OLD NEWS

Archvied news from '03. Click here to go back to the Old news Index.

   Another Semi-annual Update - Raman  12.15.03 6:30PM

I'd like to welcome myself back to my webpage. Thank you, thank you very much. =P

Time to pick up where I left off the last time I actually updated this page, which, not counting the frequent updates to the Random Aim Quotes and Cars pages, was sometime during last Spring.

When the story left off, I was about to finish off yet another semester of craziness, including (but not limited to): the greatest Bhangra performance ever to grace the Indus Culture Show [pictures on the People page]; acing (or attempting to ace) CS classes in Databases and AI, an MCB class, and a Psych class on human dysfunction (as if I don't get enough from my weird friends =P); and desperately dilligently searching for a summer job. The results: the Bhangra was freakin' off the hook, I maintained my 3.6 GPA, and I got not one, but TWO summer jobs. Where's that smiley of the guy with cool shades on, cause I could use it right about now. =P

Details: I worked as a Research Assistant/Programmer at the UCLA Anderson school of business on a really cool business application involving increasing the efficiency of database information analysis, and I helped at Simran's mom's office working on their online ordering system and a webpage for a mountain resort (which I got to visit =P). And in addition to some great experience, I was finally able to pick up the badass rims that I've been wanting for a while. Go look at the car page if you want to see how much cooler my car is now. =P

Flash forward to this semester, my last REAL semester of classes since I'm pretty much ready to graduate. Of course, I'm not going to yet, cause I want to finish out my 4 years (college is too much fun =P), and I want to find a freakin' job. More on that in a bit.

Class has actually been more involved than I thought it would be, probably cause I enrolled in 4 classes even though I don't need them. Well, 3 classes and a decal. The only class I really needed was stupid freakin' E190, which is the worst excuse for a college class ever ever ever ARGH (*&($*&. Let us never speak of that class again. I also took CS170, which freed my mind somewhat (in addition to bending it in several directions at the same time); Psych 150 (you think I'd let a semester go by without a Psych class? =P), which was cool cause it was all about personality, something that I'm totally interested in; and the 2Pac decal, which was a really really really cool class where we chilled and listened to Pac and watched documentaries and talked about the impact he had on society. Highly reccomended. =)

Outside of class, I graduated to Business Manager for California Engineer (that cool magazine I work for), and we managers somehow managed to navigate through the toughest budget crisis we've ever had. We're finally out of the red, which is great considering we started the semester with like 42 cents in our bank account, and we're rollin' to another great year. In HKN, I stepped down a little and participated as an EJC rep and harrasser of new officers. Although I didn't do as much work as when I was Student Relations, Activities, or Alumni Relations, I still managed to get stuff done and have a good time while I was at it. I think this semester I really got to bond with some of the officers alot more than before, probably cause we did more things outside the club (like the infamous Brandon House Parties... see the people page =P). And I also got this gig as the ASUC webmaster (www.asuc.org), which was fun cause I got to transform their average webpage into something really cool. If you're a Cal student, look for more big things coming next semester. =P

And now the semester is winding down. I finished my finals, and I'm heading home (literally, right now) for my last winter break, in preparation for my last semester. All this "last" stuff really pisses me off, cause I'm having such a good time, but I guess that's just how life is. Things change. But one thing I learned this semester is that some things change too quickly, and others don't change quickly enough. Some people that I thought I knew turned out to be something I never expected, and sometimes I'd be surprised in the most pleasant (or unpleasant) ways. And sometimes things that I wanted to do and places that I wanted to be just never happened, and situations got static and boring, which sucks. But all in all, things are the way they are, and all you can do is make the most of it now, and look to keep doing it in the future. Whether things are changing so fast it makes your head spin or falling apart in slow motion, one thing never changes: if you want to be a positive force in your own life and in the lives of others, and if you want to be happy, things will always get better. Trust me. =)

   The Big 20 - Raman  04.17.03 4:00PM

So I turned 20 today. I sure don't feel any older, but it's something about losing that "teen" in your age that puts things in perspective. Wow. I'm not a teenager anymore.

Oh well, not like that's gonna stop me from acting like one for the next ten years anyway. =P

So as usual for about this time of year, my friends and fam let me know that they care by wishing me well for my never ending journey to, well, the next birthday. But you guys are in for a treat. This time around, in addition to documenting the insanity that is April 17th, I'm also gonna throw in a few lines for everyone that wished me a good day, and let THEM know why I'm glad that I can call them friends. Don't get too sappy on me now, here we go...

I think I'm getting old soon.

Simran Bhandari
Simran, I love you. Not only did you send me a card like waaay before my birthday to ensure that you were the first person on the planet to welcome me to the big 20, but you did it with style (and called again in the night even though you were busy studying for a final worth like 99% of your grade =P). Everything you said just further proved to me that you're truly my best friend, and the sister I never had. I've got your card right next to the only picture on my desk, of you and me from my graduation. It'll have to do until I get to see you for real in the summer. Love ya Sim. =)

Barkha Gurbani
Hahahaha Barkha you're a comedy act. Thanks for wishing me Happy Birthday on like 3 different days cause you weren't sure if it passed or not. I gotta give you props for your persistence, if anything. =P And thanks for being a great friend through all the years, I know I can count on you to always keep it real and be down to have a good time.

Wait, I just turned 20?!

Vishal Shah
That was slick man. I'm sitting here working on some stupid project, and behind me Vishal's phone starts ringing. But that tune wasn't a phone call... it was the ringtone version of the good ol' happy birthday song. Seconds later, he comes in from the other room to prove that he did it on purpose. =P Thanks man, I'm glad that I've got friends and roommates like you and Amar to keep me sane and to always have fun with. Here's to an awesome senior year at our pimp pad!

Sheirin and Jessie
Not to be outdone by Vishal, they call a few minutes later and sing a familiar tune to me. Who knew that it could sound so good over a cell phone? Thanks for calling guys! Even though I haven't known y'all for very long, I'm glad that you got my back. =) We've got a whole year left to kick it, so let's do the damn thang!

Dammit, I have to go to school on my birthday.

Mom and Dad
This time I was awake when they called. =P Thanks for calling and wishing me well... what a great way to start the day! I wish I was home with you guys instead, but I'll be back soon for sure. It makes me happy to know that when everyone else is busy and doing their own thing, you guys are still on my side. Love ya! =D

Tayaji and Tayji
My wonderful Aunt and Uncle also never let me go through the first day of my new year without calling and saying hello. AND they sent me a card earlier in the week, which was also very cool. I promise to visit you guys more often, cause I know that no matter what I do you'll still be there for me. =)

Nikita Shah
So I'm walking through Sproul cause one of my classes was cancelled, and a groggy Nikita calls me up to wish me a good birthday. Thanks chica! I'm glad that we got to tear up KFD together back in the day, and that we got to have a blast last weekend after the party. Now you just gotta become an ossifer so we can have more cool people in there. Hahaha. You know you've always got a pal in me. =P

Shivani Garg
And who do I run into on my way through Sproul going back to class? None other than my co-Soda trooper Shivani, looking tired but happy anyway. She knows it's my day and lets me know that there's still mad fun up ahead, after all these freakin projects and crap. Thanks for keeping me sane through those long days and nights of work! I don't know what I'd do without you to make fun of- I mean, you to be there with me to help me stay focused and still have a good time. Stay cool chica. =)

Sachan Madahar
A few moments later, shaggy Sachan finds me and gives me a G-style bday "wassup". Man, I still owe you big for all the things you've done for me over the years, from the giddy car rides to the airport to the late night help in the labs. I'm glad that you and me got the chance to do mad Indus dances together and become great friends... don't ever lose touch bro! We've got plenty more fun left to have. =D

Brian Mascarenhas
Brian and Jessie (same Jessie as before haha) were chillin on Sproul after I got out of class (I find myself there alot these days =P). If there's anyone I know that's ALWAYS keeping things light and fun, it's Brian. Thanks for helping turn my junior year into a blast full of great memories bro. One of these days we're gonna rock Staples and rep the Lakers, a'ite? Just don't become an alcoholic before then hahaha. Keep being down to earth and down to have fun... the party's just gettin' started! =D

Emily Tan
The "number one Kings fan" and all-around drama queen Emily Tan swung by the Sproul stop off to give me a hug and let me know that she'll see me in the playoffs. I hope y'all get that far! =P Thanks for being a great friend Em... even though I make fun of you every chance I get and repeatedly reject your offers to go out (hehe), you still kick it with me all the time and even make me dinner. There ain't nothing better than a girl who's always got your back, and I know you're one of them. You're the best Em! =)

Vidya Iyer
The genius child and one of the few people I know who DOES have a job after college shot me a happy birthday IM while I was in class. Thanks for always being a real friend... I know that no matter how long it is between the times we kick it, you're still the same awesome Vidya. Friends like you are priceless, yo! =)

Jaymon Patel
So then I get a call from Jaymon while I'm out on the streets of Berkeley. Oh Boy! Hahahah... thanks for being a true homie Jay. I can't remember a time that we didn't have a total BLAST when we kicked it, and I know that through all of the drama that is our lives, we'll come out strong on the other end. With friends like you, there IZ no problem we can't handle, you know what I'm sayin? Hahaha... keep it real and have faith in yourself bro! We'll be chillin' from 03 to infinity. =D

Reena Gulati
Woohoo, my super busy soon-to-be-a-doctor cousin emailed me and let me know that even though she never has any time to do anything, she still has time to wish me a happy birthday. Reena, thanks for being such an awesome cousin and friend! Even though I never get to see you these days, I know you're still the same loving sister that always made us yummy chocolate chip cookies and took us to movies back in the day. We'll have to hang out alot more when you're back, ok? Love you! =)

Dhara Thakar
Thanks for the happy birthday IM! And thanks for being such a great friend, especially this year as we try to tackle psychology and crazy schedules and crazier people. I'm glad we've been able to hang out all the time, and I hope that we'll always be great friends. I still owe you for all those free quality meals on campus! Hahah I'll whip up some good food for ya sometime. Take care chica! =)

Viren
Thanks for the bday call dogg, I know I can always count on you to get my back and to have a damn good time no matter what we do. After the craziness last night at Blakes, I'm more positive than ever that we're gonna be homies for life. Next time you gotta come when I get you free tickets a'ite? Hahaha... keep it real bro, and keep living life to the max. Know that I've got your back just like you've got mine. =D

Auntie
Representing the Bhandari family, Simran's mom gave me a call to say hi. I love you guys for truly being my second family, my home away from home. Thanks for always looking out for me and making sure I knew that I can succeed at anything I put my mind to. You guys are the greatest! =)

Anuj Bhalla
Thanks for the call man! And thanks for hooking me up last night, you've totally made me realize what a great friend you are. You're a constant reminder that life is full of good people and great friends... keep being your crazy/cool self, and keep the good times flowin' bro! We're definitely gonna have to chill more often. You've always got a friend in me man... always. =D

Stay tuned, I'll finish tomorrow with what happens after the party tonight. =D

UPDATE:
Hey I know! Let's go out and celebrate!

Nisha Patel
One of the most unique girls I know, she called to wish me happy birthday as we were about to go out to celebrate. Even though you were too busy being a nerd and working on your project, I still love ya. =P Thanks for being such a steady friend, through all the madness that throws our lives all over the place I know that you're always gonna be a friend that I can count on. We'll have to party more often, OK? Keep smilin' Nisha. =)

Monika Shah
The eternally confused Monika somehow remembered it was my day today and called to let me know. Mon, even though we don't kick it as much as we used to, you're still one of my best friends in my eyes, and I know that you feel the same way. Don't ever forget that you and me are like brother and sister, and that you can count on me anytime. Don't forget, when you're getting all busy and caught up with life, stop and take a look around every once in a while. I'll probably be there laughing at/with you. =P Love ya sis! =)

Indo Crew
Wow, too many people there to really count 'em all off, but you all know who you are. From singing happy birthday at Sheetal's apartment to rockin' the dance floor at Blakes, you guys really showed me a great time. Sigh. It's good to know that you're loved by SOMEONE out there. =) Here's to all our fun times in the past, and even more good times to come! =D

Mahesh Rao
Haha you didn't think I'd leave you in that Indo Crew shout did you? The newly shaven Mahesh came to stop by at the festivities to say wassup and wish me well. Mahesh, what can I say, you're one of the coolest guys I've met at Berkeley, and I'm glad we're friends. Hanging with you is pure comedy and guaranteed good times, and I want you to know that even though I trash talk you all the time, I've got your back for life. Keep it real bro, let's tear up Berkeley and have a bomb senior year. =D

Juuuust when you thought it was over...

Neela
She managed to squeeze in the happy birthday IM right before midnight, while we were out celebrating. Thanks Neela! I know that we might have drifted apart over the past year, and I know you've been going through some hard times, but I still feel like you're a great friend to me, and you can count on me to get your back whenever you need it. I hope that you get through the darkness and find the light on the other side. Take care and always keep in touch! =)

Now it's really over, but it's OK.

Beejoli
What a nerd. She missed my birthday by one day last year, and she did it again this year. Well, she's a grade-A dork, so that's to be expected. =P Thanks for the bday call! And thanks for always keeping things light and funny, and for some reason always coming back to talk even though I treat you like crap. One day you'll be cool, but until then I'll try to help you out. Just messin' hahaha... thanks for being a good friend chica. =P

Chinmai
When I woke up the morning after (ok, afternoon), Chinny was there to wish me a happy belated. Thanks chica, I know I can count on you to always be cheerful and remind me to not be such a slacker. Keep being a cool girl! =P

Jasmine Kang
Wished me a happy belated on IM as we chatted about the summer. Jas, you've been one of my lifelong friends, and I don't know what things would be like without you. From growing up together to still hanging out even as we get ready to dive into the real world, you've been such an influence on my life. I just want you to know that your friendship means alot to me, and I hope that we'll be able to hang out more and enjoy remembering the good old days while making good new ones. Love ya Jas! =)

Well that about wraps it up. Thanks to everyone for making my day great, not just on my birthday, but every day. You know who you are... even if you're not on this page, you mean the world to me. If there's one thing I've learned so far in college, it's that good friends are the SINGLE most important thing that you need to have in your life. And I mean it. You guys rock. =)

   Random Update - Raman  04.10.03 5:00PM

Can you believe I'm gonna be 20 in a week? Me neither. o_O

Meanwhile tho, things are pretty hectic but looking good. For culture show 2003 I'm in the best damn Bhangra to ever hit the stage, and we'll be tearing up the floor this Saturday. I'll post up pics and whatnot after it's all said and done. =D

Other than that, I'm typically procrastinating on studying for tests, and the Lakers are going all the way this year. Yup, you heard it here first (or maybe second or third). If you're not yet convinced, check out my hella cool Laker raps at the Music page. If THAT doesn't get you in the spirit, I don't know what will.

Hmm... now all we need is a clever way to say we won four in a row... Four-peat? Score Four? Lords of the Rings? Dude, My Hand's Getting Full? Hehe. If you have a really good one email me and lemme know, I'll put it up when we win. =)

I updated the Links and Fun Stuff pages recently, and as you know, the Random Aim Quotes are updated at least once a week. So go click and have fun. =P

Other than that... peace and love y'all!

   Mic Check - Raman  02.14.03 4:00PM

So they tell me I haven't been updating this page. This may be true on the surface (my last main page update was a little over 8 months ago o_O), but the true believers out there (a.k.a. the people that actually click on the links on the left) know that I frequently update the Random Aim Quotes and the Cars page. So, while I may not have all the time in the world to catalogue my life on this page (and believe me, aLOT has happened since last time), I still manage to get up pictures of cars and the randomest AIM convos to ever hit the computer screen. =P

But I guess that while I'm here telling you to look at those pages instead of this one, I can do a quick summary of the past year. Last sumer, I didn't have a job at first, so I passed the time hanging out with family and friends, messing with the car, and generally avoiding updating this page. Then, towards the end of summer, I managed to get hired to do a webpage for my friend Rasika's parents' company. 3 weeks and many meetings later, www.specialtyenzymes.com was the result. So, I guess it wasn't a bad way to spend a summer at all. =)

Then last semester I took it upon myself to not have such an easy schedule anymore (last spring I only took 3 classes, and it made me soft, dammit). So, I took 2 techs, a Psych class (on dreams, it was soooooo cool), and Punjabi 1A. Somehow last semester I managed to tinker around with graphics, create a web portal for Cal students that may end up being used on Berkeley's official website, have my FIRST lucid dream, and learn how to read, write, and speak my native language. Talk about a cool semester. =P

Just as an aside: If you want to read some crazy stuff, check out my partial Dream Journal. You might even be in there somewhere (although what you do in the dream doesn't necessarily correspond with what you do in real life =P). There's some pretty trippy stuff in there... don't say I didn't warn you!

Back to the story. Winter break was really fun. I had put my springs in over Thanksgiving (which was also really cool =P), and it was so awesome to drive around in a slammed car, although it did take some getting used to. As usual, I did alot of hanging out, playing basketball, going to car meets, and not updating. I managed to find time to go to some parties and see some people I haven't seen in a while... you all know who you are. =P

After break was over we came back to our lovely apartment... oh yea, I didn't tell you about that. So we (me, Vishal, and Amar) have this really sweet apartment near Unit 2 on College, which we've had since last summer. I subletted it out to a friend of a friend over the summer, and moved into the place in August. If you haven't visited yet, give me a call, I'll show you around. =P

Anyway, we lived on the ground floor, and when we came back from winter break, Amar's room had sprung a leak and his room was getting moldy. So, we tried to get the owners to fix the place, and after a few days of trying to fix it they just kind of covered it up. We wanted out. It just wasn't the same pimpin' apartment when there was mold, new paint, construction, and Amar living in the family room, so we decided to move. Luckily, there was an open apartment directly above ours, so we convinced the realty to let us move upstairs (which was a pain in the ASS, but worth it). So now we have an equally slick apartment on the 2nd floor, with the same layout and everything. Except whoever lived here before us made the carpet kinda dirty, but whatever, we're home. =P

Oh yea, last semester (this is all out of order like my random-ass thoughts) I was in South Asian Awareness week doing Raas, which kicked so much ass (click here to download it). I met alot of great people and had a blast.

Also, last spring (I can't believe I didn't update about this, although there are pictures on the People page) I was priveleged to be a part of the first ever Indus Culture Show Hip Hop, which was an awesome fusion of hip hop and Indian music. It was so great to meet and hang out with all those cool people too, I'm glad that I was a part of it. You can't download the video, but you can find the music I mixed for it on the Music page and kind of imagine. =)

Back to this semester: my classes are pretty cool again, although I don't know what can compare to last semester. Now I'm taking classes on databases, artificial intelligence, mind, body, behavior, and the psychology of brain disorder. Looks good so far. Also, I'm gonna be in the BHANGRA for this year's Culture Show! Stay tuned for more info on that... although we already know it's on April 12, so you better come up to see it! =D

That pretty much sums up my life since last year... I've met alot of cool people and made some really great friends... just been trying to spend less time spectating on my life and more time experiencing it. =) To see all the stuff I talked about and even more stuff I missed, check out all the pictures on the People page.

As for the website, the main news page (this one) won't be updated too often, but the aforementioned Random Aim Quotes and Cars pages will be updated the most, followed by the People page. Lastly, I updated the Music page randomly, but don't expect that to happen too much. =P

Thanks for checkin' back on the page y'all... this is Raman, signing out.

top

Best viewed at 1024x768
By Raman Gulati - soniclude@charter.net