The One... The Only... The JOHNY

The Little Things

2008-09-08T01:09:00.000-07:00

Walk along the road of life… accepting the spreading smiles and flowing tears
Swing through all the ups ‘n’ the downs and fight those battling fears
Expecting what one cannot and trying not to expect what one can
Strange as it may seem, the little things do matter in each and every plan
Break those conundrums; it gets easier to solve… piece by piece
Justify each step taken and in the end, there will be a deserved peace
Take time out and analyze the atoms of everything in your existence
Evolve the better way and it sure will add to the illustrious experience
Most of the important statements require just three words or less
Amidst busy schedules, don’t forget those phrases, to express
These little things can turn lives around… make someone’s day
Be it to thy folks or pals or someone… doesn’t matter how far away
‘I Love U’, ‘I Miss U’, ‘Here for U’ and many more… we fear to say
At least one Smile a day… it could keep the other’s demons at bay
Heartfelt wishes can sometimes work wonders and miracles
A sweet 'Good Morning' or a peace-filled 'Good Night' can break shackles
It is never too late to say or to articulate, the way that one feels
‘Express it all… never Regret, if it’s a fall’ – a motto for all that life deals
Tear down the walls of ego and anxiety that insecurity brings
Always appreciate and make rightful use of the "little" things

;DJohny

27 June 2008

Back… Again

2007-08-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

There it is, is it back…? Back again
That hurting foresight, a past foreseen
Maybe the impossible might just happen…
The lightening may just strike… a second time
Giving rise to wounds that would never heal
Tried to stare down into the barrel of Future
Hoped for a cure… to overcome the past
Dreamt of a life, filled with that care
Looked at a heavenly bond to share
At the end of the unending dark tunnel
Thought… I saw a shimmer of heavenly blissful light
Pulled myself along, trying to get myself closer to it
Felt my energy… replenishing itself
Basking in the glory of that shine
Don’t know if that light is the true healer
Or is it just an oncoming train,
on whose tracks… I’ve tread for so long
Bearing the unevenness thrown at me…
The future is unknown… Hope still and will remain
Efforts shall try to strengthen itself
The Devil grins on one side and the Angel glares on the other
Decisions to be taken, to be made or just forced upon
To stay above or below the horizon

Still Loving You

2007-08-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

You’re gone… but your memories remain
In thy thoughts… I’ve become insane
Never will things become the same
That they were… in the presence of your name

I’ve turned completely into a fiend
The one, you promised to ever remain a friend
But you left… for reasons mystery bound
I will never be able to return to stable ground

The Love still remains, as long as this breath
But this mind’s domain… craving for death
As it has only caused trouble to other’s health
You were the one… the only one, a true wealth

Cherishing thy thoughts… am still loving you
Hopes of a future… just a faintly few
You achieved thy goal… that of eternal bliss
In the queue and still loving you… waiting for death’s kiss

The Johny

Ain’t no Song

2007-08-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

Just sitting amidst this flickering light
Wondering how am I gonna spend the night
Will I have to again put up a fight?
Why can’t things always go on right?
Thinking of my existence… is there a reason
Is my relationship with others a treason?
Will this go on… for every season
In the horizon… Is it rising or setting, the sun?
Have been living so long, like a leech
It seems nothing’s left… no sensible speech
Every bond of life… seems to be nearing a breach
Feelings within are all out of reach
Have pulled these things… far too long
It seems to be ending, like a faint song
Times been swinging, on a ping pong
Striving to come through and remain strong
Enough of clinging… like a vine
Put an end to it and strengthen the spine
Life ain’t gonna be a straight line
Have a future to build… be it fine

The Johny

In thy absence...

2007-08-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Barren lands, bald trees, murky waters… is all that is seen

You left and along with you… went all the glee, wiped out clean

Things have turned gloomy and troubles are running free

Without you, I am unable to be the one I used to be

Up in the sky… the stars don’t seem so bright

The moon is in hiding… there’s darkness all night

The sun… in your absence, feels shining is not right

Trees bow down to a breeze with no vigor left to fight

The chirping of birds does not feel so sweet

The smiles of children, seems to be incomplete

Looking around, a distinct emptiness fills the air

Weird thoughts creep up, cornered in a haunting lair

Tears flow down the cheek, reminiscing the past

The ship of life seems to have a broken mast

The spirits that keep things lively, have lost their essence

Reality seems to have lost its grandeur … in thy absence

The Johny

17 August 2007

IRON MAIDEN Concert (17.03.2007)

2007-08-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

-- As scripted by Vivian Nitin Lobo

Saturday, 17th March'07 was one of the biggest days of my life so far. It was the day when the Heavy Metal Gods, Iron Maiden came to India as a part of the Iron Maiden - A Matter Of Life And Death tour, 2007. Excuse my French, but I gotta say IT WAS FUCKING AWESOME!!! It just blew me off!

Me and my mates left home by 9:30, had to drop mom to her workplace and reached the venue by 10 AM. There were already some people camping there since a long time. At about 10:30 AM, we happened to meet Sam Dunn, the director of the documentary movie, Metal: A Head bangers Journey. Apparently he was filming his next documentary on Metal scene around the world.

Sam Dunn

It was round about 1 PM when we queued up and what a terrible experience it was! Scorching Indian summers and Heavy Metal concerts... not a good combination at all! People were constantly pushing and jostling each other. I was almost first to the gates and I looked back and saw an infinite crowd of screaming angry fans all clad in the Black Iron Maiden Tees. I had to persevere until 3:30 PM in that riot before I was let in and I could make it to the second row!!! I was upfront in the dead center, just 25 feet away from the mighty stage... now what more could I ask for in my life! Soon crowd was pouring in and I could catch a glimpse until half the arena not beyond it. When the ground was almost filled, the horrible crowd avalanches started. The back rows were pushing the front rows at rib-cracking force. Since I was in the center of 4th row, it was like a mosh pit ALL THE TIME! It was a lot of fun in the beginning but soon I was getting elbowed. And guys in front row were getting horribly squished against the barricade. Some passed out, some got brutally injured I think and many were craving for water!At this point I couldn't take it anymore...and just walked back and had a plan to get in front by the time Maiden performed...and might I add it worked....OK I had my good cousins around to buy me some soda...I so badly wanted to at the kebabs..but it was bloody expensive...The unfortunate thing was the phone lines were jammed...and so could not contact my other cousins and friends...in the venue...

At about 5:30 PM, F.T.N, a pansy band who were winners of MTV Campus Rock Idols Contest took the stage. Their set list consisted of about 4 songs I guess, two of which were covers of Korn, Rage Against the Machine. Come on, they were fuckin opening for Iron Maiden! This is a serious blasphemy. And sure enough, they were booed off the stage with everyone shouting "Fuck off" and raising the middle fingers. That must have been a kick in the crotch to those guys!

Parikrama

After 6:15 PM, another so-called Indian "rock" band, Parikrama came on to the stage for the second opening act. Honestly they failed to impress me. But they appealed to a handful of fans by performing their original numbers. Adding Violin instrument to almost all their songs was just sissy! But I kinda liked one of their songs Parikrama - Am I Dreaming, which was inspired by Frodo and Sam's exploits in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

Lauren Harris

Next, it was cute Lauren Harris on stage. That was one of the privileges of being a daughter of Iron Maiden's Bassist Steve Harris! Hers is a punk rock band... you know kinda like Avril Lavigne. Lauren was welcomed much better than the previous two bands. When she finished performing 4 songs, the crowd was getting highly impatient... people were continuously screaming "Maiden, Maiden, Maiden...". She finished her 5th song somehow and left the stage.

It was close to 8 PM. The big time has finally come. The crowd was screaming at the top of their lungs for Maiden to come on to the stage. The painful right and left crowd avalanches started too, creating a huge moshpit in the front rows but I was out of it....

Then the stage was darkened momentarily and "Bruce Dickinson", the Iron Maiden's vocalist sprang onto the stage explosively by singing Iron Maiden – Different World followed by "Nicko McBrian" on Drums, "Dave Murray" and "Adrian Smith" on Lead Guitars, "Steve Harris" on Bass Guitar and finally "Janick Gers" on Rhythm Guitar. The crowd just went out of control. It is one of the most amazing moments of my life. I felt resurrected and got a surge of energy from no where seeing Maiden on stage! There I was standing, just humble 20 feet away from the Heavy Metal Gods and around me tens of thousands of fans screaming, head banging and moshing violently! It was simply jaw-dropping!!! Maiden then went onto perform the other two songs from their new album, Iron Maiden – These colors Don't Run, and Iron Maiden – Brighter Than A Thousand Suns. Then the next song, Iron Maiden – Wrathchild, from their second album, Iron Maiden - Killers was dedicated in "Leon Ireland's" memory who passed away last December - he was the lead singer of the famous Indian Rock band, "Moksha", which is credited to be the only Asian group to perform for the Iron Maiden tribute album Children of the Damned.
After Wrathchild, the crowd was shouting for the encore, Iron Maiden – The Trooper. As soon as Bruce heard that, he went in and came out in the the old British Trooper red uniform and British Flag and started performing The Trooper song with unparalleled energy. This was the best performance in my opinion. People went insanely wild too... singing along. It just felt like I was riding a wildly galloping horse!on heaven I absolutely loved it!
The Trooper was followed by another 2 songs from the new album, Iron Maiden – The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg and Iron Maiden – For The Greater Good of God. Next line-up was their classic songs, all my favorite ones:
Iron Maiden – Number of the Beast
Iron Maiden – Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden – Run to the Hills
Iron Maiden – Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden – 2 Minutes to Midnight
Iron Maiden – The Evil That Men Do
and finally,
Iron Maiden – Hallowed Be Thy Name.
I totally loved these set of tracks as I must have listened to them at least a million times! While performing Fear of the Dark, Bruce climbed up the truss up to 30 feet high! It is simply mind blowing to watch the awesome stagemanship of Bruce; even though he is close to 50 years of age, he is amazingly energetic! And Iron Maiden's Mascot, Eddie The Head appeared in a Battle Tank in Iron Maiden song and then came onto the stage in soldier's uniform and with a rifle, during The Evil that Men Do song, in a signature style of the band!
During their last song, Hallowed Be Thy Name, I was almost on the verge of passing out. I was fully exhausted and I was mustering all the energy to pull through somehow. Ever since Maiden took the stage, I was in heaven all the time! At the end of the show, many fans just sat on the ground unwilling to leave the arena and relishing every moment of the spectacular show!
I've listened to Maiden's discography umpteen number of times, watched all their music videos, watched videos of their live performances like Rock in Rio, Donington Live 1992, Live at the Rainbow, Death on the Road etc. and I thought they were awesome. But believe me, watching Maiden live beats them all!!! It is simply mind-blowing and if I could make up a superlative degree of the word Awesome as Awesomest then that describes it!
Good news is that Bruce promised his Indian fans that Maiden would return again in another 17 months!!!
And I almost forgot...my cousin [John Brian] touched the drum heads when Bruce threw it into the crowd..but couldn't catch it..I so wish he did..cause I would have framed it.... All the moments were captured in a cellphone but I'm a complete novice in capturing videos and I guess all of you would have known the quality...but I should thank my friend for giving me his phone...for that one brilliant day....

Hail Iron Maiden!
UP THE IRONS \m/

Here are some of the pictures of the concert! FEAST YOUR EYES!!!

On the Edge

2007-08-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

There are times… when you feel you’re on the edge
On all fronts… there is confusion, full fledge
At these times… it gets too very difficult to judge
Whether you have to or don’t have to budge

You get that feeling that you need to express
But there’s something within that lets it suppress
Thinking about my inability… leaves me depressed
But others’ pleasure… that gets me impressed

Difficult to decide… on which side to jump
To let it out or keep it in… could lead to a slump
It’s stuck in the throat like a lump
Connections go haywire in your brain’s dump

Left with decisions… whether to take or not to take
Ain’t easy to differentiate between the real and the fake
You get that feeling of a mirage… with life at stake
Got to realize… whether to live for oneself or for others’ sake

The Johny

Feelings of a Feeling

2007-08-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

You… an ideal pal and a truly special person
With you, to strengthen a relation, there’s no need to reason
It’s left to you… to take certain decisions
You are happiness and joy… for all the seasons

There’s something in those deep eyes… a true mystery
It could last forever in thy history
As you speak… a spell of joy you cast
Drudgery of pain and sadness… all become past

The trust you show… flows as a lifeline
Your care and kindness… strengthens my spine
Your smile entrusts a future… I could say its mine
Relation with you… has changed my life’s twine

You too have some things within, that cause you trouble
You need to share it and not make it double
Once you pour it out… you’ll see the pain crumble
Remember there’s the one to help you always, when you stumble

Those times when I’ve put you down
On your face… brought a frown
In the rivers of doubt, made you drown
Pardon me for those weeds I had sown

Thoughts might arise that this is to flatter you
But remember that these are expressions, I had due
I have a wish… hoping for eternity, it’ll be true
That You remain fresh forever, as the morning dew

The Johny

Out of Sight

2007-08-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Why does it feel like the truth is being kept… out of sight
Is it coz’ you feel, me being not worthy or is it out of my might
Or is it just that I always land you up in a sorrowful plight
You feel that by letting me know… nothing would go on right

This green-eyed zeal… a cause for their entire hurting outburst
The reason remains obscure… there isn’t any cure for this thirst
Till my last breath… shall remain possibly cursed
It feels like a plague… always getting the crowd dispersed

It’s been out of sight… the value of your precious tears
There’s nothing to hide… it is possibly a consequence of fears
It’s true… you’re under the promise from nears and dears
But as you had once told, with changing time… you had to change gears

You might just wonder… why I am imposing on thy thought
Its coz I don’t want to see you suffer the mental fights that I’ve fought
Its true… there are hopes, expectations and goals you have to sought
It hurts to think of you, in a mental haze, in which I was once caught

There’s something that still remains hidden within those eyes
There’s nothing that hurts more than hearing those good-byes
All that I’ve expressed… its tough for you, to understand what it implies
Maybe… you’ve got to come out of your strong disguise

The Johny

YOU, with Me

2007-08-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

Heavenly it seems all around, when you’re with me
There’s happiness ‘n’ joy in all that I see
To be alongside You, I’d even plead on my knee
You let me be myself, a chained bird… set free

When You’re with me, joy seems to have no limit
Sadness gets fainter, as you come alongside and sit
All pieces in my life’s puzzle seems to fit
Darkness, seems to fade with the light you lit

When You’re with me, it seems there’s nothing to want
Those thoughts varnish that once used to haunt
You give me the chance to start afresh a life, something new
It seems, you’re the one to drive away the blue

The charm ‘n’ happiness spread on your face
Just opens up all the knots in my mind’s lace
You give me the feeling of having a place in this space
Pray that forever you shall remain, spreading that grace

The Johny

Within You

2007-08-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

It’s within You… both the best and the worst
It’s your decision to let your talents have an outburst
It doesn’t matter, whose gonna be last or the first
Its what You chip in… that’s gonna quench the thirst

For the genius that’s within You… You alone are the host
Don’t let any failure haunt you like a ghost
It’s for what you are that people like you the most
It’s an honour… to raise to yourself, the finest toast

Good, better or the best… there ain’t no comparison
You got to have yourself, as the limit of all expectation
Think, you and yourself are the only ones in competitions
Otherwise, the heart ‘n’ mind could play tricks with fluctuations

If you sulk for past deeds… it only weakens you and your cast
Suppressing yourself, dwindling your conscience… pretty fast
Once the moment is gone, it becomes a part of the past
Remember only those, which prove to strengthen your mast

Don’t let others’ deeds bring you into a state of being forlorn
It only declines your being… helping you to remain torn
Remember the Genius within… to whom, Life you’ve sworn
YOU are the Best and that’s why you were born

The Johny

The Change

2007-08-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Change… an inexorable outcome to some cryptic reason
There’s no way to find a basis… it could be treason
This could come up anytime, anywhere… any season
It could evolve in anybody… in any possible relation

For the better or the worse… you might give in to a change
The decision is yours to choose the change, of any range
To me… it could seem in someway, there’s something strange
It’s good, as long as it brings a smile on your cute flange

Changes come about quite often, in search for better vicinity
It’s expected for them to change, irked by somebody’s personality
People tend to join the better… leaving those with no dignity
They give in, to a makeover… to get away from existing insanity

Sometimes, changes in others could be letting you down
First see… if the transformation is in you, that is bringing the frown
Try to understand the way… how the transformation has grown
You got to realize… who had these seeds of change, initially sown.

The Johny

To be with You

2007-08-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Where have you gone… O Sweet Child o’ mine
Wanted you, to be with me… all the time
Times spent with you, seemed to be very fine
But, how much I miss you… is hard to define

In your eyes… I saw the peace of a sleeping child
So calm, happy, innocent and forever mild
To be with you… is what I’ve always tried
For this reason, many a times have I cried

Want to talk to you… Want to hold you…
Want to dance with you… Want to embrace you…
Want to do all things… only alongside you
But for all this… I wanted to ever be with you

In your absence… I miss all the sweetness
Yearn for the peace… I found in your calmness
Each moment… I miss every bit of your liveliness
Just want to be with you forever… my eternal happiness

The Johny

Best Out of Office Auto-replies ...

2007-07-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

1. I am currently out at a job interview and will reply to you if I fail to get the position. Be prepared for my mood.

2. You are receiving this automatic notification because I am out of the office.
If I was in, chances are you wouldn't have received anything at all.

3. I will be unable to delete all the unread, worthless emails you send me until I return from holiday on 4 April. Please be patient and your mail will be deleted in the order it was received.

4. Thank you for your email. Your credit card has been charged $5.99 for the first ten words and $1.99 for each additional word in your message.

5. The e-mail server is unable to verify your server connection and is unable to deliver this message.
Please restart your computer and try sending again. (The beauty of this is that when you return, you can see how many in-duh-viduals did this over and over).

6. Thank you for your message, which has been added to a queuing system.
You are currently in 352nd place, and can expect to receive a reply in approximately 19 weeks.

7. I've run away to join a different circus.

A poem on Engineer (Hindi)

2007-07-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Engineer woh hain

jo aksar phasta hain

Interviews ke sawaal mey

Badi companiyon ke jaal mey

Boss aur client ke bawaal mey

Engineer woh hain

jo pak gaya hain

Meetings ki jhelai mey

Submissions ki gehraai mey

Teamwork ki chataai mey

Engineer woh hain

jo laga rehta hain

Schedule ko failane mey

Targets ko khiskaane mey

Roz naye-naye bahaane banane mey

Engineer woh hain

jo lunch time mey Breakfast karta hain

Dinner time mey Lunch karta hain aur

Commutation ke waqt soya karta hain

Engineer woh hain

jo paagal hain

Chai aur samose ke pyaar mey

Cigarette ke khumaar mey

Birdwatching ke vichaar mey

Engineer woh hain

jo khoya hain

Reminders ke jawaab mey

Na milne waale hisaab mey

Behtar Bhavishya ke khwaab mey

Engineer woh hain

jise intezaar hain

Weekend nights par dhoom machaane ka

Boss ke chutti par jaane ka

Increment ki khabar aane ka

Engineer woh hain

jo sochta hain

Kaash padhaai par dhyaan diya hota

Kaash teacher se panga na liya hota

Kaash ishq na kiya hota....

Kaash....

Never propose to a SoftWare Girl...

2007-07-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

Never propose a Testing girl since she always doubts U.

Never propose a DATABASE girl since she always wants her Boyfriend to be a UNIQUE key.

Never propose a C girl because she always have a tendency to BREAK the things and EXIT from life.

Never propose a C++ girl as u may encounter some problems in INHERITANCE.

Never propose a JAVA girl since she always throws EXCEPTIONS.

Never propose a VB girl since she has resignation FORM with her always.

Never propose a UNIX girl ,she always dump u with a core.

Never propose a PASCAL girl ,she always scolds u as rascal.

Never propose a COBOL girl since she may be very good in DIVISION of families.

Never propose a NETWORK girl since she may be very good in shooting troubles.

Better propose a girl not belonging to SOFTWARE FAMILY

Propose A GIRL FROM A "HARD"WARE FAMILY, THEN...

From Within...

2007-07-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

Some of the most significant messages people deliver to one another often come in just three words. When spoken or conveyed, those statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore relationships that have cooled. The following three-word phrases can enrich every relationship.

I'LL BE THERE - Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and to us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally and spiritually. 'Being there' is at the very very core of civility.

I MISS YOU - Perhaps more marriages could be salvaged and strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other, "I miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired and loved.

I RESPECT YOU - Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys the feeling that
another person is a true equal. It is a powerful way to affirm the importance of a relationship.

MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT - This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument and restoring
frayed emotions. The flip side of "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting "maybe I'm wrong."

PLEASE FORGIVE ME - Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to own he has been in the wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I THANK YOU - Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

COUNT ON ME - "A friend is one who walks in when others walk out," Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds people. Those who are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there, indicating "you can count on me."

LET ME HELP - The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.

I UNDERSTAND YOU - People become closer and enjoy each other more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting others know in so many little ways that you understand him or her is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship.

GO FOR IT - Some of your friends may be non conformists, have unique projects and unusual hobbies. Support them in pursuing their interests. Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage their uniqueness-everyone has dreams that no one else has.

I suppose the 3 little words that you were expecting to see have to be reserved for those who are special;

that is I LOVE YOU.

A letter to Dad...

2007-07-29T21:33:00.001-07:00

A FATHER PASSING BY HIS SON'S BEDROOM WAS ASTONISHED TO SEE THE BED WAS NICELY MADE AND EVERYTHING WAS PICKED UP.

THEN HE SAW AN ENVELOPE PROPPED UP PROMINENTLY ON THE CENTER OF THE BED.

IT WAS ADDRESSED, "DAD".

WITH THE WORST PREMONITION, HE OPENED THE ENVELOPE AND READ
THE LETTER WITH TREMBLING HANDS:

DEAR DAD,

IT IS WITH GREAT REGRET AND SORROW THAT I'M WRITING THIS.
I HAD TO ELOPE WITH MY NEW GIRLFRIEND BECAUSE I WANTED
TO AVOID A SCENE WITH MOM AND YOU.

I'VE BEEN FINDING REAL PASSION WITH BARBARA AND SHE IS
SO NICE EVEN WITH ALL HER PIERCING, TATTOOS, AND HER
TIGHT MOTORCYCLE CLOTHES.

BUT IT'S NOT ONLY THE PASSION DAD, SHE'S PREGNANT
AND BARBARA SAID THAT WE WILL BE VERY HAPPY.

EVEN THOUGH YOU DON'T CARE FOR HER AS SHE
IS MUCH OLDER THAN I, SHE ALREADY OWNS A TRAILER
IN THE WOODS AND HAS A STACK OF FIREWOOD FOR THE
WHOLE WINTER.

SHE WANTS TO HAVE MANY MORE CHILDREN
WITH ME AND THAT'S NOW ONE OF MY DREAMS TOO.

BARBARA TAUGHT ME THAT MARIJUANA DOESN'T REALLY HURT ANYONE
AND WE'LL BE GROWING IT FOR OURSELVES AND TRADING
IT WITH HER FRIENDS FOR ALL THE COCAINE AND ECSTASY WE WANT.

IN THE MEANTIME, WE'LL PRAY THAT SCIENCE WILL FIND A CURE
FOR AIDS SO BARBARA CAN GET BETTER; SHE SURE
DESERVES IT!!

DON'T WORRY DAD, I'M 15 YEARS OLD NOW AND I KNOW HOW TO TAKE
CARE OF MYSELF.

SOMEDAY I'M SURE WE'LL BE BACK TO VISIT SO YOU CAN
GET TO KNOW YOUR GRANDCHILDREN.

YOUR SON, JOHNNY

P.S. DAD, NONE OF THIS IS TRUE. I'M OVER AT THE NEIGHBOR'S
HOUSE. I JUST WANTED TO REMIND YOU THAT THERE
ARE WORSE THINGS IN LIFE THAN MY REPORT CARD
THAT'S IN MY DESK CENTER DRAWER. I LOVE YOU!

CALL WHEN IT'S SAFE FOR ME TO COME HOME.

GROWING OLDER ... an Article

2007-07-29T21:28:00.000-07:00

Nice one, read till end .... A highly inspirational article... read on.

The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.

She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?" I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze.

"Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked.

She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of children, and then retire and travel."

"No seriously," I asked.

I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.

"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me.

After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.

Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.

At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor.

Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."

As we laughed she cleared her throat and began:

"We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. "You have to laugh and find humor every day.

"You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!"

"There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change." "Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."

She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose."

She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.

At the years end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep.

Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.

If you read this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it! We send these words in loving memory of ROSE

Remember, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY, GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.

Tough times do not last but tough people do

Over and Done

2007-07-26T03:33:00.000-07:00

Time has run out by itself, the act is over and done

Its no use in wailing, losing out on all the fun

Its time to realize the rising of the new sun

Look out... the change in them has also begun

The pain and the hurt they've triggered has to be forgotten

Its true... they have no ears to hear what is hidden

Don't keep it within and have yourself remain bitten

You know its not easy to enact as it is being written

Let bygones be bygones, it ain't as easy as being said

For this provocation, they had a platform already laid

It seems, the good spirits have all begun to fade

These emotions and expectations ain't from some blunt blade

There's nothing left to expect, having lost all self-respect

Look around... to only see them look upon you, with disrespect

They think... you're the one who has come to infect

On every word you spurt out, they begin to suspect

Have they forgotten that you still exist...

Or with the prayer for your end they still persist

Hoping that you be gone, like the cryptic cysts

You ain't got any value... just a ruin, is what they insist

Its out of question... to get back to being sane

The feeling of going afar has come with all this pain

Tribulations have taken a U turn, driving the mind insane

Efforts to have it over and done... have all gone in vain

The Johny

Invisible

2007-07-26T03:27:00.000-07:00

The look in thy eyes... tells me that I'm Invisible
It gives rise to an emotional barrier, invincible
So confused... to go ahead, will I ever be able?
All dreams transform to nightmares... fear remains stable

The feeling is creeping in... You cannot see me
All hopes n expectations are on a breaking spree
Tribulations have grown... the mind ain't gonna be free
Nobody is gonna know the reason... why You cannot see

Is this a trick or a mirage... played by the mind
Or is it just the aftermath of deeds, I've left behind
The road ahead seems so very steeply inclined
It will forever be a mystery... who's the one being blind

It's true... there'll be a change once this is read
Most probably you might forget all that is being said
There could be a new aggravation, to be made
Hoping that... all this being written will surely fade

The Johny

Wishing YOU were here...

2007-07-26T03:24:00.000-07:00

Wishing you were here... is all that I can do
Happiness is parting with me, along with it... are you?
Ain't know why I've been acting so dumb
Hoping n wishing for all good things to come

Times have been the best, when you were near
Everything becomes unclear when you're not here
It hurts as he heart is being pierced by a spear
Get no answer for the question... Where are you my dear?

Tears roll down the cheek... in times of your absence
Everything turns dark... missing your essence
Fear flows thro' the nerves, in a hurry
Showers of sadness come down in a flurry

Hours pass by... haven't heard your voice
Waiting for that heavenly tone... amidst the noise
Miss that care n touch, you once spread with a poise
Wishing you were here... would pay for it, any price

The Johny

The Feeling

2007-07-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

The Feeling... there's something great about it

When it comes over, everything seems to perfectly fit

Once in a while... it comes alongside to sit

It truly brightens up your life's skit

Words remain inadequate to describe The Feeling

It cannot amount to the joy that it does bring

When it is around... the heart does happily sing

A song, on hearing which... all your troubles fling

The Feeling... it's as simple as life can get

You begin to forget all tribulations... once you've met

To give into it... you'd even put your life on a bet

It doesn't matter the things that you've to let

The Feeling... fills you with an exceptional expression

That's sure to leave an everlasting impression

It gives an assurance taht there's no place for repression

A passion with a truly vivacious repercussion

The Johny

8 November

Dreamer

2007-07-24T04:44:00.000-07:00

There's this person that I know... he's just a dreamer

He's so confused, doesn't know his life is going dimmer

He's got so many expectations, going thinner and slimmer

But still there's in his eyes... that mystical shimmer

He keeps dreaming of dreams that might never come true

He's planning for a change that needs him to hide the blue

He wants to bring into his life... something totally new

One thing he very much dislikes... is bidding adieu

The dreamer... continues fighting his battles all alone

He's sort of a person... could be forever trouble-prone

He's got within, the feeling that his heart is made of stone

He's stuck in the middle... with a lonely tone

The Johny

Why is it so... ?

2007-07-24T04:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I just wonder... Why is it so?
Why do tears from the heart, as a stream down the cheek does flow?
Why do I have to live life and let troubles around, to grow?
Why do I have to reap weeds that others are planning to sow?

Why is it so... Why do I feel that you're trying to ignore me?
Is it something to do with the way that you see my cryptic spree?
Or is it that my self-centeredness has never let you be free?
Or is it that I've never let you live life the way you agree?

Why is it so... Why am I not able to express the feeling?
Why is it that I'm always incomplete in things I'm dealing?
Why is it that life seems now, so damn grueling?
Everything that I do and think seems so unappealing?

Why is it so... Why can't I hide within, all my emotions?
Why do I feel so frustrated without any possible invocations?
Why does anger boil my veins, with no provocations?
Why do I give into sadness without any convolutions?

Why is it so... Why am I unable to help happiness, spread?
Why do I always do deeds that others always dread?
Why is life being torn like clothe made from the weakest thread?
Why don't I understand others? Is there no place for my head?

The Johny