tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56071632024-03-14T16:10:56.696+08:00Cerebral ShangrilaCogito Ergo sum ( I think , Therefore I am ) .Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.comBlogger1208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-85288824814062283752011-08-28T16:04:00.001+08:002011-08-28T16:06:38.736+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Rainbow Quiz - Week # 69</span>
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<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anna Hazare has galvanized an entire nation through his hunger strike. Here is a quiz dedicated to him and numerous others who have used fasting as a tool for social change. </span>
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<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. The act of hunger strike dates back to Hindu mythology. “X” went to ask the exiled Rama to come back and rule the kingdom. “X” tried many arguments, none of which work, at which point he decides to do a hunger strike. Rama, however, quickly persuades him to abandon the attempt. Who is X?</span>
<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. “X” started fasting for attaining statehood for Andhra in Madras on 19 October 1952. After 58 days of fasting, he died on the 16th December. X’s death started mass protests and led to Nehru announcing the formation of a new state 3 days later. Who is X? </span>
<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">3. The British arrested him in 1929 for revolutionary activities and X was imprisoned in Lahore jail. In the Lahore jail, “X” started a hunger strike along with other revolutionary fighters, demanding equality for Indian prisoners. His fast lasted 63 days and he died as a martyr in the end. Who is X?</span>
<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. An American suffragette, “X” fought to get women the right to vote with passion and tenacity. “ X” went on a hunger strike while imprisoned in 1917 at Virginia’s Occoquan Workhouse to protest the poor conditions. Her hunger strike got her a ticket to the psych ward, where she was force-fed raw eggs, but her protest served a larger purpose by helping fan the flames of public opinion. In 1918, President Wilson spoke of the need for suffrage, and women earned the right to vote in 1920 with the Nineteenth Amendment. Who is X? </span>
<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">5. In 2009, actress and activist “X” began a hunger strike to protest the conflict in Darfur. She also blogged about her experience and posted video updates to YouTube. Before beginning the fast, she wrote that she planned to go for three weeks without food, but a doctor put an end to her strike after 12 days, citing severe health risks. With her blood sugar plummeting, she passed off the hunger strike to Richard Branson, who took over for three days. Who is X?</span>
<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">6. “X” went on a fast unto death to protest against illegal mining on the bank of the Ganga in Haridwar. X, who was on fast beginning February 19, 2011 was declared dead the following June 13, after being on a hunger strike for 115 days. Who is this great patriot? </span>
<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">7. “X” also known as the "Iron Lady of Manipur" is a civil rights activist, political activist, and poet from the Indian state of Manipur. Since 2 November 2000, she has been on hunger strike to demand that the Indian government repeal the Armed Forces Act, which she blames for violence in Manipur and other parts of India's northeast. Having refused food and water for more than ten years, she has been called "the world's longest hunger striker".</span>
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<br />Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-61825401953250538672011-08-15T20:59:00.003+08:002011-08-15T21:12:03.106+08:00<div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>I am @ Seoul</strong></span></div>
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<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am in Seoul this week on business. First visit and mightily impressed with the way Koreans use technology in day-to-day life. </span></div>
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<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here are some first impressions:</span></div>
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<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">a) Internet access is a roller coaster. Average speeds even in hotel rooms surpass 75 mbps (Almost 10X times faster than most parts of the world). </span></div>
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<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">b) The audio guide tour at Korean palace museum relies on infra red to automatically recite the relevant information. Cafes use IR tokens that buzz when take-away food is ready. </span></div>
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<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">c) Sub-way is efficient, ubiquitous and a great way to get around. </span></div>
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<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">d) The palaces and cultural heritage centers have been very well maintained and most of them either have free admission or very low entry fees.</span></div>
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<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;">e) A big minus is the air pollution. Friends tell me it has now reduced but it is still very visible and casts a bad shadow over the city. </span></div>
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<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">f) Today is the "Liberation day" in Korea and a national holiday. Coincides with our independence day. </span></div>
<br /><div align="justify"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-75259286878176273582011-08-07T09:31:00.002+08:002011-08-07T09:35:34.278+08:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Rainbow Quiz - Week # 68 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Trying to revive my now defunct Rainbow Quiz. This quiz is inspired from a book that I just finished reading - 100 Great Businesses and the Minds behind them". </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Take a stab.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">What am I talking about?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. Mr.X, while studying economics at Yale, wrote a paper about the growing number of uses for computers (This was way back in the 60’s). He reckoned that as people become more reliant on computers, repairing them in a timely manner will be critical for the manufacturers. Legend has it that he received a “C” grade for the paper. Which company am I talking about (that was born out of this idea) and who is Mr.X? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. While working in Asia, Mr. X came across caffeine filled drinks with foul taste that were sold in small vials at exorbitant prices (primarily as a cure for Flu, impotency). He set about finding a formula that he could take back to Europe. He found the answer in Krating Daeng (a Thai drink). He licensed it from the founders and gave a sporty makeover to the health drink. What am I talking about? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">3. “Across Asia on the Cheap” was first printed in 1970’s and enjoyed modest success. Not many realized then that the publisher would become a cult brand that would forever change an industry. Which brand am I talking about?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. An entrepreneurial streak pulsed through Mr.X since an early age. At 5, he was selling matches to family members and at 17, he was selling pencils in the neighborhood. The pencil selling was successful that X decided to change it to a mail order business by including other merchandise such as soaps, seeds and stockings. He decided to coin a name for the company with an acronym that stood for the first letters of his first name, last name, farm name and village name. Who is X and what company am I talking about?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">5. In 1930 Japanese scientist Dr. Shirota discovered a strain of bacteria that was both good for the human intestine and tough enough to survive the digestive process. What sweet, skim milk based drink, named after “yoghurt” in Esperanto, emerged due to this invention?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">6. Fashion retailing isn’t known for shy, retiring types. Yet this Spanish billionaire has created one of the largest fashion retailing empire in the world, though he has rarely granted interviews or been photographed. He believes advertising to be “pointless distraction” and the company spends less than 0.5% of its revenues on advertising. Who is this maverick, reclusive billionaire and which company am I talking about?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">7. What started in 1979 as “Graphics Group” as part of Lucasfilm? Amongst other things, the group tried selling high-end graphics computers which were a disastrous failure. The company eventually stumbled into film-making after making a few successful commercials. In the fickle world of filmdom, the company till date has never produced a flop. Which company am I talking about?</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><br /></div>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-9704185001996403712011-07-10T14:35:00.002+08:002011-07-10T14:37:33.168+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Google+</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">No one except Google can create such as buzz. For someone who has never been on facebook, I succumbed to the buzz and joined Google+ today. Anyone needing an invitation, give me a shout. </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-71286371190270315742011-06-19T09:35:00.006+08:002011-06-19T10:25:05.165+08:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Behind every successful artiste is a liberal parent</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">It seemed to be the best seat to choose. I had just entered the concert hall as Ravikiran was winding up his concert with the Mangalam. The next concert was by Sanjay and it was expected to be a full house. I wanted to get the best seat and though this seat was a lone empty seat in a crowded row, it had the best view of the stage. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I settled in the seat and to my left was an "Iyer Mama", close to 60 years of age with Vibhuti splashed liberally over the forehead. The Mangalam got over and it was announced that the next concert would begin in 15 minutes. That is how the conversation began :</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Him : Are you new to Sydney, I haven't seen you in past concerts?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I ( I quickly guessed that he was a veteran of carnatic music scene in Sydney) : Yes, I am new to Sydney. I just moved here 6 months ago. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Him : It is good to see youngsters (!!) like you being interested in carnatic music.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I : Thanks. It is an interest passed on from my dad. How long have you lived in Sydney?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Him : I came here 35 years ago. Most of the accompanists who play here were all introduced by me and our circle. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I: wow. For someone who has lived here for 35 years, your Tamil is still intact. It has lost none of the Madras brahmin flavor. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Him: Thanks. We always speak Tamil at home. Btw, I lived more in Bangalore than Chennai but still how can we forget our language and culture. In fact, my daughter although born here in Australia is well trained in our language and culture. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I: That is very good to hear.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Him : In fact, she is a well trained dancer, winner of Miss India Australia and is now an actress in south Indian films.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">My trivia brain immediately started working its way and quickly deduced the gentleman next to me was none other than the father of Actress Vimala Raman. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I: Are you the father of Vimala Raman?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Him (Excitedly): Yes, How did you know?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I: I have seen her movie "Poi" and also attended a Bharathanatyam recital by her in Singapore.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Him ( Calling his wife): He knows Vimala and has attended her dance performance.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">That is when his wife turned to look at me. The resemblance was very palpable, Vimala looked exactly like her mom (minus the wrinkles). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Him : She can speak Tamil very well too. She learnt dance for a long time and even now performs when she gets time. She chose to pursue a career in films and now lives in Chennai. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">She is a very intelligent girl and hence we decided to allow her to pursue her career of choice. Once they become adults, we should be an advisor to them and not a decision maker. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Something tugged at my heart then. I suddenly became an unabashed admirer of his liberal values . Here was someone, who wanted his daughter to grow up in a conservative manner but yet had the courage to not force his value system on her, once she became an adult. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We chatted for a few more minutes and promised to keep in touch. Hopefully I will meet him again during other concerts. I should conclude by saying " Behind every successful artiste, there is a liberal parent". </span><br /></div>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-71611808284954731042011-06-12T09:21:00.003+08:002011-06-12T10:04:27.787+08:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Sanjay Subramanian - Live at Sydney - Concert Review</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">It has been raining music in Sydney. Braving the cold weather and drizzle, rasikas turned up in full steam (with steaming filter coffee for company) at the UWS Campus for the 3-day Sydney Music Festival. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sanjay started the concert in his usual brisk manner with the Viriboni varnam in "Bhairavi" sung to three speeds - Vilamba, Madhyama and Dhuridha Kaalam. It was a great warm-up for the day, akin to a Sehwag sixer in the 1st over. He then sang the Thiruvarutpa " Sama Geetha Priyan" in Raaga "Gaulai". I had listened to this song a few years ago in Sanjay's Jaya TV Margazhi Mahotsavam concert. His pronunciation was commendable with no "Sanskrit vaadai". The next two songs were the Thyagaraja compositions "Evari Kai" in Raaga "Devamanohari" and "Janaka" in Raaga "Asaveri". He elaborated the "Asaveri" Raaga for 5 minutes giving enough glimpse of this rarely sung raaga. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next came a "Kamboji" raaga alapana that was out of the world and then followed with the song " Adiyenai" that dripped with Karuna rasa, a hallmark of Kamboji. Hindolam is one of my favorite ragas and Sanjay sang a quick "Neerajakshi", preparing the listeners for the RTP. Just when you thought RTP was around the corner, there was yet another brisk " Niravathi" in raaga "Ravi chandrika" that added pace and fervor to the concert. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">He started the RTP and within seconds I was throwing by dice between raagas "Nattai" Vs "Chala Nattai" - which were both unusual choices for an RTP. Quickly I figured it was indeed "Chala Nattai" and was amazed by his choice of this rare raga for an elaborate rendition. Contrary to my expectations, he didn't sing a ragamalika and sang the RTP fully in one raga for almost 45 minutes. He brought the intricacies of this beautiful & romantic raaga and kept the audience enthralled for the next hour. Though a Melakartha raagam (36th), Chala nattai has rarely been sung in an elaborate manner in concerts. On a related note, Illayaraja, the musical genius had captured the essence of this raga in the beautiful melody " Pani Vizhum Malar Vanam". As Sanjay elaborated the raaga, I realized the boundless genius of Illayarja for capturing the raaga's essence in a mere 4 minutes song. The more he sang it, "Pani Vizhum" was running like a background score in my mind. Viloiinist Nagai Sriram followed Sanjay in an adept manner throughout the rendition. The Kriti chosen was "Jalame". </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">How can one not have a Bharathiyar composition? "Payum Oli Nee" followed next (Not sure what the raaga is , seemed like Mand to me) and Sanjay 's delight was evident as he enjoyed singing it, imagining himself as the great poet. It was followed by "Vizhikku thunai" a virutham in "Mohanam" and "Va Va" in "Sindhu Bhairavi". I adore Sindhu Bhairavi and wished Sanjay had sung a bit more of it. He then wrapped up the concert with a Thillana in "Kapi" and Mangalam. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a phenomenal concert and yet another exhibition of the creative peak that Sanjay has been enjoying in the past few years.Great start to a weekend ! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here is the full song list: </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. Viriboni - Bhairavi</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 2. Sama geetha - Gaula</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 3. Evari kai - Deva manohari</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 4. Janaka - Asaveri</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 5. Adiyenai - Kamboji</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 6. Neerajakshi - Hindolam</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 7. Niravathi - Ravi chandrika</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 8. Jalame - Chala Nattai</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 9. Payum oli - Mand</span> (<span style="font-family: verdana;">I think so</span>)<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 10. Vizhikku - Mohanam, Sindhu Bhairavi, vaa vaa</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 11. Thillana - Kapi<br />12. Mangalam - Sowrashtram<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><br /></div>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-48515162417871658622011-06-02T19:44:00.002+08:002011-06-02T19:47:44.911+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Is Maran set to follow?</span><br /><br />With deep apologies to Shelley who must be turning in his grave, " If Raja goes can Maran be far behind"?<br /><br />If this <a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/maran-has-323-telephone-lines-in-chennai/156169-37-64.html">CNN-IBN article</a> is to be believed, the allegations against Maran (Apart from the Aircel Scandal) are nothing short of serious.Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-31576387446122184762011-05-15T14:35:00.003+08:002011-05-15T15:15:47.505+08:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >A Midsummer night's dream </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">It has finally rained during midsummer in Chennai. A decisive spell of rain which has washed the state of nepotism and corruption that had haunted it for the past five years. Though the defeat of MK & his ilk was widely expected, the huge margin was a big surprise even for his worst detractors. The people have truly taught a lesson for the brazen attitude with which corruption and nepotism was openly practiced. Given his age, it could well be the end of political life for one of TN's shrewd and wily politicians. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">How can someone as experienced and clever as MK, ignored the writing on the wall? You can accuse him of many things but lack of political acumen isn't one of them. How did this happen? The simple answer is "Blood is thicker than water". In this case it has been even more complicated by the presence of multiple families and spouses. DMK's biggest enemy lay within the party as Stalin, Alagiri, Maran and Kanimozhi camps often fought with each other for money and power. MK became an emperor who lost touch with his cadres (Controlled by Alagiri in South and Stalin elsewhere) and allowed his favoritism to get better of his rational thinking. For a man who espoused rationalism and self-respect, his last few years in power were a cruel joke on those lofty ideals. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">A man who courted and encouraged caste division, in the end, fell victim to divisive politics of his own family. It is a tragic end to a long and checkered career. I am sure there are many who are shedding tears at the ignominy but this charade had to end this way. Poetic justice has finally been delivered. </span><br /></div>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-68486867803562534462011-04-11T11:25:00.000+08:002011-04-11T20:00:11.437+08:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Lokpal Bill </span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />On 9th April, a nation of 1.21 billion people finally found its voice. A voice that had been feebly mumbling for 64 years. A voice that had grown extremely disenchanted with the state of affairs that it decided keep mute on many occasions when it should have spoken up. A voice that has been trampled upon everyday by ill-mannered and subversive bureaucratic class. A voice that had nothing but the final embers of fire left.<br /><br />Now that the voice has been heard, let us realize its power. The power that has been enshrined and guaranteed in the hallowed constitution of the country. </span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Amitabh Bachchan is no longer the angry young man of India, we all are. What Anna Hazare ( Plus everyone who participated through physical , online medium) had achieved in those 4 days is nothing short of history. Hopefully it will herald a re-awakening of India. A re-awakening that will jolt the politicians and bureaucrats of their slumber, corruption and indifference.</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />What now? Where do we go from here?</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />1. There needs to be a fundamental change in the way we treat corruption. Its not between US vs Them. Because the US is them. Politicians are a reflection of our society. Unless we maintain high standards of integrity in our daily lives, we stand lesser chances of getting good politicians. It has to start with us first. Don't give bribes. Don't fake certificates. In simple words - Don't do to others what you wouldn't want them to do to you.</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />2. While the Government's acceptance of Lokpal bill's conditions is an unqualified success, let us be realistic about its limitations too. Granting sweeping power to a body, with so few individuals, has the potential of creating another unchecked monster. Powers equal to Super-cop need to be granted with utmost care and hence a mad rush to do something immediately might leave us with an ombudsman with a "Big brother" attitude.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">3. It is time that honest, educated people seriously consider reforming politics. The only way to do it is to jump into it. Politics unfortunately isn't a spectator sport to be enjoyed from the Gallery.If we want change, let us create it.We need to persist. As Bernard Shaw wrote in his "Man and Superman" - " The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man".<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">India is a great country and she richly deserves the best from its people. It is time that we live upto her expectations. </span><br /></div>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-4535451676628311302011-04-10T23:12:00.002+08:002011-04-10T23:20:26.905+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">The Week that was </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">What a week it has been ! Team India created history by winning the world cup with hard fought victories in QF, SF and the Finals. Dhoni was captain cool - making crucial bowling and batting changes that handsomely paid-off for the home team. Congrats India - you guys have won the hearts because you played great entertaining cricket and exhibited real hunger to win. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">However, a 73 year old man named Anna Hazare has completely stolen the limelight from Team India, for all the right reasons. The nation found its voice in venting its anger against political corruption and what happened in the last few days have stunned the nation. Gone is the "chalta hai" attitude, it is now " Hum honge Kamyaab Ek Din". Salute the people power and the new found optimism ! More on this in the next post. </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-75151022675054031562011-03-31T18:36:00.001+08:002011-03-31T18:39:38.332+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Match of the Decade</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> What a match it was. Stayed up till 5am and it was worth every minute of it. Players that really impressed me : Raina, Sehwag (He lives in another planet), Munaf (never thought I will say this), Wahab Riaz and Afridi (with his speech). </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-76582946937735477742011-03-19T05:29:00.000+08:002011-03-20T05:45:48.236+08:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >From iPhone to HTC</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">After having lost the iphone, I needed a phone. I wasn't sure which one to buy but I was very sure which one I shouldn't buy. I didn't another iphone - it was too much of a financial and emotional baggage to carry. I also decided that I was not going to buy another expensive phone anymore. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">That was when HTC entered my life. HTC was the opposite of iphone - Very good phone, Android device and the rising star. In the end, I chose the HTC Wildfire and been extremely happy with it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Pros : </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">a) It is a good "phone" (Though still not as a good as Nokia for voice clarity)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">b) Android Market / Apps</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">c) Touch Screen </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">d) Built for usage of Social media (Facebook, Twitter)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">e) Touch keyboard is easy to handle</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">f) One can turn the phone into a 3G router thanks to Android Froyo ( Cool feature!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">g) Price - Great value for a sub US$300 phone. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Cons : </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">a) Touch screen is a little patchy</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">b) It takes time to respond (sometimes)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">But in the end, I think I got what I was looking for. </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-75635360467883540872011-03-15T12:09:00.002+08:002011-03-15T12:56:07.229+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">A world away from iPhone</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The story starts in a typical bollywood flashback......(Do you hear/see music and revolving lights?).......6 months ago...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was one of those unusual days in Singapore when it rained cats & dogs early in the morning (As most Singaporeans know, rains are half-a-day workers, it only rains between 2pm-6pm in SG, as per the Govt's order). I got out of the bus, waiting for the rains to stop, so that I could cross the road to reach the office. Minutes passed by and there was no respite from rain. That is when I made the boldest move in my life ( Ok, second most bold move after you-know-what). I decided to hail a taxi that would take me to the other side of the road. I rushed into the taxi to avoid getting drenched, when it all happened. That beautiful wicked device they call the "iPhone" jumped out of my pocket and in a second fell into an open drain (not open for humans but open enough for iPhone). It took me a second to realize that my life had changed. It was all over. The gush of water swamped the phone and it was well on its way to join the Indian Ocean. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Zandu balm style - " Poye Pochu" " Poyindhe"..."It's gone".<br /><br />I suffered from "iphonophobia" for the next 3 days, jealously ogling every iphone user in Singapore (which is every other person in that country). Why does it have to be me? When compared to all those flashy folks, I didn't even have an iPhone 4. I never downloaded more than 5 apps / day. Why me?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few days later, I realized the purpose behind this charade. It was god's way of rescuing me from the emotional hell of Apple and throwing me into the un-emotional heaven of Andriod. That story will unfold in Part 2... </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-27593768403563213142011-03-14T18:56:00.002+08:002011-03-14T19:00:45.827+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Why we hate the wall street?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whether it was thoughtless remark or true expression of his heart, either way, I haven't heard something as stupid and heartless as this in a long time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">RIP the tragic victims in Japan.</span><br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9x-fQaXC9EM" allowfullscreen="" width="640" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-21138783414683459262011-03-13T07:19:00.002+08:002011-03-13T07:34:58.261+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Dreams from my father - Barack Obama - Book Review</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">After you finish reading this book, you feel very small. To have come to where he is today from where he was, is a tale of sublime inspiration and grit. Obama lays it bare in this wonderfully written book. He talks candidly about his confused identities, life without a father, ambivalent feelings towards his father,the black lineage and his odyssey to Africa where he attains truce with his inner conflicts. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Obama comes across as an "average Joe" as he bring out his own prejudices and inner conflicts without ever trying to glorify himself. The best parts of the book are his interactions with his sister Auma and his visit to Kenya, where he meets the entire Obama clan. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Great book and tale of inspiration on what every man can achieve irrespective of where he comes from.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-41648995400124730342011-03-08T18:41:00.001+08:002011-03-08T18:49:29.647+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Movies that made you cry</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lists are lists. We hate them but continue to secretly patronize them. Rediff has published a " <a href="http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-readers-pick-top-10-films-that-made-you-cry/20110307.htm">Movies that made you cry</a>" list. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before reading the article, I would have guessed "Anand" to be # 1 in the list. Surprising to see "Sadma" being # 1. However, got to agree with the choice. Even a stone-hearted would shed a tear in the climax scene. Where did that Kamalhaasan go? </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-27701046383677617582011-03-06T08:13:00.002+08:002011-03-06T08:37:21.243+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Of Languages, Racism and Road</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">By any standards, I am a lucky bloke. Within two months of arriving in Australia, my work has already taken me to Melbourne, Perth, Auckland and Wellington with weekends thrown in between for sight-seeing. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I returned back to Sydney yesterday after more than a month on the road traveling to Melbourne, Perth, Bali, Auckland and Wellington. With nothing much to do during the weekend, I headed to the local library to borrow some books. Library memberships are free in most libraries in Australia (they better be for the amount of tax that I pay!). I walked to the reception and stated that I wanted to become a member.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Receptionist : Hi, Welcome to our library. May I have your name and address?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I handed the proof of address letter that I had bought. What she asked me next caught me by surprise. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Receptionist : Do you speak/ read any other language than English?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Me : Yes, I do. Why do you ask?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Receptionist: We are trying to build our overseas books collection and would like to serve our customers by buying books in their mother tongue. What languages do you speak/read?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Me : My mother tongue is Tamil and I can read/speak Hindi as well. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Receptionist : Do you want to suggest some books in Tamil? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Me : Yeah, Sure.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then I went ahead and gave her a list of books that I would like to read ( primarily works of Kalki, Devan, Bharathiyar, Kannadasan and Jayakanthan). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">This isn't an unusual conversation in most developed countries that are striving to encourage diversity. However, for a country that is being accused of racism, I wondered if all those remarks made in the media were nothing but sensationalism. In the past month, I have spoken at conferences in Melbourne, Perth, Auckland and Wellington. Everywhere I found people to be extremely warm and friendly to me. Despite my accent , most attendees were effusive in their praise for my content and knowledge of the subject ( Whatever little I know). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is Australia racial ? Perhaps, but I haven't seen that yet. </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-47188199240744942532011-03-05T11:10:00.003+08:002011-03-05T12:24:16.699+08:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Bade Achhe Lagte Hain</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I was standing at the Sydney airport, waiting for my baggage to arrive. Like most others, I was glued into the phone, trying to catch up with lost email. I looked up and there he was waiting for his luggage. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Is that Amit Kumar - the playback singer ? He looked much younger than his age ( I did a quick math based on what I knew and expected him to be at least 55). Is it the same Amit Kumar, son of Kishore Kumar, one of India's greatest artistes? Nostalgia swept me and in a typical Bollywood flashback all his hit songs ran through my mind - " Bade Achhe Lagte Hain ( Ballika vadhu - My favorite song of his), " Yaad Aa Rahi Hai" (Love Story), "Uthe Sabke Kadam" ( Baaton Baaton Mein), " Deewana Dil" ( Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa).<br /><br />I pondered if I should go up and speak to him. The heart said, "what do you have to lose"? - Just do it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Me : Hi Amit, I am XYZ and a big fan of your dad and you. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amit : Thanks. How are you?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Me: I am fine, thanks. So did you just arrive from India?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amit : Haan Yaar. We just landed and am waiting for the luggage. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Me: Yeah, I do know that you are here for the "Rahul & I" concert with Ashaji. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amit : Yes. I came today. Ashaji is coming tomorrow. Are you coming for that concert?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Me: Unfortunately, No. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amit : So, where are you from in India?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Me : I am from Madras (Funny how I still say Madras to people older than me). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amit : For someone from Madras, you speak good Hindi ( The highest compliment I ever got / possibly would ever get for my Hindi pronunciation!). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Me : I am still a learner. If you don't mind, can I take a photo with you?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">He obliged immediately and posed with his arms around my neck.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amit : Can you check my customs declaration form? Your country men ask a lot of questions. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I quickly scan through the card and all seemed well. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Me: Are you singing "Bade Achhe Lagte Hai" at the concert?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amit : May be. Audience mostly request for it. Actually we haven't finalized the song list yet. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Me : What is your favorite song of your Dad's?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">At that moment, we reached the customs gate. The customs officer allows me to pass through with no check but asks Amit to go through the scanner. Ha, I wish I had heard the answer to that question. So long ! </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-9640786540531464192011-03-02T15:53:00.002+08:002011-03-02T16:01:03.769+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">5 reasons why I love Air New Zealand </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">a) They run quiz contests on TV in the short hop flights. Great time pass for the quizzer in me !</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">b) They are part of Star Alliance. So I get extra luggage allowance, lounge usage. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">c) The check-in is completely automated, except for the security check. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">d) They serve L&P, better known by its slogan "World famous in NZ" (Its a lemon carbonated drink).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">e) They have one of the funniest safety instruction video, courtesy the " All blacks" rugby team. </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-18755215723495331982011-03-01T18:28:00.003+08:002011-03-01T18:50:39.978+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">12:51 pm @ Cafe, Wellington (NZ)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The time was 12:51pm. On hindsight, I presume it was 12:51 pm since I didn't realize it then. I was busy chatting with a customer about the state of internet infrastructure in New Zealand. Suddenly, someone from the next table nudged me " It is 12:51 pm". The entire cafe, in a spontaneous gesture, stood up silently for 2 minutes. At the end of 2 minutes, many were silently crying. Strangers were hugging and comforting each other. It had been exactly a week since the devastating earthquake struck the beautiful city of Christchurch. Wellington, a city far away in North Island, wept for Christchurch. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">At that moment, I felt the pain. I was a stranger on his first visit to NZ, someone who had never been to Christchurch. But somewhere deep down the heart, I felt that pain. The pain that you experience due to helplessness, sympathy and an universal love of humanity that crosses all barriers. The pain that causes us to forget our differences and huddle together as fellow human beings. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I salute the Kiwi spirit ! I am sure they will rebuild Christchurch to be twice as beautiful as it was before. The best way we can pay homage to that city is to go and see it in all its glory. My greatest teacher in life has been/will continue to be my "Travel". </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-83171028571298159922011-03-01T03:31:00.002+08:002011-03-01T03:36:58.244+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">In Wellington, NZ</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am in Wellington today. As I traveled from Auckland to Wellington, couldn't help admire the resiliency of the Kiwis in the aftermath of the earthquake. The airport was buzzing with volunteers, ever ready to lend an helping hand to the numerous survivors arriving from Christchurch. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Boarding an airplane was a completely automated process except for the security check. Busy today at Wellington today with no time for sightseeing. However, I have made a promise to visit the south island (at least on a 10 day holiday) to soak in the beauty of this blessed country. </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-184761385444389202011-02-27T18:29:00.002+08:002011-02-27T18:32:39.483+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Travel, Travel and more Travel..</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">That should have given me more reasons to blog. Sheer laziness and lack of access to internet at home are the true reasons for yet another long hiatus. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am in New Zealand this week on work. Took a cruise on Auckland harbour today, fantastic views of CBD and sail boats. Auckland Museum is huge, I just had 90 mins and could barely do justice to it. </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-85490679341068039952011-01-01T12:11:00.002+08:002011-01-01T12:12:29.409+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Happy New Year !</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wish you all a happy new year ! May all your resolutions, dreams and wishes come true in 2011.</span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-56930302792272745732010-12-22T07:37:00.000+08:002010-12-29T07:50:08.896+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">To Sydney or not to Sydney - That is the Question</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Having happily ensconced myself in Singapore, it was tough to move away. When the Sydney (Australia) offer came my away, I was in two minds about taking it. A first glance pros and cons analysis (with no deep research) threw the following results :</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Singapore (Pros) :</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">a) Safety ( Very few countries can match Singapore in that)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">b) Low tax regime </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">c) Proximity to India </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">d) You can be what you are( Tough to explain it but you don't have to give up anything culturally to live in that country)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">e) Great education system </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">f) Lower cost of living (Now that I own a house with low mortgage)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">g) Rich Indian cultural experience ( Movie theaters, TV/FM Stations, Little India etc)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">h) Great choice of affordable restaurants</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sydney (Australia) - Pros</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">a) Fantastic Outdoors </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">b) Climate </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">c) Great work-life balance</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">d) Unique Flora/Fauna - The traveler in me will love it</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">e) Early adopters of Technology - Important for my job as a technology analyst </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">f) Sport loving nation - Finally I can reconnect with Cricket </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">g) Beautiful city with a lovely harbour</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">h) Laid-back life and chance to enjoy the finer things in life </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Still a tough choice but the traveler in me and some better tax packaging tilted the odds in favor of down under. </span>More on this later.Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5607163.post-10989046624634091482010-12-12T12:59:00.001+08:002010-12-24T13:02:07.980+08:00<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Relocating to Sydney</span> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">(Australia)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yet another long hiatus. After spending 6.5 years in Singapore, it is time to move. My employer has relocated me to Sydney and it is the beginning of a new life there. I look forward to the magnificent beaches, open spaces and unique flora/fauna of Australia. The traveler in me will love it. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Aussieland, here I come. </span>Cogitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16202638300829925916noreply@blogger.com1