Recently, I read this story about how some folks made tons of frequent flyer miles without really spending any money at all.....
But first I have to tell you the Pudding Guy story from 2000.
David Phillips, a California engineer, took advantage of overlapping frequent flyer promotions to earn 1.2 million miles by purchasing 12,000 cups of Healthy Choice pudding, for $3,000. At the time, someone put the value of those miles, redeemable for 48 free domestic tickets, at about $20,000. Not bad for a $3,000 investment. (In case you're wondering, he gave most of the pudding away to charities, soup kitchens, and the like.)
And quite recently, the U.S. Mint has been selling $1 coins in bulk, at face value, with no shipping or handling charges. Canny consumers have been buying the coins and charging the purchase to a mileage- or points-generating credit card. When the coins are delivered, the buyer simply takes them to the bank and deposits them, using the money to pay for the purchase when the credit card statement arrives.
Here is the original Wall Street Journal story
I should credit this story too...
----------------------------------------
Anyways, reading this story made me think about "Being Lucky" and "Being Smart".
I have had this feeling before that every person will get the opportunity of his/her lifetime at least once..... It does not matter what you have been doing till that date... but IF you capture the moment and make use of the opportunity, things will never be the same again.....
And that most of the time, people are not even aware of such an opportunity going by.... And they spend their lifetime ruing/ lamenting about their ill-fortune....
Studies have shown that people that are optimistic have a huge probability of catching the 'right' moment... In fact, I remember a detailed research that conducted many live studies where hundreds of people were given a newspaper to read and answer some questions.... There were a couple of places on the paper where a message was inserted saying something to the effect "If you see this, just turn in the newspaper and we will give you $200".... And as you could have guessed by now, the optimists and the folks that considered themselves lucky collected the $200 many times over those that did NOT consider themselves lucky....!!
Moral of the story: consider yourself lucky and you will be!!
-------------------------------------------------
But there is a catch... if you have been considering yourself "NOT Lucky" or "Unlucky", how can you overturn your thoughts overnight??
That is a bigger story.... but here is the gist of it -
I have had many such 'lucky' instances in the early years of my life.... And suddenly one day, things changed.... and I thought I turned unlucky.... That was followed by a series of undesirable events and over time, it reiterated my feeling of unluckiness. That left me totally helpless. Well, what can "I" do? the God of luck is not in my favor!! That was a total wretched feeling and left me feeling miserable and unhappy. Oh boy, those were the dark days..
And one day, after months and years of trying to change my luck, I realized that "I" am the culprit!! I realized that it was "I" that was saying that I am unlucky. Like I said, there have been instances of both scenarios in my life. But I was saying that I was unlucky (at that period in life), choosing to ignore the positives that were present.
I can say I am lucky... or I can say I am unlucky. Whatever I say, my life goes exactly the way I say.
When I started taking responsibility for "my life" and what I say about it, I started feeling a lot of freedom and gracefulness back in my life. With the new found grace, I was "free" to start seeing the positives again, and not turn a blind eye to the positives. Life started to look rosy again - show shades of luck. Only this time, I know "I" am seeing it!!!
You may ask - "so what are you saying, finally?"
For one, consider today your lucky day!! What you have read just now is the secret to unravelling your own luck, if you choose to. [Yes, only if you choose to - that is another Zen]
For another, this is the story behind my blog name... "I Say. So I am."
- Bhaskar
PS: Some say it as "I Think. Therefore I am." - but if you are only thinking, how will I know?! Anyways, another Zen for another day!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
vs.
"Positive emptiness vs. Negative emptiness"
Philosophical time: Appraisal time!
-----------------------
Yesterday:
Good morning Raleigh
Good evening St. Louis
Good night Minneapolis
---------------
Raleigh was nice... and a bit cold.....
But nothing compared to the cold send-off I am getting here at Minneapolis...
15 F, snow and 30 mph winds....
Philosophical time: Appraisal time!
-----------------------
Yesterday:
Good morning Raleigh
Good evening St. Louis
Good night Minneapolis
---------------
Raleigh was nice... and a bit cold.....
But nothing compared to the cold send-off I am getting here at Minneapolis...
15 F, snow and 30 mph winds....
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Minimma in Minneapolis!!
Minimma (of MKKK fame) is coming to Minneapolis for Thanksgiving... and all her fans have erected a huge cut-out welcoming her.
At the same time, all the ducks are having an emergency 'maanaadu' (mega meeting) - on how to tackle the arriving paparazzi... refer MKKK..the Prologue to understand the ducks' exasperations!
Last heard, all the auto rental companies are closing down their shops in the area... will report back their issues and apprehensions soon...
Also read MKKK...1
PS: I should remind you that even though this Minimma is the poster gal for MKKK, the MKKK brand is not exclusive... and is based on a collections of ambassadors and global stories...! ;)
At the same time, all the ducks are having an emergency 'maanaadu' (mega meeting) - on how to tackle the arriving paparazzi... refer MKKK..the Prologue to understand the ducks' exasperations!
Last heard, all the auto rental companies are closing down their shops in the area... will report back their issues and apprehensions soon...
Also read MKKK...1
PS: I should remind you that even though this Minimma is the poster gal for MKKK, the MKKK brand is not exclusive... and is based on a collections of ambassadors and global stories...! ;)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Hello, I'm Bhaskar...
... and you are? Please, would you introduce yourselves?
If you read Isay.Soiam. [;)] occasionally or often or regularly, but have never commented before, I'd love to hear from you. What are the kinds of posts you like to read on Isay.Soiam. ? Even if you are a regular visitor here and have commented before (I know I don't say this enough, but I love the fact that you take time to read and leave comments!), it would be awesome if you could tell me what interests you on this blog.
Thank you and cheers!
And Thanks to Sujatha for the idea of outreach!!
If you read Isay.Soiam. [;)] occasionally or often or regularly, but have never commented before, I'd love to hear from you. What are the kinds of posts you like to read on Isay.Soiam. ? Even if you are a regular visitor here and have commented before (I know I don't say this enough, but I love the fact that you take time to read and leave comments!), it would be awesome if you could tell me what interests you on this blog.
Thank you and cheers!
And Thanks to Sujatha for the idea of outreach!!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Fashion Faux Pas?
Well... I am not one of those (bloody) fashionistas....
but what the f**k is wrong with this outfit?? Why are they outraged?
May be it is not the best combination... and it is a bit jarring to the senses... still, I think it is cute......
but what the f**k is wrong with this outfit?? Why are they outraged?
May be it is not the best combination... and it is a bit jarring to the senses... still, I think it is cute......
Young Age....
The trouble with the young age is that you dont realize what you have.....
Until you lose it all in the name of experience...!
Happy Children's Day!!!
To the child in you....
Until you lose it all in the name of experience...!
Happy Children's Day!!!
To the child in you....
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
TED India!!!
This is the first time I heard about TED... rather, I should say this is the first time I paid attention to TED.
TED - Ideas Worth Sharing
seems a place where people share ideas that they think are worth sharing and would like others start benefitting from the ideas.
Wiki says TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is an academic organization owned by The Sapling Foundation, a private nonprofit foundation. TED is well-known for its annual, invitation-only conference devoted to "ideas worth spreading". TED is famous for its lectures, known as TED Talks.
Look at this video for example.... it about a cool technology called sixth sense... watch it and be amazed!!
TED India is going on currently... Nov 4 - 7, 2009 at Mysore.... and Man!!!... a revolution beginning to happen... TED India is not as much about technologies, but it is about ideas, thoughts, stories that can shape our future - lot of positives, collaborative thinking and expanding boundaries.
Check this out... A Taste of TED India
you should follow sanjukta on Twitter.. or just read some of her tweets on the event... And see the pics on Kiruba's page... it is pretty awesome!!
He has some 300 pics in there.... Oh is that happening in Infosys Mysore campus?! Cool!!!
cross-posted on my Tech blog
TED - Ideas Worth Sharing
seems a place where people share ideas that they think are worth sharing and would like others start benefitting from the ideas.
Wiki says TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is an academic organization owned by The Sapling Foundation, a private nonprofit foundation. TED is well-known for its annual, invitation-only conference devoted to "ideas worth spreading". TED is famous for its lectures, known as TED Talks.
Look at this video for example.... it about a cool technology called sixth sense... watch it and be amazed!!
TED India is going on currently... Nov 4 - 7, 2009 at Mysore.... and Man!!!... a revolution beginning to happen... TED India is not as much about technologies, but it is about ideas, thoughts, stories that can shape our future - lot of positives, collaborative thinking and expanding boundaries.
Check this out... A Taste of TED India
you should follow sanjukta on Twitter.. or just read some of her tweets on the event... And see the pics on Kiruba's page... it is pretty awesome!!
He has some 300 pics in there.... Oh is that happening in Infosys Mysore campus?! Cool!!!
cross-posted on my Tech blog
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Snow!
Its only October, it has snowed some four times already here!!
Anyways, here is a tribute to snow and Calvin Hobbes......
Thanks M for da strips..!
Anyways, here is a tribute to snow and Calvin Hobbes......
Thanks M for da strips..!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Oh those dosas...!
One of the troubles from visiting India is the food afterwards here in the US Indian restaurants start tasting like crap. And it takes almost 3 - 6 months before my taste buds start craving for anything remotely Indian.
Now that I started cooking more regularly myself, I guess I will wait until an official cook arrives especially for me from India... haha!
But, here is one that I should probably try the next time I am in NY area.... The Vegan Dosa..... Thinking of dosaa... I just got some dosa batter... will prob. make a couple tomorrow and down with gun powder!!
Now that I started cooking more regularly myself, I guess I will wait until an official cook arrives especially for me from India... haha!
But, here is one that I should probably try the next time I am in NY area.... The Vegan Dosa..... Thinking of dosaa... I just got some dosa batter... will prob. make a couple tomorrow and down with gun powder!!
Monday, October 05, 2009
400
What is a statistic?
Well... I guess this can be interpreted in many ways...
But I love blogging... And I am glad I reached thus far!
Well... I guess this can be interpreted in many ways...
But I love blogging... And I am glad I reached thus far!
Friday, October 02, 2009
Love
I got a gift... many a gift... And so much love from my trip to India!
One of my cousins gifted me "Kahlil Gibran" - an Omnibus. And this is an extract from 'The Prophet'... for you.
When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.
Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.
All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.
But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.
When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God."
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.
One of my cousins gifted me "Kahlil Gibran" - an Omnibus. And this is an extract from 'The Prophet'... for you.
When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.
Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.
All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.
But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.
When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God."
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.
To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Baby dancing to Beyonce!
New baby video doing the rounds... Enjoy!
...like somebody said.. may be it thought it was "all the little babies...."!!
...like somebody said.. may be it thought it was "all the little babies...."!!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Back to the Future...?
or should I say "Back from the Future"? I dont know...
Just back from my hectic yet wonderful three weeks to India... And I could see some strong signs that things have changed for the better there... and that there is so much opportunity for the future... to be "the Future".... how well do we leverage those opportunities.. thats the question...
But, as they say, change is the only constant... and there were so many that I could see.. For example, Chennai has expanded much beyond the boundaries of three years ago... When I was there the last time, the southmost part was Thiruvanmiyur/Velachery... with some smattering of IT companies on ECR.. and there was Mayajaal...But, now the city has expanded all the way to Mayajaal... thats almost Mahabalipuram! Imagine.. I can live in Mahabalipuram, on the splendid seashore and amidst the rock temples and commute to work some 30-40 kms away in as many minutes!!
For another, taxis are more prevalent (saw that across quite a few cities) and many a time, economical than autorickshaws now. But, stuff in general have become more expensive... the cost of cold coffee has almost doubled in the period... things like face wash has become common across many sections... price of flight tickets have reduced, in general..
I also had the good fortune of meeting the leader of one of the emerging political parties... Dr. JayaPrakash Narayan or Dr. JP, as he is known... of the Lok Satta in Hyderabad... he won the recent elections from Kukatpally in Andhra Pradesh and I hear his party garnered 11% of the votes overall in the constituencies they contested from. And the best part is that he won without distributing money or liquor!
Obviously, one of the things we spoke about was on the same topic.. change. And he mentioned, "The only way to bring about long-lasting change for the good is by transforming the political arena. And that needs people like you".
I know some of my friends are doing some great work at the grass-roots level... like my friend at Lok Satta... or the other friend at Swaraj (Delhi)... but "The Future" needs more.
While you and me are contemplating how we can champion such movements, we can support by becoming an Executive Member. Interestingly, Lok Satta is one of the few political parties that is accounting all the donations received. (The other one is probably Swaraj, but I am not sure. I need to check with my friend) And everything is 'white'.
Just back from my hectic yet wonderful three weeks to India... And I could see some strong signs that things have changed for the better there... and that there is so much opportunity for the future... to be "the Future".... how well do we leverage those opportunities.. thats the question...
But, as they say, change is the only constant... and there were so many that I could see.. For example, Chennai has expanded much beyond the boundaries of three years ago... When I was there the last time, the southmost part was Thiruvanmiyur/Velachery... with some smattering of IT companies on ECR.. and there was Mayajaal...But, now the city has expanded all the way to Mayajaal... thats almost Mahabalipuram! Imagine.. I can live in Mahabalipuram, on the splendid seashore and amidst the rock temples and commute to work some 30-40 kms away in as many minutes!!
For another, taxis are more prevalent (saw that across quite a few cities) and many a time, economical than autorickshaws now. But, stuff in general have become more expensive... the cost of cold coffee has almost doubled in the period... things like face wash has become common across many sections... price of flight tickets have reduced, in general..
I also had the good fortune of meeting the leader of one of the emerging political parties... Dr. JayaPrakash Narayan or Dr. JP, as he is known... of the Lok Satta in Hyderabad... he won the recent elections from Kukatpally in Andhra Pradesh and I hear his party garnered 11% of the votes overall in the constituencies they contested from. And the best part is that he won without distributing money or liquor!
Obviously, one of the things we spoke about was on the same topic.. change. And he mentioned, "The only way to bring about long-lasting change for the good is by transforming the political arena. And that needs people like you".
I know some of my friends are doing some great work at the grass-roots level... like my friend at Lok Satta... or the other friend at Swaraj (Delhi)... but "The Future" needs more.
While you and me are contemplating how we can champion such movements, we can support by becoming an Executive Member. Interestingly, Lok Satta is one of the few political parties that is accounting all the donations received. (The other one is probably Swaraj, but I am not sure. I need to check with my friend) And everything is 'white'.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Salaam India..
It feels a bit odd that I am taking a vacation to India.. but then this is my first trip back after I moved here. And it is complicated ;-) Anyways, I am all excited to be visiting India after about two years... though I wish I am taking a vacation for 3 months and not just 3 weeks...!
All the same.. no, not the same.. but still I am gonna have a lot of fun... touchwood, barring any swine flu interruptions... Its gonna be three weddings in as many weeks.. and those are my cousins'.. so.... :-)
Here is how my three weeks look like... leaving MSP 22nd morning.. via Chicago and Frankfurt... landing in Chennai on the 24th early morning.. A day of catching up... And then leaving for Kanchipuram on the 25th for the first... Back after the wedding to Chennai on 27th.. official work on the 28th... wedding reception on the 28th evening.. leaving for Coimbatore on 29th morning for the second.. finishing the wedding and leaving for Ooty on the 31st.. Back in Coimbatore on the 3rd for the third.. finishing the wedding and leaving for Bangalore on the 4th.. Bangi!!.. official visit to Hyderabad on the 8th.. back in Bangi... Catching the return flight on 13th at Bangi.. via Frankfurt and Chicago.. landing in MSP on 13th evening...
Whheeeeeeeew!!
All the same.. no, not the same.. but still I am gonna have a lot of fun... touchwood, barring any swine flu interruptions... Its gonna be three weddings in as many weeks.. and those are my cousins'.. so.... :-)
Here is how my three weeks look like... leaving MSP 22nd morning.. via Chicago and Frankfurt... landing in Chennai on the 24th early morning.. A day of catching up... And then leaving for Kanchipuram on the 25th for the first... Back after the wedding to Chennai on 27th.. official work on the 28th... wedding reception on the 28th evening.. leaving for Coimbatore on 29th morning for the second.. finishing the wedding and leaving for Ooty on the 31st.. Back in Coimbatore on the 3rd for the third.. finishing the wedding and leaving for Bangalore on the 4th.. Bangi!!.. official visit to Hyderabad on the 8th.. back in Bangi... Catching the return flight on 13th at Bangi.. via Frankfurt and Chicago.. landing in MSP on 13th evening...
Whheeeeeeeew!!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Awarded!
Thanks Deez, the sleeping beauty, for this honor! True to your name, you seem to have gone back into hibernation now ... ;-)
Thank you my parents.. without you I would not have been here in the world..
Thank you Lord the devil.. If you are the matter, you are the anti-matter too!
Thank you Dell for making this laptop.. that has been through my thick and thin the past year...
And of course, the Comcast cable modem and internet services.. without whom I may not be online today..
(Well.. what is an award without an acceptance speech?!! :p)
The Kreative Blogger Award comes with these rules :-
1. You must thank the person who has given you the award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link the person who has nominated you for the award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 other Kreativ bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs to let them know they have been nominated
Well.. here comes my magic seven...
1. The first fairy tale I remember is of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs... I was fascinated by the story and I probably carry it to this day..
Here is one that I read recently that reminded me of my Snow White...
Goodly Glee and Lovely Blandishment
Most goodly glee and lovely blandishment
She to me made, and bad me love her deare,
For dearly, sure, her love was to me bent,
As, when just time expired, should appeare:
But whether dreames delude or true it were,
Was never heart so ravish'd with delight,
No living man like words did ever hear,
As she to me delivered all that night,
And at her parting said, she Queen of Faires hight.
Edmund Spenser from The Faerie Queene
2. Cate Blanchett as Galadriel in the LOTR is probably the only highlight of the movie for me.. I fell asleep halfway through the movie.. And the Harry Potters too...!
3. I need to remind myself of the Snow White a lot 'cos the snow here is not going to be fun without her!! Minneapolis is supposed to have one of the coldest winters in these parts.. with temp at or about -30 degrees Celsius for a long time!!
4. I'm gonna meet my neice for the first time when I go to India on vacation next weekend.. She is the cutest!!
5. My inspiration - 'The earth that is not yet under my feet!' (Copyright 2009 ;-)
6. Right now, I am really happy. And happiness is a state of mind!! but, snow white, of course, is snow white ;-)
7. I gotta acknowledge.. I took this up today, 'cos I wanted something to write about.. and nothing else was coming to mind!
Now, I nominate Jam n Missus, Jammy, Venkat, Sangi, Maggi, Sukku, Govar
Keep rocking!!
Thank you my parents.. without you I would not have been here in the world..
Thank you Lord the devil.. If you are the matter, you are the anti-matter too!
Thank you Dell for making this laptop.. that has been through my thick and thin the past year...
And of course, the Comcast cable modem and internet services.. without whom I may not be online today..
(Well.. what is an award without an acceptance speech?!! :p)
The Kreative Blogger Award comes with these rules :-
1. You must thank the person who has given you the award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link the person who has nominated you for the award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 other Kreativ bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs to let them know they have been nominated
Well.. here comes my magic seven...
1. The first fairy tale I remember is of the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs... I was fascinated by the story and I probably carry it to this day..
Here is one that I read recently that reminded me of my Snow White...
Goodly Glee and Lovely Blandishment
Most goodly glee and lovely blandishment
She to me made, and bad me love her deare,
For dearly, sure, her love was to me bent,
As, when just time expired, should appeare:
But whether dreames delude or true it were,
Was never heart so ravish'd with delight,
No living man like words did ever hear,
As she to me delivered all that night,
And at her parting said, she Queen of Faires hight.
Edmund Spenser from The Faerie Queene
2. Cate Blanchett as Galadriel in the LOTR is probably the only highlight of the movie for me.. I fell asleep halfway through the movie.. And the Harry Potters too...!
3. I need to remind myself of the Snow White a lot 'cos the snow here is not going to be fun without her!! Minneapolis is supposed to have one of the coldest winters in these parts.. with temp at or about -30 degrees Celsius for a long time!!
4. I'm gonna meet my neice for the first time when I go to India on vacation next weekend.. She is the cutest!!
5. My inspiration - 'The earth that is not yet under my feet!' (Copyright 2009 ;-)
6. Right now, I am really happy. And happiness is a state of mind!! but, snow white, of course, is snow white ;-)
7. I gotta acknowledge.. I took this up today, 'cos I wanted something to write about.. and nothing else was coming to mind!
Now, I nominate Jam n Missus, Jammy, Venkat, Sangi, Maggi, Sukku, Govar
Keep rocking!!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
A few of my favorite things…
Four places I have lived
four is too few....!
1) The Netherlands
I just love the place and all the fond memories associated... Also it was my first trip abroad and was my base for 3 fun-filled months.. roaming another 5 countries in the continent... my first love!
2) Chennai
I am going to visit this place soon after more than 2 years.. I have had some pretty good growing-up years here.. And it is one place I can readily call home (at least I could earlier).. Gotta see...
3) Bangalore
I love this city. (Again I should say I used to.. but then with my cousins being there, I have no doubts I will continue loving it and all the things it has to offer).. And I guess I call this home too...
4) Minneapolis - St. Paul
I am having fun so far here.. Itz still summer u c... Anyways this city is quite complex... It is conservative yet modern... fun yet reserved... A lot of the folks are Norwegian-origin... I kinda am reminded of my time in the Netherlands... But -30 degrees in winter? hmmmmmmmmmm....!
Four TV Shows
1) Friends
all time favs..
2) 24
Gripping..
3) Weeds
Wacky.. and funny!
4) Sex and the City
appeals to my sixth sense?!
watevr!! itz damn funny..
Four places I’ve been on vacation
Just curious.. does honeymoon count under vacation?! may be not... itz serious work ;-)
1) Goa n Karwar
2) New York
3) Paris
4) Norway
Soon, I can add 'India' (haha!)
Four favorite food items
1) Curd rice and moor mulagai
2) Seppankizhangu paste roast (Colocasia)
3) Dulce de Leche Caramel ice-cream
4) Soanpappadi
Four websites i visit daily
1) Google news
2) Google finance CTSH
3) Yahoo mail
4) Facebook
Four places I’d rather be
No where else....
well... may be...
Miami, Bora Bora, Chennai/Bangalore (on vacation), Paris (with my girlfriend)
But I choose to be here ;-)
Four things that i hope to do before I die
1) Accelerated Free Fall (not tandem!)
2) Fly my own plane across the most beautiful places
3) Live and work across the world
4) Go into the outer space
Four novels you wish you were reading for the first time
1) Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
2) Timeline - Michael Crichton
3) The Godfather – Mario Puzo
4) The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand
Four movies that I can watch over and over again
1) Casablanca
2) Before Sunset
3) Michael Madana Kama Rajan (Tamil)
4) There is something about Mary
Four people I want to tag
Deez
Sujatha
Kalps
Sri (vera yaarum maatla ;-)
four is too few....!
1) The Netherlands
I just love the place and all the fond memories associated... Also it was my first trip abroad and was my base for 3 fun-filled months.. roaming another 5 countries in the continent... my first love!
2) Chennai
I am going to visit this place soon after more than 2 years.. I have had some pretty good growing-up years here.. And it is one place I can readily call home (at least I could earlier).. Gotta see...
3) Bangalore
I love this city. (Again I should say I used to.. but then with my cousins being there, I have no doubts I will continue loving it and all the things it has to offer).. And I guess I call this home too...
4) Minneapolis - St. Paul
I am having fun so far here.. Itz still summer u c... Anyways this city is quite complex... It is conservative yet modern... fun yet reserved... A lot of the folks are Norwegian-origin... I kinda am reminded of my time in the Netherlands... But -30 degrees in winter? hmmmmmmmmmm....!
Four TV Shows
1) Friends
all time favs..
2) 24
Gripping..
3) Weeds
Wacky.. and funny!
4) Sex and the City
appeals to my sixth sense?!
watevr!! itz damn funny..
Four places I’ve been on vacation
Just curious.. does honeymoon count under vacation?! may be not... itz serious work ;-)
1) Goa n Karwar
2) New York
3) Paris
4) Norway
Soon, I can add 'India' (haha!)
Four favorite food items
1) Curd rice and moor mulagai
2) Seppankizhangu paste roast (Colocasia)
3) Dulce de Leche Caramel ice-cream
4) Soanpappadi
Four websites i visit daily
1) Google news
2) Google finance CTSH
3) Yahoo mail
4) Facebook
Four places I’d rather be
No where else....
well... may be...
Miami, Bora Bora, Chennai/Bangalore (on vacation), Paris (with my girlfriend)
But I choose to be here ;-)
Four things that i hope to do before I die
1) Accelerated Free Fall (not tandem!)
2) Fly my own plane across the most beautiful places
3) Live and work across the world
4) Go into the outer space
Four novels you wish you were reading for the first time
1) Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
2) Timeline - Michael Crichton
3) The Godfather – Mario Puzo
4) The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand
Four movies that I can watch over and over again
1) Casablanca
2) Before Sunset
3) Michael Madana Kama Rajan (Tamil)
4) There is something about Mary
Four people I want to tag
Deez
Sujatha
Kalps
Sri (vera yaarum maatla ;-)
Monday, August 10, 2009
MKKK... 1
Yet again, a word of caution.. this is based on a collection of peeps, incidents and imagination... Draw conclusions, inferences, et al. (sic!) at your own peril!! ;-)
And to understand the lay of the land, read MKKK.. The Prologue
--------------------------------
Now, Minimma was a popular figure (pun intended, of course ;-) She landed at LA and took the high ground 1. She met this guy at a party and found him pretty funny. He was chubby and over-weight. Some of these guys have a flair for humor and that is a turn-on for some women. In the heat of the moment, Minimma gave him her number.
And sure, he set himself up for a date. They met at a plush restaurant and he started talking about his life. He went on and on about how he dated only the sexy and oomphy... always the playmate material 2. Initially, our Minimma was happy.. she thought she was being compared to a playmate. But, soon all the high rolls started getting on her nerves.
Minimma excused herself to the restroom.. And immediately set up an escape call with me - "Oh! you need to come here now - your dog is whining controllably!!!" types.. Well, the knight-errant that I am, I rescued the damsel in distress and all is well.. :P
And curious, I asked her.. "what really was the issue with this guy?" And Minimma promptly answered.. "I can never be serious with a guy that has bigger boobs than me!!"
Thats a pretty solid reason, whatsay?!
-----------------------------------------
1 Take the high ground! was a movie nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay, but lost to the Titanic (1953).
But I am referring to the Jessica Simpson's 7 inch high ground here.
2 You know they are on twitter too! Playboy Playboy Blog
And to understand the lay of the land, read MKKK.. The Prologue
--------------------------------
Now, Minimma was a popular figure (pun intended, of course ;-) She landed at LA and took the high ground 1. She met this guy at a party and found him pretty funny. He was chubby and over-weight. Some of these guys have a flair for humor and that is a turn-on for some women. In the heat of the moment, Minimma gave him her number.
And sure, he set himself up for a date. They met at a plush restaurant and he started talking about his life. He went on and on about how he dated only the sexy and oomphy... always the playmate material 2. Initially, our Minimma was happy.. she thought she was being compared to a playmate. But, soon all the high rolls started getting on her nerves.
Minimma excused herself to the restroom.. And immediately set up an escape call with me - "Oh! you need to come here now - your dog is whining controllably!!!" types.. Well, the knight-errant that I am, I rescued the damsel in distress and all is well.. :P
And curious, I asked her.. "what really was the issue with this guy?" And Minimma promptly answered.. "I can never be serious with a guy that has bigger boobs than me!!"
Thats a pretty solid reason, whatsay?!
-----------------------------------------
1 Take the high ground! was a movie nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay, but lost to the Titanic (1953).
But I am referring to the Jessica Simpson's 7 inch high ground here.
2 You know they are on twitter too! Playboy Playboy Blog
Saturday, August 01, 2009
MKKK... The Prologue
Well... call it adulation.. appreciation... anything....
but this series is about a few of my girl friends (not gfs ;-).. with a twist!! :P
I just like to capture some of the quirky, funny, imaginary incidents uncommonly called L.I.F.E. :-)
-----------------------
Minimma Kaiyila Karuppu Kaai..!!
For the tam-illiterate, Minimma is a rustic yet quirky and modernish name of a Madrasi belle.. One of my friends was super excited about her black berry.. and that planted the seed for this series.. As you might have guessed it, that forms a part of the name too. Karuppu Kaai is the (my) given name for blackberry! (sic!) (somewhat a literal translation)
So, the title stands for a blackberry in the hands of Minimma!!
The Prologue:
Minimma lived right next to the San Francisco zoo.. Though, for good measure, the closest exhibit was shielded from her view even when she stood on the terrace of her fourth floor apartment's balcony.1
But, she could see a couple of ducks within her complex.. in the pond overlooking the north end of the apartment. These ducks were probably lovers. Well, I say 'probably' because, in these times, instant gratification and day/night stands are becoming common even within the duck community. [They still are better off than President Bush.. still..]2
These ducks would go around once in a while and swim in the pond together and lovingly kiss each other on the beaks. And they will form the shape of a heart. (how romantic!)3
Everytime Minimma sees this, she would run home to get her DSLR camera with extra sensitive pentaprisms to capture the moment. But, by the time Minimma can come back, the ducks would have gone their own ways. It was almost like they knew Minimma was looking for incriminating evidence of their affair, to present to their spouses. But then, the ducks dont give two hoots 'cos they are in an open relationship. Of course, our Minimma does not know this... so, she keeps on trying to capture their PDAs 4 and failing miserably.
So, one of the reasons Minimma is super-excited about her blackberry is because it has a very good camera. She is now armed to a T and stealthily. And her hopes are revived!!
---------------------
1 The SF zoo ran into serious problems initially when the closest exhibit, a Siberian tiger named Tatiana got wild(est) and attacked the zookeeper. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Zoo_tiger_attacks
To this day, it is a well-kept secret on why the tiger attacked the zookeeper. But, just to give you a hint, the SF zoo walls were raised from 12.5 ft to 16.33 ft to shield from an adjacent apartment complex. And I am not going to name that apartment. Or tell you that it had four floors. Anyways..
2 President-bush-lacks-sense-god-gave-duck
3 Kissing swans
4 PDA Public Displays of Affection
but this series is about a few of my girl friends (not gfs ;-).. with a twist!! :P
I just like to capture some of the quirky, funny, imaginary incidents uncommonly called L.I.F.E. :-)
-----------------------
Minimma Kaiyila Karuppu Kaai..!!
For the tam-illiterate, Minimma is a rustic yet quirky and modernish name of a Madrasi belle.. One of my friends was super excited about her black berry.. and that planted the seed for this series.. As you might have guessed it, that forms a part of the name too. Karuppu Kaai is the (my) given name for blackberry! (sic!) (somewhat a literal translation)
So, the title stands for a blackberry in the hands of Minimma!!
The Prologue:
Minimma lived right next to the San Francisco zoo.. Though, for good measure, the closest exhibit was shielded from her view even when she stood on the terrace of her fourth floor apartment's balcony.1
But, she could see a couple of ducks within her complex.. in the pond overlooking the north end of the apartment. These ducks were probably lovers. Well, I say 'probably' because, in these times, instant gratification and day/night stands are becoming common even within the duck community. [They still are better off than President Bush.. still..]2
These ducks would go around once in a while and swim in the pond together and lovingly kiss each other on the beaks. And they will form the shape of a heart. (how romantic!)3
Everytime Minimma sees this, she would run home to get her DSLR camera with extra sensitive pentaprisms to capture the moment. But, by the time Minimma can come back, the ducks would have gone their own ways. It was almost like they knew Minimma was looking for incriminating evidence of their affair, to present to their spouses. But then, the ducks dont give two hoots 'cos they are in an open relationship. Of course, our Minimma does not know this... so, she keeps on trying to capture their PDAs 4 and failing miserably.
So, one of the reasons Minimma is super-excited about her blackberry is because it has a very good camera. She is now armed to a T and stealthily. And her hopes are revived!!
---------------------
1 The SF zoo ran into serious problems initially when the closest exhibit, a Siberian tiger named Tatiana got wild(est) and attacked the zookeeper. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Zoo_tiger_attacks
To this day, it is a well-kept secret on why the tiger attacked the zookeeper. But, just to give you a hint, the SF zoo walls were raised from 12.5 ft to 16.33 ft to shield from an adjacent apartment complex. And I am not going to name that apartment. Or tell you that it had four floors. Anyways..
2 President-bush-lacks-sense-god-gave-duck
3 Kissing swans
4 PDA Public Displays of Affection
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
SF Half Marathon
It is that time of the year.. when people in the bay area run across the golden gate bridge! yes, it is the SF Marathon time... And I will be there this time!!
Will be loadsa fun... I am so looking forward to that!!!
You can catch the live results at
http://www.runsfm.com/raceweek/bazu.html
http://www.liveraceresults.com/liverc1/Default.aspx
And my bib # is 17323.
Wish me luck, guys!
-----------------------------------------
The Plan
Reaching SFO 11.30am on Sat.. picking up rental car.. going to team Asha pasta lunch @ Palo alto.. carbo load... going to the expo in SF.. picking up the race stuff... going to my friend's place at Sunnyvale in the evening... resssst... rezzzzzzt.... Sun early morning, 3am abouts, getting ready and driving to Sunnyvale caltrain station... joining Asha gang on the shuttle... RACE!... coming somehow to Sunnyvale caltrain station... driving back to my friend's place.... [to be filled, probably rezzzzzzt]... a quick visit to my cousin's place at Fremont... driving to SFO, reaching by 11pm... catching the red eye back... Voila!!!
Will be loadsa fun... I am so looking forward to that!!!
You can catch the live results at
http://www.runsfm.com/raceweek/bazu.html
http://www.liveraceresults.com/liverc1/Default.aspx
And my bib # is 17323.
Wish me luck, guys!
-----------------------------------------
The Plan
Reaching SFO 11.30am on Sat.. picking up rental car.. going to team Asha pasta lunch @ Palo alto.. carbo load... going to the expo in SF.. picking up the race stuff... going to my friend's place at Sunnyvale in the evening... resssst... rezzzzzzt.... Sun early morning, 3am abouts, getting ready and driving to Sunnyvale caltrain station... joining Asha gang on the shuttle... RACE!... coming somehow to Sunnyvale caltrain station... driving back to my friend's place.... [to be filled, probably rezzzzzzt]... a quick visit to my cousin's place at Fremont... driving to SFO, reaching by 11pm... catching the red eye back... Voila!!!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
All for a cause - Sexy campaigns for Burma!!!
you gotta see these videos supporting democracy and Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma....!!
Well... I appreciate the babes.. they did it their own way...
Supporting the cause... check out...
http://www.uscampaignforburma.org/
Loadsa other good stuff too on you tube.... how did I miss these from 2008... ?
Well... I appreciate the babes.. they did it their own way...
Supporting the cause... check out...
http://www.uscampaignforburma.org/
Loadsa other good stuff too on you tube.... how did I miss these from 2008... ?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
ENT and Gyno
This is a short story written by Dr Kishore Shah....he is a gynaecologist in Pune and a gifted writer....as you can see here...
Thanks to Ankush for this fwd!
---------------------------------------------------
My wife is an ENT Surgeon while I am a Gynaecologist. This can lead to some complications, as I recently learned to my anguish. A General Practitioner called me up and told me that she is sending a patient of hers for an abortion. Unknown to me, she had also referred a female with earwax for removal of the wax to my wife.
I duly informed the receptionist to send the patient right in as she was expected (and expecting!) As Murphy lays down the laws of our hospital, it was but natural that the patient who wanted the wax removed from her ear, landed up with me. This is the conversation that I had with the patient.
"Please come in. Be seated." I said with a big smile. I always have a big smile, when I am going to earn some money. The patient gave a feeble smile and sat hesitantly on the edge of the chair.
"Relax."
"Doctor, will this hurt a lot?"
"Not at all." The patient relaxed visibly.
"You know something, Doctor, we tried removing it at home, but failed." I was shocked.
"Thank God. Trying this at home can cause serious complications."
"I first tried to remove it by jumping up and down, but it just wouldn't budge."
I smiled and said, "If it were that easy, who would need doctors?"
She gave a cute smile and said, "Yeah! My neighbour tried to remove it with his finger, but the hole is so small that he used a hair pin."
"Oh my God!"
"Yes! My mother even tried a matchstick."
My blood pressure was shooting skywards. I just sputtered without uttering a word.
"Tell me, doctor, how do I avoid getting this dirt inside me?"
I knew that it was an unwanted pregnancy, but calling it dirt was too much. I replied a bit angrily,
"There are tablets which can prevent this happening. Or you could use protection at night."
Now it was the patient's turn to be confused, "You mean to say that it happens only at night?"
I saw her point. "No! No! I meant anytime of the day, whenever you are in the mood, you should use protection."
She was even more confused, "It depends on my moods?"
Again I saw her point. "My mistake. You need not be in any sort of mood. It just happens."
"My neighbour advised me to go to one of those chaps who sit by the roadside."
"You mean that pin man?"
"Yeah!"
This neighbour of hers seemed to be a very dangerous man. Besides using pins, he was sending her to such quacks. The only safety he knew was among the pins.
"You were wise not to heed his advice."
"But I tried his other advice. He told me to put warm oil inside and wait. However, that also did not work."
This was getting more and more bizarre. Her neighbour deserved to be locked up either in a padded cell or a barred one.
"But have you taken your husband's permission?" Now the patient looked confused.
"Do I have to take my husband's permission? Because if you need his sign, he is working in Dubai . We were not able to meet for the last one year."
It was my turn to be shocked. I gave a sly smirk. It was one of 'those' cases. The pin-wielding neighbour seemed to me the usual suspect. I reassured her.
"No! No! The husband's sign is not at all needed."
"However, I did inform him on phone."
Her husband seemed to me a very broad-minded fellow. I didn't know whether to congratulate her or to commiserate with her. So I hastily turned to other aspects.
"Its good that you came a bit early."
"Actually I wanted to come early in the morning, but I had some other work."
"Oh! I did not mean early today. I meant that if you had delayed this removal, it would have started moving. Then it would have developed a heartbeat."
The patient was staring at me wide eyed as if watching a horror movie. Looking at her face, I decided that she was not fit to listen to the grotesque details..
I decided to relieve her a bit.
I said, "You will bleed a bit, but only for a few days."
By now, the poor patient was trembling,
"how-H-How much bleeding?"
"Oh, only slightly more than your menstrual period, and it will continue only for a week or so."
By now the patient was clutching her hair in her fingers and staring at me wide-eyed.
I asked her soothingly, "Why don't you lie down on the examination table? Remove your clothes and relax."
This was the final straw. She didn't even wish me goodbye. I saw just a blur of motion leaving my consulting room at top speed.
Thanks to Ankush for this fwd!
---------------------------------------------------
My wife is an ENT Surgeon while I am a Gynaecologist. This can lead to some complications, as I recently learned to my anguish. A General Practitioner called me up and told me that she is sending a patient of hers for an abortion. Unknown to me, she had also referred a female with earwax for removal of the wax to my wife.
I duly informed the receptionist to send the patient right in as she was expected (and expecting!) As Murphy lays down the laws of our hospital, it was but natural that the patient who wanted the wax removed from her ear, landed up with me. This is the conversation that I had with the patient.
"Please come in. Be seated." I said with a big smile. I always have a big smile, when I am going to earn some money. The patient gave a feeble smile and sat hesitantly on the edge of the chair.
"Relax."
"Doctor, will this hurt a lot?"
"Not at all." The patient relaxed visibly.
"You know something, Doctor, we tried removing it at home, but failed." I was shocked.
"Thank God. Trying this at home can cause serious complications."
"I first tried to remove it by jumping up and down, but it just wouldn't budge."
I smiled and said, "If it were that easy, who would need doctors?"
She gave a cute smile and said, "Yeah! My neighbour tried to remove it with his finger, but the hole is so small that he used a hair pin."
"Oh my God!"
"Yes! My mother even tried a matchstick."
My blood pressure was shooting skywards. I just sputtered without uttering a word.
"Tell me, doctor, how do I avoid getting this dirt inside me?"
I knew that it was an unwanted pregnancy, but calling it dirt was too much. I replied a bit angrily,
"There are tablets which can prevent this happening. Or you could use protection at night."
Now it was the patient's turn to be confused, "You mean to say that it happens only at night?"
I saw her point. "No! No! I meant anytime of the day, whenever you are in the mood, you should use protection."
She was even more confused, "It depends on my moods?"
Again I saw her point. "My mistake. You need not be in any sort of mood. It just happens."
"My neighbour advised me to go to one of those chaps who sit by the roadside."
"You mean that pin man?"
"Yeah!"
This neighbour of hers seemed to be a very dangerous man. Besides using pins, he was sending her to such quacks. The only safety he knew was among the pins.
"You were wise not to heed his advice."
"But I tried his other advice. He told me to put warm oil inside and wait. However, that also did not work."
This was getting more and more bizarre. Her neighbour deserved to be locked up either in a padded cell or a barred one.
"But have you taken your husband's permission?" Now the patient looked confused.
"Do I have to take my husband's permission? Because if you need his sign, he is working in Dubai . We were not able to meet for the last one year."
It was my turn to be shocked. I gave a sly smirk. It was one of 'those' cases. The pin-wielding neighbour seemed to me the usual suspect. I reassured her.
"No! No! The husband's sign is not at all needed."
"However, I did inform him on phone."
Her husband seemed to me a very broad-minded fellow. I didn't know whether to congratulate her or to commiserate with her. So I hastily turned to other aspects.
"Its good that you came a bit early."
"Actually I wanted to come early in the morning, but I had some other work."
"Oh! I did not mean early today. I meant that if you had delayed this removal, it would have started moving. Then it would have developed a heartbeat."
The patient was staring at me wide eyed as if watching a horror movie. Looking at her face, I decided that she was not fit to listen to the grotesque details..
I decided to relieve her a bit.
I said, "You will bleed a bit, but only for a few days."
By now, the poor patient was trembling,
"how-H-How much bleeding?"
"Oh, only slightly more than your menstrual period, and it will continue only for a week or so."
By now the patient was clutching her hair in her fingers and staring at me wide-eyed.
I asked her soothingly, "Why don't you lie down on the examination table? Remove your clothes and relax."
This was the final straw. She didn't even wish me goodbye. I saw just a blur of motion leaving my consulting room at top speed.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Just Beat It..
Am so beat right now... that I can only tweet ;-)
RIP MJ.. the Molester Jackson ? We will have to wait until one of the kids grow up and write a book... by then, you may be long forgotten...
RIP MJ.. the Molester Jackson ? We will have to wait until one of the kids grow up and write a book... by then, you may be long forgotten...
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Check..
Hangover - the movie.. check
Pani puri.. check
Sunnyvale Saravanaa Bhavan.. check
4th July fireworks.. check
Red eye to Minneapolis-St.Paul.. check
Subaru Impreza.. check
Extended Stay America, Bloomington.. check
Meow meow.. check!
zzzzzzzz.. checking-in now!!
Pani puri.. check
Sunnyvale Saravanaa Bhavan.. check
4th July fireworks.. check
Red eye to Minneapolis-St.Paul.. check
Subaru Impreza.. check
Extended Stay America, Bloomington.. check
Meow meow.. check!
zzzzzzzz.. checking-in now!!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Bloom!!
Yaay! I will be moving to Minneapolis-St.Paul-Bloomington area. I am pretty excited about this team and opportunity....!!!!
In that spirit, here is a song for Bloomington...
I gotta feeling... this year is gonna be a good year...!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
This is fcuking hilarious..!!
Thanks to Chikita and originally to Ryan Deal !!
King Ryan says "Ahh… the friend zone. It’s pretty much nowhere near where you want to be with any girl you actually like. Being in the friend zone can keep you from the love of your life or at least from possibly some of the best sex you’ve ever had. Here’s a handy chart that shows you exactly where the friend zone is… so you can avoid it."
But there is more to it... look carefully! Like.. null set!!!
Monday, June 22, 2009
First look.. Last glance?!
I might soon be saying 'au revoir' to this lovely city... Never imagined my love story will come to an end so soon.... I had grown so comfortable in its arms.... But its probably time.... to say goodbye.. till we meet again.... Take care my sweet heart...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
I am a micro lender..!
I made my first microfinance loan today!!
I came to know about Kiva when I attend the TiE conference last month. [TiE - The Indus Entrepreneurs). Premal Shah, who is the president of Kiva, was one of the winners of the top 50 startups award at the conference. And he was also one of the speakers on social entrepreneurship. Man, you should hear him speak... he just is so simple and sincere and straight-from-the-heart and obviously, his presentation touched, and inspired me.
Kiva - the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.
Of course, I got in touch with him right away and it helped that we had a couple of common friends. Well.. thats how Kiva started for me. And I wanted to lend on Kiva, but somehow did not get to it... Until today that is!
I got the tweet last week about a mixer organized by Kiva and the Good magazine in the city. And I decided to attend that. I marked my calendars and worked through a couple of things - one of them being that I should be a lender before I attend the party!!
Of course.. it is fun partying... and if I can mix partying with doing good... Wow! what can beat that?!?!
The party was today (Tuesday) and it was great, but that is another post! This post is about Kiva. And Kiva is cool!!! Check it out!!
You can make a difference to an entrepreneur today..
I came to know about Kiva when I attend the TiE conference last month. [TiE - The Indus Entrepreneurs). Premal Shah, who is the president of Kiva, was one of the winners of the top 50 startups award at the conference. And he was also one of the speakers on social entrepreneurship. Man, you should hear him speak... he just is so simple and sincere and straight-from-the-heart and obviously, his presentation touched, and inspired me.
Kiva - the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe.
Of course, I got in touch with him right away and it helped that we had a couple of common friends. Well.. thats how Kiva started for me. And I wanted to lend on Kiva, but somehow did not get to it... Until today that is!
I got the tweet last week about a mixer organized by Kiva and the Good magazine in the city. And I decided to attend that. I marked my calendars and worked through a couple of things - one of them being that I should be a lender before I attend the party!!
Of course.. it is fun partying... and if I can mix partying with doing good... Wow! what can beat that?!?!
The party was today (Tuesday) and it was great, but that is another post! This post is about Kiva. And Kiva is cool!!! Check it out!!
You can make a difference to an entrepreneur today..
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Learning from a Fishing Expedition!
The best con — one where everyone gets what they want even if they didn’t know they wanted it!!!
The Brothers Bloom
-----------------------------------
- You need to expend positive vibes during fishing...
- Surround yourself with folks that are better than yourself.. of course, they should not be better at fishing!
-- when going fishing, take with you someone (like 'wingman') that can enhance the energy & can work the waters for ya
- Have three questions to ask the fishes and fellas - simple questions you can fall back on (e.g. is the water good?)
- Keep it simple and genuine
-- compliment the fish
-- appreciate the work of art (every fish is unique and is a work of art!)
-- use positive reinforcement :-)
- IF you think the fish is better than you, then go out of your way to be useful for the fish.. go out of your comfort zone!! (Jump into the water ;-)
The Brothers Bloom
-----------------------------------
- You need to expend positive vibes during fishing...
- Surround yourself with folks that are better than yourself.. of course, they should not be better at fishing!
-- when going fishing, take with you someone (like 'wingman') that can enhance the energy & can work the waters for ya
- Have three questions to ask the fishes and fellas - simple questions you can fall back on (e.g. is the water good?)
- Keep it simple and genuine
-- compliment the fish
-- appreciate the work of art (every fish is unique and is a work of art!)
-- use positive reinforcement :-)
- IF you think the fish is better than you, then go out of your way to be useful for the fish.. go out of your comfort zone!! (Jump into the water ;-)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Season 2 has begun!!
cross-posted on my running blog
Itz season 2 of my marathon experience... continuing my training with Team Asha...
I did not run at all after the Silicon Valley Half Marathon last year - took complete rest and allowed my body to refresh itself in the winter.
Then I ran the Asha 10K Spring Run in March early this year. That was good. And end of April, I started my second season with the team. The team, coaches, mentors are as awesome as ever. And I seem to be doing pretty well too.. No real pains so far... which is great!
Hoping to run the San Francisco Half Marathon on Jul 26, 2009. And then, I will decide which full marathon to run. My goal is to get to the start line injury-free and have fun all along while raising money to support one of Asha for Education's projects in India.. That reminds me.. I need to select the project too.
Anyways, to Team Asha... may you fulfill more dreams and help create educated children and inspired citizens!!
Itz season 2 of my marathon experience... continuing my training with Team Asha...
I did not run at all after the Silicon Valley Half Marathon last year - took complete rest and allowed my body to refresh itself in the winter.
Then I ran the Asha 10K Spring Run in March early this year. That was good. And end of April, I started my second season with the team. The team, coaches, mentors are as awesome as ever. And I seem to be doing pretty well too.. No real pains so far... which is great!
Hoping to run the San Francisco Half Marathon on Jul 26, 2009. And then, I will decide which full marathon to run. My goal is to get to the start line injury-free and have fun all along while raising money to support one of Asha for Education's projects in India.. That reminds me.. I need to select the project too.
Anyways, to Team Asha... may you fulfill more dreams and help create educated children and inspired citizens!!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Events...
It has been quite an eventful week..
First came the news that LTTE Prabhakaran was dead.. It was a little sad. He was a leader for the Tamils in Sri Lanka, but his choice of war as the means to achieve his goals led to enormous destruction. Sad to see all lives wasted including his own.. There is this succinct article in the latest Time
Then came the news that the Congress has won a convincing majority at the Indian Lok Sabha Elections 2009. I think that is a good thing for India - a stable government for the next five years and that too one that is progressive and pro-private is definitely welcome..
If you have not been following the elections, you can read about it here
I also think that DMK party coming to power again in Tamil Nadu is a great relief.. for one it breaks the anti-incumbency voting pattern over the decade or more.. Goes to show that people are not discontent without rhyme/reason.. and I think the parties had also started to take it for granted that they will return to power in alternate cycles, irrespective of their performance or policies or platforms.
The Indian stock market reacted to the Election results with a huge positive surge... for the first time in the history of the Sensex, trading was suspended for the day because the index hit the upper circuit, twice! The index was capped at 17.2% spike.
On the personal front.. quite some things happening.. but, sorry, I cannot divulge more details now.. ;-)
First came the news that LTTE Prabhakaran was dead.. It was a little sad. He was a leader for the Tamils in Sri Lanka, but his choice of war as the means to achieve his goals led to enormous destruction. Sad to see all lives wasted including his own.. There is this succinct article in the latest Time
Then came the news that the Congress has won a convincing majority at the Indian Lok Sabha Elections 2009. I think that is a good thing for India - a stable government for the next five years and that too one that is progressive and pro-private is definitely welcome..
If you have not been following the elections, you can read about it here
I also think that DMK party coming to power again in Tamil Nadu is a great relief.. for one it breaks the anti-incumbency voting pattern over the decade or more.. Goes to show that people are not discontent without rhyme/reason.. and I think the parties had also started to take it for granted that they will return to power in alternate cycles, irrespective of their performance or policies or platforms.
The Indian stock market reacted to the Election results with a huge positive surge... for the first time in the history of the Sensex, trading was suspended for the day because the index hit the upper circuit, twice! The index was capped at 17.2% spike.
On the personal front.. quite some things happening.. but, sorry, I cannot divulge more details now.. ;-)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Earth - Movie
"Earth" is an awesome movie abt an awesome planet... just unbelievable the scale in which life happens on this planet... And of course, they have shown it really well.. If you have not watched the BBC series "Planet Earth" - this is just right for ya!
The movie captures the life and travels (travails) of three families - a polar bear and its two cubs, an African elephant and its baby, a humpback whale and its kid... (Just thought abt this now.. all single moms!).. Not just these three but so many different species on earth migrate covering thousands of miles across earth and back... Is a really staggering effort against the vagaries of nature: climate and seasons...
Anyways.. catch here the trailer of Earth on their official site..
http://disney.go.com/disneynature/earth/
Migration is an interesting concept in animals.. its amazing how they remember the route without a GPS or compass!! For humans, migration is primarily for economic and intellectual reasons now... May be, we will need to start migrating as a way of life... if our ability to insulate ourselves from the effect of climate is bulldozed by our destruction of the equilibrium on this (now) green planet.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Condoms and the Pope..
More on the Pope, using condoms saga!! [Sorry, can't resist the pun!]
Hear, ye all..
The Roman Catholic Church opposes the use of condoms as part of its overall teaching against contraception. It advocates sexual abstinence and sexual faithfulness between husband and wife as the best ways to combat the spread of HIV.
If you are opposed to the church's teachings on the use of condoms.. I have a slogan for ya...
Dear Holy Father... Please don't tell us what to wear..!! ;-)
Hear, ye all..
The Roman Catholic Church opposes the use of condoms as part of its overall teaching against contraception. It advocates sexual abstinence and sexual faithfulness between husband and wife as the best ways to combat the spread of HIV.
If you are opposed to the church's teachings on the use of condoms.. I have a slogan for ya...
Dear Holy Father... Please don't tell us what to wear..!! ;-)
Slumdog millionaire contesting elections...
Got to know thru Kiruba..
Sarath Babu, the real life slumdog millionaire -- He sold idlis when he was a kid. He worked through the ranks.. and after his MBA from one of the prestigious educational institutions in India, IIM A, decided to set up a food chain. He's now contesting the Lok Sabha elections.
Sarath Babu will contest as an Independent from South Chennai Lok Sabha constituency.
Sarath Babu, the real life slumdog millionaire -- He sold idlis when he was a kid. He worked through the ranks.. and after his MBA from one of the prestigious educational institutions in India, IIM A, decided to set up a food chain. He's now contesting the Lok Sabha elections.
Sarath Babu will contest as an Independent from South Chennai Lok Sabha constituency.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Sicko - the sickening state of US healthcare
This is one movie that I will recommend every US citizen and especially every non-US guy who is planning to come to the US to watch - so they know what they are getting into...
It is not so much about how 50 million people in the US do not have health insurance and hence do not get any medical care or treatment.. as it is about how the 250 million people that have health insurance might still end up being bankrupt and in turn, be denied health care - because the privately run insurance companies and hospitals look to maximise their profits.. and hence, they will continue to look for reasons and justifications to deny you the right to medical care and can deny or retract your claim!!
And as it turns out.. I had one such experience of it myself... though, thankfully, not anywhere near the scale as highlighted in the movie..
I got treated for knee pain while I was training to run a marathon and had multiple physiotherapy sessions... And since I am an employee of one of the large corporations, my insurance has to cater to the power (read, numbers) of the corporation and covered all my bills (except for the co-pay, that I had to shell out from my pocket).. Everything was smooth.. or so I thought until one fine day, when I got a bill from the hospital saying I owed them some money. Not much, $135, that my insurance company asked the hospital to refund (it had earlier paid to the hospital). So, the hospital billed me for $135, saying I need to pay for it now.
When I called up, neither the hospital nor the insurance had any clue why suddenly the insurance provider asked the hospital for the refund. After a couple of weeks of investigation, the insurance provider found out and informed me (and the hospital) that the hospital had used a wrong code in billing and that is why this $135 was asked to be refunded and is now outstanding. So, now if the hospital can reissue the bill with the correct code, everything will be fine. To this day, and it has been almost a month now, the hospital still records that I owe them the money.. and I do not know if they care to reissue the bill.. but they sent me a second notice/reminder of due.
But, my episode is so minuscule in scale to what can happen to one if they end up with cancer/heart attack or something.. and the insurance company can deny payment due to some unrelated yet legally arguable reason for not paying up. All they (insurance companies and hospitals) care about is maximizing their own profit and any money they can deny is money saved for them..
One of the folks shown was denied permission/coverage for treatment for cervical cancer.. 'cos, in the words of the insurance company, "you are too young to contract ...cervical cancer"... Or contract rescue workers - firefighters who helped in the rescue efforts during 9/11 were denied insurance (to cover their acute respiratory problems ostensibly suffered from the exposure to all that dust and rubble).. because they were only temporary employees... These are just the tip of the iceberg.. watch Sicko to see the enormity of the healthcare debacle...
That is why for-profit is bad in healthcare..
That is why greed is going to kill another 10,000 uninsured this week... and the following... and the week after....
That is why I will not settle in this country as long as greed prevails...
Did I tell ya I don't gamble with my life.. or anyone else's... ?!
Its no country for old men, dude..
Sicko by Michael Moore is available on the Internet, DVD and TV showtime!
I should add that there has been some positive developments on this issue off-late with the push for single-payer healthcare and legislation to support universal healthcare... But, it is still not a reality.. And what is more shocking is the time it is taking US to implement something that is very crucial to the lives of so many people...
It is not so much about how 50 million people in the US do not have health insurance and hence do not get any medical care or treatment.. as it is about how the 250 million people that have health insurance might still end up being bankrupt and in turn, be denied health care - because the privately run insurance companies and hospitals look to maximise their profits.. and hence, they will continue to look for reasons and justifications to deny you the right to medical care and can deny or retract your claim!!
And as it turns out.. I had one such experience of it myself... though, thankfully, not anywhere near the scale as highlighted in the movie..
I got treated for knee pain while I was training to run a marathon and had multiple physiotherapy sessions... And since I am an employee of one of the large corporations, my insurance has to cater to the power (read, numbers) of the corporation and covered all my bills (except for the co-pay, that I had to shell out from my pocket).. Everything was smooth.. or so I thought until one fine day, when I got a bill from the hospital saying I owed them some money. Not much, $135, that my insurance company asked the hospital to refund (it had earlier paid to the hospital). So, the hospital billed me for $135, saying I need to pay for it now.
When I called up, neither the hospital nor the insurance had any clue why suddenly the insurance provider asked the hospital for the refund. After a couple of weeks of investigation, the insurance provider found out and informed me (and the hospital) that the hospital had used a wrong code in billing and that is why this $135 was asked to be refunded and is now outstanding. So, now if the hospital can reissue the bill with the correct code, everything will be fine. To this day, and it has been almost a month now, the hospital still records that I owe them the money.. and I do not know if they care to reissue the bill.. but they sent me a second notice/reminder of due.
But, my episode is so minuscule in scale to what can happen to one if they end up with cancer/heart attack or something.. and the insurance company can deny payment due to some unrelated yet legally arguable reason for not paying up. All they (insurance companies and hospitals) care about is maximizing their own profit and any money they can deny is money saved for them..
One of the folks shown was denied permission/coverage for treatment for cervical cancer.. 'cos, in the words of the insurance company, "you are too young to contract ...cervical cancer"... Or contract rescue workers - firefighters who helped in the rescue efforts during 9/11 were denied insurance (to cover their acute respiratory problems ostensibly suffered from the exposure to all that dust and rubble).. because they were only temporary employees... These are just the tip of the iceberg.. watch Sicko to see the enormity of the healthcare debacle...
That is why for-profit is bad in healthcare..
That is why greed is going to kill another 10,000 uninsured this week... and the following... and the week after....
That is why I will not settle in this country as long as greed prevails...
Did I tell ya I don't gamble with my life.. or anyone else's... ?!
Its no country for old men, dude..
Sicko by Michael Moore is available on the Internet, DVD and TV showtime!
I should add that there has been some positive developments on this issue off-late with the push for single-payer healthcare and legislation to support universal healthcare... But, it is still not a reality.. And what is more shocking is the time it is taking US to implement something that is very crucial to the lives of so many people...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Electric Boogie @ Club Earth!!
It is heartening to know that we do care for our dear Earth.. And all is not lost for our future generations..
Earth Hour - Mar 28 2009, 8.30pm to 9.30pm
"The world said yes to climate action, now governments must follow," the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said Sunday, a day after hundreds of millions of people worldwide followed its call to turn off lights for a full hour.
For environmental activists, the message was clear: Earth Hour was a huge success.
From an Antarctic research base and the Great Pyramids of Egypt, from the Colosseum in Rome to the Empire State building in New York, illuminated patches of the globe went dark Saturday night to highlight the threat of climate change. Time zone by time zone, nearly 4,000 cities and towns in 88 countries dimmed nonessential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WWF called the event, which began in Australia in 2007 and grew last year to 400 cities worldwide, "the world's first-ever global vote about the future of our planet."
The United Nations' top climate official, Yvo de Boer, called the event a clear sign that the world wants negotiators seeking a climate change agreement to set an ambitious course to fight global warming.
...
For the full report, check here!
These three combo photos show Malaysia's landmark Petronas Twin Towers, right, along with other buildings being turned off the lights to mark Earth Hour in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A combination photo of a night view of the site of the ancient Giza Pyramids before and after switching off the lights for the Earth Hour, in Cairo, Egypt.
The Eiffel Tower is shown just after the 20,000 bulbs illuminating the tower went out Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8.90 p.m for five minutes.
The skyline of Toronto's downtown is dimmed as many of the lights are turned off for Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, 2009
Watch this video..!!
Earth Hour - Mar 28 2009, 8.30pm to 9.30pm
"The world said yes to climate action, now governments must follow," the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said Sunday, a day after hundreds of millions of people worldwide followed its call to turn off lights for a full hour.
For environmental activists, the message was clear: Earth Hour was a huge success.
From an Antarctic research base and the Great Pyramids of Egypt, from the Colosseum in Rome to the Empire State building in New York, illuminated patches of the globe went dark Saturday night to highlight the threat of climate change. Time zone by time zone, nearly 4,000 cities and towns in 88 countries dimmed nonessential lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
WWF called the event, which began in Australia in 2007 and grew last year to 400 cities worldwide, "the world's first-ever global vote about the future of our planet."
The United Nations' top climate official, Yvo de Boer, called the event a clear sign that the world wants negotiators seeking a climate change agreement to set an ambitious course to fight global warming.
...
For the full report, check here!
These three combo photos show Malaysia's landmark Petronas Twin Towers, right, along with other buildings being turned off the lights to mark Earth Hour in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A combination photo of a night view of the site of the ancient Giza Pyramids before and after switching off the lights for the Earth Hour, in Cairo, Egypt.
The Eiffel Tower is shown just after the 20,000 bulbs illuminating the tower went out Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8.90 p.m for five minutes.
The skyline of Toronto's downtown is dimmed as many of the lights are turned off for Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, 2009
Watch this video..!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
What time is it?
It is the time to move on.. !
----------------------
Have been staying at this place in Sunnyvale for an year now.. Nice big 2BR apartment sharing with this friend of mine... But now, I guess it is time to move on to the next level in life... Staying alone!
Looking for nice cozy studios in calm swanky neighborhoods...
Well.. of course, staying alone gives a whole lot of opportunities... to ponder and explore and all the good stuff...;-) And I can get serious about owning a pet rabbit now!
BTW, got my parting gift too... a parking ticket.. within my apt complex..!
----------------------
honey bunch and shonu and
and butter cup and sweetie pie
seems a lifetime.. but now
time to say good bye!!
PS: did ya notice the two consecutive 'and's?!
----------------------
Have been staying at this place in Sunnyvale for an year now.. Nice big 2BR apartment sharing with this friend of mine... But now, I guess it is time to move on to the next level in life... Staying alone!
Looking for nice cozy studios in calm swanky neighborhoods...
Well.. of course, staying alone gives a whole lot of opportunities... to ponder and explore and all the good stuff...;-) And I can get serious about owning a pet rabbit now!
BTW, got my parting gift too... a parking ticket.. within my apt complex..!
----------------------
honey bunch and shonu and
and butter cup and sweetie pie
seems a lifetime.. but now
time to say good bye!!
PS: did ya notice the two consecutive 'and's?!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Two Too Much!!
I came across these two articles in the news today... And I wanted to celebrate the irony!!
Why the Pope opposes condoms
{The Pope said the "cruel epidemic" [AIDS] should be tackled through fidelity and abstinence rather than condoms, and that "the traditional teaching of the Church has proven to be the only failsafe way to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids". }
{He told African bishops that contraception was among trends leading to a breakdown in sexual morality.}
U.S. births set record; 40% are out of wedlock
{- Increases in unmarried childbearing, termed at “historic levels” in the report: The total number of births, birth rate, and proportion of births to unmarried women all increased 3 percent to 5 percent.}
{In the 1990s when teen birth rates began declining, Santelli says “fewer kids were having sex, having fewer partners and there was an enormous increase in condom use.”}
Both are two different contexts - one, in the fight against AIDS in Africa and another, about child births in the US.
But, clearly, fidelity and abstinence does NOT seem to be too popular in the US!!
And does the Pope imply that infidelity and promiscuous behaviour is prevalent only in Africa??
And the sad part is that the message from the pope seems to be blaming the guys with AIDS instead of giving hope to the afflicted. (Who said that all the folks with AIDS in Africa got it only thru sex and with illegitimate partners??)
For ye have sinned... now, come to Jesus and he will absolve all your sins... but AIDS, we will not take that away... Because it should serve as an example for others.. Only then will they be afraid.. and turn to God... and I can give more such speeches...
Disclaimer: I am an atheist and I am especially against any religion that uses an epidemic to further itself!
Why the Pope opposes condoms
{The Pope said the "cruel epidemic" [AIDS] should be tackled through fidelity and abstinence rather than condoms, and that "the traditional teaching of the Church has proven to be the only failsafe way to prevent the spread of HIV/Aids". }
{He told African bishops that contraception was among trends leading to a breakdown in sexual morality.}
U.S. births set record; 40% are out of wedlock
{- Increases in unmarried childbearing, termed at “historic levels” in the report: The total number of births, birth rate, and proportion of births to unmarried women all increased 3 percent to 5 percent.}
{In the 1990s when teen birth rates began declining, Santelli says “fewer kids were having sex, having fewer partners and there was an enormous increase in condom use.”}
Both are two different contexts - one, in the fight against AIDS in Africa and another, about child births in the US.
But, clearly, fidelity and abstinence does NOT seem to be too popular in the US!!
And does the Pope imply that infidelity and promiscuous behaviour is prevalent only in Africa??
And the sad part is that the message from the pope seems to be blaming the guys with AIDS instead of giving hope to the afflicted. (Who said that all the folks with AIDS in Africa got it only thru sex and with illegitimate partners??)
For ye have sinned... now, come to Jesus and he will absolve all your sins... but AIDS, we will not take that away... Because it should serve as an example for others.. Only then will they be afraid.. and turn to God... and I can give more such speeches...
Disclaimer: I am an atheist and I am especially against any religion that uses an epidemic to further itself!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Give it to the Kids!!
Your vote (and those of your friends) could win Pratham $60,000 this year! JP Morgan is donating the money to the charity that wins the most votes in its Give-It-Away campaign. Read India is one of the 10 nominees and currently has a small lead over the competition. Voting ends on May 1, 2009. From what I can understand, voting is open only to university students (though recent graduates might be able to vote as well). To vote, click on jpmorgan.com/giveitaway.
Anything you can do to spread the word (emails to friends, facebook etc) and get out the vote would be much appreciated!
About Pratham and Read India:
100 million children in India - one out of every two - cannot read. Pratham, India's leading non-profit in primary education, aims to dramatically improve literacy levels among children across India through the Read India campaign. The campaign has already reached 21 million children in its first year.
For more information, please visit
http://www.readindia.org/
www.prathamusa.org
Join our Facebook group: Pratham (USA)
Anything you can do to spread the word (emails to friends, facebook etc) and get out the vote would be much appreciated!
About Pratham and Read India:
100 million children in India - one out of every two - cannot read. Pratham, India's leading non-profit in primary education, aims to dramatically improve literacy levels among children across India through the Read India campaign. The campaign has already reached 21 million children in its first year.
For more information, please visit
http://www.readindia.org/
www.prathamusa.org
Join our Facebook group: Pratham (USA)
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Into the Wild
The USP of this movie is that it is based on a real story.. story of a guy who lived in Alaska on his own.. in the wilderness for about 110 days ... and died in the wild tragically - alone and untimely, at the age of 24.
But then, in the relatively short span of life, he had experienced what others did not.. do not.. or even imagine. And lived life on his own terms.
Christopher McCandless grew up a rebel - against what he perceived as materialistic, manipulative and domineering parents. And then embarks on a wonderful journey... after he graduates from Emory University, he gives away all his savings to charity.. He burns and erases his identity - social security card, driver license, all his credit cards... and travels across the country - Atlanta to Colorado and then, kayaks down the colorado river into Mexico and then comes back on freight trains and hitchhiking to Los Angeles.. and finally he reaches Alaska.
He takes up a new identity along the way - Alexander Supertramp.. meets some unique set of people.. And finally in Alaska, he spends some quality alone-time and without any artificial trapments of consumerism. Well.. he lives in an abandoned bus (used by moose hunters in summer) and uses a gun to hunt... but his needs are to the bare minimum... a shelter.. some warmth.. food - small game or fish cooked in the fire, raw plant edible plants etc... some books (that provide him the inspiration, as also the guide to local vegetation.. and his notebook - where he notes down his experiences and learnings...
But, soon the ice melts and the full-blown river restricts his movement... and he eats a poisonous plant (there are various theories) by mistake.. That leads to nausea, weakness, loss of digestive powers and eventually his death due to starvation... The last few days are tragic - he is alone, helpless and slowly treading to his death.. thats when he feels the need for company.
I think he missed most the need to share his happiness and all his unique experiences with someone.. as if all those things in him (acquired and unique) are going to waste with his death... Like a legacy lost.
This movie is a *Must Watch* - but only when you are ready for it. I took my own time, guess about two months since the time I added it to my watchlist on Netflix..
I do not want to live such a life in the wild.. And definitely not the way he did it - without adequate planning, preparation and supplies (I would call it stupid - setting up for disaster in an unforgiving place)... but I sure would like to visit Denali National Park, Alaska sometime.. preferably with another person... not just any other person.. or many... you know what I mean?
It seems the bus can be seen clearly on Google Earth even to this day but is obscured by clouds in Google Maps and most other mapping programs. I did not try it.. but I found this on one of the links on the wiki..
But then, in the relatively short span of life, he had experienced what others did not.. do not.. or even imagine. And lived life on his own terms.
Christopher McCandless grew up a rebel - against what he perceived as materialistic, manipulative and domineering parents. And then embarks on a wonderful journey... after he graduates from Emory University, he gives away all his savings to charity.. He burns and erases his identity - social security card, driver license, all his credit cards... and travels across the country - Atlanta to Colorado and then, kayaks down the colorado river into Mexico and then comes back on freight trains and hitchhiking to Los Angeles.. and finally he reaches Alaska.
He takes up a new identity along the way - Alexander Supertramp.. meets some unique set of people.. And finally in Alaska, he spends some quality alone-time and without any artificial trapments of consumerism. Well.. he lives in an abandoned bus (used by moose hunters in summer) and uses a gun to hunt... but his needs are to the bare minimum... a shelter.. some warmth.. food - small game or fish cooked in the fire, raw plant edible plants etc... some books (that provide him the inspiration, as also the guide to local vegetation.. and his notebook - where he notes down his experiences and learnings...
But, soon the ice melts and the full-blown river restricts his movement... and he eats a poisonous plant (there are various theories) by mistake.. That leads to nausea, weakness, loss of digestive powers and eventually his death due to starvation... The last few days are tragic - he is alone, helpless and slowly treading to his death.. thats when he feels the need for company.
I think he missed most the need to share his happiness and all his unique experiences with someone.. as if all those things in him (acquired and unique) are going to waste with his death... Like a legacy lost.
This movie is a *Must Watch* - but only when you are ready for it. I took my own time, guess about two months since the time I added it to my watchlist on Netflix..
I do not want to live such a life in the wild.. And definitely not the way he did it - without adequate planning, preparation and supplies (I would call it stupid - setting up for disaster in an unforgiving place)... but I sure would like to visit Denali National Park, Alaska sometime.. preferably with another person... not just any other person.. or many... you know what I mean?
It seems the bus can be seen clearly on Google Earth even to this day but is obscured by clouds in Google Maps and most other mapping programs. I did not try it.. but I found this on one of the links on the wiki..
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Sweet Dreams..!
Like this song.. love the lyrics..!!
---------------------------------------
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
I wanna use you and abuse you
I wanna know what's inside you
(Whispering) Hold your head up, movin' on
Keep your head up, movin' on
Hold your head up, movin' on
Keep your head up, movin' on
Hold your head up, movin' on
Keep your head up, movin' on
Movin' on!
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
I'm gonna use you and abuse you
I'm gonna know what's inside
Gonna use you and abuse you
I'm gonna know what's inside you
---------------------------------------
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
I wanna use you and abuse you
I wanna know what's inside you
(Whispering) Hold your head up, movin' on
Keep your head up, movin' on
Hold your head up, movin' on
Keep your head up, movin' on
Hold your head up, movin' on
Keep your head up, movin' on
Movin' on!
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas
Everybody's looking for something
Some of them want to use you
Some of them want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused
I'm gonna use you and abuse you
I'm gonna know what's inside
Gonna use you and abuse you
I'm gonna know what's inside you
Thriller - ala Indian Michael Jackson!
This is roll-on-the-floor stuff...!! Pay close attention to the audio visual cues...:-)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
OSCARS 2009..
This post summarizes my "live"r updates on Twitter...http://twitter.com/sbhaskar77
Freida Pinto is looking great in blue... Natalie Portman is gorgeous... Anne Hathaway serene!!
The show has just begun.. it seems the year of slumdogs all the way...... and this just the beginning of the show... way to go.
I dont remember if I watched the event last year... but this year there seems a lot more personal touch at the show probably in tune with the need of the hour... with everyone needing a good hug and a warm shoulder.
First oscar of 2009... best actress in a suppporting role.... Penelope Cruz!! ...for vicky christina barcelona..
Oscars for screenplay: original - Milk, Adapted - Slumdog Millionaire!!!
Best Animated Movie - Wall-E
Art Direction - Duchess
Makeup - Curious case of Benjamin Button
Cinematography - Slumdog again..!!!
Best actor in a supporting role - Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight
Smile Pinki - Best short documentary film... Is also based in India... Its about treating children with cleft upper lips.. watch it. I just watched the trailer in the Ad break.
Visual effects - Curious case of Benjamin Button
Sound editing - Dark Knight
Sound Mixing - Slumdog again again !!
Editing - Slumdog again again again !!!!
Wow!! the count is four now... slumdog.. four of five...you are five questions away from becoming a millionaire ;-)
This is something I have to mention... I see Danny Boyle whenever one of the guys (from Slumdog) are called out.. and he is so genuinely happy 4 them..
The 81st Academy Award continues...
Original score - AR Rahman - Slumdog Milionaire...
At the end of his acceptance speech he said, as he does.. "Ellapughazum Iraivanukkae"... All praise for the Lord!!
BTW, that is also the title of one of ARR's songs that I love..
That was a good performance... of the songs - O Sayya and Jai Ho and one from Wall-E.... and the academy award for the best song goes to..... AR Rahman for Jai Ho.... Wow!!!! I am super thrilled!!!!! Thank God for ARR.
Liam Neeson and Feida Pinto on the stage to present the award for the Best Foreign Language Film - The award goes to Departures (Japanese).
Best Directing - Danny Boyle!!!!! "Finally, to all the folks in Mumbai who helped make this movie and who didnt.. You dwarf even this guy (The Oscar award)" says Danny.. I love this guy.. Love you Danny!!!
Best actress in a leading role - Kate Winslet for Reader...you guys if you are not watching this.. catch the video on youtube or something - gotta watch all this real drama... Really!
Best actor in a leading role - Sean Penn for Milk.. I gotta watch this movie
Best Picture - among Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, Reader and Slumdog - Slumdog Millionaire. The entire team of Slumdog are on the stage... this is great!!
Thats eight Academy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire... Bravo!!! it is a whole lot of awards and recognition... well deserved... have fun guys, everyone!!!
Freida Pinto is looking great in blue... Natalie Portman is gorgeous... Anne Hathaway serene!!
The show has just begun.. it seems the year of slumdogs all the way...... and this just the beginning of the show... way to go.
I dont remember if I watched the event last year... but this year there seems a lot more personal touch at the show probably in tune with the need of the hour... with everyone needing a good hug and a warm shoulder.
First oscar of 2009... best actress in a suppporting role.... Penelope Cruz!! ...for vicky christina barcelona..
Oscars for screenplay: original - Milk, Adapted - Slumdog Millionaire!!!
Best Animated Movie - Wall-E
Art Direction - Duchess
Makeup - Curious case of Benjamin Button
Cinematography - Slumdog again..!!!
Best actor in a supporting role - Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight
Smile Pinki - Best short documentary film... Is also based in India... Its about treating children with cleft upper lips.. watch it. I just watched the trailer in the Ad break.
Visual effects - Curious case of Benjamin Button
Sound editing - Dark Knight
Sound Mixing - Slumdog again again !!
Editing - Slumdog again again again !!!!
Wow!! the count is four now... slumdog.. four of five...you are five questions away from becoming a millionaire ;-)
This is something I have to mention... I see Danny Boyle whenever one of the guys (from Slumdog) are called out.. and he is so genuinely happy 4 them..
The 81st Academy Award continues...
Original score - AR Rahman - Slumdog Milionaire...
At the end of his acceptance speech he said, as he does.. "Ellapughazum Iraivanukkae"... All praise for the Lord!!
BTW, that is also the title of one of ARR's songs that I love..
That was a good performance... of the songs - O Sayya and Jai Ho and one from Wall-E.... and the academy award for the best song goes to..... AR Rahman for Jai Ho.... Wow!!!! I am super thrilled!!!!! Thank God for ARR.
Liam Neeson and Feida Pinto on the stage to present the award for the Best Foreign Language Film - The award goes to Departures (Japanese).
Best Directing - Danny Boyle!!!!! "Finally, to all the folks in Mumbai who helped make this movie and who didnt.. You dwarf even this guy (The Oscar award)" says Danny.. I love this guy.. Love you Danny!!!
Best actress in a leading role - Kate Winslet for Reader...you guys if you are not watching this.. catch the video on youtube or something - gotta watch all this real drama... Really!
Best actor in a leading role - Sean Penn for Milk.. I gotta watch this movie
Best Picture - among Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, Reader and Slumdog - Slumdog Millionaire. The entire team of Slumdog are on the stage... this is great!!
Thats eight Academy Awards for Slumdog Millionaire... Bravo!!! it is a whole lot of awards and recognition... well deserved... have fun guys, everyone!!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Till Death Do Us...
I don't believe in V day... I never imagined I will find a true love on the same day!
On a lonely mountain top, down the soft fluffy snow starting our journey together...
On a lonely mountain top, down the soft fluffy snow starting our journey together...
Monday, February 09, 2009
Howiwish I was in Bangalore for V-Day...
What can be more fun than a bunch of bloggers and some head-banging musik?? Well, of course.. a head-banging bunch of bloggers... ;-)
It's the first heavy metal blogger meet - and it comes a day before Iron Maiden rocks Bangalore.
When?
Somewhere in time (or)
22, Acacia Avenue (or)
On the seventh day of the seventh year (or)
Saturday, 14th February 2009 at 4:00 PM
Where?
Purgatory (or)
Sanctuary (or)
Mother Russia (or)
Stones Pub, Indira Nagar, Bangalore
What’s the plan?
Run to the hills (or)
Remember Tomorrow (or)
Die with our boots on (or)
Have a few beers, listen to some Maiden, and talk about blogging!
If you are an indiblogger:
RSVP at the official meet page, where you will find a link at the top-right to confirm your attendance:
http://www.indiblogger.in/bloggermeet.php?id=24
It's the first heavy metal blogger meet - and it comes a day before Iron Maiden rocks Bangalore.
When?
Somewhere in time (or)
22, Acacia Avenue (or)
On the seventh day of the seventh year (or)
Saturday, 14th February 2009 at 4:00 PM
Where?
Purgatory (or)
Sanctuary (or)
Mother Russia (or)
Stones Pub, Indira Nagar, Bangalore
What’s the plan?
Run to the hills (or)
Remember Tomorrow (or)
Die with our boots on (or)
Have a few beers, listen to some Maiden, and talk about blogging!
If you are an indiblogger:
RSVP at the official meet page, where you will find a link at the top-right to confirm your attendance:
http://www.indiblogger.in/bloggermeet.php?id=24
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Eternal Life!
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