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We had a very good time today. Lot of fun. What better way to end the year ;)
It was our team outing. We started with an elaborate luncheon. Lucky me! I got to meet a few colleagues from my previous employer at the hotel. Only disappointing thing though was that they didn't have ice creams on offer. :(
We then headed towards Paint Ball arena. That was a fun place for our group. We tried our hands at aiming and shooting. Splashing the paint on the opponents was kind of stress relieving!!! :))
Tuesday, December 30
Saturday, December 27
12 Angry Men!!
We recently formed a film buff group at office. The idea was to share movies that one watched and liked. To start with itself we got a good bunch of movies listed. One title, "12 Angry Men", caught my attention. The plot of the movie as listed @imdb interested me. I must admit, I loved my decision to watch it. It turned out a very good movie.
The plot is so simple; 12 men, a decision to take & a few hours in a closed room, that's it. Simple as it may sound, it did pack a lot of substance. 12 jury men are pushed to a room tasked with concluding a trial. The proceedings of the trial have, on the surface, put the guilt on the accused. The jury however has to take the final call, the catch being that it has to be unanimous in its' decision, a vote of 12-0 either way, guilty or not-guilty.
As the men enter the discussion room, they start with a 11-1 voting, guilty vs not-guilty. The only one to vote for the accused, when provoked, has no answer to prove the innocence of the accused. However, his conscience had pushed him to take time and deliberate on the possibilities of the accused not being guilty. Then starts the game [If I may call it so :)] of convincing and counter-convincing. I better not try to put the entire sequence here; I may not do justice to the movie.
The movie, I felt, is an unmatched demonstration of group dynamics. It could make a gem of training material for a how-to on group discussions. It had everything - the spectator without an opinion, the silent thinker not able to push his thoughts through to the group, a man able to contribute but restrained by his inferiority complex, the pragmatic arguer, the persuader and more. Its' unassuming portrayal of job responsibility and self respect is worth all appreciation. Its' portrayal of the effect of personal prejudices and interests on one's handling of situations is awesome.
In all, a wonderful movie. The fact that it was in black & white, for some reason, made me like it more. :)
The plot is so simple; 12 men, a decision to take & a few hours in a closed room, that's it. Simple as it may sound, it did pack a lot of substance. 12 jury men are pushed to a room tasked with concluding a trial. The proceedings of the trial have, on the surface, put the guilt on the accused. The jury however has to take the final call, the catch being that it has to be unanimous in its' decision, a vote of 12-0 either way, guilty or not-guilty.
As the men enter the discussion room, they start with a 11-1 voting, guilty vs not-guilty. The only one to vote for the accused, when provoked, has no answer to prove the innocence of the accused. However, his conscience had pushed him to take time and deliberate on the possibilities of the accused not being guilty. Then starts the game [If I may call it so :)] of convincing and counter-convincing. I better not try to put the entire sequence here; I may not do justice to the movie.
The movie, I felt, is an unmatched demonstration of group dynamics. It could make a gem of training material for a how-to on group discussions. It had everything - the spectator without an opinion, the silent thinker not able to push his thoughts through to the group, a man able to contribute but restrained by his inferiority complex, the pragmatic arguer, the persuader and more. Its' unassuming portrayal of job responsibility and self respect is worth all appreciation. Its' portrayal of the effect of personal prejudices and interests on one's handling of situations is awesome.
In all, a wonderful movie. The fact that it was in black & white, for some reason, made me like it more. :)
Thursday, December 25
Origami!!
It's amazing what people can do with paper. The art of origami never seizes to please me!!
I found surprising master pieces of paper work on slide share today. Here is a glimpse.
I found surprising master pieces of paper work on slide share today. Here is a glimpse.
Wednesday, December 24
A good debate!
Got into a good debate today with ram, madhuri and jifi. A good one after a very long time.
Not to mention, it was about the current state of affairs around us; the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the media craze, the system, the politicians & our own indifference amongst all these!
Of particular interest was when the discussion turned to our own indifference to things around us - what we could do and what we couldn't. While it started with our new grown capitalist mentality, we couldn't help relate and compare our selves to people in earlier times, particularly the ones who fought for our freedom. What is it that motivated them to relinquish everything and get into the struggle for freedom?. Was it really the ideology of a free country and the prospects of independent growth or was it the need for people to just stay occupied in the absence of (the much hard to find) opportunities for life and growth?. Was it the fallacy of purpose which drove people into committing or was it the substance in what contemporary leaders proposed that motivated them?
We could only wonder while our own opportunities and lives continue to behold us!!!
Not to mention, it was about the current state of affairs around us; the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the media craze, the system, the politicians & our own indifference amongst all these!
Of particular interest was when the discussion turned to our own indifference to things around us - what we could do and what we couldn't. While it started with our new grown capitalist mentality, we couldn't help relate and compare our selves to people in earlier times, particularly the ones who fought for our freedom. What is it that motivated them to relinquish everything and get into the struggle for freedom?. Was it really the ideology of a free country and the prospects of independent growth or was it the need for people to just stay occupied in the absence of (the much hard to find) opportunities for life and growth?. Was it the fallacy of purpose which drove people into committing or was it the substance in what contemporary leaders proposed that motivated them?
We could only wonder while our own opportunities and lives continue to behold us!!!
Saturday, December 20
Words and their history!!
The etymologies behind words make for a good read. Don't they? ;)
A new addition to my vocabulary today has been "doolally". 'could guess what it stands for by the sound of it. However, I initially thought it might be slang amongst youth crowds. It's origin turned out completely different though!! Interesting it was to see it connected to India. :)
Back to the word,
After Deolali, a small town in western India. It's about 100 miles from Mumbai with an unusual claim to fame ... [More can be read here]
A new addition to my vocabulary today has been "doolally". 'could guess what it stands for by the sound of it. However, I initially thought it might be slang amongst youth crowds. It's origin turned out completely different though!! Interesting it was to see it connected to India. :)
Back to the word,
After Deolali, a small town in western India. It's about 100 miles from Mumbai with an unusual claim to fame ... [More can be read here]
Tuesday, December 16
A call from AY!!
Got a surprise call from AY today. 'felt nice. 'more so since it came at a good time; as I had an awesome news to share.
He has been a very good person to know and work with. Although distance and wide apart time zones hardly let us talk much these days, I do remember him quite often. He was a jolly person to be with, a very good manager. He had excellent people skills. Apparently his ways reflect in my own handling of certain situations.
He has been a very good person to know and work with. Although distance and wide apart time zones hardly let us talk much these days, I do remember him quite often. He was a jolly person to be with, a very good manager. He had excellent people skills. Apparently his ways reflect in my own handling of certain situations.
Back from a wonderful week!
The week that went by was wonderful. Taking the week off from my regular work, I spent time with my new born niece. It's such a wonderful experience spending time with babies. They make us forget everything else with their mesmerizing smile. I cant wait for the weekend to get back to my place so I can see her again..
Wednesday, December 10
My first niece!
Sunday, December 7
Home of the brave!
Chanced upon watching "Home of the brave" today.
It turned out to be real good a movie. Not many military based stories interest me. This one was different though. It was more of the after-military than military. So, there weren't any gun shots or field bravery to be seen; instead it showcased how coping up with life might be tough for some of these military men once they are off duty. Getting back to mainstream life after the hazardous days at war, the protagonists find themselves dislocated. They, some challenged physically, & others psychologically, struggle in their day-to-day lives. The film does a good job of depicting their struggle and recovery.
It turned out to be real good a movie. Not many military based stories interest me. This one was different though. It was more of the after-military than military. So, there weren't any gun shots or field bravery to be seen; instead it showcased how coping up with life might be tough for some of these military men once they are off duty. Getting back to mainstream life after the hazardous days at war, the protagonists find themselves dislocated. They, some challenged physically, & others psychologically, struggle in their day-to-day lives. The film does a good job of depicting their struggle and recovery.
Saturday, December 6
An amazing set of tools!
An amazing set of tools; Google earth, sightseeing & street view tools are a treat to exploring eyes. Browsing the world through these tools has become my best pass time apart from reading. They are great for nostalgic times. I have great fun running through the places I identify with. Sight seeing and street views in particular are a pleasure, letting us get a very close view of the places we hold dear. :)
I have a lot of memories associated with Sagar & love to visit it again and again. While distance makes it not so possible, thanks to the net, I get to zoom in on my schools & play fields, streets I cycled through as often as I like to here. :)
I have a lot of memories associated with Sagar & love to visit it again and again. While distance makes it not so possible, thanks to the net, I get to zoom in on my schools & play fields, streets I cycled through as often as I like to here. :)
Monday, December 1
ಮುತ್ತು ಹೊತ್ತು?!
ಮುತ್ತು ಹೊತ್ತು ಒಂದ್ಸರಿ ಕಳೆದ ಮೇಲೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಸಿಗೋದಿಲ್ಲ.
Pearls & time, once lost forever lost.
I was reminded of the proverb while watching a movie today. So true.
Most of us identify with lost time I guess. It seems most asking! Incidental happenings & momentary lapse & carelessness sometimes yields us where we would rather not have. I wonder if there is anything one can do about them while they stay through & haunt.
Pearls & time, once lost forever lost.
I was reminded of the proverb while watching a movie today. So true.
Most of us identify with lost time I guess. It seems most asking! Incidental happenings & momentary lapse & carelessness sometimes yields us where we would rather not have. I wonder if there is anything one can do about them while they stay through & haunt.
Thursday, November 27
Unfortunate!
An unfortunate day.
May those who lost lives in the terror attacks at Mumbai rest in peace.
It was really disturbing to hear those shuddering voices as they spoke. The fear getting the better of them. :(
'wonder what leads from religion to terror. News' channels today splashed screens reading "India's 9/11". Co-incidentally there was this article in today's paper on Swami Vivekananda. It reminded me of his famous speech on universal tolerance across religions on 9/11/1893.
Ironic isn't it? 9/11 stands famously to mark harmony across religions while concurrently, & quite infamously, reminds the cruelty of religion instigated terrorism!!
May those who lost lives in the terror attacks at Mumbai rest in peace.
It was really disturbing to hear those shuddering voices as they spoke. The fear getting the better of them. :(
'wonder what leads from religion to terror. News' channels today splashed screens reading "India's 9/11". Co-incidentally there was this article in today's paper on Swami Vivekananda. It reminded me of his famous speech on universal tolerance across religions on 9/11/1893.
Ironic isn't it? 9/11 stands famously to mark harmony across religions while concurrently, & quite infamously, reminds the cruelty of religion instigated terrorism!!
Tuesday, November 25
Taking a step up at work!!
It's surprising how work finds people !!
Despite intentional shirking, added responsibilities seem to find me!! That was proved today after my meeting with my superior!! I am being motivated to direct people again towards the next commitment we have post our recent merger into a new company. It's kind of a catch22 situation for me; I would love to be an individual contributor but the stakes are high with the leader's role I am being asked to dawn. Looking at what is on offer, I guess I should take the chance. I have time to decide, but, I most certainly will.
What impressed me most however was the way I was approached. My manager came to me with the proposal. However his entire tone was acknowledging the fact that I wanted to be an individual contributor. I was very particular about it to all the people who interviewed me before I joined them. I had spoken to all the chiefs then and every one of them seemed to consider my demands yet as placed at the time of joining. It is very comforting to know that they value my aspirations and give me the choice of will. It's good to be part of an organization which values it's commitments.
Despite intentional shirking, added responsibilities seem to find me!! That was proved today after my meeting with my superior!! I am being motivated to direct people again towards the next commitment we have post our recent merger into a new company. It's kind of a catch22 situation for me; I would love to be an individual contributor but the stakes are high with the leader's role I am being asked to dawn. Looking at what is on offer, I guess I should take the chance. I have time to decide, but, I most certainly will.
What impressed me most however was the way I was approached. My manager came to me with the proposal. However his entire tone was acknowledging the fact that I wanted to be an individual contributor. I was very particular about it to all the people who interviewed me before I joined them. I had spoken to all the chiefs then and every one of them seemed to consider my demands yet as placed at the time of joining. It is very comforting to know that they value my aspirations and give me the choice of will. It's good to be part of an organization which values it's commitments.
Monday, November 24
It's 11 years!!!
Just got a message from Pruths. All it said was "Nov 24, 1997". It's Nov 24th today but it evaded me. But it wasn't even a whisker before I realized it was our day one in college. It has been 11 years. It was the day we met destined to be room mates for four years while we did our graduation. & our kinship stays afloat even today as good as it used to be. So nice of him to have remembered and messaged! :)
I immediately called him. I was reminded of our days at college, & at hostel, of my home-sickness & how I used to run back home every weekend, of how we used to pull each other and have fun. Those were great days - late night chit chat, shuttle & carrom games amidst the desire and dreams of a future which fortunately has come good.
goodness grace!!
I immediately called him. I was reminded of our days at college, & at hostel, of my home-sickness & how I used to run back home every weekend, of how we used to pull each other and have fun. Those were great days - late night chit chat, shuttle & carrom games amidst the desire and dreams of a future which fortunately has come good.
goodness grace!!
Kadalekayi Parishe!!
It's the annual groundnut festival time here in Basavanagudi, the so called Kadalekayi Parishe!!
& what plans I had? I dropped off work early so I can take a peek into the celebrations and capture the same through my digital eyes, my cam. Oh god! little did I know the crowd would be so huge!! really huge!! I could barely step through the streets. People pushing & scrubbing against each other!! I dropped the plan for the day & arrived back home :(
I wonder if I should give it a shot again tomorrow!!
& what plans I had? I dropped off work early so I can take a peek into the celebrations and capture the same through my digital eyes, my cam. Oh god! little did I know the crowd would be so huge!! really huge!! I could barely step through the streets. People pushing & scrubbing against each other!! I dropped the plan for the day & arrived back home :(
I wonder if I should give it a shot again tomorrow!!
Hot coffee, cold weather & days to spend!!
It was a cool week end this time; literally, and all the more, figuratively :-).
The weather bought me in and I couldn't hesitate to take a day off from work. Three chilly days added to the pleasure of a long week end. Nothing beats a chit chat at home with old pals while sipping hot coffee; more so when we can feel the cold wind :-)
Hot coffee, cold weather & days to spend!!
Ahh!! I didn't want it to end !
The weather bought me in and I couldn't hesitate to take a day off from work. Three chilly days added to the pleasure of a long week end. Nothing beats a chit chat at home with old pals while sipping hot coffee; more so when we can feel the cold wind :-)
Hot coffee, cold weather & days to spend!!
Ahh!! I didn't want it to end !
Sunday, November 23
Smiley in the sky :)
Some people have wonderful instinct in catching simple but pleasurable things. Really creative are the minds of those like the person who took this photo & sent it to "The Hindu". Birds flying together making up a smiley in the sky, as if telling all of us, hey! come on!! SMILE. :)
Wednesday, November 19
ಹಳೇ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅದೇನೋ ನೈಜತೆ ಇತ್ತು...
ಹಳೇ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅದೇನೋ ನೈಜತೆ ಇತ್ತು. ಇಲ್ಲದೇ ಇದ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ೧೦-೧೫ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ನೋಡಿದ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಕಥೆಗಳನ್ನ ನಾವು ಇಂದೂ ನೆನಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಇಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆವೆ? ಇತ್ತೀಚಿಗೆ ನನಗಾದ ಅನುಭವ ಅದೇ.
ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೀತಿದ್ದ ಪುಸ್ತಕೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ನನ್ನನ್ನ ಆಕರ್ಷಿಸಿದ್ದು ಹಳೆ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಗಳ ಡಿಸ್ಕ್ ಗಳು. ಸುಮಾರು ಹಳೆಯ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಗಳನ್ನೂ ಕೊಂಡುಕೊಂಡೆ. ಕಳೆದ ೩-೪ ದಿನದಿಂದ ಅವನ್ನು ನೋಡುವುದೇ ಕೆಲಸ. :)
ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯ ಎಂದರೆ ಆ ಎಲ್ಲ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಗಳನ್ನೂ ನಾನು ತುಂಬ ಹಿಂದೇನೆ ನೋಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ. ಅದರೂ, ಇಂದೂ, ಆ ಕಥೆಗಳು ಅಷ್ಟೇ ಹೊಸದೆನ್ನಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಆ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಪಾತ್ರಗಳು ನಾವೆಯೇನೋ ಅನ್ನಿಸುವಷ್ಟು ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಹತ್ತಿರವಾಗಿವೆ. ಆ ಕಾರಣದಿಂದಲೇ ಏನೋ ಮತ್ತೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ನೋಡಿದರೂ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಬೇಸರವೆನಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಅಂದಿನ ಹಾಡುಗಳೂ ಅಷ್ಟೇ. ಹಿತವಾದ, ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ನಾಟುವ ಬಾಷೆಯನ್ನೂಳಗೊಂಡ ಆ ಹಾಡುಗಳು ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ. ಅನಂತನಾಗ್, ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿಯಂತಹ ಪ್ರಬುದ್ಧ ನಟರಿದ್ದರಂತೂ ಆ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಿಗೆ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಕಳೆ ಹಾಗು ಸಹಜತೆಯ ಸ್ಪರ್ಶ. ಬೆಂಕಿಯ ಬಲೆ, ಗಾಳಿ ಮಾತು, ಚೆಂದನದ ಗೊಂಬೆಯಂತಹ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳು ಇಂದೂ ಬಂದರೆ ಅದೆಷ್ಟು ಚೆನ್ನ!!
ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೀತಿದ್ದ ಪುಸ್ತಕೋತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ನನ್ನನ್ನ ಆಕರ್ಷಿಸಿದ್ದು ಹಳೆ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಗಳ ಡಿಸ್ಕ್ ಗಳು. ಸುಮಾರು ಹಳೆಯ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಗಳನ್ನೂ ಕೊಂಡುಕೊಂಡೆ. ಕಳೆದ ೩-೪ ದಿನದಿಂದ ಅವನ್ನು ನೋಡುವುದೇ ಕೆಲಸ. :)
ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯ ಎಂದರೆ ಆ ಎಲ್ಲ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಗಳನ್ನೂ ನಾನು ತುಂಬ ಹಿಂದೇನೆ ನೋಡಿದ್ದೇನೆ, ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ. ಅದರೂ, ಇಂದೂ, ಆ ಕಥೆಗಳು ಅಷ್ಟೇ ಹೊಸದೆನ್ನಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಆ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಪಾತ್ರಗಳು ನಾವೆಯೇನೋ ಅನ್ನಿಸುವಷ್ಟು ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಹತ್ತಿರವಾಗಿವೆ. ಆ ಕಾರಣದಿಂದಲೇ ಏನೋ ಮತ್ತೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ನೋಡಿದರೂ ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ಬೇಸರವೆನಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಅಂದಿನ ಹಾಡುಗಳೂ ಅಷ್ಟೇ. ಹಿತವಾದ, ಮನಸ್ಸಿಗೆ ನಾಟುವ ಬಾಷೆಯನ್ನೂಳಗೊಂಡ ಆ ಹಾಡುಗಳು ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ. ಅನಂತನಾಗ್, ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿಯಂತಹ ಪ್ರಬುದ್ಧ ನಟರಿದ್ದರಂತೂ ಆ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಿಗೆ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಕಳೆ ಹಾಗು ಸಹಜತೆಯ ಸ್ಪರ್ಶ. ಬೆಂಕಿಯ ಬಲೆ, ಗಾಳಿ ಮಾತು, ಚೆಂದನದ ಗೊಂಬೆಯಂತಹ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳು ಇಂದೂ ಬಂದರೆ ಅದೆಷ್ಟು ಚೆನ್ನ!!
Tuesday, November 18
Digital Echo!!
The news is out!!
We form part of what is going to be called Decho, for Digital echo. Going by the plans, I seem to have made the right decision to join the firm. The plans are huge and growth opportunity looks great.
It's almost half of an year after I decided to take it light and give myself the time. So far so good. But, of late, its going beyond relaxation and I kind of seem to easily give in to the temptations; much unlike me!! I guess it's time to take stock and get into being myself.
'sure I will. :)
We form part of what is going to be called Decho, for Digital echo. Going by the plans, I seem to have made the right decision to join the firm. The plans are huge and growth opportunity looks great.
It's almost half of an year after I decided to take it light and give myself the time. So far so good. But, of late, its going beyond relaxation and I kind of seem to easily give in to the temptations; much unlike me!! I guess it's time to take stock and get into being myself.
'sure I will. :)
Sunday, November 16
The book exhibition!!
'had a good time yesterday doing what I love to do; book hopping that is!! The annual Bangalore book exhibition is up & I had a go at it!! It featured a good number of shops. Too congested to browse through the books though!!
I was disappointed though since I had expected to find some old books, specially related to origami, at a discounted price. But I didn't :(. Some were available but too expensive!! In excess of Rs 1000 :(. While I chose not to buy, I wondered how one's perspectives change. I have bought a few books while in US paying more than that. Same price here looks expensive. I guess the notion that I may not get the same books back in India made them inexpensive even at such prices!!
Not withstanding the books galore, I found a few good kannada books for my reading. Pleasingly, I found a shop selling VCDs/DVDs of old Kannada movies. I have always loved movies enacted by Ananthanag & Lakshmi. Found a bunch of them & bought all :) I feel sorry that an actress like Lakshmi is kind of in oblivion now. There is hardly any actress running currently who can match her acting prowess. :(
To add to my experience at the exhibition, there was this group 6 teenagers singing along folk kannada songs. They had such a nice collection, very pertinent to current state of affairs. Like for example, the song which talked of reducing ground water level. I never knew, majestic and the kanteerava stadium overthrew hitherto existant water tanks!!
I was disappointed though since I had expected to find some old books, specially related to origami, at a discounted price. But I didn't :(. Some were available but too expensive!! In excess of Rs 1000 :(. While I chose not to buy, I wondered how one's perspectives change. I have bought a few books while in US paying more than that. Same price here looks expensive. I guess the notion that I may not get the same books back in India made them inexpensive even at such prices!!
Not withstanding the books galore, I found a few good kannada books for my reading. Pleasingly, I found a shop selling VCDs/DVDs of old Kannada movies. I have always loved movies enacted by Ananthanag & Lakshmi. Found a bunch of them & bought all :) I feel sorry that an actress like Lakshmi is kind of in oblivion now. There is hardly any actress running currently who can match her acting prowess. :(
To add to my experience at the exhibition, there was this group 6 teenagers singing along folk kannada songs. They had such a nice collection, very pertinent to current state of affairs. Like for example, the song which talked of reducing ground water level. I never knew, majestic and the kanteerava stadium overthrew hitherto existant water tanks!!
Sunday, November 2
:(
Past couple of days have been monotonous and asking.
For the first time 'had to arrange for blood for transfusing into my sister. Honestly, I felt scared at the thought of injecting blood from an unknown person into my sister. Despite all the tests that were done at the blood bank, I had an uneasy feeling while I took the three pouches of blood. Seeing blood as a commodity at the bank felt strange some how.
For the first time 'had to arrange for blood for transfusing into my sister. Honestly, I felt scared at the thought of injecting blood from an unknown person into my sister. Despite all the tests that were done at the blood bank, I had an uneasy feeling while I took the three pouches of blood. Seeing blood as a commodity at the bank felt strange some how.
Monday, October 27
Reminded of kamakura, Japan!!
This morning's supplement of "The Hindu" took me back a couple of years. It reminded me of my visit to kamakura, a buddhist place in Japan.
'guess it was November 2004. It was the first time I was out of home during Deepavali. Co-incidentally the article has come today while we are celebrating Deepavali :). I had been to Japan for a few days on official work. I remember how excited I was; after all it was my first trip overseas. I had hoped I would get a good feel of Tokyo & Japan; & of life outside India!!
Sadly, it was work allthrough. The days would start early but end late. Finally, just before the day we left Japan, I coerced Arun, my collegue for a outing. We searched around the net for information and finalized, with the limited time we had with us, on travelling to kamakura. We wanted to try a ride on bullet train but unfortunately didn't have enough time!! :(
Kamakura is around an hour's train ride from Tokyo. It's a beautiful town, very clean I must say. Its a place full of temples & shrines. The major attraction being a Buddha statue. The statue stood poised exhibiting serenity & peace, qualities we have come to associate with Buddha naturally.
We took quite a walk in the town & enjoyed it a lot.
Thanks to "The Hindu" for reminding me of it. :) I called up Arun immediately & shared bits of our time there together.
As we talk of Japan, we(me & Arun) can't forget how we landed ourselves in trouble the last day while we were on our way back to India. That's when money made us realize what it is!!! We had dollars, we had international cards and good backups; but none would help us!! What an experience..!!! Now we chuckle over it, but then?!!.. 'will write on it sometime!!
'guess it was November 2004. It was the first time I was out of home during Deepavali. Co-incidentally the article has come today while we are celebrating Deepavali :). I had been to Japan for a few days on official work. I remember how excited I was; after all it was my first trip overseas. I had hoped I would get a good feel of Tokyo & Japan; & of life outside India!!
Sadly, it was work allthrough. The days would start early but end late. Finally, just before the day we left Japan, I coerced Arun, my collegue for a outing. We searched around the net for information and finalized, with the limited time we had with us, on travelling to kamakura. We wanted to try a ride on bullet train but unfortunately didn't have enough time!! :(
Kamakura is around an hour's train ride from Tokyo. It's a beautiful town, very clean I must say. Its a place full of temples & shrines. The major attraction being a Buddha statue. The statue stood poised exhibiting serenity & peace, qualities we have come to associate with Buddha naturally.
We took quite a walk in the town & enjoyed it a lot.
Thanks to "The Hindu" for reminding me of it. :) I called up Arun immediately & shared bits of our time there together.
As we talk of Japan, we(me & Arun) can't forget how we landed ourselves in trouble the last day while we were on our way back to India. That's when money made us realize what it is!!! We had dollars, we had international cards and good backups; but none would help us!! What an experience..!!! Now we chuckle over it, but then?!!.. 'will write on it sometime!!
Wednesday, October 22
Kudos to ISRO!!
Yet another milestone for ISRO!!The Chandrayaan-1 mission is reported to have gone every bit as planned so far and is expected to be a success. Congratulations to ISRO & the people who made it possible. It indeed is a maverick achievement for ISRO (& hence for us Indians) to have indigenously planned, developed and executed the mission so well.
Kudos to the scientists involved. I am eager to see things as successful over the next two weeks in the mission's journey towards the orbit around moon.
Monday, October 20
A(nother) gem of a movie!
You will like this; said my brother, as he passed on a set of CDs of "Maine Gandhi ko Nahin Mara". I was pleased. It was a movie I had wanted to watch but for various reasons missed.
The movie made for a wonderful watch. The cast has done a splendid job. The screenplay is brief, good and natural. while the movie itself is about the psychologically affected professor and his thoughts, I got really impressed with the character of Trisha. The character very well paints the emotions and helplessness of a daughter as she holds on her commitment to her aging father amongst indifferent siblings.
The movie made for a wonderful watch. The cast has done a splendid job. The screenplay is brief, good and natural. while the movie itself is about the psychologically affected professor and his thoughts, I got really impressed with the character of Trisha. The character very well paints the emotions and helplessness of a daughter as she holds on her commitment to her aging father amongst indifferent siblings.
Sunday, October 19
I am thankful.
I am very happy. A worrisome little period has ended for me.
My brother seemed to have a few health problems. The doctor had kept him on medications for almost 2 months. Yesterday, the final MR spectroscopy proved good for us. The signs I was scared of had vanished from the reports and the doctor confirmed he is perfectly alright now. Thank goodness.
But these things happening in my life always leave me with questions. My mother went through a tough time a few years back; strong lady that she is. Thankfully, my brother has come clean and we didn't have to go through a lot. But then, as these things happen, I do not understand if I should fret and feel sad that they are happening; or should I be happy I have the required resources, financial & otherwise, to take care of the same!!
As strong I push myself to be, I do not want to be in such a situation any more. The three weeks spent in the hospital while my mother was operated on are still alive in my mind. The images from the ICU still linger. Those kids..almost just born..I saw while I accidentally stepped into the children ICU instead of where my mother was..oh god..wonder how they could take take all that.
I am thankful for everything I am provided with. 'wonder how I could have handled these if my life hadn't turned out the way it has!!
My brother seemed to have a few health problems. The doctor had kept him on medications for almost 2 months. Yesterday, the final MR spectroscopy proved good for us. The signs I was scared of had vanished from the reports and the doctor confirmed he is perfectly alright now. Thank goodness.
But these things happening in my life always leave me with questions. My mother went through a tough time a few years back; strong lady that she is. Thankfully, my brother has come clean and we didn't have to go through a lot. But then, as these things happen, I do not understand if I should fret and feel sad that they are happening; or should I be happy I have the required resources, financial & otherwise, to take care of the same!!
As strong I push myself to be, I do not want to be in such a situation any more. The three weeks spent in the hospital while my mother was operated on are still alive in my mind. The images from the ICU still linger. Those kids..almost just born..I saw while I accidentally stepped into the children ICU instead of where my mother was..oh god..wonder how they could take take all that.
I am thankful for everything I am provided with. 'wonder how I could have handled these if my life hadn't turned out the way it has!!
Tuesday, October 14
Rock On!!
Watched "Rock On" recently. It is one of the best I have seen in recent times. Though the story revolves around a rock band, what I liked best was the way the relationships are shown. I admire the subtlety with which the film portrays the life threads of the members of the band.
The film wonderfully made me rethink on one thing we all seem to repeatedly do; get lost in things that happen in our lives. Whoever said "to err is human", that seems really true. Here and there thing happen in life which we wish had not. But then, once done, what does one do? The situation becomes more difficult if one feels he contributed in someway to it happening; willingly or not!!
Such things sure stay on for life, hurting mostly. I guess, one can only try to move on. If one is totally responsible, one can, at most, ensure such a thing doesn't repeat. When there are two or more contributing to it, may be they can try talking to each other to get it out of their minds. But, what if others are not party to it? May be they don't realize they partly contributed to it!! Then again, I guess the only option left is to ensure such things do not repeat from self!!
On a side note, I would like to see many more such movies; the kinds we can relate to as individuals.
The film wonderfully made me rethink on one thing we all seem to repeatedly do; get lost in things that happen in our lives. Whoever said "to err is human", that seems really true. Here and there thing happen in life which we wish had not. But then, once done, what does one do? The situation becomes more difficult if one feels he contributed in someway to it happening; willingly or not!!
Such things sure stay on for life, hurting mostly. I guess, one can only try to move on. If one is totally responsible, one can, at most, ensure such a thing doesn't repeat. When there are two or more contributing to it, may be they can try talking to each other to get it out of their minds. But, what if others are not party to it? May be they don't realize they partly contributed to it!! Then again, I guess the only option left is to ensure such things do not repeat from self!!
On a side note, I would like to see many more such movies; the kinds we can relate to as individuals.
Tuesday, October 7
A hike up an hill & Verna drive!
As usual, had met my best pals, P, N & J over dinner a few days back. We friends have known and spent time with each other for more than 10 years now. We turn nostalgic every time we meet recollecting and joking around our hostel life. S, J's wife has joined the club since their marriage. She must be appreciated for the ease with which she has got used to our group and become part of it.
It was during this dinner that she talked of a trip!! Well! As usual we talked and then got back to our busy days at work :)
It was her again last Wednesday!! mailing all of us and luring us on the trip. As usual, none of us lazy boys replied!!! Luckily, she didn't give up. She kept on mailing and insisting on the trip. Finally, thanks to her, we decided on going to shivagange, a hilly place around 70KMs from Bangalore.
So, we set off, early on Saturday morning, on N's new Verna. We couldn't believe the traffic was that horrible at 7 in the morning!! But then, once off the city, we were in for a very good drive. We had our breakfast at Kamath and then J took over the drive towards shivagange.
The place is good for those interested in climbing. Its quite an hike up and steep in between. We had a whole day with us to spend. It took us some time to motivate J to complete the hike all the way to the top though!! Below are a few shots from the place.
Another highlight was that I drove the Verna back all the way from there to my home. The car is too good when it comes to handling. It is amazingly stable on road. What I liked most was the smoothness of the gear box. My swift takes some effort on my part when I change gears; but for Verna, a single finger could do the trick :). It was very comfortable in the heavy city traffic on the way back too!!
That's the top!!
That's our group!!
It was during this dinner that she talked of a trip!! Well! As usual we talked and then got back to our busy days at work :)
It was her again last Wednesday!! mailing all of us and luring us on the trip. As usual, none of us lazy boys replied!!! Luckily, she didn't give up. She kept on mailing and insisting on the trip. Finally, thanks to her, we decided on going to shivagange, a hilly place around 70KMs from Bangalore.
So, we set off, early on Saturday morning, on N's new Verna. We couldn't believe the traffic was that horrible at 7 in the morning!! But then, once off the city, we were in for a very good drive. We had our breakfast at Kamath and then J took over the drive towards shivagange.
The place is good for those interested in climbing. Its quite an hike up and steep in between. We had a whole day with us to spend. It took us some time to motivate J to complete the hike all the way to the top though!! Below are a few shots from the place.
Another highlight was that I drove the Verna back all the way from there to my home. The car is too good when it comes to handling. It is amazingly stable on road. What I liked most was the smoothness of the gear box. My swift takes some effort on my part when I change gears; but for Verna, a single finger could do the trick :). It was very comfortable in the heavy city traffic on the way back too!!
That's the top!!
That's our group!!
Thursday, October 2
From 'Gandhi!
Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err. It passes my comprehension how human beings, be they ever so experienced and able, can delight in depriving other human beings of that precious right.A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.
Action expresses priorities.
Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.
It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.
- M. K. Gandhi
Wednesday, October 1
Information management, everybody seems on it!
Stumbled upon a new Microsoft research initiative today; The Research Desktop! As can be guessed, the objective is to help researchers(read information gatherers :)) organize their search for information through the world wide data (sic, for web) and the results achieved for better management and collaboration. There is a nice video showcasing the product prototype here.
It's amazing how the problem has shifted; from that of collecting information to managing!! Information is not a big deal today at all; thanks to the internet. But making one's way through the info-mass available? you bet!
The gap between information, personal & otherwise is dropping & a lot of tools have come to help us better manage the same. Research desktop is a new initiative in that direction. Gleefully, I am into development of a tool to manage personal information (personally on the public domain :)). Smart desktop is another product which is soon going to integrate with the product I am currently working on. Feels nice to be developing something that is going to help self, off the shelf. :))
It's amazing how the problem has shifted; from that of collecting information to managing!! Information is not a big deal today at all; thanks to the internet. But making one's way through the info-mass available? you bet!
The gap between information, personal & otherwise is dropping & a lot of tools have come to help us better manage the same. Research desktop is a new initiative in that direction. Gleefully, I am into development of a tool to manage personal information (personally on the public domain :)). Smart desktop is another product which is soon going to integrate with the product I am currently working on. Feels nice to be developing something that is going to help self, off the shelf. :))
Monday, September 29
In a new kind of discussion!!
For a change, I was asked to be part of a new kind of discussion today; new for me. I have always been part of technical/project planning discussions; Not this time though! The discussion turned out to be a deliberation over the different kinds of pricing policies we can adopt for a new web based service part of which is being owned by me!! Hurray!!! :))
It was good to be exposed to the kind of thought process that goes in deciding the same. Specially, the debate over whether to go free or not, & if free, for how long and how to persuade people to move over to the paid version!!
Hmm..I am arriving slowly on the web and enjoying the hoopla around it:)
It was good to be exposed to the kind of thought process that goes in deciding the same. Specially, the debate over whether to go free or not, & if free, for how long and how to persuade people to move over to the paid version!!
Hmm..I am arriving slowly on the web and enjoying the hoopla around it:)
Sunday, September 28
Thar journal!
'was enjoying a lazy sunday morning sleep when my cell started beeping. I was too lazy to get up and take the message. But the cell wouldn't stop beeping.
Eventually I gave up. It was my friend messaging so we could meet. He has taken an interest in photography these days. Seemed a couple of his photography club members had been on a rajasthan tour recently & had arranged for an exhibition of their photoes. Enthusiastic as he was, I couldn't say no & cut my lazy morning short.
It was a good exhibition. They had called it the "Thar Journal". Going by the name, I expected to see a lot of photoes of the desert, the sand and the like. But it turned out totally different. They had mainly focused on people and expressions. A couple of shots were really good.
There were four of them exhibiting. Lucky group, seems they got their entire exhibition sponsored; to the tune of around Rs 70,000. I would like to exhibit mine; Do I have a sponsor?!!! ;)
Some of their shots are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jegadish/sets/72157607075455115/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/surendarb/sets/72157606777681232/
Eventually I gave up. It was my friend messaging so we could meet. He has taken an interest in photography these days. Seemed a couple of his photography club members had been on a rajasthan tour recently & had arranged for an exhibition of their photoes. Enthusiastic as he was, I couldn't say no & cut my lazy morning short.
It was a good exhibition. They had called it the "Thar Journal". Going by the name, I expected to see a lot of photoes of the desert, the sand and the like. But it turned out totally different. They had mainly focused on people and expressions. A couple of shots were really good.
There were four of them exhibiting. Lucky group, seems they got their entire exhibition sponsored; to the tune of around Rs 70,000. I would like to exhibit mine; Do I have a sponsor?!!! ;)
Some of their shots are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jegadish/sets/72157607075455115/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/surendarb/sets/72157606777681232/
Tuesday, September 23
On a little thank you note!
"So you are Prasad! I have been looking to meet you.", came a strong voice from behind.
I turned back. There stood a tall, fair person with a friendly smile.
I couldn't recognize who it was. He introduced himself and then we carried on for long on our conversation.
As it turned out, he was Ands from our Canada office. I had communicated with him only once before when I sent a thank you mail appreciating one of his initiatives which had helped me. Little did I know one mail could have him lookout for me when in India.
He is very soft spoken. He had recently shared a few of his thoughts pertaining to a module we are working on. That was in line with what I was looking out for. My mail had encouraged him to do more of the same. He was happy he had an interested audience I guess. It's surprising how a simple thank you note can motivate the best of people. :)
Its true of me too! :)
A couple of mails I got when I left my previous employer, took me by surprise. I got the best of compliments when I left than when I stayed on!! Some of them were from the ones I hardly expected. It's pleasant to read them once in a while :)
I turned back. There stood a tall, fair person with a friendly smile.
I couldn't recognize who it was. He introduced himself and then we carried on for long on our conversation.
As it turned out, he was Ands from our Canada office. I had communicated with him only once before when I sent a thank you mail appreciating one of his initiatives which had helped me. Little did I know one mail could have him lookout for me when in India.
He is very soft spoken. He had recently shared a few of his thoughts pertaining to a module we are working on. That was in line with what I was looking out for. My mail had encouraged him to do more of the same. He was happy he had an interested audience I guess. It's surprising how a simple thank you note can motivate the best of people. :)
Its true of me too! :)
A couple of mails I got when I left my previous employer, took me by surprise. I got the best of compliments when I left than when I stayed on!! Some of them were from the ones I hardly expected. It's pleasant to read them once in a while :)
Monday, September 22
Back in touch with ACD!!
Spoke to ACD after a long time; a couple of years I guess!!
He was my first introduction to being managed at work :). A very good person. & gladly, his voice & reception for me had the same proximity and warmth he had years back before we lost touch.
Some of my own professional traits have been influenced by him. He passed on to me the principle of being objective at workplace. He had an innate ability to get close to people without being too close; just about managing on the right line. That helped him maintain relationships well and remain indifferent to things which would otherwise hurt. He was assertive. In all, he gave me a wonderful start to professional life.
Whoever said the world is small for us not to meet! Thats so true. I just happened to meet a person who works for ACD now & my memories surfaced. 'glad I met that person; If not, wouldn't have spoken to ACD!!
He was my first introduction to being managed at work :). A very good person. & gladly, his voice & reception for me had the same proximity and warmth he had years back before we lost touch.
Some of my own professional traits have been influenced by him. He passed on to me the principle of being objective at workplace. He had an innate ability to get close to people without being too close; just about managing on the right line. That helped him maintain relationships well and remain indifferent to things which would otherwise hurt. He was assertive. In all, he gave me a wonderful start to professional life.
Whoever said the world is small for us not to meet! Thats so true. I just happened to meet a person who works for ACD now & my memories surfaced. 'glad I met that person; If not, wouldn't have spoken to ACD!!
Thursday, September 18
The new cool thing at office!!
We were in for a surprise when we got into the sole conference room we have at our office; something new, & cool at that, was at our disposal :)
'guess what?
An Xbox gaming console. hurray!!! :)
It's awesome. I have never been into computer games. But this one is different. Currently we have "Rock Band" loaded but as one would guess, many in the queue ;)
& "Rock Band" is really enjoyable; especially for ones like me who is not into anything in music apart from listening; ha..ha. It has got a complete drum set(hand & kick pads) with drum sticks and guitar apart from the mic. While I haven't been able to shed my inhibition at singing yet, drumming is very cool.
& no need to mention. With most in office trying their hand at singing and these instruments, we have an orchestra running every evening these days:)
'guess what?
An Xbox gaming console. hurray!!! :)
It's awesome. I have never been into computer games. But this one is different. Currently we have "Rock Band" loaded but as one would guess, many in the queue ;)
& "Rock Band" is really enjoyable; especially for ones like me who is not into anything in music apart from listening; ha..ha. It has got a complete drum set(hand & kick pads) with drum sticks and guitar apart from the mic. While I haven't been able to shed my inhibition at singing yet, drumming is very cool.
& no need to mention. With most in office trying their hand at singing and these instruments, we have an orchestra running every evening these days:)
Tuesday, September 16
A lingering thought!!
It was a mixed day today.
The happy part...
'had a good start to the day as I kickedoff my fortnightly presentations on design patterns to colleagues. It was literally a kick start; such was the fanfare :). The hall was full, 15+ people I suppose. And I enjoyed every second during the course of the 2 hour presentation; more so because I was the presenter and the participation I saw from the group was simply amazing. The group was so happy with the discussions, they have pushed me to schedule the discussions once a week instead of a fortnight. That means more work & preparation on my part; but then, I am happy; Hurray!!!
The sad[contemplative] part...
After the presentation, while I was just about to settle onto my routine,
"buzz..."
"What's up?"
There came a ping across the net from my long time pal.
"The day has started well. Just about to settle onto my routine", I replied.
"How about you?", I asked.
"well!! not so routine :(", came a sad reply after a pause.
& this friend of mine is a strong person & does not generally worry too much. His message told otherwise & I was concerned. Something must have really gone wrong. I called him. He works for an MNC & as he shared, there has been an announcement in his firm that a good thousands of jobs will be cut over a certain period. It was a huge number & my friend was concerned. The uncertainty got the better of him.
Now, what can one do? If it was not for a fortunate near perfect timing, I would have had to see a few friends being asked to move on; in person, at my previous employer. Thank goodness, I didn't have to. It would have been difficult.
But then, that was indeed a good lesson. That helped me reaffirm that my decision to move on was right. The perceptions we carry of a secured job, inspite of all reasons one can quote, are false. Uncertainty & the need of the hour are what stay. One better embrace uncertainty oneself before uncertainty imposes on one. Atleast, one has taken the call for self.
I am sad it has happened to a few of my friends, & now it might to one of my best. But, it is probably okay. It is just a matter of time before they reestablish selves back. Like for example, TL, who landed on a job just last week though after a worrysome two and a half months. It is tough but guess one can't help.
What does all this mean?
While my days could be running under the facade of happy times, I better prepare for what may not come and be ready to accept.
The happy part...
'had a good start to the day as I kickedoff my fortnightly presentations on design patterns to colleagues. It was literally a kick start; such was the fanfare :). The hall was full, 15+ people I suppose. And I enjoyed every second during the course of the 2 hour presentation; more so because I was the presenter and the participation I saw from the group was simply amazing. The group was so happy with the discussions, they have pushed me to schedule the discussions once a week instead of a fortnight. That means more work & preparation on my part; but then, I am happy; Hurray!!!
The sad[contemplative] part...
After the presentation, while I was just about to settle onto my routine,
"buzz..."
"What's up?"
There came a ping across the net from my long time pal.
"The day has started well. Just about to settle onto my routine", I replied.
"How about you?", I asked.
"well!! not so routine :(", came a sad reply after a pause.
& this friend of mine is a strong person & does not generally worry too much. His message told otherwise & I was concerned. Something must have really gone wrong. I called him. He works for an MNC & as he shared, there has been an announcement in his firm that a good thousands of jobs will be cut over a certain period. It was a huge number & my friend was concerned. The uncertainty got the better of him.
Now, what can one do? If it was not for a fortunate near perfect timing, I would have had to see a few friends being asked to move on; in person, at my previous employer. Thank goodness, I didn't have to. It would have been difficult.
But then, that was indeed a good lesson. That helped me reaffirm that my decision to move on was right. The perceptions we carry of a secured job, inspite of all reasons one can quote, are false. Uncertainty & the need of the hour are what stay. One better embrace uncertainty oneself before uncertainty imposes on one. Atleast, one has taken the call for self.
I am sad it has happened to a few of my friends, & now it might to one of my best. But, it is probably okay. It is just a matter of time before they reestablish selves back. Like for example, TL, who landed on a job just last week though after a worrysome two and a half months. It is tough but guess one can't help.
What does all this mean?
While my days could be running under the facade of happy times, I better prepare for what may not come and be ready to accept.
A Creative Ad!
Came across the following citation while taking my daily bite of adware today. Taken out of "Advertizing For Dummies", it talks of an ad placed by a dairy. I chuckled when I first read it. But then, it is very creative. Find for yourself :)
One such ad was a radio spot for BerkeleyFarms, a major Northern California dairy. Instead of creating a straight, consumer-directed ad extolling the virtues of its milk, the company created a recruitment ad for “new employees.” Instead of just telling its audience what superior milk they can take home when they buy the Berkeley Farms brand, a warm, motherly, female voice opens the spot with the wonderful line, “If you’re a cow, I want to tell you about Berkeley Farms — it’s a great place to work.” She goes on to tell any cows who may be listening that they can expect to be fed only the finest hays and grains, which a full-time vet is always on call in case they get sick, that their stalls are always kept clean and tidy, and that they are foolish cows indeed if they chose to work anywhere else.
This spot is a memorable one because it uses a creative twist — talking to the cows, not the consumers — to a great advantage. Hey, if this dairy is good enough for the cows, then it must be good enough for you!
One such ad was a radio spot for BerkeleyFarms, a major Northern California dairy. Instead of creating a straight, consumer-directed ad extolling the virtues of its milk, the company created a recruitment ad for “new employees.” Instead of just telling its audience what superior milk they can take home when they buy the Berkeley Farms brand, a warm, motherly, female voice opens the spot with the wonderful line, “If you’re a cow, I want to tell you about Berkeley Farms — it’s a great place to work.” She goes on to tell any cows who may be listening that they can expect to be fed only the finest hays and grains, which a full-time vet is always on call in case they get sick, that their stalls are always kept clean and tidy, and that they are foolish cows indeed if they chose to work anywhere else.
This spot is a memorable one because it uses a creative twist — talking to the cows, not the consumers — to a great advantage. Hey, if this dairy is good enough for the cows, then it must be good enough for you!
Monday, September 15
A(nother) fruitful day!!
It was a good day today [as usual ;)].
Finished planning the 6 week roadmap of the component I own. 2 months into the new firm, I have developed quite a hold on the code base. Its good to be at ease changing code:)
'was supposed to start on an additional component and slowly own it. Started on it with a bang!! he..he...I mean with a critical bug fix. :)
Finished my part of addressing a wrong hire issue. Fortunately, the way things have turned out, I do not have to regret my decision.
Had a gleeful evening. Went shopping!!
& now, just before calling it a day, I finished my preparations for the presentation and discussions for a design patterns discussions forum i am tasked with. Wonder what made my boss ask me, of all, to do it!! ;) It's now on my calender once a fortnight for the next 3 months to conduct these and ensure all my fellow colleagues share a common understanding of design patterns. 'got to see how it goes. :)
& did I mention? In between, I pitched in my personal project interests and scheduled a meeting with some one over the weekend. If things go well, I will have a partner on it soon:)). If not, at least I would have given a shot at selling my idea to someone; Hurray!!! :)
Finished planning the 6 week roadmap of the component I own. 2 months into the new firm, I have developed quite a hold on the code base. Its good to be at ease changing code:)
'was supposed to start on an additional component and slowly own it. Started on it with a bang!! he..he...I mean with a critical bug fix. :)
Finished my part of addressing a wrong hire issue. Fortunately, the way things have turned out, I do not have to regret my decision.
Had a gleeful evening. Went shopping!!
& now, just before calling it a day, I finished my preparations for the presentation and discussions for a design patterns discussions forum i am tasked with. Wonder what made my boss ask me, of all, to do it!! ;) It's now on my calender once a fortnight for the next 3 months to conduct these and ensure all my fellow colleagues share a common understanding of design patterns. 'got to see how it goes. :)
& did I mention? In between, I pitched in my personal project interests and scheduled a meeting with some one over the weekend. If things go well, I will have a partner on it soon:)). If not, at least I would have given a shot at selling my idea to someone; Hurray!!! :)
Sunday, September 14
Magazines online!!
Hit upon this new web2.0 service today; "mygazines". You read it right. It is mYgazine; for MY maGAZINE I guess :)Looks very interesting to me. I no longer have to go to the public library I used to frequent for most magazines:). It makes available a wonderful lot of printed magazines online for the interested. Also, provides lots of tools around them like email, share, bookmark/tag articles etc for the networked!
They are still in Beta. The UI isn't that smooth & also the site is pretty slow. However, I might still stay put with the site for the kind of magazines it gives me access to:)
Friday, September 12
Onam!
We celebrated Onam.
This year was a welcome change with regard to the celebration of the festival of Onam for me. Onam is a Mallu(sic) festival & I, being a Kannadiga haven't been much into its celebration. That despite being part of a predominantly mallu company for long :).
It was different this year. 'am part of a small firm with people from diverse backgrounds but very enthusiastic. Their energy pulled me as well as an active participant:)
We drew that special Onam rangoli [or whatever they call] with flowers. There were a few surprised faces seeing me, knowing who I am, by the flowers though!! & then, we had the specially arranged Kerala style meals; Onam special!! :)
This year was a welcome change with regard to the celebration of the festival of Onam for me. Onam is a Mallu(sic) festival & I, being a Kannadiga haven't been much into its celebration. That despite being part of a predominantly mallu company for long :).
It was different this year. 'am part of a small firm with people from diverse backgrounds but very enthusiastic. Their energy pulled me as well as an active participant:)
We drew that special Onam rangoli [or whatever they call] with flowers. There were a few surprised faces seeing me, knowing who I am, by the flowers though!! & then, we had the specially arranged Kerala style meals; Onam special!! :)
Tuesday, September 9
What do I do?
It's almost a month!!
I need to draw the line & take a call.
Hmm!! It is so easy making a decision for self. I would have done it in a whisker. I now have to decide something, rather unpleasing, that could affect someone else :(
I have tried my best. Talking to him, trying to help him. But unfortunately, things do not seem getting anywhere. I was appraised, at the beginning only, of the nature of problem this person had & why the firm was rethinking about his services. I was appraised of the efforts put in earlier in that regard too. But then, I didn't want it to happen to a fellow being. May be things could get better. I dared a month's time, much against monition from others, thinking I could change things a little. I have done that before & believed could do it this time too.
But the problem was of a different kind; rather of several kinds. I wonder, why we do not realize the importance of being professional at work. Today's workplace is a demanding one. The expectations are huge; skills (technical & otherwise), aptitude, attitude, passion, ownership in seeing a task to completion to mention a few. We need to realize the importance of results and act. It's for an individual to inculcate these and add value in being part of an organization. Others can only help to a level. Certain skills can be taught; they are only a matter of time. But certain others, mainly the perceptions & attitude, are hard to be changed.
And that is what we are facing with this individual. He comes out too insecure; scared of almost everything & everyone. His lack of confidence affects his interaction with others who, with time, have grown less inclined in helping him. He has his technical & analytical limitations. These limitations are not a problem; we all have limitations; but his indifference to them is the problem. He is so full of sympathy for self, he spends his energy conveying it to others rather than work on what is needed!! He is always submerged in his own problems and hence organizational dependencies on him suffer.
My attempts to get him out of this have yielded little. I am running out of the time I bought for him & am being asked for a decision. As much as I sympathise with him, I need to go rational & decide.
To continue with him or not.
What do I do?
I need to draw the line & take a call.
Hmm!! It is so easy making a decision for self. I would have done it in a whisker. I now have to decide something, rather unpleasing, that could affect someone else :(
I have tried my best. Talking to him, trying to help him. But unfortunately, things do not seem getting anywhere. I was appraised, at the beginning only, of the nature of problem this person had & why the firm was rethinking about his services. I was appraised of the efforts put in earlier in that regard too. But then, I didn't want it to happen to a fellow being. May be things could get better. I dared a month's time, much against monition from others, thinking I could change things a little. I have done that before & believed could do it this time too.
But the problem was of a different kind; rather of several kinds. I wonder, why we do not realize the importance of being professional at work. Today's workplace is a demanding one. The expectations are huge; skills (technical & otherwise), aptitude, attitude, passion, ownership in seeing a task to completion to mention a few. We need to realize the importance of results and act. It's for an individual to inculcate these and add value in being part of an organization. Others can only help to a level. Certain skills can be taught; they are only a matter of time. But certain others, mainly the perceptions & attitude, are hard to be changed.
And that is what we are facing with this individual. He comes out too insecure; scared of almost everything & everyone. His lack of confidence affects his interaction with others who, with time, have grown less inclined in helping him. He has his technical & analytical limitations. These limitations are not a problem; we all have limitations; but his indifference to them is the problem. He is so full of sympathy for self, he spends his energy conveying it to others rather than work on what is needed!! He is always submerged in his own problems and hence organizational dependencies on him suffer.
My attempts to get him out of this have yielded little. I am running out of the time I bought for him & am being asked for a decision. As much as I sympathise with him, I need to go rational & decide.
To continue with him or not.
What do I do?
Sunday, September 7
The helpless station master!
I was returning from my hometown. I usually prefer a bus but had to travel by train this time. Things were okay until an hour into the journey after which the railcar I was in started stinking! It got horrible with time & I couldn't take it. At the next station, I spoke to one of the local officials to do something about it. They asked me to find & complain to a person designated ASF! I was told he will be available in the front railcar! I tracked the length of the train looking for him only in vain!!
I wasn't ready to give up yet. So I hit the station master's office & spoke to the station master. Contradicting my expectations, he was very patient & empathetic. He listened to me willingly. But, then was quick to mention his helplessness in not being able to do something about the situation. He spoke at length on the problem of the newly introduced (system of) contract employees and their attitude to work; about how difficult it was to get them to work & the pain of not having enough authority to take action on them!!
My problem remained unsolved. I chose to move to a different railcar for the rest of the journey. I wonder how so many in that railcar could endure the smell over the period of journey.
Anyway, on poking, the station master handed me an address of the divisional railway manager whom I could write to on the experience and hope to see some remedial action. I will do that & see if at all there is a reply!!!
On side note, this makes me wonder on the way people take their work these days. I have seen similar issues of lacking passion, ownership & willingness in one's work in IT, the field I work in. 'guess the issues are the same everywhere!!!
I wasn't ready to give up yet. So I hit the station master's office & spoke to the station master. Contradicting my expectations, he was very patient & empathetic. He listened to me willingly. But, then was quick to mention his helplessness in not being able to do something about the situation. He spoke at length on the problem of the newly introduced (system of) contract employees and their attitude to work; about how difficult it was to get them to work & the pain of not having enough authority to take action on them!!
My problem remained unsolved. I chose to move to a different railcar for the rest of the journey. I wonder how so many in that railcar could endure the smell over the period of journey.
Anyway, on poking, the station master handed me an address of the divisional railway manager whom I could write to on the experience and hope to see some remedial action. I will do that & see if at all there is a reply!!!
On side note, this makes me wonder on the way people take their work these days. I have seen similar issues of lacking passion, ownership & willingness in one's work in IT, the field I work in. 'guess the issues are the same everywhere!!!
Sunday, August 31
Eyecatching Ads!
Which Ads are the best Ads?
For me, best Ads are those which are simple and make me smile. That which makes me smile, makes me relook at it. & thats what advertising is supposed to ensure. Isn't it?
'was browsing on the net for some of the best add campaigns. Two campaigns caught my eye.
The first one is captioned "Reach out to children with Autism" & is from the Dubai Autism Centre. Very simple Ad exemplifying the need of an helping hand for such kids.
The second one depicts the harm that tobacco consumption can lead to. It is captioned "Terrorism-related deaths since 2001: 11,337. Tobacco-related deaths since 2001: 30,000,000". What a strong message though indirect!
For me, best Ads are those which are simple and make me smile. That which makes me smile, makes me relook at it. & thats what advertising is supposed to ensure. Isn't it?
'was browsing on the net for some of the best add campaigns. Two campaigns caught my eye.
The first one is captioned "Reach out to children with Autism" & is from the Dubai Autism Centre. Very simple Ad exemplifying the need of an helping hand for such kids.
The second one depicts the harm that tobacco consumption can lead to. It is captioned "Terrorism-related deaths since 2001: 11,337. Tobacco-related deaths since 2001: 30,000,000". What a strong message though indirect!
Saturday, August 30
Finally. I am onto it!
Here begins my work! For myself that is.
There is this concept floating around in my mind for a couple of months now. Floating? I would rather say haunting!! ;)
There is so much happening on the web. I want a place there of my own! & I laid the the first (e)brick today :). 'have been on exploration for a while now. It's time to act.
First task was deciding the software & tools needed. With so much choice available, it indeed is hard. Anyway, I have now got my machine setup with all needed s/w & utilities. Thanks to the concept of open source & free software :)
I have spent time deciding the first screen. & then, I need a logo!! & these are really really tough. I am sure it is going to take me a long time to get the designer out of me for the logo :)
"Well begun is half done", they say. Hope that's true :)
There is this concept floating around in my mind for a couple of months now. Floating? I would rather say haunting!! ;)
There is so much happening on the web. I want a place there of my own! & I laid the the first (e)brick today :). 'have been on exploration for a while now. It's time to act.
First task was deciding the software & tools needed. With so much choice available, it indeed is hard. Anyway, I have now got my machine setup with all needed s/w & utilities. Thanks to the concept of open source & free software :)
I have spent time deciding the first screen. & then, I need a logo!! & these are really really tough. I am sure it is going to take me a long time to get the designer out of me for the logo :)
"Well begun is half done", they say. Hope that's true :)
Friday, August 29
Thought provoking?!!
- They are so anxious about the future, that they neglect the present, and thus live in neither the present nor the future.
- They live as if they were never going to die, and die as if they had never lived.
So quoted a friend of mine, in her blog contemplating human beings, drawing from her readings of Paulo Coelho. & guess what was the title? "Thought Provoking"!!
Well! I agree. Most of us, very eager to take a firm footing in our careers, get into this loop. Only later do we realize what we lost. Time and again, one way or the other, we are reminded of it but still we give in to the allure of corporate life and loose out on personal life. If you look at it, life is always personal. we trade a part of our waking hours on work so we can make life better. Unfortunately that reasoning has gone beneath and work has become life.
I have personally gone through this phase. Fortunately, 'have realized and rearranged my priorities. 'have changed my routine including my workplace to accomodate the same. My motivation these days is the time I spend with myself, family & friends. 'am happy for my blogger friend if her readings have really provoked her to look at this. She seems to have been too busy with work. May she come out of it and make time for herself. :)
- They live as if they were never going to die, and die as if they had never lived.
So quoted a friend of mine, in her blog contemplating human beings, drawing from her readings of Paulo Coelho. & guess what was the title? "Thought Provoking"!!
Well! I agree. Most of us, very eager to take a firm footing in our careers, get into this loop. Only later do we realize what we lost. Time and again, one way or the other, we are reminded of it but still we give in to the allure of corporate life and loose out on personal life. If you look at it, life is always personal. we trade a part of our waking hours on work so we can make life better. Unfortunately that reasoning has gone beneath and work has become life.I have personally gone through this phase. Fortunately, 'have realized and rearranged my priorities. 'have changed my routine including my workplace to accomodate the same. My motivation these days is the time I spend with myself, family & friends. 'am happy for my blogger friend if her readings have really provoked her to look at this. She seems to have been too busy with work. May she come out of it and make time for herself. :)
Friday, August 15
Celebrating Independence?
It's 15th August again & we seem reminded of the notion of independence! We send wishes around; we distribute sweets & take a happy day off from work!!While all this is good & adds aura to the day, I continue to wonder on the notions of Freedom & Independence. So many, around the world, have sacrificed their lives (& many still continue to) for the cause of "Independence". The notion is rightly depicted by Andrew (Robin Williams) in "Bicentennial man" when he sets out on his path to freedom; "Great wars have been fought for freedom", so he begins. As the movie highlights', "Freedom" is freedom for will and willful existence, & not freedom that is derived from boundaries.
It's only fitting that we take this day to remember all those great souls and their selfless acts for the cause of our independence. The freedom we enjoy is bestowed by them. It's their spirit we ought to celebrate.
Tuesday, August 12
Willing to own & explore. Thats all one needs to be!!
Time & again, at work & otherwise, I have hit situations in which we tend to give in & accept defeat very easily. More so; surprisingly; for simple things & unnecessarily depend on others. Lazyness or lack of knowledge & experience in an area is often used as alibi. I guess, we just want to acquit ourselves of the responsibilty of solving problems & thus escape.
May be the problem is, we are all used to ready made things & solutions. We neither have the patience nor the interest in doing anything ourselves. We would rather have things ready than apply ourselves!!
Agreed, knowledge; shelved as it was earlier; was with the experts & such an excuse could be accommodated. However, now, in the time of the internet & open knowledge, where information is just a click away, do we still continue as lazy & pass the buck? I suppose not! A little tweak to our mentality, a small change in the way we think could do wonders I guess. All we need to do is to develop a willingness to own & explore. Whatever the problem be, ownership gives the impetus to persevere & exploration gives the knowledge which, together, can ultimately help us solve things ourselves. As the saying goes, one should think with the left side of the brain & not with what is left of the brain!!
Education is the methodical creation of the habit of thinking.
--Ernest Dimne
Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.
--John Locke
May be the problem is, we are all used to ready made things & solutions. We neither have the patience nor the interest in doing anything ourselves. We would rather have things ready than apply ourselves!!
Agreed, knowledge; shelved as it was earlier; was with the experts & such an excuse could be accommodated. However, now, in the time of the internet & open knowledge, where information is just a click away, do we still continue as lazy & pass the buck? I suppose not! A little tweak to our mentality, a small change in the way we think could do wonders I guess. All we need to do is to develop a willingness to own & explore. Whatever the problem be, ownership gives the impetus to persevere & exploration gives the knowledge which, together, can ultimately help us solve things ourselves. As the saying goes, one should think with the left side of the brain & not with what is left of the brain!!
Education is the methodical creation of the habit of thinking.
--Ernest Dimne
Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.
--John Locke
Sunday, August 10
A flower feast!!
Had been to the annual flower show at Lalbagh today. Good I did! The flower collection was amazing! & colours?..really wonderful! Here are a few of the shots I took at the venue -
All the photoes can be seen here.
The slide show can be downloaded from my skydrive -
All the photoes can be seen here.
The slide show can be downloaded from my skydrive -
Saturday, August 9
I am reminded of Ladakh!!
I liked this image from the "Metro Plus" supplement of today's "The Hindu", titled "How is that for National Integration!". An apt title isn't it?
It's a contribution from a participative reader of the paper. Nice snap buddy!
My guess, from its background, is that the image is from around Ladakh region. That brings back memories of my own tour in the region. Such a wonderful place!. I remember, amongst other things, a hobby we had developed in those days while traveling around the region. The roads were all developed by BRO (Border Roads Organization) & they had done a wonderful job of displaying nice quotations, road safety & cautionary messages all along the roads. In fact, waiting for such displays & reading them aloud gave us so much joy. I wish I had a digi-cam then so I could capture those. I hardly remember all of them; but here are my favourite ones -
- "Be gentle on my curves". Very much befitting the sharp & dangerous curves on those roads.
- "It's not a race or rally; enjoy the Kashmir valley". Take my word for it. It's the journey & not the destination that matters when it comes to touring Kashmir.
It's a contribution from a participative reader of the paper. Nice snap buddy!
My guess, from its background, is that the image is from around Ladakh region. That brings back memories of my own tour in the region. Such a wonderful place!. I remember, amongst other things, a hobby we had developed in those days while traveling around the region. The roads were all developed by BRO (Border Roads Organization) & they had done a wonderful job of displaying nice quotations, road safety & cautionary messages all along the roads. In fact, waiting for such displays & reading them aloud gave us so much joy. I wish I had a digi-cam then so I could capture those. I hardly remember all of them; but here are my favourite ones -
- "Be gentle on my curves". Very much befitting the sharp & dangerous curves on those roads.
- "It's not a race or rally; enjoy the Kashmir valley". Take my word for it. It's the journey & not the destination that matters when it comes to touring Kashmir.
Friday, August 8
Olympics 2008. I am impressed with the start!!
I am impressed! That sums up all I have got to say about the opening ceremony of Olympics 2008!!
It was an awesome show. Spectacular in all respects - the size, the grandeur, the emotions. I wish I could witness the event in person although I had a few wonderful hours watching the show live on television.
It was such a rich mix of people from so many different races; people so overjoyed while flaunting their ethnic dresses in national pride; such colours on the ground; the pride of a number of nations, their national flags, swaying to the encouraging screams! - ahh.. so many things..& finaly, the olympic torch & the way it was relayed elevated around the ground; too good; very innovative.
It marked an event I will cherish for quite a time. Kudos' to the people who made it possible - an event so mammoth is size & started so well!
Tuesday, August 5
A glimpse of the beauty that our Cosmos is!!
Got this image from my astro-feed today. Isn't it amazing? Wonderful colours!!& hey! It is for real. It is an image of "Cat's Eye nebula" from NASA's hubble optics collection!!
Check for more here.
A recent find for my daily reading!!
What do you do to unwind at the end of a work day?
- So asked a friend!
I read.
- I replied!
Come on! As if all work through the day hasn't taxed your mind enough!!
- So she exclaimed!
Hmm.. Whatever makes us believe reading is taxing on the mind! I find reading a very enjoyable experience. Ofcourse the material matters a lot. Being in the tech industry, reading is half my job & sure, it is demanding. But then, does reading have to stop there? Light reading at the end of the day, before I slip to bed, has a soothing effect on me & is something I have followed for years.
& with time, I have moved on, from hard prints to soft copies. Most of my reading these days is on the net. But a problem, typical of the net, is that there is so much one gets his hands on, one barely follow a topic to end; one looses continuity.
& here is what I discovered a few weeks back - Daily Literature. Its a web resource where one can subscribe(RSS/email) to regular feeds of sections from one or more books. That lands a snippet of writing in one's RSS reader/mail inbox which can be read in a matter of minutes!! I find it a good way to keep up with books, follow them till end & experience the narration. Also, by mixing selections, one can have a dose of humour, classics, fiction & many more on a daily basis. & that is very intersting to me.
I am following "Sense & Sensibility" by Jane Austin & "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde together enjoyably. There are many more that Daily Literature offers for free & I already have my list to follow ;)
- So asked a friend!
I read.
- I replied!
Come on! As if all work through the day hasn't taxed your mind enough!!
- So she exclaimed!
Hmm.. Whatever makes us believe reading is taxing on the mind! I find reading a very enjoyable experience. Ofcourse the material matters a lot. Being in the tech industry, reading is half my job & sure, it is demanding. But then, does reading have to stop there? Light reading at the end of the day, before I slip to bed, has a soothing effect on me & is something I have followed for years.
& with time, I have moved on, from hard prints to soft copies. Most of my reading these days is on the net. But a problem, typical of the net, is that there is so much one gets his hands on, one barely follow a topic to end; one looses continuity.
& here is what I discovered a few weeks back - Daily Literature. Its a web resource where one can subscribe(RSS/email) to regular feeds of sections from one or more books. That lands a snippet of writing in one's RSS reader/mail inbox which can be read in a matter of minutes!! I find it a good way to keep up with books, follow them till end & experience the narration. Also, by mixing selections, one can have a dose of humour, classics, fiction & many more on a daily basis. & that is very intersting to me.
I am following "Sense & Sensibility" by Jane Austin & "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde together enjoyably. There are many more that Daily Literature offers for free & I already have my list to follow ;)
Sunday, August 3
I wish I were his student!!!
Professor teaches students how to hack!
So read an article I stumbled upon today. It talks of George Ledin, a professor in California, teaching his students the tricks of hacking computer systems and challenging antivirus software. One can read the full article at newsweek here.
Antivirus software vendors don't seem to be happy with him. Does it matter?
I don't think so.
Knowledge is something that needs to be shared. Knowledge itself cannot be malicious; It's more how one uses it. It's no use criticizing and hiding such knowledge. All I feel we should be looking at is building a good value system through our schooling, culture & societal norms.
I liked what Jim, one of the commenters on the article had to say - "This professor is adding knowledge, parents are tasked with adding character before the professor gets the students". How true!
With strong character preceding & sustaining, such knowledge shouldn't be any issue. Is it?
& for me, I wish I had a professor like him. One who understands and passes on what a student really needs - the thought process.
So read an article I stumbled upon today. It talks of George Ledin, a professor in California, teaching his students the tricks of hacking computer systems and challenging antivirus software. One can read the full article at newsweek here.
Antivirus software vendors don't seem to be happy with him. Does it matter?
I don't think so.
Knowledge is something that needs to be shared. Knowledge itself cannot be malicious; It's more how one uses it. It's no use criticizing and hiding such knowledge. All I feel we should be looking at is building a good value system through our schooling, culture & societal norms.
I liked what Jim, one of the commenters on the article had to say - "This professor is adding knowledge, parents are tasked with adding character before the professor gets the students". How true!
With strong character preceding & sustaining, such knowledge shouldn't be any issue. Is it?
& for me, I wish I had a professor like him. One who understands and passes on what a student really needs - the thought process.
Shared browsing!!
Of late there have been a few instances when me and a friend have been co-browsing!! i.e. while we were both online, we shared the interesting links that we stumbled upon, browsed them, commented & discussed about them. Fun as it was, we felt lacking since we had to collaborate on our browser content using instant messengers & mobile telephony!! It left me wondering why hasn't there been an application to help share the browsing experience easily; especially in these days of web2.0 and the social (i)networking!!
Today, I tried looking for such applications & to my surprise found a few. One of them is Me.dium. From their web pages, I gather that they support much more than shared browsing. 'haven't tried it yet but looks to be the kind of application I needed. 'll try it out with friends soon. :)
Today, I tried looking for such applications & to my surprise found a few. One of them is Me.dium. From their web pages, I gather that they support much more than shared browsing. 'haven't tried it yet but looks to be the kind of application I needed. 'll try it out with friends soon. :)
Saturday, August 2
ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರಹ!!
ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆದು ಅದೆಷ್ಟು ದಿನಗಳಾದವು! ಕೈಬರಹ ತಪ್ಪಿಯೇ ವರ್ಷಗಳಾಗಿದೆ! ಹೀಗೇ ಬ್ಲಾಗರ್ ಹೆಲ್ಪ್ ನೋಡ್ತಾ ಇದ್ದಾಗ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಸಪೋರ್ಟ್ ನೋಡಿ ಯಾಕೆ ಟ್ರೈ ಮಾಡಬಾರದು ಅನ್ನಿಸಿತು. ಅದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಈ test ಬ್ಲಾಗ್!! transliteration feature ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿದೆ. ಇನ್ಮೇಲಾದ್ರು ಆಗೀಗ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರಿಯ ಬಹುದು :)
Blog template!!
For once, today, thought of tweaking my blog template to a custom one & here is the result. It was fun playing with HTML tags :)
Friday, August 1
Powerset; Wikipedia search made easy!!
Recently I stumbled on this new startup search engine named Powerset. What caught my attention was their goal of basing search on natural language principles. I was amused. I tried their current offering; the Wikipedia search. It was amazing. There isn't any point in me describing the experience dear friends, you should try it for yourself here.
I am happy to read they are now part of Microsoft. I liked what they are trying to do. This acquisition should give them the necessary resources. May Powerset go more powerful on its search index!!
I am happy to read they are now part of Microsoft. I liked what they are trying to do. This acquisition should give them the necessary resources. May Powerset go more powerful on its search index!!
Sunday, July 27
Top 10 Concepts That Every Software Engineer Should Know!!
Last Tuesday, RWW carried an article on the concepts that a software engineer should know. Interested ones' can read the article here. The concepts enumerated were pretty obvious except for one that caught my attention; & that was the inclusion of what is being referred to these days as "Cloud Computing". Such has become the power of network and computing these days that they are an inseparable part of us.
Cloud computing, at its simplest, refers to the relocation of data & computation from the users' personal computers (notebooks, laptops & desktops) to servers hosted in the internet cloud. The users are oblivious to the practical manifestation of the cloud. With the ever increasing demand for accessing & sharing data independent of the geography, cloud computing is only going to grow in scale!!
For those still wondering about cloud computing, if you have ever used Google Docs or Windows live spaces, you have already had a taste of what cloud computing can offer!!!
Back to the topic! As much a good write-up it is, I wasn't personally much impressed with the article. Most things mentioned are what we read/gather during our academics. What is important rather, is material which can help prepare/transition a software wannabe to real world software engineering. In that regard, I should acknowledge, that I found "Pragmatic Programmer" a very good book. It makes for a light reading but packs a lot of really useful material & holds true to it's name; being pragmatic in its coverage. I am thankful to KD, my mentor at my previous employer, for having handed me a copy of the book just about the right time; when I was trying to firm my step in the industry. It helped a lot in tuning my approach to software. One can take a better peek on the book here. I guess it's available for download too!! :)
Cloud computing, at its simplest, refers to the relocation of data & computation from the users' personal computers (notebooks, laptops & desktops) to servers hosted in the internet cloud. The users are oblivious to the practical manifestation of the cloud. With the ever increasing demand for accessing & sharing data independent of the geography, cloud computing is only going to grow in scale!!
For those still wondering about cloud computing, if you have ever used Google Docs or Windows live spaces, you have already had a taste of what cloud computing can offer!!!
Back to the topic! As much a good write-up it is, I wasn't personally much impressed with the article. Most things mentioned are what we read/gather during our academics. What is important rather, is material which can help prepare/transition a software wannabe to real world software engineering. In that regard, I should acknowledge, that I found "Pragmatic Programmer" a very good book. It makes for a light reading but packs a lot of really useful material & holds true to it's name; being pragmatic in its coverage. I am thankful to KD, my mentor at my previous employer, for having handed me a copy of the book just about the right time; when I was trying to firm my step in the industry. It helped a lot in tuning my approach to software. One can take a better peek on the book here. I guess it's available for download too!! :)
Google's Knol..a death ring for Wikipedia?
An important development in the world of web this week was that Google opened up Knol, an authorship service to general usage.
A knol, Google claims, is an authoritative article about a specific topic. Knol for KNOwLedge!
Well! Curious as I am on every word I see, I hit my wordweb? & guess what? I was directed to the word "Knoll" & here is what it's semantics partly read -
Knoll [pronounced no'wl]
Noun: [archaic] The sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death or a funeral or the end of something
Verb: Ring as in announcing death
Isn't it just incidental? Looking at what Google is aiming to do with Knol - acquire authors, are we seeing a competitor for the famous Wikipedia here? Knol is sure very lucrative for authors.
- One, it is backed by Google who spends an enormous amount of money in building its online properties so users can have the best of tools available.
- Second, the lure of revenue from Google's "AdSense"!!
No wonder at all if content generators move towards Knol!! So, would "Knol" ring a knell for Wikipedia? Only time can tell!!! Let us wait & see :)
In case you wanna try it yourself, go here.
A knol, Google claims, is an authoritative article about a specific topic. Knol for KNOwLedge!
Well! Curious as I am on every word I see, I hit my wordweb? & guess what? I was directed to the word "Knoll" & here is what it's semantics partly read -
Knoll [pronounced no'wl]
Noun: [archaic] The sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death or a funeral or the end of something
Verb: Ring as in announcing death
Isn't it just incidental? Looking at what Google is aiming to do with Knol - acquire authors, are we seeing a competitor for the famous Wikipedia here? Knol is sure very lucrative for authors.
- One, it is backed by Google who spends an enormous amount of money in building its online properties so users can have the best of tools available.
- Second, the lure of revenue from Google's "AdSense"!!
No wonder at all if content generators move towards Knol!! So, would "Knol" ring a knell for Wikipedia? Only time can tell!!! Let us wait & see :)
In case you wanna try it yourself, go here.
Tuesday, July 22
My we(B)log. Again!!!
Ahh! Finally! Here I am! Onto my we(B)log :). Again!!!
Wondering why those exclamations? there are reasons. This isn't the first time I thought of blogging. I started long back.. almost 2 years I suppose. & then, the typical,I was so busy with work; where was the time? laziness caught my time. ;)
& there stayed my first blog, the only one flagging my presence on the web, orphaned. All I wrote then was...Ahh! not "Hello world" my dear programmers; it read "Test blog"; after all I carry an engineering(software of course..need i be explicit?) paradigm where "Test First/Driven Design (TFD/TDD)" is paramount!!
Orphaned blog? Yes. But that doesn't mean I ain't a netizen. I spend a lot of time on the web. The web is such an amazing place, has so much to offer. There is so much information..I always find myself lost zooming-in on the information highway. (Thanks to Bill Gates for the phrase. It really is a super highway. Only, there is no end!!)
Why then did I not continue on the blog?
Well! Mainly because I never thought I could write something that is not already on the web! Avoiding duplication is a s/w engineers' mantra..isn't it ;)
Also, I wondered who at all would want to read me!
& then..the inevitable ..what at all do I write about?
....Do I write on my time at work?
....or on the hassles of today's city life there by vent my frustration out!
....Do I write on the things I muse about in solitude?
....or Do I write on my experiments with all these wonderful things, innovations so to say, that are happening on the web?!!
Hmm..Thanks to two of my friends. I seem to have interested readers; & more convincingly, readers interested in whatever I have to say. They have, through their persistence (read praise, flattering..) managed to get me back onto blogosphere; & hopefully 'll keep me active. ;)
Wondering why those exclamations? there are reasons. This isn't the first time I thought of blogging. I started long back.. almost 2 years I suppose. & then, the typical,
& there stayed my first blog, the only one flagging my presence on the web, orphaned. All I wrote then was...Ahh! not "Hello world" my dear programmers; it read "Test blog"; after all I carry an engineering(software of course..need i be explicit?) paradigm where "Test First/Driven Design (TFD/TDD)" is paramount!!
Orphaned blog? Yes. But that doesn't mean I ain't a netizen. I spend a lot of time on the web. The web is such an amazing place, has so much to offer. There is so much information..I always find myself lost zooming-in on the information highway. (Thanks to Bill Gates for the phrase. It really is a super highway. Only, there is no end!!)
Why then did I not continue on the blog?
Well! Mainly because I never thought I could write something that is not already on the web! Avoiding duplication is a s/w engineers' mantra..isn't it ;)
Also, I wondered who at all would want to read me!
& then..the inevitable ..what at all do I write about?
....Do I write on my time at work?
....or on the hassles of today's city life there by vent my frustration out!
....Do I write on the things I muse about in solitude?
....or Do I write on my experiments with all these wonderful things, innovations so to say, that are happening on the web?!!
Hmm..Thanks to two of my friends. I seem to have interested readers; & more convincingly, readers interested in whatever I have to say. They have, through their persistence (read praise, flattering..) managed to get me back onto blogosphere; & hopefully 'll keep me active. ;)
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