arbit bits
Although my first reaction to the call by the unions to create one for the IT sector was just another grimace (given that the CPI and the like do from time and time, its become routine), I then thought that maybe a union among the companies (biggies and medium scale ones) might be an idea to reduce the attrition rate. But if I had a company, I would not be part of such a thing.
A lot of news seems to be coming out regarding the moral policing in Chennai and subsequent media bashing. Bashing the media does not serve any purpose, since they also enjoy the personal space/freedom of expression that you are fighting for. It is the capitalist or rather just the rule of nature. The probability of you checking out a news article that seems interesting rather than logical is higher. But in any case, I hope aMMa puts these marauding 'tamil-protectionists' in place.
Cricket again seems uninteresting. I think the administrators need to do something regarding getting more countries involved in the sport. Only a third of the stadium for the recent world xi and aussies game was full. When I saw that image, I did not want to read further about the game. I felt embarrassed.
Jacques Kallis has been one of most overrated of sportsmen. Some people, though average, seem to possess a charm that makes people think highly of them. To have him in a team before Inzy or even Nathan Astle is just wrong. They just wanted to have a couple of SA guys in the team I guess.
I read, what arguably has been the finest book I have read. 'The Alchemist' quite packs a punch. It inspires you without sounding like a motivational lecture at any time. And as the boy says Muktab ! I was impressed by the line 'All things are one'. Now that is the example of a seemingly simple yet powerful line. I saw a framed painting a few days back that said 'I am better than you'. I could only grimace.
I watched this movie 'Crash'. A very fine movie. I watched 'Sarkar'. A decent movie. Ramu does have a style, much like Mani and Selvaraghavan. Other directors do have styles but these are the ones that appeal to me. I wish to direct a tamil movie some day. I want to prepare TamilNadu for sci-fi genre movies. Heh!
Another big game tomorrow coming up. It might be a long day for the Vols. I sincerely some1 from the SEC wins the Rose Bowl this year. USC struggled to win against ASU. We will know how good it is when they play Notre Dame. Alabama seems to be giving surprise. But the big question is will the Vols defense contain the Bull Dogs. I have no idea.
I hope Narain gets a chance next year in some team, although it seems difficult given his relative performances. But the recruiting bosses in F-1 have a keener eye for detail that the junta might be missing out on. Hence, I still hope he's not out of the reckoning. I feel he's good material.
I watched 'Mouna Raagam' after a long time 2 weeks back. It was a superlative movie, no doubt.
I went to the Indian restaurant today. I go there, like once every week. I ate heavily. As my stomach was beginning to feel full, I was reading this story.
I guess i have far too many opinions on a lot of things that dont even concern me in any way..But i find some of it interesting..Hence this blog !
Friday, October 07, 2005
Monday, September 26, 2005
Ok, So I think I have read enough about the GC-SG issue.
Now, I was a dada fan - an ardent one at that. But GC seems to be making sense to me quite a bit.
Now lets see. I think it will be tough if not impossible for both of them to work together. Hence, either 1 or both have to go.
If dada goes, heavy pressure on GC to perform (victories) and hence vindicate his stand. Not easy.
If GC goes, definite pressure on dada.
If both go, extra-ultra-heavy-pressure on team india, but which could in 2 years, give Zimbabwe a serious run for their money.
So, lets see. Choosing between GC and SG is the final option.
Now before that, it seems team is divided, with supposedly all non-performers with dada..Ha ! If dada returns, bhajji mite stake claim for vice-captaincy for all u know! O my!
Anyways, GC seems to be pretty tough guy who seems to be knowing what he's upto and from his recent interviews, I appreciate his way/approach.
Dada on the other hand is on life-support in playing/tactical matters now.
But Dada does have experience in team-building. He built or atleast helped build a pretty neat team for the 2003 world cup and it did reasonably well. Once he does not have mess-makers in the team (who might be actually talented though!), he definitely works on his tactics/instincts and does succeed, more often than not.
But dada must've surely lost some respect/swagger/confidence after such media exposure of his limitations. And it might take sometime to recover his cool. Maybe even 5 months. Helpfully, WC is a lot more further than that.
On the other hand, if retained, the pressure of performance might not be that high on GC, as compared to SG.
We need some1 tough, some1 like GC or SG in the indian team. People like Vaughan wouldnt work for an Indian team. I am saying this because if both were to be dumped, I dont know if we have a captain who can be tough.
That dada is mentally strong is known. But whether he'll still have that confidence in his ability is questionable.
Ok, I still have not made a decision on whom to side with. Still, I believe the odds of a compromise are rather slim.
Now, I was a dada fan - an ardent one at that. But GC seems to be making sense to me quite a bit.
Now lets see. I think it will be tough if not impossible for both of them to work together. Hence, either 1 or both have to go.
If dada goes, heavy pressure on GC to perform (victories) and hence vindicate his stand. Not easy.
If GC goes, definite pressure on dada.
If both go, extra-ultra-heavy-pressure on team india, but which could in 2 years, give Zimbabwe a serious run for their money.
So, lets see. Choosing between GC and SG is the final option.
Now before that, it seems team is divided, with supposedly all non-performers with dada..Ha ! If dada returns, bhajji mite stake claim for vice-captaincy for all u know! O my!
Anyways, GC seems to be pretty tough guy who seems to be knowing what he's upto and from his recent interviews, I appreciate his way/approach.
Dada on the other hand is on life-support in playing/tactical matters now.
But Dada does have experience in team-building. He built or atleast helped build a pretty neat team for the 2003 world cup and it did reasonably well. Once he does not have mess-makers in the team (who might be actually talented though!), he definitely works on his tactics/instincts and does succeed, more often than not.
But dada must've surely lost some respect/swagger/confidence after such media exposure of his limitations. And it might take sometime to recover his cool. Maybe even 5 months. Helpfully, WC is a lot more further than that.
On the other hand, if retained, the pressure of performance might not be that high on GC, as compared to SG.
We need some1 tough, some1 like GC or SG in the indian team. People like Vaughan wouldnt work for an Indian team. I am saying this because if both were to be dumped, I dont know if we have a captain who can be tough.
That dada is mentally strong is known. But whether he'll still have that confidence in his ability is questionable.
Ok, I still have not made a decision on whom to side with. Still, I believe the odds of a compromise are rather slim.
It would be quite silly to keep harping on the fact that Alonso's victory this year was in no small part thanks to McLaren's u-know-what!
Reliability is definitely an important factor in the whole set-up and Renault hv managed to do that better as the McLarens have managed to do the same on speed.
Good steady driving Alonso..Congrats!
But absolutely no chance of defending the crown man!
Next year, watch out for Juan Pablo..He's going to take the attack to Kimi, you and Button.
BAR is a team to watch out for, next yr. I dont know about Ferrari because I dont know about Bridgestone.
Among other teams/drivers, Toyota with Trulli would be also be contenders next year. They are fast enough during qualifying but run out of steam in the race. That they will work on and they will be on par with BAR and Renault.
Title contenders for 2006 (in order) : JPM, Kimi, Button, Alonso. ( Dark Horse - Schumi (!))
And hey, one last word..dont count Fisi out..McLaren's ill-luck was distributed..Renault's was lumped onto him!
And boy, finally Narain can breathe a bit easier..Tiago dint finish.Finally!
F-1 needs more quality competition..There's no difference between Bangladesh/Zim'bve in cricket and Minardi/Jordan in F-1, except in the latter the drivers go on to better teams later.
But its still effectively 6-7 teams.
And I am still wondering about the logic of using 1 tyre uniformly for all teams..Might actually not be a bad idea but not easy to slam/support.
Finally what F-1 needs is a race track in India. I dont care if you lay it in the border between Assam and Sikkim or the banks of the Cauvery. Just get it started man.
BTW, do they share a border ..I doubt it.
Reliability is definitely an important factor in the whole set-up and Renault hv managed to do that better as the McLarens have managed to do the same on speed.
Good steady driving Alonso..Congrats!
But absolutely no chance of defending the crown man!
Next year, watch out for Juan Pablo..He's going to take the attack to Kimi, you and Button.
BAR is a team to watch out for, next yr. I dont know about Ferrari because I dont know about Bridgestone.
Among other teams/drivers, Toyota with Trulli would be also be contenders next year. They are fast enough during qualifying but run out of steam in the race. That they will work on and they will be on par with BAR and Renault.
Title contenders for 2006 (in order) : JPM, Kimi, Button, Alonso. ( Dark Horse - Schumi (!))
And hey, one last word..dont count Fisi out..McLaren's ill-luck was distributed..Renault's was lumped onto him!
And boy, finally Narain can breathe a bit easier..Tiago dint finish.Finally!
F-1 needs more quality competition..There's no difference between Bangladesh/Zim'bve in cricket and Minardi/Jordan in F-1, except in the latter the drivers go on to better teams later.
But its still effectively 6-7 teams.
And I am still wondering about the logic of using 1 tyre uniformly for all teams..Might actually not be a bad idea but not easy to slam/support.
Finally what F-1 needs is a race track in India. I dont care if you lay it in the border between Assam and Sikkim or the banks of the Cauvery. Just get it started man.
BTW, do they share a border ..I doubt it.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Raj Singh Durgapur says (via Outlook)
"Chappell is a genius. Sourav is much below Chappell in stature," Dungarpur told newspersons here"
Dude, this is a serious insult to my intelligence that I have to keep hearing statements as primitive as this from a guy who's supposedly in the upper echelons of powers-that-be concerning indian cricket.
I know durgapur isnt the best of buddies with dalmiya and consequently with sourav. But this is pure nerve,to make such a sweeping statement. I can almost assure you this guy has no idea why he called GC a genius..
I smell a conspiracy theory.
"Chappell is a genius. Sourav is much below Chappell in stature," Dungarpur told newspersons here"
Dude, this is a serious insult to my intelligence that I have to keep hearing statements as primitive as this from a guy who's supposedly in the upper echelons of powers-that-be concerning indian cricket.
I know durgapur isnt the best of buddies with dalmiya and consequently with sourav. But this is pure nerve,to make such a sweeping statement. I can almost assure you this guy has no idea why he called GC a genius..
I smell a conspiracy theory.
I know this is becoming like a 'desis for dada' kinda blog!
Dada should've considered steve waugh's advice/warning that GC mite not be a good choice as coach and that moody was a better one.
Maybe steve knew that given dada's nature,it will be tough for him to adjust with another tough, aggressive guy like GC. Heck, dada even struggled to impose himself on Murali karthik, who was dada Jr. at the time. So GC is another ball game altogether.
When SRT comes into the team and seems like a sucker for form, lets see if GC does the same. We'd get to know if this GC's no-nonsense approach is for real.
I am thinking dada will not be sacked.
Dada should've considered steve waugh's advice/warning that GC mite not be a good choice as coach and that moody was a better one.
Maybe steve knew that given dada's nature,it will be tough for him to adjust with another tough, aggressive guy like GC. Heck, dada even struggled to impose himself on Murali karthik, who was dada Jr. at the time. So GC is another ball game altogether.
When SRT comes into the team and seems like a sucker for form, lets see if GC does the same. We'd get to know if this GC's no-nonsense approach is for real.
I am thinking dada will not be sacked.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Just as I expected, the indian media goes gaga over greg chappel's dont-care-about-reputation-but-current-form' logic and villifies saurav.
Well, given the pseudo-intellectual rantings that have always been there to see from the media, this is not surprising that they think they have a logical and public accepting argument.
But isn't this all presumptous..Like Ravi Shasthri says, we need to know the context in which the coach made these remarks..Absolutely correct.
Its a good idea to crack the whip, no matter what the reputation, like Greg thinks. But to change the system all of a sudden is not a great idea..Meanwhile, my dada could definitely have averted some of this happenings but if he did make a calculated move (!), i got it. But the greatness of dada went down a notch.
Indian cricket must be thankful to Rahul Dravid in all this. He's truly worthy of respect. A more ego-driven/me-first vice-captain and I dunno where this team would be now.
Well, given the pseudo-intellectual rantings that have always been there to see from the media, this is not surprising that they think they have a logical and public accepting argument.
But isn't this all presumptous..Like Ravi Shasthri says, we need to know the context in which the coach made these remarks..Absolutely correct.
Its a good idea to crack the whip, no matter what the reputation, like Greg thinks. But to change the system all of a sudden is not a great idea..Meanwhile, my dada could definitely have averted some of this happenings but if he did make a calculated move (!), i got it. But the greatness of dada went down a notch.
Indian cricket must be thankful to Rahul Dravid in all this. He's truly worthy of respect. A more ego-driven/me-first vice-captain and I dunno where this team would be now.
Friday, September 16, 2005
It is a shame that we need to introduce reservation for more women representation in the indian parliament.
But nonetheless I would tend to think of it as necessary.
Sometimes this is where my each-man-for-himself (little dependence on social welfare a.k.a captialist) beliefs are at confict with social ideals. There are sections of people who cannot compete with other sections of people, unless they are given a positive offset. Sometimes, government can do wonders..But they must know when to stop interfering in other things.
Now why am i thinking of others progress anyway..Oh well, maybe iam just a pseudo-capitalist !
But nonetheless I would tend to think of it as necessary.
Sometimes this is where my each-man-for-himself (little dependence on social welfare a.k.a captialist) beliefs are at confict with social ideals. There are sections of people who cannot compete with other sections of people, unless they are given a positive offset. Sometimes, government can do wonders..But they must know when to stop interfering in other things.
Now why am i thinking of others progress anyway..Oh well, maybe iam just a pseudo-capitalist !
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
The last ashes test is gonna be a wash, 1 way or the other.
Provided there's no nature-wash, I am thinking Aussies will white-wash england.
Phew! Some prediction that..
Lets just hope warney does it for me..As some newspaper cited, if the aussies win this, the urn must go to Warney..Dude, is that guy awesome or what !
Provided there's no nature-wash, I am thinking Aussies will white-wash england.
Phew! Some prediction that..
Lets just hope warney does it for me..As some newspaper cited, if the aussies win this, the urn must go to Warney..Dude, is that guy awesome or what !
I make an attempt these days to respect people's POV rather than people themselves, in any discussion/thinking.
But as I read interviews like these (on instapundit), all such feelings are flushed down at once.
A fan of Ray Kurzweil just became a die-hard fan. I love his realistic optimism. I hope to get the book soon.
But as I read interviews like these (on instapundit), all such feelings are flushed down at once.
A fan of Ray Kurzweil just became a die-hard fan. I love his realistic optimism. I hope to get the book soon.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
At the rate at which aMMa is going about things ( this and this ), I am thinking about starting a Rasigar Mandram for her here..
Deduced the following from the 2 articles.
The former article - Dont mess with me !
The second - most transparent sign of progress, to the voter.
I am beginning to kinda empathize with her M.P's falling at her feet..Maybe they feel they have a genius in their midst or something.
Deduced the following from the 2 articles.
The former article - Dont mess with me !
The second - most transparent sign of progress, to the voter.
I am beginning to kinda empathize with her M.P's falling at her feet..Maybe they feel they have a genius in their midst or something.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
The comments on this SepiaMutiny post were sincerely stimulating.
Among other things, am just hoping JPM, Button and Trulli rise to the occasion and beat alonso hereafter. I think JPM and Button will do that.
At the rate at which JPM's going, I doubt if the McLaren car's next versions and all will be as much suited to him as it is for Kimi. Kimi's been exceptional so far. JPM needs to buck up. He's an excellent driver and I hope he dominates the other cars consistently soon.
Because of this Ashes and all, my interest in cricket increased again and I chanced on this World XI vs Aus XI article. I cant even believe you have players like Pollock, Kallis and even Sachin in the team while Inzy is left out. Ok, atleast Sachin has some past glory which could carry him for another year I guess..
I used to love Aravinda De Silva in his prime (his last few years esp). He was a batting god !
My fav conventional players (might be a few ex players here n there. )
1.Brian Lara
2.De Silva
3.Adam Gilchrist
4.Inzy
5.Mark Taylor (C) - (I dunno why he isnt mentioned as 1 of the great captains. He really was 1 !)
6.Wasim Akram
7.Waqar
8.Warne
9.Akthar
10.Yuvraj
11.Mark Waugh (His batting was 1 of the most stylish things in all sport i've seen)
Hows that for a XI..I know, not balanced and all..But still good enough. Just watching Lara and DeSilva square-cutting for six at both ends would be ...am at a loss for words!
Among other things, am just hoping JPM, Button and Trulli rise to the occasion and beat alonso hereafter. I think JPM and Button will do that.
At the rate at which JPM's going, I doubt if the McLaren car's next versions and all will be as much suited to him as it is for Kimi. Kimi's been exceptional so far. JPM needs to buck up. He's an excellent driver and I hope he dominates the other cars consistently soon.
Because of this Ashes and all, my interest in cricket increased again and I chanced on this World XI vs Aus XI article. I cant even believe you have players like Pollock, Kallis and even Sachin in the team while Inzy is left out. Ok, atleast Sachin has some past glory which could carry him for another year I guess..
I used to love Aravinda De Silva in his prime (his last few years esp). He was a batting god !
My fav conventional players (might be a few ex players here n there. )
1.Brian Lara
2.De Silva
3.Adam Gilchrist
4.Inzy
5.Mark Taylor (C) - (I dunno why he isnt mentioned as 1 of the great captains. He really was 1 !)
6.Wasim Akram
7.Waqar
8.Warne
9.Akthar
10.Yuvraj
11.Mark Waugh (His batting was 1 of the most stylish things in all sport i've seen)
Hows that for a XI..I know, not balanced and all..But still good enough. Just watching Lara and DeSilva square-cutting for six at both ends would be ...am at a loss for words!
Days ago, I was thinking how I was going to catch hold of the Volunteers first home game against UAB, as I work my butt off coding for some snazzy hi-tech company in downtown San Jose.
And here I am, today, thinking of where to eat in a couple of hours - McDonalds or BurgerKing !
This job search seems to be a humbling phase..But maybe, thats what makes it exciting.
And here I am, today, thinking of where to eat in a couple of hours - McDonalds or BurgerKing !
This job search seems to be a humbling phase..But maybe, thats what makes it exciting.
Rediff's business section is one sane tab in an otherwise 'India shining' gibberish..
This article was actually good
I especially like the way Haq talks about setting up the place with the proper ambience/tools to make things happen, as in Si valley.
And I think he has a point about Pune being the place in India. Personally I think Chennai/Coimbatore is as good a bet. Ofcourse, you need to figure in the fact that the only place I have been outside South India is Bombay..I saw Pune's railway station on the way though..Not a bit better than Arakkonam though!
I love this Venture Capitalist kinda positions..Risk-taking in all its glory, it sure is! I wish I'd be one some day (just a try atleast!)
Pramod Haq went to North Western univ; I am at a univ in the South East..Hey, we seem to be sharing something..like antonyms or something..atleast, thats a start.
This article was actually good
I especially like the way Haq talks about setting up the place with the proper ambience/tools to make things happen, as in Si valley.
And I think he has a point about Pune being the place in India. Personally I think Chennai/Coimbatore is as good a bet. Ofcourse, you need to figure in the fact that the only place I have been outside South India is Bombay..I saw Pune's railway station on the way though..Not a bit better than Arakkonam though!
I love this Venture Capitalist kinda positions..Risk-taking in all its glory, it sure is! I wish I'd be one some day (just a try atleast!)
Pramod Haq went to North Western univ; I am at a univ in the South East..Hey, we seem to be sharing something..like antonyms or something..atleast, thats a start.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Whenever I do something out of obligation, the end result of the effort takes a severe hit.
Like this blog post for instance.
I love Jack Nicholson.
The gap between Alonso and Kimi is actually smaller than it looks. Provided kimi does a top2 finish and ferrari are again resurgent and along with trulli/ralf, can create a sandwich b/w kimi and alonso for atleast 4 races, I am sure its gonna be decided in China. I think Alonso will be defensive, which anyway he is. I doubt if he's a good driver. These next 6 races will let me know. I guess Tiago would be alonso-2...steady,reliable finishing,consistent etc etc..
Ok, this analogy doesnt mean i put narain ji together with JPM...
Like this blog post for instance.
I love Jack Nicholson.
The gap between Alonso and Kimi is actually smaller than it looks. Provided kimi does a top2 finish and ferrari are again resurgent and along with trulli/ralf, can create a sandwich b/w kimi and alonso for atleast 4 races, I am sure its gonna be decided in China. I think Alonso will be defensive, which anyway he is. I doubt if he's a good driver. These next 6 races will let me know. I guess Tiago would be alonso-2...steady,reliable finishing,consistent etc etc..
Ok, this analogy doesnt mean i put narain ji together with JPM...
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Like the columnist Sainath once wrote about drought, every1 loves a good whipping boy.
Kamal Haasan, Kobe Bryant, Sourav Ganguly, Brian Lara, Shoaib Akthar.
They all have 2 things in common.. They are some of my favorite stars.
Another common thread - all whipping boys !
But I hope I just dont always like stars because they are outcasts( well, sorta..). Sometimes, I hate the notion 'the people know best', used mainly, to explain box office success, that can be applied to this superstar scenario as well I guess. Well, I dont first believe in that notion I stated before.
People have made a supermegagigastar out of Rajinikanth and just another actor out of Kamal Haasan. Well, Rajinikanth doesnt make sense to me at all. Talks about spirituality to the extent that makes believers wonder if they are believers indeed (on a more serious note, without any effective meaning, atleast to me). Burnt his hand trying to venture into politics. Made 2 mega excuses for a movie (Valli and Baba were the ones). Says he is not interested in money/movie success but inner peace(yes, he said that a few days back) . KamalHaasan talks the talks and walks the walk (ok..ok, atleast he's frank and lives for himself, not trying to put on an image for society). Did rajinikanth correctly understand/analyze the mass thinking and come up with stuff that they liked..I dont think so ( Well, if he did that indeed that well, I would just think he's really clever, thats all. Too many ppl credit rajini with doing that, although i think its being overdone). Ok, I guess I am a little confused for my own comfort here..Maybe, you see the point am trying to make already. Most of the mega stars seem to ppl who though clever, seem to be living for the society. Most whipping boys seem to living their own life. Living your own life and being a mega-star seems to be a no-no for the masses.
Currently listening: Pudhu Vellai Mazhai (Roja)
Kamal Haasan, Kobe Bryant, Sourav Ganguly, Brian Lara, Shoaib Akthar.
They all have 2 things in common.. They are some of my favorite stars.
Another common thread - all whipping boys !
But I hope I just dont always like stars because they are outcasts( well, sorta..). Sometimes, I hate the notion 'the people know best', used mainly, to explain box office success, that can be applied to this superstar scenario as well I guess. Well, I dont first believe in that notion I stated before.
People have made a supermegagigastar out of Rajinikanth and just another actor out of Kamal Haasan. Well, Rajinikanth doesnt make sense to me at all. Talks about spirituality to the extent that makes believers wonder if they are believers indeed (on a more serious note, without any effective meaning, atleast to me). Burnt his hand trying to venture into politics. Made 2 mega excuses for a movie (Valli and Baba were the ones). Says he is not interested in money/movie success but inner peace(yes, he said that a few days back) . KamalHaasan talks the talks and walks the walk (ok..ok, atleast he's frank and lives for himself, not trying to put on an image for society). Did rajinikanth correctly understand/analyze the mass thinking and come up with stuff that they liked..I dont think so ( Well, if he did that indeed that well, I would just think he's really clever, thats all. Too many ppl credit rajini with doing that, although i think its being overdone). Ok, I guess I am a little confused for my own comfort here..Maybe, you see the point am trying to make already. Most of the mega stars seem to ppl who though clever, seem to be living for the society. Most whipping boys seem to living their own life. Living your own life and being a mega-star seems to be a no-no for the masses.
Currently listening: Pudhu Vellai Mazhai (Roja)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)