It’s legen-please don’t wait for it-dary

With HIMYM drawing to a close with the season 9 premiering very soon in every television near you (Oh sorry! Not everyone has a DTH connection), it got me thinking about how naturally it brings about the comparison with one of the best sitcom ever, FRIENDS. Certainly there are no comparisons, considering the timeline differences between the two. But we, audiences can’t live without comparing the two. It’s like comparing Messi and Maradona, but then again, we do that and isn’t it fun? As Barney says: ‘New is always better’, it is better when it is this awesome. Well, better or not, I leave it to your judgement, but NPH and Hannigan’s impersonation deserve the biggest of applauses.

                First of all, congratulations to the producers of the show, for completing 8 successful seasons (Of course they aren’t listening…..but…just….just….OK) with the same cast. Most importantly it was the holy-mother-of-all-that-is-good-in-heaven relief to finally not force to personalize the mom of the two kids (whom names we still don’t know off!) of Ted’s through his words. We have seen her buying ticket to Farhampton. And I hope directors aren’t smiling wicked while the audiences are having this thought. It’s already hard to digest all the twists, especially during binge watching, that it might seem uncanny. What?? Why are you looking at me like that?? How it is not uncanny you ask? Yes, Every day can be legendary, meeting at the bar every single night is possible, being friends even if you want to see your friend’s wife’s racks, hooking up with girls in the same bar over and over again (and the bartender or the manager doesn’t mind), hit by a bus outside a hospital (that never happens :P).  

                Being the most well framed sitcom ever (with timestamps in every story), it kind of makes sense that the anticipations are high for the final showdown. The team has given us great laughs, sumptuous jokes, hilarious one-liners and the aggregation of theories of which some of them really make sense. The ‘cheerleader effect’, ‘the hot v/s crazy scale’, ‘Platinum Rule’ are as charismatically true as Barney’s repertoire to make his audience laugh. Ted and Robin’s enthusiastic and simultaneous salute on every mention of military lingo viz captain, private etc. is exasperatedly sweet.

                And how can I forget the most important and sacred of all ‘The Playbook’ and ‘The bro code’, both written by Sir Barnaby Stinson. One is the notorious collection of plots and the other, the code of conduct to be followed by two bros. The two sacred books once safe in the havens of Barney’s ‘fortress of Barney-tude’ are now at large. Playbook achieved martyrdom and Bro code soon will be obsolete for them.  

 Kids have listened to his story once but the loyal fans have vicariously lived his stories for only God-knows like zillion times.  I would call you a ‘blitz’ if have missed any of ‘awesomness-packed’ 8 seasons of laugh-riot.  The show’s worth of all the attention it has got. It’s nice to know that this love story is going to be even better than the previous love interests of Ted, better than his 2 minute date with Stella…..well that’s the dream!

So now I leave you with the image that I got somewhere from internet that quite aptly compares some characters.

Nature's Wrath Yatra

11 days and more than thousand feared dead since the Uttarakhand disaster occurred and still rescue operations are at run. One cannot even begin to explain the trauma and suffering the people there have gone through. Showing its fury, nature struck to suddenly stamp out hundreds in the name of maintaining balance. There’s no fighting the nature’s wrath.

As the attitude of a person during glee and glum day tells a lot about his character; similarly a country’s character is quite aptly observed during calamities and certainly my opinion this time is towards the positive side. The way the pilgrims have been helped and comforted by various-not-less-than-God-like Indian army personal directly and by relief funds’ accumulators indirectly has been too overwhelming to describe, especially when the early monsoon has been a constant opposition to the rescue operations. It has foiled many such efforts and the short windows it has provided in its absence weren’t of much help either.  

It makes me think how it’s kind of ironic that people believe that God is taking care of them and is watching over them; but here people are at unease, to say the least, due to a ritual that is supposed to keep God contented. Then I heard about a village close to Kedarnath that is determined to help victims by offering them food and shelter till their reserves end. Such vicarious compassion shown by villagers is truly shows the high spirited and giving nature that Indians have been historically known for. Then there is heroic Indian army best illustrating this quality. They have been on a constant alert to ensure the relief operations do not lax. Around 19000 pilgrims have already been evacuated and Uttarakhand government has promised to complete the evacuation within 72 hours.

Believe it or not, I believe, Uttarakhand calamity had brought Indians a little closer; the stories sharing the grief and pain of losing or being separated by the loved ones, the apathy by some poor souls, the helplessness mixed with fear....thanks to media for acquainting us with the condition about the stranded pilgrims and Indian Army for their hospitality shown to the rescued in their camps after saving them from the stranded lands, thanks to all the individuals who contributed to relief funds(especially CRPF and BSF jawans for cutting in from their salary)....this disaster has taught us a genuine lesson about humanity......hope we all keep that flame of humanity burning!!!

And let’s pray for those stuck in inaccessible areas that Indian Army reaches them soon!

Jai Hind!!!

Fixers' future fixed!

Some days back while going through the newspaper, I was a little concerned about my nation when this piece of news relieved me of my concerns, ‘Spot-fixing in IPL-2013’.

While the monotonicity of ‘Comedy Circus’ kept on increasing, India desperately needed some new way of coping up with the pressures of daily chores. And as they nearly lost all hopes, IPL spot-fixing came to the rescue. Thanks to Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan’s party needs, we really found some entertainment. Also, Bollywood was feeling kind of left out, so Vindoo Dara Singh joined in for some ecstasy. Sreesanth was reported to have been searching for a heroin to cast her opposite to him-self. Now, his movie might be in jeopardy, but a movie based on him is definitely a thumbs-up. His journey has been one heck of a called-in, thrown-out kind of ride. Right from taking the decisive catch in the finals of T20 world cup or returning respect to Dale Steyn through a six or the controversy with Bhajji, he has never been shy of expressing emotions; perhaps a too ostentatious emotional show-off.

                Meanwhile Comedy Circus producers are surprised that how this controversy is collecting so much attention without much effort; while they have been up their asses working vehemently creating countless seasons after seasons, and still their major viewership is acquired by lazy teenagers who don’t want to get exhausted by working up their way to the remote. The producers are furious; even China’s little peek-a-boo at LOC gained better attention. The producers are now contemplating new dimensions for accretion of lost ratings even going as jejune as hiring Sunny Leone for the hosting or Navjot Sidhu for stand-ups.

                Dawood is also not happy on becoming a household name blamed for all illegal activity saying, “It’s not fair. Please cut me some slack. And for god’s sake can someone please explain to Mr. Kisu Kisaan that I had no hand in the robbery in his house.” This was a much awaited reply that was being anticipated from Dawood, after Kisu lodged an FIR last month against Dawood for kidnapping his two bulls.

                It really surprised and shocked everyone to the core, except for the general Indian viewers. Now you are surprised?? nSeriously, ask any paan-wala bhaiya in your locality and he will brief you about how he had a hunch that this IPL was fixed. Though he may not explain what spot-fixing exactly is….but neither can half the population of cricket crazy clique. Isn’t it true?

                The verdict is far from over; there are still names to be unfolded and more entertainment in line to be served freshly to the ever-cynic Indian-kind. Many startling revelations are just waiting to be unfolded….just wait for it!

        

HATS OFF to the MAESTRO

Sir Alex Ferguson retires. Citing health reasons, he said, “The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time. It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I gave done so. ”

Well, I am not a great fan of Red Manchester, but I do respect this man. I have always appreciated his composure, intensity on the pitch. The way his sheer presence inspires his team and the respect he incurs from adulating fans is one that only greats can achieve and he is no exception. 

For the 27 years that he served the club, not once did the United administration must have thought about installing a new manager. He has been calm, unruffled and dedicated in making a team that is balanced in every sense, be it age-wise, or position-wise and stardom-wise as well.

He has been a solid inspiration to the young crops of managers that take cues from him in managing their respective clubs. The large numbers of good-bye messages on Twitter reflects so.

He joined Old Trafford in 1986 from Aberdeen and never looked back as the Red Devils have dominated not only the English but European scene as well. His tally includes 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups and 2 Champions League titles. The 71-year Scotsman will join the team’s board members and will serve as ‘Ambassador’ in the upcoming season. Till now, United have two games left and one of them is a home game against Swansea where we may expect some emotions from the not-so-much expressive coach.

                Well, talking about replacing him is a contentious issue. United never had to think about the position of manager, it was already in very capable hands. It’s always hard to replace a veteran; plus the void left for the first time in 27 years, is a thought that United administration would always have dreaded. But it’s time to answer that. Rumour has it that Everton boss David Moyes may be stepping in his shoes, but before the confirmation from the official website; it’s going to be a matter of fierce debate. Former Chelsea and current in-charge of Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho is also a sought-after name by the grim fans. The administration is also in pressure to declare the new name, as Manchester United are listed on New York stock exchange, so any change in administration will have to be reported back to its shareholders. So, the secret can’t and won’t be held long.

                Whoever is chosen as a manager, he will have a tough time handling the pressure but it would not be so gruesome on the pitch considering Sir Alex has left his team in the strong possible shape.

#RESPECT and good luck on your future endeavours Sir Alex!

LEARN TO SAY ‘NO’

We are social animals, we tend to form groups, everyone has a group of friends where he’s comfortable and can hurl as much abuses as he is capable of. Also, no matter how much creepy the teasing gets, one has to imbibe every bit of it. Groups can’t be completed without that person who gets teased the most, the guy with the best relationship advices (but oddly he’s still single), the guy who gets virtually-raped every year at holi…

                The sort of person that I am going to talk about is the mix with shades of a sycophant and a person with a clean image. This person is not bad per se; has a decent level of self-respect, may connect with you with ease, and may be the most talented…..but one thing’s for sure; he’ll be sanguine and charming as hell in his conduct.  I am sure you all have one or two acquaintances possessing these traits. As common as this trait is, as such, it is also not tough to demarcate such qualities in a person.

                When given a task, this person takes on the responsibility with utmost sincerity even if the task is not his cup of tea. Saying ‘NO’ to something wouldn’t cost him anything, but for him, saying no is the only one thing he can’t do. He may fail the task, but renouncing the task is the last thing on his to-do list. I believe that quitting the task and honestly accepting the truth is much better than having to give explanation later. That’s why I look upon such persons with a little caution. There is no shame in relinquishing a little control.

Another scenario where presence of such individuals hurt most is when the person is at some higher position and one seeks help from him. Instead of just clearing his stand, he would give a false impression of trying to help; but instead, in reality, he’s just making you visit him over and over again. It seems as if their motto is “Promise today, equivocation tomorrow”. In India, the babus are infamously popular for such acts. Be it the kutcheris, banks or any ‘Sarkari Suvidha Kendra’, wherever you go, you are queued to be victimised. Indian governance system isn’t un-swayed by this.

                Then there are individuals who can’t deny a favour to a friend on face but try to gain sympathy of randoms by talking behind his back. C’mon yaar, Be a MAN (or Be a wise woman), I strongly suggest you to talk about why you can’t grant him the favour, or why you can’t do his work,; may be he’s a better person than you and he might understand your situation. It’s better to be strong first and say no than having to make efforts to placate the lost friendship and be off the hook later.

                I have seen some girls who don’t quite enjoy the company of certain individuals around her, but she can’t get rid of them, because she can’t have ‘the conversation’, or in simpler terms can’t say NO to them.

Thereby, I am running a collective request to such individuals to please understand what I am trying to say and think about how easier your life can be after you work on the advice.