A price for everything

Everything comes at a price. Even peace for heart. Likewise, being honest, a perception, has a price tag attached.

A seasonal change!

Life is strange - is something that is oft repeated and beaten to death. But there certainly is an element of truth in that phrase. Like seasons, life has limited options. And though, according to the universally accepted laws of physics, it is not possible to reverse the uni-dimensional flow of time (okay, no digressing please :D), your choice would be to go back in time! One such moment happened to me today, which brings me onto this fora, again. In a sense, its been almost 3 years that I have not kept my promise of blogging every day! Having grown wiser (not really), this time I desist from making such false promises.

Life is a paradox - is a cliche, also used frequently, which I will shamelessly use! The reason for that is - not much has changed in these 3 years is what I wanted to tell you people, but indeed from some finer aspects of life, it changed a lot - in fact - it can be termed 'sea change'. The basic value system that guided me then remains with me, though its diluted a bit or as some intelligent person advised me to put it as, its more dynamic now.

Anyways, without writing much nonsense - I have started some new activities along with a new job which is 7 weeks old. Fitness training, novel reading, wine tasting, cuisine and food exploration - a term I invented to excuse my big consumption and a bit of knowledge expansion and earning money to shop, donate and more importantly to be independent (like a Swayamsewak - yes, thats what I would like to call myself!)

Keep watching this space.

Music......

Feelings are forever .. !

Little girl and her father were crossing a bridge.
The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter,
'Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river.'
The little girl said, 'No, Dad. You hold my hand.'
'What's the difference?' Asked the puzzled father.
'There's a big difference,' replied the little girl.
'If I hold your hand and something happens to me,
chances are that I may let your hand go.
But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens,
you will never let my hand go.'

In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind,
but in its bond.
So hold the hand of the person who loves you rather than expecting them to hold yours...
This message is too short......but carries a lot of Feelings.

PS - Though this is a very short story, I could relate to myself, the care and affection with which my parents have brought me up all through my life. A few lines of literature rolled into a story takes me a few years down my memory lane. Nostalgia indeed. Thanks a lot for the source of this story.

To smoke or not to ... !

There has been a debate in India whether the government should allow actors/actresses/celebrities to portray glamorous smoking/consumption of alcohol/drugs etc. As I see it most people agree to the fact that whether or not one says that these are dangerous or not, they do play havoc with the lives is obvious. Now if a senior actor such as Rajnikanth heeds to the advice of the health minister and avoids smoking ON screen then I think all others should follow suit. Now let me go on record saying this that Rajnikanth's "immortal" following in the south of the Vindhyas and elsewhere has something to do with his acting and antics on the giant screen that is always glorified. As a child to date, I have always been amazed by the way Rajni does that ON screen. The way he throws the cigarette into the mouth is nothing short of miracle. To follow that the way he lights it up and burns it for the pleasure of the crowd is "so cool". I am sure people are as amazed as I am and many, may, in fact have tried to follow him considering the charisma that he has. All this has been avoided in his last two blockbusters "Chandramukhi" and "Sivaji" following an advice from Mr. Anbumani Ramadoss, the Indian Health minister.

The point for all this discussion is Shahrukh, the uncrowned ruler of Bollywood, Big B, the shahenshah of Bollywood dismissed Mr. Ramadoss plea to follow Rajni. There are reasons for both the leading actors to acknowledge what Rajni did was right. Firstly, I am sure Big B, Shahrukh or whoever agree that tobacco, alcohol and drugs are extremely dangerous. Secondly, if stopping smoking etc on screen can stop a fraction of the 45 million people who die in the country due to all these nasty habits, then there you guys do not need to think twice about quitting smoking/drinking on screen.
And finally, you guys do not look anywhere near the style of Rajni when he smokes!

I plead the people to force celebrities not to smoke/drink/dope ON/OFF screen. Mr. Ramadoss deserves all the support in this issue. Of course, AIIMS is one matter where I differ with the minister, but thats an altogether different issue.

Warren Buffet guides you with his tips for making money

"An investor needs to do very few things right as long as he or she avoids big mistakes. " Warren Buffett

1. A frugal billionaire Buffett believes in simplicity. He advises investors to take easy decisions. Never buy when you are doubtful. Invest only if you understand the businesses well.

2. Focus on not losing money rather than making it. Don't own any stock for 10 minutes that you wouldn't own for 10 years.

3. A proponent of value investing, he believes that one must take decisions on his own. He doesn't believe in listening to analysts or brokers. The best investing decisions come from oneself.

"It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results."

4. Buffett advises to invest in 'old economy' businesses, companies, which have been around for fifty years and will continue to have a long innings.

5. We have often heard of people suffering heart attacks when markets crash. Well, Buffett advocates a sound temperament for stock market success.

6. You don't need to be a genius to succeed in the stock markets. People who can stay cool will succeed in the long run. Always keep in mind the hidden costs, from commissions on active stock trading to high mutual fund fees.

7. Buffett always looks at businesses he can understand, look at the profits in the past, long-term potential of the company, good top level management of the company and companies that have a good value proposition. The strategy is to think about the business in the long term.

"You are neither right nor wrong because the crowd disagrees with you. You are right because your data and reasoning are right."

8. Invest in businesses with great management. Always keep a track of the management of the company. The top decision makers have a lot to do with the company's performance.

9. One of Buffet's biggest strengths is independent thinking. Many people go by what the experts says or what others do but belief in one's own judgement is the key to stock market success.

10. Patience pays, says Buffet. He says one must not worry too much about the price of the stocks. What's more important is the nature of business of the company, earnings capability and its future potential.

11. Don't target just stocks, look at businesses. How a company performs is key to its stock market performance. You must know the track record of a company before you invest in it.

"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."

12. Prices keep changing. Don't get worried by the ups and downs. Investing is all about creating wealth. It's important to understand the value of a stock than its price.

13. He believes that franchisee businesses are good opportunities to invest in. Avoid hi-tech, complex businesses. Look for businesses that are set to diversify and grow.

14. Never be disappointed when markets fall. Take it as a buying opportunity. Buffet says one must have lesser number of investments with more money in each lot.

15. He advises to avoid diversification. Invest in companies with sound business models. Choose a few good ones and stay invested, it will give you the benefits.

"I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars; I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over."

16. Doing nothing pays at times! One must not jump at price fluctuations and take impulsive decisions.

17. Don't get carried away by market forecasts. Ignore market swings and remain an investor with a good business sense.

18. Buffett advises to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful. Buy when people are selling and sell when people are buying.

19. Make a list of companies, sectors that you find safe to invest in and try to stick to the list.

20. A sound business, strong management, good fundamental and low stock price should be a must-buy.

"Most people get interested in stocks when everyone else is. The time to get interested is when no one else is. You can't buy what is popular and do well."

21. Try to ignore stock charts, says Buffett. They may not give the right indicators. A stock which may have done well earlier may not do so in future.

22. Buffet spends a lot of time on reading and more importantly thinking. Reading helps investors, so spend a lot of time reading about the stocks, companies and markets. A good investor must have a good knowledge base.

23. A good investor also needs to be efficient. Investors may have great capabilities but many do not make use of it. One needs to hone skills to meet the targets.

24. Good investors never rush to make money. They give time, thought and work on investment decisions. The mistakes that others make should be a lesson for you.

Lessons for life by the Lord!

"We are here to affirm life, to rise above it, not to deny it."

- Lord Krishna with his best friend Uddhava, when Uddhava tells Krishna that he does not want to live anymore, as he was infatuated by a gorgeous young lady "Shaibya".

Worsening Times

It has been a month since I sat down to type anything in this very space, where I love to tell people what's going on with me and around. Well, the reasons for such a long and conspicuous absence could range anywhere from a badly performing economy to an uneventful life (career)!

Anyways, I do not have a job yet but then the costs do not at all decrease and many of them, there is not much that I can do about. For instance, the bad (rather worst) and unpaved Chicago roads after a horrible winter left my car handicapped! Yes, my car had to bear the brunt of the potholes on the roads. The last week or so, I had to travel 4 times to Midway Airport which has such bad approach roads that the struts of my car are broken badly and need a fix! Now that burns a very big hole in my very tiny pocket. Approximately 700 bucks is what the generous mechanic takes to replace the handicapped ones with new ones. And he indeed deserved the adjective 'generous' more than anybody else as he did not charge much as labor. I would like to tell the civic authorities of Chicago, do something about the bad roads guys, they are a shame for such a marvelous city.

Moving on, first time in my life, I experienced something like an earthquake for a few seconds and to tell you frankly I felt that it is my head which is reeling than this 'Holy Earth'. For the sake of records, the earthquake measured 5.4 on the Richter scale (Ok, whatever it means, I don't give a damn). And then lastly, I will not repeat myself about the lack of opportunities etc.,

Hopefully, its my last post before something appears on the job front.

Frustrating

How many days more do I have to wait before people find me eligible for a position in their company? For Gods sake, give me an opportunity, at least for an interview dudes!

Hmm .. when economic recession is knocking this world's doors, people are apprehensive about giving jobs dude. That is the reality! Damn this recession.

Success formula from 'the genius'

"If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut."

- Sir Albert Einstein.

Maha Siva Ratri - "Om Namah Sivaya"

Maha Shivratri or Maha Sivaratri or Shivaratri or Sivaratri (Night of Shiva) is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu Calendar. The most significant practices on this day are offerings of Bael (Bilva) leaves to the Lord Shiva, fasting and all night long vigil. In North India and Nepal many people consume bhang lassi, which they believe is lord Shiva's favorite drink.


Here is the wikipedia link for Maha Siva Ratri

Here is a link to an awesome website that tells us about the significance of Maha Shiva Ratri. I would like to appreciate the effort, for a website with all the details of a Hindu Festival makes me happy.

I miss being in India this day, because all the fervor with which we used to celebrate Maha Siva Ratri in our family was truly awesome. Daddy performs a special pooja to the Lord. Then almost for the greater part of the day, the Rudram Namakam Chamakam is played on the tape. The temples near-by also used to play "Lingastakam" that the legendary singer Dr. S. P. Bala Subrahmanyam rendered. We all have a head bath and probably visit a temple. The Siva temple adjacent to the Sai Baba temple in Dilsukhnagar used to be very crowded. All the lights that are lit in the temple present an awesome spectacle. One just has to witness the festival to experience it. This was all in my childhood when our residence was in Huda Complex. All our family offers fasting on this day. I am performing this since I am 8 years old and it now turned into a habit. After the 'nakshatra darsanam', we used to have Idlis prepared by Amma in the night somewhere around 9-10 pm. To tell you the truth, those Idlis used to be so delicious.

Now that we have moved to LB Nagar, there is a near-by Sivalayam ( Siva Temple ) which is called by the name " Sri Uma Nagalingeswara Aalayam". The Siva lingam in this temple is one which I hold very dearly because when I am in India I performed abhishekam for this Siva lingam atleast 10-15 times. It is a great feeling which you experience in your heart. The purity that this imparts cannot be put in words. I am uploading a picture of the same "Siva Lingam" which I often prayed to. The image you see above is the one I am talking about.

I guess, after reading my post, now you all do realize how much dear "Maha Siva ratri" is to me. No wonder, I miss this day terribly!

Wishing you all a very happy "Maha Siva Ratri".

For a good heart...

Taking care of your Heart

A chat with Dr. Devi Shetty, Narayana Hrudayalaya (Heart Specialist) Bangalore was arranged by WIPRO for its employees.

The transcript of the chat is given below.

Qn: What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart ?

Ans: 1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil 2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week; avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a longtime 3. Quit smoking 4. Control weight 5. Control blood pressure and sugar

Qn: Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart?

Ans: No

Qn: It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person gets a cardiac arrest. How do we understand it in perspective?

Ans: This is called silent attack; that is why we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health checkups.

Qn: Are heart diseases hereditary?

Ans: Yes

Qn: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?

Ans: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.

Qn: Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?

Ans: Walking is better than jogging since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints .

Qn: You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?

Ans: Mother Theresa , who was my patient.

Qn: Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?

Ans: Extremely rare

Qn: Does cholesterol accumulates right from an early age (I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?

Ans: Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.

Qn: How do irregular eating habits affect the heart ?

Ans: You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme release for digestion gets confused.

Qn: How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?

Ans: Control diet, walk and eat walnut.

Qn: Can yoga prevent heart ailments?

Ans: Yoga helps.

Qn: Which is the best and worst food for the heart?

Ans: Fruits and vegetables are the best and the worst is oil.

Qn: Which oil is better - groundnut, sunflower, olive?

Ans: All oils are bad .

Qn: What is the routine checkup one should go through? Is there any specific test?

Ans: Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo.

Qn: What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack?

Ans: Help the person into a sleeping position , place an aspirin tablet under the tongue with a sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to a coronary care unit since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.

Qn: How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that caused due to gastric trouble?

Ans: Extremely difficult without ECG.

Qn: What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 yrs of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.

Ans: Increased awareness has increased incidents. Also, edentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.

Qn: Is it possible for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet be perfectly healthy?

Ans: Yes.

Qn: Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?

Ans : Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may not have a software engineer as a child

Qn: Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a times we have to stay late nights in office. Does this affect our heart ? What precautions would you recommend?

Ans : When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as you grow older, respect the biological clock.

Qn: Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short / long term)?

Ans : Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti-hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.

Qn: Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?

Ans : No.

Qn: Are asthma patients more prone to heart disease?

Ans : No.

Qn: How would you define junk food?

Ans : Fried food like Kentucky , McDonalds , samosas, and even masala dosas.

Qn: You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food?

Ans: Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately, Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.

Qn: Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?

Ans : No.

Qn: Can a person help himself during a heart attack (Because we see a lot of forwarded emails on this)?

Ans : Yes. Lie down comfortably and put an aspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary care unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.

Qn: Do, in any way, low white blood cells and low hemoglobin count lead to heart problems?

Ans : No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity.

Qn: Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?

Ans : Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.

Qn: Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?

Ans: Yes. A strong relationship since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics.

Qn: What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?

Ans : Diet, exercise, drugs on time , Control cholesterol, BP, weight.

Qn: Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?

Ans : No.

Qn: What are the modern anti-hypertensive drugs?

Ans : There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem, but my suggestion is to avoid the drugs and go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyles.

Qn: Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?

Ans : No.

Qn: Why is the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?

Ans : Nature protects women till the age of 45.

Qn: How can one keep the heart in a good condition?

Ans : Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise everyday, do not smoke and, go for health checkup s if you are past the age of 30 ( once in six months recommended) ...

Intent...

Harsha Bogle, the well known cricket commentator for ESPN-STAR, during a match featuring England commented about 'intent'. English spinner Monty Panesar was fielding in the outfield and had to stop a hardly hit ball. Known is the fact that, Monty is not a "natural athlete" and when he actually tried stopping the speeding ball, he gave it his all and threw himself on the field. The effort did not yield anything as such as he could not stop the boundary and it was an awkward sight to watch. Harsha watching all this commented - "Intent is such a beautiful thing, even if it does not yield results immediately, it surely does have a positive influence", and in the same over Monty dived and stopped an otherwise certain boundary. Anybody else would have made a negative comment looking that effort from Monty, but Harsha being an eternal optimist that he is commented in such a way.

I was thinking about this because the other day I was thinking how are things shaping up and while reading things about payroll, I realized that it was 2 weeks since I had any interview. In spite of my best intentions, nothing is working at all. But then I have decided to persist with what I have been doing all along, hoping for that one beacon which leads my path!

Indeed, intent is such a beautiful thing .....

Love and Marriage!

Here are some funny ones about marriage...

Everybody says "Love is blind" but fail to add marriage is the real 'eye opener'.

They say marraiges are made in Heaven ....
hmm so are the thunders and lightenings !!

Me and my wife were happy for 23 years...
Then we got married !!

Marriage is the alliance of two people, one of whom never remembers birthdays and the other who never forgets them.

I was incomplete before marriage...
after it, i was finished !!

In marriage one person is always rite the other one is Husband.

Every man should marry after all happiness is not the only thing in life.

Both marriage and death ought to be welcome:
The one promises happiness, doubtless the other assures it !!

It takes two to make a marriage a success
while failure needs just one.

I don't want to marry, there are lot of other ways to ruin one's life.

Getting married is very much like going to a restaurant with friends. You order what you want, then when you see what the other person has, you wish you had ordered that.

Man: Is there any way for long life?
Dr: Get married.

Man: Will it help?
Dr: No, but the thought of long life will never come.

Why do couples hold hands during their wedding?

It's a formality, just like two boxers shaking hands before the fight begins!

Wife: Darling today is our anniversary, what should we do?

Husband: Let us stand in silence for 2 minutes.

It is difficult to understand GOD. He makes such beautiful things as women and then he turns them into wives.

Love and Marriage!

Everybody says "Love is blind" but fail to add marriage is the real 'eye opener'.

Mysterious ways of counting... !@#$%^&*()(*&^%$#@!

"Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts." - Albert Einstein

This man needs no introduction. But then, for people who need it, here is his page from Wikipedia.

Life .. isn't it all about hardships!

Everybody, friends and foes alike, start with asking "Howz life dude?"

Now, How do I answer such a question when trying to live is enormously challenging? Yes, when I say challenging, I mean it in every sense of the word. For there is an adage "Survival of the fittest" that could withstand the turn of millenniums and yet be strikingly truthful. Ever since childhood, I have never seen living been so hard, to tell you all the truth.

Every passing day teaches me something "new", awfully a known fact that should at the first place be not forgotten. There are some basics in life which help one keep life pretty and simple. Only when you feel that you have lost yourself somewhere in the busy and racy life, you try to get back to those days, where you were a charm to be with, where you were such an incredible spirit who kept things simple.

Yes, When I was studying Intermediate, being a rebel all my life for 'no cause', I always questioned those 3Ds that were regarded as essential qualities for a human of some character. 3Ds - Dedication, Determination, Diligence.

I will get back to telling you all how the 3Ds would once again help me change myself into a man of character, doing something worthwhile, all the while!

Finally, my life is hazy, confusing and frustrating. Let me change the course of life altogether!

Rose by another name...

A rose by another name would smell as sweet as it does.

Now thats an excellent quote. Isn't it?

It is a quote given by William Shakespeare, the world-famous poet.

William Shakespeare (baptised 26 April 1564 – 23 April 1616)[a] was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.[1] He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon" (or simply "The Bard"). His surviving works consist of 38 plays,[b] 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.[2]

Jodhaa .. Akbar

This sunday, I just wanted to watch this movie that is directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. Well, there is a reason for me to watch this movie. Hrithik Roshan stars in this movie and then there are the haunting eyes of Aishwarya Rai. A.R.Rehman already made an indelible impression with his music.

But then there have been instances in the past, despite good reviews and excellent combos, I haven't stepped in the theaters. But then this is a movie on my favorite subject - History. So there is no way that I can miss out on this.

Firstly I am not going to write a review of how the movie is a well-made one with the excellent technicalities that it can boast of. I am certainly amazed if the Emporer Akbar is the man that Hrithik portrayed on celluloid! All through the years, in the books of History, Akbar was a good enough king to be taught to students as one.

But then I cannot comprehend how Akbar can be such a staunch secularist as portrayed when the fact that the Mughal Empire he heads is not so. Akbar has not done much for the Hindus except for the waiver of the dreaded "Jijiya Tax". Well, I do not proclaim to know everything that Akbar did, but then will sure would like to know more about the man.

Pioneers are indeed courageous!

Mark Twain once said, "In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."

Source - The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh spokesperson Ram Madhav

How are things going ....?

Well, this is a week that had been utterly disgusting in terms of performance at the right juncture. Though I do not regret about losing a very tough interview, my very first, I do regret about not making a cut in an another interview, the second.

Now that the weekend started, I have a very clearly defined task of preparing well before the next interview, which should be at the start of next week, in time. I always wonder how could a few guys could make such a software that has a world of functionalities defined in it.

This is what wikipedia has to say about the technological evolution of the software SAP.

In 1972 the SAP R/1 solution was launched.[11] Just seven years later, in 1979, SAP launched SAP R/2.[11] In 1981, SAP brought a completely re-designed solution to market. With the change from R/2 to R/3 in 1992, SAP followed the trend from mainframe computing to client-/server architectures.

Hmm, with such an opportunity to work on a very well designed software, a huge responsibility lies on my shoulders not to squander the chance provided. For whom, who has so little of programming history, I regard it as being the " Baptism with fire". But then I hope (foresee!) of coming out with flying colors in this test. Yes, as Stephen King says in The Shawshank Redemption, "hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."

A bold politician !

After days of rhetoric by one political party after another in India regarding population of Mumbai with Indian citizens other than citizens belonging to Maharastra, here comes a statement from the leader of opposition and 'Prime Minister in waiting' LK Advani.

"ek desh me do vidhan, do pradhan aur do nishan, nahi chalega, nahin chalega (In one country, we will not allow two constitutions, two prime ministers and two flags).”

This is a statement of Jan Sangh. I call that foresight, because to give such a mature statement in the very formative days of a country like India can be called nothing short of "Visionary".

Thank goodness, India is a great democratic nation with a lots of 'checks and balances' and also we have two very good political parties in the BJP and the Congress !?!

Thoughtful and Hilarious

All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire. – Aristotle

Every man loves two women, the one is the creation of his imagination and the other is not yet born. -Kahlil Gibran

Khalil Gibran (full name Gibran Khalil Gibran Ben Mikha'il Ben Saâd, Arabic : جبران خليل جبران بن ميخائيل بن سعد, (January 6, 1883 – April 10, 1931) was a Lebanese American artist, poet and writer. He was born in Lebanon (at the time a Syrian Province of the Ottoman Empire) and spent much of his productive life in the United States.

1000 ways for failure

I will not say i failed 1000 times, I will say that I discovered there are 1000 ways that can cause failure - Thomas Edison

Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) was an American inventor and businessman who developed many devices that greatly influenced life around the world, including the phonograph and a long lasting light bulb.

Wiki link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison

Sledging in cricket...

Now these are some famous cricket sledges which I love to read over and over. The 'Gentleman's game' is not that gentle though, as one would like it to be. Not to discredit gentle cricketers, I simply love the way sledging spices up the game.

Ok, Now read them ..

Subba Row vs Trueman

England were playing Pakistan in Headingley and Trueman saw a Pakistani batsman being dropped by Raman Subba Row at first slip. The ball had gone through his legs. After Trueman completed the over, Row went over to Trueman and said, "Sorry Fred, I should've kept my legs together." Trueman, not amused, replied, "Not you bastard. Your mother should have."

A Graceful One

During a county game, the legendary W G Grace was clean bowled by a rookie. Grace was man enough to stand his ground. "They came to watch me bat, not you bowl," he said.

McGrath vs Sarwan

Sarwan and McGrath went eyeball to eyeball in Antigua in May 2003. Sarwan, on his way to a sublime second-innings century that eventually helped Windies chase a record 418, was taunted by McGrath, "So what does Brian Lara's arse taste like?" To this Sarwan said, "I don't know. Ask your wife." McGrath went mad with rage. "If you ever fucking mention my wife again," he said, "I'll fucking rip your fucking throat out."

McGrath Vs Brandes

Long before that exchange, Zimbabwean pacer and chicken farmer Eddo Brandes was once unable to get his bat anywhere near McGrath's deliveries. Frustrated that Brandes was still at it, McGrath went up to him and said, "Why are you so fat?" Brandes replied, "Because every time I make love to your wife, she gives me a biscuit." That had even the Aussie slip cordon in splits.

Rod Marsh vs Botham

When Botham took guard during the memorable Ashes series in 1981 at Headingley, Aussie wicket-keeper Rodney Marsh welcomed with, "So how's your wife and my kids?" Botham replied, "Wife's fine, but your kids are retarded."

Ormond vs Waugh

During the '94 Ashes in Australia, England's James Ormond had just come out to bat. Mark Waugh, fielding at second slip, greeted him by saying, "Mate, what are you doing out here, there's no way you're good enough to play for England." Ormond, who was clued in to the debate in the Australian media over who was the better player between the twins Mark and Steve, replied, "Maybe not. But I'm still the best player in my family."

The Red Cherry

In the middle of a county match between Glamorgan and Somerset, Glamorgan pacer Greg Thomas beat Viv Richards and had the temerity to inform the legend, "It's red, round and weighs five ounces." The next ball was smashed out of the ground, into a river. Richards said, "Greg, you know what it looks like. Now go and find it."

Healy Vs Ranatunga

During the '95-'96 Australia-Sri Lanka series, Aussie wicket-keeper Ian Healy made a comment which was picked up by the host boadcaster Channel 9. It was a particularly hot night in Sydney and Arjuna Ranatunga called for a runner. Healy told him, "You don't get a runner for being an overweight, unfit, fat, ****."

Waugh Vs Parore

Mark Waugh was standing at second slip and Kiwi keeper Adam Parore, who was relatively new to international cricket (this was the '97-'98 series), came to the crease and played and missed the first ball. Mark Waugh said, "I remember you from a couple of years ago in Australia. You were shit then, you're fucking useless now." Parore, who had all the personal details of Waugh, replied, "Yeah, that's me and when I was there you were going out with that old, ugly slut and now I hear you've married her."

Merv Hughes Vs Cronje

During the 1993-94 series between Australia and South Africa in South Africa, Australian pacer Merv Hughes was being carted all around the park in one of the tour games. Cronje hit a number of sixes off Hughes. After another one landed out of the ground, Hughes walked up to Cronje, stood still and let out a fart and said, "Try hitting that for a six." It was five minutes before Cronje and the Aussies could stop laughing.

Steve Waugh vs Parthiv Patel

Sydney, 2004. Steve Waugh's final test. Indians were pressing for victory. As Waugh fought a grim battle to stave off defeat, Patel couldn't stop saying, "Come on, just one more of the famous slog-sweeps before you finish." Waugh, who was visibly annoyed, said, "'Look, show a bit of respect. You were still in your nappies when I made my debut 18 years ago." Parthiv must have been delighted when Waugh perished to the slog-sweep, to be caught by Tendulkar at deep mid-wicket off Kumble.

A short video on the life of Lord Krishna

Quote

"If you excel in the pool there is no guarantee you will survive at sea..."

This is a quote that I picked up from a discussion board.

The quote is quite good in its own sense, explains you the importance of performing at crucial occasions rather than those cliche moments when everybody else can do the job.

Indeed an awesome quote.

Yahoo .. !

I am waiting for this very moment to happen all the past 6 months of my life! I finally could make my project work. At last all I can do is thank each and every person from my family, relatives and friends who could bare me all the time while this is being done, not to forget anybody.

Thank you all "guys" !

Daddy, Amma and Teja .. thank you very much.

Swami Vivekananda's take on love......

I Once had a friend who grew to be very close to me. Once when we were sitting at the edge of a swimming pool, she filled the palm of her hand with some water and held it before me, and said this: "You see this water carefully contained on my hand? It symbolizes Love."

This was how I saw it:

As long as you keep your hand caringly open and allow it to remain there, it will always be there. However, if you attempt to close your fingers round it and try to posses it, it will spill through the first Cracks it finds This is the greatest mistake that people do when they meet love...they try to posses it, they demand, they expect... and just like the water spilling out of your hand, love will retrieve from you. For love is meant to be free, you cannot change its nature. If there are people you love, allow them to be free beings.

Give and don't expect.
Advise, but don't order.
Ask, but never demand.

It might sound simple, but it is a lesson that may take a lifetime to truly practice. It is the secret to true love. To truly practice it, you must sincerely feel no expectations from those who you love, and yet an unconditional caring." - Swami Vivekananda

A different one!

“If you always do what you've always done;
you'll always get what you always got.”

- Anonymous

Now Something similar to it ..

"If you want to change your situation, Change your attitude... "

Tony Robbins once said to change your emotional state, change your physical state. To feel excited and happy, you can not lie slumped on chair and vice-versa, you can not feel sad while you are on a roller coaster. .

To change your situation, I think you have to change how you look at it. If you are feeling angry over something, close your eyes, imagine stepping outside your body and then look at what is going on and if situation really is that bad. Someone once said, "perception is projection". A situation is how you perceive it to be.

Mahatma Gandhi says

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever."

The fear factor

"Ships in harbor are safe, but that's not what ships are made for" - John Shedd.

Isn't it true?

Back after a short break....

Here goes a quote which I liked very much...

"Everybody steals in commerce and industry. I've stolen a lot myself. But I know how to steal." - Thomas Edison, 1847-1931

He was more of a shrewd businessman than a scientist. The way he took credit of Tesla's work is astonishing.

September 17, 2007

It is such an important day in my life, now that there are certain people whom I wish to see them succeed. It gives me immense pleasure enjoying their success. All the best.

On the personal front, though I am trying to complete my Final Master's project and go out in search of a job, I am more or less struck with a glitch in the deployment of the program on the machine for more than a month. Hope I complete the task at hand and then move ahead in life. Seriously, the last 1 month has been such a roller coaster ride which I never experienced in terms of emotions. Everyday I wake up and find myself in a quagmire which troubles me a lot. The only solace I could find is the support I receive from my family and friends. May be thats the only rope making me cling on and try to get out from where I am today.

Bhagat - The revolutionary

Merciless criticism and independent thinking are the two necessary traits of revolutionary thinking.
- Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh (September 28,[1] 1907–March 23, 1931) was an Indian freedom fighter, considered to be one of the most famous revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement.

Though I don't prolong the introductions of great people beyond a point, in the case of Bhagat, who being an interesting personality needs to be understood more. Here is a link that has more about him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagat_Singh

Making a sense of business

" When two men in business always agree, one of them is unnecessary. "
- William Wrigley Jr.

William Wrigley Jr. (September 30, 1861–January 26, 1932) was a U.S. chewing gum industrialist. He was founder and eponym of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company in 1891. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

While the above quote sounds true, there is an addition by some anonymous person and now this one is simply the best!

" When two men in business always agree, one of them is unnecessary. And if both always disagree, both of them are not necessary... "

Back to square one !

The title of this post is "Back to square one" because essentially the nature of posts my blog had were used to be quotes and those were the posts that got maximum response from the readers. Now after a long time, I am back to doing my favorite pastime, searching quotes which are worth a read. I would like to say, starting today you guys can expect a lot of quotes which I find to be good. Also leave your comments on the quality of quotes, would be happy if someone actually likes them !

Yanni - The storm

The violin is being played by "Samvel" and "Sanyaka".

This is the best Yanni music video I have ever seen. As usual "Yanni" rocks and makes me wonder, if he is actually the 'God of Music'.

Among all the best exhibitors of the human emotion called " Passion", these guys exhibit it the best. I just love to see this video everyday. I consider it a treasure! What say guys?

Yanni - Tribute

This song is from the album "Tribute" by Yanni.

balakrisha_prasad.mpg

Singer balakrisha Prasad Exclusive Interview by Telugu Journal.com Sri Garimella Bala Krishna Prasad garu Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam vaari Annamaacharya Project lo pani chestoo ... annamaacharya keertanalanu aalapistaru.

Charlie Rose - Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India

An exclusive conversation with Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. This conversation will begin a week of interviews taped in India ahead of President Bush's historic visit. Each night, from February 27th to March 3rd, Charlie Rose will feature discussions with the people shaping the new India.

Aaj Karna hai kya?

Dont u wonder ... wat has crept into me these days to name my posts in such a way. I think its the Bollywood sequel insanity. These days life seems to be set in a specific pattern with nothing great happening. Atlast I could do the 5th lab. Now atleast we have to complete 6th lab in a day or else it is going to mess my schedule for this semester. Also 642 needs some attention. Though I am good at recognising my tasks ahead, somehow the priorities seem to change more when it comes to execution and hence this lag in completion.

The project has hit a roadblock as of now. There is large sense of urgency on my part to ruch thru.

Anyways ... will update this blog later !

Aaj Hona hai kya ?

For the past sometime .. I was very lazy to the core and hence did not post anything over here.. over these last 2 days on the internet .. fortunately or unfortunately i went thru a lot of blogs which, kind of made me think of how my blog would be.

This tuesday is a big thing for me. Out of the 7 experiments in 661.. we could go through 4 of them in a very quick time, but somehow oflate, the 5th one is catching up with the theory of averages and is consuming more time than expected. Also my congenital laziness added its contribution to this situation. I am very much in the thick of the things and hope to see those5 and 6 completed by this thursday.

Also meeting my advisor regarding my projects is on the cards and should be met with as soon as possible. I hope to make them on thursday and grab the projects.

On a different note, DADA aka Maharaj aka Sourav Ganguly, my hero has had a gud match so far in Duleep trophy, which in a sense made me feel very gud. Afterall, he is my inspiration for all the 'calculated aggression' one gets to exhibit.

Congrats DADA... lage raho .. hope to catch up with u soon.