Ok.. Here's the deal. It been pretty difficult, to say the least, to keep my blog from gathering internet dust.. so I've come across what may be the interim solution.. This is thanks to what is known as the Infinite Monkey Theorem..
Simply put, it states - A monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard will almost surely eventually type every book in France's Bibliothèque nationale de France (National Library). Note that almost surely is being used in a precise mathematical sense here. In the restatement of the theorem most popular among English speakers, the monkeys eventually type out the collected works of William Shakespeare. (Thanks Wiki..)
The phrase almost surely is a subtle, precise way to say that something is certain except for cases that almost never happen, though still possible. The concept usually comes into play in questions that involve infinite time or infinitesimal space.
So here's what I am going to do. Given that this is what a monkey can accomplish, I am going to assume that Man can do it more efficiently. I am going to start hitting my keys randomly. I plan to achieve this by tactically placing my keyboard just beneath the legs of my baby girl and when she kicks it (I'm almost certain at this point that it is random), the keys get pressed.
I'll post whatever comes up now and then.. and who knows, by some matter of chance, we may actually have a poem or something..
In the meanwhile, I'll try to keep this site a little more current for the 2 people who actually read this site.. or should I say re-read this site..
Happy holidays!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Armageddon
A couple of days ago, I took some time out to do a little bit of a house-cleaning.. I chanced upon an old magazine that had a review of Armageddon, the Bruce Willis movie.. I am sure you have seen it.. you know, the movie in which an asteroid the size of Texas is headed for Earth, and the world's best deep core drilling team is sent to nuke the rock from the inside, and the associated drama..
One particular scene had caught my attention. In went something like this. The world began to understand the potential mass destruction that was about to be unleashed and all the world went about to 'pray' for um.. not getting their tushies vaporized. They (the movie makers, that is..) then show a shot of people from India praying. So far so good. That is a fair and logical thing to do, you know the eastern types and all their prayer and medidation.. But the shot had something incredible. They showed a whole bunch of poor Indians (not the urban civilized educated types who I suppose figured out the end was near and went to the local bar to get sloshed!) folding their hands over their head worshipping the.. get this.. the TAJ MAHAL!!
The Taj?? To those who are not familiar with the Taj Mahal, it is a 17th century monument that was, legend has it, built as a sublime memory of love, by Shah Jahan, for his beautiful wife Arjumand Banu Begum, a.k.a Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered to be a proud member of the modern seven wonders of the world. What it is not however, is a place of worship. Ofcourse, there are thories that the Taj Mahal was really an old Hindu temple that was destroyed by Shah Jahan and converted to a mausoleum.. but I am fairly positive that this thoery was not what the director was comtemplating on when he took this shot.
Now really... how long have Indians lived in the USA? In particular, how many Indians live in California? Surely someone from the director's team could have stepped out of the office and yanked the first Indian he saw minding his own business and could have asked him how poor Indians worship in India.. that sounds fairly reasonable for a big-budget movie production director to do right? But no.. It's akin to showing a bunch of Chinese folks worshipping the Great Wall of China.
It is pathetic and smacks ignorance. Oh well.
One particular scene had caught my attention. In went something like this. The world began to understand the potential mass destruction that was about to be unleashed and all the world went about to 'pray' for um.. not getting their tushies vaporized. They (the movie makers, that is..) then show a shot of people from India praying. So far so good. That is a fair and logical thing to do, you know the eastern types and all their prayer and medidation.. But the shot had something incredible. They showed a whole bunch of poor Indians (not the urban civilized educated types who I suppose figured out the end was near and went to the local bar to get sloshed!) folding their hands over their head worshipping the.. get this.. the TAJ MAHAL!!
The Taj?? To those who are not familiar with the Taj Mahal, it is a 17th century monument that was, legend has it, built as a sublime memory of love, by Shah Jahan, for his beautiful wife Arjumand Banu Begum, a.k.a Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered to be a proud member of the modern seven wonders of the world. What it is not however, is a place of worship. Ofcourse, there are thories that the Taj Mahal was really an old Hindu temple that was destroyed by Shah Jahan and converted to a mausoleum.. but I am fairly positive that this thoery was not what the director was comtemplating on when he took this shot.
Now really... how long have Indians lived in the USA? In particular, how many Indians live in California? Surely someone from the director's team could have stepped out of the office and yanked the first Indian he saw minding his own business and could have asked him how poor Indians worship in India.. that sounds fairly reasonable for a big-budget movie production director to do right? But no.. It's akin to showing a bunch of Chinese folks worshipping the Great Wall of China.
It is pathetic and smacks ignorance. Oh well.
Monday, November 14, 2005
And this??
I am curious. What would be an Atheistic reaction to this article? Let's for the moment give the benefit of the doubt that this was not concocted or planned... An article in the Hindustan Times.
Child identifies killer of last birth!
Alka Rastogi
Lucknow, November 14, 2005
In a baffling case of reincarnation, a five-year-old kid recognised his murderer of 'previous birth'! The incident might raise questions and objections by those who support the theory of life after death.
The case is about Durgesh, a five-year-old child, who identified his murderer of "previous birth" and pointed his finger in packed courtroom at the alleged killer.
Five years ago, on February 28, 2000 Mahipal, a resident of Chhonk in Hathras town was murdered. On the basis of circumstantial evidence the police had arrested Ved Prakash. However, Ved Prakash was released on bail after which he left Hathras and shifted to a distant place.
Recently, the grandmother of Durgesh brought him to court and told her lawyer in the bar room that her murdered son Mahipal has been re-born as her grandson! Durgesh is the son of Mahipal's brother. He is therefore nephew of Mahipal.
The Additional District and sessions Judge, SP Arvind, at first thought the plea to be nonsensical but later permitted District Government Counsel Sahib Singh Chauhan to record statement of Durgesh (Mahipal in previous birth) under Section 311 of the Criminal Procedure Code that allows the prosecution to present new evidence in support of its accusations.
Durgesh was allowed to stand in the witness box. In the court, Durgesh presented a graphic and scenic description of the place of his own murder by Ved Prakash on February 28, 2000 in a rose farm. He also identified the parts of his body where he had received injuries as a result of attack by Ved Prakash.
Ved Prakash's counsel rebutted the statement as a tutoring done by the prosecution. But the court was baffled when the child identified Ved Prakash as "his murderer" in the courtroom.
The judge was taken aback as ved Prakash was never seen in Chhonk village by anyone after the murder, as he was an outsider. The DGP pointed out that there was no possibility of the child having ever seen Ved Prakash in Chhonk ever before or at any point of time of his short life of five years. After the murder Ved Prakash had never visited Chhonk and had even left Hathras town.
The DGC also pointed out that in many international journals accounts of rebirth had been narrated.
After recording the statement of the re-born Mahipal the court adjourned the case till November 30.
Child identifies killer of last birth!
Alka Rastogi
Lucknow, November 14, 2005
In a baffling case of reincarnation, a five-year-old kid recognised his murderer of 'previous birth'! The incident might raise questions and objections by those who support the theory of life after death.
The case is about Durgesh, a five-year-old child, who identified his murderer of "previous birth" and pointed his finger in packed courtroom at the alleged killer.
Five years ago, on February 28, 2000 Mahipal, a resident of Chhonk in Hathras town was murdered. On the basis of circumstantial evidence the police had arrested Ved Prakash. However, Ved Prakash was released on bail after which he left Hathras and shifted to a distant place.
Recently, the grandmother of Durgesh brought him to court and told her lawyer in the bar room that her murdered son Mahipal has been re-born as her grandson! Durgesh is the son of Mahipal's brother. He is therefore nephew of Mahipal.
The Additional District and sessions Judge, SP Arvind, at first thought the plea to be nonsensical but later permitted District Government Counsel Sahib Singh Chauhan to record statement of Durgesh (Mahipal in previous birth) under Section 311 of the Criminal Procedure Code that allows the prosecution to present new evidence in support of its accusations.
Durgesh was allowed to stand in the witness box. In the court, Durgesh presented a graphic and scenic description of the place of his own murder by Ved Prakash on February 28, 2000 in a rose farm. He also identified the parts of his body where he had received injuries as a result of attack by Ved Prakash.
Ved Prakash's counsel rebutted the statement as a tutoring done by the prosecution. But the court was baffled when the child identified Ved Prakash as "his murderer" in the courtroom.
The judge was taken aback as ved Prakash was never seen in Chhonk village by anyone after the murder, as he was an outsider. The DGP pointed out that there was no possibility of the child having ever seen Ved Prakash in Chhonk ever before or at any point of time of his short life of five years. After the murder Ved Prakash had never visited Chhonk and had even left Hathras town.
The DGC also pointed out that in many international journals accounts of rebirth had been narrated.
After recording the statement of the re-born Mahipal the court adjourned the case till November 30.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
FSM
I have not taken permission from Bob, but I am sure he will be ok,after all - FSM belongs to all people.
Balajee
OPEN LETTER TO
KANSAS SCHOOL BOARD:CC:
DOVER SCHOOL BOARD (PENNSYLVANIA)
OHIO STATE SCHOOL BOARD
RIO RANCHO SCHOOL BOARD (NEW MEXICO)
GRANTSBURG SCHOOL BOARD (WISCONSIN)
COBB COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD(GEORGIA)
SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD(TENNESSEE)
CHARLES COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD(MARYLAND)
NAPERVILLE SCHOOL BOARD(ILLINOIS)
DARBY SCHOOL BOARD (MONTANA)
BLUFFTON-HARRISON SCHOOL BOARD (INDIANA)
I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. I think we can all agree that it is important for students to hear multiple viewpoints so they can choose for themselves the theory that makes the most sense to them.
I am concerned, however, that students will only hear one theory of Intelligent Design.Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design.
I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. It was He who created all that we see and all that we feel. We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him.It is for this reason that I’m writing you today, to formally request that this alternative theory be taught in your schools, along with the other two theories. In fact, I will go so far as to say, if you do not agree to do this, we will be forced to proceed with legal action. I’m sure you see where we are coming from. If the Intelligent Design theory is not based on faith, but instead another scientific theory, as is claimed, then you must also allow our theory to be taught, as it is also based on science, not on faith.Some find that hard to believe, so it may be helpful to tell you a little more about our beliefs. We have evidence that a Flying Spaghetti Monster created the universe. None of us, of course, were around to see it, but we have written accounts of it. We have several lengthy volumes explaining all details of His power. Also, you may be surprised to hear that there are over 10 million of us, and growing. We tend to be very secretive, as many people claim our beliefs are not substantiated by observable evidence. What these people don’t understand is that He built the world to make us think the earth is older than it really is. For example, a scientist may perform a carbon-dating process on an artifact. He finds that approximately 75% of the Carbon-14 has decayed by electron emission to Nitrogen-14, and infers that this artifact is approximately 10,000 years old, as the half-life of Carbon-14 appears to be 5,730 years. But what our scientist does not realize is that every time he makes a measurement, the Flying Spaghetti Monster is there changing the results with His Noodly Appendage. We have numerous texts that describe in detail how this can be possible and the reasons why He does this.
He is of course invisible and can pass through normal matter with ease. I’m sure you now realize how important it is that your students are taught this alternate theory. It is absolutely imperative that they realize that observable evidence is at the discretion of a Flying Spaghetti Monster. Furthermore, it is disrespectful to teach our beliefs without wearing His chosen outfit, which of course is full pirate regalia.
I cannot stress the importance of this enough, and unfortunately cannot describe in detail why this must be done as I fear this letter is already becoming too long. The concise explanation is that He becomes angry if we don’t. You may be interested to know that global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters are a direct effect of the shrinking numbers of Pirates since the 1800s. For your interest, I have included a graph of the approximate number of pirates versus the average global temperature over the last 200 years. As you can see, there is a statistically significant inverse relationship between pirates and global temperature.
In conclusion, thank you for taking the time to hear our views and beliefs. I hope I was able to convey the importance of teaching this theory to your students. We will of course be able to train the teachers in this alternate theory. I am eagerly awaiting your response, and hope dearly that no legal action will need to be taken. I think we can all look forward to the time when these three theories are given equal time in our science classrooms across the country, and eventually the world; One third time for Intelligent Design, one third time for Flying Spaghetti Monsterism, and one third time for logical conjecture based on overwhelming observable evidence.Sincerely
Yours,
Bobby Henderson, concerned citizen.
P.S. I have included an artistic drawing of Him creating a mountain, trees, and a midget. Remember, we are all His creatures.
Balajee
OPEN LETTER TO
KANSAS SCHOOL BOARD:CC:
DOVER SCHOOL BOARD (PENNSYLVANIA)
OHIO STATE SCHOOL BOARD
RIO RANCHO SCHOOL BOARD (NEW MEXICO)
GRANTSBURG SCHOOL BOARD (WISCONSIN)
COBB COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD(GEORGIA)
SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD(TENNESSEE)
CHARLES COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD(MARYLAND)
NAPERVILLE SCHOOL BOARD(ILLINOIS)
DARBY SCHOOL BOARD (MONTANA)
BLUFFTON-HARRISON SCHOOL BOARD (INDIANA)
I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. I think we can all agree that it is important for students to hear multiple viewpoints so they can choose for themselves the theory that makes the most sense to them.
I am concerned, however, that students will only hear one theory of Intelligent Design.Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design.
I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. It was He who created all that we see and all that we feel. We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him.It is for this reason that I’m writing you today, to formally request that this alternative theory be taught in your schools, along with the other two theories. In fact, I will go so far as to say, if you do not agree to do this, we will be forced to proceed with legal action. I’m sure you see where we are coming from. If the Intelligent Design theory is not based on faith, but instead another scientific theory, as is claimed, then you must also allow our theory to be taught, as it is also based on science, not on faith.Some find that hard to believe, so it may be helpful to tell you a little more about our beliefs. We have evidence that a Flying Spaghetti Monster created the universe. None of us, of course, were around to see it, but we have written accounts of it. We have several lengthy volumes explaining all details of His power. Also, you may be surprised to hear that there are over 10 million of us, and growing. We tend to be very secretive, as many people claim our beliefs are not substantiated by observable evidence. What these people don’t understand is that He built the world to make us think the earth is older than it really is. For example, a scientist may perform a carbon-dating process on an artifact. He finds that approximately 75% of the Carbon-14 has decayed by electron emission to Nitrogen-14, and infers that this artifact is approximately 10,000 years old, as the half-life of Carbon-14 appears to be 5,730 years. But what our scientist does not realize is that every time he makes a measurement, the Flying Spaghetti Monster is there changing the results with His Noodly Appendage. We have numerous texts that describe in detail how this can be possible and the reasons why He does this.
He is of course invisible and can pass through normal matter with ease. I’m sure you now realize how important it is that your students are taught this alternate theory. It is absolutely imperative that they realize that observable evidence is at the discretion of a Flying Spaghetti Monster. Furthermore, it is disrespectful to teach our beliefs without wearing His chosen outfit, which of course is full pirate regalia.
I cannot stress the importance of this enough, and unfortunately cannot describe in detail why this must be done as I fear this letter is already becoming too long. The concise explanation is that He becomes angry if we don’t. You may be interested to know that global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters are a direct effect of the shrinking numbers of Pirates since the 1800s. For your interest, I have included a graph of the approximate number of pirates versus the average global temperature over the last 200 years. As you can see, there is a statistically significant inverse relationship between pirates and global temperature.
In conclusion, thank you for taking the time to hear our views and beliefs. I hope I was able to convey the importance of teaching this theory to your students. We will of course be able to train the teachers in this alternate theory. I am eagerly awaiting your response, and hope dearly that no legal action will need to be taken. I think we can all look forward to the time when these three theories are given equal time in our science classrooms across the country, and eventually the world; One third time for Intelligent Design, one third time for Flying Spaghetti Monsterism, and one third time for logical conjecture based on overwhelming observable evidence.Sincerely
Yours,
Bobby Henderson, concerned citizen.
P.S. I have included an artistic drawing of Him creating a mountain, trees, and a midget. Remember, we are all His creatures.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
She's Here!!!!!
My wife and I are proud to announce the birth of our baby daughter - AMRITA BALAJEE on November 3, 2005.
Stats (for those who feel they need to know):
Height - 21 inches
Weight - 7 pounds 8 ounces
Mother and baby are doing fine.. My wife had a fairly long and exhausting labor and is recouping.. Amrita is being a sweetheart and cooperating!
The feeling is surreal. The joy I felt seeing her for the first time and everytime she looks onto me is something I can never express. As Rob put it - feelings that make the english language look crude.
Interestingly, having a baby is diametrically opposite to the American culture of consumer enterprise. No 'try before you buy'. No return policy (No refunds, no exchanges whatever receipt you may have). No instruction booklet. But you know what.. I'm lovin' it!!
In the meanwhile, I'm whispering the words 'I want to be a doctor' and 'Tennis' into her ears before she sleeps everynight.. It's never too late to add to your retirement plan.
More later..
Stats (for those who feel they need to know):
Height - 21 inches
Weight - 7 pounds 8 ounces
Mother and baby are doing fine.. My wife had a fairly long and exhausting labor and is recouping.. Amrita is being a sweetheart and cooperating!
The feeling is surreal. The joy I felt seeing her for the first time and everytime she looks onto me is something I can never express. As Rob put it - feelings that make the english language look crude.
Interestingly, having a baby is diametrically opposite to the American culture of consumer enterprise. No 'try before you buy'. No return policy (No refunds, no exchanges whatever receipt you may have). No instruction booklet. But you know what.. I'm lovin' it!!
In the meanwhile, I'm whispering the words 'I want to be a doctor' and 'Tennis' into her ears before she sleeps everynight.. It's never too late to add to your retirement plan.
More later..
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Thoughts of Impending Father-hood and Other Things
Ok.. I believe the event is impending now. It is only a matter of time and before I realize it, my life is going to take a sharp turn. I think I am adequately prepared. Let's see...
- Organize room for the baby.. check.. had to do a lot of manual work on this. Move around furniture, put up shelving (read countless hours at Home Depot), put up Disney wall borders, get basic day 1 supplies ready and stock them... have not done anything fancy for the nursery yet, but I figure it will be awhile before the baby can even notice what we've done with the room, ok seems to be about ready.
- Attend Lamaze class.. check.. I must say that this was an informative class. We did breathing exercises, guided meditation, mingled with other parents-to-be. Overall very interesting. So all that is now left is to see is if we even remember any bit of this while the chaos unravels around us.
- Buy the baby's first wardrobe.. hmm.. check.. Receiving blankets, body suits, wash cloths. Got a list from a friend. Saw no point in re-inventing the wheel here. After all, with 6 billion people in the world, atleast 2 billion of them have done this before. A couple of 'surprise' baby showers also helped I must add, and the kind generosity of several friends who shared some of their recently out-grown 0-3 month clothing. I can't quite figure out how to organize such small pieces of clothes. The socks for instance. They quite literally can slip through my fingers. I am guessing here that each wash cycle will see a few pairs missing.
- Buy car seat.. check.. now all that is left is to get it 'professionally' installed. Have to go to a police station or a fire station to get that done right.
- Trade in car for SUV.. almost check.. I'm going to miss my Audi A6. I've picked out an SUV and the transaction may happen as early as this weekend. I don't see myself as much of a mini-van kinda guy. But the gas prices.. ouch!
- Get ready with mental image of being a father.. hmm.. In the beginning, I rationalized that this is going to be rather straight-forward. After all, it's my wife that's undergoing the physical and emotional transformation. All I had to do was to keep my cool and be there to support her. But as I have shared that journey with her, I've felt emotions I never knew I had. It's incredible how much love you feel for someone you have never met and who is going to keep you on your toes for the rest of you life. To feel her move has also been an incredible experience. I find myself thinking about holding my daughter's tiny hands and taking her to interesting places and teaching her everything I wish I knew when I was younger. That's been a very new set of emotions. Very different from the way I thought about the same things before. So I guess I'm getting there .. so I would say.. almost check..
- Have a name ready.. well, not quite yet. We have a shortlist but I think it's going to be a spur of the moment decision.
- Prepare for baby number2... WHOA!! Hold it right there. My wife apparently believes in striking the iron while it is still hot. Not if I can help it missy.. so we'll leave this topic right there for now.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Calling All Anons
For those of you who feel the need to hide behind the 'John Doe' tag of cyberspace - 'Anon' to post a comment, here you go. Feel at liberty to post your thoughts or comments.
P.S: This is in response to Anon's comments on Sougata's Blog.
P.S: This is in response to Anon's comments on Sougata's Blog.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Interesting!
After a forced hiatus of about a month, it feels good to have a few moments to pen some thoughts. What has been happening in this time?
Until next time..
- The baby is due in about 6 weeks. That's scary! I've been hard at work. It seems to be an unending list of things that need to get done before the baby is born. And an unending list of things to do after the baby is born. I've got all kinds of emotions. The sheer anticipation of the event is really exciting but I'm secretly nursing fears that she may end up being more like me. One of me is bad enough. Another thing I have discovered is I am not as much Virgo as I believed I was. Virgos are supposed to be meticulous planners and worry about everything. Atleast half of that is not true about me I have found. I have been winging it so far and feel rather underprepared. But then how can anyone really be prepared for parenthood?? Finding a name for our baby girl is a lot tougher than I imagined as well. I think I will leave this task to the wife.
- My whirlwind trip to India was a very interesting experience. India has changed a lot since I visited there abour 3 years ago. Flyovers everywhere. Even the guy who picks up trash has a cell phone. The gap between the rich and poor has widened. Heck, the gap between the rich and super rich has perhaps wided even further. As a case in point, Diamler Chrysler is going to roll out the Maybach at a cost of Rs. 5 Crores (Rs. 50,000,000) per car and its first production run of about 20 cars are sold out. They are launching the Audi A6 for Rs. 6,000,000 and they have estimated fairly strong first year sales figures. Imagine that. The food scene has changed as well. The restaurants that were 'cool' in my time are not even heard of by today's 25 year old. My 60 year old tailor (who does a heck of a job by the way) has a website. There's capitalism for you. But somethings never change. Air India. I don't believe I need to say more.
- I have decided I will boycott Indian Cricket until Saurav Ganguly voluntarily steps down and we completely revamp the entire governance of this sport in India. Our high powered committee, in response to one of the most serious issue to face the sport, suggested that the best solution to the current rot is that the captain and the coach needs to work together. Huh?? Now I realize why we have been playing so pathetic all these years. There was never a clear directive to make the coach and the captain work together. If I were Greg Chappell, I would quit and leave the decay. One of Arun Shourie's title comes to mind - Can the iron fence protect the tree that is infested with termites? Hence, folks, I am doing the next best thing - I am refusing to watch the Indian team in any of their matches until things improve. Can someone explain to me why the Bengali junta still support Saurav? Sougata? I can't understand it. He's way past his prime. Looks like a nervous wreck while he bats. Has prevented good players who are in good form from getting a spot on the side.. is doing whatever he can to ensure that he has a place in the team. For an interesting commentary on the situation, read Prem Panicker's column in Rediff. Looks like everyone worth their names in Indian cricket today think that the 'solution' reached by the committee was a 'sensible' one. So here we are, paying through our behinds for pay-per-frigging-view programming to see India play and all this while there wasn't even a team?? They were not working together?? You know - this confirms something I have been thinking about for a while now. Until 1947, there really was nothing called India. All we had were empires. No India. Hence I guess we now really have or are going to have an Indian team, or so the committee would like us to believe.. till now there have only been Empires - Gavaskar's, Kapil Dev's, Ganguly's..
Until next time..
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
I'm Back!
Well, technically, I've been back for a whole week. India was loadsa fun and time was at a premium. More about that later..
For right now, I just wanted to say a nice big Hello to everyone. So - "ELLO!"
While I try to collect my thoughts and pen them into meaning, try not to get into too much trouble.
For right now, I just wanted to say a nice big Hello to everyone. So - "ELLO!"
While I try to collect my thoughts and pen them into meaning, try not to get into too much trouble.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Off to India..
I'm off to India people..
Can't wait to see how India has changed. I am sure I will have a good amount of things to say after I'm back. Until then.. may the force be with you.
Can't wait to see how India has changed. I am sure I will have a good amount of things to say after I'm back. Until then.. may the force be with you.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Book-Tagged
After a prompt 'couple of days' as promised to Sougata, here I am with my responses -
Total Books I own- Let's see here.. counting all the books I have, subtracting those that I seem to have but I technically don't own, adding those of mine that my friends seem to have, but they technically don't own, adding those that I cannot seem to find, but I technically still own, I would say a few hundred. But if you pressed me for a more accurate number, I'd say about 300!
Last Book that I bought - The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity, written by Amartya Sen. Silicon India promises me that it is currently shipping, so we'll just have to take their word for it. I am looking forward to reading this one.. sounds very interesting. Here is an excerpt from the book review: "The Argumentative Indian brings together an illuminating selection of writings from Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen that outline the need to understand contemporary India in the light of its long argumentative tradition. The understanding and use of this rich argumentative tradition are critically important, Sen argues, for the success of India's democracy, the defence of its secular politics, the removal of inequalities related to class, caste, gender and community, and the pursuit of sub-continental peace. "
Last Book that I read - Winning written by Jack Welch. Liked the book. You should read it. This as well as his other book Straight from the Gut will become CEO manuals soon. I am also currently reading 'Freakonomics' by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. This is a really interesting one, if you don't have more important things like saving the world or something like that to do.
Books that mean a lot to me - Where do I even begin on this one..
Total Books I own- Let's see here.. counting all the books I have, subtracting those that I seem to have but I technically don't own, adding those of mine that my friends seem to have, but they technically don't own, adding those that I cannot seem to find, but I technically still own, I would say a few hundred. But if you pressed me for a more accurate number, I'd say about 300!
Last Book that I bought - The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity, written by Amartya Sen. Silicon India promises me that it is currently shipping, so we'll just have to take their word for it. I am looking forward to reading this one.. sounds very interesting. Here is an excerpt from the book review: "The Argumentative Indian brings together an illuminating selection of writings from Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen that outline the need to understand contemporary India in the light of its long argumentative tradition. The understanding and use of this rich argumentative tradition are critically important, Sen argues, for the success of India's democracy, the defence of its secular politics, the removal of inequalities related to class, caste, gender and community, and the pursuit of sub-continental peace. "
Last Book that I read - Winning written by Jack Welch. Liked the book. You should read it. This as well as his other book Straight from the Gut will become CEO manuals soon. I am also currently reading 'Freakonomics' by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. This is a really interesting one, if you don't have more important things like saving the world or something like that to do.
Books that mean a lot to me - Where do I even begin on this one..
- Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Perhaps my all time favorite book. Embodies my penchant for things that stand outside the ordinary, and resonates with some thoughts that have been echoed in this blog as well as Sougata's.. Never be Mediocre. Other books written by Richard Bach that mean a lot to me include - Illusions - The adventures of a Reluctant Messiah; and A Bridge Across Forever.
- Ishmael - An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit, written by Daniel Quinn. If you have not read this, you are missing out on some really very very original piece of thinking. A completely new angle on civilization and the evolution of man and his space in creation.
- The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
- The Way of the Peaceful Warrior - Dan Millman
- Don Quixote - Miguel de Cervantes - Who wouldn't like this one..
- Odyssey - Homer.
- Total Freedom - J. Krishnamurti
- So many of Bertrand Russell's books - too many to just name one or two here
- All of Calvin & Hobbes (That Bill Watterson was an amazing guy!!). Kids say the most profound things..
- All of the Dibert Books (Has an uncany resemlence to many at my work!)
- Snakes and Ladders by Gita Mehta - a nice set of short essays about India
And many many more.. I may continue to update this post for several days to come. Other than these, there are several business books, books on Egyptology, and the old classics (Shakespeare, Dickens, Bronte, Doyle...) and the fiction (Jeffery Archer, John Grisham, Micheal Crichton...)
This book tagging thing is indeed unfair. And one other thing.. since I am quite new to the blogging community, I don't really have many folks I can tag in turn. Any thoughts?
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Lift Off!
There's something about watching the shuttle take off that sends my spirit soaring. It's exciting to watch 'Man', as insignificant as he is in the larger scheme of things, take a step to learn what is beyond.
I watched, in sheer amazement, the beautiful images of earth from a height of over 300 miles from a craft traveling at over 17,000 miles per hour. And I remember thinking to myself how exhilarating the astronauts must be feeling.. and how I would give an arm and a leg to experience that once in my life. Well, maybe not an arm and a leg..
It also brought back memories of the movie Contact (Jodie Foster, Mathew McConaughey) and the possibilities (even though they were fiction).
Sigh! I eagerly await the day that mankind can communicate with another civilization out there in space. Pioneer 10 is now about 6.6 billion miles from earth, well outside the solar system, and perhaps one day, we will hear back from another civilization.
But for today, I am just happy to see the indomitable human spirit in action.
I watched, in sheer amazement, the beautiful images of earth from a height of over 300 miles from a craft traveling at over 17,000 miles per hour. And I remember thinking to myself how exhilarating the astronauts must be feeling.. and how I would give an arm and a leg to experience that once in my life. Well, maybe not an arm and a leg..
It also brought back memories of the movie Contact (Jodie Foster, Mathew McConaughey) and the possibilities (even though they were fiction).
Sigh! I eagerly await the day that mankind can communicate with another civilization out there in space. Pioneer 10 is now about 6.6 billion miles from earth, well outside the solar system, and perhaps one day, we will hear back from another civilization.
But for today, I am just happy to see the indomitable human spirit in action.
Friday, July 22, 2005
IF
IF
-Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
Another of my favorite poems. Inspires me!
-Rudyard Kipling
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
Another of my favorite poems. Inspires me!
Book-Tagged!
I've been book tagged... Sougata, thank you..
Needless to say that this is going to be a difficult exercise, given that there's just so many.. so permit me a couple of days and I'll get to it.
Needless to say that this is going to be a difficult exercise, given that there's just so many.. so permit me a couple of days and I'll get to it.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
The Road Less Traveled
The Road Less Traveled
by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Hmm.. I feel these days that I took a U turn and headed right back to the well trodden path. Maybe there is still time to turn back. Or maybe not. Only time will tell.
by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Hmm.. I feel these days that I took a U turn and headed right back to the well trodden path. Maybe there is still time to turn back. Or maybe not. Only time will tell.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Back.. But The World Has Not Changed Much
It was a good few days off and yours truly is back. I must say though, nothing much has really changed in the world in the meanwhile.
People are getting 'whacked' left, right and center. Politicians the world over are making strange bedfellows. Hurricane season has begun. Cable TV still costs way too much. My lawn still needs mowing...
Oh well.. Hopefully tomorrow..
People are getting 'whacked' left, right and center. Politicians the world over are making strange bedfellows. Hurricane season has begun. Cable TV still costs way too much. My lawn still needs mowing...
Oh well.. Hopefully tomorrow..
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Madness I Say.. Madness!
Socrates said that if people know what they should do, they will do it. But he underestimated people's ability to f*** up. Everyone knows what they should do.. how many actually do it?
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Quaere Verum
Sometimes nothing is what it seems, and as a corollary - sometimes what seems to be is really nothing. Hell, someone let me in on the truth.
I just started reading 'Freakonomics' and I should say that it is one interesting read, at least so far. It's almost lateral thinking really and gives several examples that illustrate the 'Butterfly Effect'
Right now though, I am beginning to believe that my state in life today has something to do with an old monk in Tibet who got run over by a Porsche while crossing the road.. I just can't figure out the connection yet. Time will tell.
In the meanwhile - Contemplate on this.. A parable from Daniel Quinn (Author of Ishmael)
The ship was sinking---and sinking fast. The captain told the passengers and crew, "We've got to get the lifeboats in the water right away."
But the crew said, "First we have to end capitalist oppression of the working class. Then we'll take care of the lifeboats."
Then the women said, "First we want equal pay for equal work. The lifeboats can wait."
The racial minorities said, "First we need to end racial discrimination. Then seating in the lifeboats will be allotted fairly."
The captain said, "These are all important issues, but they won't matter a damn if we don't survive. We've got to lower the lifeboats right away!"
But the religionists said, "First we need to bring prayer back into the classroom. This is more important than lifeboats."
Then the pro-life contingent said, "First we must outlaw abortion. Fetuses have just as much right to be in those lifeboats as anyone else."
The right-to-choose contingent said, "First acknowledge our right to abortion, then we'll help with the lifeboats."
The socialists said, "First we must redistribute the wealth. Once that's done everyone will work equally hard at lowering the lifeboats."
The animal-rights activists said, "First we must end the use of animals in medical experiments. We can't let this be subordinated to lowering the lifeboats."
Finally the ship sank, and because none of the lifeboats had been lowered, everyone drowned.
The last thought of more than one of them was, "I never dreamed that solving humanity's problems would take so long---or that the ship would sink so SUDDENLY."
I just started reading 'Freakonomics' and I should say that it is one interesting read, at least so far. It's almost lateral thinking really and gives several examples that illustrate the 'Butterfly Effect'
Right now though, I am beginning to believe that my state in life today has something to do with an old monk in Tibet who got run over by a Porsche while crossing the road.. I just can't figure out the connection yet. Time will tell.
In the meanwhile - Contemplate on this.. A parable from Daniel Quinn (Author of Ishmael)
The ship was sinking---and sinking fast. The captain told the passengers and crew, "We've got to get the lifeboats in the water right away."
But the crew said, "First we have to end capitalist oppression of the working class. Then we'll take care of the lifeboats."
Then the women said, "First we want equal pay for equal work. The lifeboats can wait."
The racial minorities said, "First we need to end racial discrimination. Then seating in the lifeboats will be allotted fairly."
The captain said, "These are all important issues, but they won't matter a damn if we don't survive. We've got to lower the lifeboats right away!"
But the religionists said, "First we need to bring prayer back into the classroom. This is more important than lifeboats."
Then the pro-life contingent said, "First we must outlaw abortion. Fetuses have just as much right to be in those lifeboats as anyone else."
The right-to-choose contingent said, "First acknowledge our right to abortion, then we'll help with the lifeboats."
The socialists said, "First we must redistribute the wealth. Once that's done everyone will work equally hard at lowering the lifeboats."
The animal-rights activists said, "First we must end the use of animals in medical experiments. We can't let this be subordinated to lowering the lifeboats."
Finally the ship sank, and because none of the lifeboats had been lowered, everyone drowned.
The last thought of more than one of them was, "I never dreamed that solving humanity's problems would take so long---or that the ship would sink so SUDDENLY."
Friday, May 27, 2005
"No Thanks! World"
Why am I not amazed when I read things like this piece below:
From the Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, Series II, Volume 29, Minutes of meeting with Soviet Leaders, Moscow, 22 June 1955, page 231, here are the minutes of the conversation between Jawaharlal Nehru and Soviet Premier Marshal Bulganin, as quoted in Claude Arpi's Born in Sin: The Panchsheel Agreement (Mittal Publications, Delhi, 2004, ISBN 81-7099-974-X):
'Bulganin: While we are discussing the general international situation and reducing tension, we propose suggesting at a later stage India's inclusion as the sixth member of the Security Council.
Nehru: Perhaps Bulganin knows that some people in the USA have suggested that India should replace China in the Security Council. This is to create trouble between us and China. We are, of course, wholly opposed to it. Further, we are opposed to pushing ourselves forward to occupy certain positions because that may itself create difficulties and India might itself become a subject of controversy. If India is to be admitted to the Security Council it raises the question of the revision of the Charter of the UN. We feel that this should not be done till the question of China's admission and possibly of others is first solved. I feel that we should first concentrate on getting China admitted.'
Here we have the 'architect of India' sqandering away an opportunity to put India on a fast track to international identity building. What is it about our politicans that they feel the need to demonstrate an assinine sence of seudo-secularim / seudo-subservience?
We've come a long way alright.. from the days of Chanakya, the creator of political science, to Lalu Prasad Yadav, the creator of political insanity.
If I had a penny for every gaff our politicians made, I wouldn't be writing this blog.. I'd probably be somewhere enjoying a residual income enough to retire several generations.
Regarding India's stand on the ongoing 'discussion' of permanant UN Security Council membership, I think I strongly agree with Rajiv Srinivasan's article in Rediff.( http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/may/18rajeev.htm )
From the Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, Series II, Volume 29, Minutes of meeting with Soviet Leaders, Moscow, 22 June 1955, page 231, here are the minutes of the conversation between Jawaharlal Nehru and Soviet Premier Marshal Bulganin, as quoted in Claude Arpi's Born in Sin: The Panchsheel Agreement (Mittal Publications, Delhi, 2004, ISBN 81-7099-974-X):
'Bulganin: While we are discussing the general international situation and reducing tension, we propose suggesting at a later stage India's inclusion as the sixth member of the Security Council.
Nehru: Perhaps Bulganin knows that some people in the USA have suggested that India should replace China in the Security Council. This is to create trouble between us and China. We are, of course, wholly opposed to it. Further, we are opposed to pushing ourselves forward to occupy certain positions because that may itself create difficulties and India might itself become a subject of controversy. If India is to be admitted to the Security Council it raises the question of the revision of the Charter of the UN. We feel that this should not be done till the question of China's admission and possibly of others is first solved. I feel that we should first concentrate on getting China admitted.'
Here we have the 'architect of India' sqandering away an opportunity to put India on a fast track to international identity building. What is it about our politicans that they feel the need to demonstrate an assinine sence of seudo-secularim / seudo-subservience?
We've come a long way alright.. from the days of Chanakya, the creator of political science, to Lalu Prasad Yadav, the creator of political insanity.
If I had a penny for every gaff our politicians made, I wouldn't be writing this blog.. I'd probably be somewhere enjoying a residual income enough to retire several generations.
Regarding India's stand on the ongoing 'discussion' of permanant UN Security Council membership, I think I strongly agree with Rajiv Srinivasan's article in Rediff.( http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/may/18rajeev.htm )
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Seems like just yesterday
Why May 24th? you may ask.. A seemingly innocuous moment today reminded me of old friends. One in particular who had been very close - let's call him Mr.S. Just as I was using what has now become the de facto standard in searching through this universe, yes you guessed it - Google, I happened to come across a blog written by my friend. And here we are.. My avatar as a blogger was born.
Seems fairly wierd to type out my thoughts into cyberspace, but I'm going to do so in the hope that generations from now, a highly advanced being may use my ramblings to decipher how man was in pre-historic times. So you humanity have been warned.
Coming back to the topic - it seems like only yesterday that Mr. S and I played our video games, spoke of profound thoughts and spent our summer holidays doing things that normal teenagers do. Our lives went their separate ways 18 years ago.. managed to intersect briefly about 9 years ago.. and then took its own paths until now. There seems to be a pattern here, but we'll save that for later. So cheers Mr. S.. I'm thrilled at the prospect of re-acquainting with a long lost friend..
Until later - May the force be with you!
Seems fairly wierd to type out my thoughts into cyberspace, but I'm going to do so in the hope that generations from now, a highly advanced being may use my ramblings to decipher how man was in pre-historic times. So you humanity have been warned.
Coming back to the topic - it seems like only yesterday that Mr. S and I played our video games, spoke of profound thoughts and spent our summer holidays doing things that normal teenagers do. Our lives went their separate ways 18 years ago.. managed to intersect briefly about 9 years ago.. and then took its own paths until now. There seems to be a pattern here, but we'll save that for later. So cheers Mr. S.. I'm thrilled at the prospect of re-acquainting with a long lost friend..
Until later - May the force be with you!
Welcome to my instance on earth
This is the way I see it.. circadian rhythms.. '24 hour patterns' of life.. We are driven by this 24 hours that make up our experience..
Welcome to mine.
Welcome to mine.
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