One of the sites I visit regulary is wikipedia. I am amazed at the information on (almost) every topic present there. There is a column that lists the events, births, anniverseries etc of that day.
Curious to know who was born on the same day as me, I did a check.
These are some of the people whom I share my B'Day with:
1. Helen Keller
2. Tobey Maguire (Spiderman, for those who do not know)
3. Raul (Spanish star footballer)
4. Kevin Pietersen.
Another name that was not present is R.D.Burman
So I am in good company. Gives a nice feeling.
Source: Wikipedia
-Vinayak
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Monday, January 09, 2006
Traffic Traffic everywhere
Yes, this is another post about the horrible state of the roads in Bangalore. To be more precise, the horrible state of the traffic in Bangalore. It is unbearable to say the least. Traffic jams at every nook and corner have created a sense of despair. People are put to a lot of inconvinience as the vehicles have to stop.
But, even here some vehicles fare better than others. Smaller vehicles can squeeze in through the tiny gaps between other vehicles. Of course, it is hard on the riders, but hey you get thru. Sometimes, such maneuvres add up to the chaos. Bikes go on the pavements. Still it appears that the ends justify the means. The big vehicles have to wait till the traffic clears. It is the case of big fish and small fish. While the big fish were caught, the smaller ones escaped.
Sometimes it is helpful to be small.
Signing off.
But, even here some vehicles fare better than others. Smaller vehicles can squeeze in through the tiny gaps between other vehicles. Of course, it is hard on the riders, but hey you get thru. Sometimes, such maneuvres add up to the chaos. Bikes go on the pavements. Still it appears that the ends justify the means. The big vehicles have to wait till the traffic clears. It is the case of big fish and small fish. While the big fish were caught, the smaller ones escaped.
Sometimes it is helpful to be small.
Signing off.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Two ends of a stick
Hi,
What I am going to write about here is probably common sense. But I think it is more difficult to accept ground realities than other fantasies. This blog is about actions and consequences.
Steven Covey has mentioned about this in his "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People".
The idea is nothing but the plain truth. Actions and consequences are referred to the two ends of a stick. You cannot pick up only one end of the stick. You have to pick up the stick and so you get both ends of the stick.
So in essence, you cannot just act and hope that you need not face the consequences. All of our acts have a consequence. So we need to face the results of our actions. This is very easily said. No one wants to face the consequences. Many are astonished and some of them quarrel as to why they have to face punishment, though what they have done is wrong. It is this very mentality that is causing poor performance and degradation in all walks of life. Unless we accept our responsibilities and face the results of our actions, we cannot contribute effectively to our work and the society.
What I am going to write about here is probably common sense. But I think it is more difficult to accept ground realities than other fantasies. This blog is about actions and consequences.
Steven Covey has mentioned about this in his "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People".
The idea is nothing but the plain truth. Actions and consequences are referred to the two ends of a stick. You cannot pick up only one end of the stick. You have to pick up the stick and so you get both ends of the stick.
So in essence, you cannot just act and hope that you need not face the consequences. All of our acts have a consequence. So we need to face the results of our actions. This is very easily said. No one wants to face the consequences. Many are astonished and some of them quarrel as to why they have to face punishment, though what they have done is wrong. It is this very mentality that is causing poor performance and degradation in all walks of life. Unless we accept our responsibilities and face the results of our actions, we cannot contribute effectively to our work and the society.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Oscar Nominations: An injustice
Yesterday, the oscar nominations from India were announced. "Paheli" a movie by Shah Rukh has been selected. Unless the panel (or whoever selected this) is so naive that they cannot discern the best Indian movie to be nominated, we are seeing some real gross injustice going on here.
And which movie has been discriminated against do you think? Well, actually there are two in my opinion. Black and Page3. Black is one of the most sensitive, well crafted and a brilliant movie. For those who do not know the premise, it talks of the struggle of a blind , deaf and dumb girl who finally achieves her goal. And Page3 is another excellent movie that talks about the emptiness in the so called "upper class" .Contrast this with paheli, that has a ghost romancing a woman whose husband has gone to earn more money. Of course, I do not have anything against the story, but a movie is much more than a story. It has to be supported by the cast and I did not see any exceptional performance from the cast. Of course, it talks about love transcending even life but is that all that is needed to get an oscar? Both those movies are far better than Paheli.
Or did the "committee" feel that Sanjay Leela Bhansali (dir of Black) had his chance with Devdas two years back and someone else had to get a "chance". This is typical Indian mentality. Or there may be other reasons for this decision.
All in all, this is a retrogade step taken in a very short sightedness way. This will definetely affect the quality of movies (that is not very good right now) in an adverse way.
Bye.
And which movie has been discriminated against do you think? Well, actually there are two in my opinion. Black and Page3. Black is one of the most sensitive, well crafted and a brilliant movie. For those who do not know the premise, it talks of the struggle of a blind , deaf and dumb girl who finally achieves her goal. And Page3 is another excellent movie that talks about the emptiness in the so called "upper class" .Contrast this with paheli, that has a ghost romancing a woman whose husband has gone to earn more money. Of course, I do not have anything against the story, but a movie is much more than a story. It has to be supported by the cast and I did not see any exceptional performance from the cast. Of course, it talks about love transcending even life but is that all that is needed to get an oscar? Both those movies are far better than Paheli.
Or did the "committee" feel that Sanjay Leela Bhansali (dir of Black) had his chance with Devdas two years back and someone else had to get a "chance". This is typical Indian mentality. Or there may be other reasons for this decision.
All in all, this is a retrogade step taken in a very short sightedness way. This will definetely affect the quality of movies (that is not very good right now) in an adverse way.
Bye.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Back to square one
I really do not like the above expression. It means that after you have done some work (or substantial work sometimes) you come back where you started. That can be really annoying.
It has happened to me now. I have to do a project in a subject. I am searching for a project from the past month. I am still unable to focus on the project due to one reason or the other. Twice I thought I had almost finalized it only to back off at the last moment. This is really buggig me and I have decided to finalize it by next week.
It has happened to me now. I have to do a project in a subject. I am searching for a project from the past month. I am still unable to focus on the project due to one reason or the other. Twice I thought I had almost finalized it only to back off at the last moment. This is really buggig me and I have decided to finalize it by next week.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
What is Mourinho thinking?
Chelsea had a great season last year. They won the EPL etc etc. They are also the favourites this season. But going by what their manager, Jose Mourinho is doing, they may not last for too long at the top.
1. Buying good players does not make a good team: A team is a collection of souls and not just individuals. Buying good players may make the team strong on paper, but some time or the other, it will come crashing down. A team has to gel well and there should be a feeling of oneness among the players.
2. Having too many players will backfire in the long run: All players want to play as much as possible. They are annoyed if they are made to sit on the bench for a long time. Dissent will creep in. Players would want to leave the club. The end result is that the team and the club suffers.
3. Did he not look at Real Madrid?: Real Madrid also did the same thing that Mourinho is doing. They bought the best players and built a formidable team. But they have not performed up to the expectations since a couple of years. They also lost the premiership to Barca. Their players are leaving the club (Owen, Morientes etc) ...
Okay this is my hypothesis but I feel this is what will happen in a couple of years.
1. Buying good players does not make a good team: A team is a collection of souls and not just individuals. Buying good players may make the team strong on paper, but some time or the other, it will come crashing down. A team has to gel well and there should be a feeling of oneness among the players.
2. Having too many players will backfire in the long run: All players want to play as much as possible. They are annoyed if they are made to sit on the bench for a long time. Dissent will creep in. Players would want to leave the club. The end result is that the team and the club suffers.
3. Did he not look at Real Madrid?: Real Madrid also did the same thing that Mourinho is doing. They bought the best players and built a formidable team. But they have not performed up to the expectations since a couple of years. They also lost the premiership to Barca. Their players are leaving the club (Owen, Morientes etc) ...
Okay this is my hypothesis but I feel this is what will happen in a couple of years.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
F's the buzz
I have been observing the world of sport. And F is the word that is creating a lot of buzz in the world of sports. By F, I only mean that the names of 3 superstars begin with 'F'.
The three guys are (Roger) Federer, Fernando (Alonso) and (Andy) Flintoff.
These guys have have made gr8 progress in their respective sport. But basically they have given a new star to their sport.
Federer has already become the next Sampras, Alonso is poised to become the next F1 champion. And Flintoff has provided a much neede boost to an English side which has taken on the Aussies. It is a real delight to watch the matches played between the two sides.
These 3 'F's have given us a lot to cheer about.
The three guys are (Roger) Federer, Fernando (Alonso) and (Andy) Flintoff.
These guys have have made gr8 progress in their respective sport. But basically they have given a new star to their sport.
Federer has already become the next Sampras, Alonso is poised to become the next F1 champion. And Flintoff has provided a much neede boost to an English side which has taken on the Aussies. It is a real delight to watch the matches played between the two sides.
These 3 'F's have given us a lot to cheer about.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Ugghhh...
Hi, this was my previous post regarding the sorry state of a road in Bangalore.
The current post is about another busy area in Bangalore. This is the market area.
This Sunday, I decided to meet my friends whom I had not met for a looooonnng time. So I woke up early (on a Sunday) and boarded the bus to Market where I intended to change buses.
When I came to the Market area, I could not believe that such an important area can have such a filthy bus stand.
There was filth all the way throughout the area. It was something of a dumping area competing with the bus stand. The vehicles were parked in some order though. There was no place where I could find out where I went for the bus I wanted to board. It was quite a challenge to reach the other side of the bus stand searching for the bus. This kind of apathy on the part of the authorities is appalling. But what disturbed me most was that people went about business as usual, as if they did not care or they did not have an alternative.
The current post is about another busy area in Bangalore. This is the market area.
This Sunday, I decided to meet my friends whom I had not met for a looooonnng time. So I woke up early (on a Sunday) and boarded the bus to Market where I intended to change buses.
When I came to the Market area, I could not believe that such an important area can have such a filthy bus stand.
There was filth all the way throughout the area. It was something of a dumping area competing with the bus stand. The vehicles were parked in some order though. There was no place where I could find out where I went for the bus I wanted to board. It was quite a challenge to reach the other side of the bus stand searching for the bus. This kind of apathy on the part of the authorities is appalling. But what disturbed me most was that people went about business as usual, as if they did not care or they did not have an alternative.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Wrong Number
Murphy's laws are always at work guys. And these are laws that transcend across domains, countries etc.. truly remarkable.
Last week I had a spate of wrong number calls. That too at the most inopportune time say when I am having my siesta or in a serious discussion with my friends. It certainly annoys us at that time. But looking back you can afford a smile or two. Some samples:
1. Guy calls me and says that I need to come and collect my order of a truckload of potatoes. He says that the address is not clear so I have to clarify the address.
2. A gal calls and asks for "Anthony". She first wants to know who I am and when I ask her who she wants, (that's my standard practice), she replies. I start cursing the phone industry.
3. Some one calls from Mumbai and asks for "Fernandez". After told that it is a wrong number, he asks where is my number from. I say "Bangalore". He apologizes and disconnects.
One striking thing was that everybody had dialled my number correctly. So someone had given the wrong number that too my number to 3 people What a coincidence. Or is it something to do with the phone companies. Do let me know if u had a similar experience last week.
Last week I had a spate of wrong number calls. That too at the most inopportune time say when I am having my siesta or in a serious discussion with my friends. It certainly annoys us at that time. But looking back you can afford a smile or two. Some samples:
1. Guy calls me and says that I need to come and collect my order of a truckload of potatoes. He says that the address is not clear so I have to clarify the address.
2. A gal calls and asks for "Anthony". She first wants to know who I am and when I ask her who she wants, (that's my standard practice), she replies. I start cursing the phone industry.
3. Some one calls from Mumbai and asks for "Fernandez". After told that it is a wrong number, he asks where is my number from. I say "Bangalore". He apologizes and disconnects.
One striking thing was that everybody had dialled my number correctly. So someone had given the wrong number that too my number to 3 people What a coincidence. Or is it something to do with the phone companies. Do let me know if u had a similar experience last week.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Hail Federer!
The first time i heard about Roger Federer in 2001, I did not like the guy. That's because he defeated my fav tennis player Pete Sampras in Wimbledon. I did not know that 4 years down the line, he would be my fav tennis player and I would consider him as the successor to "Pistol Pete".
But it is not only due to the fact that he equated Sampras' record of 3 consecutive Wimbledon victories. It is only one factor. It is due to the other factors. In sports, as in other professions, it is not only essential to do your job well. It is also important how the person handles himself/herself. It is here I feel that Federer is equal to Sampras.
His game is sublime. He plays superbly. At times it seems he is casual about the game. He plays it so naturally, it is a treat to watch. Also, he is very polite and humble about his achievements. He respects his opponents and relishes challenges (Not to mention that there are few who can challenge him). All these make you not to dislike him. You just cannot find a chink in his armour. I feel that he is here for a long time to stay. And if he plays like this, he can possibly overhaul Pete's record of 14 singles titles.
But it is not only due to the fact that he equated Sampras' record of 3 consecutive Wimbledon victories. It is only one factor. It is due to the other factors. In sports, as in other professions, it is not only essential to do your job well. It is also important how the person handles himself/herself. It is here I feel that Federer is equal to Sampras.
His game is sublime. He plays superbly. At times it seems he is casual about the game. He plays it so naturally, it is a treat to watch. Also, he is very polite and humble about his achievements. He respects his opponents and relishes challenges (Not to mention that there are few who can challenge him). All these make you not to dislike him. You just cannot find a chink in his armour. I feel that he is here for a long time to stay. And if he plays like this, he can possibly overhaul Pete's record of 14 singles titles.
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Disgusting
Hi, this is about my frnd who was dispossessed of his mobile. Well I thought he had forgotton his mobile somewhere (He lost his debit card the same way on an outing with us). But the story was quite different.
He was going on his bike when he avoided another guy (who was on the wrong lane incidentally). As a result he fell from his bike. Now some "samaritans" came to my friend's "help". And some of them thought it fit to repay themselves for their help by doing away with his mobile.
Similarly, another frnd of mine was relieved of his debit card a couple of years ago and was poorer by Rs.12000.
There was a similar case during the tsunami that hit last year.
C'mon guys, robbing a person when he is fully aware is one thing, but making do with someone's goods when he is injured or not in a postion to be careful is really disgusting.
He was going on his bike when he avoided another guy (who was on the wrong lane incidentally). As a result he fell from his bike. Now some "samaritans" came to my friend's "help". And some of them thought it fit to repay themselves for their help by doing away with his mobile.
Similarly, another frnd of mine was relieved of his debit card a couple of years ago and was poorer by Rs.12000.
There was a similar case during the tsunami that hit last year.
C'mon guys, robbing a person when he is fully aware is one thing, but making do with someone's goods when he is injured or not in a postion to be careful is really disgusting.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Catch 'em young
I know that the title has been used often w.r.t to young minds and sportspersons. But this has impressed me so much of late thanks to two sports, tennis and football.
In tennis, the champions start by the age of 16-17 and by the time they are 20 or so they are at the top of the world. By the age of 25 they hang their raquets or they are not the same force to reckon with. The age of retirement has come down considerably. Just look at the Williams sisters. Around 3 years back, they ruled Women's tennis. Now they struggle to get past players they would just brush away in their hey days. Though this phenomenon is not visible yet in Men's tennis, the major players are in their 20s and a few good players are still in their teens.
Secondly, football. Wayne Rooney is 18, C. Ronaldo 20 , Robinho 21 . These are the hot names in football and look at their ages!. Football being a very physical game gives a short playing time to players. So if you start early, you get some more time.
So what should we do? I do not think we can do much in football right now as it is a team game and it is difficult to get good talent really young. But in tennis, yes. Get the players really young. And make them pro by the age of 16 or 17. This will give them lots of opportuntites to win.
Bye for now.
In tennis, the champions start by the age of 16-17 and by the time they are 20 or so they are at the top of the world. By the age of 25 they hang their raquets or they are not the same force to reckon with. The age of retirement has come down considerably. Just look at the Williams sisters. Around 3 years back, they ruled Women's tennis. Now they struggle to get past players they would just brush away in their hey days. Though this phenomenon is not visible yet in Men's tennis, the major players are in their 20s and a few good players are still in their teens.
Secondly, football. Wayne Rooney is 18, C. Ronaldo 20 , Robinho 21 . These are the hot names in football and look at their ages!. Football being a very physical game gives a short playing time to players. So if you start early, you get some more time.
So what should we do? I do not think we can do much in football right now as it is a team game and it is difficult to get good talent really young. But in tennis, yes. Get the players really young. And make them pro by the age of 16 or 17. This will give them lots of opportuntites to win.
Bye for now.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Goal
Hi, writing after a long time. Just that did not find anything good enough to blog.
The title of the blog may make it similar to my previous one on football, but it is not about that.
It is about a book titled "The Goal".
This book is a mangament book but written like a novel with lots of drama. The protagonist of the book is a manager trying to save his plant and his personal life too. The book is all about how he does it along with some very good management.
BTW the book takes a very simplified stand: Every organization is there for a goal. Any action that takes it towards its goal is productive and anything that does not is not productive.
So beautifully said. This can be applied to our personal life too.
Every person has (must have ) a goal in life. Anything that the person does, which takes him closer to his goal is good and the other actions are not good. But how easy is it to find a goal in life!
Remember, it is not a goal for a couple of months or a couple of years, but for the entire life.
Let me see what use I can make of the old things I have learned (in a new way).
Bye for now.
The title of the blog may make it similar to my previous one on football, but it is not about that.
It is about a book titled "The Goal".
This book is a mangament book but written like a novel with lots of drama. The protagonist of the book is a manager trying to save his plant and his personal life too. The book is all about how he does it along with some very good management.
BTW the book takes a very simplified stand: Every organization is there for a goal. Any action that takes it towards its goal is productive and anything that does not is not productive.
So beautifully said. This can be applied to our personal life too.
Every person has (must have ) a goal in life. Anything that the person does, which takes him closer to his goal is good and the other actions are not good. But how easy is it to find a goal in life!
Remember, it is not a goal for a couple of months or a couple of years, but for the entire life.
Let me see what use I can make of the old things I have learned (in a new way).
Bye for now.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Chelsea show why they are champions
Yesterday, I watched a match between ManU and Chelsea. Well, Chelsea had already won the title and ManU were playing for pride. I had an idea that this would be a cracker of a match and happily I was proved right.
First half
The match started on the right note with both teams making moves. ManU was slightly attacking and Chelsea were defensive. But the action was to begin soon. ManU broke the deadlock in the 8th minute with a Van Nistelrooy goal who got a fine pass from the sidelines.
This sudden goal charged the atmosphere and the exchanges just got better with each minute. But Chelsea are not the champions for nothing. They equalised in the 17th minute by a fine shot by Tiago which ManU keeper Carroll could do nothing about.
Then started the fireworks, both teams trying to wrest the initiative but not succeeding. Both teams had their chances but failed to capitalise. But I felt that the ManU defence was a bit shaky and allowed lot of chances if someone could get the ball beyond a point. But Chelsea's defence was very solid allowing few shots at the goal for ManU. Thus at the breather, both teams were evenly poised.
Second Half
If the first half was a breeze, the second was a storm. Both teams went to the attack immediately after the restart, with as many as 5-6 chances in the first ten minutes. The fast pace kept the viewers busy and also the referee ( 3 yellow cards in the second half and many fouls). There were also frayed tempers with Rooney involved in a couple of incidents.There were a couple of missed chances from both teams.
I mentioned that the ManU defence looked a bit shaky. In the 61st minute Gudjohnsen got past a defender and he just had to beat the keeper. And he did not miss it to put Chelsea 2-1.
ManU got into overdrive after this. Saha was brought in place of Fletcher to put more strength in the attack but the Chelsea defence held firm. ManU were trying hard for the equaliser when J Cole made it 3-1 for Chelsea in the 82nd minute. The goal was offside but these things happen in football and there was nothing to be taken from Chelsea for the hard work they put.
Final score: Chelsea 3: Manu 1
In hindsight, the main difference between the teams seems to be the confidence level. Chelsea did not flinch even after conceding an early goal. ManU were not that solid and this can be due the "chopping and churning" policy of Sir Alex and this does not help to gel the team.
Hope the wily Scot gets it right the next time. And thanks Chelsea and ManU for a wonderful game. I really enjoyed it.
First half
The match started on the right note with both teams making moves. ManU was slightly attacking and Chelsea were defensive. But the action was to begin soon. ManU broke the deadlock in the 8th minute with a Van Nistelrooy goal who got a fine pass from the sidelines.
This sudden goal charged the atmosphere and the exchanges just got better with each minute. But Chelsea are not the champions for nothing. They equalised in the 17th minute by a fine shot by Tiago which ManU keeper Carroll could do nothing about.
Then started the fireworks, both teams trying to wrest the initiative but not succeeding. Both teams had their chances but failed to capitalise. But I felt that the ManU defence was a bit shaky and allowed lot of chances if someone could get the ball beyond a point. But Chelsea's defence was very solid allowing few shots at the goal for ManU. Thus at the breather, both teams were evenly poised.
Second Half
If the first half was a breeze, the second was a storm. Both teams went to the attack immediately after the restart, with as many as 5-6 chances in the first ten minutes. The fast pace kept the viewers busy and also the referee ( 3 yellow cards in the second half and many fouls). There were also frayed tempers with Rooney involved in a couple of incidents.There were a couple of missed chances from both teams.
I mentioned that the ManU defence looked a bit shaky. In the 61st minute Gudjohnsen got past a defender and he just had to beat the keeper. And he did not miss it to put Chelsea 2-1.
ManU got into overdrive after this. Saha was brought in place of Fletcher to put more strength in the attack but the Chelsea defence held firm. ManU were trying hard for the equaliser when J Cole made it 3-1 for Chelsea in the 82nd minute. The goal was offside but these things happen in football and there was nothing to be taken from Chelsea for the hard work they put.
Final score: Chelsea 3: Manu 1
In hindsight, the main difference between the teams seems to be the confidence level. Chelsea did not flinch even after conceding an early goal. ManU were not that solid and this can be due the "chopping and churning" policy of Sir Alex and this does not help to gel the team.
Hope the wily Scot gets it right the next time. And thanks Chelsea and ManU for a wonderful game. I really enjoyed it.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Many a slip between the cup and the lip
Some weeks back, we were happy that our institute had been granted the" deemed university" status by the UGC. We were glad that we would be getting MTech Degree instead of PGDIT and all seemed fine.
Today, the bomb was dropped. The State Govt has declined to give NOC to the proposal to grant our college the "deemed Univ" Status.
So what is going to happen finally?. Do we go "back to square one" and get PGDIT or we will get the "deemed Univ" status.
Only time will tell.
Today, the bomb was dropped. The State Govt has declined to give NOC to the proposal to grant our college the "deemed Univ" Status.
So what is going to happen finally?. Do we go "back to square one" and get PGDIT or we will get the "deemed Univ" status.
Only time will tell.
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