Living Dreamz...

Man who inspired Team India in 2011 WC

2011-04-05T12:29:00.003+05:30

Mike Horn
(Courtesy Wikipedia)

Article in Cricinfo.com

Champions of the World - India - Winners of 2011 Cricket World Cup

2011-04-05T12:14:00.001+05:30

Courtesy: Crickpo

If you have a dream, don't waste your energies explaining why. - Paulo Coelho

2010-09-22T20:13:00.000+05:30

Hotfix for Tibco AMX BPM

2010-08-06T22:05:00.001+05:30

Finally, we are able to install the Tibco AMX BPM v1.0.1 on our Windows Server (still facing issues with the Linux installtion though). The issues faced since almost a month due to proxy, version mismatch, db access issues are now resolved.

Given the fact that all of the Tibco BPM releases till date have had the repution of being quite messy and not-so-smooth installtion procedure, Tibco could have done a better job with AMX BPM (which is completely a home grown product, unlike Staffware or iProcess which were acquired and enhanced).

Apart from resolving the above said issues, Tibco Support will also provide a Hotfix - for both AMX BPM (v1.0.1) and Business Studio. Phew!! now that we are into the water.. we need to swim along.. The product is quite new and needs to be explored to a great extent. I know im staring at many nightouts :(

Still trying to work around-

1. Service Mediation

2. Dabs version for BS 3.4 (latest dabs version available is v1.2)

3. Deployment to new AMX Node

4. Launching and ruuning new applications

.....

Wish me luck! Shall keep you guys posted.... :)

3 X 7 things about myself...

2010-07-31T23:42:00.019+05:30

Here I am.. writing about myself. Long back i had written my 7 X 7 and felt like doing it again :D.. and also it is a great way to know about the new freinds i made on bloggers :) .. and the result is this blog. Just tweaked the regular 7 X 7 things about myself to 3 X 7 things about myself.. to keep it short and enjoyable.

I have tagged some of my friends in this blog (scroll down to see if you are in that list), if you are not on the list and wud love to write about urself.. pls go ahead and get tagged... dont forget to publish you blog to me and ur freinds though... wud love to read it! :)

3 places i would pack my travel bag for

1. Swiss alps, my dream destination

2. Eiffel Tower, Paris

3. Gods own country - Kerala (missed visiting twice)

3 On-Screen charectors i love to watch

1. Joker (Heath Ledger) in Dark Knight

2. Amir Khan in Dil Chahta Hai

3. Big B in Namak Halal (cant forget the Pag Ghunguroo song)

.. and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) in Friends :))

3 moods that describes me the best

1. Lazy (during office days)

2. Anxious, thoughtful (when idle)

3. Overjoy, Excited.. (during weekends)

3 things i always think of doing on a weekend... but never did.. :)

1. Clean my room (so much lying around not sure wher n wen to start)

2. Go for haircut (its been ages!!!)

3. Continue reading Jeffrey Archer (i dont rem wher i stopped anymr)

3 things from my childhood that i cant forget

1. Play play and play.. :)

2. Last day at my school (HJKP)

3. Visit to my aunts place (in mysore) for every summer vacation.

3 things i wud never say no to

1. Bowling (quite a craze... hv bowled in Blore, Mysore, Pune, Hyd, Toronto, Melbourne...)

2. Long drive in my car... anywher, anytime...

3. Sweet corn (pepper masala or chat masala flvor)

3 things i cant live without

1. Laptop, internet etc.. anything that hooks me online..

2. Playing wid Chinni (the one n only .. cute, little ravishing darling of mine.. my niece.. Mrudula)

3. Music, movies and masti.. 3M!

Yes, you have been Tagged!!! :))

Tagging my blogger friends Arindam, Sabrina, Jazmine, Vijay, Mehreen, Alankrita, Renella, Vijaya, Jyotsna, Ravali, Pragyan and Mayaa to continue this chain. Looking forward to see you all write 3 X 7 things on ur blogs... Come on folks, would love to know more about you!!

Happy Friendship day!!! :)

Just some rulezz to follow...

- Tag as many u want!! (well.. thts not a rule...)

- Link their pages in your tag post

- Post a message / leave a comment screaming that they r tagged

- Mention the person who tagged you in your tag post, and link their blog.

- Write 3 X 7 things about yourself :)

How to type the new rupee symbol on your keyboard?

2010-07-19T20:02:00.003+05:30

Dont wait for the Unicode to approve the Indian Rupee symbol, and include it into the Unicode list of charecters. Start using it right away on your keyboard. Here is how..

1. Download the font style "Rupee_Fordian.ttf" from Fordian Blog.
2. Go to Control panel > Fonts (folder).
3. Right click inside the folder to select "Install Font" option
4. Select Rupee Fordian from the location where you downloaded, Click Install.
5. Once complete, Click on Start > Run, then type "Notepad", and click enter.
6. In notepad, change the font to "Rupee Fordian"
7. Type ` key (the one above Tab).. and there you go :)

Isnt it amazing.. feels so very proud!!! :))

Paulo Coelho on Twitter - "Fight for your dreams, and your dreams will fight for you"

2010-07-19T19:29:00.004+05:30

Mind over matter

2010-07-18T23:16:00.000+05:30

Mind set: Don't play it safe

Most of the world likes to play it safe. They go to their safe jobs, come home to their safe relationships, they drive safe cars, they invest money in safe corporations, they think safe thoughts, and they want nothing more than to feel safe and secure.

Survival of the fittest dictates that these people live another day and therefore get to breed and would make up the majority of the population. We could say that they play it smart.

But there is another kind, too. This other group lives for thrills. They don't just occasionally think outside the box, they actually prefer to live outside the box. This is a group who thrives on adventure, change, and newness. They love innovative new ideas, they like to explore new things, and push the envelope beyond its capabilities. They are the visionaries who perceive something beyond where we stand today.

This group often does not feel understood nor supported by the mainstream population. They are not rebels, although they are often accused of being rebellious because they do not embrace the status quo. This group is not anti-anything. They do not require group consensus to be who they are. Young adults often think that by dressing badly or by misbehaving that they are somehow brave and different from whatever it is that they are opposing, but that is not revolutionary and different, that is just anger turned inside out. They are not making a point, they are not changing the world, they are simply behaving in a manner that causes people to shun them. That is not the group I am talking about today.

This group is made up of people like Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Nikola Tesla, Susan B Anthony, Melissa Etheridge, Nelson Mandela, and countless others who do not strive to be different nor to go against the mainstream beliefs. They simply are different, they think different, they live different, and they make passionate choices to contribute something meaningful to humanity despite the fact that others oppose them. All of these people stand tall despite the chaos and anger of those surrounding them. "Why can't you just leave well enough alone? Why do you always have to push people too far? Why can't you just get along?"

Those who would keep things safe and comfortable become frightened and angry at these innovative new thinkers. They torment them, threaten them, mistreat them, ostracise them, and create a storm of ugliness to try and stop these people from simply sharing the gifts of their hearts that they were born to share with humanity. Years later, often after they have long been dead, future generations can look back in hindsight and see their bravery as admirable. But in the moment, these people are historically treated terribly. These are typically men and women of peace who do not go out with an angry rebellious need to stir up trouble. They fight for higher ideals because in their heart of hearts they truly believe that things could be better.

Today there are millions of people who would change the world with their beautiful open-minded hearts and their incredibly brilliant minds, especially the upcoming teenagers and young adults in their early twenties. They feel that there is no point in even trying because the current political and cultural environment is so against them. I would be lying if I claimed that what you see as extreme hostility towards change was not at a peak right now. You are right. They do not want to change again, but you are right, it is time for another change and you are the ones to help bring it. Do not be afraid of the backlash. Stand tall and do what you know in your heart is right and just for all, not just what benefits a chosen few. You know that ignorance can no longer rule the people. You know that blind obedience is no longer a viable option.

People say that the signs are all here and Armageddon has begun. How selfish to assume that your god will come carry you off to heaven, therefore you do not have to care for the people and planet that are going to be left in the wake of your final choices. Who is to say that is not the ultimate test of who stays and who gets to ascend to a better place? If you had to choose who were truly worthy of burning in hell or going to heaven, would you pick those who were killing in the name of God or those who were crying out for love, equality, and to save the planet?

We're not perfect: Steve Jobs on iPhone4

2010-07-18T02:27:00.004+05:30

Phones usually have an antenna inside the body. In designing the iPhone 4, Apple took a gamble on a new design, using parts of the phone's outer casing as the antenna. That saved space inside the tightly packed body of the phone, but meant that covering a spot on the lower left edge blocked the wireless signal.

Read here for more.

iPhone4 disasseambly

Good times

2010-07-18T01:07:00.002+05:30

Life has to be full of fond moments and exciting times spent with family, friends, grandparents and loved ones. First day on your first job, an unexpected meeting of your childhood friend, first movie with your girlfriend, a romantic candle light dinner with your loved one... its wonderful how on such moments you feel the gush of emotions running right through you... and after many years it still gives you the feel as if it happened today.

One such memorable day that I wish to share was my first outing with Sindhu on my bike. Like any typical South Indian family, taking the girl out before being formally engaged is a strict no-no affair.. and like any typical pre-engagement boy and girl, we would be waiting to step out (Hehehehe... :)) But first time is always a first time, you are always in the dilemma whether to keep it chupa-chupi or let the elders know. After much thought (my Decision no.1) I decided to inform her dad on taking Sindhu out for a while. So I called her up and told her I would be there for pick up at 6PM IST... so that she would prepare the pitch, and all that I would need to do is to present myself in formal look (obviously not the MJ look and feel on the first visit).. exchange a few pleasentaries and ride away with the dream of my life. I was fully excited, got ready in no time, took my Fiero and zipped thru the traffic, only to find myself parking my bike at Sindhu's house at 7PM (late by an hour.. anyways IST is Indian Streachable Time and how can I not live upto the reputation that "guys" are never on time). Climbed the stairs to their first floor house with a bit of nervousness, but got a very generous warm and a smiling welcome from everyone. Sindhu was inside dressing up for the outing.

Things were going as planned. Trying to keep the decent approach, I began a conversation with Sindhu's dad (hoping to end it soon and take Sindhu out asap). At first I was not even keen on listening, after a while I made an effort to listen to what was reaching my ears... Weather, coffee, job, Bangalore traffic, Metro, fuel prices... the talks never did seem to end. I too pitched in with a few comments here and there. Soon we ran out of topics... precious time.. God help me!!! Trying not to be rude or anything, I tried to close the conversation on a few occasions, but only to find another one starting.

I started getting restless, matters was slowly slipping out of my control, topics started repeating :'( .... I even tried to remain silent, hoping of some reciprocation. But my prayers to the God of Silence went in vain as the talks went on and on and on.. like Amaron battery. By now, each passing minute started to give me the feel of a day... thats when my Decision no.2 came.. I stood up on my feet, took the helmet in my hands, and said non-stop - "I think its getting late, we have planned to go out for a while, will be come back in an hour's time". Then there was silence. When you ask your fiancee out making the return time obvious for her parents is very important (not that you would take their daughter on a 6D/7N all inclusive trip to Kulu Manali, but just to sound responsible)... else forget even getting a shake of the head from her parents. Finally after a few exchange of smiles... we left. There she was, sitting on my bike for the first time, and I was all in heavens :).... took her to a famous chat center in Gandhibazar, spent more than 2 hours chatting (lots of talks and samosa chats in-between).

Time just flew by, me and Sindhu met a few more times before getting engaged. Currently enjoying, the so called golden era (post engagement and pre-marital bliss). Suddenly weekends became more happening and full of fun (minus all the effort and the pain) :)

Engagement models!!!

2010-07-17T14:51:00.003+05:30

A funny blog from my collegue. Read and Enjoy!! :)

================================================================

No, no.. don’t go away.. this is not about proposals or project management. This is my unique take (actually nothing unique, but then I am running out of topics) on the post engagement pre-marriage period which is the golden era (ahem..hem) in anybody’s life..

There are so many guys (read 1) these days asking me for tips on how to handle this enragement period (oops, spelling mistake! anyway let us leave it that way). So, being the shrewd observer of things (that should make it clear that this is not out of experience.. any comments of that sort will be ruthlessly moderated), I decided to play the savior of such wandering sheep.. Please follow this set of rules to confirm your marital status. Remember, there is very little difference between marital law and martial law!

Rule number 1: Unless you are a close relative of the Ambani’s (or own sweat equity of some IPL franchise), get a CUG phone connection. You have so much talking to do (mostly listening.. but talk also if you count ‘yeah’, ‘right’ and ‘ok’).

Rule number 2: Your reply SMS messages should be a minimum of 10 words. Remove words like ‘ok’, ’sure’, ‘me too’, ‘fine’ from your SMS dictionary. For example, a suggested reply for a message like ‘I have a lot of work today’, should be ‘Oh no.. Too bad. Tell ur mngr that you have a hdache :-):-) ‘.. A reply like ‘oh ok’ for this message is sure to put you in mortal danger.

Rule number 3: Remember to remember. Guys have a tendency to remember key things like Sachin’s centuries, Deepika’s latest boyfriend and Messi’s jersey number and forget trivial things like fiancee’s birthday, the names of all of her 14 friends, in-laws’ wedding day and Tommy’s vaccination day. Not any more brother! Try at least to remember the month of birth of your fiancee’s sister-in-law’s second cousin. You never know how it will help.

Rule number 4: Know your colours. Men can distinguish about 3 colours in a rainbow. But women can identify all the 38 colours in it. So, practise until you can clearly distinguish blue, light blue, deep blue, dark blue, navy blue, sky blue, copper sulphate blue, zinc phosphate blue.. you get the idea..

Rule number 5: Extrapolate! This is very important. What she says is not what she wants.. For eg., if she messages you to get a band-aid, and if you manage to buy one, you will look like an absolute idiot! You are supposed to immediately call her with an anxious voice on why she needs one, what really happened, whether she needs an ambulance (a rescue helicopter if she can’t see through the sarcasm).. And by the way, she really does not need a band-aid!

Rule number 6: Interpret! Continuing with the above rule, sometimes you have to do the opposite of what she says, because there is a hidden meaning associated with each phrase

‘OK, you don’t have to come’           If you are not here in the next half-our I will kill you’
‘It is not heavy, I can carry it’           ’You moron, will you take this from me or what?’
‘This dress does not suit me’             ‘It looks great on me and I expect you to say it’

Rule number 7: Hidden within those multiple strands of your brain, there is a commodity called logic. Get it out somehow and throw it as farther as you can.. Else it will interfere in those inopportune moments, like when she calls at 2:00 AM in the morning to check whether you are awake or why she needs 3 pair of slippers when she already has 4 or how someone can be a fan of Tushar Kapoor. Asking such questions will result in… I don’t even want to think about it!

Ok, folks I hope you find these pearls of wisdom useful. Some people listen to experts, some learn the hard way. So it is up to you. Enjoy the marital bliss.

================================================================

Any feedbacks or comments will be promptly fwdd to the author of the original blog :)

A symbol of new India...

2010-07-15T23:24:00.017+05:30

Cabinet today approved the new symbol for Indian Rupee. India has now joined the group of nations (US dollor, UK pound, Chinese Yen, European Euro) which have its own symbol to identify its currency. IIT graduate Udaya Kumar, who designed the symbol, is over the moon on his design being selected. In his own words - It is a perfect blend of Indian and Roman letters — capital 'R' and Devanagri 'Ra' which represents rupaiah, to appeal to international and Indian audiences... My design is based on the tricolour, with two lines at the top and white space in between, I am really excited and thrilled. I can't find words to express my happiness.

This entry selected from 3,000 designs won him an award of Rs 2.5 lakh.More than the award he will be happy seeing it on every Indian currency in circulation.

Nasscom will approach software firms to incorporate this new rupee symbol in their OS. This is to enable the computer users worldwide to use the symbol with ease since it is not embedded on the keyboards. It would also be included in the UNICODE standard as well.

Dutch score a hatrick, but spain win the World Cup!!!

2010-07-12T03:21:00.008+05:30

Google logo on the day of finals

Great finish by the European champions to win the world cup. A dream come true, a dream of so many people, a dream that had never been realised for decades. And today, at the Soccer City stadium in South Africa it was only one team that looked like lifting the 18k gold FIFA world cup... Spain!! Spain beat Netherlands 1-0 in the finals, in what can be called an unattractive game with many fouls from both sides. Netherlands had their chances though, Robben missed a one-on-one against the Spanish skipper. But it took extra time for the spanish to break the Dutch defence and get the ball in the back of their net, a right foot strike from Iniesta in the 116th minute puts them into the elite group of world cup winners. Spain shrug their chokers tag, while the dutch make it a hatrick to have lost thrice in the finals of a World Cup. Spainards are ecstatic, as they have lived their dream!!!

Congrats to Spain for lifting the FIFA 2010 World Cup!!!!

PS: Paul the psychic Octopus has 100% record, while i have 85% :)

2010-07-06T20:40:00.005+05:30

Octopus Paul predicts Spain victory over Germany.
See here for my predictions.. have got 10/12 correct so far.

Pseudo democracy

2010-07-05T13:37:00.005+05:30

Relaxing at home, trying to slow down the fast paced world I live in. Its a nationwide bandh today in India against price rise and govt decision to increase petrol and diesel prices. In Bangalore the response to this bandh call has been quite effective. Though the timing has been apt for me (considering the hectic weekend i had), the fact that most of the business establishments and normal life is shutdown denting the economy, such strikes should not be supported. I understand its a sign of protest against the govt policies and price rise n blah blah blah... but surely there are other ways to voice your opinion against govt apathy.

Sipping coffee and sitting on my bed, this is exactly what i am thinking How else would one protest without bringing public life to a grinding halt and still ensure that public is active in this democracy? How may from your neighbourhood feel that the price rise is an issue? Even if they feel its an issue, how many of us feel that we need to come out to the streets and shout slogans against it? Well, the number is very very small. Its only those who wish to gain some political mileage and publicity call for agitations and strikes. Aam aadmi, or the mango people, are least bothered on what is happening at the global level, and how India should react in a mature way thinking ahead of times and well within the boundaries of democracy. Active participation from the public, and questioning the usual should become the order. Dont blindly follow the selfish politicians who at the end of the day are just playing political games. Its funny how the word 'politics' is made up of the words 'poli' meaning 'many' in Latin, and 'tics' as in 'bloodsucking creatures’. I would say, instead of the Suprme Court banning strikes, they should legalise it. And ensure that there is a representative of such strikes and he is made accountable till the end of conflict, not only to maintain peace during the agitiations but also to bring about a legal and an amicable solution keeping the interests of the public in mind. He should work hand in hand with the govt to see that the objective of the agitation is achieved. Thats where the real test of democracy (of the people, by the people & for the people) lies... lets who will come forward to organise strikes and agitations. Sad but true, what we are living is pseudo-democracy...

Anyways, not entirely happy staying at home today, as i have to compensate for today's off in the coming weeks. More when i return to my lappie...till then munch on some FIFAWC news (casualities galore!)... Dunga is fired as Brazil coach, CR7 may be stripped of capatincy and the man with the Hand-of-God is ready to give way for a new coach.

2010-07-02T21:54:00.001+05:30

Dutch fightback buries Brazil

DV7

2010-06-30T22:09:00.012+05:30

"Spain begins to dream".... was the headline in the most widely circulated daily in Spain, after their 1-0 victory over Portugal. David Villa's goal makes him now the joint lead goal scorer in FIFA 2010 worldcup. Is he peaking at the right time for Spain? Well his fans would be hoping and praying... to see "The Kid" score more and more goals for his country... their dreams has just begun!!!

Name: David Villa Sánchez
DOB: 3/12/1981
Country: Spain
Shirt number: 7
Position: Forward (devastating striker)
Nick name: El Guaje ("The Kid" in Asturian)

Vamos Villa!!!!!

FIFA World Cup 2010 - My predictions

2010-06-26T20:58:00.010+05:30

We're not the favourites but we are among the hopefuls." Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach

The pre-quarters matches are here at the FIFA World Cup 2010. And the knock out stage start from today. Infact the first of the 8 matches is already underway. Its time to pick the favorites.. my heart sings for Argentina.. Messi in particular... but my calculations say it will be the Spaniards. Maradona's men will fall in the semi's hurdle. The best perfomance of Spain so far in the FIFA world cups is fourth place in 1950, but this time they will surprise the world. This worldcup has seen the domination of the Americas over Europe and other nations... So far, in the Eighteen editions, both these continents have shared equal honours winning 9 times each (different countries ofcourse). Brazil have won the World Cup a record five times, Italy have won four titles, and Germany are next with three titles. Uruguay and Argentina, with two titles each, and England and France, winning it one time each.

My prediction for 2010 - It will be Nederlands vs Spain in the finals with XAVI's men lifting the world cup on July 11th. The current Spanish team looks in good form... Villa's form so far in this South African edition has been good if not great, Iker's defence and XAVI's exuberance with the ball will be unstoppable.

Courtesy: FIFA.com

Pre-Quarters (16 teams)

M49: URG vs KOR - URG
M50: USA vs GHA - GHA
M51: GER vs ENG - ENG (win on penalties)
M52: ARG vs MEX - ARG
M53: NED vs SVK - NED
M54: BRA vs CHI - BRA
M55: PAR vs JPN - JPN (win on penalties)
M56: ESP vs POR - ESP (win on penalties)

Quarters (8 teams)

M57: NED vs BRA - NED (Yes, this will be the shocker!!)
M58: URG vs GHA - URG (win on penalties)
M59: ENG vs ARG - ARG
M60: JPN vs ESP - ESP

Semis (4 teams)

M61: NED vs URG - NED
M62: ESP vs ARG -ESP (win on penalties)

Finals (2 teams)

M64: NED vs ESP - ESP (Win by 3-1)

Inside iPhone 4

2010-06-10T00:31:00.012+05:30

The chosen one...

2010-06-05T19:24:00.006+05:30

She is learning Indian classical music for 8 years...

Has played Violin for 6 years...

Her interestes include swimming, reading, painting, writing....

Wants to attend Harvard..

Aspires to be a a cardiovascular surgeon

She is just 14!!!!!

And wins $30,000 cash and and a trophy.

All she had to do was to spell the word 'stromuhr'.

Isnt that simple?? No, it isnt by any means. Forget spelling it.. did you even know that 'Stromuhr' is an instrument for measuring the velocity of blood flow and its of German Origin. Am sure most of us would have tripped trying to get it right.

But, Anamika Veeramani made her parents proud on Friday, by winning The 83rd Scripps National Spelling Bee 2010 held in US (since 1925). She emerged as the winner of the 273 participants. Last year she was placed fifth, but this time she is numero uno. A record 8 Indian origin kids have won it in the last 12 years, and this is the third consecutive victory for an Indian origin at this prestigious competetion.

Just a word on the Scripps company, which is a non-profit organisation... their purpose of holding such an event every year is simple..(in their own words)

Our purpose is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives.

Congratulations Anamika!!!

Future of Tibco BPM - AMX BPM

2010-06-02T00:52:00.009+05:30

It was 5+ in the evening, and a day of sorts, when i was approached by a friend for info on Tibco AMX BPM. Was happy to share information on Tibco AMX (Tibco ActiveMatrix) and how Tibco has moved from a pure Process oriented player to Service oriented player... a step in the right direction for Tibco. And Tibco AMX BPM is a SOA based BPM platform offering different solutions for a your business. Functional, business, technical.. any person from any department of your organization/company can use this to simulate, design and implement a service oriented BPM solution. Tibco AMX is here to stay .. and stay for long.

Its always best when you hear from an independent analyst and thats what Sandy has done. Here is an article from her on what to expect from The-all-new Tibco AMX BPM. Hope to get my hands on it soon :)

The session that I’ve been waiting all day for is with Roger King, who runs BPM product management and strategy for TIBCO, where he discussed the new ActiveMatrix BPM and TIBCOSilver BPM offerings for on-premise and cloud deployments. They’ve been working on this for a couple of years, and obviously keen to get it out of the gate. As I tweeted earlier after taking a look at ActiveMatrix BPM in the solutions showcase, this isn’t a complementary product to iProcess: it’s the successor to iProcess, in spite of what was said about this yesterday. Have no doubt: AMX BPM is not an upgrade to iProcess, it’s a new product, based on a new technical architecture, and already (at version 1) provides more functionality than iProcess.

With both AMX BPM and Silver BPM, Business Studio is used for modeling the process; ActiveMatrix versus Silver is just a deployment choice at the time of deployment, which means that you can deploy the exact process to an on-premise ActiveMatrix application server or to the cloud. In fact, if you’re modeling your iProcess processes now in Business Studio, rather than in the iProcess Modeler, you can deploy those directly to AMX or Silver, too. What’s changed from iProcess is that they’ve bundled much more into the BPM bundle: it’s a full composite application development and deployment plaform, including forms-based user interface, rules and SOA capabilities, so that all of the process-related artifacts can be modeled in a single environment. Their previous focus on support for process patterns is now extended to include resource, business and data patterns, too, and there’s more work management and workforce optimization functionality. Their tag line: “Business Friendly, Enterprise Strength”.

This model-driven development is based on five types of models: process (which we’re used to in BPM), form, data, organizational and client application. In order to do this, they reused some pieces that will be familiar for iProcess customers, but some new stuff too:

    * BusinessStudio for modeling, extended for new functionality
   * New OSGi-based deployment model, where an application package (process, rules, services, etc.) is deployed rather than just a process
    * New container-based grid platform
    * New runtime, which is an ActiveMatrix application
    * Workspace, similar to that used by iProcess, but extended
    * New Openspace gadget-based client, including interfaces for mobile devices

The architecture starts with the OSGi runtime with the ActiveMatrix service platform as the basic platform, with the ActiveMatrix BPM SCA composite application as the BPM platform running on that platform, including Process Manager, Openspace, Event Collector, Work Manager and Workspace components. Everything used by the AMX BPM components are visible to other applications, meaning that it can be easily embedded or integrated with other AMX BPM applications.

Both business analysts and process developers create executable process models with the other supporting models and forms user interfaces, while the SOA developer creates process-based services, all within the AMX BPM environment. Work is managed and executed by various level of workers, using organizational models that can be extracted from LDAP. Users may access work using Workspace (the same interface as is used for iProcess), Openspace (a mashup-type interface) or Mobilespace (the mobile version of Openspace, currently available for iPhone), or through a custom interface. Performance data is visible for different levels of monitors, again through standard dashboards or custom interfaces.

One of the interesting things that can be done is modeling of page flows: since AMX BPM allows for both user interface and process to be modeled, there are some parts of the flow that aren’t run in the process engine, but are executed in the web tier as a series of pages/views linked by rules and services, presented to the same user during a single session with the state information maintained during the flow; this provides smart capabilities to an otherwise simple forms user interface, without having to round-trip to the process engine for some basic decisioning and screen flows. It also allows for a more seamless interface in the modeler: a page flow model is shown almost as if it were an expanded subprocess from a task in the main process model, so that you can view the whole process – that which runs on the process engine as well as in the web tier – in a common environment. This reminds me somewhat of the screen flow capabilities that are starting to emerge as part of web application platforms such as Salesforce and NetSuite, although in the context of a larger process rather than in the context of a packaged application.

I also like data modeling capabilities in their business object models: you can interrogate an existing database directly in order to derive the data model for your process instance data, which saves a lot of redefinition (and the errors that can be introduced) of the data model as part of the process model. You can also import the data model from UML and other formats. Eventually, this needs to be able to integrate with enterprise MDM initiatives, but this is a good start.

The forms-based UI designer has some nice features as well, being able to automatically generate master-detail forms with grids for detail records based on joins in the data model. Although it’s not a really complex forms designer, it does allow styling with a style sheet, and I expect to see some improvements here as they figure out what their customers really want. They can separate presentation from page flow, and some companies may decide to use the AMX BPM page flow but do their own presentation screens.

They’ve moved away from the concept of queues that supported iProcess to dynamic work lists that are generated on the fly; this makes sense given the advances in dynamic data access. In general, creating a new BPM product from the ground up today not only makes their 20-year-old iProcess architecture look dated, but also the 10-year-old generation of products from other vendors that started the current BPM revolution in the early 2000’s.

Tons of interesting stuff here, more than I can absorb on the fly for a live blogging post, but I’ll nail down a full briefing in the next couple of weeks.

AMX BPM shares common components with the AMX SOA product line, but does not include AMX Service Grid (which includes more containers) or AMX Service Bus – if you’re a TIBCO customer (or planning to become one), these are details that you’ll want to work out in terms of licensing to make sure that you have all the right pieces, and aren’t paying for things that you’re not using. If you’re an iProcess customer, then don’t look for AMX BPM as part of your upgrade maintenance: it’s not an upgrade, it’s a new product. iProcess is not being end-of-lifed; it will be maintained and have minor enhancements for some time to come, but I don’t get the idea that you’re going to see a lot happening here since King stated that the major BPM investment for them will be in AMX BPM. If you have one of the other BPM products, such as InConcert, you may want to start saying your prayers now (although there has been no EOL notice as yet). In any case, at some point you’re going to want to consider a migration path off these older platforms for processes that you want to continuously improve, since they are not going to see any significant upgrades in the future, even though the official line is that iProcess “is not going away for a long, long time”.

The current plan is to provide for coexistence of iProcess and AMX BPM in Workspace so that users can pull work from either system without having to worry about which one it is on. And, although you could take an iProcess model in Business Studio and deploy it in AMX BPM, you’d probably want to take advantage of much more of the new functionality, such as the forms-based user interface designer, which means essentially rewriting everything except the process model. Although there is some service composition capability in AMX BPM, you’re probably going to leave most of the service composition heavy lifting in BusinessWorks, since AMX BPM really is geared towards turning processes into services, not general composition.

Interestingly, when I saw a quick demo at the booth earlier today, I detected essence of BPEL in the process model (such as catch and throw events); King confirmed that at the composition level, this is heavily extended BPEL.

Essentially, AMX BPM provides BPM on an SOA platform, but without the BPM designers having to worry about the SOA parts. From that standpoint, the BPM functionality competes well with the pure play BPM suites, but it provides a great deal more flexibility in dealing with services than you’ll see from the pure plays. They see their competition as the other stack vendors, IBM and Oracle, but with the lack of innovation and cohesion in both of those vendors’ BPM offerings, TIBCO seems to come out ahead in BPM functionality. Seems like the best of both worlds.

God as the purifier of Silver

2010-05-28T02:44:00.003+05:30

"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver." (Malachi 3:3)

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it'.

FIFA Worldcup Schedule - South Africa 2010

2010-05-28T00:00:00.006+05:30

Speaking Tree - Happiness is not everything - May 24, 2010

2010-05-27T23:38:00.004+05:30

The idea of happiness is a kind of ignorance. If your understanding is healthy, then you will never give too much importance to happiness; we do so because of our ignorance. Happiness is not the idea, purpose or aim of life; happiness is a consequence, a fruit.

Happiness is a subject of the senses; it is felt by the senses, it is an idea of the senses; it is information got from the senses. The scope of the senses is limited and the senses are completely unaware of the greatness of life. So if you are thinking for happiness or working for happiness you are just following your senses, you are indulging them. You are just living with your senses.

Understand the game of the senses, and then go beyond them. Discover that portion of life, that part of life that can give us something permanent, the highest knowledge of life, the highest clarity in life.

Nobody enters the path with full clarity, so even if you are ignorant or you lack the aspiration, somehow you will get connected. For instance you have a certain understanding of life and what you want. On the basis of what you know, your highest goal is to find happiness. As you undergo experiences in the course of life, your understanding grows wider and deeper. As your understanding develops you begin to see that happiness is not everything, that there is something beyond, that happiness comes and goes. You begin to think that perhaps satisfaction and being content is more important, no matter the kind of circumstances you are faced with. You could be content if you wished to be so.

Earlier your level of understanding prompted you to say: “How can I be content when I don’t have this, or I don’t have that?” Now your level of understanding has changed, and with that understanding you don’t miss anything, you are fully content. So it is just that in the level of our understanding something happens; if the understanding is high then you will not give too much importance to happiness, or sadness. When you aspire for something higher you will give more importance to your clarity, to your higher understanding, you will live for that; you will not give importance to whether the path is long or not, you will not give importance to the path at all, you will give importance to the target, the target is higher, aspiration is higher.

When you climb a mountain with the aim of reaching the top you have clarity. You know that you have to reach the top. That clarity helps you. The path will be very difficult, and maybe you will not be happy on the way, but when you reach the top that will give you much more than happiness, it will give you contentment. If we are only looking for happiness then we will never be able to climb high, aim high, or aspire for anything that can help us to evolve further.

What we understand by happiness lies on the surface. When you live at a deeper level, you give importance to clarity of consciousness which gives you information on the purpose of your existence; it gives you purpose. Once this is clear, everything will come to you including contentment and balance.

(Swami Brahmdev - As told to Sudhamahi Regunathan)

5 of 10 worst habits at work u should try to break....

2010-05-27T23:10:00.011+05:30

1) Improper planning

While all of us are aware of the benefits of planning, when it comes to work, most people don’t have their agenda in place for the day, week or month. There are no set goals on what they want to achieve. They simply reach their workplace and then decide on the work to be executed.

“Lack of planning of the day at work or at the job is one of the most ‘non-productive’ habits at the workplace. This can, however, be rectified by a simple basic discipline of starting the day with some basic agenda in place,” says Alok Bansal, CEO, Alethia Education Services.

2) Carrying a chip on the shoulder

When you feel that you are more superior to others and as a result of this, don’t give an ear to others’ thoughts, ideas and work and don’t feel the importance of including others in your work because of the feeling of greatness, you are doing more harm to yourself than to anyone else.

“Sometimes, some people only want to work in the so-called ‘juicy’ areas (read brand management, strategy, analysis etc.), which is commonly seen in the fresh joinees from premier institutes who have been led to believe that they are god’s gift to the organization. This is also nod good for one’s career,” says Gagan Adlakha, partner, Vyaktitva, a performance consulting and training organization.

3) Not making notes/ filing information

A large amount of time is wasted at the work place as well as in normal life as we don’t maintain notes or records. It has been observed that people in the corporate world, especially the new generation, do not make notes of conversations they had with clients or peers. This then becomes a vicious circle of trying to haphazardly retrieve information when required. Most of the time it becomes a Chinese whisper like game.

Similarly, a large amount of time goes waste in trying to retrieve information. “Despite the tools available today, most of us seem to be losing on this count. Simple yet important things like relevant phone numbers or contact details of clients are lost or need to be searched. This causes immense loss of time and effort. As they say, information is the key and will always remain a powerful tool in the corporate world,” says Mr Bansal.

4) Improper time management

In a usual workplace, a good number of people are always complaining of too much load on them. A fewer lot have a claim to be doing lesser work. And hence are free to leave on time. This is largely attributed to using scientifically set time management principles. Some people manage their time exceptionally well and hence are found suitable to take up higher positions. “A poor time management skill is a habit that needs to be worked upon if one is looking up to rise up the ladder,” says Mr Bansal.

5) No sense of responsibility/ownership

When a person shuns away from his work and doesn’t feel responsible for his/her activities or refuses to take ownership of his acts and failures, this may hamper one’s growth in the long run. “This is by far the worst of all bad habits that can mar many promising careers,” says Mr Adlakha.

For more.. Click here.
Source: Economictimes

Let us all do something this year....

2009-01-22T16:50:00.005+05:30

44th President of United States

2009-01-21T05:29:00.009+05:30

Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Place: Capitol Hill, Washington DC, US
Date: January 20, 2009
People gathered: Estimated 2 million!
Gathered for: To witness swearing in of America's first black President
Name: Barack Obama

"President" Obama's first speech

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. Video Watch the full inauguration speech »

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
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"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Source: CNN.com, timesofindia.com

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-02T00:57:00.003+05:30

Obama is the US president!

2008-11-06T09:16:00.007+05:30

Another man to live his dreams!!!

Videos of Barack Obama claiming victoy in the US 2008 elections. The first African-American to ever climb the stairs of the White House.

Listen to his opening statement...

Part-1

Part-2

Part-3

Google turns 10!!!

2008-09-27T17:44:00.016+05:30

The Google doodle (as seen on Google.com homepage) on its 10th birthday (today) is explained by Marissa Mayer, VP Search Products & User Experience, and Dennis Hwang, Webmaste, on the official google blog (http://googleblog.blogspot.com) -

Today you'll see a special design that commemorates our 10th birthday. We've incorporated a little bit of history by using the original Google logo from 1998. And since everyone keeps asking what we'd like for our birthday (besides cake and party hats) -- the first thing we thought of was a nice new server rack.

(Interesting) Did you knows about Google -

1. When the "Google Guys" (Larry Page and Sergey Brin) met at Stanford, and started a search engine... it was initially called BackRub! It was so widely used in Stanford that many times the servers went down. A web archive from the stanford library saying that the search engine is down is below (click on the link) - Sorry, many services are unavailable due to a local network faliure beyond our control. We are working to fix the problem and hope to be back up soon. 12/4/97

2. The academic paper they submitted at Stanford explaining the PageRank algorithm is here. Click on this link - Academic paper.

3. Google's first headqurters.... was a garage!!! Click here to know more on the house that helped build Google.

4. Google's April fools jokes -

Google MentalPlex - (Year 2000) - FAQ and Illustrations for correct usage :))
Googlunaplex - (2004) - Google hiring for its new research centre on the moon!!
Google Romance - (2006) - Google Romance is a place where you can post all types of romantic information and search for your Soulmate! :)

Read on for more of Google history here - Google Timeline

Happy Birthday Google!!! :))

2008-09-23T21:56:00.004+05:30

Dream of a producer - Debutant producer Ravi Rai has sent "Tingya" to Oscar as an independent category.

After the selection of Aamir Khan's directorial debut, Taare Zameen Par (TZP) as the official Indian entry for the Oscars, Marathi film 'Tingya' is set to enter in nomination of the coveted award through independent entry. The Marathi film 'Tingya' directed by debutant Mangesh Hadawale is based on the on the issue of farmer suicides in Maharashtra. The plot of the film deals with the life and surroundings of six year child named Tingya and his obsession for his bull. The makers of the film said that 'Tingya' will be sent to Oscars as an independent entry in the Foreign Language Film category.

Produced by Ravi Rai, 'Tingya' has garnered much of appreciation in all national and international film festivals apart from winning 37 awards including five international ones. The film has also bagged two awards at Pune Film Festival. The child artist of the film Shrad Geokar has also clinched the Critics' Award for Best Actor at the Pune Film Festival.

Read on - TINGYA pips CHAK DE INDIA, TZP

India's entry @ the Oscars this year is....

2008-09-20T22:24:00.008+05:30

Taare Zameen Par
Source - TimesOfIndia

Today the FFI (Film Federation of India) announced that the Amir Khan's directorial debut Taare Zameen Par will be India's official entry for the Oscar award for the best foreign film category.

A wonderful movie indeed.. desevers to be showcased at the world stage. Im sure that it will be appreciated by one n all. It has already won these many awards...

2008 Filmfare Awards

1. Best Movie- Aamir Khan (producer)
2. Best Director - Aamir Khan
3. Best Story - Amole Gupte
4. Critics Award Best Performance - Darsheel Safary
5. Best Lyricist - Prasoon Joshi

2008 Star Screen Awards

1. Best Director - Aamir Khan (shared with Shimit Amin for Chak De India)
2. Best Debut Director - Aamir Khan
3. Best Supporting Actor - Aamir Khan
4. Special Jury Award - Darsheel Safary
5. Best Child Artist - Darsheel Safary
6. Best Story - Amol Gupte
7. Best Dialogue - Amol Gupte
8. Best Lyricist - Prasoon Joshi

2008 Zee Cine Awards

1. Zee Cine Award for Best Director - Aamir Khan
2. Zee Cine Award for Best Lyricist - Prasoon Joshi, Maa
3. Zee Cine Award for Most Promising Director - Aamir Khan
4. Zee Cine Award - Critics' Choice Best Actor - Darsheel Safary
5. Most Promising Debut (Child Artiste) - Darsheel Safary
6. Zee Cine Award for Best Story - Amol Gupte

Best foreign film category at Oscar -

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has mailed Foreign Language Film award entry forms to 96 countries. As per the Academy’s press release, in order to qualify for the 2008 awards "a film must be released in the submitting country between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2008, and be publicly screened in 35mm or 70mm film or in a qualifying digital cinema format for at least seven consecutive days in a commercial motion picture theater.

"The dialogue track must be predominantly in a language or languages other than English. Accurate English subtitles are required.

"Entry forms and film prints must be received at the Academy by Wednesday, October 1, 2008. Only one picture will be accepted from each country."

==================
Plot of Taare Zameen Par
==================

Ishaan Awasthi(Darsheel Safary) is an eight-year old boy who hates school. Every subject is difficult for him and he perpetually fails his exams. He also lacks motor coordination skills and finds it difficult to throw a ball in a straight line. Rather than helping him, his teachers and classmates subject him to constant acts of public humiliation. At the same time, Ishaan's internal world is rich with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate:magical lands filled with color and animated animals;letters which morph into an advancing army of spiders; and adventures in space between the battling planets 9 and 3.

It is no better at home. His father (Vipin Sharma) is a successful and busy executive who expects the best from his boys. His mother (Tisca Chopra) is a housewife who is perpetually frustrated by her inability to help Ishaan excel. Ishaan's elder brother Yohaan (Sachet Engineer) is a successful scholar/athlete, a fact which Ishaan is constantly reminded of. After discovering that Ishaan "bunked" school (in addition to having poor grades), his parents send him to boarding school to be 'disciplined'.

Life at the boarding school does not help Ishaan to excel, despite being befriended by Rajan (Tanay Cheda). Instead, he sinks into a perpetual state of fear and depression as he now has to contend with the added trauma of separation from his family. This changes, however, when a new temporary art teacher "Nikumbh Sir" (Aamir Khan) joins Ishaan's boarding school. Nikumbh, with his characteristic teaching style that is markedly different that his strict predecessor, soon becomes popular among the students. He begins to notice that Ishaan is unhappy and a non-contributor to activities in the class (despite creating an atmosphere in the class that actively seeks contribution from the students). Disturbed, Nikumbh begins to review Ishaan's past work and determines that all of his "failures" are actually reflective of dyslexia.

On his day off, Nikumbh visits Ishaan's parents and asks to review more of his work. He is also stunned by the sophistication of Ishaan's paintings. Nikumbh tells Ishaan's parents that Ishaan is a bright child who processes information differently than the other children in class. He describes dyslexia to them and clarifies that this is a neurological condition which is not a sign of low intelligence. He also tells them he can provide extra tutoring which will help Ishaan succeed. To support this argument, Nikumbh highlights Ishaan's artistic ability as demonstrated by his many paintings and creative works-of-art. In order to make his point, Nikumbh demands that Ishaan's father read a box with Japanese text. When Mr. Awasthi states that he cannot read the text, Nikhumbh reprimands him. In doing so, Nikhumbh demonstrates to them what Ishaan struggles with on a daily basis.

When he returns to the school, Nikumbh brings up the topic of dyslexia one day in class and offers a list of famous people who are considered dyslexic: Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, Walt Disney, Agatha Christie, Thomas Edison, Pablo Picasso, and actor Abhishek Bachchan. As the students are leaving the classroom Nikumbh asks Ishaan to stay back. At that time Nikumbh reveals that he has experienced the same difficulties with dyslexia. Nikumbh also conveys the same information to the principal of the school and asks if he can act as a tutor for Ishaan. After gaining the Principal's assent, Nikumbh then proceeds to teach Ishaan using remedial techniquesLalita Lajmi (who portrays herself in the movie). Ishaan, with his strikingly creative style is declared the winner, while his teacher, Nikumbh (who paints Ishaan's portrait) is declared the runner up. developed by specialists in the area of dyslexia. Ishaan soon develops interest in language and mathematical skills and his grades improve. Towards the end of the year, Nikumbh organizes an art fair for staff and students alike. The competition is judged by

When Ishaan's parents meet his teachers on the last day of school, they are speechless over the changes in him as he has improved in all of his subjects. Before leaving for the holidays, Ishaan runs to hug his teacher. The film ends with a freeze frame shot of Ishaan being tossed in the air by Nikumbh as if he were flying.

Cast -

Aamir Khan as Ram Shankar Nikumb
Darsheel Safary as Ishaan Awasthi
Tanay Cheda as Rajan Damodran
Sachet Engineer as Yohaan Awasthi/Dada
Tisca Chopra as Mrs. Awasthi/Mama
Vipin Sharma as Mr.Awasthi/Papa

For more visit TaareZameenPar.com - Official website of TZP

Bear v/s Bulls of World Stock Market

2008-09-18T22:33:00.011+05:30

Last few weeks Stock market has seen the biggest slump in recent times. With Lehman filing for bankruptcy and other financial institutions dragging, its really a bad time for investors. The ripple effect can be seen - low investments, small companies closing, jobs lost, delay in new projects/ventures etc etc. The bearish market is here to stay for sometime. Some researchers say that it could see swings for another 3-6 months depending on how the federal banks pump money and support these companies.

Talking of market, there are two prominent figures that is refered to always in Stock Market. The Bear and the Bull - two animals associated with the stock market movement. Now, i was just wondering why bear and bull... why not giraffe and rat, or horse and snail.... u know!

For those who don't spend a lot of time on Wall Street/sensex, bulls and bears refer to opposite trends in the stock market. According to Investor Words, a bull market is "a prolonged period in which investment prices rise faster than their historical average." Conversely, a bear market means "a prolonged period in which investment prices fall, accompanied by widespread pessimism." So, bulls good, bears bad...

No one's quite sure how the two animals came to symbolize the market, but there are a few theories floating around. According to Motley Fool, a bear market earned its name because bears tend to swat at things with their paws in a downward motion (as in "the market's going down"). A bull market, on the other hand, got its name because bulls swing their horns upward when they strike (as in "the market's going up").

Another theory proposes that the animals' personalities are behind the symbolism. Bears move with caution, while bulls are bold and like to charge ahead. So a "bearish" investor thinks the market will go down, while a "bullish" investor thinks it's headed up.

Now you know why bear v/s bull!!!! :)

The Battle Inside

2008-09-14T20:29:00.005+05:30

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 wolves.

"One is Evil. It is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

The other is God. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

India makes it to the Elite Club

2008-09-07T09:02:00.011+05:30

India could not have been kept out of the elite club any longer. Well, there is no better illustration of India's impeccable stature at the world stage... Today the NSG has given a go ahead to the India-Centric wavier of Nuclear fuel supplies. Surely an historic day for India. The magnitude of this gesture/decision is very significant as far as India is concerned. When the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) approved a US plan to engage in nuclear trade with India, it means that India is no more isolated from the Elite club of nuclear nations to exchange nuclear technology/fuel for civilian purposes. More than that i feel the world recognises India, values and trusts its commitment to the non proliferation of nuclear technology/weapons. I use the words recognises, values and trusts because, India has shown great maturity in its nuclear program that it was just a matter of time that the world rewarded India and backed the Indo-US nuclear deal. Mind you, this recognition comes without india signing NPT or even the CTBT. In other words India's commitment and its moratorium on conducting further nuclear tests and its non-proliferation is seen almost as being on par with NPT agreement. This is stupendious victory for India, and history has always shown that India is unique and special, and cannot be seen like any other nation around the world. India is indeed incredible, thats the voice that seems to be buzzing at the NSG meet. With the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Cooperation being approved and given a go ahead, India has finally come out of the 34-year old nuclear apartheid. India was barred from holding any nuclear trade with any of the NSG member nations after the May 1998 Pokhran tests by India. With the help of US proposal to NSG, this fencing has been demolished so that it clears/paves the way for India to have bilateral nuclear commerce with any of the NSG member nations.

As pointed out on my previos blog, the three vital points of Indo-US nuclear deal seeing light were-

1] Get the US congress to change laws which will permit America to extend civilian nuclear help to India,

2] Get the Nuclear Suppliers Group to accept the deal and be open to nuclear cooperation with India and

3] Have IAEA to prepare India-specific safeguards, which indicates that the nuclear rules and regulations which apply to NPT countries will not be the same for India.

India and US have successfully crossed the first two hurdles. The thrid one is all procedural now for both the nations to start the nuclear co operation.

Well done India!!!!!

India and US have emerged from the all the hurdles and hassles, in getting the nod for this deal, which is indeed historic and very important for the energy security of India and or the Indo-US relations.

Take care of your thoughts

2008-09-04T23:26:00.006+05:30

"Thoughts lead to purposes;
Purposes go forth in action;
Actions form habits;
Habits decide character;
Character fixes our destiny."

So take care of your thoughts!

Making life more intersting.. Calvin way!!! :)

2008-08-30T22:31:00.012+05:30

Just a few weeks back got Creative 2.1(Inspire M2600) for my swanky laptop(Inspiron 1525). Music takes me to a whole new world.. it soothes ones mind. i dont know if music therapy ever works, but for me it hits the right chord to take me out from my clogged confused stressed mind to a completely different plane from where i can see the pleasentnes that life brings to all of us. That young flower you had seen in the garden, tht bird soaring sky high above ur head, the endless green patch of beautiful landscape that you had once captured on ur camera, the clouds that almost seem insync with ur emotions... all start talking to you with music in ur ears.. aint it???... esp when needed most.

Very recently one of my frend said she wanted to listen Bob Dylan, so i burnt a cd for her of the songs i had.. i have a good collection of Dylans, if not huge... like Blowing in the wind, Like a rolling stone, I want You.. Changing of Guards and a few more. different kind of music work for differnt people.. some like it to be soothing, some like bollywood tunes, some like it all hard(rock), while for a few its just the instrumental... its all there in finding and clinging onto it!

Beleive me... Music does a lot of things to you than you ever knew it could. Just sit back and lose yourself amidst the rythms of life(music)... :-)

OMG... this is senseless!!

2008-08-22T21:16:00.009+05:30

India is becoming more intolerant and conservative. There are hazars(read thousands) of ads/movies which are more vulgar in nature than this one. Why cant anyone take the lighter side of it. I mean, come on Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Govt of India.. grow up! get matured!!!

Read on....

"Axe's chocolate deo ad raises stink with Govt"

Source - ibnlive.com

Keeping in line with its crackdown on suggestive advertisements being televised, Government on Friday took strong objection to the promotional campaign of a deodorant brand, terming it indecent, vulgar and repulsive.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has sought information from the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) regarding the advertisement of Axe's 'Dark Temptations' deodorant, asking whether the body has received any complaints about it from the Consumers' Complaint Council (CCC).

"We have found that the advertisement of Axe Dark Temptation deodorant is indecent, vulgar and repulsive," a statement from the ministry to ASCI stated.

In the same communication, the Ministry held that in the event of no complaints being received against the advertisement, the ASCI should treat its query as a formal complaint and advise the advertisers "to refrain from airing the said advertisement".

A copy of the complaint has also been forwarded to the secretary general of Indian Broadcasting Foundation asking them to advise broadcasters to air the advertisement only after precautionary measures have been taken to avoid some objectionable portions.

The advertisement shows a model wearing the chocolate-smelling deodorant, eliciting “objectionable reactions” from women.

The Ministry, in the recent past, had issued similar notices to television channels airing an advertisement of a popular undergarment brand.

It had asked the channels to run precautionary scrolls while airing the said advertisement. The advertisement was eventually pulled off the air.

Ad details-

Product: AXE
Agency: VegaOlmosPonce, Buenos Aries
Creatives: Martin Ponce (Art Director)
Hernan Ibarra Puentes (Art Director)
Mario Crudele (Copywriter)
Jose Silva (Agency Producer)
David Zander (Executive Producer)
Jeff Scruton (Executive Producer)
Scott Kaplan (Producer)
Director(s): Tom Kuntz
Production Company: MJZ
Country: Argentina
Other Credits: Post/Special Effects: The Mill

Go ahead n watch it - http://www.bestadsontv.com/ad_details.php?id=11246

I dint find anything offensive/vulgar about it! Did u??

India @ 61.. Happy Independence Day!

2008-08-14T22:39:00.005+05:30

Best advice from our PM - "Don't expect a level playing field"

2008-02-11T06:16:00.001+05:30

India Vision 2020... yes when the blue print for this was envisioned by Adbul Kalam he knew the most important components driving this are the nations's youth and its leaders. It needs the leaders, at national and state level to toil, think and channelize the resources, and the youth to make this vision a reality. Agriculture, manufacturing, education, power, telecom, infrastructure, GDP.. so many things that has to shape up. India has no doubt made a mark on the global stage. Everyone wants to have a deal with India. The market, the potential, the hugely available talented workforce has turned heads towards India. But its just the beginning, India has just entered the field. I always believe that its always the second step that matters. Whatever the task may be, however uphill it may seem, the second step is very crucial. Motivation and eager to perform always drives the first step, but its the perseverence that requires to march ahead and take the second. Everyone takes the first step, its the second step which most of them falter at. Either they fail to take that step or fault at the step. Our Prime Minister Manmohan singh is preparing our youth for this second step. Addressing to business leaders of India Inc. he said -

"They are an example for our business leaders, who must also learn to compete on unlevel playing fields and prove their mettle. There is, in fact, no game that is ever truly played on a level playing field,’’

Citing example of cricket players, he asserted: "Playing fields differ, as every cricketer will tell you. Cricketers do not sit back and demand fields and pitches of their kind. They learn to play on the pitch they are given and try to defeat the opponent."

Citing the example of former president of India, K R Narayanan, the Prime Minister said that Narayanan came from a poor and underprivileged background. He went to the United Kingdom for higher education but never asked for a level playing field, the PM added.

Singh said he derives great satisfaction from the achievements of the youth in the highly competitive world of learning. "Long before Indian business was willing to face global competition, Indian students were willing to do so."

I felt this is so far the best advice given by India's Prime Minister to the young emerging, vibrant business leaders, since long. One with faith and the vision in mind, at the same time telling the Young India to be catious and get strong to take on the world, and make the dreams of India 2020 a reality.

Read complete news here - Don't expect a level playing field: PM to India Inc.

2008-02-04T16:35:00.001+05:30

And..... hows this??
News on Yahoo Website - Yahoo may consider Google alliance

Why Yahooites fear Microsoft takeover?
“Everyone sees Microsoft as the big octopus from ‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ that wants to swallow everybody up,”

Here is more - Google CEO Eric Schmidt, calls on Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang to offer his company's help in an effort to thwart Microsoft's bid - Click Here

Show no mercy... Kill the competition

2008-02-02T09:45:00.001+05:30

Steel, pertoleum, aviation, pharmacuticals, IT, services.... you name it and every industry has adopted this mantra. We have seen some of the biggest buy-outs/take-overs/mergers in the history of corporate world, AOL buying Times Warner, Oracle gobbling Peoplesoft, Tatas taking over Corus,.. why... even my previous company Netkraft was taken over by Adea SOlutions. Well, if u have read it, heard of all these.. then its nothing... the mother of all bids is here... Microsoft Bids for Yahoo!!! Yes, unable to withstand the Google's dominance over the search, ad and email services on the world web, Microsoft is back into its sheepish way of emerging as the fittest. On Jan 31, 2008 Microsoft has bid US $44.6 billion for Yahoo Inc.

Charles Darwin only in the human evolution put forth the theory of "Survival of the fittest". But the ever hungry business world has come up with... "Kill the competition" kinda stuff.

And it doesnt end without a fight... Google could play spoiler, may bid too.

Emergence of the great trio (Microsoft, Google and Yahoo) -

1975
Microsoft founded.

1995
Yahoo founded (co-founders), begins serving ads online. Microsoft launches MSN Web portal.

1997
The company Google Inc. was incorporated in the Sept of 1997.

2000
Yahoo starts delivering search results generated by Google’s technology. Google introduces AdWords, its system for displaying ads next to search results based on keywords used.

May 2001
Terry Semel becomes Yahoo’s chairman and CEO.

Feb. 2002
Microsoft taps Overture Services Inc., later bought by Yahoo, to power its advertising-driven search engine. Google overhauls AdWords with cost-per-click model that makes online advertising easier and more cost effective for smaller businesses.

May 2002
AOL picks Google as search and advertising provider.

2003
Google AdSense launches, letting outside Web sites make money by plugging in targeted text ads by Google.

Oct. 2003
Yahoo announces plans to buy Overture, giving it a system for selling search ads similar to Google’s AdWords.

February 2004
Yahoo replaces Google search results with its own technology.

April 2004
Google launches free e-mail service Gmail, expanding ad opportunities.

August 2004
Google holds initial public offering.

December 2005
Google makes $1 billion, 5 percent investment in Time Warner Inc.’s AOL and extends ad partnership.

November 2006
Yahoo builds advertising partnership with consortium of daily newspapers.

February 2007
Yahoo launches long-awaited search and advertising technology overhaul, known as Panama.

April 2007
Google agrees to pay $3.1 billion in cash to acquire ad-management technology company DoubleClick Inc. Yahoo acquires online advertising exchange Right Media Inc. for $680 million.

May 2007
First rumors hit Wall Street that Microsoft is contemplating Yahoo buyout. Yahoo CFO Susan Decker promoted to oversee advertising operations. Microsoft says it will buy online ad company aQuantive Inc. for $6 billion in cash.

June 2007
Semel steps down as Yahoo’s CEO; co-founder Jerry Yang takes over. Decker becomes president.

July 2007
Yahoo launches SmartAds, a behavioral, demographic and geographic ad targeting system.

August 2007
Microsoft buys AdECN Inc., a stock market-like Web ad exchange. It also launches ContentAds, context-relevant ads on some sections of MSN.

September 2007
Yahoo announced plans to buy online behavioral targeting specialist BlueLithium Inc. for $300 million in cash.

October 2007
Yahoo announces plans to buy AdInterax, a rich media ad business, for undisclosed amount. Microsoft spends $240 million on a 1.6 percent stake in Facebook, ensures ad partnership will continue.

December 2007
Microsoft steals Viacom ad business from DoubleClick. Other ad deals since the acquisition of aQuantive include financial news site CNBC.com and Digg Inc., a reader-powered news site. Google’s proposed buyout of DoubleClick gets green light from U.S. regulators, still pending in Europe.

January 2008
Semel resigns as Yahoo’s chairman. Microsoft makes unsolicited $44.6 billion offer for Yahoo.

Did u know?

Microsoft in 1978?

How it all started for Yahoo?

Google's motto - Dont Be Evil!

Know your conflicting self

2008-01-17T06:03:00.000+05:30

Swami Sukhabodhananda

Happiness is what we want but our overwhelming desire to attain happiness and freedom actually takes it away from us.

We are not able to love for we are filled with hope and expectations. We are all working for freedom but freedom is elusive. Happiness is what we want but in our overwhelming desire for happiness and freedom it slips away. We come to a master with the desire to be happy and that prevents us from being happy. What comes between oneself and happiness is desire. The possibility of attaining happiness is weakened by increasing one’s desire for it. So what should we do? It is not a question of doing but seeing the foolishness of the desire. Look what is happening now. There is an experience of what is happening and yet there is another part in oneself that does not want what is happening. That is, “I want something other than what is. I create a conflict with my self”. This conflicting self is the “me”, and with this self one wants to be happy. Unless one sees the whole foolishness of this conflict, unhappiness will exist and you hold it in your desire to be happy.

See that one part of you is experiencing what is happening while the other part says, “I don’t want this and I want something else”. See this basic conflict. Sharpen your seeing and let the seeing just see “what is”.

Now see this conflict of who you are and who you want to become as a dream. Don’t give it the importance of a waking reality; see it as a movement of a dream state.
Learn to dis-identify yourself from this conflict and go on witnessing it from a distance. Learn to see the witness and not the witnessed. See the witnessing consciousness- the ‘sakshi’ and slowly without any desire you will see it is complete and full.

Now from this fullness, you start living life. From this fullness even if you desire, then a desire would be out of fullness and not for fullness. Your desire is out of happiness and not for happiness. This is a state of nirvana — enlightenment.

News from across the world...

2008-01-11T07:45:00.000+05:30

> World's cheapest car - Tata Nano. Another dream lived by an Indian!! Sooooo... say tata to costly cars. Here are the specs of the 'common man' car.

> Edmund Hillary dies at the age of 88
Photos of the conquest and others.

> Part time job in a bank for former UK PM Tony Blair

> Odd news - Boss fires staff for NOT smoking

Happy New Year 2008!!

2007-12-28T14:44:00.001+05:30

Another fresh new year is here …
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest …
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs

- William Arthur Ward

Taare Zameen par....

2007-12-24T07:43:00.002+05:30

Makes you laugh, those songs of innocence, reminds the wonder filled school days, gives you goosebumps actually.. TZP is a beautiful movie, titles are very creative n awesome, amazing acting by the Darsheel, n not to forget great lyrics. Dont miss to watch the movie.

Official Website: Tare Zameen Par
Duration: Approx 2:40 hrs
Genre: Social, Kids, Family
Director: Aamir "Perfectionist" Khan
Story: Amole Gupte
Lead Actors: Aamir Khan and Darsheel Safary
Music: Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy
Lyrics: Prasoon Joshi

[Title Song]

Dekho inhein yeh hai onss ki boodein
Patto ki goodh mein aasamaan se khude
Angdai le phir karwat badal kar
Nazuk se moti hasde phishal kar
Kho na jayee yeh
Taare Zameen par

Yeh toh hai sardi mein
Dhoop ki kirane
Uthre jo aangan ko sunehara sa karne
Maan ke andhero ko roshan sa karde
Thiturti hatheli ki rangat badal de
Kho na jayee yeh
Taare Zameen par

Jaise aankhon ki debiyan mein neediyan
Aur neediyan mein meetha sa sapna
Aur sapne mein mil jaye faristha sa koi
Jaise rango bhari peechkari
Jaise Thitliyan phoolo ki pyari
Jaise bina matlab ka pyaara rista ho koi

Yeh to asha ki lehra hai
Yeh to umeed ki seher hai
Khushiyon ki nehar hai
Kho na jaye yeh
Taare Zameen par

Dekho raaton ke sene pe yeh to
Jhil mil kisi lao se uge hain
Yeh to andiyan ke khushbo hai bhago se beh chale
Jaise kaanch mein chudi ke tukde
Jaise khile khile phoolon ke mukhde
Jaise bansi koi bajaye pedo ke taale

Yeh to jhoke hai pawan ke
Hai yeh gungroo jeevan ke
Yeh to sur hai chaman ke
Kho na jayeee
Taare Zameen par

Mohale ki ronak galiyan hai jaise
Khilne ki zid per kaliyan hai jaise
Muthi mein masam ki jaise hawaein
Yeh hai buzurgo ke dil ki duyaaein
Kho na jayeee
Taare Zameen par
Taare Zameen par

Kabhi baatein jaise dadi naani
Kabhi chale jaise num num pani
Kabhi ban jaye bhole saawalo ki jhadi
Sanate mein hasi ke jaise
Sune hoton pe khushi ke jaise
Yeh to noor hai barse gar pe kismat ho padi
Jaise jhil mein lehar aye chanda
jaise bheed mein apne ka kandha
jaise manmauji nadiya
jhaag udaye kuch kahe
jaise baithe baithe meethi si jhapki
jaise pyar ki dheemi si thapki
jaise kaanon mein sargam
hardam bajti hi rahe
jaise barkha udati hai bundiya…
kho na jaaayeeee yehhhh
Kho na jaayee yehh
kho na jaayee yehh
kho na jaayee yehhhh..

Here I'm .... :)))

2007-11-28T11:31:00.000+05:30

SAGAR/BHARATH MR
TG 328 23NOV BLRBKK 2245 0400
TG 999 24NOV BKKMEL 0810 2120

If you can read this intinerary.. u'll probably know where i am!! :p
Watch this space for more.. soon!!

Warne-Muralitharan Trophy!!

2007-11-20T12:06:00.001+05:30

Children's Day Thought

2007-11-14T14:45:00.001+05:30

The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any - Fred Astaire
APJ Abdul Kalam starts a newspaper "Billion Beats"

Former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam was the people's President, and on the occasion of Children's Day, Kalam dons a new hat by turning editor for an online paper. Never one to sit idle, former President APJ Abdul Kalam has moved on. Today (November 14) is Children's Day - a day when Kalam launches his own e-paper, which will celebrate the success stories of ordinary Indians. Anantha Krishnan, National Affairs Editor, 'Billion Beats', puts it, "It all started with an informal chat with Dr Kalam. He felt that there's an overdose of politics, murders, crime and there's a lot of negative stories in print. So, he felt that we should celebrate the victories also. Children's Day seemed to be the right time to launch the paper. Dr Kalam wants all the success stories of scientists, agriculturists, farmers and technocrats. Basically 'Billion Beats', will try to bring to the fore, the tales of unsung heroes."

Source: Timesnow.tv

Which one, which one..

2007-11-12T08:19:00.001+05:30

OSO vs Saawariyan

Which one is a Bigger Hit? Which one did you watch this diwali?.. any reviews/thoughts/ opinions/warnings before i watch them (which i am planning to this weeknd)?

Btw bought the Sony Handycam Camcorder DCR-SR42 this diwali. Was into it all weekend, cant compare with the best Handycam ever, but should say, a cool piece of gadget.

Indian Advertising

2007-11-08T11:45:00.002+05:30

Advertising in India has grown leaps and bounds from the 80's and the 90's. Todays ads are one of the most creative and innovative we get to see in the entire world. Arguebly the toughest job is convincing a customer to buy your product in the competetive Indian market. Ads are of many different kinds, the ones u watch on televsion, print ads that appear on mags and newspapers, and scores of them that you get to hear on Fm channels (which are not visual ads), and obvsly the ads from the wide web world. I came across some online ads which made me giggle and laugh. Hope you also enjoy them...

Each one is better than the other. Simply amazing to see how creative Indian advertising have become. I wont say these are the best, but they are certainly some of the funniest :). I am not giving out the product names, you gotta watch them to enjoy. The Chaalis Chor (click on the link to see), adopted from the 1971 anime Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, has been quite a hit. The next ad Udi (click on the link to see) sends a clear message to the consumers. The third on the list, Daddu's blessings (click on the link to see) is certainly entertaining, giving the ad a Bollywood touch, which has been aped by many. Next one is an innovative ad, Mast Bahaar (click on the link to see), giving out a message to all the youth, spreading awareness on one of the important issues plauging today's world. The fifth on the list is also inspired from Bollywood. I enjoyed, Train (click on the link to see), which has some Bihari (Laloo yadav) accent in it. The next one is quite creative as well. You like or hate ghazals??? then u must watch Chitti (click on the link to see), where the world's richest and popular product company is targetting Indian customers. I did smile after watching it. How can todays ads leave out the Sholay theme from wooing the cosumenrs. You might have seen many ads revoving around the sholay theme and this one is one of them. Watch Sholay-Thakur (click on the link to see) and enjoy!

PS:Make sure u have the speakers turned-on when you watch these ads :)

My all time favs however have been M-seal and the Nike ad, igniting the passion for cricket (n how Nike did it? Click here).

M-seal

Nike

Happy Deepavali

2007-11-08T09:27:00.000+05:30

Wishing all the readers a joyous Diwali :)

Safdar Hashmi (Apr 12, 1954 - Jan 2, 1989)

2007-11-05T16:25:00.000+05:30

"It was when JANAM was enacting a chillingly prescient play called Halla Bol, which touched on issues of workers' rights and the right to perform in the face of injustice, that the group was attacked. Even as Safdar attempted to help others escape, he was bludgeoned to death with iron rods. "The horrific murder caused immense revolution across the country," says artist Ram Rehman. "I will never forget the funeral, the staggering number of people who marched in solidarity with us." The mourning cut across political affiliations, and linked artists, thinkers, journalists and concerned citizens in a visceral reaction to the outrage.

Two days after his death, his wife Moloyshree Hashmi went back to Sahibabad with the Janam troupe to finish the performance of Halla Bol, saying: "It is what Safdar would have wanted."

Safdar Hashmi

Article about Safdar

JaNaM
Poem by Safdar Hashmi
A tribute to Safdar - SAHMAT

People who Ignite Minds

2007-11-05T12:36:00.000+05:30

No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men. - Thomas Carlyle.

There are innumerable such men and women, each one with a dream, a vision who have written the history of this world. Many, not so popular, yet been an inspiration to the masses. Working for the people at the grass root level, living, being, sharing and making them see new dreams was their dream. Recently i heard a scholar on one of the popular Indian news channel criticising people who laud and treat the achivements and victories of Bobby Jindal, Sunitha Williams - as victory for India/Indians. He said "First of all, they are not Indians.... get that straight into your heads... secondly... its NOT a victory for India... should we (Indians) feel elated of a person who wins a Governer's race in US, merely because his forefathers had their roots (very very faintly) linked with India?? Now, we must not take away the victory and achievements of the Jindals, the Williamss', and other people who have risen to fame and glory. No doubt they are fantastic people having achieved great feats in their streams, but there are scores of people who have toiled for the sake of India, lived and died for a social cause, for the sake of the poor and downtrodden. These are the people who have given their entire self in bringning a change to the narrowest mindsets of people, and made them realise their rights and duties as responsible citizens of the nation. True nation building happens when people realize, look and act at social issues, to eradicate the scums in whatever possible way they can. The impact it has on the generations to come will be immense. But the stories of such great men and women have always been short lived in the memories of the people. The struggles and pains in bringing these revolutionary changes have been soon forgotten. When someone scores a century in a cricket match, or make a class act in one of the Bollywood flicks, we (and the media) worship them, they become Gods in no time.... they become our role models!! How sad that we forget the true legends and live in a fantasy world.

Speaking out on my blog, i will be introducing and talking of some great Indian personalities, who have not been as popular as Jindals or the Khans or the Bachhans on the world stage, but of some lesser known people who have had a huge impact on the lives of a common man and India. These are the people who really ignite minds.

Sports in India

2007-10-25T10:39:00.000+05:30

Did somone talk of "step-motherly" treatment towards non-cricketing world??

MUSS (Manchester United Soccer School) in Goa (this is AWESOME!!) < Some snaps>
"It's clear to see that with such a huge population in India the potential for football to grow is enormous, and we are delighted to be involved in the further development of the game here. Hopefully we can play a part in the vision of accelerating this development of young players in India, and helping youngsters to achieve their own potential through playing sport," Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United football club said in a statement.

'F1 can be alternative to cricket in India'
Spyker will become Force India next season after the FIA approved on Wednesday the decision of the team's new owner, Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, to change its name.

Charlesworth on 'revival' duty for Indian Hockey
Legendary Australian player-turned-coach Ric Charlesworth stepped in as the technical director to guide both men and women players in India.

2007-10-22T13:24:00.000+05:30

Rangashankara Theatre Festival 2007 is happening in the city, be there for some wonderful stage performances. Dont miss it!

No-Deal?

2007-10-15T10:46:00.000+05:30

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday indicated that the Government is willing to put the Indo-US nuclear deal on the backburner. "The end of the nuclear deal will not mean the end of the Government. We are not a one-issue Government. The deal not coming through is not the end of life, " Singh said.

And today on his way to the Nigerian captial, the PM did not speak to the media. The sources said that the UPA government, in the aftermath of the October 9 meeting with the Left parties, will convey to the US that it will not be approaching the IAEA for a safeguards agreement.

This is indeed disappointing, and i feel like we have taken a back step in the growth of our Nation. The energy needs for India in the next decade is immense and this deal with the US and NSG would have helped us meet atleast most of the requirements, if not all. Now we have lost the N-deal with the US and also the Iran-India pipeline. Where is India heading to?? The balancing act has to end somewhere. As a common man we are to blame for all this as well, instead of giving a complete majority we voted in bits and pieces to various political parties. Hope we learn and contribute so that our leadership (Hindustan Times Leadership Summit) can take it foward for us, without any strings attached. The people who lead the country must be given a free hand, i feel the Congress leadership knows what its doing, atleast with respect to this Nuclear deal. Im not a politician, nor would like to discuss polictics here, but i ceratinly feel for the N-deal not going thru.. for the moment that is. Its a pity that the world recognises and regard India very High on the world stage, yet the political parties within are making an all out effort in hindering this growth.

Some of the headlines look like this -

N-deal is not on, govt will tell US soon - Times of India

Failure of N-deal won’t be end of life: PM - India Express

Don't let radical view hijack N-deal, US lawmaker to India - Rediff.com

Australia puts uranium deal with India on back burner - Rediff.com

Frends, food, fun...

2007-10-10T11:54:00.000+05:30

3 magnificient treats, a lot of shopping, and catching up with frends.. all of this and much more in just one week. hmm. what am i upto???!!.. well, u will know soon! :) Its has been a great week since last wednesday... and the best part is all the fun has come on week days.. after office.. n not weeknds!

After all the lavish eatings, I feel I can actually write my own column on the restaurents in Bangalore. Desmonds, Sahib Sindh Sultan, TGIF. Yesterday nite was also memorable.. had been to TGIF (they say, Everyday is a friday at TGIF!), great place for some continental food... pastas, shrimps, and others. Not to mention sm great music is played during the night. Shall srcibble more with sm snaps.. till then read this.. feels like cricket is no more a Gentleman's game.

Sahib Sindh Sultan

Words of Wisdom

2007-10-08T09:49:00.001+05:30

Yesterday was one of those days where i was not myself. And just when i started feeling that everything within me was faling apart, a friend handed me a book "Way of Youth" by a Buddhist philosopher, Daisaku Ikeda. The approach of book is so very simple (and yet head on) in addressing the turbulences of a young mind, the concerns and questions that constantly poses. This book brings about a self directed transformation, making a powerful impact on the person reading it. For a young mind, looking for answers amidst lifes' strangest ways, this book strikes that chord of realisation of your truest self within you, that you have been looking for... what we really are, what we should really be to keep and maintain that unruffled peace and calm within. It brings about a change in your thoughts to regain your lost strength, and the lost "YOU". I would recommend this book for all the youngsters, go on, get a copy of it from your nearest book store.

"What kind of future do I envision for myself? What kind of self am I trying to develop? What do I want to accomplish in my life?" The thing is to paint this vision of your life in your heart as specifically as possible. That "painting" itself becomes the design of your future. The power of the heart enables us to actually create with our lives a wonderful masterpiece in accordance with that design." - Daisaku Ikeda

'Sethu Samudram does not make nautical sense'

2007-10-03T16:13:00.000+05:30

The Sethu Samudram project, if I can put it simply from a mariner's stand point, does not make any nautical sense.

We mariners call the coast between Rameswaram and Cuddalore the cyclone coast. The India Meteorological Department has assigned this coastline as a high risk probability. To site one example, in 1964, the Pamban Bridge was washed away by a severe cyclonic storm.

Marine scientists have identified five areas on the Indian coastline they call high-sinkage pits, and one of them happens to be the Palk Straits.

If you take global shipping trends today, to reduce operating cost, they go in for larger ships of the order of 60,000 deadweight tonnes and above. A 60,000 deadweight tonne carrier will need anything in excess of 17 metres of draft. And as far as tankers go, the days of the super tanker are gone and you see only very large crude carriers of the type of 150,000 and 185,000 tonnes. It makes more sense to have such big tankers as in one voyage, you are bringing in more cargo and reduce your operating cost. None of these big ships will ever be able to use the Sethu Samudram. So, the question is, for whom are you building the canal? 30,000 tonnes was alright when Sethu Samudram was conceived in the early fifties and the sixties.

The voyage distance from Kolkata to Tuticorin around Sri Lanka works out to 1227 nautical miles. If you went through the canal, it is 1098 nm. So, you are saving just 120 odd nm.

The majority of our bulk carriers go at a speed between 12 and 13 knots. That is the average speed at sea. When you go through Sethu Samudram, the point to be remembered is, you cannot proceed at the speed at which you are sailing at sea. The reason is the shallow water effect or what we call the 'Squat Effect'. So, the moment you enter Sethu Samudram, you have to reduce the sped by 50 per cent or more depending on the conditions prevailing at that particular time.

To one of the questions on the Sethu Samudram controversy, Captain (retired) H Balakrishnan of the Indian Navy who has been associated with the navy for 32 years, replies -

Q.Those who support the Sethu Samudram Canal compare it to the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal and say the Sethu Samudram is the Suez of the East.

A.In the case of the Suez and the Panama canals, ships save thousands of nautical miles in sailing distance and hundreds of hours in sailing time, where as the Sethu Samudram where a ship will probably save a few hundred miles and at the most two hours in sailing time. This is the difference.

Read the entire article here.

Scarbulous

2007-10-03T10:59:00.002+05:30

Scrabulous.com... Started in July of 2006, its already the 14th most popular website on the net. Founded by Rajat & Jayant, 2 young minds from India, loved the game of Scrabble so much that they decided they will have their own place for it on the World Wide Web. The name Scrabble is a trademark of Hasbro, Inc. in the US and Canada and of J. W. Spear & Sons PLC elsewhere. Scrabble was a trademark of Murfett Regency in Australia (you will hear more of australia from me soon :)), until 1993 when it was acquired by Spear. The game is also known as Alfapet, Funworder, Skip-A-Cross, Spelofun and Palabras Cruzadas. Even I used to play a lot of Scrabble with my brother and sister, we still have the old board and letters.

"We've always been crazy about Scrabble. We used to play Scrabble online for almost three hours everyday. But when the site we used to play on became a pay site, we decided to start our own version — www.Scrabulous.com," says Jayant, co-founder Scarbulous.com.

Scrabulous.com now has 37 million visitors per day with 8 lakh registered users and 5 million page hits everyday. It has found a place in my list of "Play On" (see right pane) along with Sudoku and other online games. About Scrabulous.

Getting back to life...

2007-09-28T17:11:00.000+05:30

me wrapping up my fourth visit to Hyderabad (not a very pleasant one though, when compared to the prvs 3 trips within 2 months)... gotta catch a taxi to airport now. Have a beautiful eveng, while i take myself sometime off (have got a precious weeknd ahead) to just sit back and feel lite and good about my life.

India Win T20

2007-09-25T19:39:00.001+05:30

India Dazzles at the world stage beating arch rivals Pakisthan in the finals to win the first edition of T20 World Cup. India outplayed Eng, South Africa, Australia, Pakisthan enroute to its magnificient victory. Its a Hit!! Is it Twenty20 or Tonic20 for World Cricket. This format of the game has become a huge rage across the world esp in the Asian countries. Dhoni also sees it "T20 will become huge in India". He also said it was completely a team effort by India in this tournament -

If you analyze, the captain and the vice-captain haven't done anything in this tournament. Players who were granted with responsibility delivered out there in the field. There isn't a single batsman who didn't score runs in the tournament. Similarly, there isn't a bowler who hasn't delivered the goods. The efforts in the outfield were tremendous. It was a team effort. Yuvraj, of course was brilliant and so was RP Singh. Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh have made good comebacks to the side. I think everyone in the side was special and the best part was that players lived up to the expectations of the team.

Chak De India....

2007-09-21T14:09:00.002+05:30

A team is as strong as its weakest link. And everyone thought India's bowling was its weakest link at the World T20 2007, being held in South Africa. Yesterday was the time to rubbish all these critics as India stormed into semi-finals beating SA. Team India did everything right yesterday, it showed fantastic courage and team spirit. Ravi shastri, lauding India's youngsters said in the post match commentary "The fearlessness of Success-not-being-touched made them triumph". When we become experienced and don't taste success for a while, it gets on us. We tend to become negetive in our approach. But for these young guns like Rohit Sharma, Uthappa, RP Singh etc, there was no fear. Thats what youth brings into Cricket, fearlessness! Talent, team spirit, energy, effort.. everything was on display at Durban yesterday under the lights, as they knocked South Africa out of the competition.

"We are currently playing the Chak De! India song in the dressing room; the boys are dancing to it. Later we will go out for dinner and celebrate with wine and champagne" the jubilent Team manager Lalchand Rajput said, as India celebrated its tremendous victory.

>>Chak De India... Sometimes Winning is Everything! <<

FYI.. Chak De was premiered at Infy, Hyd last week. That evening was fun, around 150-200 infoscions shouting on top of the voices cheering Preethi Sabarwal and her team :)

Time is of Essence

2007-09-19T17:03:00.001+05:30

Indo-US Nuclear Deal

The operationalisation of the nuclear deal is getting into the crucial stage as both US and India work non-stop to make it a reality. While US is taking things up with the 45-nation NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) to get the necessary changes in the guidelines allowing the supplies to India as per the 123 agreement. India on the other hand has its Atomic Energy Commission chief and India's top nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar at the 51st General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, working to get an India-specific safeguard pact with IAEA which is required to proceed on the N-deal signed by India and US. The concern and the eagerness by the US adminstration to see it through (both at NSG and IAEA) was clearly on display when the US Ambassador David Mulford, addressing the fourth Indo-US Economic Summit said "Now, we must take the last steps. Time is of essence".

It turns 25.... :-)

2007-09-19T10:19:00.001+05:30

Its easy to get lost in this (Digital) world.. the place where we make friends, talk, share with people whom we wouldn have even met. Yet when someone sends a casual smiley to us, we respond in the same casual manner. They may be sitting in some remote part of the world, yet some of them form a close circle of frends and people who share the common interests, views and likings. Yes, a lot of social networking sites and chat rooms have mushroomed over the years which never make u feel alone on this lonely planet. So, if you are one of those net animals, glued to the web chatting, browsing, blogging.. here is something i wud like to share with you all. It has become the most commonly used lingo across the net world, and it turns 25 years today. Its the smiley :-) ...

The creator of the original the emoticons :-) and :-( , with a specific suggestion that they be used to express emotion, was Scott Fahlman. Below is the text of his original proposal, posted to the Carnegie Mellon University computer science general board on 19 September 1982.

19-Sep-82 11:44 Scott E Fahlman :-)
From: Scott E Fahlman

I propose that the following character sequence for joke markers:

:-)

Read it sideways. Actually, it is probably more economical to mark
things that are NOT jokes, given current trends. For this, use

:-(

Click here for a compiled list of netlingo emoticons... an interesting list actually. Many of them are really quite thoughtful.

Hey Ram!!

2007-09-15T14:20:00.000+05:30

All of a sudden... cricket, bollywood, abhiash, Indo-US nuclear deal.. all of that have taken a back seat in the Indian media. Lord Ram and religious sentiments are doing the rounds everywhere. Triggered by the blunderous affidavit filed by the UPA govt to the SC, stating "There is no proof that Lord Ram existed". I mean what is that the govt wants, to prove Lord Ram lived and walked on this earth once upon a time?? Questioning Ram is like questioning the religious believes and fundamentals of Hinduism! Well, the UPA govt was caught on the wrong side of all this, when they thot they could get way such a remark, and get a go ahead on one of the ambitious projects of modern India, the "Sethusamudram Project". Its a canal project very simlar to Suez canal, not as big though, but the intentions are quite the same, to reduce the travel time and the cost involved in the transhipment of goods. Its almost a battle of Science v/s Religious belief now. Scientists asking the religious leaders to prove that Ram was infact a real person, and not just a fictious charector in the "story" Ramayan, who built the bridge of rocks to cross the ocean to Lanka. What are the scientists looking for here?? any agreements or treaties signed by Ram.. bones or any other bodily remains of the Lord (something like searching for a dinasour skull or something???!!!) .. this is insane!! Scientists are awestruck by the magnificient creation of this world by the God, they are yet to understand the very basics of nature and science, the formation of universe, the human body, many unanswered questions related to diseases, genes, evolution etc. More time should be spent by them on these than to raise such insane questions. Great brains doesnt mean one can start questioning God!! Well, they have said it all in there, and we are seeing it happening.

Denying Ram is denying India. Read on, this is a powerful article by Tarun Vijay on Refiff.com

On 17 July, the Supreme Court asked the government to explain why the Ram Sethu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, cannot be declared a national monument. Union minister for shipping, road transport and highways T.R. Baalu, refused to even comment on this. All this even when we have an alternative route to the canal construction, which would keep the religious interests and the modern day needs intact. As a part of the National Democratic Alliance govt in 2002, defence minister George Fernandes had approved an alternative route that experts now say is less expensive, has lower environmental risks and does not require breaking down the Ram Sethu. Then why do we need all this now!!??.. Hey Ram!!

Speaking Tree - Move With The Flow, Learn To Let Go - Sept 13, 2007

2007-09-13T10:52:00.000+05:30

We tend to cling to every object in our lives. We hold on to our profession, relationship or possession as if our entire world depends on them. We are so busy clinging to our own lives, that we have forgotten to live with the flow. We are afraid to move ahead, afraid to let go. Life in essence is like an unobstructed, unrestrained, uncontrolled flow of a river. Life flows at its own pace and the ultimate source of all our pain and sufferings is our tendency to cling to and obstruct the flow.

Professional life stagnates, relationships are broken, possessions are lost; all because we refused to let go when we were actually required to let things take their own course. Why do we cling? We cling because change scares us; we cling because we are afraid to face the unknown, to face challenges; we cling because we feel secure if the status quo is maintained; we cling because we refuse to believe that life can never be static; because we refuse to accept the transience of everything; we believe that everything is in our hands. We do not have enough faith in life and that higher force which is omnipotent and omnipresent. In the chaos of existence, we have lost touch with our higher self. Most of us lead a life which is similar to that of a child who is lost in a crowd, separated from his guardians. He has nobody to place his faith on. He is afraid, insecure, suspicious about everyone and everything. We live under the false illusion of having everything under our control. The spirit of getting things done becomes a problem when we continue to cling on even after we have exhorted all our efforts. We are overwhelmed by a sense of despair and disillusion when things move beyond our control. It is at this stage we need to learn to let go. Several times relationships are broken just because we tried too hard to make them work. We didn't give the breathing space they required to grow. We didn't let go and let them take their own course. Professionally or personally, once all the efforts are made towards achieving a goal, we must learn to let go and let life take the best course. It might or might not be of one's choice, but if we have faith, we will realise that it inevitably is the best course. We need to believe that forces above us are far better equipped to make judgments for us. We must learn to have faith in their judgment. Letting go, however, does not mean turning into a fatalist. One cannot sit idle in life and expect life to take care of itself. Karma, the fulfilment of one's duties is the ultimate objective of all human existence and if we fail to fulfil our duties towards life, life inevitably fails us.

When God gives us dreams, He shares them with us. Whatever we consider our dreams, are actually His dreams and He gives us the capability to realise them. The part we are required to play is to ensure the optimum usage of the capabilities bestowed upon us. And once we have played our part with utmost honesty and effort, we need to let go, step aside and let God step in to fulfill our dreams. After all, they are His dreams, too.

iPhone is here..

2007-06-29T19:23:00.001+05:30

The wait is over.. Apple iPhone is hitting the markets this week.

"Burn"ing down nuclear issues

2007-05-02T08:28:00.000+05:30

A CNN-IBN report

My candidate for the next President

2007-04-25T11:42:00.000+05:30

Born in London... and educated in Bombay, Calcutta and Delhi.. !!!
Ph.D. holder in Law and Diplomacy at the age of 22 (phew!)
Joined United Nations at the age of 22 (phew! phew!)
Served for 29 yrs at the UN (phew! phew! phew!)
Named "Global Leader of Tomorrow" by World Economic Forum in Davos.
Youngest and the most experienced to run for the post of UN Secretary-General in the history of UN in 2006.

An impressive resume isnt it!!!

Above are just some of the uniqueness and achievements of the "genius" Shashi Tharoor. As a diplomat and writer, Shashi Tharoor has explored the diversity of culture in his native India. On Indian diversity he says - "If America is a melting-pot, then to me India is a thali, a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast"

No better person can give us a complete inside into the working, evolution, changing times and strides UN has taken since its formation in the October of 1945. Ending a 29 yr long career at UN only a few weeks back, here is what he writes for TOI. After reading this I felt hez tailor-made (read God-made) to be the next President of India.

[Do read the last few lines, really impressive]

"April Fool's Day 2007 is actually a rather serious day for your columnist. Yesterday, i ended my career as an international civil servant, just one month shy of what would have been 29 years at the United Nations. Today is the first day of the rest of my life, and yet i can't help looking back a bit at the organisation i've just left behind. I joined the UN in 1978 as an idealistic young man of 22, hoping to serve refugees and discover the world. I did a bit of both. But how much the institution i joined has changed! If i had suggested to my seniors at that time that the UN would one day observe and even run elections in sovereign states, conduct intrusive inspections for weapons of mass destruction, impose comprehensive sanctions on the entire import-export trade of a member state, or set up international criminal tribunals and coerce governments into handing over their citizens to be tried by foreigners under international law, i am sure they would have told me that i did not understand what the UN was all about. Indeed, since those were the late 1970s, they might well have asked me, "Young man, what are you smoking?" And yet the UN has done every one of those things during the last three decades, and more: it has administered territory, conducted huge multi-dimensional peace-keeping operations with nearly 80,000 soldiers in the field, deployed human rights monitors to report on the behaviour of sovereign governments. The UN, in short, has been a highly adaptable institution that has evolved in response to changing times. There's little acknowledgement of that in the perennial calls for 'reform' of the UN. 'Reform' is a term that means different things to different people nowadays any change a country wants at the UN is labelled 'reform', which conveniently garbs self-interest in the cloak of institutional progress. Today's reform imperatives can be traced back to the divisions over the Iraq war. In the summer of 2003, a poll conducted by the Pew Organisation in 20 countries around the world revealed that the UN's standing had gone down in all 20. It had gone down in the US because the UN did not agree to support the US Administration on the war, but it had also gone down in the 19 other countries, because the UN was unable to prevent the war. So we got hit from both sides of the debate. We disappointed both sets of expectations. Some famous and rather powerful voices began to speak of the UN's irrelevance. It was at the peak of this intense scrutiny of the UN, at a time when its potential and its deficiencies had never been more in the public eye, that talk of reform reached a crescendo. But as former secretary-general Kofi Annan never tired of pointing out, reform is a process, not an event. There is a case for reviewing and reviving the entire architecture of the international system that had been built up since 1945, in order to construct a more effective house of global governance for the 21st century. But change comes as adaptation, rarely as legislative fiat. The perennial saga of Security Council reform (the 'Open-Ended Working Group' of the General Assembly set up in 1992 to resolve the problem is now widely disparaged as the 'Never-Ending Talking Group') demonstrates the point.

No one disputes that the Council's composition reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 rather than those of 2007, but change will benefit only a few, so the rest resist it even at the price of perpetuating an anomaly. But one day what merely seems anachronistic today will begin to ook absurd. At that point change will have to come. So the UN reflects the realities of world politics, even while seeking to transcend them. The UN, at its best and its worst, is a mirror of the world: it reflects our differences and our convergences, our hopes and aspirations — as well as our limitations and failures. The UN is a forum where sovereign states can work out common strategies for tackling global problems, and an instrument for putting those strategies into effect. But it can be a much more effective instrument. As Mahatma Gandhi put it, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." The UN is no exception. When i joined the UN, it was almost unthinkable for the UN to take sides between democracy and dictatorship, or seek to intervene in the internal affairs of its members. Even human rights were by no means universally agreed, with some states seeing them as a tool of western neo-imperialism. Today, by contrast, the UN itself does more than any other single organisation to promote and strengthen democratic institutions and practices around the world. India is a leading donor to the UN's Democracy Fund, which provides assistance for building democracy, and we have established a Peacebuilding Commission to help countries transition from war to durable peace. The UN is more focussed on combating terrorism than ever before. As we face these new challenges of our time, let us not forget the old ones, especially the persistent terror of underdevelopment. The combination of poverty, drought, famine and HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa threatens more human lives than terrorism or the tsunami ever did. The Millennium Development Goals have become better known, but we are not on course to achieving these targets by 2015. All governments must be held accountable for fulfilling their part of the bargain, both to their own peoples and to each other. There is no longer any excuse for leaving well over a billion of our fellow human beings in abject misery. Of course, the UN isn't perfect. As the great second Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjold, put it, "the UN was not created to take mankind to heaven, but to save humanity from hell." Sometimes the best the UN can do is to keep trying to prevent us all from tumbling into hell. It's a worthwhile battle the UN is waging, and it deserves our support, if we are to sustain our hopes for a fairer and safer world."

Best handycam ever!

2007-04-09T12:37:00.001+05:30

Pros
Easy to use, small and light weight. Picture quality.

Cons
None!

Well, this is what the review of Sony Handycam® HDR-SR1 HD Camcorder on the Epinions.com had to say. With an optical zoom of 10x and a digital zoom of 80x, and a 30GB built in hard drive, the site says this is the best handycam released by Sony till date. I was planning to buy a handycam and was browsing thru some of these sites, when this gadget caught my eye. It is priced at 1500 USD by Sony, however its available for lower prices at different stores across the net.

Check for full features here.

Miss India 2007

2007-04-09T09:13:00.001+05:30

Banoongi main..... Miss India!!!! Mumbai girl Sarah-Jane Dias had this dream and she has lived it. And my blog (livingdreamz.blogspot.com) is all about letting the world know about people who live their dreams. Twenty-four-year-old Sarah-Jane Dias, a Channel [V] VJ and former Miss India-Oman (1995), won the country's biggest beauty contest beating 24 other contestants as she was crowned Miss India-World at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai on Sunday evening. Puja Gupta was crowned the new Miss India-Universe and Pooja Chitgopekar Miss India-Earth at the Femina Pantaloons Miss India contest 2007.

The first runner-up, 22-year-old Puja Gupta, is an aspiring writer and her hobbies are Yoga, writing, horse riding and drawing, says her profile at the pageant’s official website. The second runner-up, 21-year-old Pooja Chitgopekar, is a medical student in New Zealand and has won the Miss India-New Zealand (2002) contest, Miss India Worldwide (2003) (first runner-up) and Miss Auckland (2002) (first runner-up).

The celebrity panel of judges included actors Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra, director Subhash Ghai and model Ujwalla Raut. And what was the question that the three beauties answered right to make it through the pageant? The five finalists at the pageant were asked, “If you had to convince a rural woman to take part in this pageant, what would you tell her?”

Wonder what these ladies answered for that..
did anyone of you watch it live yest?

Men of character...

2007-03-24T10:23:00.000+05:30

When we said “Come on India, we are with you”… we least expected that the Indian cricket team would also say "Even we will be there with you.. soon". They have infact done it, they have booked the flight tickets from West Indies to be with us, they will be at home in 2 days time. Its was the death of dreams for all the Indian cricket fans. But, this world cup has been a world cup of young, fresh and exuberant men. Round 1 of the tournament has seen two asian teams (India and Pakistan) not reaching the super 8’s. The so-called mecca of cricketing world (asian subcontinent) is not anymore recognized and ruled by the big boys.. it’s the young lads in the likes of Tharanga (SL), Chamara silva(SL), Malinga(SL), Uthappa(IND), Tamin Iqbal(BAN) who are making a statement and waiting to be noticed. Hello Sachins, Jayasuryas and Inzis.. please make way for these budding icons of the future, who are passionate, more hungry and willing to go out there fearless and perform. Its good for the sport!!! Having said that, there remain some greats…immortals-of-the-cricketting-world if u can call them.. Muralitharan, Shaun Pollock, Lara, Smith who will remain unshaken and perform against the odds. They can single handedly turn the tables around for the opponents. Watch the remaining of the ICC world cup 2007 for these men of character and honour!.. if not for the Indian cricket team.

Speaking Tree - The world is What you like to think It Is - Mar 15, 2007

2007-03-15T09:57:00.000+05:30

[This is the fourth Speaking Tree article i am posting on my blog]

Socrates was sitting outside of the gates of Athens. A man came up to him and said, "I am thinking about moving into Athens. Can you please tell me what it is like to live here?"

Socrates replied, "I would be happy to tell you, but first would you please tell me what it was like in your previous home city?" The man roared, "Oh, it was awful. The people stab you in the back and rob you blind. I am leaving only enemies". Socrates frowned and continued, "Well, you best be on your way because you will find the same thing here in Athens".

Later another man stopped to speak to Socrates and inquired, "I was considering moving here to Athens. Can you tell me what it is like to live here?" Socrates asked the visitor: "First tell me, what was it like in your previous home city?" The man smiled and said, "Where i come from the people all work together and help each other. Kindness is everywhere and you are never treated with anything but the utmost respect". "Welcome to Athens", smiled Socrates, "You will find the same thing here".

The world is what we think it is. The outside is a reflection of our inner self. If we look at the negative side of things, then our outlook would be bleak. And if we are an optimistic we would feel that positive things surround us everywhere. The first person had negative traits whereas the second person had everything good to say about his home city.

Most situations in our life can be seen as a relationship interaction, be it a personal relationship such as internal dialogues, or our dealings with a friend, family member, or co-worker. All things around us are merely reflections of our self-emanations. If we learn to live our lives with this understanding, then we have no one to blame for our lives. Usually we want to blame other people and the outside world for everything. The physical world is a projection of our beliefs and feelings which we then think is "reality".

As a man thinks, so he becomes. To take charge of our lives, we have to go within and become intensely honest with ourselves about ourselves. Start accepting that whatever comes to us comes because we have attracted it with thoughts, beliefs and feelings. We can take charge of our lives by taking charge of our thoughts, beliefs, feelings and tendencies.

Belief is the thermostat that regulates what we accomplish. A person, who believes he is worth little, receives little. If you believe you are unimportant, so every-thing you do has an unimportant mark. As time goes by, lack of belief in ourselves shows in the way we talk, walk, and act. Unless we readjust our thermostat, we shrink in our own estimation. And, since others see in us what we see in ourselves, we grow smaller in the estimation of others. You are a product of your thoughts. When you adjust your thermostat, you move forward. When you believe in yourself, good things do start happening. Your mind is a conception workshop producing numberless thoughts.

You have to explore your inner self, "Think doubt and fail; Think victory and succeed".

ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

2007-03-12T10:01:00.002+05:30

Echoing the greatest spectacle in the cricketing world, Google has this logo on its website today. Yes, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 officially opened with a colourful ceremony in West Indies today.

Chris Dehring, CEO of the event, said fans at the ICC CWC would see "The world's best cricketers competing against the backdrop of the most blessed place on earth." Over 2,000 singers, dancers and performers, including several of the Caribbean's top reggae and dancehall performers, participated in the opening at the new stadium close to Montego Bay on the northern coast of Jamaica.

Checkout some of the related links --

About ICC World Cup
International cricket Council website
Official Website ICC CWC, West Indies 2007
Schedules CWC 2007

Team India @ the opening ceremony -

And the Oscar goes to...

2007-02-26T12:56:00.001+05:30

Not the real Oscars.. but faltoo ones..
This year's "Not My Job" award goes to...

Indo-US nucelar deal

2007-02-19T09:53:00.000+05:30

A lot of water has flown down the river Ganges since the Nuclear Deal was signed between the two biggest democracies of the world. It has not been a cake walk for either of them since then. Keeping track of the drama unfolding bt Washington and New Delhi, i feel, all outstanding issues/concerns needs a lot of bilateral sittings to sort. Read thru some latest news on this. N-deal hits roadblock, India worried.

Flying high after Corus

2007-02-08T17:21:00.000+05:30

Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata on Thursday soared to new heights when he took off in a multi-role combat aircraft F-16 at the Aero India 2007 show in Bangalore. Tata, 69, undertook the flight in co-pilot's seat, which was commandeered by Paul Hattendorf, the test pilot of Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the aircraft. F-16, also known as Fighting Falcon, is in the race for Indian Air Force's mega plans of acquiring 126 multi-role combat aircraft. Lockheed has been lobbying hard to sell its jet to India. With this flight, Tata has now become the oldest Indian to fly the American-made aircraft. Tata, who holds a pilot's licence, had said the thought of the F-16 flight "excites me very much." The Tata group has recently picked up a 7% stake in domestic low cost airline Spicejet through its investment arm. The move to get Mr.Tata to fly on the plane is being seen as a coup for the Maryland-based Lockheed Martin, especially after Tata’s recent success with the Corus takeover.

The Tatas are not new to aviation. Ratan Tata's predecessor JRD Tata is celebrated as father of India's civil aviation. JRD Tata had launched Tata Airlines in 1932, which was nationalised in 1953 and rechristened Air-India and taken over by Goverment of India. Wow!!! Well Mr.Tata, whats next!!

Sources-
Timesofindia.com
Rediff.Com
Economictimes.com
CNBC.com

Apple's iPhone

2007-02-06T12:24:00.001+05:30

Controversy has plagued it since its announcement to the world.. Apple iPhone, the latest wonder gadget, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. First it was Cisco, and then a Canadian company- Comwave Telecom - to get into the Trademark war with Apple. But Apple's Steve Jobs is doing a good job and has not panicked. He has kept the talks on with the 2 companies very much away from the media glare and pushing for a out of court settlement. Well, whatever, iPhone has caught the attention of the world in its own way. Take a look at the pics (below), of this Hot gizmo, now available in a store near you if you are in US, else you will have to wait as Apple is planning to introduce the iPhone in Europe during the fourth quarter of 2007 and in Asia during 2008. Get the latest on iPhone here!!

Swami Vivekananda (January 12, 1863 - July 4, 1902)

2007-01-12T11:56:00.003+05:30

Big bright saffron turban… yes, the first thing that comes to our mind when we think of Swami Vivekananda is this. From when did Vivekananda start wearing the turban, and why? I just wanted to share this small piece of information, on this great monk who is believed to have walked like an "Incarnation of God". The turban that Vivekananda used to wear is believed to be suggested by Maharaja of Khetri. But some historians and researchers view that Vivekananda visited the Swamithope Pathi during his visit to Kanyakumari in December 1892 and believe that he was impressed by the principles behind rituals of this monistic faith, such as wearing a head gear during worship in temple, worshipping in front of mirror etc., and started wearing a turban from then on. Some say that Vivekananda received some spiritual instructions from the disciples of Ayya Vaikundar. It is also said by many that while he was a child, he was impressed by the turban of the horse cab driver, who used to ferry his father on his daily work. Subsequently when he renounced the world and took to sanyasa, he started using one himself.

On his birthday today lets experience one of the most famous and influential spiritual leaders of Vedanta, who is regarded by millions as the Messenger of God, through his preachings. This is what the greats had to say about Vivekananda:

Rabindranath Tagore - If you want to know India, study Vivekananda. In him everything is positive and nothing negative

Mahatma Gandhi - Swami Vivekananda's writings need no introduction from anybody. They make their own irresistible appeal.

Some of the sayings of Vivekananda:

As different streams having different sources all mingle their waters in the sea, so different tendencies various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to God.

Our duty is to encourage every one in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth.

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.

Avalanche of Thoughts

2007-01-09T16:00:00.000+05:30

It is said ‘thinking will get us to the foot of the mountain, but faith will make us climb the mountain.’ So let us act out of faith. Doing so will bring vitality to one’s actions. But faith in God is not enough, one should have faith in oneself too. Role of experience in our lives There are three levels of knowing - gross, subtle and subtlest. Gross knowing is verbal knowing, subtle knowing is seeing the meaning of the word and subtlest knowing is experiential knowing. There are things which can be understood only by experience. For example, God is the ultimate experience and it is inexpressible. If you look at a flower from your mind, you see its chemistry; if you were to look at it from your heart, you see the poetry; and if you look at it from your being, you become one with the flower. To experience an experience is an art. We don’t experience an experience; we are always interpreting an experience. When one is lost in interpretation, then one looks at something through one’s thought process, ie through mental words. Words are the expression of one’s likes and dislikes. Our interpretations are very autobiographical and hence we don’t see or experience what is, we experience our old and known self. To live wisely means to create a space in one’s mind, which is capable of seeing and not just interpreting. Then one is vailable for an experience.

How can a miserable mind understand the right path? By just stopping to be miserable. Learn to wonder, learn to marvel, learn to see life without a thought. Thought is an expression of memory - memory of the past. And when you see something with thought, you see something with memory... and that is past. So you see the present with the past. In effect you don’t really see. When you are unhappy, the unhappy thought will relate to all the files of your unhappy memories of the past and the past unhappiness, like an avalanche will cascade into the present. Just drop being miserable. Then you will not fight with your mind and you will flow with what is.

- Swami Sukhabodhananda for "Times Wellness", TOI Jan 9, 2007

2007-01-02T15:55:00.000+05:30

Wishing you a joyous and a prosperous new year 2007!!!

travelling???!!

2006-12-19T16:57:00.001+05:30

gearing up for some travel?? Searching newpapers, net, travel magazines to make a perfect vacation?? Here are some of the great travel sites offering you travel advice, maps, travel guides, hotel reviews and FAQs giving you information, culture and the history of the country or place you wish to visit.

Round the globe - Lonely Planet

India Travel - India Travel Guide, India Tourism, Make my Trip

Karnataka Travel - Karnataka Tourism, Dream Routes

Last but never the least… for all who are set for that perfect get-away, there are a few things that you got to know...and which have to be addressed with caution. Here are some of the “before you go” tips....(if u can call it).

· Make an arrangement with a neighbor, friend or relative to check your home periodically.
· If a friend or neighbor cannot collect your mail, make arrangements for it to be held at the Post Office.
· Arrange for lawn care or snow removal. Ignoring these areas will make your house stand out in the neighborhood and announce to everyone that you are gone.
· Arrange for someone to start your car during very cold or very hot weather.
· Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile, home and the valuables that you’ll take with you, as well as those you’ll leave at home.
· Put your valuables and jewelry in a safety deposit box. If you don’t have, or can’t get access to a safety deposit box, you still want to hinder a hurried burglar by hiding valuable items in your house.
· Notify the local police and security system company to immediately consider any alarms as real. Leave with them the names of anyone responsible to watch over your house.
· Move houseplants away from direct sunlight, water thoroughly and wrap pots with plastic. Most plants can then live without further watering for two weeks.
· Empty the refrigerator of items that might spoil.
· Cancel or hold your newspaper delivery.
· You might want to turn your refrigerator to its lowest setting.
· Turn your air conditioner up in summer. You want to reduce your bills, but you may have to keep the house from getting too hot to protect your pets and electronics.
· Turn your heat down or off in spring or fall. Be sure to leave the house warm enough in the winter. You may want to reduce your bills, but you may need to keep the house from getting too cold to protect your pets and water pipes.
· Leave shades or drapes as you normally do.
· Lock all doors and windows including basement & garage.
· Unplug electronic items, such as, your computer to protect them if you have a storm while you’re gone.

And.... ensure that your driver is a Leo!!! :))) All the best, plan your trip and have a memorable time with family and frends

Bush signs the Indo-US nuclear deal

2006-12-19T13:03:00.000+05:30

Excerpt from NDTV.

The halls of the White House, decked with boughs of holly, rang through with the sounds of celebration as President George W Bush signed the Indo-US nuke deal. The passage of the crucial deal in the US Congress comes just before the Christmas holidays. "Today, I have the honour of signing a bill that will strengthen the partnership between the world's two largest democracies. The relationship between the United States and India has never been more vital. And this bill will help us meet the energy and security challenges of the 21st century," said Bush.

Click Here for more...

"Team Spirit did the trick."

2006-12-05T12:15:00.001+05:30

This is what Graeme Smith, captian of South African cricket team, had to say after thrashing India 4-0 in the ODI series in South Africa.

How important is this team spirit… is team spirit the only success factor.. did the Indian team loose the series because they lacked it? Can you point the fingers at lack of motivation and self confidence in the team players? What does team sprit do to the team.. and to the individuals??? How important it is to keep self and the team motivated all the time? Well certainly, the Indian team's body language said it all. They lacked confidence, which was evident in their shot selections and the way they moved their feet when they faced the charging South African pacers Mkhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, Shaun Pollock on the field. It was soo much obvious watching on tv that the India cricket team is punctured in the mind.

Thinking positive, being strong, driving out the fears, working more than their potential is not just sports player’s recipe for success, but also for individuals in every walk of life. It has to come from within and all it takes is to look inside. This enlightened mind, this self realization brings strength to a person who has the urge to taste success. Be it your project team or your football team, be it in movie making, be it in an army defending the entire nation.. or be it your own small lovely family… everywhere… being positive and motivated just helps!!! You got to keep up the spirits at any cost :)

India @ crossroads with the world

2006-11-15T14:52:00.000+05:30

India shud not accept any changes in the Indo-Us Nuclear deal. Crazy or what…? Its a gimmick that the US is playing... twisting India’s arm on the nuclear deal saying get some changes in the deal and get this bill completed this year, else processing will start all over again by the newly elected Congress. Read this… US advocates want the changes in the Nuclear deal.. I say.. what was Bush & Co. doing when they had come down to India to sign the historic deal?????? India should say… “No changes" or "Hell with it!!!”

You will see this happng..... USA is bound to play with India in its bid for UNSC membership.

2006-11-09T13:29:00.000+05:30

Doing my bit to sell the helmet rule…

Helmets best way to prevent fatal head injuries

Little Women

2006-11-08T15:42:00.000+05:30

Its becoming a habit now… to stay awake late night watching tv. thanks to all the Saas-Bahu soaps, I get to touch the remote only after 11pm. Anyway, over the last few days there hav been quite good movies.. (real classic ones) on Hallmark and SonyPix. Only yesterday I saw one of “7 movies i want to watch again”. “Little Women” , a classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott(November 29, 1832 – March 6, 1888), an American Novelist and Transcendentalist. This literary work has been made into a full length movie by several movie makers in 1933, 1949, 1978, and 1994, but the most impressive one has been by Gillian Amrstrong in 1994 which has been nominated for several awards including Oscars. And this particular version of the movie was aired on SonyPix yesterday night (Nov 8th, 2006) as a part of the the “Perfect 10” movie lists.

Little Women is a story which Louisa May Alcott wrote while living in Orchard House, located in Concord, Massachusetts, United States in 1868. It is based on Alcott's own experiences as a child and the lives and loves of the four sisters (Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy) of the March family growing up during the American Civil War. As these young girls mature as women, they learn the ways of life in dealing with the hardships that come with poverty in a closely knitted circle of family and frends. Alcott, as one of the girls (Jo or Josephine March, who is the main character of the movie/novel) accounts the journey, the sisters and the March family take, making friends, loves and acquaintances. For me, after reading the novel and seeing the movie again (first time i watched this was almost an year and half back when I was in Norway, this was before i read the novel).. its like being a part of the entire story all over again. Each character has its own uniqueness and so very neatly etched by Alcott. Every delicate little thing that novel says about each of the character.. the movie has tried to capture all of it so beautifully.. in its own subtle ways. The spirit n the nature of each character is put on screen so elegantly that this tops my all time favorite movies to watch. In any novel u get a chance to get introduced to the character by a brief intro about him/her at the beginning or wherever in between.. n Gillian Amrstrong directing the movie has so beautifully got the sequences in place, so that the character exhibits his/her true nature/quality… and one learns more about that character as the movie progresses. Meg’s greed, Jo's anger, Beth's shyness, Amy's selfishness, Laurie’s love for Jo, the playful times of the family even amidst all the harsh times (due to poverty and illness),… the times during the American Civil War… the Christmas celebrations,…. all of it is so gracefully portrayed. For the person watching the movie.. reading these minute details on-screen.., n watching them in the character' s eyes n expressions is a classic experience, truly magical!! Wish I cud record the entire movie :) … mayb I wil try n get the movie on the net or something. As I said this movie was shown as a part “Perfect 10” movie list… I certainly, for surely give it a 10 out of 10. I woudnt wish to tell you the plot or the story of these lovely Little Women, you must see and experience it for yourself. Don’t miss this movie if you get a chance to watch. I wud say, watch the movie… then read the novel and then watch it again. Believe me u wil cherish it forever. You will feel n enjoy the movie a lot more than u had during the fist time. You will never miss all those tiny little things which will keep you craving for more.

Interesting snippets

2006-10-30T12:38:00.001+05:30

Im the paper boy with some “news” u don get to read everyday… :)

Well, well.. :p
Amazingly talented
The great Indian Bull Run
New year gift
What if…
Great gesture...
Clinton on a "speaking" tour

Dont miss it.....

2006-10-11T12:54:00.001+05:30

Art, crafts, music, drama, theatre.... has always made me go mmmmmmm http://livingdreamz.blogspot.com/2005/12/bangalore-habba.html. Just the thought of the cultural and artistic performances makes me feel happy about it.. for all the emotions involved, for all the effort, for all the interest that goes in and for all the message it gives to the society. I always had the interest for dance n drama... n I have this feeling that there is something more in me for all this. I enjoy every bit of it whenevr i read or see something on tv or elsewhere. But i hvnt been able to give much time to read, or witness such events. This october, The Rangashankara Theatre festival has drawn me towards it, n is already making news. Started on Oct 8th, this colourful, spirited celebration of theatre will go on for another 4 days i.e. till Oct 15th. However the magic and the sounds of the plays will resonate in the magnificent theatre at the Rangashankara all 365 days as dramas, plays (natakas) are scheduled round the year. Check out the schedule for the list of plays during this Theatre festival. Its truly a treat for all the theatre lovers, dont miss it!

Know more about Rangashankara @ http://www.rangashankara.org/

Its a Nuclear world!!

2006-10-09T16:15:00.000+05:30

North Korea has claimed that it has successfully carried out a nuclear test. The test, which reportedly took place underground, was conducted in defiance of international agencies. North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the test was a success and had not resulted in any leak of radiation.

Full text of the official announcement
The field of scientific research in the DPRK (North Korea) successfully conducted an underground nuclear test under secure conditions on October 9, Juche 95 (2006) at a stirring time when all the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation.

It has been confirmed that there was no such danger as radioactive emission in the course of the nuclear test as it was carried out under a scientific consideration and careful calculation.

''The nuclear test was conducted with indigenous wisdom and technology 100 per cent. It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the KPA (Korean People's Army) and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defence capability.It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the area around it.

International Reactions

U.S. > NK test "would constitute a provocative act".

China > "North Korea has ignored the widespread opposition of the international community and conducted a nuclear test brazenly on October 9. The Chinese government is firmly opposed to this. The Chinese side strongly demands the North Korean side abide by its pledges on de-nuclearisation and to stop any action that would worsen the situation."

United Kingdom> "This nuclear test will be viewed by the UK and the rest of the international community as a highly provocative act to which we will respond robustly. It can only raise tensions in an already tense region, and have repercussions internationally."
South Korea> "Our government will sternly deal with this in accordance with the principle that it will not tolerate North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons. North Korea's behaviour is a grave threat to peace and stability, not only in the Korean peninsula but also in Northeast Asia. Our military, based on the South Korea-US alliance, is fully ready for any provocation by North Korea."

Australia> "Australia will advocate a UN Security Council regime against [North Korea] which includes targetted financial and travel sanctions, other trade restrictions and/or aviation restrictions."

The impact on me was more when i read this line on the net - "Asia is the most weponised and violent continent in the world. " :(

Shud i become a photographer?... Or am i already one!!

2006-10-05T17:04:00.000+05:30

somewhere between Mysore and Mandya.. on our recent trip to Mysore

Melukote Hill!

this time its Dilbert!

2006-09-19T13:14:00.000+05:30

eNjoY!! :)

News shape minds - Minds shape nation

2006-08-28T22:48:00.000+05:30

news
/nuz, nyuz/ Spelled Pronunciation [nooz, nyooz]
–noun (usually used with a singular verb )

1. newly received or noteworthy information about recent events. 2 (the news) a broadcast or published news report. 3. (news to) informal information not previously known to.

News.. was interesting when we were kids... to read newpapers, watch the 9’o clock news on National TV and get to know the events that shaped the world. Such wonderful times!!… Now, things have deteriorated, its nothing but reports relating to crime and misery, bomb blasts, attacks, terrorism, deaths, crisis, hatred, chaos... has the world changed or just the news that come across to us??? News today is all that hampers the growth of a peaceful and a vibrant mind. 80% of the newspaper or the pvt media channels mirror only the dark side of human kind. Times have not remained the same, yet the responsibility of the media is to build a society with a strong foundation of humanity, love, properity and growth. So much power the media has. News is supposed to inspire and drive individuals, communities, civilizations towards progress and exploration of the world within and around us. All the news channels/newpapers are a big let down today. None of them… think there are atleast 8-10 (probably more than that) pvt Indian news channels running on TV as of today… and yet every other channel just report everday incidents rather than enlighten people. A very good habit that my father taught me, to read the news paper and watch the National news for one hour daily, i can not impart the same to the children of today. All that today’s newpapers/TV channels crave is to get more and more viewers hooked to them by reporting cheap, controversial and behind the door events, than to build the young minds of a nation. It’s a rat race, an absolute mockery that the media is making of itself today and the jokers being the ones who make the headlines. arent they??????

Man in the glass...

2006-08-28T12:20:00.000+05:30

[read this.... simply awesome]

When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may think you a straight shooting chum
And call you a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum
If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he’s with you clear to the end.
And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life,
And get pats on your backs as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears...
If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

- Anonymous (Fwdd by a friend!)

Speaking Tree - 5 keys to transform your destiny - Aug 08, 2006

2006-08-08T19:02:00.000+05:30

Destiny is the predetermined, pre-ordained blue print of one's life. Is the path and destination of every individual life mapped even before the person’s birth?

The individual soul carries an invisible balance sheet of debit and credit and this serves to propel the soul to animate a particular embryo. The parents, country, marriage partner, life span, all major and probably even minor events are determined by one's karma. Every thought, word and deed registers in the consciousness and serves as the seed for a future effect.

Where does all this leave the individual? A helpless puppet at the mercy of effects of remote planets, buffeted around by the effects of assailing thoughts, words uttered and actions committed or omitted in another time and space. If everything is predetermined do I have any choice or free will?

The options are -

A. My fate is fixed by my past karmas. Might as well accept it and play along.
B. My life is pre-determined but I can try to handle it to the best of my ability.
C. Though my life is pre-determined, there is a way to transform the effects of karma and reshape my destiny.

Well, each of the above options is as true as you make it. For millions of lifetimes, a soul is swept along helplessly. However, there comes a special lifetime where the individual soul encounters a catastrophe, or a series of ordeals, or a guru. There arise some questions universal to the human heart - which act as pointers to the endless path stretched out in front of the being. Eternal questions of self-awareness begin to arise as - Do I have a choice? If so how do I exercise my choice towards a joyful future? What is the correct way to live?

This probing, searching, seeking is the beginning of the exciting process of growth, self-discovery and completion. The spiritual truth is that you definitely do have a choice in shaping your destiny, even in the face of negative past karma.

Destiny is the impetus, momentum and direction given to your life by past actions. The law of cause and effect is strict and accords with scientific reason. Every action has its consequence and manifests whenever the external conditions are conducive. So is one a helpless pawn at the mercy of the effects of what we don’t even remember? Well, not quite.

Destiny or the total collection and force of your past actions can be transformed. The alchemy of this transmutation is possible, but not easy. Swimming against a strong current never is. To be the conscious and aware script writer of your drama is an art and skill, which can diligently be cultivated and mastered. In fact this striving to move from the shadows to luminosity is probably the sole purpose of human life.

KEY 1 -Always take complete responsibility for your life

All that you face today - be it bad health, an uncaring spouse, a financial crunch, an unfair deal from parents or your child - remember nobody is to blame - not circumstances, people, planets, God or even you. You are also not to blame; because your past actions were committed from your level of awareness at that stage. However, taking complete responsibility amounts to accepting the law of cause and effect not just intellectually, but from the depths of your life; with a gut wrenching honesty you need to logically deduce and accept your past actions.

Seeds once sown will sprout some day, unless they are roasted in the fire of repentance. The catch is that, it is difficult to repent what you do not remember doing. One needs to take complete responsibility, coupled with a deep appreciation for this opportunity for growth and conscious evolution. In this painful yet heroic endeavour you always have the divine as your constant and silent comrade, witness and guide - much like Arjuna had Krishna. However , the difficult decision and the fighting of the war was Arjuna’s prerogative, as is yours.

KEY 2 - Learn the art of conscious living

The character and personality of every human being is determined by their samskars or tendencies. Every thought word and deed produces a faint crease in the fabric of the subconscious mind. We tend to repeat our patterns of mistakes and disasters, by unwittingly allowing compulsive patterns of irritation, lust, hatred, ahamkara and foolishness deepen these creases into grooves, and our reactions and responses flow like a recurring theme into these, just as, water tends to flow compulsively from a higher to a lower level. A Herculean will and a lucid constant awareness of one's actions, and more importantly the motives behind the actions, is mandatory to live consciously in every moment Intense aspiration, discipline, perseverance, meditation and prayer help you to go through the fire of periodic critical self-appraisal.

Soon candid confessions become the order of the day. One begins to catch ones thoughts like - Yes, I need to improve, What I am doing is not best way to do it or Yes, I felt a twinge of envy at my colleagues promotion or I am always trying to prove my superiority in obvious or subtle ways . This fire of honest self-analysis gradually purifies and destroys the old, not-so-positive tendencies.

KEY 3: To cultivate new, positive, life-enhancing qualities.

If key 2 is pulling unwanted weeds from your garden, key 3 is to plant new seeds of your choice. Paint the picture of your life by cherishing a vision of a peaceful, abundant and compassionate you. How would you walk, talk, dress, conduct yourself? What would be the vibrations emanating from your heart if you were a perfect human being? Have a vision, which you desire to manifest and nurture, a prayerful and humble desire to create it. Transformation does not occur by suppression, control or magic but the sweat and toil of assiduous moment-to-moment efforts. The scene changes when anger converts into patience and compassionate action, lust transforms into a hunger for beauty and peace. Seeds planted in the fertile soil of the subconscious mind invariably bear fruit. Of course, if you sow apples you cannot expect tangy oranges. Again the choice and the responsibility, both are yours.

Key one was to do with the conscious mind, Key 2 and 3 with the subconscious mind. Key 4 is to get in touch with your super consciousness.

KEY 4 -Awaken to the vast potential within

What we are aware about ourselves is miniscule compared to the unknown, boundless treasures within. Everything one has ever dreamt about or longed for - lies deep within.

The acid test as to whether you are touching and realizing your goal or not, is to honestly answer the questions - are most of my actions motivated by self interest? Am I not able to accept opposing points of view? Am I unable to love and accept others and myself? If the answer to any of these is yes, you need to pull up your socks.

Key 5: Have faith and surrender

Have faith in yourself and your connection to your source, which is experienced as a living presence in the depths of your heart. It’s your choice, whether you want to stretch out your arms to it, with a child like simplicity or turn your back to it with the disbelief of the rational mind. The most beautiful realities of life cannot be touched or explained, but can be felt with the heart.

Surrender with loving trust to the vibration in the deepest recesses of your being. Have confidence that help and protection, love and grace are within you and you can access them by simply flowing in the present moment. By making the purer, nobler choice for a larger good at every crossroad, simultaneously, renouncing the anxieties of the past and future - is the key to align yourself to a higher will.

By the application of these 5 keys you can learn to resist the gravitational pull of your negativities and soar high to a dimension where karma ceases to matter.

LOL!!! :)))

2006-08-02T20:35:00.000+05:30

Evening thoughts....

2006-07-25T19:01:00.000+05:30

Ok ok.. i accept!! i cudn find time off from work to add somethng to my blogspace. Well, better late than never. so here i am! Just to start off from where i left off... WorldCup fever is over and Italy turned out to be the champions this time, with France bowing out in a rather bizzare fashion(after the head-butt incident from Zidane) in the finals. And Klinsmann's Germany managed to beat Portugal in the third place play off... the scorelines read 3-1.. thts was an amazing game!!

Its been quite a pleasent evening sitting at my office and staring out of this big window i have to my side. perfect weather n time to take a walk and have a cup of
hot masala sweet corn n walk by the lake. (see pic) this is what is see when i turn right of my desk... isnt it inviting?? :) and its always a good habit to look out when things are a bit hard to handle from within.... well, this is all i can find time to blog this time .. catch u sometime soon... will be back with more on my views abt the world i see around me! C ya...

FIFA WorldCup Germany 2006

2006-07-06T19:23:00.001+05:30

The story so far....

Being a die hard fan of football .. i certainly am not gonna miss the last two matches of the FIFA Worldcup 2006 ... first being the fight for the third place between Germany and Portugal, two young teams fighting it out for pride... and the second... the great clash for the title between France and Italy in the finals on Sunday (July 9th). Klinsmann (the german coach) certainly wud want to make it at the third spot for his nation. I greatly admire him for giving his commitment towards the game and in grooming the young lads of the german national team to the last four in the championship this year. His energy, passion and love for the game is simply unmatched.. (guess wat.. he is a Leo!). German football hasn't always been attacking and attractive, but Jurgen Klinsmann has changed all that... he knows wat it means to hold the golden world cup in one's hands.. he has been a part of the victorious West German team in 1990 versus Argentina in Rome. Just read this interview of his to timesonline.... truly a legend. Hmmmm.. so, this time its gonna be either France or Italy to lift the world cup. And before i end this blog.. here are a couple of "did u knows" ;) ...

Did u know that someone had predicted that....
Did u know where the 2010 FIFA World Cup's gonna be held??