This is an interesting list of films that I enjoyed quite a lot... we movie buffs totally rule.

AFI RELOADED: THE FANBOY 100 - #1-50
After a summer of compiling over 500 entries, I’m pleased to announce the FANBOY 100.Earlier this year the American Film Institute re-voted their top 100 American movies of all time. The first list, compiled in 1998 sparked a great discussion, several TV specials and got people talking about some old classics they hadn’t seen in a while. This year that list was updated to see how the films of the last 10 years would be ranked and to see how our tastes in culture had changed. Please see my posting dissecting some of the differences and similarities of both lists – HERE.There was much discussion from bloggers and fanboys out there – some more passionate and angered than others. Therefore Daily Film Dose spearheaded another vote, using the same guidelines and same short list of films used by the AFI. The result is what I’ve called the “FANBOY 100”. We can now put rest speculations of how the fans may have voted for their favourite films, in comparison to the AFI’s. The major difference of this list is that the Fanboys were allowed the choice of moving off the 400-film short list for as many selections as possible. The AFI allowed only five, which, in my opinion, cuts down the votes significantly. Funny enough, even with the allowance of as many free selections, all of the films below were on the 400 short list.The survey is still not 100% scientifically accurate. The mere fact that there’s a shortlist influences voters to a large degree. Enjoy and discuss.

1. The Godfather (1972) dir. Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Coppola’s masterpiece still reigns supreme as filmed-entertainment of the highest order. Michael Corleone’s character arc from naïve and innocent war-hero to corrupted sadistic maniac is the highest bar for writing and acting. Coppola made the story into a film about family, so it’s fitting, amid all the gangster politics, the first two films boiled down to a story of two brothers and the fateful decision made by Michael which dooms them both forever. Placement on the AFI List: #2

2 Psycho (1960) dir. Alfred Hitchcock
“Psycho” reached only number 14 on the AFI list, but the fans think it’s number 2. Generally considered the first modern horror film, Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece is a manipulative piece of cinema, and Hitchcock at his most devious. He sets up a road chase film like his previous “North by Northwest” but instead pulls the rug from under us by killing off his heroine midway through the film. We, as the audience, have no idea what to expect next. “Psycho” is often imitated, never duplicated. Placement on the AFI List: #14

3. Pulp Fiction (1994) dir. Quentin Tarantino
The major line-jumping of “Pulp Fiction” is likely due to the voting demographic – which is much younger, pop-culture savvy and modern. “Pulp Fiction” is the definitive film of our current generation. Thirteen years later, its influence is still being felt today. “Pulp Fiction” not only won the Palme D’Or, it cracked the $100million domestic box office barrier (unheard of for an indie film back then) and was nominated for all the major Oscars – and taking one home for writing. What makes “Pulp Fiction” so unique and so influential? It was the heart and soul of Tarantino put onto film – a film junkie who devoured the medium. He was able to make a film on his own terms, his way, with relatively complete freedom. Special films like this should be celebrated as often as possible. The fans have spoken. Placement on the AFI List: #94.

4. Casablanca (1942) dir. Michael Curtiz
“Casablanca” ranked #3 on the AFI, and here it comes in at #4. Therefore it’s safe to say fans and critics/historians alike are in agreement, “Casablanca” is a great film for everybody. In fact, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like the film. What is the attraction to “Casablanca”? It was a cookie-cutter studio film that rose to the top as the best and greatest example of the entertaining value of the Hollywood formula – a tight script which practically invented the screenwriting template, dynamic and attractive stars (Bogart and Bergman), and top notch supporting players (Sidney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, Claude Rains). Placement on the AFI List: #3

5. Citizen Kane (1941) dir. Orson Welles
Believe it or not, I received a lot of hate mail about this film. For the many of you who revere the film, there’s a whole lot of ‘anti-Kaners’ out there, but not enough to excise it from the top 5. Kane is still influential, though not untouchable. AFI picked it twice in a row as the top film. Technically the film is brilliant and innovative. Everyone should watch the special features and listen to Roger Ebert’s commentary on the DVD. The film is a magic show. Welles, in his youth, was a magician, and his sleight of hand in evident all over the film. No matter how many times you see it, “Citizen Kane” can always be re-discovered. Placement on the AFI List #1.

6. Schindler's List (1993) dir. Steven Spielberg
“Schindler’s List” is also consistently a favourite among critics and fans. Upon its release Spielberg was praised for maturing as a director and telling an adult story, an important story, without his traditional artifices. Indeed, the palpable realism is powerful, but Spielberg’s eye is always present. Watch for some of his signature movements and compositions hidden in the handheld ‘verite’-style camerawork. Placement on the AFI List: #8.

7. Goodfellas (1990) dir. Martin Scorsese
Scorsese was very popular with the fans. The AFI voters had “Raging Bull” as his masterpiece, but the fans obviously love the Liotta, De Niro, Pesci and Sorvino gangsters better. And I agree. While “Raging Bull” rages with anger and fury, “Goodfellas” is more fun, energetic and audience-pleasing. Who can forget the awesome moment when Henry Hill, who has been narrating the film in voiceover, suddenly turns to camera in his trial, breaks the fourth wall and talks to camera? It’s a risky device, but it’s so natural for Scorsese and only elevates the film to awesome brilliance. Congrats Marty. Placement on the AFI list #92!

8. Apocalypse Now (1979) dir. Francis Ford Coppola
Coppola is the man. Two films in the top ten, and one more standing by at #11. The legend and awe of “Apocalypse Now” grows and grows. It’s the epitome of the pure sacrifice filmmakers give to their films. Coppola took years off his life making it, and though it garnered a Palme D’Or and some Oscar nods, it was the fanboys who helped put the film on its high pedestal. You should all be given credit, and a pat on the back. Placement on the AFI list #30.

9. Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) dir. Stanley Kubrick
To Kubrick fans, it will come as no surprise that this film tops his other films, including “2001” and “A Clockwork Orange”. It’s the benchmark for black comedies – The "Citizen Kane” of black comedies. Virtually untouchable, razor-sharp and flawless. Placement on the AFI List # 39.

10. Star Wars (1977) dir. George Lucas
“Star Wars’” influence speaks for itself. I need not say anymore. Placement on the AFI List #13.
11. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) dir. Steven Spielberg
I thought “Raiders” might top “Schindler’s” in the fan voting, but I was wrong. If people thought “Star Wars” was fun, exuberant adventure cinema, Spielberg and Lucas miraculously topped it with “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Like Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction”, it’s a film made by a couple of filmmakers who devoured a different type of cinema in their youth – the B-movie adventure serial. Lucas and Spielberg mashed up “Tarzan”, “Buck Rodgers”, “Flash Gordon” and more to create the iconic franchise. Placement on the AFI List #65.

12. The Godfather Part II (1974) dir. Francis Ford Coppola
The second “Godfather” film is the high bar for film sequels. In Part II the film turns even darker than the somber ending of the first film. Michael Corleone has morphed into a sadistic killer and an unemotional robot. There is very little semblance of the same character we were introduced to in the first film. Perhaps the most remarkable scene in the film is the second to last scene, when Coppola flashes back to the dinner table scene where we see Connie meet Carlo. Not only do we get to see Sonny again, but we get to see Michael before he was corrupted and tempted by the dark side. And we’re also reminded of one of the biggest ‘what ifs’ in cinema history. What if Brando reprised the role as Vito Corleone for that scene? We can only dream. Placement on the AFI List #32

13. Taxi Driver (1976) dir. Martin Scorsese
“Taxi Driver” was Scorsese’s major breakthrough film. Though “Mean Streets” and “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” brought him critical attention, Scorsese became a household name with “Taxi Driver”. The film works because of the trifecta of talent – Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Paul Schrader. It’s the definitive film for cinematic loners. Placement on the AFI List #52

14. Jaws (1975) dir. Steven Spielberg
“Jaws” was a sensation in 1975. Not only was it then the most successful film of all time, it gave birth to the summer blockbuster tent pole films that now finance practically everything in mainstream Hollywood. Under immense pressure and stress of a skyrocketing budget, schedule delays, a mechanical shark that didn’t work and a doubting studio, Spielberg, like Coppola in “Apocalypse Now” put his creativity to the test and came out a winner. Placement on the AFI List #56.

15. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) dir. Frank Darabont
There’s a reason “Shawshank” is tied for the top-rated film on the IMDB, just about everybody loves the film. Darabont’s interpretation of Stephen King’s short story is part prison film, part Capra fantasy. Morgan Freeman’s earnest voiceover sets the tone early, but it’s the surprising second act turn that elevates the film to greatness. Though it was nominated for seven Oscars, the film wasn’t really discovered by the public until its video release. Word of mouth quickly turned this film into a classic.

16. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) dir. Milos Forman
Like “Shawshank”, just about everybody loves “Cuckoo’s Nest.” It’s a simple story so thoroughly entertaining and satisfying with solid star-making performances, dramatic plot twists and an ample dose of the 50's/60’s rebellious attitude. Aside from the anchor elements of Ken Kesey’s novel, Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, for me, the heart of the film is ‘Chief’ the gentle giant mute who ends the film with possibly the most tearjerking yet uplifting endings of all time. It brings chills to my skin each and every time I watch it. Placement on the AFI List #33.

17. Silence of the Lambs (1991) dir. Jonathan Demme
A slew of serial killer films have been released since “Silence of the Lambs” – including three Lector sequels/prequels. Aside from David Fincher’s equally impressive “Se7en” “Silence of the Lambs” still rocks its competition. The film is only one of three films to win all four major Oscar categories – Actor, Actress, Picture, Director, Screenplay. But the fact it performed so well as a genre film at awards season is incredible. Placement on the AFI List #74.

18. A Clockwork Orange (1971) dir. Stanley Kubrick
"Clockwork" is the second favourite Kubrick film for the fans. The success of this film is staggering as well. Despite the family-unfriendly subject matter, and having a protagonist who rapes and murders people and gets away with it, the film was Warner Bros’ highest-grossing film of that year. Is that a testament to the times or the power of the film? A bit of both I suspect. Few films and filmmakers since have been able to make such subject matter a commercial success. Placement on the AFI List #70.

19. Rear Window (1954) dir. Alfred Hitchcock
This comes as no surprise to me that “Rear Window” is the second favourite Hitchcock film for the fans. “Vertigo” is revered by the international critics, but “Rear Window” trumps “Vertigo” as popular cinema. The concept is so simple and effective – a wheelchair bound emasculated man has only a window through which to view and interact with society. We all can relate to Jimmy Stewart in the film because there’s a voyeur in all of us. Placement on the AFI List #48.

20. The Wizard of Oz (1939) dir. Victor Fleming
The name “The Wizard of Oz” has so much cache it was an almost automatic inclusion on the list. It is a wonderful film, and the top musical on the list. But it’s not the musical numbers that make the film great – it’s the fantastical new world Dorothy enters, perfectly represented by the famous door opening transition from black & white to colour. Placement on the AFI List #10.

21. Empire Strikes Back (1980) dir. Irvin Kirschner
This is the most telling entry. In the AFI List “Star Wars” placed #13 – “Empire Strike Back” was non-existent. Clearly the voters (critics, historians etc) lumped all the “Star Wars” into one and named the first film as the best. Now “Empire” gets to be represented as a separate and distinct ‘great’ film unto its own. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

22. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982) dir. Steven Spielberg
After so many years “E.T.” still captures the fans' hearts as a story about a friendship between a boy and Reeces Pieces-loving alien. Placement on the AFI List #25

23. Chinatown (1974) dir. Roman Polanski
“Chinatown” established its own subgenre of noir films. “L.A. Confidential” is the only worthy rival to “Chinatown’s” crown as the noir-king. An interesting double bill would be David Lynch’s subversive “Mulholland Drive”. Placement on the AFI List #19

24. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) dir. Stanley Kurbrick
Stanley’s Kubrick’s existential sci-fi still divides some people, but at #24, it’s still a popular and powerful film and a benchmark for the genre. Placement on the AFI List #15

25. Raging Bull (1980) dir. Martin Scorsese
“Raging Bull” made a major jump into the AFI top 5, but according to the fans, it’s not his most popular film. It’s as much a violent and disturbing film about domestic abuse as it is about boxing. It’s a tough film to watch, and clearly not as fun or audience-friendly as “Goodfellas”. Placement on the AFI List #4

26. To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) dir. Robert Mulligan
The honourable presence of Gregory Peck anchors this important film about civil rights in the segregated U.S. South. It made many top 5 lists, especially among women. Placement on the AFI List #25.

27. The Graduate (1967) dir. Mike Nichols
Even though we are long gone from the 60’s for the young Fanboy voters, “The Graduate” is still relevant as a statement of the transition period from youth to adulthood. Nichols’ direction is as fresh and fun as it was 40 years ago. Placement on the AFI List #17.

28. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) dir. Frank Capra
Frank Capra’s quintessential Christmas film is seen by new audiences every year. As soon as the film ceases to be relevant to our lives broadcasters won’t play it on television every year. And there’s no indication that that will happen any time soon. Placement on the AFI List #20.

29. Fight Club (1999) dir. David Fincher
This is the second most notable entry – David Fincher’s neo-cult classic “Fight Club”. Most critics and audiences dismissed the film as nihilistic excess when the film was originally released. But for film junkies under 20, it’s grown in stature to be the “Taxi Driver” of their generation. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

30. Vertigo (1958) dir. Alfred Hitchcock
“Vertigo” in critics’ circles in generally considered Hitchcock’s masterpiece. In the recent AFI list it jumped to #9 and placed #2 in the last ‘Sight and Sound’ poll. Clearly fans aren’t as enamored with the film as critics. Placement on the AFI List #9

31. Fargo (1996) dir. Joel Coen
There were many cries afoul when “Fargo” got knocked off the new AFI list. The fans have spoken again and the Coens are represented with a respectable #30. Placement on the AFI List – nil

32. Gone With the Wind (1939) dir. Victor Fleming
Again, some respect for what still is the inflation-adjusted box office champion of all time. Placement on the AFI List #6

33. North by Northwest (1959) dir. Alfred Hitchcock
This is not one of my favourite Hitchcock films, but hey, it’s not my list. Hitchcock’s espionage romp across the USA has some particularly wonderful suspense sequences, specifically the famous and fabulous crop duster scene. Placement on the AFI List #55.

34. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) dir. Peter Jackson
I thought the recency effect of the huge popular franchise might dominate and propel the Rings films higher than this. But #33 is a respectable number for a new entry into cine-history. Placement on the AFI List #50.

35. Lawrence of Arabia (1962) dir. David Lean
A critical fave of the AFI voters, David Lean’s epic just doesn’t seem to have the likeability with the fans. With reduced attention spans, perhaps it’s the 227 mins running time. Placement on the AFI List #7.

36. The Shining (1980) dir. Stanley Kubrick
Kubrick’s horror masterpiece didn’t even crack the AFI Top 100. But since fans are not genre phobic, and “The Shining” is generally considered one of the greatest horror films of all time, it’s not surprising it’s up to #36. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

37. Annie Hall (1977) dir. Woody Allen
This is the only Woody Allen to make either list His other great films – “Crime and Misdemeanors” and “Manhattan” received some good quality vote counts, but just couldn’t crack the 100. Placement on the AFI List – #35

38. Back to the Future (1985) dir. Robert Zemeckis
One of the great fan films of all time gets some much needed respect. Thanks voters for counting this 80’s classic. Placement on the AFI List – nil

39. Singin' In the Rain (1952) dir. Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen
This film is routinely considered the greatest musical of all time. The male-centric youth who dominated the voter demographic has something to do with the difference in placements with the AFI list. Placement on the AFI List #5.

40. Sunset Blvd. (1951) dir. Billy Wilder
Fans and critics both love this film. It’s quality noir about the dark side of Hollywood and celebrityism. Placement on the AFI List #16.

41. 12 Angry Men (1957) dir. Sidney Lumet
Sidney Lumet’s chamber-drama is a classic film – essentially an investigative crime film told entirely within a jury room. It’s a brilliant concept executed perfectly thanks to a great team of actors led by the soft-spoken Henry Fonda. Placement on the AFI List #87.

42. The Matrix (1999) dir. Andy and Larry Wachowski
If the sequels had been more successful “The Matrix” would have scored higher. Up until “Reloaded” and “Revolutions” came out the first “Matrix” was the “Star Wars” of the computer/internet generation. Even with the extreme negative reaction to the other two the first film has survived as an influential film. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

43. Saving Private Ryan (1998) dir. Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg’s powerful film re-invented the modern war film and established the new cinematic language of war. Every battle scene from here on in will be compared to the first 25 mins of “Saving Private Ryan”. Placement on the AFI List #71.

44. Blade Runner (1982) dir. Ridley Scott
“Blade Runner” has grown into one of the all-time great sci-fi films, standing side-by-side with “Star Wars” and “2001: A Space Odyssey”. Ridley Scott combines stunning visual effects with an existential story about the nature of humanity. Placement on the AFI List #97.

45. The Lord of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003) dir. Peter Jackson
Jackson’s achievement in making each LOTR chapter bigger and better is a triumph. His use of CGI, trick photography, costume design and all other forms of in-camera special effects to achieve his vision is astonishing. And to think he made them all at the same time. It's mind-boggling. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

46. Alien (1979) dir. Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” and “Alien” is one of the great career one-two punches in cinema. Two sci-fi films, completely different in style – one, a monster film masquerading as sci-fi and the other a film noir masquerading as sci-fi. Genius. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

47. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2003) dir. Michel Gondry
Like “Shawshank Redemption” this Gondry/Kaufman concoction, in a very short time, has become many people’s favourite film. It’s a great film, but the immense popularity of this little gem definitely took me by surprise. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

48. Some Like It Hot (1959) dir. Billy Wilder
Men in drag is classic go-to humour. Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis did it better than anybody. But it’s Marilyn Monroe who’s magnetic and impossible to take your eyes off. Placement on the AFI List #22

49. American Beauty (1999) dir. Sam Mendes
"American Beauty” didn’t make the AFI List despite being a generational-defining film for many people. Perhaps it’s Mendes’ arguably declining work since this debut film. Placement on the AFI List – nil.

50. Forrest Gump (1994) dir. Robert Zemeckis
“Forrest Gump” is finally bested by “Pulp Fiction”. But the earnest audience-pleaser actually ranked higher in the Fanboy list than either AFI List. Placement on the AFI List #76.

Tele--Vision

In that somnambulistic state before sleep came to me last night I found myself thinking back to my very first impressions of Tele--Vision. It occured to me that TV has never been an idle pastime even in the early days when I had fooled myself into thinking so. There was something deeper – a deeper thread that links one to the other that we cannot quite explain. Not so much subliminal message as an empathic connection that ties you to what is going on or airing in that cuboid box. It is like a glimpse into another reality, which I guess it is – no matter how much fantasy we think resides there – the fact is that there is no singular reality. The vision that one connects with the tele is one that reaches deep within to stir hearts and minds. The redundant viewer sadly will never get to appreciate that. People find their self-realisation in various ways but not enough find that truth that resides in laying bare all you are to tele-vision. Tears will be spilt, lives will be shaken and it will be living, believe me. Only as far as we seek can we go, only as far as we dream can we be.

Memoirs of the Deep

The Fire Inside

Why is it sometimes we are so weak?
A puppet to the strings whose control we seek.
The fire burns inside, sin so simple but all around,
The solution not earthly or easily found.
The path so righteous is blurring before me,
The Lord only can sustain me.
Forgive us Lord, forgive us all,
For the sins into which we so continually fall.
Let us douse the fire once and for all,
Knowing how many lives we constantly maul.
Let us count our blessings ever believing,
That faith will guide us through, our burden relieving.
Even the toughest path can in an instant be so clear,
That regressive torment cannot hold me or come near.
Let us seek with might but ever leaving,
The rest in hands so wide always receiving.
In wondrous ways, the future unfolds,
Not fire, but warmth it holds.
Ever speaking, making one glad,
Of the grace of the creator, we all have had.
Thank you Father, for what we are and where,
To what we'll be, mould us and take us there.

Reflections of a Strange Flat

Part III Miles Away

A million miles from home,
My legs struggle to roam,
The sun beats down on me,
As far as the eye can see,
Strange voices in a crazy land,
Born out of nothing but pure sand,
To live as one does, dreaming of old stories,
That are kept alive by your own memories,
Far from home am I, so it seems,
Impossible to leave except in my dreams,
Trapped in my own mind,
Fiddler on a roof of a certain kind,
Visions of people and places do I feel,
Nothing ever felt so far, yet so real.
Father, father your help I need,
To ease the pain of distance on which I feed,
Send me an angel or a mirage of truth,
Fill my heart and my sorrows soothe,
Let me forget the miles and see from afar,
The life before me, a new door is ajar.

Reflections of an Empty Flat

Part - II The Silence

Oh! When I see the bareness before me.
How I pray for the hint of company.
The silence is most still even it is the loudest day outside.
The loudest silence I have ever felt.
The emptiness is deathly and it closes in.
Oh! To hate to be in the silence of the empty flat.
But to know that we all live by choices in life.
Oh! How weak is our faith in God.
He can speak to you through a pamphlet dropped at the door.
That brings more joy than you ever thought possible.
Suddenly you are attuned to every little sound.
Almost as if waiting for the silence to be broken.
But praying that the sounds that come are not from creatures hidden.
So you take it upon yourself to put some music in your life.
But suddenly, even though you have heard the words before.
And certainly know some of the songs by heart.
The lyrics have a whole new meaning.
As if you are truly feeling them for the very first time.
You scream out the words at the top of your voice.
As if you are the end to the silence.
Which, in a way, I guess I am.
I find myself talking to me more.
As if the entities could separate, and be the companionship that you crave.
Oh Lord! Sweet God of mercy.
Make this silence grow on me.

Reflections of an empty flat

Part - I Alone

No matter how much you think it.
No matter how much you know you feel it.
You never really fully understand it.
The different levels of loneliness.
I thought I knew it.
I thought I was prepared.
I thought I knew what 'alone' meant.
But when it comes to flying solo, there isn't a manual.
Life throws it up at you.
You pray you know how to handle it.
You feel both peace and pain.
Along the road that is the path of gain.
You can be alone in a crowd.
You can be alone in your thoughts.
Alone in your pain,
alone inside your heart,
alone in your beliefs,
alone in your dreams,
alone in your fears,
But you are never really alone when you have faith in God.
Look for the light in the darkness.
Pray for loneliness to teach you life's lessons,
that only solitude can.
Oh! loneliness, I pray that I can used to you.
Oh! hollowness, I say goodbye to you.
Oh Lord, cleanse my soul.
And give me the peace that the world cannot.
And cannot ever take away.

THE FIVE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE - Nelly and Shruthi's wedding

Thank you most of all to Nelson and Shruthi for giving me the five most wonderful days of my life. With memories I'll never let go of and a closeness that is impossible to express, Shruthi and Nelly made the celebration of their marriage a time when I felt truly grateful that I had the amazing privilege of calling them friends and family.

I guess these days were really all about family. Like how Nelly and Shruthi always made you feel like a brother or a sister. How Saikat's emotional speech tugged at your heartstrings. How Sharon made you smile and laugh. How Sanjaya made you raise an eyebrow. How ACJ 2004 really is a big family. I think Nelly said it best: "You know guys, what was special about ACJ was that every one of those 90 odd people was unique and they all brought something special to us."

The last five days may have gone by in a flash but there was something to cherish in every moment. Looking back, one can only get teary eyed reminiscing after barely a day has passed. It was simply surreal seeing all of you again and we missed a lot those who couldn't make it. Seeing Nelson and Shruthi together, seeing them happier than you would ever imagine possible for two people to be, reinforces your faith in how beautiful life can be.

I love you both. I feel really lucky to have been able to be a part of this very special time in your lives.

Vineeth

HARRY POTTER MANIAAAA!!!!!!!

Oh God, the anticipation....... After months and years of waiting. It's finally here. I can't believe it. Its finally going to happen. its gonna happen tonight. I first heard she was releasing quite a few months back. On the first day that orders opened online, i gave mine in.

Five months later, the date is here. She is gonna open up her pages and let the world in on the secrets of the future of the boy wizard. Mann, its been a tempestous week - ive reread the harry potter books in anticipation of the sixth. Oh, the sweet agony of expectation.

Too bad bookstores in India are not opening at midnight or have elaborate launch parties with harry potter themes and huge investments. Trust me, I'll be there 6.30 in the morning (special opening time only for July 16) at least to get a glimpse of one that i believe is one of the greatest works of fiction.

When there seemed to be no niches left to carve in literature, what did Joanne Kathleen Rowling Murray do - she carved one. It is the culmination of how miraculous life can be - God provides a path paved with obstacles but perseverence and fortitude will see you through.

I can't wait to travel through that world one more time because the underlying theme is one of humanity, of learning something everyday and praying for a better future.

Joine me in celebrating the phenomenon that is known as HARRY POTTER!!!!!

Isn't it IRONIC !!!

Its nice to get back to blogging after a very long time. Guess you could say life kinda pushed me back here... gave me something to write about.

I always thought of myself as this guy who couldnt wait to start working, that was of course after i finally decided i knew what it was that i wanted to do. I held myself to only one rule - do something that you love, that you can enjoy doing as long as you do it.

I didnt really think it was a tall order. So that was the plan. Decide what to do... get a job... work till you drop. So now that i was sure of these aspects, one thing i thought i was sure about was that when i do get the job, im gonna stick on for a long time.

And believe me, for the longest time i truly believed that. Even when ACJ came to a close, i was still under this impression. But you know, life doesnt turn out the way you think it will. So there i was - the guy who thought he was gonna hold on to a job for dear life - taking the stride into the job market...

Isn't it ironic.... 11 months on.... The person who thought he was a keeper turned out - he was looking for something he couldnt quite find. The jobs were varied - they may not have seemed that way but believe me they were. Some jobs had - bad memories, horrible bosses, triumphant days, joys of a job well done, celebrating a million new beginnings, exclamations from those who heard about it, "No, don't tell me, No." Fingers counting off the jobs and the days.

Isn't it ironic - what he thought 11 months ago did not come to pass - and guess what, he has no regrets, none at all. its been a great year. He just thanks God for the wonderful opportunities to experience so many different places and people. How many people can say they felt what it was to work in so many varied situations? I learnt something from every one of them.

Now on to stability... still looking for something to hang on to. atleast until the west wind comes calling yet again. But one of these days, i just may not answer her call at all. Then i guess at that point, i would have come full circle.... isn't it IRONIC.

You all know the song....

An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
Isn't it ironic... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids good-bye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought "Well, isn't this nice."
And isn't it ironic ... don't you think

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out
When you think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up in your face

A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic... don't you think
A little too ironic.. and yeah I really do think...

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out

The world smiles at you

Have you ever felt the immense joy from just gazing, understanding, watching a person smile. It is definitely a joy like no other.
The other day on my way to work i stopped at a traffic light alongside a school bus. As i was waiting for the light to change, i looked up at the windows of the bus. There were these two little girls who had their pencil boxes open and were showing each other the contents.
My mind just rewound to years back about how easy it was for us to be happy about some many things in our lives. I imagined their conversation as i watched their faces break into smiles. "That one is so nice, naa. 5 rupees only. Come, we'll share this 'pen-pencil' today." They laughed so happily i felt myself break into a smile thinking: "enjoy every bit of your time, dears. there's nothing else in life quite like it."
Another night I was driving home and I was at another traffic intersection and the signal was not on. I stopped and noticed a scooter coming from the right with two women sitting on it. They slowed down too obviously thinking I was going ahead. I nodded that they should proceed. However, the women driving gestured for me to go. This went on for a bit. When i finally inched forward, so did they. Surprised at each other's actions, she broke into the most wonderful smile which I reciprocated at the same time. She did go ahead, the smile never leaving her face. Something about it was so incredibly sweet.
Later that week, at church there was a baptism of a really cute little baby girl. The girl started making the loudest noises she could. From loud gurgles to earnest proclamations, you couldnt help but smile when a baby makes noises as beautiful as that. I looked to my right and i found I wasn't the only one. This woman had her eyebrows arched, listening intently and smiling once, twice, thrice one after another. She was loving just listening to the sounds of the baby.
Today, as I write this at the internet centre, I'm thinking back trying to recall whats making me write all this. I look beyond the computer and I see this teenage girl sitting typing at another computer and as she hits a few keys keeps on smiling and breaks into laughter a few times. Just chatting (obviously) but finding so much joy in it. Then it hits me. IT is a unique feeling just gazing at people smile. Its wonderful and I realised it is enough to overcome you and make forget about everything else. There really is so much beauty in the world.