haradwaj LS

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  • Conclusion

    • Shorts in my life!

    I was never a fan of TikTok. I considered it unworthy to even have an account. I could not understand how such short videos provide any information – I wasn’t even sure they are enjoyable. Similarly, I didn’t have an account in Insta as well.

    I always revered Youtube. Unfortunately 2 years back, around 2023, they added the shorts section. Now I not only watch 2.5 hours of continuous reels but also have Insta account.

    This has had detrimental effect on my focus, time management and my ability to find joy. Firstly, due to the kick which I derive out of these 1 min videos, I can’t tolerate longer videos.

    Secondly, each short doesn’t ask for much commitment to watch but finally I end up feeling guilty for wasting 2 hrs.

    Finally, these shorts throw one climax after another. After watching 5 best catches, winning moments, wickets, dives etc in just 5 mins, I find to hard to sit through a 3hr T20 match. The reels overstimulate me and I get disappointed that none of the catches in the entire match was as thrilling as those 5 mins in the reel.

    I want to take control of my life. I want to feel the joy of suspense of watching a long match instead of feeling bored. I want to feel awed by the next stunt instead of considering it banal because I have seen 100 similar stunts in reels.

    I feel I can solve this by slowing things down. I want to consume information more consciously and deliberately on the internet. But I find it difficult because the algorithms are so powerful. One look at the screen and it magically hypnotizes me to start swiping the reels.

    RSS to rescue

    RSS which stands for Really Simple Syndication was invented in 1999 and still lives. It lives a low key, less flashy – underground sort of life but still powers a lot of things.

    Closest analogy to its functioning is that of a social media website. The website keeps us informed about the latest posts from people we follow.

    RSS does the same but for everything except few social media sites. You can keep a watch on any website like news, blogs, podcast, video platforms etc. and get notified when content is added.

    All this can happen from one single application and ideally you would never have to “BROWSE” the internet. So when you don’t meander wildly you won’t stumble upon one of those reels. And you will rescue yourself from wasting hours swiping at it.

    Technically, RSS is a protocol that can be used by applications to display updates in their website (“Feed”). When RSS links are accessed it returns an XML files with sections defined as per protocols. It is not very convenient for humans to read it. So, applications are needed to display the content comfortably. Read ahead to know the software I use.

    Setting Up RSS

    As mentioned above we need an application to fetch the feeds from the RSS links. We would also have to find those RSS links in the first place. There are many ways to do it but I only write about the methods I use.

    If this is your first time then you can simply follow my method. If you are experienced and you have a different way, then please use the comment section to inform us about it.

    My choice of RSS Reader

    There are many RSS readers available. In the RSS reader of my choice I ideally look for the following features:

    1. Free
    2. No restriction on how many RSS links I can follow
    3. Ability to organize them into folders
    4. Compatible with Linux, Windows and Android
    5. Sync across platforms

    Unfortunately, I could not find a single tool which meets all my needs. As a result, I resorted to the following two different tools – one for mobile and another for laptop. However, I mostly use the android version mostly, since my mobile is constantly with me.

    PlatformSoftware
    Windows/Linux/MacRSS Guard
    AndroidFeeder (There are 2 Feeder. Use the one in the link)

    Cons with the free versions

    1. Lack of common app: There is no common app between mobile and laptop platforms
    2. Sync issue: Doesn’t sync across platforms even when using same application. i.e. If you have been reading on your windows PC and then you switch to Linux it won’t tell you which links had been already read.

    Alternatives

    Remember, our aim is to stop swiping. These shorts are most effective on mobiles so just using RSS reader on mobile phone adequately reduces the problem. At this point of our addiction lets not worry about syncing RSS. Baby steps first!

    Nevertheless, I will mention some commercial options which sync across multiple platforms. If you have money to spend or you are willing to work under the restrictions of the free versions that the paid software come with, then you can try.

    RSS ReaderPlatform(s)Download / Access Link
    FeedlyWeb, iOS, Androidfeedly.com
    InoreaderWeb, iOS, Androidinoreader.com
    NewsBlurWeb, iOS, Androidnewsblur.com

    Locating RSS links

    I mentioned before that RSS have gone a bit underground. So it is often hidden from plain sight. Some sites might provide the link directly. So simply look for RSS symbol (like at the bottom of this blog). If it is not evident then I will tell you two methods that I am aware of to uncover the RSS links.

    The first one is using the paid apps mentioned above. These often have a tab which provides you with a single click option to subscribe to RSS depending on your interests.

    The problem I faced with this approach was that I would impulsively subscribe to a lot of feeds. Then there will be too much update and I can’t follow it. I stop using the RSS because there is just too much to process.

    The other approach which I have come to like is the slow painful approach. See I told you I wanted to slow things down.

    1. Visit the website, podcast, YouTube channel or news channel or anything else that you regularly visit.
    2. If you are using Feeder
    3. If your are using chrome on Laptop you can use plugins to identify RSS links. I use Get RSS Feed URL Extension in chrome

    Deciding what to follow

    The main idea of the whole blog is to stop Browsing internet via a Google search. So every time you visit internet be conscious and observe what you are watching.

    If you are watching a video on YouTube get conscious and ask what are you enjoying. If you would like to see more of it then research for more creators of similar content. Go to their channels and retrieve its RSS link.

    If you are watching news then get conscious. Ask if your trust the source. If yes then find RSS link for that news channel. You might also want to have counter opinions. So, find those channels with a counter opinion and get its RSS links.

    Repeat this until you can finally get everything in your RSS app. You shouldn’t need to sieve to the large volume of internet data soon.

    Useful RSS sources

    If you are starting this list might help your set up your RSS feed. Some places where you can find RSS are

    1. News and magazine websites
    2. YouTube
    3. Reddit communities
    4. Blog sites

    Conclusion

    I have felt that I need to distance myself from the short video formats. It is having detrimental effects on mental well-being. I try to distance myself from it until I can achieve the necessary self control.

    RSS feels like an effective solution because it allows me to be on the internet while keeping the distractions away. I also keeps me up to date with my interests without any manipulative algorithm. Building up my RSS Feed list is also helping me be more aware of what I am consuming.

    The steps to setup the RSS in this blog might help others with similar challenge as I face. For the beginners, these RSS ideas might provide some inspiration on building their RSS list of feeds.

  • Are we flexing on wrong things?

    Are we flexing on wrong things?

    I overheard two kids in their second year of engineering for roughly 15 mins. Later, I contrasted it with the sort of talks grown ups have. This made me question: why there is such stark difference between the two? When does this change happen? Is it good?

    I was having dinner when I saw this lean boy wearing spectacles sitting there waiting for his dinner to arrive. He suddenly noticed his friend. They were meeting after a long time and they hadn’t seen each other for at least 1.5 years. I know this because the friend observed that the lean boy had grown very tall since he last met him. Also they were meeting after 3 semesters.

    The lean boy is studying at IIT Hyderabad. I don’t know where the other boy studies, but I know he is studying applied computer science. The guy from IIT Hyderabad is also studying Computer Science but there are some major differences in their curriculum. Applied computer science has more emphasis on programming languages where as computer science students at IIT study Physics, Chemistry in addition to Math. Math is common between the two courses.

    I gathered much more than that listening to them. After a short Hi and Hello they started flexing. It was subtle but each one tried his best to tell the other how smart he was. Each throwing out some terminology every few sentences. It was nice to hear. They were clearly bragging about what they had learnt.

    Now contrast this when two adults meet. They similarly try to brag. But the topics are often different. It might be about the new car, house or their new job. It might sometimes be about the recent trips they have made. Other times, one might hear complains about how much hard they are having to work at office.

    So the question I am asking is when will these students stop bragging about their intellectual might and start bragging about material might? Why does it happen? Is it a good thing to change focus from intellectual to material world?

    We look at a student who studies hard and call him studious. A compliment! But an employee who works hard is said to be slogging! There is a hint of the word loser attached with it. Not a compliment any more. We emphasize on smart work and not hard work!

    Firstly, coming to the question of bragging being good or bad. A bit of it might be good as long as it doesn’t turn to arrogance. One usually brags about the things one is focusing on in their life. It will naturally improve that thing which is being focused on.

    Of course as a student focusing on intellect is necessary. But what about adults? Is material might important? May be yes. It establishes the adults position in the society. Being higher in hierarchy should bring the benefits of being a stronger human. I guess both adults and students are doing the same. They want to establish themselves higher on the echelon.

    Thinking in these lines if adults focus on material might and children on intellectual then why does this shift happen? Perhaps since both are trying to establish themselves on a higher place in the hierarchy, there must be separate hierarchy. Each governed by a different metric.

    As a student the metric is obvious. The grades directly translate to how good a student one is. And there is one way to get good grades – study hard. But what about life after studies? What is the metric? Should one be more athletic, more rich, more beautiful, more educated? There may be not one single answer.

    So, will these students then stop boasting about intellectual capacities once they step out of college? Is it good? Am I jumping at conclusions with all these arguments? I have some questions now, few more that I started with. I hope I have given a few to you to ponder as well. May be getting rich doesn’t need hard work but smart work?

    I will be happy to discuss!

  • Fictional Conversation between a Husband and a Wife

    Fictional Conversation between a Husband and a Wife

    This is a completely fictional conversation between a Husband [H] and Wife [W]. H loves W a lot and has never seen a lady more hardworking than his W and mother (H wants to be safe with that statement).

    H was busy attending a meeting and W enters house after a long days work. W cooks every day for both of them. They don’t have a cook because H doesn’t like having one. Ironically H can’t cook either.

    Time is 8pm and H is hungry. His plan is to eat out after the meeting.

    Strike 1

    W: Shall I cook something?

    H (in between meeting): What? (sign language)

    W: Ven Pongal (don’t know Ven Pongal? Click on Ven Pongal)

    H: 👍️

    Strike 2

    Hungry H: Why is this pongal looking so mushy!

    W: May be I added more water. But I like it like this.

    H (Lil disappointed as the texture is not appealing): Hmm…

    W: Let’s eat in one plate.

    H: Sure.

    H tastes the food and it tastes so weird.

    H: Why is it different? Did you follow the recipe?

    W: Ofcourse

    H (Tastes again and thinks out aloud): I think there is more Dal.

    H checks the recipe.

    H: Did you add Dal in 1:4 ratio

    W: No I added more Dal.

    H: Then why do you have to follow the recipe?

    W (now slightly angry): It is good only. I like.

    H: But it doesn’t taste like Ven Pongal. Can you please make me an omlette. I can’t eat it.

    Loving W who is slightly angry and doesnt want husband to go hungry: Sure

    H eats omlette and leaves pongal on plate.

    Strike 3

    H: Shall we go for a walk?

    W: No. Don’t want to.

    H: Please

    W (reluctantly): Ok

    H and W generally go for a walk late at night. H likes to drink cold lemon soda everyday during the night walk (Sounds l’il crazy). W prepares lime juice adds salts and pours it into the soda bottle. They carry it outside for a walk

    They are having a normal walk when W gets a call. Starts recounting her day on the phone

    W (on Phone): Bla Bla Bla

    W (on Phone): Bla Bla Bla

    W (on Phone): Bla Bla Bla… I cooked Ven Pongal… Bla Bla Bla

    H (who is more intersted in the call than his own life, whispers): Don’t call it ven pongal

    W (continues on Phone): Bla Bla Bla

    W (continues on Phone): Bla Bla Bla. Ha ha ha…

    Hangs up

    W (Now angry suddenly): This is why I did not want to come.

    H (has forgotten about Ven pongal comment): Why?

    W: You never stop complaining. You have to keep ranting for the slightest problem. Don’t you know how tired I am. I have been putting up with long days. I still come back and cook for you. [W is now visibly more angry]. Tomorrow onwards you cook for yourself I will cook for myself….

    H doesn’t dare to open his mouth. He has stopped listening midway. He knows the summary of the rest of the conversation and doesn’t think it is necessary to know more details. He maintains silence till things cool down and the thought of not cooking for H fades away.

    … Things are now cool and they are having a normal conversation.

    H: Bla Bla Bla

    W: Bla Bla Bla

    H: But if you were tired we could have just gone out.

    W: You don’t understand

    H (trying to clarify): If you were tired we could have gone out. If you were anyways cooking you could have just maintained the ratio….. (last words before the Big Bang)

    This is not me and my wife🤪 ! My wife cooks well…

  • 3rd bencher activated!

    3rd bencher activated!

    Some of you might know that I will be restarting my student life again – I had my first class today!

    I am also writing about how I managed to land an admit at FAU Erlangen. You should find the link somewhere here. I am pretty unorganized right now. The work is still in progress. In fact, this blog started as a recipe book for myself and now we have this what you are reading.

    But I digress. So, coming back, I had my first official meeting with the batch. The Semester starts in October. Today, was an information session to ease the onboarding.

    It was conducted by the course coordinator. The meeting was 1.5 hr long. It covered topics that would take me from here to the door steps of the University. Everything from local transport details, tickets, student’s pass to finding accomodation was covered. It was impressive to experience German eye for detail.

    It felt nice to be back with the students. I have a feeling I am the eldest of all. But I could still feel my inner 3rd bencher getting activated.

    As a rule of 3rd bencher, I am not the one who initiates questions. Those are the jobs of the first bencher, the annoying ones. As a 3rd bencher my job is to cover all those questions that are thrown at us.

    To give an example what I mean. If someone asks “Am I audible” I give 3 secs pause. Give the first benchers their chance. And then I kick in. I answer “Yes”. I hope you get the gist.

    Meeting the batch virtually on the online meet gave me the thrill of starting a new phase of life. There were 22 students in the batch. I hear some may not enroll. So our final batch strength might drop to 17 to 20.

    The meeting had the same energy of a new whatsapp group. It might die down with time. We could hear some fellow students who spoke. Ofcourse, I spoke too. I told them I can hear her.

    Takeaways from the meetings were:

    1. Finding Accomodation is going to be a nightmare
    2. The course is going to be challenging.

    I have decided to choose accomodation as my next topic to loose my sleep over.

  • Details on the Shortlisted Universities

    Details on the Shortlisted Universities

    Introduction

    I began by creating an initial list of universities. I shortlisted the universities which had signal processing courses in English language. As each university has a different requirement I went through their websites to collate all important information. You may visit Shortlisted University List to see the initial short list as well as the final list. It also summarizes all the information available in this article in a table.

    I tried to cover the following details for each univerisity

    1. Course name
    2. Application requirements
    3. Stats like accepatance rate and NC criteria.
    4. Fees
    5. Application deadlines and Semester start date.

    This article covers the following universities

    1. RWTH Aachen
    2. University of Ulm
    3. FAU erlangen
    4. TU Darmstadt
    5. KIT
    6. TU Ilmenau
    7. TUM
    8. University of Hamburg
    9. Stuttgart University

    RWTH Aachen

    Course details

    Course name : Communications Engineering

    Application requirements

    • TOEFL / IELTS
    • GRE
      • Verbal 145
      • Quant 160
      • Analytical writing 3

    Stats

    Intake : no limit

    Tuition fees

    No fees

    Deadline

      • December 4th – 1 March for the following winter semester
    • 1 September for the following summer semester

    References

    1. https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programmes/en/detail/3698/#tab_registration
    2. https://www.elektrotechnik.rwth-aachen.de/cms/Elektrotechnik-und-Informationstechnik/Studium/Master-Studiengaenge/Master-of-Science/ENGLISCHSPRACHIG-Studiengang-Elektrote/Vertiefungsrichtungen-im-Master-ET-IT-/~qhip/Vertiefungsrichtung-Communications-Engin/lidx/1/
    3. https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/dqml/?lidx=1
    4. GRE Score requirements

    University of ULM

    Course details

    Course name : Communication and Information Technology

    Application requirements

    • Self test
    • CV
    • bachelor degree certificate
    • University transcript
    • official explanation of univ grading system
    • TOEFL (95) or degree taught in english will also do
    • APS ceritficate

    Deadline

    • 15 Aug to 30 sep for the following Summer semester

    Stats

    Acceptance rate : 13 %
    Limited acceptance : No Admission restriction

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : 1500 euro / sem

    References

    1. https://edurank.org/uni/university-of-ulm/
    2. https://www.uni-ulm.de/en/study/application-and-enrolment/masters-programmes/master-communication-and-information-technology/

    FAU Erlangen

    Course details

    Course name : Adaptive Signal Processing and Communication Engg

    Application requirements

    • TOEFL / IELTS
    • CV (simple copy)
    • School leaving certificate (certified copy) Official translation of the School Leaving Certificate (certified copy)
    • University Degree Certificate and Diploma Supplement – if already available (certified copy)
    • Official translation of the University Degree Certificate and Diploma Supplement (certified copy)
    • Complete Academic Report/Transcript of Records (certified copy)
    • Official translation of the Complete Academic Report/Transcript of Records (certified copy)
    • All additional documents which are required by the specific program (letter of application, proof of intern ships/placements, language certificates, etc).

    Deadline

    • Feb15 – 15 March for the following winter semester

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : None

    Status

    Intake : 50 students

    References

    1. https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programmes/en/detail/4661/
    2. https://www.asc.studium.fau.de/

    Course details

    Course name : Information and Communication Technology MSc

    Application requirements

    • Same as above

    Deadline

    • Winter semester: 15 July
    • Summer semester: 15 January

    Stats

    Intake : 50 students

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : None

    References

    1. https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programmes/en/detail/6146/
    2. https://www.fau.eu/studiengang/advanced-signal-processing-and-communications-engineering-msc/
    3. https://edurank.org/uni/university-of-erlangen-nuremberg/

    TU Darmstadt

    Course details

    Course name : Information and Communication Engineering (iCE)

    Major is Communication systems

    Application requirements

    • An online test
    • TOEFL or Medium of instruction as english
      • school-leaving certificate in the original language, and a certified translation
    • list of grades and subjects in the original language, and a certified translation
    • university entrance examination/certificate (if required in your country) in the original language, and a certified translation
    • copy of your passport ID page

    as well as

    • proof of your language skills

    In addition, if you have attended university:

    • Degree certificate / Preliminary confirmation of completion in the original language, and a certified translation
    • Transcript of records for each semester in the original language, as well as a certified translation of the transcript
    • APS ceritifate

    Deadline

    • June 1 to Aug 31 for winter sem

    Stats

    Acceptance rate : 29 %
    Limited acceptance : No limit

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : 220 euro / sem

    References

    1. https://www.etit.tu-darmstadt.de/ice/about/index.en.jsp
    2. studiengang_184064.en.jsp
    3. https://www.etit.tu-darmstadt.de/ice/studies/prospective_students/apply_1/apply.en.jsp

    KIT

    Course details

    Course name : Electrical- and Information Engineering (nformation and Communication)

    There are 4 subjects available in english and this is one of them. This is the only one that interests me.

    Application requirements

    • TOEFL (90 internet-based)/IELTS (6.5 and no section beneath 5.5)/CAE (A,B,C)/CPE (A,B,C) [People in the following categories do not need to prove their knowledge of English: native speaker, studies taught entirely in English, studies completed in Anglophone country] — Not needed bcos degree in english 🙂
      • Application form (Print-out Online-Application) – University graduation certificate + official translation (In case not completed enclose certificate of enrollment)
    • Transcript of Records/Diploma Supplement + official translation (Including information about content and amount of the courses, e.g. credits or hours per week)
    • Module manual/detailed description of the courses mentioned in the program specific requirements
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Official APS-certificate for applicants from China, Vietnam and Mongolia If available:
    • Statement of your final grade
    • Further information about grading system with highest and passing grade
    • References
    • Certificates of further academic and professional achievements (e.g. professional training, awards, publications, research and development activities or scholarships)
    • Please enclose a written statement in case of former participation in the application process
    • Letter of motivation

    Deadline

    • 15 May – 15 July for the following winter semester
    • Dec 1 – 15 Jan for the following Summer semester

    Stats

    Acceptance rate : 26 %
    Limited acceptance : No
    Student: staff ratio = 4:1

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : 1500 euro / sem

    References

    1. https://www.intl.kit.edu/download/KIT-English_course_program__2021.pdf
    2. Link to Electronics and comm

    TU Ilmenau

    Course details

    Course name : Communications and Signal Processing

    Application requirements

    • TOEFL / IELTS
      • Certificate of successful completion of secondary school
    • Certificate of completion of a Bachelor’s degree and the overview of your academic achievements (Transcript of Records / Marksheet)
    • Complete curriculum vitae
    • Letter of motivation and/or a proposal for a Master’s thesis topic in which you are particularly interested. (These documents are required for some degree programs).
    • Proof of your language skills in German or English (depending on the course language, at least B2 level).
    • Copy of your passport, identity card or birth certificate, which clearly shows the official spelling or transcription of your name.

    Deadline

    • January 16 to May 15 winter semester

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : None

    Status

    Intake : No restriction

    References

    1. https://www.tu-ilmenau.de/en/study/before-the-study/range-of-courses/application/language-certificates
    2. https://www.tu-ilmenau.de/en/study/before-the-study/range-of-courses/master/communications-and-signal-processing-msc

    TUM

    Course details

    Course name : Communications and Electronics Engineering

    Application requirements

    Interview will follow

    Deadline

    • Winter semester: January 1st – May 31st

    Stats

    Intake : Not sure

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : 6000 euro / sem

    References

    1. https://www.tum.de/en/studies/degree-programs/detail/communications-engineering-master-of-science-msc
    2. https://www.cit.tum.de/cit/studium/studiengaenge/master-communications-electronics-engineering/

    University of Hamburg

    Course details

    Course name : Information and Communication systems

    Application requirements

    • Self test
    • CV
    • bachelor degree certificate
    • University transcript
    • official explanation of univ grading system
    • TOEFL (90 internet-based)/IELTS (6.5)
    • APS ceritficate
    • GRE (WIll not be read or considered)

    Deadline

    • Jun 1 to Jul 15 for the following winter semester
    • Dec 1 to Jan 15 for the following Summer semester

    Stats

    Acceptance rate : 24 %
    Limited acceptance : No Admission restriction

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : 350 euro / sem

    References

    1. Masterstudiengaenge_englisch.pdf
    2. https://www.tuhh.de/tuhh/en/studying/before-studying/degree-courses/international-study-programs/information-and-communication-systems

    Stuttgart University

    Course details

    Course name : Electrical Engg ( Communication systems )

    Major is Communication systems

    Application requirements

    • TOEFL (95) / IELTS 7- or 6 semester in english
    • GRE, LOR, CV, LoM, Work exp cert are not mandatory but might help
    •  

    Deadline

    • December 1 – January 15 for winter sem
    • May 15 – July 15 for Summer semester

    Stats

    Acceptance rate : 71 %
    Limited acceptance : Not clearly mentioned
    Student: staff ratio = 8:1

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : 1500 euro / sem

    References

    1. https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/study/study-programs/Electrical-Engineering-M.Sc./
    2. https://edurank.org/uni/university-of-stuttgart/

    Course details

    Course name : INFOTECH (Communication Engineering and Media Technology)

    Infotech is confusing. Not very desirable

    Application requirements

    • TOEFL (95) / IELTS 7- or 6 semester in english
    • GRE, LOR, CV, LoM, Work exp cert are not mandatory but might help
    • Certificate from the APS (“Akademische Prüfstelle”). Further information : APS India.

    Deadline

    • November 15th to February 15th for the following winter semester.
    • Dates are not given updated now Summer semester

    Stats

    Acceptance rate : 71 %
    Limited acceptance : Not clearly mentioned
    Student: staff ratio = 8:1
    No of seats : 80

    Fees

    Tuition Fees : 1500 euro / sem

    References

    1. https://www.infotech.uni-stuttgart.de/program/
    2. https://edurank.org/uni/university-of-stuttgart/

  • Two Parathas and Pongal

    Two Parathas and Pongal

    I am generally early to the office. Around 8ish. Today I am here earlier. It helps me beat the traffic and gives me some alone time at the cafeteria. I am generally accompanied by a friend at breakfast but since I am earlier than usual I came here alone.

    Today I was greeted at breakfast with the best  menu company has to offer, methi paratha and Pongal. Pongal vada takes a close second place on my list. Actually until last year it used to be aloo paratha which is now replaced with Methi Parathas. Back then Parathas were a clear winner. I would have actually rated the methi paratha after pongal vada, but the company gives Pongal also with methi paratha. So I declare today’s menu a winner.

    So, after a nice breakfast accompanied with a steaming lemon tea, I wait to see if my friend will join. The weather is pleasant, slightly chill and windy, so I won’t mind sitting here some more time. Today our top boss is here in Bangalore so I am sure he will come. But I don’t know if he will come to breakfast. I will wait some more and then start with my work. I hope the rest of the day is as good as the start.

  • Sitting at a Barber shop anxiously

    Sitting at a Barber shop anxiously

    Right now I am anxious because of a small boy. We are both next in line at the barber shop. Practically me before him. He is checking inside the barber shop every 30 seconds. I am doing it but not as apparently as he is. I wish I can do it too unless the barber thinks he arrived here before me.

    There are two barbers. One has shaved the head of his customer clean and now is making minor adjustments to his beard. The other guy, my guy, for whom I travelled 2 kms from home is also finishing up with his customer.

    Now I am growing impatient because, kids are shameless. He will try to cut the queue and depending on who finishes first he might get my guy. Then I will have to tell the other guy I am not interested in getting my hair cut by him. This is not only rude but it would also mean I will have to let the next customer in queue before me.

    After some time….

    I am writing now after my hair cut. As I was typing those thoughts, my guy finished. Now if it was the other guy then I would have simply allowed the kid pass. Since my guy finished first I had to challenge the kids bold move of cutting in.

    I stood there beside him. Both of us waiting for a verdict from the barber. My guy started at us, first him and then me. My heart sank and then he called me. He showed the kid his place. That’s why I like this guy. He is just!

    My guy, is the owner of this shop. Mid 40s may be. I like him because he knows only one way to cut hair. I have tried a few different instructions and found that it always ended the same. It is either his skill or my hair. Anyways, I have grown to like it. I don’t explain anything to him just sit and relax. Within a few minutes he completes his job and ends the cut with a short head massage.

    So, I have the same cut again. Paid him a hundred. My guy didn’t disappoint me. I thanked, I left.

    PS: I also got to sit on the new sofa. A new upgrade that my guy made. The kid, he sat on the regular chair.