This is something I thought will never happen, but this is the era of stupid innovations which attempt to cater to a set of clueless demanding readers. And hence anything goes or that’s what one would believe.

Yes, I do buy into the logic that if astrology and zodiac related predictions exist (if they do) then they would affect and define almost all areas of life. Weight loss was just be one of the few unexplored area till Mumbai Mirror on Jan 28 issues enlightened me.

YES I am also one of the obese people who decided to read through. Scientifically I could not still buy into the logic. I believe weight and diet approach is more socially and genetically driven but then maybe I do not know enough.

So here it goes – few examples of the ZODIAC TRAITS DIET PLAN. Selfishly I have first taken Capricorn ( that’s me, talk of double standard) and then of Scorpio ( as one of my friends I am interested in was born in this zodiac sign)

CAPRICORN

Just like Bipasha Basu, you are great at setting goals, and are methodical, committed and disciplined, calorie counting will suit you. WHAT WORKS: Set yourself a daily calorie allowance to lose weight and then ensure you don’t go over your daily limit.

Well that’s some revalidation for me. Bipasha is a Capricorn, does it make me feel better or is that relevant, but then star power for normal reader is worth integrating. Yes I do understand that if the Zodiac traits are fine the recipe given for the approach would equally be relevant. And yes I do like the positive strokes (that anyway are part of all astrological predictions- feel good factors), Capricorns being disciplined and committed. Ask my wife and she would fully endorse it and my juniors would vouch for me being systematic and methodical

SCORPIO

You are dynamic and obstinate like fellow Scorpio Aishwarya Rai. Thanks to your determination and passion, a strict boot-camp plan will be best for you. WHAT WORKS: Not for the faint hearted, there are heaps of boot camps you can go to including weekend stays. There are also plenty of books and DVDs available outlining this strict diet and exercise plan.

As far as the writer of this star powered diet plan is concerned, Aishwarya Rai ( Padam Shrimati,  that’s what Abhishek Bacchan called her on winning Padam Shree) does not agree with Sanjay Dutt about women needing to change their surname post marriage. I am all for this equality and freedom between sexes. Maybe its better or we would have too many AB’s ; AB senior- AB junior and Lady AB or AB Rai- complicated.

Not to digress and knowing a few scorpions well enough I do not think that self help would work for them- they are free and passionate but work best when they are tamed and for that the Boot Camp logic works best. Maybe the author has a point in these interlinked patterns.

It’s becoming interesting and I start seeing some patterns of logic. But that in on the premises of id A=B and B=C then A=C or if ‘A’ influences ‘B’ and ‘B’ influences ‘C’- then A must influence ‘C’. So before I close I have time enough and space enough to take on one more Zodiac sign. Now I will pick. My daughter’s sign PISCES

PISCES

You’re adaptable and imaginative like fellow piscian Aamir Khan, but your emotional nature makes dieting difficult. Supplement your plan with any alternative therapy like Hypnotherapy that tackles your feelings about food. WHAT WORKS: Find a good nutritionist who can be your friend, motivator and guide. Or invest in one of the good available self-help book.

I do see logic similarity and some linkages. Come back to the same point- if you believe in this- maybe it will help you follow these suggestions better and then they will be more effective. And this time looking at my dear daughter few of these things make sense- imaginative chatter box- wanting to lead being perfectionist- emotive but yet being ambitious ( as if they do not co-exist) maybe self-help books were designed for them and maybe this will work.

To cater to at least 33% of possible population, I decide to randomly pick one more of these signs.

GEMINI

You need to be constantly stimulated like fellow Gemini Shilpa Shetty. You will love the novelty of a quick-fix detox diet. WHAT WORKS: Most detox diets ban meat, dairy, wheat, processed food, booze and coffee. So tuck into fruits, vegetable, beans, nuts, brown rice, herbal teas and water.

Now here is a prescription by liking and success possibility. And what is this ‘Constantly Stimulated like Shilpa Shetty’ at least I was unaware of this need. And this has been more of a explanation of Detox diet than anything else. Trust me this would once again like any of the other suggestions and what works- works for all people.

I will not go into the prescription for other signs but could share what Stars would be representative of the Zodiac Signs (as per the author of the article) and you are free to draw your conclusion basis your understanding of their comprehensively reported life.

ARIES             :           Rani Mukherjee

TAURUS         :           Madhuri Dixit

GEMINI          :           Shilpa Shetty

CANCER        :           Priyanka Chopra

LEO                 :           Saif Ali Khan

VIRGO            :           Kareena kapoor

LIBRA             :           Amitabh Bacchan

SCORPIO       :           Aishwarya Rai

SAGITTARUS:            John Abraham

CAPRICORN :           Bipasha Basu

AQUARIUS    :           Jennifer Aniston

PISCES           :           Aamir Khan

Well that’s all till the next time some other astrologer gives me fodder for thought and I find something interesting to share.           

This whole Plug in on page 31 of Jan 28 2009 issue of Mumbai Mirror, was to get you to read small popped up highlighted note on GET FIT CONTEST- where the winner could meet KAREENA KAPPOR and Rujata Diwekar- author of ‘DON’T LOSE YOUR MIND, LOSE YOUR WEIGHT’- claim to fame- of having worked on Kareena Kapoor size Zero looks- that also explains Kareena glam pic in the section: And yes,  in addition to my anti-astrology stance it was temptress Kareena who helped me read it - by the way Kareena- you share the zodiac sign with my now taller-than-me son.

In this period of higher expectation, when everyone is banging Akshay Kumar for CC2C; ‘Chandani Chowk to China’ as a useless movie, something that the Khiladi known for regular Hits and the Lone standing Kumar among the Khan’s should not have done, I found raw nuggets within the movie which managers in any organization, your kids or even you should realize.

Maybe it was possible for me who saw the movie with full enthusiasm (not questioning anything for 146 minutes and gloriously enjoying the first real kung-fu movie of India) as a vengeance for my wife not accompanying me for the latest Bond (which many said is bad). But then I watched this after having seen the rating of 1 star or 1.5 star.

Yes the movie is full unexplained and at times hilarious spoofs ( many intellectually call them slapstick comedy ) but then why would anyone go to Akshay Movie and expect a Amir Khan detailing, its like going into Literature class expecting to learn about Hydrocarbons.  Problem is that we have very straight jacketed thinking and hence look only at war - communal harmony or patriotic feelings as an acceptable platform for being TAX FREE. I find that C2C should be tax free. That it should be showed and discussed in the bored rooms (essentially punned- no error)

Before I lose you like Mithun Lost Akshay ( in the movie ), time that I reveal what you should / could and maybe after this reading would want to talk about.

Your future is in your own hands.The joke about someone praying to god for the Lottery- till God comes down and says well I could think about it- only if you could at least buy a ticket; have been beautifully adapted. The repeated failure of Akshay ( aka Sidhu) in getting his destiny star shinning with the help of  every tom-dick and Chopstick was funny. But it made the point. Mithun Da in his short role – reiterated the learning by repeat instruction in a unique Mithun style.

Be afraid of not the 10000 moves that were practiced once but the 1 move that has been practiced for 10000 times. A uniquely sharp stated learning. Comes alive in all profession- as this is what leads to expertise and the niche creation. The potent weapon. In a way what they meant was also- better to know more about less than less about more

You need to re-innovate continuously. A strength known to the enemy is not strength anymore. HOJO death and loss in the last fight is a well documented piece to support this feeling. If only he knew more than the hat throws.

Cultural suggestive acceptance. All the fights and near miraculous effects in a Chinese movie with the trim lined pony tailed masters would be acceptable and has been acceptable, but even with Akshay being a khiladi and the short practice that he goes through makes you laugh at them and not believe or enjoy them. Remember in Shoulin movies 50% of the movie is really the preparation- repeated dejection at loss- enhanced determination and the final victory.

Play to your strengths. Look within find out what you are best at. Don’t over stretch. Think Think- think how will you approach a problem- anticipate the other person (company- brand or service) reaction- what’s that if not scenario build-up. Such nuggets repeated so often in the movie that I had to cut it to C2C.

You need determination to succeed. Failure just shows that the efforts for success were not enough. Akshay training and his loosing patience but not the sight of the focus- is a clear camouflaged message from the director.

Believe in the master but question then to understand the logic better. Everything is not so simple and when you have adapted someone as your guru or master. You should follow him on his instructions and be disciplined. But that does not takes away from you the right to innovate on your learning.

Everyone has to fight his own battle. Brilliantly demonstrated and articulated again in the last fight sequence.

Be persistent. Have a ZIDD you will find a way. Where there is a will there is a way.  Akshay ZIDD of taking revenge ( revenge is just the device to demonstrate capability- not suggesting that all of us become revengeful)  not willing to go back and stating that even if no one teaches he still will be the one who will have his way. Wow is that not worth showing the movie to the whole family.

People expect and their expectation is based on your past performance. Nikhil also made KAL HO NA HO and that set a bench mark- which later was brought a notch down by Salamm-e-Ishaq but CC2C took everyone off guard. Even the people laughing in theater had the director puzzled if they were laughing on the film or with the film; an insightful question. And he is not sure why he was expected to make a masterpiece when he clearly had said that he was making a mindless entertainer. Well he was being measured against a benchmark created by him, people expected that to be his style. And then he had Akshay one of the ridding superstars. .

Thought and intent does not really work on a project. By the way in Mumbai Mirror of 23rd Jan 2009, Nikhil Advani the Director of the film is quoted as saying ‘We thought we were making a blockbuster’.

He further ads ‘The most important thing is to take time on script ( well well input decides output), on the process ( the implementation and course corrections) and to show the film to as many people as possible. I have made the mistake of not doing so with all my films. If I had shown CC2C around I would have known what the audience wanted ( consumer is the king don’t try second guessing him ), and maybe someone would have told me what you are saying today about the Toilet Humor ( the thing of Akshay being hit on the nuts and his shouting loud). I need to connect with myself and the people I am making film for ( well said- again it’s the need and wants of the consumer the connect with them that counts- it could be true for what toy and gift you buy as well as that fancy looking graphical presentation you may be making )”

Check your facts before going public. Lumbhani; the birth place or lord Budha – where it is India or Nepal. And if your kid fails in his geography or history class because of a wrong fact being communicated in the movie- sue the producer.

Have the right logic for your actions. Hindi Movie in India. In Hindi speaking and reading areas. Carrying English sub titles for what is being spoken in Chinese. Wow- I am yet to get that. It’s like you made a lot of people have dual language problem in audio and in reading. Whose brilliant idea could it be. Or the producer said- have subtitles where the language is Chinese and our pandu- thought subtitles are always in English.

Some more but not really management.

You need more than a getup to do the double role. And it’s tough. The two sister role done by Deepika is a classic case of attempting more than her talents would allow. The same twinkle in the eyes and contrived smile does not allow for a differentiation. Just the leather boots and tight lowers do not make an impact.

Do not believe what you see in the tele-shops. So the Bond secret weapon development center spoofed as the TSM (or Tele shopping market) outpost is great. The gadgets concept is so far fetched that you know you are not expected to relate to them. The dance mastering anklets – the all language translator- the silly pink colored parachute umbrella.

Every Chinese is a Chopstick. Reminds me of the question; How Hi is a Chinese man? Because there is no question that is an answer stupid. It is reflective of the social thread that runs through the famed gullies or the north branding of culture- chopstick- Mallu, Kadi, Macchjhole, Pahadi, Pandit, Baniya, Item, Pahelwan and a host of such other culture or geocentric nomenclature;  Highly acceptable and relevant.

Unsaid love goes waste. There is that chemistry between the son of Hojo and the Meow (second role of Deepika Padukone) looking real fine and absolutely hot but over made up. Anyway the way he looks and the way he helps and protects her twice- shows that if you have something- goes ahead and voices it.

ASIDE-This time as I booked late in Hall 6 of Goregaon PVR in Oberoi Mall, I got the J row- right in the middle and I realized that in-fact that was far better than any of the back elevated position seats. Most likely I would now end-up saving 80 to 160 bucks every time family is out for a movie.

Let me also share the cast of the film: So that you know who should you blame if you did not like the movie or who should you credit in teaching you raw nuggets of wisdom.

Akshay Kunmar - Siddhu Sharma,  Deepika Padukone - Ms. TSM/Sakhi, Mithun Chakrobarty – Dada, Ranvir Shorey , Gorden Kiu: Hojo

Director: Nikhil Advani, Producer: Rohan Sippy , Ramesh Sippy and Mukesh Talreja, Written by: Sridhar Raghvan and rajat Arora 

Now this is what I read for the 12 zodiac signs on Mumbai Mirror of 16^th Jan 2008. Now I had a better product here. I have a magic dice that when you roll – you take that number statement from each of the sections I have created- Better still do me a favor as distance education this is a distance program, just think of 4 numbers between 1 and 6 ( both digits included ) and write them in a sequence.

Like when I tried this yesterday- I thought of 4526 and hence the 4^th sentence of section 1, 5^th of section 2, 2^nd of section 3 and 6^th of section 4 is how my predictions were read.

So think of a number now- a four digit number that just have digits 1 to 6. and start reading your prediction.

SECTION 1

1. Your analytical skills will be at their peak, enabling you to express your ideas with clarity.
2. Building a consensus with like- minded colleagues or business associates will help you initiate projects that have been pending for a while.
3. Those looking for work could hear of some new developments. Discussions with colleagues and loved ones could get intense but will be productive
4.  Issues about your children may be on your mind. Verify the credentials of new financial associates before making any investments.
5.  There may be a slightly stressful atmosphere at work and you need to guard against losing your temper or patience with those who can’t keep up with your pace
6. Romantic relationships will be good and you may want to plan something special for your partner

SECTION 2

1. Though, you may prefer to focus on other things don’t neglect domestic commitments and obligations.
2. Sudden changes or delays may cause some stressful moments but will not affect your deadlines, as you will be able to come up with innovative ways to overcome obstacles..
3. Be discreet with the confidences revealed to you, accidental remarks can strain relationships 
4.  In meetings and discussions state you views but also be open to other perspectives that come up
5. Family discussions will be productive
6. You may be in a restless mood and may be looking for ways to add excitement to your routine.

SECTION 3

1. Sudden insights will help you with personal issues that are on your mind.
2. You may be feeling irritable and restless and should guard against losing your temper
3. You may need to take a tough stance regarding a business or personal venture that has not lived up to its potential.
4. Romantic relationship will be smooth sailing
5. Nurture important relationships. 
6. Romantic relationships might be slightly stressed.

SECTION 4

1. Don’t make important decisions without consulting your partner, as this could cause unnecessary misunderstanding.
2. Challenging situations will bring out the best in you. If you are uncertain about some aspects; close associates will help you gain clarity.
3. Don’t make impulsive decisions to walk away from stalled projects as you will find ways to overcome obstacles.
4. Sudden insights at work will help in easing your work load
5. Be discreet about your views and watch situation unfold before taking any action. Business meetings will be productive but you need to be pragmatic about what can be achieved in the short term to avoid any disappointments

 ………………………………………………………………………………….

The horoscope as in Mumbai Mirror of 16^th January 2009  was as following

……………………………………………………………………………..

Capricorn – Your analytical skills will be at their peak, enabling you to express your ideas with clarity. Though, you may prefer to focus on other things don’t neglect domestic commitments and obligations.

Aquarius – Sudden insights will help you with personal issues that are on your mind. Don’t make important decisions without consulting your partner, as this could cause unnecessary misunderstanding.

 Pisces – Challenging situations will bring out the best in you. Don’t make impulsive decisions to walk away from stalled projects as you will find ways to overcome obstacles. If you are uncertain about some aspects; close associates will help you gain clarity.

Aries – Sudden changes or delays may cause some stressful moments but will not affect your deadlines, as you will be able to come up with innovative ways to overcome obstacles. Family discussions will be productive.

 Taurus – Building a consensus with like- minded colleagues or business associates will help you initiate projects that have been pending for a while. Be discreet with the confidences revealed to you, accidental remarks can strain relationships.

Gemini – Be discreet about your views and watch situation unfold before taking any action. Romantic relationships might be slightly stressed. Those looking for work could hear of some new developments.

Cancer – You may be feeling irritable and restless and should guard against losing your temper. In meetings and discussions state you views but also be open to other perspectives that come up. Issues about your children may be on your mind

Leo – You may need to take a tough stance regarding a business or personal venture that has not lived up to its potential. Discussions with colleagues and loved ones could get intense but will be productive.

Virgo – Patiently hear out other views and perspectives but make you own decisions. Be discreet with your own plans as someone may have a hidden agenda. Verify the credentials of new financial associates before making any investments.

Libra – Sudden insights at work will help in easing your work load. Nurture important relationships. You may be in a restless mood and may be looking for ways to add excitement to your routine.

Scorpio – There may be a slightly stressful atmosphere at work and you need to guard against losing your temper or patience with those who can’t keep up with your pace. Romantic relationship will be smooth sailing.

Sagittarius – Business meetings will be productive but you need to be pragmatic about what can be achieved in the short term to avoid any disappointments. Romantic relationships will be good and you may want to plan something special for your partner

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WAIT FOR ROLL THE DICE HOROSCOPE SCAM-III

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This is a memory she will always have. And I am trying to recollect as much as I can so that when she grows old she recalls it to best of her advantage.

It all started sometime last year, while wifely was trying to find something within the BIBA collections to buy, I was contacted by representatives of MIDAS Modeling agency and with princess (that’s Preetica my daughter within hearing distance) in one of my weaker moments we filled in the Talent Scouting Form at Shoppers Stop Malad.

We were called on next Sunday, explained the potential of my daughter great looks and smart attitude and were handed over a Photographer card, where we were supposed to go next week and get portfolio done. That was Phase I. This lasted 2 months, by that time I succumbed to repeated follow-up from Midas and pestering looks from Princess – as if I was somehow hampering her career.

We got her pictures taken in four set of dresses; standing, sitting, walking like on a ramp and many more. That was her first exposure to the creative filed. This was followed by our visit to Midas some 2 weeks later to collect her pictures. We signed a contract- which seemed purely biased in favor of Midas for 1 year- and at 30% commission to them we were still free to chase assignments through any other agent. I had considered this 7000/- as cost of 10 lovely pictures of my princess and nothing else.

All was fine till last Friday 9^th Jan 2009, when my mobile buzzed to announce a SMS – it read – “ Audition Plot # 128, Aram nagar, part I, YARI Road, Andheri W. Nokia TVC on 9^th and 10^th, time betwn 12-7 pm-age-6-12yrs. Casual dress. Meet Jiten- Anindita”. I called Anndita at Midas, who casually informed me to reach the spot any time between 12 to 7 on Saturday  10^th Jan 2009.

I decided that as an experience this must be good, it may actually get her an assignment or she will get fed up of the process and hence I must take her for the audition. So Princess was promptly informed to be ready on Saturday- when I will take her for the audition at 3 PM.

I wrapped my work fast at office left at 2 from mahim on way to kandivili ( 22 KM away ) to pick Princess. In between twice on phone I had to update princess of my progress on the way. Sharp at 3.30 we left from home. Princes was wearing a small crossed shoulder top ( that is the best way I can describe it)- hot pants and her sadana cut hair. She looked preety and smart to a fathers eye.

This was the beginning of a long journey. Our driver Shiv is not aware of many places within Mumbai- and the address never said Versova- which would have been easier. So he went all the way to Andheri Flyover on western Highway before turning  left and then asked- kidhar sey jaana hai ( froimw here should we go). I realized he does not know the way and I had faint idea of the direction. But then we had the ESCORT MAP f Mumbai 2005 edition, slowly we made progress to reach the destination by 4.30 pm.

There was a crowd of parent-kids teams all around the shabby looking place on the first place. Flying Saucer production. We joined the queue. Her number on roll being 61- and at that time number 40-45 were being auditioned. Kids were being taken-in in group of 5.

Enough time for Father and Daughter to have time for family bonding. I had decided come what may I shall not lose my patience or cool on this assignment.

So right at the road we placed ATLAS for places, films, songs. Then Dumb Charade for film titles. 20 questions for guessing the relatives and passed our time. Meanwhile like all kids she was feeling the pressure and had to go to toilet. There was none other than inside the studio where access was restricted. Well when you have to go- you have to go, so as a dutiful father, I got the coordinator to take her in as a special case and she came back in sometime telling me what she saw the other kids doing.

Now she wanted to practice and I did not want her to. I counseled her that life does not change. At worst she will not get selected so there will be status-co in her life, but she must try her best. Some more games later she was called and I was left alone on the road to while away time.

I met another person, for whose child it was the 100^th audition and yes she had done a ad (as in the crowd) and a 1-day assignment again for a crowd scene in a film. Apparently she was also selected to be the younger Sushmita Sen for RANI KI JHANSI (film is still to get on floor). We shared experiences or rather he shared experiences and I gained knowledge of what all it maybe if the kid get addicted or pester you for coming to the audition and you bring your princess foe the same expecting every-time some favorable response.

She had to enact a scene with virtual mother- asking her to react to her eating- she did that and was out by 7.30 pm. Tired through the day we started back for the house. In mid way we stopped at McDonalds and picked up burger for her and her brother Prateek who was at home.

Now we await the results of the audition. 

New Year brings with itself new records, old habits and refreshed broken resolutions. This year was no different- in Mumbai it saw thinning crowds in cafes, bars and hotels a reminder that the citizen have not gained back their confidence or it was a respect to the 26/11 casualties or maybe that recession had hit really hard. There were more number of drunken driving cases and no news of molestation or rape. Good start in all one can say.

Morning of 1st Jan for a change also did not have huge ‘your luck this year’ kind of junk across newspapers. That’s interesting till the last two pages of MUMBAI MIRROR was before bleary eyes. WHAT 2009 HAS IN STORE FOR YOU. Maybe that was not the exact headlines but it meant the same. It is tough for any human being not to cross over to your zodiac sign and at-least try reading the first paragraph or so. I am no different and hence found myself glued to the CAPRICORN section.

Halfway through the section I realized that what trash I was wasting my time on. Every thing was couched in probabilistic nonsense. I am sure I could have done more hard hitting equally vague predictions. Mumbai Mirror is just a reference in my having the paper at home, it could have been any other newspaper or publication- as theoretically then can not write anything that is negative even though the astrologer may want to wager his last penny on his prediction. More so with the ever rising population and more people now crammed inside each of the zodiac set, the predictions have to be that more vague all encompassing futile unrelated gibberish. ( just like this post)

Anyway I thought it will be interesting to share a few of them and question the futility of the whole exercise. So here is how the prediction went under a beautiful picture motivationally captioned for CAPRICORN “ Visualise and make your dreams a reality this year”. A tempting bait for me to read further. It was sandwiched between tow alluring captions . On right AUARIUS ‘Exciting Times ahead, make bold career moves” ( in this recession my foot !) and SAGITTARUS “Creativity is on high, focus on personal growth” ( when was the last we focused on local, regional, national or global cause). Now it made me read further PISCES “Expect change in personal and professional equations” ( really- it would be waste of a year if they did not)

Now I am going to use italics for the Mumbai Mirror Post and normal font for my remarks.

In 2009, there will be several opportunities to enhance your financial security ( well sure they happened every year and I missed to recognize a few of them like normal illiterate people ). Some of you could end up with a pay rise or gains through unexpected source ( oh well which was the year of no pay rise and maybe recession is in his mind or may be other sources are as mysterious as several opportunities)Though finances will be good, your expense will also be on the rise, however this influence to make the most of your finances will last a year, so set a goal to increase your net worth. (Well inflation will be there and maybe some friend in the insurance or mutual funds part paid this line on need to enhance net worth.) The chance to get ahead financially is a gift from the universe not to be wasted. (And I thought it was my hard earned talent working over time – and did Boss or HR now went with the term Universe)

On the career front, tap all your resources including your marketable skills and talents. Give yourself credit for all you have to offer, if you feel underpaid or under employed, start thinking about how you can change the situation. (What an advice dear, I will have to check which of the marketable skills have been left untapped or still has a growing market. We all in current cut throat market not only give our self credit for what we do- but also for what our team does or anyone else in the organization does, I would like to meet a professionally ambitious bastard who would not have considered himself underpaid and would believe that this is definitely not the right time to advice for a change)

May, June and December are terrific months to attract just about anything. (Noted dear) Try Visualization; for example, if you are in a search of true bargain or aiming for a big raise then listen to your intuition. The combination can work wonders only if you truly believe you deserve what you desire. (That’s some mouthful of advice and a thought attached, so if I visualize and I did not get what I wanted then maybe I did not believe I rightly truly deserved it . I will remember that)

Now here comes the interesting part. Impulsively jumping into a new relationship is not your usual style but this isn’t a typical year when it comes to matter of heart. (Oh so well covered every escape route of possibilities. Great I am becoming a fan of the astrologer. And hope it could answer few of life mysteries to me) You are inclined to express your feelings without considering their impact (Last time that happened I was pissed drunk and the cleavage was more than inviting – I did consider the situation but then I do believe in- you never know will she or won’t she, till you ask her) Between January and May it is advisable to be selective about revealing your romantic desires. ( Good that fantastic- January to May- its not a NO NO but being asked to be selective- but read what is not written- post that 9 months- when I do not even need to be selective – love you love you)

Career obligations could drain your energies and compromise your health in September and October ( why the hell he had to pick the festival months ) Practice mind and body relaxation such as yoga or meditation. Imagination and Intuitions are your greatest assets this year. Let your vision of an Ideal future define your path. (Now this one is real foxing line, what does he want me to do. Just play jack on the boardroom table)

Being a material sign, it is easy to get distracted but remember your most important procession is that you delve on the spiritual side. You can successfully channel your energies into positive endeavor, ( I could feel this piece is coming to an end- he has started the classically bracketing process - he has left me confused, did he not say greatest was intuition and now he says spiritual- maybe I did not understand this well enough ) be ready to snap the best of the best that comes your way ( I thought you were meant to do that all the time and not in 2009 only. May be Capricorns were not doing it right enough). It is advisable to avoid travel in February and September because of increased chance of Delay. (This is nearest he came to prediction and that to couched with avoidable- chance of delay)

Major changes will occur and they will plant the seeds for the personal transformation that will happen later in the year. Observe what happens around you and how the planetary energies influence other people and the world at large. You can benefit from this knowledge in the years to come. (That must have taken some amount of re-writing or do they have set phrases that are moved across zodiac signs- maybe they do. Craft little piece of useless reading. Major changes always plant their seeds and changes only reflect in long term. Knowledge harmed no one and this cautious hint at observing things in surrounding is a management advice and not an astrologer’s prediction)

That was something in public domain of wasteful creative writing. But then it would be people how grab these and try reading between the lines- may be there is a code which my sarcastic mind is not willing to accept. Maybe there is nothing. But one thing is for sure, it has enticed me to read my yearly prediction across other publications- so I shall be back as and when I read such inspiring work.

I am an angry old man. Angry with myself and the change that I see in me day-in-day-out, angrier than before. As if sitting on a lit fuse, no one knowing when will the next burst come from, truly unconditionally unpredictable. Angry that anger seems to be repeated expression of frustration, limitations and a revolt against the constrained life. Anger become the escape valve and that’s not real me. And that is not I would want me to be. I am no Raja of Big Boss. That would be really embarrassing.

Anger has been an integral part of my life. Anger demonstrated by others against me and anger demonstrated by me on others. Most of the time anger has led to an expression of Physical violence. That is more of a worrying sign.

Anger per-se is not bad. A Human being has a set of emotions and feelings, Anger is on of them. So there is no shame in being angry. There should be none. I am no saint and never will be.

Anger if used properly is of help. It can be a tool and a weapon. Just look at what it can help you achieve. It helps us defend our self. It communicates what we would not want or like, in the process also somehow communicating what we will like. It tells others not to take us for granted or we will at times retaliate.  It shows that we care. It shows that we are individuals and not just a face in the crowd who does not have their own fix of emotions. It gives us the courage to defend ourselves or those we love.

Worry is anger expressing itself as violence. The truth is anger escape as violence only when the object (live or innate) on which it comes out is not capable of revolting and replying you in the same coin. That’s meek cowardly behavior.  When even that is not possible (mostly when you know violence will be returned) it takes shape of throwing or hitting on innate objects, yourself or raised voice. I firmly believe raised voice is just an acceptance of the fact that you could not do anything about the cause of anger.

Yet I am a part of this breed. And I want to make a difference.

Counting to 10 does not help.

Neither does moving away from an argument.

Meditation in urban life is just a temporary escape and very incremental approach to solution

Coming back later to address the issue just delays the intensity of the expression.

Best result I believe will be if I address the cause rather than the symptoms of the cause that is making me angry. Truth is when the volcano of anger Cass-cades on your fragile emotional landscape crumbling any traces of logical thinking, this process becomes impractical. Cause and effect tend to become one. The theory of transferring blame takes over. ‘Loss of face’ becomes a more potent threat to self image preventing theoretical withdrawal from the scene of conflict.

What you need is being SELF-AWARE and practicing what ever level of possible SELF-CONTROL. Anger is but an involuntary expression that’s why you need to control. Expressions of Fear, loss, frustration, irritation, inability to react and control. Shame, psychological disorder or even a habit to express or draw attention.

Self awareness and self control are not easy. Come face-to-face with the reality, check out and understand what makes you angry, situations,, places, acts and people. Try questioning your actions, thinking before speaking, try placing yourself in other persons shoes and that’s all really you can do.

Like any other management crisis, you need to deal with realizing what is causing anger ( the problem), what are the possible solutions available with you ( alternatives), what will be consequences of each of these actions ( payout) take action ( decision) and then evaluate the developments ( outcome). Rethink if that was the right decision- was there something else possible that you could have done.

Real advice, just don’t end up wasting life in trying to understand each and every thing. Life was not meant to be so.

Aamir Khan seesm to be making a habit of milking physical or mental conditions for his film career. Coupled with the Marketing efforst behind his moviewand the hunger that he is able to keep alive through his screen presence, his movies are anyway worth watching. You may not be able to say so for some other actors.

So after TARE ZAMMEN PAR, where Darsheel Safary as the DYSLEXIC kid created a bond with you, supported by Prasoon Joshi lyrics. Ghazni is different genre exploiting the hapless but revengeful life of Sanjay Singhania ( Aamir Khan). Great act form Jia Khan and Asim the new girl in the block.

Yes it is Gory ( rightly given UA certificate ). It is worth watching. Worth living through the eyes of Sanjay Singhania who has a condition - wherein he has just a 15 minute memory and hence lives through help of pictures. BUT IT IS WORTH A SEE. I saw the 11 Pm show and do not regret.

One simple question my Kid asked and that was a revelation as well as logical problem with the film. Ok he has 15 minute memory, that means he forgets in 15 minutes what he remembers in 1st minute, this will also mean that he would remember till 29th Minute what he remembers at 14th minute- so how could during the fight he just slips out and looks so puzzled as to why was he there. Good question- but then who said films be logic driven or that we must answer every possible thing raised in the movie.

Ghazni is the villain ( a bad job there by someone called Rawat) he does over react and in his diction can not keep the Haryana flavour alive through every dialogue of his. Oh Ghazni the raider warrior also is known for raiding India unsuccessfully 15 times before he was successful in his 16th event. Just like the HERO- so who is really being referred as Ghazni the villain or the efforts of Sanjay Singhania.

Music is ok, songs are nothing to write about. Prasoon may have captured the situation well enough in making words evoke and express the emotions but then songs are not only meant for it.

Yes the Marketing gimmick of Ghazni cut. To be honest even I thought about it but then let it go- as in my profession it may not be right to sport a Ghazni cut immediate after having long pony-tailable length hair. yes the 2 inch taller than real Aamir statue at the multiplex was interesting, kids ensured I took pictures of them with it and they plan to share with relatives as well as threaten to install it as my screensaver. I can’t restrict them from doing so- as they feature in it.

Hear that it was a remake of a remake, how does it matter. What matters as an audience is that I enjoyed the movie or not. Yes Aamir is good but somewhere the smile, the young picture in diary and the rolling of eyes seem so dated and seen before. It goes to his credit that you realise all this not during the movie but afterwords when you try writing your logical opinion on the film.

So if you have not seen it, go ahead and see it NOW