Music & Driving

“ Son, get up you bum. Driver hasn’t come today so you got to take me to… (some far away place)” This is something I hear at my place on a regular basis. Oh the thought of driving on Indian roads. Only masochists look forward to such a jaunt. But still you’ll see me rushing towards the car keys, slotting in the key, cranking the engine up, and waiting… But I got company, a CD I compiled on the best driving or (if you’re a hardcore biker) riding songs, and frankly it’s an absolute pleasure listening to it while driving. There are songs and there are songs.

Honestly it doesn’t matter where I have to take my folks or my siblings and go, the music does and more importantly the sound system. Even a simple one will do, it doesn’t have to be a big, expensive one which will blow your brains out. Music doesn’t really need a humongous woofer that’ll send in vibes through the seat making you feel like you got a Mercedes with a seat massager to satiate your carnal bachelor / bachelorette needs. Music needs quality to be appreciated not quantity. Clearity is all I ask of it.

Pardon me for digressing a bit there, (and I probably will do so later on but bear with me!!) but I’m trying to make a point here. Point is it doesn’t matter what you drive, it can be your dad’s precious Mercedes or a dukkar (old and outdated.. basically what folks in madras call a thagaira dabba) fiat, its what on the inside that matters. Comfortable interiors and a wonderful ICE (in car entertainment system) will do for driving. This is my opinion and am sure some of you are like what about the looks, the engine – the POWER, fuel economy etc etc. Frankly if you love your music it doesn’t matter.

I ,like any other petrol nut, love to rev the nuts off the engine and make music with the exhaust. I would love a Ferrari, or a even better a Lamborghini (No money doesn’t grow on trees in my house :-P) but honestly where, where in god’s name are you going to drive them in India. You can say ECR, Mumbai-Pune expressway and the Golden Quadrilateral, but such roads can be counted on your fingers. The Automobile industry is booming (hurray good for all of us), but like cause and effect, this boom is sadly displayed on our roads. More cars means more congestion and no matter how many flyovers come up, it’ll all be too little to late.

So how does music help you ask?? Scientists in UK have proven that listening to calm music soothes your mind and de-stresses you. They primarily carried this test out with Beethoven music. Ok so you don’t like Beethoven, your more into hard rock and metal and some retro. Got some bad news there for you. Seems music that’s loud and with heavy beats makes you more aggressive. So basically if you’re the one who listens to linkin park or metallica then let me know, I’ll stay out of your way. However like all research this is only a generalized observation. Hence if your late on that date and you rather not face the consequences of your beloved’s fury, slot in some metallica, linkin park, rammstein, the hard stuff. Hey even dappan koothu n ganaa type songs work. Albeit if your stuck in traffic maybe some love songs to put you in a pensive mood, so the traffic around you just vanishes (subsequently you become the cause of another traffic jam). Some suggestions: coldplay, roja, Bombay, some illayaraja melody, dire straits, eric clapton

Oh I nearly forgot about what bikers can do to beat the stress. Well there’s ipod (hurrah!) plug in but don’t forget to put on that lid people. Really wish someone would invent a helmet with inbuilt speakers. Hmm, maybe I’ll do that and patent it ;-)

So I hope you get what I’m trying to say. Here’s my list of famous driving songs. Now this is only a matter of personal opinion, so in case you do have any suggestions do let me know when you bump into me. I’ve primarily listed down English songs and that too rock and they are in no particular order, I like them all equally. Also I might have left some great artistes and that’s again down to the philosophy of “different people, different strokes” and I can’t list them all down here. (too many n too little space J )

1. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

2. Highway to Hell – AC/DC

3. Highway Star – Deep Purple

4. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf

5. Du Hast – Rammstein

6. Black Knight – Deep Purple

7. Leave You Far Behind – Lunatic Calm

8. Heavy Fuel – Dire Straits

9. Hotel California – Eagles

10. Are You Gonna Go My Way – Lenny Kravitz

11. We Will Rock You – Queen ( J and you thought I forgot)

12. Rockstar – Nickelback

13. Clocks – Coldplay

14. Riders on the Storm – The Doors

15. Life in the Fast Lane - Eagles

CONFESSIONS OF A BIKER

I’m glued and absolutely fascinated by what am watching on TV. It’s Discover Travel and Living Channel (one of the meaningful channels on TV with sane entertainment). The show “Long Way Round”. What’s it about?? Two guys, who love biking on their way from London to New York on BMW R1200GS’s (sorry for getting a bit technical there.. basically it’s a big, humongous bike that you can use to conquer the world) via Central Europe, Ukraine, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia and finally Canada (phew long way round indeed.. Why not just catch a flight??) Now everyone has a relative idea of what’s crazy and not. These two are absolutely nuts in my book and frankly watching the whole series I just fell in love with the show and the whole concept behind it. Besides the two blokes happen to be celebrities. One of them Ewan McGregor (of Star Wars and Island fame) and Charley Boorman(a well.. umm.. lesser known actor).

So what I am going to rant about is, as the title suggests, Bikers. Now these aren’t people who just ride two wheelers but people who ride Bikes, and there’s a huge difference between the two. A biker in simple terms is a person (male/female) who enjoy riding bikes (right enough of the mokkai!!). These are blokes who are obsessed with machinery and it’s like a sniff of some illegal drug. It gets you high. Talking about sniffing and intakes, riding bikes is any day a healthier habit than smoking or drinking.

Right moving on.. I want to break certain myths that people assume about bikers. Now being a sort of almost there biker to hanging out with real bikers, I believe am in a good position to break that myth.

Myth 1: All bikers wear leather, have livers hanging by a thread and lungs that have seen better days

The clichéd outlook of the biker. The guy drinks like a fish and smokes like a chimney and doesn’t matter if he’s stuck in a desert he’ll still have the leather jacket on. If u believe this, then frankly you’ll believe me if I say that George Bush is an innocent man.

Myth 2: Bikers love their machines more than their Girlfriends

Ah no, not true. Smart bikers somehow manage to balance the two love stories. However this is a rare case as not everyone understands the passion and they are constantly haggled by the jealousy of their missus. Best advice to women who have a husband/beloved who’s a biker.. gift him a jacket, gloves or even a scale model of any imported bike and trust me you’ll have him wrapped around your finger. Let me make one thing clear to all the womenfolk reading this, You got shopping, ice creams and chocolates, we men got our gadgets and our machines !! I rest my case J

Myth 3: Bikers have somehow managed to escape the mental asylum

I know personally that some of these lads are crazy and loony. Some sacrifice anything and everything to satiate their passion for two wheels and an engine, either by working long hours tinkering around trying to make it go faster or ride off someplace and chase the setting sun. Yes but tell you what you try it and see how much you’ll get hooked on to it.

The other thing is the look on most parent’s faces when they see their kid hanging around with one. It’s like they seen Satan himself and they know their son’s headed to hell. I’ve had to experience this with some of my friend’s parents. It’s hard enough being a sardar in Madras, on top of that this !! Life ain’t a bed of roses!

Frankly I can go on about the clichés and stereotypes but I think I’ve bored you enough and I know what most of your argument will be against biking being dangerous et al. Looking at the Indian road scenario, You might as well be the buffoon behind the lit cigar or the one with a beer belly. Well I concede on that fact but it’s not at all bad. Life is boring if one doesn’t take risks. You can sit in that office chair, or in our case sit in the classroom and stare at the blank board and day dream, but that doesn’t mean your dreams will come true. They’ll be as empty and meaningless as that blackboard. Go venture out into the wilderness (well our roads are quite similar to a jungle anyway) get you r hands greased, start up that motor, strap on the helmet, put on them boots and chase the horizon. Hey it’s not like your going to go from Chennai To Chicago is it?? It’s a very romantic thought but it can come true if you want it to, It’s your life!! Ride Safe !!

k this is gettin outta hand..

You Should Drive a Lamborghini

A true daredevil, you're always in search of a new rush. Clearly, you're a total speed demon... just don't get caught!

What Sports Car Should You Drive?

You Are 30% Left Brained, 70% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

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Your Japanese Name Is...

Yoshiyuki Heike

What's your Japanese Name?

You Should Get An All Over Tattoo

Outrageous and funky Because you should never have to choose just one tattoo

What Tattoo Should You Get?

Your Power Element is Fire

Your power color: red Your energy: hot Your season: spring Like a fire, you are full of power and light. A born leader, you easily draw people toward you. You are full of courage and usually up for anything dangerous. You have a huge ego and love to be the center of attention.

What's Your Power Element?

Your Driving Is is: 53% Male, 47% Female

According to studies, you drive both like a guy and a girl. This means you're a pretty average driver, with typical quirks. Occasionally you're frustrated and or a little reckless, but that's the exception - not the norm.

Do You Drive Like a Guy or a Girl?

You Are From Mars

You're energetic, althletic, and totally hyperactive. You love playing sports and being in the middle of all of the action. You're independent, corageous, and brave. Unafraid to do things your way. Mars can be reckless, quick tempered, and a little too spontaneous. So think before you act - and resist your natural urges to dominate others.

What Planet Are You From?

Who Should Paint You: M.C. Escher

Open and raw, you would let your true self show for your portrait. And even if your painting turned out a bit dark, it would be honest.

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You Are From Mars

You're energetic, althletic, and totally hyperactive. You love playing sports and being in the middle of all of the action. You're independent, corageous, and brave. Unafraid to do things your way. Mars can be reckless, quick tempered, and a little too spontaneous. So think before you act - and resist your natural urges to dominate others.

What Planet Are You From?

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"I can pass this guy."

What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?

Your Birthdate: April 9

For you, love is a feeling that lingers for really long time - even after a relationship is totally over. In fact, you still make have strong feelings for the first person you fell in love with. You usually are reluctant to end relationships. And sometimes you're the last to know that things are ending! Number of True Loves You'll Have: 5 Number of Times You'll Have Your Heart Broken: 4 You are most compatible with people born on the 9th, 18th, and 27th of the month.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean For Your Love Life?

You Should Try Sandboarding

As extreme as snowboarding... Except you won't get cold!

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You Are Cyclops

Dedicated and responsible, you will always remain loyal to your cause. You are a commanding leader - after all, you can kill someone just by looking at them. Power: force beams from your eyes

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some more fun... :-)

Your Dominant Intelligence is Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

You are naturally athletic and coordinated, good at making your mind and body work together. Sports are fun and easy for you, especially those requiring good hand - eye coordination. There's also a good chance you're a great dancer, or good at expressing yourself through body language. You learn best by doing, and you feel like you've always got to be moving (even if it's just your hands). You would make a good athlete, physical education teaches, dancer, actor, firefighter, or artisan.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Your German Name is:

Eberhard Werner

What's Your German Name?

You Are an Indie Rocker!

You are in it for the love of the music... And you couldn't care less about being signed by a big label. You're all about loving and supporting music - not commercial success. You may not have the fame and glory, but you have complete control of your career.

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Your Superhero Profile

Your Superhero Name is The Shatter Cow Your Superpower is Witchcraft Your Weakness is Peanut Butter Sticking to the Roof of Your Mouth Your Weapon is Your Rusty Blade Your Mode of Transportation is Surfboard

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Your Irish Name Is...

Brendan O'Neill

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Your Taste in Music:

90's Alternative: High Influence Alternative Rock: High Influence Classic Rock: High Influence 80's Rock: Medium Influence Adult Alternative: Medium Influence

How's Your Taste in Music?

Your Monster Profile

Insane Gargoyle You Feast On: Armadillos You Lurk Around In: Shopping Malls You Especially Like to Torment: Pop Stars

What's Your Monster Name?

Your Old Fashioned Name Is...

Peter Beaurepaire

What's Your Old Fashioned Name?

You Are Beer!

You don't need to get totally wasted when you hit the bars. More of a social drinker, you just like to have fun with your friends. And as long as the beer keeps flowing, you're a happy camper. But don't mix things up: "Beer Before Liquor, Never Been Sicker!"

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Your Eyes Should Be Brown

Your eyes reflect: Depth and wisdom What's hidden behind your eyes: A tender heart

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

oh damnn the last one is actually true :-)

he he.. this is fun!!

You Are Paper

Crafty and creative, you are able to adapt freely to almost any situation. People tend to underestimate you, unless they've truly seen what you are capable of. Deep down, you're always scheming and thinking up new plans. Your mind is constantly active. You are quite capable of anything you dream of. You can always figure out a way to get what you want. You can wrap a rock person up in your sheet of trickery. A scissor person can sneak up and cut you to pieces. When you fight: No one can anticipate your next move If someone makes you mad: You'll attack them mercilessly when they're unprepared

Are You Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

Your Scandinavian Name is:

Langer Esben

What's Your Scandinavian Name?

Your 1950s Name is:

Ronnie Calvin

What's your 1950s Name?

Your French Name is:

Troilus Lafont

What's Your French Name?

Your Dominant Intelligence is Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

You are naturally athletic and coordinated, good at making your mind and body work together. Sports are fun and easy for you, especially those requiring good hand - eye coordination. There's also a good chance you're a great dancer, or good at expressing yourself through body language. You learn best by doing, and you feel like you've always got to be moving (even if it's just your hands). You would make a good athlete, physical education teaches, dancer, actor, firefighter, or artisan.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

my personality apparently..

Your Aura is Orange

You're a bit of a loner, but you're never lonely. You know how to entertain yourself. Whether you're trying an extreme sport or a new weird food, you always live on the edge. The purpose of your life: testing limits - both physical and mental... and then telling people about it. Famous oranges include: Timothy Leary, David Blaine, Tony Hawk, Carey Hart Careers for you to try: Snowboarder, Circus Performer, Undercover Agent

What Color Is Your Aura?

Confessions of the Bearded Species!! Part 1

hello all.. here i am back again ranting about something or the other :-) hope u all enjoy this one.. its been a while since i posted anything.. as usual was in deep thought as to what to write about.. a string of recent, yet periodic occurences have inspired this bearded one to rant about his kind..

The beard.. style statement, religious symbol, sign of manliness et al.. many things to many people.. but i'm not here to talk about the type of beards.. oh there a bounitful to choose from, n also a few more innovations to come i guess from the fashionista. (god knows what sort of monstrosity will they come out with !!) I shalt thus dwell upon my beard.. n the different phases it goes through.. lol!!

As of now my beard elicits a lot of stunned responses.. Why its the EXAM beard.. this particular style of mine is an insult to the word style conscious but a style nonetheless.. now i'm not a very religious person on normal days, nor a true believer of my faith.. matter of fact no particular faith.. but somehow during exam time all the plethora of religions out there start to make sense.. u can c where and what i'm getting at.. now my religion Sikhism demands that a true Sikh to keep all their body hair uncut.. n i'm still not sure if this applies to women.. guess it doesn't (punjabi girls generally are the prettiest lot out there!! and theres no way your gonna fall for a hairy woman.. unless you have some sort of fetish.. ughh!! get a life!!).. back to topic.. so when my semester closes for exams i jus let it all hang out!! now now dont get any funny ideas.. usually i like to keep my beard trimmed n neat.. it's convenient for me.. but its only at this particular time tat i don't really bother abt it n let it grow, a true akali would probably say FLOURISH!!

I have many names to this all out beard.. i just think exam beard sounds too nerdy and gives off the impression that i'm hard at work, studying, when all i'm doing at this time is finding new ways of getting distracted! Some of the nicknames are BABA BEARD (no i'm not talking about rajini.. i dont like him.. n plus thalai has gotta way cooler beard than mine).. i'm talking about the sadhus whose beards flourish all the way to the glory of god's wishes.. That brings me to my next nick the SADHU BEARD.. another personal favourite of my mine the TAPASYA(retired form life and gone to offer your prayers in the mountains to the lord.. the lord probably will like you a lot cause he's got company in the chin hair department) BEARD, HIMALYAN BEARD.. bascially they are all inter-related.. HIMALYAN BEARD is nice.. sounds cool.. makes u look like some kinda of adventurer who has roughed it out there in the hilly slopes n got LEH'D.. also it gives off vibes that you've been away from civilization too long and that you're somehow the missing link in the chain of evolution!! "been hunting around for your cousin the YETI now, have u beardie?? "


Real close friends of mine like to call it the DEVDAS beard.. What fucking shit?? They are my close friends only and i let them have their fun and spare their lives.. I'm sure there's a whole lot out there who despise me and would love to call it that and probably don't have the guts to tell it to me on my face.. SOD OFF U BUGGERS!!

And thus I shall end part 1 here.. and based on feedback will write part 2 soon!! '

P.S: to all those who were offended by this article.. take it in a lighter vein.. no offence intended to any religion here!! in particular to all the sikhs who read this.. i know we all have a good sense of humor.. so please donot blow this out of proportion and create a ruckus.. Got enough problems in Punjab already for a lame reason..

????

well didnt know wat title to give this one.. this post actually started as jus a comment on a friends blog askthe acharya.wordpress.com ... thought i'd keep it small n nip it in the bud.. but it went on n on..

now i'm no expert on women or on people n social skills.. but these r jus somethings i've learnt.. in the hard way.. yes some of em.. so here it goes..

jus when i'd typed n was uploadin this..

neway.. back to spuare one..

lotta diff perspectives to a very simple topic.. but tats life.. its never really tat simple..

well most of the aspects of approachin women have been covered.. so let me c wat i can add on to this interestin topic..

girls/women r very moody.. so u gotta watch wat u say n when u say it.. more importantly how u say it.. this is not only true when u n the opp sex r jus gettin to know each other.. its even more imperative when ur in a relationship..

CONFIDENCE.. yes v r back to tat again.. is very much necessary.. u cant jus put on a facade n get away wit it.. however good an actor u r.. its gotta come from within.. groom urself on the outside but dont over do it.. cos then ur jus tryin too hard n it only shows ur insecure.. tuff to get tat balance but u will after many mistakes :-) dont b afraid..

LISTEN.. u gotta really listen n b genuinely interested in wat the other person is saying.. girls will easily spot a faker.. well most of em do..

some ppl jus aren't interested in relationships n will want to keep it purely platonic.. now this is true of most girls.. guys hardly ever reject a girl.. lol.. neway so u gotta knw when to draw the line n not force anything upon tat person.. let things b.. let go..

its important to let go n not the easiest thing to do if i may add.. but very much necessary.. hell theres always vodka ;-)

but i dont think tats the best way.. wats important is to get it out of ur system tat things will jus not work out.. n again if vodka helps then go for it!! move on without causin too much harm to oneself.. u'll only come out stronger :-)

lastly but not the leat.. RESPECT.. it forms the crux of all wat i've said.. respect the opp sex's opinions, privacy n more importantly the differences.. i think a relationship is beautiful not only in the similarities bt in the differences too..

to all the women readin this.. there r nice guys out there too.. not all guys want jus sex.. v too like kisses, hugs n holdin hands.. i'm sure ur all smiles!!

n to all the guys.. boys will b boys.. but pls stop ogling at women.. its really cheap.. n plus theres a huge but subtle diff between ogling n appreciating beauty..

i hope v all find out true love/soulmate etc etc... n spend our lifetime wit them.. n b4 gettin into a serious relationship.. think carefully abt wat ur gettin into.. there'll b a lotta sacrifices to make.. but in the end u have the 2 of u together to take on wat life has to throw at ya.. n knowin tat is the greatest feelin in the world!! cos u knw u wont die alone n will mean somethin to someone special to u!!

a toast to all of u!!
cheers :-)

the disease TB part 2

allright this is where i start to bitch abt my bird.. well i'll try.. frankly i've fallen in love wit her even more after takin her to pondy.. man she was quick, smooth n time jus flew by.. now i'm not talkin abt time wrappin speed tat a busa or blackbird or 12R can do.. but its quick none the less..

right right back to topic.. hmm.. lets c.. first few months wit the bike where hard.. i mean cold start jus took forever.. n if i leave it parked for more than an hour it cools down so quickly tat its just the same as a cold start.. god knows how many kicks it required.. cursed myself as to why i didnt spend another 8 grand n get the electric start.. i rem the longest i spent kickin it was 15 min.. n my calfs were sore.. one plus though in gettin a bullet.. my forearms n calf muscles still got shape.. lol..

but let not this hinder ur decision of gettin a TB.. i specifically mentioned the first few months.. these days its runnin real smooth.. n plus i finally got the technique of startin a bull.. its the long stroke motor.. so u gotta wait b4 u throttle it..

moving on.. well the electrcials have conked.. this is the sole reason y i didnt go in 4 an electric start.. these guys cant get the simple electricals to work reliably.. the electric start system will probably burn a hole in my pocket.. come on royal enfield.. its time you guys upped the quality by not just a few notches but to another level.. its imperative if u wanna survive in todays market.. sure they have crazy fans like me n many more crazier who'll still go buy a bull instead of a karizma or pulsar.. no offence to these bikes they r good bikes.. but i wanted somethin wit big capacity n equivalent power.. the first need was satiated but the latter is still left wanting.. its time u got dohc(double overhead cams), dual sparks n all aluminium engines in ur bikes.. liquid cooling.. ah jus imagine the possibilities.. then instead of a piddly 18bhp from a 350cc v wud prob get somethin close to 30-40.. anyway the need for power can never be satisfied.. i'm sure even if i had a busa or r1 after a certain point of time u want more.. u think i'm crazy.. y do the japs keep boosting their power outputs year after year.. anyway deviatin a lot from topic..

otherwise no oil leaks.. now don't let ppl's popular misconceptions n horror stories of oil spoutin bulls deter u from gettin one.. they r bulls n will leak oil.. so far mine hasnt except a li'l from the cylinder head.. prob jus needs the gasket replaced.. lol.. hey told ya its not easy to own a bull u jus gotta accept it for wat it is n use its strenth to enjoy it..

n i revelled in its strength to munch miles last week.. yeah she's got her faults.. she can b more powerful wit tat excellent chassis n dynamic balance.. i can go on n on abt the faults but i dnt wanna.. let other people do tat.. let them also envy the guy who rides bulls.. cos no matter wat bike u ride theres no other bike in india tat envisage such feelings of envy than from a squeaky clean n shiny bullet.. tats my TB.. i love it.. wit faults n all.. its the same way with relationships!!

the disease TB

man i been away from here 4 quite sometime.. thing is didn't have much to type about.. anyway lately lot of them asked me y i bought a RE T'Bird instead of some sports bike.. cos i ride my bird like one.. not really.. i like cruisin' on it as well revvin' it n cornerin it so much as to scrape my footpegs.. my ultimate goal is to get my knee down n have a torn jean to show for it.. lol!!

well tat apart.. i started to think as to wat exactly pulled me away from pulsars n karizmas to buy the TB(i shall refer to my bike as bird or TB from here.. cos its a disease like TB ;-) )

let me c.. it wasn't the exhaust note.. cos its so low u can hear the fuckin pushrods movin in the block.. it shows theres a heart.. its beatin n doing its work.. its alive!! jus like u feel ur lover's heartbeat when u kiss.. (k tats a bit too much i agree !!)

then it wasn't the fact tat it looks like a cruiser.. otherwise it wud have kicked out forks n kicked out footpegs.. i jus knew the moment i sat on it, kicked it into life(yeah my bike still needs to kicked like a mule to bring it to life..lol), rode it away.. wat a feelin.. i had a smile on my face.. there was jus somethin tat jus clicked..

it felt like a bike.. big, powerful, required a lot of rider input to make it go quick.. it was an involvin experience..

yes pulsars n karizmas will run rings arnd the TB, they r faster more agile, but i still chose the TB.. its got history, its got charm n presence.. ppl still stare at it when it thumps past!! u feel like the king of the road..

well i spoken a lot of the pluses of my TB.. on the next one it'll b about how bitchin she can get sometime.. lol!!