Earth Hour - What's the point?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Earth Hour: is an international event that asks households and businesses to turn off their lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour on the evening of 29 March at 8 pm local time until 9 pm to promote electricity conservation and thus lower carbon emissions. [wikipedia].
One way if you think about it - its nice. Reduce the power consumption and make a point. But the more I think about it I believe that its all a farce. I mean why this one day? Why one hour? Back when I was in India we knew the importance of saving power and saving resources. But then visiting other parts of the world just opens up your mind. You see how people just don't understand the point. They are not to be blamed, its the system thats messed up. They have not been told (or are unaware) that there's soon gonna be a shortage.
I think last year Sydney made a point and showed it to the whole world that its important to conserve. How can we be selfish to use up the resources as if there's no tomorrow and not leave much for the coming generations? This year its Copenhagen, Chicago, Melbourne, Dubai, and Tel Aviv. Even google has jumped into the race and have their "Google Blackie" thing put up.
If we really have to make a difference, switching power for 1 hour on a particular day wont help at all. If you just visit any city-downtown in the US (for example) in the evening/night you would know what I'm talking about. All those towers and all those fancy looking buildings are lit up the whole day, the whole night for weeks, months and years. Looks good at night and feels nice to get a snap or two in front of the buildings but when it comes to conserving power and resources - it doesn't help at all.
Thats just one thing. Switching off your comp, switching off lights and heat when you leave the apartment/house, maintain your vehicle etc.. etc... are few other that one can start doing. Afterall "Rome was not built in a day". I read somewhere that couple of years back several firms in Japan urged their employees to stop wearing Suits and Ties to work during summer and shift over to casuals. Less Air Conditioning costs :). Reduce the heating during winter and keep the thermostat at no more than 68F, make up by using warmer comforters, turn off car engines while idling at traffic lights; At work, use Canon's Pixus MP500 printer, which uses 60 percent less electricity than the company's other models, saving 10% power each time its switched on.
What can I say - Just start with the Earth Hour today and make it a point to continue the good work :)
Cheers !!
Labels: Google, India, Japan, Power, US
Posted by Rajesh @ 9:17 AM; PERMALINK,
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Cricketers up for sale. Did you buy any?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Yes, the Indian Premier League was out there auctioning cricketers (selling them ... actually) to teams named Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Mohali, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Jaipur etc..etc. One thing is sure - the international players would soon get to know the geography of India; whether they do end up playing well and live up to their reputation, ... err ... their "price tag", needs to be seen.
On the one hand players are getting a chance to get to know their worth in the international market, but on the other it doesn't stop one from wondering whether the $$ they are getting are justified? Is it the talent that was being auctioned at Hilton, Mumbai or was it the integrity of International cricket that was being sold.
MS Dhoni ended up earning $ 1.5 mn/yr and Andrew Symonds - $ 1.3 mn. Now come to think of the effort they have to put up - 6 weeks of 20-20 matches in a year - the price tag seems to be way too high isn't it? Of course there are contracts and bindings but who would have imagined that one day these guys would get an opportunity to break the shackles of domestic cricket, county cricket and come up this way on a new 20-20 format that was non existent a 2-3 years back.
Is this the end of Cricket as many of us are calling it ? Or is for the better? Will have to wait and watch as time progresses but one thing is sure - IPL has caught a lot of attention both domestic and international. And what on earth happened to ICL? Remember this was their idea but the BCCI owned IPL muscled them outta the race? May ICL's soul rest in peace.
On the one hand players are getting a chance to get to know their worth in the international market, but on the other it doesn't stop one from wondering whether the $$ they are getting are justified? Is it the talent that was being auctioned at Hilton, Mumbai or was it the integrity of International cricket that was being sold.
MS Dhoni ended up earning $ 1.5 mn/yr and Andrew Symonds - $ 1.3 mn. Now come to think of the effort they have to put up - 6 weeks of 20-20 matches in a year - the price tag seems to be way too high isn't it? Of course there are contracts and bindings but who would have imagined that one day these guys would get an opportunity to break the shackles of domestic cricket, county cricket and come up this way on a new 20-20 format that was non existent a 2-3 years back.
Is this the end of Cricket as many of us are calling it ? Or is for the better? Will have to wait and watch as time progresses but one thing is sure - IPL has caught a lot of attention both domestic and international. And what on earth happened to ICL? Remember this was their idea but the BCCI owned IPL muscled them outta the race? May ICL's soul rest in peace.
Labels: BCCI, Cricket, Dollar, ICL, India, IPL
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The [Re]public of India
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The 26th day of the year does mean something for folks who hail from India; the country celebrates its Republic day. Many things come to my mind when I think about how things used to be this very day some 10-15 years ago, celebrations if you may call it.
Schooldays was fun - we never thought of it as just another off (chutti) day, rather there was an eagerness to get up early and participate in the activities organized at the school. Feeling proud looking at the fluttering flag, hoisted way up in the sky and a bright sun rising in the east, shining in the sky was how the day used to start. The chill in the January air just gave it a special feeling making the walk to the school a special one.
Now, the parade that's organized at the capital is something special too. The parade that troops down from Raisina Hill to Rajpath every 26th Jan is simply amazing and now matter how cold it is at the capital, you would see scores and scores of people gathered to watch the spectacular display of our military pageantry and the state tableaux.
The very meaning of this day, I'm afraid though, has been put to test quite a lot of times over a period of these 58 years. What used to be a celebration, an occasion to pay homage to the often forgotten martyrs, is being looked by many as just another day in the year to catch up on some ZZZs or party the night before to make use of another off day :). Little do they know that the world has changed their perception of the country, the world is taking notice of India and all this - while they were asleep.
Not only have we taken the bull by its horns, we are trying to change the fear many have when it comes to facing the bull itself. But there's lots to be accomplished, lots to be thought about for the present and for the future generations. A world class infrastructure, consistent growth in the tough times that we could face in the future are a few things to be kept in mind as we open up the gates to enthusiastic onlookers who consider the Republic as the next place to invest and to expand.
May this symbol of national integration stay alive in the years to come and may the 'Unity in diversity' that we boast about - live up to its expectation.
Schooldays was fun - we never thought of it as just another off (chutti) day, rather there was an eagerness to get up early and participate in the activities organized at the school. Feeling proud looking at the fluttering flag, hoisted way up in the sky and a bright sun rising in the east, shining in the sky was how the day used to start. The chill in the January air just gave it a special feeling making the walk to the school a special one.
Now, the parade that's organized at the capital is something special too. The parade that troops down from Raisina Hill to Rajpath every 26th Jan is simply amazing and now matter how cold it is at the capital, you would see scores and scores of people gathered to watch the spectacular display of our military pageantry and the state tableaux.
The very meaning of this day, I'm afraid though, has been put to test quite a lot of times over a period of these 58 years. What used to be a celebration, an occasion to pay homage to the often forgotten martyrs, is being looked by many as just another day in the year to catch up on some ZZZs or party the night before to make use of another off day :). Little do they know that the world has changed their perception of the country, the world is taking notice of India and all this - while they were asleep.
Not only have we taken the bull by its horns, we are trying to change the fear many have when it comes to facing the bull itself. But there's lots to be accomplished, lots to be thought about for the present and for the future generations. A world class infrastructure, consistent growth in the tough times that we could face in the future are a few things to be kept in mind as we open up the gates to enthusiastic onlookers who consider the Republic as the next place to invest and to expand.
May this symbol of national integration stay alive in the years to come and may the 'Unity in diversity' that we boast about - live up to its expectation.
Labels: 2008, 26, India, January, Republic
Posted by Rajesh @ 8:38 PM; PERMALINK,
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Transformers
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Talk about transformations and you don't have to look any further than the Asian subcontinent; and one of the major contributors - India. Couple of years here and there and you would miss so much that you would feel nothing but embarrassed in front of "The Common Man". Yes I'm talking about the common man as portrayed by R.K Laxman; and the common man knows a lot ... lot more than one can possibly think of.
Trip back to India now a days (business/pleasure) comes as a surprise for many. The very outlook of cities change in a matter of days, forget months or years. The rate, for example, at which the shopping malls are propping up in cities is ridiculous and one starts to get a feeling that - are we in line with something like happened in the west? The way one used to spend $$ in relation to the $$ earned has changed drastically. More and more money flowing in to the market has only caused prices of commodities, real estate to skyrocket and make the common man's wallet thinner and thinner.
Sticking to 'shopping malls' read somewhere the other day that the country would see ~600 of them in the coming 2 years span. Thats an amazing rate of ~1 per day in a country that is yet to accept the rate of change that it has been seeing in the past 7 years !! Now, I'm stressing on these outlets 'cause they are nothing but hangout places for college kids and the young generation, I've seen the older generation getting lost out there and trying to accept these changes as a norm of the 21st century.
On a recent trip, learned a lot as in the way things are and the way one can expect things to unfold. Money is being poured into the stock market and every Tom, Dick and Harry now owns few thousand Rs. worth of a stock or the other. Was amazed by the interest and the knowledge that the 'common man' shows now-a-days, quite literally I was embarrassed. Cell phone revolution, SMS, Explosion of TV channels, $ being poured by investors, BPOs are all changing the face of the nation.
Slow and steady, cities are getting destroyed though. One can actually see the effect with an increase in vehicles on the roads, infrastructure development not catching up with the development, daily commuting hours rising higher and higher and what not. I also had been to God's own land for a few days and realized that in a few years it may not live up to its name!! This is something strange and something that I had not seen in the past. Things like these used to take some time to trickle down to Kerala but not anymore.
Oh well, that's probably the new face of India, changing India, Incredible India. Hope we all are prepared to accept the new face :)
Signed: Rajesh
Trip back to India now a days (business/pleasure) comes as a surprise for many. The very outlook of cities change in a matter of days, forget months or years. The rate, for example, at which the shopping malls are propping up in cities is ridiculous and one starts to get a feeling that - are we in line with something like happened in the west? The way one used to spend $$ in relation to the $$ earned has changed drastically. More and more money flowing in to the market has only caused prices of commodities, real estate to skyrocket and make the common man's wallet thinner and thinner.
Sticking to 'shopping malls' read somewhere the other day that the country would see ~600 of them in the coming 2 years span. Thats an amazing rate of ~1 per day in a country that is yet to accept the rate of change that it has been seeing in the past 7 years !! Now, I'm stressing on these outlets 'cause they are nothing but hangout places for college kids and the young generation, I've seen the older generation getting lost out there and trying to accept these changes as a norm of the 21st century.
On a recent trip, learned a lot as in the way things are and the way one can expect things to unfold. Money is being poured into the stock market and every Tom, Dick and Harry now owns few thousand Rs. worth of a stock or the other. Was amazed by the interest and the knowledge that the 'common man' shows now-a-days, quite literally I was embarrassed. Cell phone revolution, SMS, Explosion of TV channels, $ being poured by investors, BPOs are all changing the face of the nation.
Slow and steady, cities are getting destroyed though. One can actually see the effect with an increase in vehicles on the roads, infrastructure development not catching up with the development, daily commuting hours rising higher and higher and what not. I also had been to God's own land for a few days and realized that in a few years it may not live up to its name!! This is something strange and something that I had not seen in the past. Things like these used to take some time to trickle down to Kerala but not anymore.
Oh well, that's probably the new face of India, changing India, Incredible India. Hope we all are prepared to accept the new face :)
Signed: Rajesh
Labels: 2007, India, Kerala, Stock
Posted by Rajesh @ 6:33 PM; PERMALINK,
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Chak De!
Sunday, October 07, 2007
The Caption/Punch line craze has reached India. Not sure if every country has one, but about a year back I realized that the Aussies have one and it was pretty cool to listen them chant. We saw the effects during the Australian Open, World Series of Poker etc.... I mean almost anywhere the Aussies went, they carried this along - Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oye Oye Oye !!
Chak De India! is the one that I'm talking about. If not for the latest SRK film by the same name, I'm sure we would have gone without one for some more time. Be it Football, Hockey or Cricket - one can see the Chak De moment spreading like a virus. The Media is playing a big role in promoting it big time by organizing shows and even airing news headlines by the same name
. Another stunt to grab some attention. With a lurking danger of mid-term polls in sight - I wonder what would happen if our politicians take a shot at this. I can only hope that they don't.
We now have a Chak De moment, My Chak De moment, My own proud Chak De moment, My biggest Chak De moment and what not !
BTW anyone talking about the movie at all? How're the responses?
Chak De India! is the one that I'm talking about. If not for the latest SRK film by the same name, I'm sure we would have gone without one for some more time. Be it Football, Hockey or Cricket - one can see the Chak De moment spreading like a virus. The Media is playing a big role in promoting it big time by organizing shows and even airing news headlines by the same name
. Another stunt to grab some attention. With a lurking danger of mid-term polls in sight - I wonder what would happen if our politicians take a shot at this. I can only hope that they don't.We now have a Chak De moment, My Chak De moment, My own proud Chak De moment, My biggest Chak De moment and what not !
BTW anyone talking about the movie at all? How're the responses?
Labels: Australia, India, Slogan
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Fireworks at J'burg
Monday, September 24, 2007
Also, was just trying out this pictobrowser thing. Works cool !!
Labels: 20, 2007, Cricket, India, Pakistan, World-Cup
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Big Apple celebrates Incredible India
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Just before the UN general assembly meeting at Big Apple (NYC) this year, India is doing some brand building or should I say 'educating' folks up here with our Culture, Technologies, Fashion, Advancements etc. Times Square and some other parts of the city have already been decorated and banners have been put out on the streets for the cause.
With some big guns attending the event, our govt. and the tourism ministry are probably trying their best to change (or continue) the outlook of westerners and provide them with all the information that they're missing :-) {smiley intentional - see previous post}
NYC folks, take some time out to check the events (darn !! I wish I were there one of these days but alas) to be held 23rd thru 26th of Sept. especially the ones at Times Square which I'm sure is bound to attract the attention of scores of tourist/commuters.
The sponsors of these events are spread from companies like Infy to the Indian Ministry of Tourism, Culture to universities like Columbia,Yale to Louis Vuitton, Coca Cola and Citigroup.
With some big guns attending the event, our govt. and the tourism ministry are probably trying their best to change (or continue) the outlook of westerners and provide them with all the information that they're missing :-) {smiley intentional - see previous post}
NYC folks, take some time out to check the events (darn !! I wish I were there one of these days but alas) to be held 23rd thru 26th of Sept. especially the ones at Times Square which I'm sure is bound to attract the attention of scores of tourist/commuters.
The sponsors of these events are spread from companies like Infy to the Indian Ministry of Tourism, Culture to universities like Columbia,Yale to Louis Vuitton, Coca Cola and Citigroup.
Labels: 60, India, New York, United Nations
Posted by Rajesh @ 7:16 PM; PERMALINK,
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Hey Ram
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Once upon a time, thousands and thousands of years ago, there lived a prince named Rama, whose wife Sita was supposedly abducted by a demon (and king of Lanka) named Ravana. Many years later a Hindu Sage named Valmiki composed a Sanskrit Epic which tells the story of the above mentioned Prince (Rama).Thousands and thousands of years later, people residing in the Princes' land (now known as a country) were involved in a political and socio-religious debate out there at a place called Ayodhya (supposedly the birthplace of the above mentioned prince Rama) a.k.a the Ram Janmabhoomi. The riots that took place (known as the Babri riots) were devastating and sad to sick to say the least.
Again, some years later a similar situation has arisen. This time its the governing body of the country that directly got involved and supposedly "hurt the faith of millions".
A Shipping Canal Project between India and SriLanka is being opposed on religious grounds because the opposition says the project will destroy a bridge built by Ram and his army of monkeys. The Govt filed an affidavit to the Supreme Court of India questioning the very existence of Ram and said the belief about the monkey builders was solely based on Hindu mythology.
Not sure how or why the ruling folks decided on filing the affidavit. Only a noob would go ahead and try to deny the existence of Hindu mythological figures.
Quite interesting isn't it?
After all, what's this whole debate about whether Lord Ram existed or not about? We all have grown listening to and reading the fact that these (Ramayana, Mahabharata to name a few) are Epics. In this scientific culture of ours, these figures are heroes, as far as millions are concerned and its just not possible to try to confine them within any kind of boundaries is utterly foolish.
Even if tomorrow its scientifically proved that the Adam's Bridge (or Rama's Bridge) did not exist, would these Epics end being part of our lives? The answer probably is No. Why then this shout and ga-ga about hurting millions? Well - stuff like this is food for the media and with all the 123 Nuclear Agreement the opposition parties in India are looking for ways to bring the government down; cause a mid-term election.
Bravo !! What a way to highlight and defend achievements. Questioning mythology, questioning the questioning of mythology, creating havoc by disrupting daily routines, blocking roads and burning effigies. Progress? hmmm .... I really doubt.
Labels: Canal, Epic, Government, India, Mythology, Ram
Posted by Rajesh @ 8:38 PM; PERMALINK,
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Well deserved victory
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
It was a well earned victory and India played some solid aggressive football (its the most popular sport in the world ... americans insist on calling it "Soccer", but I know it as "Football") in the finals yesterday to shut out Syria & lift the Nehru Cup. Watching the news and reading some articles before the match, came to know that there's more to it, much more than just a 11 member Indian team going out there and playing the 90 minutes. Full credit to Bob Houghton and his team as they ended up defeating 112 ranked Syria.
Its high time we started a movement, enough cribbing about Cricket and treating the players as Gods; I hope we end up re-building our training facilities, promoting fresh talent and attracting sponsors; for money and in turn facilities are a major hurdle right now.
Hope the good work continues and that we do strike while the iron is still hot.
Labels: Bhutia, Cricket, Football, India
Posted by Rajesh @ 7:58 PM; PERMALINK,
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Google's Gift
Friday, August 17, 2007
Google Blog recently made a post (on 14th Aug to be precise) and it read -
"Happy 60th birthday, India! We can't wait to celebrate, but we're going to wait a few days for the formal unwrapping of our gift to Indian users. Check back and we'll have news shortly."
Guess what - they've come up with Google Labs India. Right now they just have 2 tools but of course they'd keep adding useful stuff out there.
Have a nice Weekend everyone!!
Have a nice Weekend everyone!!
Labels: 60, Google, Independence, India
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What to wear, What not to wear
Sunday, July 29, 2007
So, the Guruvayoor temple (Guruvayoor, Kerala, India) has finally decided to relax the dress code last week. Female devotees can now wear a churidar /salwar kameez as against the 'Sari only' policy that they had. This (according to the Guruvayoor Dewasam board) was a long-pending demand from several women.
I've been there quite a few times and the atmosphere out there is worth experiencing. The darshan puts you right there amongst the clouds :). The temple has been in limelight, off late, due to various reasons. The stringent rules (or laws) like the one above, a purification ritual that they performed after a minister and his wife (who was a christian) - to name a few.
I'm not pro or against these rules (laws) but know one thing, slow but steady they would have to relax these and open up the doors to other folks to avoid major issues. I know there are a few similar places (in India and throughout the world); but globalization should be able to change that (isn't it ?). The part of Kerala where I come from, its not possible to get an entrance wearing pants (or trousers), you gotta get into something known as a mundu ;).
Hope this is for the good and its the first step towards relaxation of rules and regulations.
I've been there quite a few times and the atmosphere out there is worth experiencing. The darshan puts you right there amongst the clouds :). The temple has been in limelight, off late, due to various reasons. The stringent rules (or laws) like the one above, a purification ritual that they performed after a minister and his wife (who was a christian) - to name a few.
I'm not pro or against these rules (laws) but know one thing, slow but steady they would have to relax these and open up the doors to other folks to avoid major issues. I know there are a few similar places (in India and throughout the world); but globalization should be able to change that (isn't it ?). The part of Kerala where I come from, its not possible to get an entrance wearing pants (or trousers), you gotta get into something known as a mundu ;).
Hope this is for the good and its the first step towards relaxation of rules and regulations.
Labels: Guruvayoor, India, Kerala, Temple
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Indian Space Odyssey
Sunday, June 24, 2007
"The Indian Space Odyssey" read the headline in one of the Indian newspapers.
"India stayed up to track Sunita's return" read another one.
It was reality television at its best. Packed with spine-chilling thrills, nerve-wrecking action and ending with an outburst of cheers and tears, Sunita Williams’ journey back to terra firma was watched with rapt attention throughout India. While some Indians performed pujas through the night, others tracked her return by the microsecond on the NASA website. Most, though, just chose to sit glued to their television sets.
"India stayed up to track Sunita's return" read another one.
It was reality television at its best. Packed with spine-chilling thrills, nerve-wrecking action and ending with an outburst of cheers and tears, Sunita Williams’ journey back to terra firma was watched with rapt attention throughout India. While some Indians performed pujas through the night, others tracked her return by the microsecond on the NASA website. Most, though, just chose to sit glued to their television sets.
How can one not think what this all about? Sigh!! Is there really something wrong or is it just me? Can our country [India] claim any role in the so called "Indian" space odyssey? The answer is simple - No. Why then do our folks act the way they do is beyond my comprehension. NASA has a right to take proud in whatever they have accomplished and so do the Americans. But these folks in the Indian media - are nothing but a bunch of jokers.
For one, she was born in Ohio and has an Indian origin because her father hails from India. But thats it. There's nothing wrong in making the Atlantis story a big deal, there's a way to do it. The reasons that our folks back home quote are quite stoopid. And then run SMS campaigns praying for the safe return back home of Sunita Williams. I personally don't have anything against the astronaut, she has achieved many milestones and has reached heights that other's haven't. The problem that I have is with the media and the people back in India. We do have more than enough pagans back home don't we? Why then do we spend energy and time for folks like Williams, Jindal etc.etc.
A quick check on the news aired in Slovenia reveals the difference. Afterall Sunita is a half Slovenian yeah? So a quick check revealed that they have other things going on. The top headlines were -
I only have two words to say "Shut Up". Make claims when ISRO sends folks on a space trip. Back them up and give them credit for what they have been doing. Support their effort and teach children back home the "facts" instead of making someone (who's not even looked back at India) an overnight hero.
For one, she was born in Ohio and has an Indian origin because her father hails from India. But thats it. There's nothing wrong in making the Atlantis story a big deal, there's a way to do it. The reasons that our folks back home quote are quite stoopid. And then run SMS campaigns praying for the safe return back home of Sunita Williams. I personally don't have anything against the astronaut, she has achieved many milestones and has reached heights that other's haven't. The problem that I have is with the media and the people back in India. We do have more than enough pagans back home don't we? Why then do we spend energy and time for folks like Williams, Jindal etc.etc.
A quick check on the news aired in Slovenia reveals the difference. Afterall Sunita is a half Slovenian yeah? So a quick check revealed that they have other things going on. The top headlines were -
- Slovenia Cracks down on smoking.
- Slovenian ambassador visits Bethlehem
I only have two words to say "Shut Up". Make claims when ISRO sends folks on a space trip. Back them up and give them credit for what they have been doing. Support their effort and teach children back home the "facts" instead of making someone (who's not even looked back at India) an overnight hero.
Labels: India, ISRO, Media, NASA, Space, US
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What a week
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Quite a happening week I'd say, not only in this part of the world but the Asian subcontinent had a fair share -
Entertainment
The much awaited finale of 'The Sopranos' was deemed as the final whack. Though, I've heard a lot about the series, didn't quite want to watch the series. When the screen suddenly went blank towards the end, many people went insane. Started jabbing buttons on their remote control, yelling while panicking and even checking their cable connection to make sure that the screen indeed "went blank". They said -
That was the ending of “The Sopranos”?
That?
The Hilton-going-to-jail saga came to an abrupt end and was aired by news channels throughout the evening. So much for CNN and Larry King and the Daily news channels providing news from across the country US. I think I will stop watching CNN one of these days. Larry even aired interviews and had his typical set of questions - oh well!
Conan O'Brien has a smart way of putting things and mentioned that she was dearly missing her facial cream which left her skin dry - sob sob.
Technology
Apple iPhones are finally to hit the market on the 29th. They've come up with some good promotional ads - see them here.
They've also come up with SAFARI for windows .... mmmmmmm
Also - the new leopard's out there. Trying to conquer time and space.
SportsNadal once again proved that he's the best on Clay. Fedex delivery did not reach Roland Garros for the 3rd year in a row. I think the window is now closing for Fedex, if he's not able to life the trophy in the next 2 years, he's done. Deprived of the French Open like so many tennis greats!
Graeme Ford did the right thing by slapping BCCI on its face. He was offered the position of Indian Cricketing coach which he rejected the very next day. The series of embarrassments continue after India's early exit from the WC, this time its the BCCI to blame. They should seriously revisit the terms and conditions they put forward while on a Coach hunt.
Walt Disney announced that they would be acquiring 'Cricinfo'. Tough to digest but they are staring to venture out of their traditional - American football, Baseball, Basket ball & NASCAR.
The All New LeopardLabels: Apple, Coach, Cricket, Entertainment, Ford, India, iPhone, Sports, Technology, US
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... and before you leave for Bangladesh
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Fan(s) just wanted to remind him something. Now at least he has something to look out for .
And yeah he's already qualified.
.And yeah he's already qualified.
Labels: Calcutta, Cricket, Dhoni, India
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देर से आए - पर दुरुस्त आए
Saturday, April 14, 2007
ब्लॉगर में जिन सुविधाओं की कमी थी , धीरे ही सही, वे पूरे किये जा रहे हैं | मुझे याद है , करीब एक साल पहले मैंने हिंदी में अपना पहला ब्लोग पोस्ट लिखा था | Mosilager की सहायता से मैंने हिंदी और मलयालम में पोस्ट करना शुरू किया |
कुछ दिन पहले ब्लॉगर ने यह आसान कर दिया | अगर आप ज़्यादा जानना चाहें, तो यह पढ़ें | ब्लॉगर की ओर से यह एक अच्छी शुरुवात है |
कुछ दिन पहले ब्लॉगर ने यह आसान कर दिया | अगर आप ज़्यादा जानना चाहें, तो यह पढ़ें | ब्लॉगर की ओर से यह एक अच्छी शुरुवात है |
Posted by Rajesh @ 1:26 PM; PERMALINK,
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Monopoly
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Read this article in TOI and thought of sharing it out here with you guys. Though we all know the after effects, I thought let me clarify some points here. Put some details that you might not have thought about - so here goes some analysis. Impact of the big IF looming over the sub-continent.
For starters, you'd know that last week was a happening week in the cricketing world. Two teams, India and Pakistan lost their group matches making life difficult for them. On tops, PAK coach Bob Woolmer passed away the very night their team lost to Ireland. What're the impacts -
- ESPN has bought telecast rights of ICC events for the next 8 years; For the recovery of more than 80 per cent of the $1.1 billion spent, ESPN is banking on the cricket craze in the Indian subcontinent.
- If India is knocked out in the group stages of the WC, not a single advertiser will henceforth have the courage to invest money in buying advertising slots early. And if advertising rates don’t hit the roof, chances are ESPN will be unable to recover even half the money invested.
- The bottomline: if India loses on March 23 to Sri Lanka, the ICC might even face its worst financial crisis in the long run.
- If India crashes out at group stage, advertisers’ interest in the tournament is certain to nosedive. Chances are some of the organizers might well drown themselves for fear of bankruptcy in the Caribbean sea. In fact, the World Cup faces the risk of being touted a financial disaster when it is hardly a week old.
- Some of the West Indian islands are likely to suffer huge losses if India fails to qualify. The tourism industry, which is the primary source of revenue in many of these islands, is banking on the fact that Indian supporters will make the World Cup a success.
- Of all the packages sold by official travel agents, Indian fans have bought 60 per cent of them. And if Dravid and his men lose to Sri Lanka, chances are more than 80 per cent of these fans will try and cancel trips.
Looks like the world's gonna end if the match on Friday doesn't turn out to be a +ve one for the men in blue. Why go through all this pain? Why not win against SL and end all these "question marks". Gauging from what happened last week, it doesn't look that simple, that easy.
Labels: BCCI, Caribbean, Cricket, Dravid, ICC, India, Pakistan, Srilanka, World-Cup
Posted by Rajesh @ 8:14 PM; PERMALINK,
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Superb Week (Sports)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Was a superb week(end) as far as the sporting world's concerned. Close to 6 inches of snow Friday, saw my plans of going to watch '300' go down the drain. But thanks to F1 and thanks to Kimi Raikkonen Saturday evening I was all smiles.
One reason - India lost their WC opener against Bangladesh. It seriously cranked me up. I was following the scores on Cricinfo and saw the wickets tumble like crazy. The end result was quite evident as the men in Blue got their much needed wake up call. On the other hand Pakistan was kicked outta the WC after losing 2 matches in a row, yesterday was truly a celebration for the Irish.
Anyways I don't care much about these teams anyways (am more interested in the Fantasy League now), I'm rooting for SA or SL this time. All this seems to be a Deja Vu, I'd mentioned earlier that "I hope I don't see any surprises" ... and what a surprise it was!! Again I have to ask this - What's Sehwag doing there? Enjoying his stay??
Coming back to the F1 - finally Kimi got what he deserved. He was unstoppable right from lap 1 as he dominated the race and never looked back. I'm happy for him and happy that Ferrari would be able to retain their stature as the best team even after MS's departure. The new kid - Hamilton did a superb job as well. Let's wait and watch if Alonso would be able to retain his title this year...
One reason - India lost their WC opener against Bangladesh. It seriously cranked me up. I was following the scores on Cricinfo and saw the wickets tumble like crazy. The end result was quite evident as the men in Blue got their much needed wake up call. On the other hand Pakistan was kicked outta the WC after losing 2 matches in a row, yesterday was truly a celebration for the Irish.
Anyways I don't care much about these teams anyways (am more interested in the Fantasy League now), I'm rooting for SA or SL this time. All this seems to be a Deja Vu, I'd mentioned earlier that "I hope I don't see any surprises" ... and what a surprise it was!! Again I have to ask this - What's Sehwag doing there? Enjoying his stay??
Coming back to the F1 - finally Kimi got what he deserved. He was unstoppable right from lap 1 as he dominated the race and never looked back. I'm happy for him and happy that Ferrari would be able to retain their stature as the best team even after MS's departure. The new kid - Hamilton did a superb job as well. Let's wait and watch if Alonso would be able to retain his title this year...
Labels: Cricket, Dravid, F1, Formula One, India, Kimi, Racing, Raikkonen, Sehwag, Snow
Posted by Rajesh @ 11:49 AM; PERMALINK,
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1944
Monday, February 12, 2007
Read this in one of the Indian Newspapers couple of weeks back. Don't know how much it makes sense right now as you read it but think twice and it will :D
"Anyway, this concerns the year 1944 and some leaders involved in the Second World War. Take Churchill for instance. He was born in 1874, his age in 1944 was 70, he took office in 1940 and was there for four years. If you add up the numbers they come to 3888. Now take Hitler. Born: 1889; age in '44: 55; took office 1933, years there: 11. Total 3888. You can do the same with Roosevelt, Stalin and Mussolini too."
See if you can figure it out ...
See if you can figure it out ...
Labels: 1944, Funny, Hitler, India, Puzzle, Roosevelt
Posted by Rajesh @ 9:42 PM; PERMALINK,
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Living in this modern era
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
I'm sure we all have our own perceptions on how the modern world is changing/adapting itself to the changes. Here's an example (got forwarded via email) -
OLD VERSION...
MODERN VERSION...
The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?
Arundhati Roy stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house.
Medha Patkar goes on a fast along with other grasshoppers demanding that grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter.
Amnesty International and Koffi Annan criticize the Indian Government for not upholding the fundamental rights of the grasshopper.
The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support to the grasshopper (many promising Heaven and Everlasting Peace for prompt support as against the wrath of God for non-compliance).
Opposition MP's stage a walkout. Left parties call for "Bharat Bandh" in West Bengal and Kerala demanding a Judicial Enquiry. CPM in Kerala immediately passes a law preventing Ants from working hard in the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among ants and grasshoppers.
Lalu Prasad allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Indian Railway Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Rath'.
Finally, the Judicial Committee drafts the Prevention of Terrorism Against Grasshoppers Act [POTAGA]", with effect from the beginning of the winter.
Arjun Singh makes Special Reservation for Grass Hopper in educational Insititutions & in Govt Services.
The ant is fined for failing to comply with POTAGA and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government and handed over to the grasshopper in a ceremony covered by NDTV.
Arundhati Roy calls it "a triumph of justice". Lalu calls it 'Socialistic Justice'. CPM calls it the 'revolutionary resurgence of the downtrodden' . Koffi Annan invites the grasshopper to address the UN General Assembly.
MANY YEARS LATER...
The ant has since migrated to the US and set up a multi billion dollar company in silicon valley.100s of grasshoppers still die of starvation despite reservation somewhere in India.
OLD VERSION...
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away. Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or
shelter so he dies out in the cold.MODERN VERSION...
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter. The grasshopper thinks the ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving. NDTV, BBC, CNN show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.
The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?
Arundhati Roy stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house.
Medha Patkar goes on a fast along with other grasshoppers demanding that grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter.
Amnesty International and Koffi Annan criticize the Indian Government for not upholding the fundamental rights of the grasshopper.
The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support to the grasshopper (many promising Heaven and Everlasting Peace for prompt support as against the wrath of God for non-compliance).
Opposition MP's stage a walkout. Left parties call for "Bharat Bandh" in West Bengal and Kerala demanding a Judicial Enquiry. CPM in Kerala immediately passes a law preventing Ants from working hard in the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among ants and grasshoppers.
Lalu Prasad allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Indian Railway Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Rath'.
Finally, the Judicial Committee drafts the Prevention of Terrorism Against Grasshoppers Act [POTAGA]", with effect from the beginning of the winter.
Arjun Singh makes Special Reservation for Grass Hopper in educational Insititutions & in Govt Services.
The ant is fined for failing to comply with POTAGA and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the Government and handed over to the grasshopper in a ceremony covered by NDTV.
Arundhati Roy calls it "a triumph of justice". Lalu calls it 'Socialistic Justice'. CPM calls it the 'revolutionary resurgence of the downtrodden' . Koffi Annan invites the grasshopper to address the UN General Assembly.
MANY YEARS LATER...
The ant has since migrated to the US and set up a multi billion dollar company in silicon valley.100s of grasshoppers still die of starvation despite reservation somewhere in India.
Labels: Ant, BBC, Bengal, CNN, Funny, Grasshopper, India, Kerala, NDTV, UN, United Nations, US, West
Posted by Rajesh @ 8:39 PM; PERMALINK,
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Get online - doesnt matter who you are.
Monday, January 29, 2007
- President of India seen with folk dancers on the 26th.Some were surprised when the "Missile man" became President of the largest democracy in the world. I had other reasons though; I was surprised by this. Do you have an answer to his question?
Labels: 2007, Abdul Kalam, Democracy, India, Missile, President, Question, Terrorism
Posted by Rajesh @ 11:55 PM; PERMALINK,
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