Looks like Exxon has recorded a $10+ billion profit this quarter, which puts their annual profit in the ballpark of $36 billions. Here is the Reuters news article on that.
My homie Raghuram (a.k.a Maaps) who is currently doing a PhD in UC, Santa Barbara, sent me a link to an article he had written for his Economics class last year, wherein, he discusses the issue of Crude oil prices, reasons for its fluctuations, the recent (almost for a year now) increases in gas prices, influence of Big Oil companies, Saudis and stuff like that. It is a pretty good paper, good research on the issues (although Google seems to have a big hand in it). If you care to read it, Click here.
If you have opinions on the topic, you can put them as comments and Maaps will definitely get it. Or, if you wanna send your ops to him, well -- if you are that motivated, you can easily locate his email ID.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
You're choking? I can help!
I attended - along with Samsi - a 4-hour long CPR/AED (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillator) training session to qualify to be a safety officer for the penn state cricket club (PSCC), yesterday. Since last year, when PSCC became a member organization of Penn State Club Sports -- and Cricket is deemed a "dangerous" sport, I guess they saw the pace at which I bowl :-) -- we have to have safety officers in the ranks of the club to be "active" (so that we could obtain some funds from the univ.).
The prospect of being in a room with people from other clubs and going through this training session for FOUR hours was extremely daunting and it was every bit boring and slow at the beginning. But about an hour in to it, I kind of got interested in what was being done there and the four hours just flew by.
Now, I have the certification to administer CPR and also use the AED on your not-so-well-beating heart. We went through basic heimlich manoeuver (conscious choking), Unconscious choking, CPR (which consists of 4 cycles of 15 chest compressions and rescue breathing (12 cycles of mouth-to-mouth at a period of 5 seconds) and AED use.
Interesting points of note - one has to always get the consent of a "conscious" victim; in case of unconscious -- consent is implied; Always follow "check-call-care" the three step mantra. We practiced all our newly acquired skills on "little Anne" - a dummy missing its lower body (I guess no amount of CPR is going to bring her back. She's a goner!).
At the end of the session, a two-part test -- skills part where we need to react to the situation as told by the instructor in quick succession and a 25 questions multiple choice exam. Everybody passed the tests with flying colors. Like the model of imperfection that I am, I was the only one to get a anything wrong in the written part. The question was something like -- what do you do when someone has a cardiac arrest and you have an AED equipment readily available? Among other choices, "Turn the AED ON" was one. Obviously, I picked that. and apparently, that's wrong. WTF?
NEXT WEEK -- FIRST AID.
I guess, I am almost all the way to becoming a doctor. I guess I have more of a chance becoming a doctor this way than the PhD :) -- (Batman -- I beat you to the joke! So there!)
The prospect of being in a room with people from other clubs and going through this training session for FOUR hours was extremely daunting and it was every bit boring and slow at the beginning. But about an hour in to it, I kind of got interested in what was being done there and the four hours just flew by.
Now, I have the certification to administer CPR and also use the AED on your not-so-well-beating heart. We went through basic heimlich manoeuver (conscious choking), Unconscious choking, CPR (which consists of 4 cycles of 15 chest compressions and rescue breathing (12 cycles of mouth-to-mouth at a period of 5 seconds) and AED use.
Interesting points of note - one has to always get the consent of a "conscious" victim; in case of unconscious -- consent is implied; Always follow "check-call-care" the three step mantra. We practiced all our newly acquired skills on "little Anne" - a dummy missing its lower body (I guess no amount of CPR is going to bring her back. She's a goner!).
At the end of the session, a two-part test -- skills part where we need to react to the situation as told by the instructor in quick succession and a 25 questions multiple choice exam. Everybody passed the tests with flying colors. Like the model of imperfection that I am, I was the only one to get a anything wrong in the written part. The question was something like -- what do you do when someone has a cardiac arrest and you have an AED equipment readily available? Among other choices, "Turn the AED ON" was one. Obviously, I picked that. and apparently, that's wrong. WTF?
NEXT WEEK -- FIRST AID.
I guess, I am almost all the way to becoming a doctor. I guess I have more of a chance becoming a doctor this way than the PhD :) -- (Batman -- I beat you to the joke! So there!)
me2u
Listen to your heart
It may be, now, hurt
But everything is alright
There is no wrong or no right.
Time is the magic healer
Feel like the world’s on you
Think you are a lonesome soul
The world’s waiting for you, as whole.
Let bygones be bygones
Don’t be so down on you
‘cause we can’t all turn back the clock
Let yourself go and it all comes back.
It’s a brand new day
Sun is high and the land is green
Stop for a while --- on your face
The beauty will put a smile.
There are no beginnings
Nor are there any ends, my sweet one.
There is no low, not a thing high
It may be, now, hurt
But everything is alright
There is no wrong or no right.
Time is the magic healer
Feel like the world’s on you
Think you are a lonesome soul
The world’s waiting for you, as whole.
Let bygones be bygones
Don’t be so down on you
‘cause we can’t all turn back the clock
Let yourself go and it all comes back.
It’s a brand new day
Sun is high and the land is green
Stop for a while --- on your face
The beauty will put a smile.
There are no beginnings
Nor are there any ends, my sweet one.
There is no low, not a thing high
I’ll stand by you for all time
Saturday, January 28, 2006
I am envious of
a child's innocence
an elder's wisdom
a rich man's wealth
a poor man's freedom
a mother's patience
and her assured devotion
a soldier's sacrifice
a sage so wise
my friends' friends
blissful ignorance
the relentless ocean waves
your very beautiful face
an artist's mind
everything I find
an elder's wisdom
a rich man's wealth
a poor man's freedom
a mother's patience
and her assured devotion
a soldier's sacrifice
a sage so wise
my friends' friends
blissful ignorance
the relentless ocean waves
your very beautiful face
an artist's mind
everything I find
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Running down a dream ..... or two
Thanks Tom Petty for me to be able to give this post a title. I don't really appreciate it but I'll just go ahead and say that I do, just for the heck of it. If you track me down and ask me whether I do or not - at gun-point - I'll make my mind up then.
Anyway, I had this dream about 3-4 weeks ago. I have not discussed it with anyone but for couple of my friends at work (I think). In the dream, I was looking at myself lying on the bed in my room, and I was dead. I was freely floating for a little bit. I could very clearly see my own facial features, the lifeless body lying in my usual sleeping style.. I could see the pillows, the lamp next to my bed, the closets, the table, the chair, the towel from the hanger and the whole bit. Very weird!! Was it just a dream or was it one of those near-death experiences (NDE).. Talking about NDE -- That's what I am trying to specialize in, in grad school -- Non-Destructive Evaluation. Weirder!! The fact that I remember this whole scenario probably makes it a dream, since if it were an out-of-body experience, how will I be able to create this memory as my thought processes - technically speaking - do not have connections to my brain? Unless, wireless communication is possible and is capable of establishing memory.
The other dream/experience happened few months ago. In the dream, I see an alien (my mental image of an alien is dictated by Hollywood, thank you. They look green with those funny looking arms, legs and eyes, no clothes but no genitals either). So, this alien is walking into my bedroom and i realize that he is going to put an end to my existence by suffocation. I am struggling to fight him/her/it off but my limbs just won't work. My mind is telling me to fight the alien with all the strength left in me and after a prolonged struggle, I actually win this battle and I survive. At this point, I don't see the alien anymore, Its as if, my thoughts of fighting the alien till the last ounce of strength remaining in me made it disappear. I wake up and there is a huge rush of blood in me. I was trying to understand what had just happened. My only possible explanation is that, I probably blocked my breathing (by falling asleep in a funny position /angle) and my body was struggling for oxygen. This kind of explains the rush of blood as soon as I woke up as well.
Anyway, I am still alive guys. Sorry!
Anyway, I had this dream about 3-4 weeks ago. I have not discussed it with anyone but for couple of my friends at work (I think). In the dream, I was looking at myself lying on the bed in my room, and I was dead. I was freely floating for a little bit. I could very clearly see my own facial features, the lifeless body lying in my usual sleeping style.. I could see the pillows, the lamp next to my bed, the closets, the table, the chair, the towel from the hanger and the whole bit. Very weird!! Was it just a dream or was it one of those near-death experiences (NDE).. Talking about NDE -- That's what I am trying to specialize in, in grad school -- Non-Destructive Evaluation. Weirder!! The fact that I remember this whole scenario probably makes it a dream, since if it were an out-of-body experience, how will I be able to create this memory as my thought processes - technically speaking - do not have connections to my brain? Unless, wireless communication is possible and is capable of establishing memory.
The other dream/experience happened few months ago. In the dream, I see an alien (my mental image of an alien is dictated by Hollywood, thank you. They look green with those funny looking arms, legs and eyes, no clothes but no genitals either). So, this alien is walking into my bedroom and i realize that he is going to put an end to my existence by suffocation. I am struggling to fight him/her/it off but my limbs just won't work. My mind is telling me to fight the alien with all the strength left in me and after a prolonged struggle, I actually win this battle and I survive. At this point, I don't see the alien anymore, Its as if, my thoughts of fighting the alien till the last ounce of strength remaining in me made it disappear. I wake up and there is a huge rush of blood in me. I was trying to understand what had just happened. My only possible explanation is that, I probably blocked my breathing (by falling asleep in a funny position /angle) and my body was struggling for oxygen. This kind of explains the rush of blood as soon as I woke up as well.
Anyway, I am still alive guys. Sorry!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Orgasm and God
I have been having discussions with friends of mine and also reading some texts and some independent thinking on the possibility of the existence of an entity that may or may not have created everything that was, is and will be - and religion and in general, life & death. In a way, this is my quest to comprehend the beauty that's all around us.
A lot of people describe God as this timeless, spaceless entity. I am not a believer in God - You can call me "irreligious" instead of standard atheist, agnostic etc - if indeed you are looking for a way to categorize my belief system.
In my point of view, Sexuality and Spirituality are one and the same. One of the most interesting aspect that might support this thought - if you wish to see it that way - is the shivling or shivlingam. For the uninitiated, It is worshipped as an image of "Shiva" in Hindu temples all around the world. I see it as nothing but representation of coitus. I heard an explanation for the halo behind the head of all the hindu gods (I guess the halo criteria applies to all gods/saints across all faiths) when I was about 7 years old. I was told that it is the "life power" from deep inside having risen up through the body indicating a much higher level of consciousness. I see this as another connection between sexuality and spirituality.
I have not had the experience of meeting up with god per se (or did I?) - in other terms, having your "soul" making a connection with this God entity (I define soul as the cumulative knowledge gained from sensory perceptions and further analysis of this knowledge using the power of reasoning and thought -- Is it accurate if i call it conscience ?). I do have experienced orgasm. In the midst of all the physical/mental activity required for one to achieve an orgasm, there comes a point where everything ceases to exist and time has no meaning, you feel free from all the ties, nothing seems to hold you down, feeling exhilarated and I'd like to call this as experiencing God!
An everlasting orgasm would mean, in my book, the same as meeting with the entity that is called as God. (Is this my feeble attempt at explaining what has been described as nirvana ?)
A lot of people describe God as this timeless, spaceless entity. I am not a believer in God - You can call me "irreligious" instead of standard atheist, agnostic etc - if indeed you are looking for a way to categorize my belief system.
In my point of view, Sexuality and Spirituality are one and the same. One of the most interesting aspect that might support this thought - if you wish to see it that way - is the shivling or shivlingam. For the uninitiated, It is worshipped as an image of "Shiva" in Hindu temples all around the world. I see it as nothing but representation of coitus. I heard an explanation for the halo behind the head of all the hindu gods (I guess the halo criteria applies to all gods/saints across all faiths) when I was about 7 years old. I was told that it is the "life power" from deep inside having risen up through the body indicating a much higher level of consciousness. I see this as another connection between sexuality and spirituality.
I have not had the experience of meeting up with god per se (or did I?) - in other terms, having your "soul" making a connection with this God entity (I define soul as the cumulative knowledge gained from sensory perceptions and further analysis of this knowledge using the power of reasoning and thought -- Is it accurate if i call it conscience ?). I do have experienced orgasm. In the midst of all the physical/mental activity required for one to achieve an orgasm, there comes a point where everything ceases to exist and time has no meaning, you feel free from all the ties, nothing seems to hold you down, feeling exhilarated and I'd like to call this as experiencing God!
An everlasting orgasm would mean, in my book, the same as meeting with the entity that is called as God. (Is this my feeble attempt at explaining what has been described as nirvana ?)
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Bullshit
Since this is what I seem to be doing most of the time, I was wondering what thesaurus has to say about it.
Braggadocio
Bragging
Bravado
Deception
Delusion
Facade
Fake
False colors
False front
Feint
Fraud
Front
Humbug
Jiving
Lie
Pretence
Pretext
Ruse
Sham
Show
Stall
Subterfuge AND
Trick.
Now that you are full of it,
YOU.. yeah you.. go out there and bullshit!!
Braggadocio
Bragging
Bravado
Deception
Delusion
Facade
Fake
False colors
False front
Feint
Fraud
Front
Humbug
Jiving
Lie
Pretence
Pretext
Ruse
Sham
Show
Stall
Subterfuge AND
Trick.
Now that you are full of it,
YOU.. yeah you.. go out there and bullshit!!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Pure genius or just plain coincidence???
I was looking at one of my earlier post "I Love you". You know what? The body of the text looks like a woman in a skirt !!!!! Tremendous !!
Elevator Dynamics
When you are riding in an elevator, what makes us stare at the floor numbers above the elevator doors so intently? Is there some kind of secret hidden behind those numbers that we hope to unravel? I can understand looking at the numbers go by when you are in a really tall building like the Empire state building or something, but even during a 3-storey ride, we do it. Especially, if you have company in the elevator. We so badly want to avoid eye-contact and the "small talk" with the stranger that might ensue, we are ready to reacquaint ourselves with the basic number counting system. Oh yeah! One, Two follows it .... and Tadaa... Three is next! I feel good that I haven't forgotten what was taught in my kindergarten classes! Yaaayy!
Talking about people and moving things -- why do people just stand in escalators? I mean, why can't they just take a couple more steps and make the whole process go much faster!! Its as if these people are some sort of celebrity or royalty -- they just stand there! Why don't you just wave at the waiting media cameras while you are at it? Get out of my way... I gotta plane to catch!
Talking about people and moving things -- why do people just stand in escalators? I mean, why can't they just take a couple more steps and make the whole process go much faster!! Its as if these people are some sort of celebrity or royalty -- they just stand there! Why don't you just wave at the waiting media cameras while you are at it? Get out of my way... I gotta plane to catch!
Coming through in the "Clutch"
I went to Virginia over the weekend with Batman. Our friend Amit is relocating his family to London soon. This was our chance to say goodbyes to him, his wife Prachi, and his 2-month old kid, Anya. Amit like Batman and me, came to Penn State in '98. This visit gave us an opportunity to go over a lot of the fun times we have had in the last 7.5 years, over some wine and margaritas. We reminisced the times we went to "Mu-Kee" (a chinese restaurant) where batman acts like the Menu-Nazi and does not allow us to order nothing but chicken fried rice. We had a good laugh over Amit's patented dance/moves - 'slithering snake", "wall dance" (this involves him - obviously wasted - running from one wall to the other and throwing himself at it), his ingenious ways of estimating the size of my giant head, including using a satellite dish as a screw gage, his pick-up lines, his Ludhiana thermal wear that could be described as "Man's brazilian wax" and infinite other things. It was good times. Hopefully, we will be able to keep in touch. He is a good man!
We had originally planned on returning Saturday night, so that we could catch some of the Ind-Pak 2nd test match and be ready for the Steelers-Broncos AFC championship game. However, the wine and margarita had other plans. Finally, we left at 11.00 AM Sunday which gave us sufficient time to get back to State College to watch the Steelers game. Alas! The Bat-Mobile had other plans. When we tried to get back on the road, after a brief refueling stop (read batman's new post to know about this magical place), batman had trouble engaging the clutch (it was a little uphill as well) and we had to pullover. There was fumes coming from under the hood. (The first thought i had was, Man! Wouldn't it be cool if this thing goes up - like in Movies!!). Getting pretty bummed with the engine not off, we tried to get some roadside assistance. In the meantime, we made some cotingency plans -- in case, we had to stay over in VA/MD, or needed a ride to State College and such. It was a gorgeous day though. Kick-off time was fast approaching and we realized we had no shot at watching the whole game, sadly!! All we had was a set of golf clubs. There was a point when batman suggested that we should try hitting some balls -- towards the oncoming traffic.
Eventually, the tow truck guy arrived and after some finagling of the car, it was decided that we could risk driving it to State College but be careful when going uphill. There was some problems with the slippage of the clutch and the clutch oil was leaking and things like that. So, we decided that since there were only few spots of bother the rest of the way, we should get on the road. We reached State College with no further incidents just in time for the Broncos to score a TD to make it 24-10 in the 4rd quarter.
Hey, If a clutch problem is what it takes to put the Steelers in the SuperBowl, I'll take it everyday - that is - clutch problem in the Batmobile.
We had originally planned on returning Saturday night, so that we could catch some of the Ind-Pak 2nd test match and be ready for the Steelers-Broncos AFC championship game. However, the wine and margarita had other plans. Finally, we left at 11.00 AM Sunday which gave us sufficient time to get back to State College to watch the Steelers game. Alas! The Bat-Mobile had other plans. When we tried to get back on the road, after a brief refueling stop (read batman's new post to know about this magical place), batman had trouble engaging the clutch (it was a little uphill as well) and we had to pullover. There was fumes coming from under the hood. (The first thought i had was, Man! Wouldn't it be cool if this thing goes up - like in Movies!!). Getting pretty bummed with the engine not off, we tried to get some roadside assistance. In the meantime, we made some cotingency plans -- in case, we had to stay over in VA/MD, or needed a ride to State College and such. It was a gorgeous day though. Kick-off time was fast approaching and we realized we had no shot at watching the whole game, sadly!! All we had was a set of golf clubs. There was a point when batman suggested that we should try hitting some balls -- towards the oncoming traffic.
Eventually, the tow truck guy arrived and after some finagling of the car, it was decided that we could risk driving it to State College but be careful when going uphill. There was some problems with the slippage of the clutch and the clutch oil was leaking and things like that. So, we decided that since there were only few spots of bother the rest of the way, we should get on the road. We reached State College with no further incidents just in time for the Broncos to score a TD to make it 24-10 in the 4rd quarter.
Hey, If a clutch problem is what it takes to put the Steelers in the SuperBowl, I'll take it everyday - that is - clutch problem in the Batmobile.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
I Love You
You May be
tall, short, wide or thin
black, white, brown of skin
asian, american, european or african
muslim, christian, hindu or a jew
liberal, conservative, right or left
radical, moderate, sinner or a saint
blonde, brunette, gay, straight,
rich, poor, wrong or right
smart, dumb, happy or sad
high, low, good or bad
atheist, agnostic, nihilist
catholic, protestant or a baptist
father, mother, sister a brother
A friend, enemy or any other
I love you,
I love you,
I love you.
tall, short, wide or thin
black, white, brown of skin
asian, american, european or african
muslim, christian, hindu or a jew
liberal, conservative, right or left
radical, moderate, sinner or a saint
blonde, brunette, gay, straight,
rich, poor, wrong or right
smart, dumb, happy or sad
high, low, good or bad
atheist, agnostic, nihilist
catholic, protestant or a baptist
father, mother, sister a brother
A friend, enemy or any other
I love you,
I love you,
I love you.
Within you and Without you
We were talking - about the space between us all
And the people - who hide themselves behind a wall
of illusion
Never glimpse the truth - then it's far too late -
when they pass away.
We were talking - about the love we all could share
- when we find it
To try our best to hold it there
- with our love
- with our love
- we could save the world - if they only knew.
Try to realise it's all within yourself
no-one else can make you change
And to see you're really only very small,
and life flows on within you and without you.
We were talking - about the love that's gone so cold
and the people,
Who gain the world and lose their soul -
they don't know - they can't see
- are you one of them?
When you've seen beyond yourself - then -
you may find, peace of mind is waiting there -
And the time will come when you see
we're all one,
and life flows on within you and without you.
- George Harrison
from "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club" by the Beatles
One of the most beautiful piece of music ever written and composed.
The string arrangements with the guitars, sitar and tanpura is just divine.
If you have never heard it, I suggest you do. Its so beautiful !!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Things I love to hate
Everybody has their own list of things and people they just canNOT stand. How many of you are big fans of the "air quotes"? How about those guys that request "Free Bird" at a music show? How about the sing-alongs? How about TV timeouts during a game? Karaoke bar? Pop-up ads? Sideline reporters?
Here is a list of ten people and things I just cannot put up with. Some of them are more like categories rather than a specific thing.
1. Political Correctness
What's up with this? In my opinion, it does nothing but perpetuate the stereotype. Just the fact that you have specific terms and names for people and groups itself, is achieving the exact result that you are trying to avoid. For example, what is wrong in calling "blacks" black? Why do you have to resort to "african-american"? (you are either african or american). And by the way, nobody says anything when whites are called whites. Why don't we call them euro-americans or Australian-American etc.? By the way, there are people from Africa that are white. Aren't they african-american, too? Hey, I am from India. But only the chinese/ japanese get the privilege of being called Asians. What did I do wrong? Last time I checked, India was still a part of Asia. (Yes.. I am offended. Call me 'asian' next time you see me if you like being politically correct). People are taking themselves way too seriously. Lighten up!!
2. Bill O'Reilly, Lou Dobbs and such
Hey guys! News Flash! When you conduct an interview, let the other guy speak as well. You got the entire show for your monologues! I know, I know.. everybody that does not agree with your views is a moron!
3. Ashlee Simpson, The other Duff sister et al.
Please, somebody get these talentless dodos off my TV. I like watching TV. I admit it. I avoid watching MTV for this reason alone. But they get to me by playing at half-time of football games etc. Just because your sister was mildly talented... Who are these record executives that even think of signing these dummies in the first place?
4. Prognosticators
This includes sports experts (that ruin it for a lot of gamblers), weather guys. Especially the guys at weather.com. See, i think the problem is that these guys are not accountable to anyone. If they are completely wrong, nobody is gonna knock on their door and tell them, "Alright buddy! You were wrong when you said that. Lets go. We are chopping your pinky off ". Let's see how many still continue with their jobs.
5. Infomercials
I am sitting there at home watching late-night TV. The regular programming gets over and bam.. they hit me with ads for knives, mattresses, girls-gone-wild videos, onion chopper, exercise machines. Dude, if i am still watching TV that late at night, you should be selling me sleeping pills. I don't think us nocturnal creatures have disposable income to buy mattresses that use NASA technology. Just show me some more mind-numbing Van Damme movies.. I'll be happy!
6. Oprah
Enough said! Also, Thanks for introducing us to that blithering, bald, metaphor spewing idiot Dr. Phil. Thanks for making lives of men a real hell.
7. Televangelists
Hello Mr. Robertson. Thanks for letting us know that Ariel Sharon got a blood clot in his brain because he was trying for peace. Nice job. I have nothing against religion or preachers. Each to his own. Stop brainwashing people and telling them to send you their retirement savings so that you could continue living in your mansion.
8. Reality TV
I agree that it was a novel concept but everybody is taking it to an extreme. I am telling you Mr. Jeff Probst-- put them in the middle of a civil war in Rwanda with no food and let's see how they "survive"!! Enough is enough! So, you appeared on a show and made a complete idiot of yourself. So you are a celebrity now? Get out of my Telly.
9. Carrot top, "can you hear me now" guy, David Spade and the whole lot
You had your time in the sun. Please go away!
10. Fat-free, 2%, 1%, half-and-half, Skim
Give me all the fat I can handle. I like to double the cheese on my burgers, put whole milk in my coffee, creamy yogurt. Ooooohh!! I am getting fat.... I got to watch it!! Hell with it! Could I have fries with that??
Here is a list of ten people and things I just cannot put up with. Some of them are more like categories rather than a specific thing.
1. Political Correctness
What's up with this? In my opinion, it does nothing but perpetuate the stereotype. Just the fact that you have specific terms and names for people and groups itself, is achieving the exact result that you are trying to avoid. For example, what is wrong in calling "blacks" black? Why do you have to resort to "african-american"? (you are either african or american). And by the way, nobody says anything when whites are called whites. Why don't we call them euro-americans or Australian-American etc.? By the way, there are people from Africa that are white. Aren't they african-american, too? Hey, I am from India. But only the chinese/ japanese get the privilege of being called Asians. What did I do wrong? Last time I checked, India was still a part of Asia. (Yes.. I am offended. Call me 'asian' next time you see me if you like being politically correct). People are taking themselves way too seriously. Lighten up!!
2. Bill O'Reilly, Lou Dobbs and such
Hey guys! News Flash! When you conduct an interview, let the other guy speak as well. You got the entire show for your monologues! I know, I know.. everybody that does not agree with your views is a moron!
3. Ashlee Simpson, The other Duff sister et al.
Please, somebody get these talentless dodos off my TV. I like watching TV. I admit it. I avoid watching MTV for this reason alone. But they get to me by playing at half-time of football games etc. Just because your sister was mildly talented... Who are these record executives that even think of signing these dummies in the first place?
4. Prognosticators
This includes sports experts (that ruin it for a lot of gamblers), weather guys. Especially the guys at weather.com. See, i think the problem is that these guys are not accountable to anyone. If they are completely wrong, nobody is gonna knock on their door and tell them, "Alright buddy! You were wrong when you said that. Lets go. We are chopping your pinky off ". Let's see how many still continue with their jobs.
5. Infomercials
I am sitting there at home watching late-night TV. The regular programming gets over and bam.. they hit me with ads for knives, mattresses, girls-gone-wild videos, onion chopper, exercise machines. Dude, if i am still watching TV that late at night, you should be selling me sleeping pills. I don't think us nocturnal creatures have disposable income to buy mattresses that use NASA technology. Just show me some more mind-numbing Van Damme movies.. I'll be happy!
6. Oprah
Enough said! Also, Thanks for introducing us to that blithering, bald, metaphor spewing idiot Dr. Phil. Thanks for making lives of men a real hell.
7. Televangelists
Hello Mr. Robertson. Thanks for letting us know that Ariel Sharon got a blood clot in his brain because he was trying for peace. Nice job. I have nothing against religion or preachers. Each to his own. Stop brainwashing people and telling them to send you their retirement savings so that you could continue living in your mansion.
8. Reality TV
I agree that it was a novel concept but everybody is taking it to an extreme. I am telling you Mr. Jeff Probst-- put them in the middle of a civil war in Rwanda with no food and let's see how they "survive"!! Enough is enough! So, you appeared on a show and made a complete idiot of yourself. So you are a celebrity now? Get out of my Telly.
9. Carrot top, "can you hear me now" guy, David Spade and the whole lot
You had your time in the sun. Please go away!
10. Fat-free, 2%, 1%, half-and-half, Skim
Give me all the fat I can handle. I like to double the cheese on my burgers, put whole milk in my coffee, creamy yogurt. Ooooohh!! I am getting fat.... I got to watch it!! Hell with it! Could I have fries with that??
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
I'm inadequate!
I think I am not complete. I came to this conclusion just now. I used to think I was perfect - at least as perfect as one could get. But, Nope - Not anymore. What a blow to my psyche!! My ego is in a downward spiral. I am serious. No kidding here. Oh Boy!
Probably you are wondering what brought about this mighty fall from grace, a moment of enlightenment. After browsing through the list of episodes of South Park, I realized I have not seen three (one, two, three... three) episodes AT ALL... I am sad. I need to accept reality. What a waste! I am reaching out to my fellow men for a little help here. If you have it, let me have it. Just once, pretty please with sugar on top. Please.
Anyway (*sigh*) here are the three (can you freakin' believe it? THREE!!!!!!) episodes I have never laid my eyes upon.
Episode # 309 Jewbilee
Episode # 405 Pip
Episode # 612 A ladder to heaven
Please. Be a friend. Help me get back to perfection.
Thank you!
Probably you are wondering what brought about this mighty fall from grace, a moment of enlightenment. After browsing through the list of episodes of South Park, I realized I have not seen three (one, two, three... three) episodes AT ALL... I am sad. I need to accept reality. What a waste! I am reaching out to my fellow men for a little help here. If you have it, let me have it. Just once, pretty please with sugar on top. Please.
Anyway (*sigh*) here are the three (can you freakin' believe it? THREE!!!!!!) episodes I have never laid my eyes upon.
Episode # 309 Jewbilee
Episode # 405 Pip
Episode # 612 A ladder to heaven
Please. Be a friend. Help me get back to perfection.
Thank you!
You Too!
Have you ever been in a situation where the person at the cash register of McDonald's or such a place tells you "Please come again" and you responded by saying, "yeah, you too!!". Why is that? Have we got these casual niceties so drilled in to us by the culture and the society that you don't even have to actually feel any sense of gratitude but just have to express it anyway to meet with the social norms?? Or is it because our minds are so pre-occupied with other seemingly better things to do, that we want to predict what's coming (sub-consciously) and just get done with these social obligations?
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Safety First ??
In the recent weeks, there has been a huge controversy starting with the NY Times news article about the U.S. Government agencies like the NSA eavesdropping on "suspected" terrorist links within and outside the U.S. (foreign as well as American citizens) without obtaining the proper warrants that have been stipulated by certain laws made in the 1970's. Democrats (obviously) and organizations such as ACLU have come out extremely strong against these measures taken by the Bush government. The Republicans, led by the Vice-President Cheney and Attorney General Gonzales, have defended the legality of such operations citing the security concerns of the United States.
In Bangladesh, after a series of bombings that have been blamed on Islamic militants, phone tapping and intercepting e-mails have been made legal again. In that country, such measures were deemed illegal by a 2001 law.
There was a message board on rediff recently asking its readers whether it is okay for the governments to spy on its country's citizens (including phone tapping) to fight rising number of crimes. The readers overwhelmingly supported such tactics stating that national security is more important and sacrificing one's privacy is a small price to pay and other views along the same lines.
In my personal opinion, every case where there is a need for the government to keep tabs on someone, it must be done through lawful means. There just cannot be widespread wiretapping or such practices. If a certain individual/group provides threat to national security beyond a reasonable doubt after the facts have been thoroughly examined in the court of law, the government can proceed with such finite warranted surveillances. Even the government should not be able to exercise such limitless power!
In the words of Benjamin Franklin," They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
In Bangladesh, after a series of bombings that have been blamed on Islamic militants, phone tapping and intercepting e-mails have been made legal again. In that country, such measures were deemed illegal by a 2001 law.
There was a message board on rediff recently asking its readers whether it is okay for the governments to spy on its country's citizens (including phone tapping) to fight rising number of crimes. The readers overwhelmingly supported such tactics stating that national security is more important and sacrificing one's privacy is a small price to pay and other views along the same lines.
In my personal opinion, every case where there is a need for the government to keep tabs on someone, it must be done through lawful means. There just cannot be widespread wiretapping or such practices. If a certain individual/group provides threat to national security beyond a reasonable doubt after the facts have been thoroughly examined in the court of law, the government can proceed with such finite warranted surveillances. Even the government should not be able to exercise such limitless power!
In the words of Benjamin Franklin," They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Streams of Lies
I know a lot of people, especially those from the Indian sub-continent, use these internet streams that are available for really low costs to watch the cricket games (primarily) and other sporting action. I had never done that till the recent cricket series between India and SriLanka. The inital experience was not bad at all. The resolution was not great - I could distinguish a regular bowler from the Javelin thrower Muralitharan, easily. I watched it for couple of days. The MOTHER OF ALL RIVALRIES was just around the corner. Anyway, the day before the India-Pakistan series was to start, Batman helped me find a site from where we could watch this. In two days, that particular site shut down citing some technical difficulties. Bummer!! Seriously. It was a pretty good stream, not much buffering, decent resolution.
Our search for another stream turned up empty and we decided on ordering the PPV on Dish Network. (It is a little expensive - $150 versus the $27 for the internet stream). Since we do not have internet access at home (long story -- forget it!) every time we have to watch cricket, We had to come to lab or go to someone else's place. I thought $150 was worth the comforts of the home and watching it on TV. As luck would have it, the smart card in our dish receiver was outdated and we had to order a new one and so, we can't start watching cricket till we get this one in the mail. We thought we should watch some of the action on day 5, when Viru and Rahul were going for the record, so back to internet streams. We came to know of another one -- what a lousy one it turned out to be!!! Buffering every 20 seconds -- like it was on some sort of life support or something!!! Pissed me off! Found couple more sites, but the same problems.
I guess streams are a good option while watching matches that are not as high profile as an Ind-Pak game! Everybody logs on and nobody enjoys it! Screw the streams, I am going back to Satellite TV!
Our search for another stream turned up empty and we decided on ordering the PPV on Dish Network. (It is a little expensive - $150 versus the $27 for the internet stream). Since we do not have internet access at home (long story -- forget it!) every time we have to watch cricket, We had to come to lab or go to someone else's place. I thought $150 was worth the comforts of the home and watching it on TV. As luck would have it, the smart card in our dish receiver was outdated and we had to order a new one and so, we can't start watching cricket till we get this one in the mail. We thought we should watch some of the action on day 5, when Viru and Rahul were going for the record, so back to internet streams. We came to know of another one -- what a lousy one it turned out to be!!! Buffering every 20 seconds -- like it was on some sort of life support or something!!! Pissed me off! Found couple more sites, but the same problems.
I guess streams are a good option while watching matches that are not as high profile as an Ind-Pak game! Everybody logs on and nobody enjoys it! Screw the streams, I am going back to Satellite TV!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Australian Open 2006 -Take One (Williams sisters, chinese cocoons and ESPN logic)
My brother rings me up at 2:30 AM 'coz he couldn't go to sleep, it seems -"thought i'd take a chance with you being awake at this hour" - and lo and behold, still pumped from the steelers victory, I was! Anyway, the telly was on and I was watching the first day action from Australian Open '06. While I was still talking to my brother, kept on eye on the match between Serena Williams (That butt i think is a separate entity -- its growing at a "disproportionate proportion" than the rest of her body. Soon, it will need its own zip code) and Li Na of China. Li made a great comeback in the 2nd set after losing the 1st 6-3 and romped through the tie-break 7-1. Serena won the third set 6-2 although the score doesn't do justice to how close it was for a long while. This game was following the first round ouster of Venus Williams to a Bulgarian grand slam rookie Tszvetna Parinkova (or something close to that) in 3 awesome sets. I saw only the 3rd which went 9-7. I guess it made for good TV to see whether both the Williams' sisters would crash out in the first round of a grand slam.
Cliff Drysdale, the commentator, mentioned that it was extremely hard to get an interview with any of the chinese players. In the recent months/years, lot of chinese players have come on to the international women tennis stage and in fact, one of them won a ATP tournament last year. This is all part of the Chinese government's effort to put up a good show when they host the olympics in 2008. However, something Cliff mentioned got my attention. He mentioned that the chinese players' support group (coaches, PR men, Interpreters etc) would NOT allow the public media to talk to their players even if they speak english. I quote "its as if these players are in cocoon". I have always found this fascinating. China is a superpower in the world but their people do not enjoy much freedom. I mean, you are okay to make your choices as long as the choices are specified by me. That kinda sucks. I wonder how long this charade could last!
One more observation: ESPN telecasts these grand slam matches, with mostly matches that feature an american in the first week of the slam. There could be really good matches involving really good players but they'd just show glimpses of it. I never understood this. 1) You think having matches that feature American players boost your ratings?? 2) These matches are telecast at ungodly hours due to the time difference between here and land down under. So, if anybody is watching, they most probably are because they like to watch tennis (except for player's family & friends). So wouldn't one think that showing good games make more sense rather than showing primarily matches featuring American players?
Cliff Drysdale, the commentator, mentioned that it was extremely hard to get an interview with any of the chinese players. In the recent months/years, lot of chinese players have come on to the international women tennis stage and in fact, one of them won a ATP tournament last year. This is all part of the Chinese government's effort to put up a good show when they host the olympics in 2008. However, something Cliff mentioned got my attention. He mentioned that the chinese players' support group (coaches, PR men, Interpreters etc) would NOT allow the public media to talk to their players even if they speak english. I quote "its as if these players are in cocoon". I have always found this fascinating. China is a superpower in the world but their people do not enjoy much freedom. I mean, you are okay to make your choices as long as the choices are specified by me. That kinda sucks. I wonder how long this charade could last!
One more observation: ESPN telecasts these grand slam matches, with mostly matches that feature an american in the first week of the slam. There could be really good matches involving really good players but they'd just show glimpses of it. I never understood this. 1) You think having matches that feature American players boost your ratings?? 2) These matches are telecast at ungodly hours due to the time difference between here and land down under. So, if anybody is watching, they most probably are because they like to watch tennis (except for player's family & friends). So wouldn't one think that showing good games make more sense rather than showing primarily matches featuring American players?
Attn: All Indy Fans!
I have never played football except for the occasional touch and flag kind. I do not claim to be an expert when it comes to interpreting the rules. Although, I think I have gathered enough knowledge in the last 7 years to know an interception when I see one. I am referring to the Troy Polamalu's interception of Peyton Manning in the 4th Qtr of the game yesterday. This morning, I infact had a debate with one of my buddies - who happens to be an Indy fan - about this. He had played football at collegiate level, so i have to give him the benefit of the doubt when he says I have no clue about the process of establishing "possession". Obviously, when he read my last post, he left the room irate at my seemingly inane observations. Well.... I thought I'll bring to his attention what the NFL has decided about the referee's overturning of the call. You can read the whole story at ESPN. The head of NFl officiating, Mr.Periera had this to say "He maintained possession long enough to establish a catch. Therefore, the replay review should have upheld the call on the field that it was a catch and fumble." So Take that and that!!! And yeah, stop your gripe!
Thanks to God or whoever was responsible for this blown call to have not affected the final result of the game. Pittsburgh thoroughly dominated the game on both sides of the ball and deserved the win. I'm glad it did not go the way of the NY Giants vs. SF 49ers wildcard playoff game in 2003.
Thanks to God or whoever was responsible for this blown call to have not affected the final result of the game. Pittsburgh thoroughly dominated the game on both sides of the ball and deserved the win. I'm glad it did not go the way of the NY Giants vs. SF 49ers wildcard playoff game in 2003.
Here we go Steelers, Here we go !!!!
Oh What a game? What an incredible fourth quarter!!! Of course i am talking of the AFC divisional playoff game between the pittsburgh steelers and the Indianapolis Colts. If you do not know what i am talking about, then, you do not know about the National Football League and you live in Mars, or you just missed the game on TV and the three hundred and ninety four highlight shows on TV that has been showing the incredible comeback effort by colts, albeit aided by some generous interpretations of some obscure rules by the refs -- for those of you that might know of India-Pakistan games in Sharjah, those umps were fair. The shift in momentum from side to side, it was incredible! But like the champ that I am, i woke up with 5 minutes to go in the second quarter. But i got to watch the best part of the game and caught up with the important parts of the first half from NFL Primetime, Sportscenter, CBS and FOX halftime shows, CNN, Local news, Online highlight packages.... you get the drift, don't you?
The first thing I realized as soon as the steelers won was that, both the starting QBs for the AFC champioonship game a week from today, Jake Plummer and Big Ben, have grown ginormous beards that would put Jesus Christ and Grizzly Adams to shame. I think if that game goes to overtime, they should just settle the game based on the fullness of the beard. I think Jake's got Ben beat when it comes to the 'stache area, but just for the pure raggedy-ness of the beard, Ben should win this contest. I digress.
When I woke up, I was lying under a comforter, with my right hand out to push the buttons on the remote and I saw the Steelers were up 14-0, I had to stay in that position throughout the game. Not change channels, No getting up from the bed etc. There could have been a fire or my bladder was bursting, NOPE, I AM NOT MOVING! You all know how that is. Although, I had to put up with all the godawful promos on CBS and crappy ads and expert comments during the halftime. Talking about crappy ads, isn't it time for the verizon "can you here me now" guy to go yet? I have had it with that guy. I think there are a few such still invading our living spaces. He, Jared the subway guy, remember the dude, you're getting a dell guy? Oh man!! I wish they'd have a reality show of some sort with these annoying douchebags!!
What's up with the officiating? I bet when the ref when under the peepshow instant replay hood, i am sure he was on the phone with either the NFL commish or Archie Manning! They would've promised him something like, "dude, sell your soul to the devil, tell them that you are invoking some random rule in chapter "peyton-goes-to-superbowl", we'll take care of you!!! What's that? You like brunettes? Cool, done deal!!! How about a Champage dance?"
Anyway, Joey Porter, The brash steeler LB has already told the world what every fan minus the ones from Indy area, had in mind while watching the game. Good on you, mate!
On a final note, Nice work Peyton, throwing your offensive line under the bus!! You're an awesome teammate. We have some openings in the Team BackStabbers! When you are on your way, could you pick up Terrell Owens, too. He is a little short on cash and needs a ride!
The first thing I realized as soon as the steelers won was that, both the starting QBs for the AFC champioonship game a week from today, Jake Plummer and Big Ben, have grown ginormous beards that would put Jesus Christ and Grizzly Adams to shame. I think if that game goes to overtime, they should just settle the game based on the fullness of the beard. I think Jake's got Ben beat when it comes to the 'stache area, but just for the pure raggedy-ness of the beard, Ben should win this contest. I digress.
When I woke up, I was lying under a comforter, with my right hand out to push the buttons on the remote and I saw the Steelers were up 14-0, I had to stay in that position throughout the game. Not change channels, No getting up from the bed etc. There could have been a fire or my bladder was bursting, NOPE, I AM NOT MOVING! You all know how that is. Although, I had to put up with all the godawful promos on CBS and crappy ads and expert comments during the halftime. Talking about crappy ads, isn't it time for the verizon "can you here me now" guy to go yet? I have had it with that guy. I think there are a few such still invading our living spaces. He, Jared the subway guy, remember the dude, you're getting a dell guy? Oh man!! I wish they'd have a reality show of some sort with these annoying douchebags!!
What's up with the officiating? I bet when the ref when under the peepshow instant replay hood, i am sure he was on the phone with either the NFL commish or Archie Manning! They would've promised him something like, "dude, sell your soul to the devil, tell them that you are invoking some random rule in chapter "peyton-goes-to-superbowl", we'll take care of you!!! What's that? You like brunettes? Cool, done deal!!! How about a Champage dance?"
Anyway, Joey Porter, The brash steeler LB has already told the world what every fan minus the ones from Indy area, had in mind while watching the game. Good on you, mate!
On a final note, Nice work Peyton, throwing your offensive line under the bus!! You're an awesome teammate. We have some openings in the Team BackStabbers! When you are on your way, could you pick up Terrell Owens, too. He is a little short on cash and needs a ride!
Friday, January 13, 2006
77 and 1/2 hours and counting..
For one reason or another, I have managed to stay awake except for 6 hours in the last 77.5 hours. At times, Insomnia was the culprit; other times it was the day-light; and some other times it was the weird feeling you have when your body tenses up due to lack of rest and you have supplied the circulatory system a fair share of stimulants. Let me see whether I can back track to the origin of this little sleepless-for most-part sojourn.
Friday 4.30 P.M. Arrived at the home of world's primary reason for a lot of sleep deprived souls -- Starbucks. Ran into subbu and mudith. Chatted up on the giant melon that sits on my shoulders, also known as a head in some parts of the world. Invariably the conversation turned towards life and India and careers etc. Someday, I shall organize my thoughts and put together a post on this conversation.
Friday 9.00 AM. Work, work, work. Had to conduct some tests that involved "laser". Interesting results. I am not gonna bore you with details of the tests. Can't make such guarantees about the rest of the post.
Friday 8.30 A.M. Batman's valiant efforts to wake me up come to fruition. (he is the only alarm clock i really trust. Ramu will vouch for that!!)
Friday 6 A.M. At the teabreak of first day's action (or lack thereof) in the Ind-Pak test, we decided to get home.
Thursday 11.50 P.M. We left "Zeno's" after a few brews and watching "kid bismarck". The guys played a new song, cover of "sunshine of your love" for the first time. Excellent work! We picked up sandwiches at subway before heading to watch the cricket match.
Thurs"day" -- What the hell did I do? Read a few research papers relating to my thesis and a couple on the use of focused ultrasound in non-invasive surgery. Pretty neat though! Did you know that microsphere filled with some sort of gas (sometimes air) are injected into brains of subjects so that when treated with ultrasound, the presence of air enhances the contrast of the image? yeah, I didn't think so! Its called an echocardiographic contrasting agent.
Wednes-night -- Just couldn't fall asleep! Watched a whole lot of ESPN Sportscenter and re-runs of those NFL Films Presents "Greatest Superbowl Moments". Unbelievable stroke of luck. Stumbled upon "Beer goggle theater" on Spike TV. Hilarious. If you ever get a chance, don't miss it. Comes on around 2 or 3 AM. Extremely cheesy 80's movies, that could be classified as softcore porn, although well edited for cable TV (damn you FCC!!!). Very well endowed women, talentless jocks posing as action movie studs, storylines that make steven seagal movies an oscar surefire!! I wonder whether the guys that write script for these movies actually realize the kind of masterpiece they have made! Here is an exchange between a hot brunette who is a hired gun and a guy that builds awesome remote control mini-choppers to fire mini-missiles from. The guy has a wooden crate containing this toy in front of him (about waist high) and opens it to show her that.
She: Your toy looks really good
He: its better when at work
She: I heard its fast
He: Its deadly
She: Dangerous
Wednesday: Another typical day at work. Websudoku, crosswords, news, cricket, puzzles. Reading some papers and tried to do some experiments. Didn't work. Pretty bummed.
Tuesday: Post 6 P.M. Its that time of the month for me. Out of clean underwear and socks. Hello WalMart!! Followed by usual schedule of Sportscenter, Daily Show, Family Guy, Futurama and late night infomercials. Finally slept at 7 A.M.
Tuesday 10 A.M. Awake and lying in bed.
Friday 4.30 P.M. Arrived at the home of world's primary reason for a lot of sleep deprived souls -- Starbucks. Ran into subbu and mudith. Chatted up on the giant melon that sits on my shoulders, also known as a head in some parts of the world. Invariably the conversation turned towards life and India and careers etc. Someday, I shall organize my thoughts and put together a post on this conversation.
Friday 9.00 AM. Work, work, work. Had to conduct some tests that involved "laser". Interesting results. I am not gonna bore you with details of the tests. Can't make such guarantees about the rest of the post.
Friday 8.30 A.M. Batman's valiant efforts to wake me up come to fruition. (he is the only alarm clock i really trust. Ramu will vouch for that!!)
Friday 6 A.M. At the teabreak of first day's action (or lack thereof) in the Ind-Pak test, we decided to get home.
Thursday 11.50 P.M. We left "Zeno's" after a few brews and watching "kid bismarck". The guys played a new song, cover of "sunshine of your love" for the first time. Excellent work! We picked up sandwiches at subway before heading to watch the cricket match.
Thurs"day" -- What the hell did I do? Read a few research papers relating to my thesis and a couple on the use of focused ultrasound in non-invasive surgery. Pretty neat though! Did you know that microsphere filled with some sort of gas (sometimes air) are injected into brains of subjects so that when treated with ultrasound, the presence of air enhances the contrast of the image? yeah, I didn't think so! Its called an echocardiographic contrasting agent.
Wednes-night -- Just couldn't fall asleep! Watched a whole lot of ESPN Sportscenter and re-runs of those NFL Films Presents "Greatest Superbowl Moments". Unbelievable stroke of luck. Stumbled upon "Beer goggle theater" on Spike TV. Hilarious. If you ever get a chance, don't miss it. Comes on around 2 or 3 AM. Extremely cheesy 80's movies, that could be classified as softcore porn, although well edited for cable TV (damn you FCC!!!). Very well endowed women, talentless jocks posing as action movie studs, storylines that make steven seagal movies an oscar surefire!! I wonder whether the guys that write script for these movies actually realize the kind of masterpiece they have made! Here is an exchange between a hot brunette who is a hired gun and a guy that builds awesome remote control mini-choppers to fire mini-missiles from. The guy has a wooden crate containing this toy in front of him (about waist high) and opens it to show her that.
She: Your toy looks really good
He: its better when at work
She: I heard its fast
He: Its deadly
She: Dangerous
Wednesday: Another typical day at work. Websudoku, crosswords, news, cricket, puzzles. Reading some papers and tried to do some experiments. Didn't work. Pretty bummed.
Tuesday: Post 6 P.M. Its that time of the month for me. Out of clean underwear and socks. Hello WalMart!! Followed by usual schedule of Sportscenter, Daily Show, Family Guy, Futurama and late night infomercials. Finally slept at 7 A.M.
Tuesday 10 A.M. Awake and lying in bed.
is that dead skunk or the pitch in lahore?
Wow! That 22-yard strip of turf -- worst stinking piece of land I have ever seen. I missed the first few overs of the test match -- Thanks to batman's appetite for subway subs -- (although, he gave me a coupon to use :) -- No life at all in the pitch (or was it Mars?). No lateral movement, no swing in the air, even bounce (albeit low, totally opposite to what was expected), nothing in it for the bowlers. I think this is the closest we'd ever get to "Absolute Zero" (nerd alert!!).
What a shame that we had to bowl first after losing the toss!
It got so monotonous, We started watching little bit of the first one-day match of the VB series between SriLanka and Australia, and it was innings break. Boy! Is Damien Martyn pissed off or what? He has come back with a vengeance. Saw Brett Lee's opening spell. Very fast and swinging late. Unbeatable combo!! 2nd ball wicket!! Way too good!! Which brought about this comment from Batman --" Man!! Wish we had someone atleast close to his abilities!!!!"
Came back to the Ind-Pak game as SL continued their new found wont of sucking really really bad. Not much had changed. Still a drab at Lahore. Went to sleep with a wishful thinking that somehow Team India would get out of this with minimal damage. Well, it wasn't to be. Let's see how day two transpires for us.
There are opinions floating around among experts that batting won't be all that easy past day 3. Oh! That's just wonderful! I just hope we could snatch a draw from the game if things still don't go our way on day 2.
What a shame that we had to bowl first after losing the toss!
It got so monotonous, We started watching little bit of the first one-day match of the VB series between SriLanka and Australia, and it was innings break. Boy! Is Damien Martyn pissed off or what? He has come back with a vengeance. Saw Brett Lee's opening spell. Very fast and swinging late. Unbeatable combo!! 2nd ball wicket!! Way too good!! Which brought about this comment from Batman --" Man!! Wish we had someone atleast close to his abilities!!!!"
Came back to the Ind-Pak game as SL continued their new found wont of sucking really really bad. Not much had changed. Still a drab at Lahore. Went to sleep with a wishful thinking that somehow Team India would get out of this with minimal damage. Well, it wasn't to be. Let's see how day two transpires for us.
There are opinions floating around among experts that batting won't be all that easy past day 3. Oh! That's just wonderful! I just hope we could snatch a draw from the game if things still don't go our way on day 2.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
India -- from me to the kids
I was working at the new international students orientation thing here at Penn State and i was manning the PS cricket club table. A lady, from the International hospitality council approached me and was talking to me about what we do in our little cricket club. We talked for a bit and she wanted to know whether i'd be interested in talking to a bunch of grade school kids about India and cricket etc. Of course, the ever-people-pleasing (ahem!!) side of me took over and I said yeah, sure. No problem!!
I had forgotten about my little encounter and couple of months later, I received the email from her, asking me whether i'm still interested. I was and i scheduled this "talk" for the 2nd week in december. I prepared a powerpoint presentation (effect of all this years in grad school :)) using sources from Kansas Univ Indian Students Assn, Wikipedia, General online stuff. It was fun trying to look at my mishmash from the point of view of a 11-year old!! I was initially stumped but after talking to few of my mates from around this area, i got a decent picture of what i should be talking about. (I was given 90 minutes, no less!!!)
On D-Day, I was picked up (as even after all these years, i never got a driver's license -- yeah, yeah, laugh all you want!!) and we went to MoShanon Valley Elementary school in Houtzdale, PA, about 45-minute ride west from State College. There were a total of 88 students in the class.
I loaded up the ppt, opened with a map of the world and asking someone to come up and point India out. There were more than a handful of them that volunteered (to my initial surprise -- pleasant, of course!!)... After the first 10-15 minutes of me telling them briefly of the history of india and also about myself, i almost totally abandoned the format of the ppt and turned it into a full-fledged Q&A sort of thing. It was fun! I had done my homework and I had pictures and things to show to the kids relating to almost everything they wanted to know... food, dress, sports, wildlife, currency (i had taken a few 5 and 10 rupee notes), TV etc.
I will write in detail about the things we discussed in a later post but one of the most interesting question that took me by surprise for its specificity was... "So, are there any catholics in India??" I was surprised that the kid didn't start with "what are the religions or even, are there christians in India? ,but straight to the point. The openness and the bluntness of the question was so refreshing. I had learnt that majority of people in western PA are catholics so i wasn't that surprised as well with her question!!!
It was one of the most gratifying thing I have ever done in my life. The icing on the cake was this package i received few days before christmas.. it had 88 one-page feedback from the kids. I read them all as soon as I could and at the end of it all, i was overwhelmed with their feedbacks. I can die in peace knowing, at the least, I did one good thing in my life.
I had forgotten about my little encounter and couple of months later, I received the email from her, asking me whether i'm still interested. I was and i scheduled this "talk" for the 2nd week in december. I prepared a powerpoint presentation (effect of all this years in grad school :)) using sources from Kansas Univ Indian Students Assn, Wikipedia, General online stuff. It was fun trying to look at my mishmash from the point of view of a 11-year old!! I was initially stumped but after talking to few of my mates from around this area, i got a decent picture of what i should be talking about. (I was given 90 minutes, no less!!!)
On D-Day, I was picked up (as even after all these years, i never got a driver's license -- yeah, yeah, laugh all you want!!) and we went to MoShanon Valley Elementary school in Houtzdale, PA, about 45-minute ride west from State College. There were a total of 88 students in the class.
I loaded up the ppt, opened with a map of the world and asking someone to come up and point India out. There were more than a handful of them that volunteered (to my initial surprise -- pleasant, of course!!)... After the first 10-15 minutes of me telling them briefly of the history of india and also about myself, i almost totally abandoned the format of the ppt and turned it into a full-fledged Q&A sort of thing. It was fun! I had done my homework and I had pictures and things to show to the kids relating to almost everything they wanted to know... food, dress, sports, wildlife, currency (i had taken a few 5 and 10 rupee notes), TV etc.
I will write in detail about the things we discussed in a later post but one of the most interesting question that took me by surprise for its specificity was... "So, are there any catholics in India??" I was surprised that the kid didn't start with "what are the religions or even, are there christians in India? ,but straight to the point. The openness and the bluntness of the question was so refreshing. I had learnt that majority of people in western PA are catholics so i wasn't that surprised as well with her question!!!
It was one of the most gratifying thing I have ever done in my life. The icing on the cake was this package i received few days before christmas.. it had 88 one-page feedback from the kids. I read them all as soon as I could and at the end of it all, i was overwhelmed with their feedbacks. I can die in peace knowing, at the least, I did one good thing in my life.
deja vu all over again!!
Alright. here it is, my second attempt at a blog. The first time, i made a post and very promptly, i forgot the login and password. so that's lost!! (hey, I am getting up there in age.. so a little bit of amnesia....alzheimer's.. whatever you may call it, HAPPENS!!!). I think i had written about my favorite movie quotes or something like that. Anyway, this time around I am going to be writing regularly.
Today is the January 12, 2006. The day before the cricket series between India and pakistan starts. Just can't wait... I have slept for a grand total of 3 hours in the past two days and still I am going to stay up all night tonight to watch the game. I am sure a lot of people will be going through similar pit-in-the-stomach feeling (all cricket heads, I mean!!)... man, the excitement even 10,000 miles away is so palpable!! May be it is the anticipation of great cricket, may be it is the lack of sleep added with a good dose of caffeine and other -ines....
Obviously, I am rooting for India to win the test series (3-0 preferably, but i guess i can live with a 2-0 or 2-1 result as well). I am so excited to look for the men in blue to be put to test against a very decent bowling as well as batting unit in Pakistan. Of course, Bob Woolmer, the Pakistani coach will have few tricks up his sleeve in terms of combating the indian trump cards -- sehwag, dravid and sachin in terms of batting, Kumble and Irfan in the bowling department. But, I have great faith in the abilities of the first couple of Indian cricket, Captain Dravid and Coach Chappell.
I think I'll be watching, if not all, most of this series. So i guess i'll be venting my frustrations or verbalizing my joy -- depending on which way the day went -- fairly regularly in this space. Until then, Adios Amigos!!!
Today is the January 12, 2006. The day before the cricket series between India and pakistan starts. Just can't wait... I have slept for a grand total of 3 hours in the past two days and still I am going to stay up all night tonight to watch the game. I am sure a lot of people will be going through similar pit-in-the-stomach feeling (all cricket heads, I mean!!)... man, the excitement even 10,000 miles away is so palpable!! May be it is the anticipation of great cricket, may be it is the lack of sleep added with a good dose of caffeine and other -ines....
Obviously, I am rooting for India to win the test series (3-0 preferably, but i guess i can live with a 2-0 or 2-1 result as well). I am so excited to look for the men in blue to be put to test against a very decent bowling as well as batting unit in Pakistan. Of course, Bob Woolmer, the Pakistani coach will have few tricks up his sleeve in terms of combating the indian trump cards -- sehwag, dravid and sachin in terms of batting, Kumble and Irfan in the bowling department. But, I have great faith in the abilities of the first couple of Indian cricket, Captain Dravid and Coach Chappell.
I think I'll be watching, if not all, most of this series. So i guess i'll be venting my frustrations or verbalizing my joy -- depending on which way the day went -- fairly regularly in this space. Until then, Adios Amigos!!!
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