danger to liberate the poor Iraqis from the big bad Saddam. They have used every excuse available to them. They have tried to link Iraq with Al-Qaeda in a bid to sway public opinion. If this is not shameless exploitation of people's feelings, what is? They have found no evidence of a link between the September 11th attacks or for that matter any other terrorist events and Iraq.
We know Saddam in a bad guy, was a bad guy, but why is he suddenly in the limelight again. Is it the oil, the sagging American economy or a failure to deal with Bin Laden? The question we must ask ourselves is whether a country has the right to force a regime change on a sovereign country. We must not forget that it is the same America that supported this regime not so long ago. Just like they were responsible for the creation of the Taliban. U.S. goes through the pains of consulting with the U.N. but in the end does whatever the hell it wants to do. U.N. is as redundant as the League of Nations and the U.S. is largely responsible for it. To hell with the world opinion. To hell with the vox populi. Whatever happened to “for the people, by the people and of the people”? Is this the face of democracy today? When they are done with Saddam, I shudder to think, where they will shift their focus next. This war is never going to be over. America will continue its war-mongering as long as there is a region of geo-political importance involved.
I have penned down my thoughts and I am sure there will be more to come. Tell me what you think.
Link to this post here
Thursday, March 20, 2003
Plum trees and other stories
I am back...looking forward to the 3-day weekend. Ain't life sweet! Anyway, to recap I went to do some plum-blossom viewing a couple of weeks ago to a place outside Tokyo which boasts of 25,000 plum trees. But unfortunately most of them weren't in full bloom. When is this winter going to leave us? But on the positive side, I enjoyed the hike, the conversation, the sunshine, and the fresh air which is impossible to find in Tokyo.
After a week of heavy toil, it was party time last weekend. Quite a party that turned out to be! Everybody was drunk and fudging through the conversation and various games that we tried to play. Unsuccessfully, of course. So now we are down to the long weekend. I am looking forward to the World Cup Final and hope that India beats the hell out of Australia. That way, one billion people will be happy, not thinking about the serious mishandling of the Iraq issue, and I get a free lunch by winning a bet.
So enjoy this weekend, love each other, and keep coming back for more on this Blog.
Link to this post here
After a week of heavy toil, it was party time last weekend. Quite a party that turned out to be! Everybody was drunk and fudging through the conversation and various games that we tried to play. Unsuccessfully, of course. So now we are down to the long weekend. I am looking forward to the World Cup Final and hope that India beats the hell out of Australia. That way, one billion people will be happy, not thinking about the serious mishandling of the Iraq issue, and I get a free lunch by winning a bet.
So enjoy this weekend, love each other, and keep coming back for more on this Blog.
Link to this post here
Sunday, March 09, 2003
Friday, February 28, 2003
February Update
I realize that I tend to hibernate a lot but c'mon 'twas winter (still is, in some parts of the world). The last two months have been the most relaxing after a long time. I had a lot of time to myself, and I made the most of it. During the first two weeks of February I spent time in good old Osaka, perhaps for the last time. I had too much time on my hands but no internet, so I played Age of Mythology from dawn till dusk. I managed to finish all the campaigns with the relative ease that comes with being an expert at playing Microsoft's earlier game, Age of Empires (*smirk*). The game play is similar to AoE but AoM boasts of fantastic graphics and a more intuitive AI. The storyline also keeps you engaged especially if you have an interest in Greek mythology.
7th of February was the BF's birthday, and in light of the fact that he had an exam on the 8th, we settled for a quiet dinner on Friday. We went to nearby Sizzlers which, by the way, has reintroduced its all-you-can-eat salad bar, and pigged out. Topped it with Chilean wine and could barely move after that. On the evening of the 8th we met with friends and their lovely little daughter in Kobe. God! I am going to miss that town.
That brings us to the 14th of February. Without a doubt, this was the worst Valentine's Day. If it was not enough that we were packing up the BF's place, imagine the mess and the confusion, we punctuated this with exploding bursts of anger and irritation directed at each other. We packed into the night, shipped it all to his University (don't ask me to explain!) and died from exhaustion on our way from Osaka to Tokyo. But wait, things weren't going to get any better. We missed our stop and went all the way to Tokyo station instead of Yokohama, which is a good one hour away from my place. Well folks it is official, Valentine's Day 2003 was the worst ever.
But we tried to make things better on the 15th and treated it as our personal Valentine's Day. We got tickets to the early showing of the Lord of the Rings: Two Towers and followed it up with a fantastic dinner. I don't know what the general public reaction to the movie is but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Although the pace of the movie kept dropping from time to time, the filmmakers tried to weave the screenplay as seamlessly as they could. I would recommend it to everyone. Adrian, predictably, enjoyed the battle scenes and groaned every time the camera shifted to anything else.
That brings us to this weekend. I met a few friends from my ex-company last night for dinner. There was some major catching up to do. Today was to supposed to be a beautiful, sunshiny day so I could go and do some "cherry-blossom viewing" with friends. But it is raining today, dampening my spirits. Therefore I have resigned myself to spend a day at home and update this blog, especially with Bob declaring my site dead every two weeks. It feels good to be back!
Link to this post here
7th of February was the BF's birthday, and in light of the fact that he had an exam on the 8th, we settled for a quiet dinner on Friday. We went to nearby Sizzlers which, by the way, has reintroduced its all-you-can-eat salad bar, and pigged out. Topped it with Chilean wine and could barely move after that. On the evening of the 8th we met with friends and their lovely little daughter in Kobe. God! I am going to miss that town.
That brings us to the 14th of February. Without a doubt, this was the worst Valentine's Day. If it was not enough that we were packing up the BF's place, imagine the mess and the confusion, we punctuated this with exploding bursts of anger and irritation directed at each other. We packed into the night, shipped it all to his University (don't ask me to explain!) and died from exhaustion on our way from Osaka to Tokyo. But wait, things weren't going to get any better. We missed our stop and went all the way to Tokyo station instead of Yokohama, which is a good one hour away from my place. Well folks it is official, Valentine's Day 2003 was the worst ever.
But we tried to make things better on the 15th and treated it as our personal Valentine's Day. We got tickets to the early showing of the Lord of the Rings: Two Towers and followed it up with a fantastic dinner. I don't know what the general public reaction to the movie is but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Although the pace of the movie kept dropping from time to time, the filmmakers tried to weave the screenplay as seamlessly as they could. I would recommend it to everyone. Adrian, predictably, enjoyed the battle scenes and groaned every time the camera shifted to anything else.
That brings us to this weekend. I met a few friends from my ex-company last night for dinner. There was some major catching up to do. Today was to supposed to be a beautiful, sunshiny day so I could go and do some "cherry-blossom viewing" with friends. But it is raining today, dampening my spirits. Therefore I have resigned myself to spend a day at home and update this blog, especially with Bob declaring my site dead every two weeks. It feels good to be back!
Link to this post here
Saturday, December 28, 2002
Back in Japan soon!
My stay in India is coming to an end and people have been asking to write about my adventures in Delhi. As far as adventures are concerned, the only one I can think of is driving in Delhi after almost 2 years. You might say that's not an adventure. Wait till you try it!
I will try to give a detailed report once I am back on broadband. For now, wishing you all a very Happy 2003. Keep checking for updates.
Link to this post here
I will try to give a detailed report once I am back on broadband. For now, wishing you all a very Happy 2003. Keep checking for updates.
Link to this post here
Tuesday, December 24, 2002
Hey Rachna - will see you in Delhi. Must be terrible without a net connection - times we live in...! cheers, rahul
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Sunday, December 08, 2002
I don't really have much to say, but the site is getting too purple. So I thought I'd just pop in and say "Hi!"
your friendly neighborhood,
UltraBob
Link to this post here
your friendly neighborhood,
Link to this post here
'Tis snowing in Tokyo today!
We had the first snow of the season today. Here's a news report from Japan Today:
Monday, December 9, 2002 at 14:00 JST
TOKYO: Tokyo saw its first snowfall of the season Monday due to an inflow of cold air from the northeast, affecting traffic systems and closing schools in the capital and vicinity.
It also snowed for the first time in Chiba, Yokohama and Kofu.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said this year's first snowfall in Tokyo came 12 days earlier than last year's and 24 days earlier than on average. In Chiba, it came 30 days earlier than usual.
Link to this post here
Tokyo's 1st snow of season disrupts traffic, closes schools
Monday, December 9, 2002 at 14:00 JST
TOKYO: Tokyo saw its first snowfall of the season Monday due to an inflow of cold air from the northeast, affecting traffic systems and closing schools in the capital and vicinity.
It also snowed for the first time in Chiba, Yokohama and Kofu.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said this year's first snowfall in Tokyo came 12 days earlier than last year's and 24 days earlier than on average. In Chiba, it came 30 days earlier than usual.
Although some schools closed down, I had no such luck with work. All the trains were running late, so had to spend 30 minutes being crushed rather than the usual 10. I slushed and slipped my way to the office and it is still snowing. If it didn't look so beautiful I would complain more. Hope you are having a nice day!
Link to this post here
Thursday, November 28, 2002
November Update
I am back and so is my computer. No wait....now I have 2 computers! Bought a new laptop which is extremely thin and light. No more breaking my back carrying the old one around. The old one is a server at home now doing a lot of useful (and useless) stuff.
I will be going to India on the 16th of December. Yoo Hoo! Am I looking forward to that? Away from Japan, 2 weeks of (hopefully) complete relaxation. So if people in India are actaully reading this, let's meet up while I am there.
I will write more later. Keep those comments coming. Sayonara!
Link to this post here
I will be going to India on the 16th of December. Yoo Hoo! Am I looking forward to that? Away from Japan, 2 weeks of (hopefully) complete relaxation. So if people in India are actaully reading this, let's meet up while I am there.
I will write more later. Keep those comments coming. Sayonara!
Link to this post here
Sunday, October 27, 2002
This Blog is still alive!
I completely disagree with Bob.
This blog is not dead....the only thing that is dead is my laptop. I woke my computer up one morning and it just groaned (a lot) and died on me.
So don't worry, this blog hasn't run out of steam...its just taking a break!
p.s. A word about customer service in Japan: IT SUCKS BIG TIME!
Link to this post here
This blog is not dead....the only thing that is dead is my laptop. I woke my computer up one morning and it just groaned (a lot) and died on me.
So don't worry, this blog hasn't run out of steam...its just taking a break!
p.s. A word about customer service in Japan: IT SUCKS BIG TIME!
Link to this post here
Monday, October 21, 2002
I think I am forced to hereby declare this website dead on October 21st, 2002 6:24 JST.
R.I.P.
Link to this post here
R.I.P.
Link to this post here
Wednesday, October 16, 2002
There is an easy way for you to remedy the too much blue problem without deleting my posts...
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Friday, October 11, 2002
Editorial Discretion not Censorship
Ok...I had to do it. I had to delete Bob's last post. I have told him that words signifying bad odour cannot exist on my page. I guess this is why you need editors 'coz people will write anything to get attention.
Also there was way too much blue in the blog, don't you think?
Link to this post here
Also there was way too much blue in the blog, don't you think?
Link to this post here
Tuesday, October 08, 2002
If my only knowledge about Rachna came from reading this page, I'd think she was dead.
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Sunday, October 06, 2002
I'm pissed off!! There is only one comment for me besides Rachna's, and that special comment is written TO Rachna. Oh well, I wouldn't want comment from someone who would read a page like this anyway, so there!
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Thursday, October 03, 2002
I say getting blitzed or getting blatzed to mean getting drunk. I was just wondering, is this a common expression, or am I the only one?
I am a rock ... I am an i-i-island!
Link to this post here
I am a rock ... I am an i-i-island!
Link to this post here
Watch out for the new bugbear virus. Info here
Be sure to update your virus software!
Thank you for listening!
Link to this post here
Be sure to update your virus software!
Thank you for listening!
Link to this post here
New Commenting Program
Wednesday, October 02, 2002
I like the word vanished, I also like vicious, and viscous is also great. Virile is a fine word in it's own right. Can anyone come up with a 'v' word that isn't the cat's meow?
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Commenting program's gone!
Looks like Bob is taking the "Random" part too seriously. And he wonders why I have to delete his comments.
By the way, I have lost my commenting program again. If you wanted to post comments and couldn't, pl. check back in a couple of days.
I wonder if anyone actually reads this blog.
Link to this post here
By the way, I have lost my commenting program again. If you wanted to post comments and couldn't, pl. check back in a couple of days.
I wonder if anyone actually reads this blog.
Link to this post here
Then there are the young women on the crowded train always groping me. Make it stop!! Please make it stop!!!!!!!
Thank you for listening.
Link to this post here
Thank you for listening.
Link to this post here
Tokyo Trains
Caution: Read at your own risk
Every morning I leave my house and take the train to the office. To save only 5 minutes I prefer to take the express train which is filled beyond capacity. Tokyo train system is probably the best in the world but then Greater Tokyo has some 20 million people out of which 5 million are commuting by train everyday. "In Japan's large cities - particularly in Tokyo - [the crush factor] rises to an average 194% on main lines during the morning rush hour and on some sections it even exceeds 250%. A 250% crush factor means bodies crammed together so tightly that it is impossible to read a book and difficult to get on and off" (Extract from "News and Views from Japan", January 1996). On the bright side, you don't need to hold anything to keep yourself steady; there isn't enough space for you to fall.
The thing about rush hour is that like-minded people are also trying to take the express train. I will not pretend that I am as brave as these Ninja types. Imagine the scenario: The doors open at the station, people fall out the train, people who do not the know the words like "sorry" and "excuse me" poke elbows at other commuters to get off while others use the typical Japanese "slasher" hand. The onlookers like myself take a deep breath and prepare ourselves for the ambush. We enter and hurriedly try to find a safe spot where we won't be sandwiched and crushed to a pulp. The guys who get in last enter with their back towards the rest of the people and use their butt to ease themselves in. The horror isn't over yet. The train cannot move until the doors close and the conductor is trying to do it relentlessly but to no avail. Enter the station attendant whose job is to pull the doors till they close or sometimes to push some idiot, who is stuck halfway between the doors, inside. So after pushing, pushing and more pushing the train finally takes off and you try to breathe. This is where being tall comes in handy.
Apart from the stuffy nature of the Tokyo trains the thing that kills me most is that people are perpetually stepping on your toes even when there is plenty of space and especially when you are wearing sandals or stilettos. Some people ride the train with a mission, I guess. The older Japanese people look at foreigners as if we are to blame for this infernal mess. Again, on the bright side, you also learn to balance your self while standing so you can read, eat with both hands or even sleep while standing. If you are a guy and you are lucky (or unlucky, as the case might be) the Japanese guy in front of you will be reading a porn magazine openly and will not mind your looking at the pictures. But if you are going home late at night and want some moments of relaxation, forget it. The guy next to you has had enough alcohol for the whole of Berlin and the smell will send your brain spinning.
After living in Kansai, Tokyo trains came as rude shock but if you think I have to be crazy to ride in these trains instead of getting a car, wait till I tell you about the roads!
Link to this post here
Nothing of any relevance
Any of you who are into web design should check out A List Apart it is always a great source for insight!
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
One last thing I'd like to say: I'm sick of being sick!!
Thank you for listening!
Hope we are clear on that now.
Link to this post here
Thank you for listening!
Hope we are clear on that now.
Link to this post here
Everytime I post something, Rachna censors it (which usually means deleting it in it's entirety). I think that is tyrannous (sic?) What do you think?
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Tuesday, October 01, 2002
Typhoon Update
Its a bleak, bleak day! Its dark and raining heavily and people from the other offices in the building have started to leave. One by one, people are calling and urging us to return home. And I am sitting here writing this post. Gotta go home!
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Typhoon No. 21 heading toward Kanto
Yomiuri Shimbun
Typhoon No. 21, which is predicted to be the most powerful storm yet this year, was moving northward in the Pacific Ocean toward Japan Monday night, and is expected to affect the Tokyo metropolitan area Tuesday evening. It likely will land in the Tokai or Kanto areas between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, the Meteorological Agency said.
The agency is calling for those in the metropolitan area to be prepared for high winds, heavy rain, tidal waves and landslides, as the typhoon might be one of the most powerful to hit the metropolitan area since the end of World War II.
Typhoon No. 21 was moving northward at a speed of about 30 kph in the Pacific Ocean west-southwest of Chichijima island of the Ogasawara Islands as of 6 p.m. Monday. It had an atmospheric pressure of 940 hectopascals at its center and winds of up to 162 kph.
Link to this post here
Typhoon No. 21, which is predicted to be the most powerful storm yet this year, was moving northward in the Pacific Ocean toward Japan Monday night, and is expected to affect the Tokyo metropolitan area Tuesday evening. It likely will land in the Tokai or Kanto areas between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, the Meteorological Agency said.
The agency is calling for those in the metropolitan area to be prepared for high winds, heavy rain, tidal waves and landslides, as the typhoon might be one of the most powerful to hit the metropolitan area since the end of World War II.
Typhoon No. 21 was moving northward at a speed of about 30 kph in the Pacific Ocean west-southwest of Chichijima island of the Ogasawara Islands as of 6 p.m. Monday. It had an atmospheric pressure of 940 hectopascals at its center and winds of up to 162 kph.
Link to this post here
Sunday, September 29, 2002
Comments Choudai
P.P.S. Had to change my commenting program, so lost all the old comments, posted mostly by Bob. How about some new ones :)?
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Visitors Choudai
September Update
I am back from hibernation (but not for long, I think)!
I see that Bob is keeping you guys entertained. The last month has been good overall. Bob was out of the office ;), went to Kobe & got to boss everyone around. Most of the people at the office think I am scary coz I like to keep my desk clean and I scream at anyone who keeps anything on my desk.
After a weekend of working at not working, I am raring to go back to the office only to wish for the weekend by next Thursday. So wish me luck and write people, write!
Link to this post here
I see that Bob is keeping you guys entertained. The last month has been good overall. Bob was out of the office ;), went to Kobe & got to boss everyone around. Most of the people at the office think I am scary coz I like to keep my desk clean and I scream at anyone who keeps anything on my desk.
After a weekend of working at not working, I am raring to go back to the office only to wish for the weekend by next Thursday. So wish me luck and write people, write!
Link to this post here
Friday, September 27, 2002
Also, commenting seems to be permanently unavailable, but it still says temporarily unavailable. hmm...
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Thursday, August 29, 2002
Bob's on a Short Vacation (too short, I tell you!)
Another week coming to its end. The Boss has gone to America to recover so now I am the CBO (Chief Bugging Officer). By the time he gets back everyone in the office will hate me. Someone with inside information, a.k.a. Bob, told me that they already do. Something tells me it isn't so 'coz I still have my job at the end of the trial period. Yippie!
Ending on a happy note, I would like to announce that Diksha and Priyankar became proud parents of a beautiful baby girl on the 23rd of this month. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Link to this post here
Ending on a happy note, I would like to announce that Diksha and Priyankar became proud parents of a beautiful baby girl on the 23rd of this month. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Link to this post here
Wednesday, August 28, 2002
Soon I'll be far away from Rachna, and the other horrors of Japan. (Kidding Rachna, no apologies Japan). I'm going back to the United States for 10 days for business meetings, and to meet friends. I'm really looking forward to it, but an all nighter trying to prepare for a time zone fourteen hours behind the one you are used to can do interesting things to your brain. If I left this post as I typed it with no edits or deletions, most of it wouldn't make sense. The part that did make sense wouldn't have made sense were you sane. That's an idea for a blog. Maybe I'll do the sleep dep. blog, and write in it when I'm running on nothing but caffeine. I wonder if I'd have any readers. If anyone actually reads this blog, keep your fingers crossed that my flight and trip are alright. Peace, I'm out of here!
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
Friday, August 23, 2002
Write people, write!
Another weekend...too short! Waiting for a friend to call so I can go out. Why can't these Europeans do anything on time? At least now I will never have to wonder about what to give them on their birthdays.
Last week I spent a lot of time writing emails to lots of people. Replies are trickling in but looks like most of them are still mad at me for not writing for a long time. Give peace a chance, guys!
Link to this post here
Last week I spent a lot of time writing emails to lots of people. Replies are trickling in but looks like most of them are still mad at me for not writing for a long time. Give peace a chance, guys!
Link to this post here
Monday, August 19, 2002
I would just like to welcome you all to Rachna's new webspace. Here's hoping that I get the chance to make her page more interesting in many delightful amusing ways that she doesn't notice for some time {insert evil laugh here}. She gave you one of my links, here is another: Ultrabob's page.
Link to this post here
Link to this post here
The Blogging Begins
To: All those people who keep asking me what's happening in my life!
Well, here it is! This is my weblog. From now on I'll be posting all the major happenings in my life (Don't get too excited...there aren't many) and the gossip about other people here. So check back for updates every once in a while. I don't promise to write much and I don't promise to write anything which might be of slightest interest to any of you. But atleast you'll know I'm alive and well, unless Bob is posting items using my name. Bob, by the way, is much like Catbert. For those of you who don't know about Catbert, he is a typical cat, in the sense that he looks cute but he doesn't care if you live or die. As Human Resources Director at Dilbert's company, he teases employees before downsizing them.
If you would like to post here sometimes let me know and I will create an account for you.
Cheers,
Rachna.
Link to this post here
Well, here it is! This is my weblog. From now on I'll be posting all the major happenings in my life (Don't get too excited...there aren't many) and the gossip about other people here. So check back for updates every once in a while. I don't promise to write much and I don't promise to write anything which might be of slightest interest to any of you. But atleast you'll know I'm alive and well, unless Bob is posting items using my name. Bob, by the way, is much like Catbert. For those of you who don't know about Catbert, he is a typical cat, in the sense that he looks cute but he doesn't care if you live or die. As Human Resources Director at Dilbert's company, he teases employees before downsizing them.
If you would like to post here sometimes let me know and I will create an account for you.
Cheers,
Rachna.
Link to this post here
