At last I managed to configure 'Gallery' software in my server.
I have uploaded the pictures of my White Water Rafting trip here.
http://www.planetvimal.com/gallery
I think it's super slow.
Iam sorry for that folks. I'll talk to the server guys and see why it's slow.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
White Water Rafting at New River , WV
WAW. What A Weekend.
What a long weekend!
This was one of the best adventurous weekends I had so far.
I went White Water Rafting in West Virginia (WV) on the New River Gorge.
It all started on Thursday when I decided to change plans from relaxing at the Nags Head beach to rafting. Saravanan, was cool with the change of plans.
I decided to book a cabin this time, as I love staying in the woods. A welcoming break from the hustle bustle city crowd.
I booked my cabin at Rifrafters Campground
This was so cheap. Only $15 per person, per night. The cabin pictured in the website is the same cabin where we stayed. More pictures in trip album.
I also reserved a trip with ACE Adventure Center.
I decided to do the Lower New River Whitewater rafting.
Saravanan drove all the way from Delaware on Friday evening and reached home around midnight. We then started the next day afternoon to Fayetteville, West Virginia. It was almost 4 hours drive from Richmond, VA.
Our Cabin in the Woods
We checked-in our cabin that evening and started out to see the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the largest arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It was just 2 miles from our cabin.
We went to the bridge, took lots of pictures. We also went hiking near the bridge. Got some super awesome pictures from the top of the mountain.
New River Gorge
New River Gorge Bridge
New River Gorge and the Bridge
Rafters
Then we drove all the way down to the river and spend some time there. The drive through the gorge was adventurous.
Then we came to our cabin and settled for the night.
The next day we got up early and went to ACE to start our adventure.
The rafting trip was 16 miles with around 30+ rapids.
2 of them were Class V rapids. The remaining 70% of them were Class IV and the rest Class III and Class II. Class VI rapids are the most dangerous, Class V following it.
Very few have survived a fall in Class VI rapids.
It’s that dangerous.
It was a full day trip. The trip started at 1030.
Our guide was a super awesome girl called Erin. She was really good and funny.
Morning we came across few Class II, III and IV rapids.
We did all rapids perfectly. There were 7 including Erin, in our raft. One Chinese guy called Peter kept falling off the raft so often. Wherever there was a chance of falling, he fell in the river.
He was very funny.
After a while there was a huge rock, besides the river. It was like 20-25 feet high. People were allowed to jump from the rock into the river. I was so nervous at first attempt. Standing at the cliff and looking down the river, I backed off.
On my next attempt, I just took a deep breath and jumped. This time I only looked down at the river after jumping. Even though I’m not a good swimmer, I had a PFD. So I did a pretty good job after I jumped into the river. I surfaced and was enjoying my swim in the river. That was amazing experience.
Then after some time, we were allowed to swim at a different place where the river was little calm. Then we banked on the river to have lunch. Lunch was some sandwich, got by ACE.
After lunch we started the second part of our journey. This segment had 2 Class V rapids and lots of Class IV rapids. We managed to get through all of them. Peter, as usual kept falling in the rapids. We also did surfing in the rapid holes.
Man , surfing was one hell of a wild adventure. Tons of water pouring over us and the raft and the raft tossing and turning in all directions, sometimes about to flip-over, WOW, white water rafting kicks ass dude.
Even though the surf lasts only few seconds, those few seconds can be very wild. Trust me.
Then it was like almost 6 in the evening. Our adventurous white water rafting came to an end. We all deflated the raft and boarded the bus to base camp. It was so good to taste some refreshing beer on the bus.
Then later at the base camp, we went to the bar with Erin. I bought her a drink and was hanging out for a while in the bar. It was lot of fun. Erin was very funny and very excited, even though she had done this so many times. Then after a long day I called it a night and drove back to the cabin for some good sleep.
The next day we got up and packed our stuff and started our journey back to Richmond.
Overall, it was a wild adventurous weekend. Lots of fun.
Gonna do it again
What a long weekend!
This was one of the best adventurous weekends I had so far.
I went White Water Rafting in West Virginia (WV) on the New River Gorge.
It all started on Thursday when I decided to change plans from relaxing at the Nags Head beach to rafting. Saravanan, was cool with the change of plans.
I decided to book a cabin this time, as I love staying in the woods. A welcoming break from the hustle bustle city crowd.
I booked my cabin at Rifrafters Campground
This was so cheap. Only $15 per person, per night. The cabin pictured in the website is the same cabin where we stayed. More pictures in trip album.
I also reserved a trip with ACE Adventure Center.
I decided to do the Lower New River Whitewater rafting.
Saravanan drove all the way from Delaware on Friday evening and reached home around midnight. We then started the next day afternoon to Fayetteville, West Virginia. It was almost 4 hours drive from Richmond, VA.
Our Cabin in the Woods
We checked-in our cabin that evening and started out to see the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the largest arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It was just 2 miles from our cabin.
We went to the bridge, took lots of pictures. We also went hiking near the bridge. Got some super awesome pictures from the top of the mountain.
New River Gorge
New River Gorge Bridge
New River Gorge and the Bridge
Rafters
Then we drove all the way down to the river and spend some time there. The drive through the gorge was adventurous.
Then we came to our cabin and settled for the night.
The next day we got up early and went to ACE to start our adventure.
The rafting trip was 16 miles with around 30+ rapids.
2 of them were Class V rapids. The remaining 70% of them were Class IV and the rest Class III and Class II. Class VI rapids are the most dangerous, Class V following it.
Very few have survived a fall in Class VI rapids.
It’s that dangerous.
It was a full day trip. The trip started at 1030.
Our guide was a super awesome girl called Erin. She was really good and funny.
Morning we came across few Class II, III and IV rapids.
We did all rapids perfectly. There were 7 including Erin, in our raft. One Chinese guy called Peter kept falling off the raft so often. Wherever there was a chance of falling, he fell in the river.
He was very funny.
After a while there was a huge rock, besides the river. It was like 20-25 feet high. People were allowed to jump from the rock into the river. I was so nervous at first attempt. Standing at the cliff and looking down the river, I backed off.
On my next attempt, I just took a deep breath and jumped. This time I only looked down at the river after jumping. Even though I’m not a good swimmer, I had a PFD. So I did a pretty good job after I jumped into the river. I surfaced and was enjoying my swim in the river. That was amazing experience.
Then after some time, we were allowed to swim at a different place where the river was little calm. Then we banked on the river to have lunch. Lunch was some sandwich, got by ACE.
After lunch we started the second part of our journey. This segment had 2 Class V rapids and lots of Class IV rapids. We managed to get through all of them. Peter, as usual kept falling in the rapids. We also did surfing in the rapid holes.
Man , surfing was one hell of a wild adventure. Tons of water pouring over us and the raft and the raft tossing and turning in all directions, sometimes about to flip-over, WOW, white water rafting kicks ass dude.
Even though the surf lasts only few seconds, those few seconds can be very wild. Trust me.
Then it was like almost 6 in the evening. Our adventurous white water rafting came to an end. We all deflated the raft and boarded the bus to base camp. It was so good to taste some refreshing beer on the bus.
Then later at the base camp, we went to the bar with Erin. I bought her a drink and was hanging out for a while in the bar. It was lot of fun. Erin was very funny and very excited, even though she had done this so many times. Then after a long day I called it a night and drove back to the cabin for some good sleep.
The next day we got up and packed our stuff and started our journey back to Richmond.
Overall, it was a wild adventurous weekend. Lots of fun.
Gonna do it again
Friday, July 01, 2005
Men are promiscuous - Yana Gupta
Yana Gupta on men, movies and more...
Happy To Be An Item Bomb : I enjoy the item girl tag and am not hankering after full-fledged roles. In fact in place of doing roles like that of Madhuri's in 'Devdas' or Rani Mukherji's in 'Black' I would prefer doing the roles of smart, tough women like Jennifer Garner in 'Alien' and Angelina Jolie in 'Tomb Raider'.
If You Have Seen One, You Have Seen 'Em All : There is one word which describes all men - promiscuous. All they care about is looks. I see so many of them going out with beautiful women who are shallow and driven by self interest. Well, to each his own.
At Home In India : I have travelled all over the world but feel at home only in India. You cannot compare India with any other country in the world.
http://people.indiatimes.com/tabloid/1157513.cms
Thursday, June 30, 2005
For all those non-stick cookware lovers...
The Environmental Protection Agency is taking a cautious approach to a scientific panel's conclusion that a chemical used by DuPont Co. to make the nonstick substance Teflon is a likely human carcinogen.
CNN Article
My earlier blog
CNN Article
My earlier blog
A slap in the face of Hurriyat
"I admire your talk on the essence of universal human values, but this is not what is needed in Kashmir. You please tell India to remove its 10 lakh security forces and peace in real sense will return to the lives of the people in Kashmir."
--Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani
"Now the people and nations need more of interdependence rather than independence to live peacefully."
--Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/jun/30sri.htm
War of the Worlds
Last night I went to the movie 'War of the Worlds' . The movie was based on the original works of the great H.G. Wells (1898). This was like 107 years ago. WAW.
I have the seen the older version of the same movie, 'The War of the Worlds (1953)' .
Spielberg's version actually doesn't revolve around the aliens. This movie actually revolves around Tom Cruise, a 'not so successful in married life' guy, and a father of 2 kids. The story is actually about how such a father tries to protect his kids, amidst a situation where aliens go on a total annihilation spree.
The best scene of the movie was the probe of the alien craft , snooping in the basement of a house. That scene was thrilling, in fact it was thrilling in the old version too. In my opinion ,that scene is the highlight of the movie.
I like the way, the movie ended. I am not going to reveal that as it will be the ultimate spoiler :-)
But the way the movie started and ended, it was excellent.
I have the seen the older version of the same movie, 'The War of the Worlds (1953)' .
Spielberg's version actually doesn't revolve around the aliens. This movie actually revolves around Tom Cruise, a 'not so successful in married life' guy, and a father of 2 kids. The story is actually about how such a father tries to protect his kids, amidst a situation where aliens go on a total annihilation spree.
The best scene of the movie was the probe of the alien craft , snooping in the basement of a house. That scene was thrilling, in fact it was thrilling in the old version too. In my opinion ,that scene is the highlight of the movie.
I like the way, the movie ended. I am not going to reveal that as it will be the ultimate spoiler :-)
But the way the movie started and ended, it was excellent.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Whew.
This weekend turned out to be a damn expensive weekend. It pretty much fucked up my bank balance.
It all started with me deciding to buy a DVD Recorder. So many good programs airs late night and I was missing most of them. Most of the programs are super awesome programs like South Park, Reno 911, Crank Yankers and the likes.
My uncle got a Panasonic DVD Recorder and inspired me to get one too. But I wanted to buy a DVD Recorder with a Hard Disk. Without a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), the maximum you can record on a DVD(4.7 GB) is 8 hours (low quality) or 1.5 hours (DVD movie quality).
I was zeroing in on a Panasonic with a HDD, but my friend Michael Morse suggested to get a Toshiba RD-XS34, with 160 GB HDD and TV Guide support.
After doing some research I found out that, that particular model was the near perfect one for my requirements. I say near perfect because, a perfect one would have also carried a VHS player with VHS to DVD dubbing feature.
But , hey it's ok...we don't live in a perfect world ;)
I also decided to re-wire my entertainment system completely.
Till today, I was using RCA composite video cables, and stereo jack cables.
For video, I would have preferred to take the component video route, but as my TV doesn't support component video, I had to settle for S-Video.
I went to circuit city and bought the following:
(1) Monster Video® 2/Interlink® 250 A/V Connection Kit (S-Video)
(2) Monster Video® 2 High Resolution S-Video Cable
(3) Monster Satellite® Fiber Optic Audio/S-Video Hookup Kit
For video, I connected the 3 S-Video cables between, the DISH Satellite Receiver and DVD Recorder, DVD Recorder and my BOSE 3-2-1 DVD Home Entertainment System & between Bose 3-2-1 and my Sharp TV.
For audio, I junked the old RCA A/V stereo cables and used the Monster Interlink 250 A/V cable between my DISH Satellite Receiver and DVD Recorder. I also replaced the RCA A/V Stereo cables connecting my DVD Recorder with BOSE 3-2-1 with Monster Interlink Lightspeed 100 Fiber Optic cable.
This completed the re-wiring of my home entertainment system.
When I turned on the systems, WAW...everything worked perfect and the quality of the video and audio was super awesome.
The whole process took me about 15 minutes.
I recorded some clippings from Sun TV to my HDD and viewed it later. The playback quality was as good as the original. No loss of quality.
When I went to circuit city, I also ended up buying 3 more DVDs for my DVD library.
I got the following DVDs.
(1) Not Another Teen Movie
(2) Once Upon a Time in the West
(3) Titanic
Even though this whole operation was a successful one, it cost me a lot.
When HDTV(High-Definition Television) and BD(Blu-Ray Disk) comes out sometime next year, I may have to get ready to re-wire everything. I better start saving some money.
This weekend turned out to be a damn expensive weekend. It pretty much fucked up my bank balance.
It all started with me deciding to buy a DVD Recorder. So many good programs airs late night and I was missing most of them. Most of the programs are super awesome programs like South Park, Reno 911, Crank Yankers and the likes.
My uncle got a Panasonic DVD Recorder and inspired me to get one too. But I wanted to buy a DVD Recorder with a Hard Disk. Without a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), the maximum you can record on a DVD(4.7 GB) is 8 hours (low quality) or 1.5 hours (DVD movie quality).
I was zeroing in on a Panasonic with a HDD, but my friend Michael Morse suggested to get a Toshiba RD-XS34, with 160 GB HDD and TV Guide support.
After doing some research I found out that, that particular model was the near perfect one for my requirements. I say near perfect because, a perfect one would have also carried a VHS player with VHS to DVD dubbing feature.
But , hey it's ok...we don't live in a perfect world ;)
I also decided to re-wire my entertainment system completely.
Till today, I was using RCA composite video cables, and stereo jack cables.
For video, I would have preferred to take the component video route, but as my TV doesn't support component video, I had to settle for S-Video.
I went to circuit city and bought the following:
(1) Monster Video® 2/Interlink® 250 A/V Connection Kit (S-Video)
(2) Monster Video® 2 High Resolution S-Video Cable
(3) Monster Satellite® Fiber Optic Audio/S-Video Hookup Kit
For video, I connected the 3 S-Video cables between, the DISH Satellite Receiver and DVD Recorder, DVD Recorder and my BOSE 3-2-1 DVD Home Entertainment System & between Bose 3-2-1 and my Sharp TV.
For audio, I junked the old RCA A/V stereo cables and used the Monster Interlink 250 A/V cable between my DISH Satellite Receiver and DVD Recorder. I also replaced the RCA A/V Stereo cables connecting my DVD Recorder with BOSE 3-2-1 with Monster Interlink Lightspeed 100 Fiber Optic cable.
This completed the re-wiring of my home entertainment system.
When I turned on the systems, WAW...everything worked perfect and the quality of the video and audio was super awesome.
The whole process took me about 15 minutes.
I recorded some clippings from Sun TV to my HDD and viewed it later. The playback quality was as good as the original. No loss of quality.
When I went to circuit city, I also ended up buying 3 more DVDs for my DVD library.
I got the following DVDs.
(1) Not Another Teen Movie
(2) Once Upon a Time in the West
(3) Titanic
Even though this whole operation was a successful one, it cost me a lot.
When HDTV(High-Definition Television) and BD(Blu-Ray Disk) comes out sometime next year, I may have to get ready to re-wire everything. I better start saving some money.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Today evening I decided to just watch a movie and relax. I went to 'Batman Begins'
This movies was a real good one. This movie shows how Bruce Wayne becomes Batman.
Iam glad I saw this movie.
This movies was a real good one. This movie shows how Bruce Wayne becomes Batman.
Iam glad I saw this movie.
Is Pakistan, part of India ?
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has accused Pakistan of violating travel agreements during a recent visit to Pakistan by Kashmiri separatists.
India had issued passports to the separatist leaders but reports say they were permitted by Pakistan to travel across the country without visas or the use of their Indian passports.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4114746.stm
If the separatist leaders have Indian passport, and they traveled to Pakistan without a Pakistan visa or without the use of their Indian passports, does it not make Pakistan, part of India?
Cool. Not only Kashmir, we now have Pakistan also as part of India :-)
India had issued passports to the separatist leaders but reports say they were permitted by Pakistan to travel across the country without visas or the use of their Indian passports.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4114746.stm
If the separatist leaders have Indian passport, and they traveled to Pakistan without a Pakistan visa or without the use of their Indian passports, does it not make Pakistan, part of India?
Cool. Not only Kashmir, we now have Pakistan also as part of India :-)
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Lot of things happened this weekend. I had booked tickets for Anniyan, which was playing at Falls Church, Northern Virginia. Saravanan also drove down from Delaware to Richmond Friday night. Saturday, Saravanan, Prabakar and I drove to Falls Church to see the movie. We went like 2 hours early to get some good seats. To our surprise we found that nobody was there in the theater. So we went and had some lunch and went to the theater. We managed to get good seats. The theater became full house later and in fact some of them were sitting down reminding the 'Tharai tickets' back home. haha.
Anniyan Review (with no spoilers)
After the movie we went to Starbucks and had some coffee and drove back to Richmond the same evening.
Later ...{censored}
On Sunday, we didn't do much. We rented two movies, 'Meet the Fockers' and 'In Good Company'.
Anniyan Review (with no spoilers)
After the movie we went to Starbucks and had some coffee and drove back to Richmond the same evening.
Later ...{censored}
On Sunday, we didn't do much. We rented two movies, 'Meet the Fockers' and 'In Good Company'.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Hello Tamilnadu
Entrance Exams
It looks like Tamilnadu government has passed a new law that there will be no more entrance exams for medical and engineering. A lot of students were pissed off and have filed a case against the state government.
Interesting!
I wonder why the government passed such a law. Does anyone have any insights or insiders information?
I was watching Sun TV news and one of the students was saying...
"I did not score good marks first time so I was preparing for the entrance exams for the last 2 years and now I have a cutoff around 192 and this new law will bar me from getting admission in a good college"
If this guy did not score good marks the first time and spent 2 years preparing for entrance exams alone, is it fair that this guy is treated same as another guy who scored more or less same cutoff marks in his first attempt?
On the other hand, it is a good thing to give another chance to someone who failed in their first attempt and want to succeed.
When did life get so complicated?
It looks like Tamilnadu government has passed a new law that there will be no more entrance exams for medical and engineering. A lot of students were pissed off and have filed a case against the state government.
Interesting!
I wonder why the government passed such a law. Does anyone have any insights or insiders information?
I was watching Sun TV news and one of the students was saying...
"I did not score good marks first time so I was preparing for the entrance exams for the last 2 years and now I have a cutoff around 192 and this new law will bar me from getting admission in a good college"
If this guy did not score good marks the first time and spent 2 years preparing for entrance exams alone, is it fair that this guy is treated same as another guy who scored more or less same cutoff marks in his first attempt?
On the other hand, it is a good thing to give another chance to someone who failed in their first attempt and want to succeed.
When did life get so complicated?
This was another relaxing weekend for me. Did some groceries at Ellwood Thompson’s, a local health food store. I never do my groceries at the Wal-Mart.
Even though the idea of Wal-Mart is cool, having almost everything under one roof, I do not like their expansion strategy. Wherever a Wal-Mart opens, it becomes very tough for the local small guys running their stores. Most of them go out of business. If every place has a Wal-Mart and if we always do shop at Wal-Mart only, well it sucks. We will never get a complete taste of the local culture and tradition.
Imagine this. What if Wal-Mart opens at 10 different locations in Chennai, India and kicks, just say, Saravana stores and Nilgiris and the likes out of business?
When someone from US, visits Chennai as a tourist and if he ends up shopping at Wal-Mart, eeww, doesn’t make much sense to me.
The only good thing about Wal-Mart is that they are open 24 hours (that too I found not all locations). In case of an emergency, it’s ok to go ahead and buy there.
The only thing I do when I go to Wal-Mart is watch some super awesome ‘gummus’.
Yeah…Wal-Mart kicks ass.
Ok…coming back to my weekend…
I watched ‘Conan – The Barbarian’ on Sun TV Sunday afternoon (Tamil dubbing).
Then I did my weekly laundry.
It was 630pm. I realized that I had time to catch some movie on theater. I checked out the timings for 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. There was one show at 655pm. I booked my ticket in Fandango and took a quick shower and went to the theater. I found out that the whole computer system of Regal Cinemas was down. No ticket purchase or pickups. Then I had to stand in a long queue for a manual ticket pickup. When I got my turn the movie had already started. So I requested a ticket for ‘Madagascar’ which was about to start.
The guy said ok and we were cool. Customer service in US kicks ass.
The movie was hilarious. I enjoyed it. The graphics and animation was good too. I guess they might come up with a sequel too.
On my way back, I picked up some Fried Chicken from KFC.
Then I saw ‘Athu Mattum Ragasiyam’, a suspense thriller in Sun TV.
Even though the idea of Wal-Mart is cool, having almost everything under one roof, I do not like their expansion strategy. Wherever a Wal-Mart opens, it becomes very tough for the local small guys running their stores. Most of them go out of business. If every place has a Wal-Mart and if we always do shop at Wal-Mart only, well it sucks. We will never get a complete taste of the local culture and tradition.
Imagine this. What if Wal-Mart opens at 10 different locations in Chennai, India and kicks, just say, Saravana stores and Nilgiris and the likes out of business?
When someone from US, visits Chennai as a tourist and if he ends up shopping at Wal-Mart, eeww, doesn’t make much sense to me.
The only good thing about Wal-Mart is that they are open 24 hours (that too I found not all locations). In case of an emergency, it’s ok to go ahead and buy there.
The only thing I do when I go to Wal-Mart is watch some super awesome ‘gummus’.
Yeah…Wal-Mart kicks ass.
Ok…coming back to my weekend…
I watched ‘Conan – The Barbarian’ on Sun TV Sunday afternoon (Tamil dubbing).
Then I did my weekly laundry.
It was 630pm. I realized that I had time to catch some movie on theater. I checked out the timings for 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. There was one show at 655pm. I booked my ticket in Fandango and took a quick shower and went to the theater. I found out that the whole computer system of Regal Cinemas was down. No ticket purchase or pickups. Then I had to stand in a long queue for a manual ticket pickup. When I got my turn the movie had already started. So I requested a ticket for ‘Madagascar’ which was about to start.
The guy said ok and we were cool. Customer service in US kicks ass.
The movie was hilarious. I enjoyed it. The graphics and animation was good too. I guess they might come up with a sequel too.
On my way back, I picked up some Fried Chicken from KFC.
Then I saw ‘Athu Mattum Ragasiyam’, a suspense thriller in Sun TV.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Science and Religion - Part II
Response to the comments posted by my friend on my previous blog.
NOTE : When I say religion, I don't mean any specific religion. So in that sense, I mean spiritual. So think of religion and spirituality as same while reading.
What source and destination are you talking about?
I thought your cut and paste itself had the answer for your question.
TRUTH.
People call it by different names, Truth, God, Enlightenment.
And your question is exactly like what I had mentioned, how a pro-science only person would ask the question.
Now, you will ask what is God, or Truth or enlightenment.
In Tamil there is a saying 'Kandavar Vindilar Vindavar Kandilar'.
It means, those who have seen it has not explained it and those who have explained it has not seen it.
Now you might ask what the heck does that mean.
Let me try to explain with examples.
You go and ask a person if he loves his parents. He will say yes. Ask him how much he loves his parents and if he can prove his love towards his parents.
I don't think he will be able to tell or explain how much he loves his parents.
I don't think he will be able to prove that the love exists.
He would most likely say "I can't talk about it, you will have to experience it for yourself"
Ask a person who just went to a cemetery on a moonless night and saw a ghost like figure or a person who just survived a catastrophe, how scary it was. I don't think he would be able to explain it to you. Even if he explains , probably you won't understand. You will have to experience it yourself.
There are so many things in this world, just like that. Things that can't be said and explained. They have to be experienced.
"Are you implying religion is not in its infancy and is mature and found answers for everything?"
Yes.
The answers are always there. You just have to find it. Some people try to find it through religion some try to find it through science and some both ways.
"Oh. So looks like you have solved the classic debate between creationists and evolutionists. I think this is a fleeting statement and oversimplifying things."
Probably you did not read carefully what I said.
I said "Is that African ancestor Adam & Eve?"
I basically asked a question, did not make a statement.
Iam not asserting that mankind started only 60,000 years ago. If that is the case, Ramayana is supposed to have happened in Treta Yuga, millions of years ago. How do you fit that in here?
Iam just trying to keep my mind open, and see the truth. I don't have a narrow mind and shut down avenues.
In my opinion, one can live happy fruitful life without bothering about the WHYs, but its pretty hard to survive without knowing the HOWs.
If your car stops on highway, do you ask 'Why the heck did my car stop in the middle of highway?' or 'How the heck did my car stop in the middle of highway"
Honestly I think you will not even bother to ask how did your car stop. You will ask why it stopped and examine why it stopped and try to fix it.
Next time when something does not work in your lab, observe yourself and see what question you ask first. It will be 'Why is it not working?'
As for as I can see, science doesn't even try to answer the WHYs and religion doesn't bother with the HOWs.
When a space shuttle blows up scientists don't watch the video and see 'How the shuttle blew?'
Instead they ask "why that happened ?"
So saying that science doesn't even try to answer the WHYs is a very generic statement.Or in your words content free empty statement.
Saying that religion doesn't bother with the HOWs shows lack of understanding of the scriptures.
Bhagavad Gita for instance not only talks about the Supreme but also talks about HOW you can reach or realize the Supreme.
The Bhagavata Purana's description of the cosmology is a sophisticated system, with multiple levels of meaning that encode at least four different astronomical, geographical, and spiritual world models.Many of these were written by ancient scientists. They did not separate science and religion. It's all interconnected.
So religion talks about both WHYs and HOWs.
You are saying that "science doesn't even try to answer the WHYs "
So science doesn't have all the answers. Because it does not even try to find out the answers to some of the questions? (WHYs)
So in that sense isn't science having a narrow mind and shutting down things not trying to find out answers? So is science complete?
Religion inspires science.
Empty statement. Doesn't further any point.
Do you know how many Hollywood movies were inspired by eastern religions?
Star Wars. You definitely must have heard about that movie. One of the best science fiction movies ever made.
The concept of Force is noting but what has been described as Prana (India), Qi (Chinese) or Ki (Japanese).
Do you know how many scientific inventions were inspired by such science fiction movies?
Do you know how many researches on the activity or functioning of brain were inspired by the transcendental state or enlightened state of meditators, mostly Buddhist monks?
Dr Satwant Pasricha, additional professor at the Department of Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, has researched over two decades 500 cases of reincarnation. (BOOK : Claims of Reincarnation: An Empirical Study of Cases in India)
Reincarnation definitely came from eastern religions.
Imagine this.
What if I say "What if Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution was inspired by our own Dasavatharam" ?
Think about it.
NOTE : When I say religion, I don't mean any specific religion. So in that sense, I mean spiritual. So think of religion and spirituality as same while reading.
What source and destination are you talking about?
I thought your cut and paste itself had the answer for your question.
TRUTH.
People call it by different names, Truth, God, Enlightenment.
And your question is exactly like what I had mentioned, how a pro-science only person would ask the question.
Now, you will ask what is God, or Truth or enlightenment.
In Tamil there is a saying 'Kandavar Vindilar Vindavar Kandilar'.
It means, those who have seen it has not explained it and those who have explained it has not seen it.
Now you might ask what the heck does that mean.
Let me try to explain with examples.
You go and ask a person if he loves his parents. He will say yes. Ask him how much he loves his parents and if he can prove his love towards his parents.
I don't think he will be able to tell or explain how much he loves his parents.
I don't think he will be able to prove that the love exists.
He would most likely say "I can't talk about it, you will have to experience it for yourself"
Ask a person who just went to a cemetery on a moonless night and saw a ghost like figure or a person who just survived a catastrophe, how scary it was. I don't think he would be able to explain it to you. Even if he explains , probably you won't understand. You will have to experience it yourself.
There are so many things in this world, just like that. Things that can't be said and explained. They have to be experienced.
"Are you implying religion is not in its infancy and is mature and found answers for everything?"
Yes.
The answers are always there. You just have to find it. Some people try to find it through religion some try to find it through science and some both ways.
"Oh. So looks like you have solved the classic debate between creationists and evolutionists. I think this is a fleeting statement and oversimplifying things."
Probably you did not read carefully what I said.
I said "Is that African ancestor Adam & Eve?"
I basically asked a question, did not make a statement.
Iam not asserting that mankind started only 60,000 years ago. If that is the case, Ramayana is supposed to have happened in Treta Yuga, millions of years ago. How do you fit that in here?
Iam just trying to keep my mind open, and see the truth. I don't have a narrow mind and shut down avenues.
In my opinion, one can live happy fruitful life without bothering about the WHYs, but its pretty hard to survive without knowing the HOWs.
If your car stops on highway, do you ask 'Why the heck did my car stop in the middle of highway?' or 'How the heck did my car stop in the middle of highway"
Honestly I think you will not even bother to ask how did your car stop. You will ask why it stopped and examine why it stopped and try to fix it.
Next time when something does not work in your lab, observe yourself and see what question you ask first. It will be 'Why is it not working?'
As for as I can see, science doesn't even try to answer the WHYs and religion doesn't bother with the HOWs.
When a space shuttle blows up scientists don't watch the video and see 'How the shuttle blew?'
Instead they ask "why that happened ?"
So saying that science doesn't even try to answer the WHYs is a very generic statement.Or in your words content free empty statement.
Saying that religion doesn't bother with the HOWs shows lack of understanding of the scriptures.
Bhagavad Gita for instance not only talks about the Supreme but also talks about HOW you can reach or realize the Supreme.
The Bhagavata Purana's description of the cosmology is a sophisticated system, with multiple levels of meaning that encode at least four different astronomical, geographical, and spiritual world models.Many of these were written by ancient scientists. They did not separate science and religion. It's all interconnected.
So religion talks about both WHYs and HOWs.
You are saying that "science doesn't even try to answer the WHYs "
So science doesn't have all the answers. Because it does not even try to find out the answers to some of the questions? (WHYs)
So in that sense isn't science having a narrow mind and shutting down things not trying to find out answers? So is science complete?
Religion inspires science.
Empty statement. Doesn't further any point.
Do you know how many Hollywood movies were inspired by eastern religions?
Star Wars. You definitely must have heard about that movie. One of the best science fiction movies ever made.
The concept of Force is noting but what has been described as Prana (India), Qi (Chinese) or Ki (Japanese).
Do you know how many scientific inventions were inspired by such science fiction movies?
Do you know how many researches on the activity or functioning of brain were inspired by the transcendental state or enlightened state of meditators, mostly Buddhist monks?
Dr Satwant Pasricha, additional professor at the Department of Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, has researched over two decades 500 cases of reincarnation. (BOOK : Claims of Reincarnation: An Empirical Study of Cases in India)
Reincarnation definitely came from eastern religions.
These are just few examples.
Imagine this.
What if I say "What if Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution was inspired by our own Dasavatharam" ?
Think about it.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Science and Religion
Even today, many believe that science and religion are against each other. They argue science is based on facts and religion is based on faith and you cannot mix fact and faith...blah…blah…blah.
I feel that those people are either ignorant on this matter or lack the intuition to see the Truth.
I believe that science and religion are not against each other.
This is my take on this subject.
1. Anyone who believes that science and religion are at odds...don't know much about what they are talking. It's just a perception that they are at odds. It's not the truth.
2. Science and Religion are two different paths to the same destination. TRUTH. Religion is like..."there is a source, it's also the destination. You came from source...and these are the different ways to go back to the source (or destination)". Whereas science is like..."what is the source...is there a source...what is the destination...is there a destination...how did we come from source...how we can go to destination".
3. Religion inspires science.
4. Science is at its infancy. It makes mistakes. It corrects them. It makes mistakes again. It corrects them again. This goes on.
5. DNA studies (science) say that all humans descended from an African ancestor who lived only 60,000 years ago. Is that African ancestor Adam & Eve?(Religion). This is a classic example of my Point (2). Science and Religion tries to take humanity to same place, in different ways.
Is it science or religion that has made our lives better?
It depends.
If you are talking about the physical body, or anything to do with materialistic world, then YES, science has made our lives better.
But if you are talking about the spiritual, or anything to do with spiritualistic world, then religion has made our lives better.
Has science done anything for spirituality?
So far not much. Most of them indirect. In future this might change. The closer the two paths (science and religion) are to the source, the more they will converge.
In my opinion, we should have an open mind and not say religion is crap or science is crap.
A person should fall under only one of the 3 categories.
1. Spiritual,
2. Scientific,
3. One who believes that both are different paths to the same.
One of my friends is so pro-science. He says all things said in religion are more or less crap, as there is no proof. He asks has anyone seen God. Yet, he goes to temple & prays to God. When asked, he says not to mix faith and fact.
Holy Crap.
What in the world is that supposed to mean???
Jesus said "One can serve only one master".
I said earlier that science hasn’t done much for spirituality and that even whatever it has done has been indirect.
But looks like this is going to change soon. Or is it?
Scientology
I have been hearing this word for quite few months now.
Thanks to Tom Cruise, who has converted to Scientology and trying to talk to his super awesome fiancée Katie Holmes to adopt Scientology.
What is this Scientology? I decided to check it out myself.
After spending about half a day in their website I understood the following:
1. Scientology is a system of beliefs, teachings and rituals, originally established as a secular philosophy in 1952 by author L. Ron Hubbard, then re-characterized by him in 1953 as an "applied religious philosophy".
2. Scientology is defined as a controversial belief system developed by L. Ron Hubbard, based on a person being an immortal spiritual being whose survival depends on him/herself and his/her attainment of brotherhood with others and the universe .
3. Scientology literally means ‘knowing how to know’ .
4. It sounds more abstract initially and more like a religion for the elite few.
For more, I think it would be better for you to get it straight from the horse's mouth.
It took some time for me to comprehend what they were trying to say. But I think that’s because Iam neither intelligent nor one among the elites.
Honestly I think it is old wine in new bottle.
Scientology is nothing but the knowledge from our age old Hindu philosophies, Vedic literatures, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavada Purana, Bhavishya Purana and all such works, presented in a modern way to a modern world, applying scientific principles wherever possible.
Have a look at this: http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8057_1.html
So is Scientology the way to go?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
I don’t know as of now.
It looks promising.
But I know almost nothing about it. Have to research and understand more about it.
When I Google for Scientology I see a lot of Anti-Scientology websites too.
In my opinion, if Scientology is trying to bridge the gap between science and religion, and trying to say that both are 2 different ways to the same Truth, and if science can be applied to religious philosophies and if it makes the world a better place to live, then that’s the way to go.
That will be cool.
But if it turns out to be another evil cult…
yada yada hi dharmasya
glanir bhavati bharata
abhyutthanam adharmasya
tadatmanam srjamy aham
paritranaya sadhunam
vinasaya ca duskrtam
dharma-samsthapanarthaya
sambhavami yuge yuge
Bhagavad-gita Chapter 4, Verse 7 & 8
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Anniyan songs
I have been listening to Anniyan songs lately. Almost all the songs are super good.
Not sure which song will have Yana Gupta. Will have to watch the trailer in Sun TV carefully.
The funniest song which I like is 'Oh Sukumari'. It's a damn good teaser
Not sure which song will have Yana Gupta. Will have to watch the trailer in Sun TV carefully.
The funniest song which I like is 'Oh Sukumari'. It's a damn good teaser
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Wad di 'ell iz gowin on ?
If Advani is ‘most wanted’ in Pakistan, for involving in a conspiracy to do away the founder of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and an FIR to that effect still existed, why was Advani not arrested when he went to Pakistan?
http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/jun/07advpak8.htm
Did he praise the country's founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, because he was not arrested when he went to Pakistan or to prevent an arrest?
http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/jun/07advpak8.htm
Did he praise the country's founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, because he was not arrested when he went to Pakistan or to prevent an arrest?
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Mercury Montego girl in TV commercial
Has anyone see the recent Mercury Montego TV commercial girl?
She looks so hot and mesmerizing. Iam trying to find her name and few pictures. So far the only name that I have come across is Jill Wagner. Not sure if it's her. She is also now featuring in a second commercial, Mercury Mountaineer.
UPDATE : Yes, It's Jill Wagner.
She looks so hot and mesmerizing. Iam trying to find her name and few pictures. So far the only name that I have come across is Jill Wagner. Not sure if it's her. She is also now featuring in a second commercial, Mercury Mountaineer.
UPDATE : Yes, It's Jill Wagner.
Another Spin-Off from Vimal Incorporation. hehehe.
http://etymology-linguistics.blogspot.com/
A new blog from the labs of Vimal
http://etymology-linguistics.blogspot.com/
A new blog from the labs of Vimal
Friday, June 03, 2005
BHOPAL NEEDS YOU NOW
WAKE UP WORLD:
BHOPAL NEEDS YOU NOW!!!!!
Police beat women who asked politicians to obey Indian Supreme Court order
List of injured includes 3 year old child, with pictures http://www.bhopal.net/neend-injuries.html
Join in on the fax action: Act now and send a free fax to Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh here:
http://ga4.org/campaign/_bhopalwater
Give the politicians a real "Wake Up!" call, and ask them
a) to obey the Supreme Court's order of May 2004 http://www.bhopal.net/SC-order-May2004.html
b) to condemn the police brutality and take action against those responsible; and
c) to drop trumped up charges against peaceful demonstrators
Their home numbers are given here http://www.bhopal.net/neendudao.html, together with a useful clock showing the current time in Bhopal. Please make good use of it.
Pictures from the Neend Udao protest and the brutal repression by the police are at http://www.bhopal.net/neendpictures.html.
Background
Toxic chemicals abandoned at its factory by Union Carbide have poisoned the drinking water of 20,000 people. In May 2004 the Indian Supreme Court ordered local politicians to provide the communities with clean, safe drinking water. The politicians ignored the order.
On Tuesday 17 May, 300 people, overwhelmingly women, many with children and babies in arms, went to government offices to protest. They banged spoons on tin plates in a "Wake Up" (in Hindi "Neend Udao") protest. The politicians' response was to send in the riot police.
Pictures of police kicking and punching women and children have shocked the world. Amnesty International has expressed concern and asked the Bhopal authorities to bring those accused of violence to book.
The survivors of Bhopal have suffered enough. We need the help of every decent person whose sense of justice is as outraged as that of the women who dared to raise their voices against the politicial bullies.
/Disclaimer:/ The "Wake Up!" call is an independent Bhopal.Net initiative to support the "Neend Udao" protest. Pissed-off sleep-deprived politicians should note that the people in Bhopal have not asked us to do it. We are doing it because it seems right and proper. Bhopal.Net is a project of the UK Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, which is a member of the ICJB. If you are a politician who has been woken up by a phone call from a supporter on the far side of the world, you may complain to editor_at_bhopal dot net.
*
_______________________________________________
Bhopal mailing list
Bhopal@aidindia.org
http://lists.aidindia.org/mailman/listinfo/bhopal
BHOPAL NEEDS YOU NOW!!!!!
Police beat women who asked politicians to obey Indian Supreme Court order
List of injured includes 3 year old child, with pictures http://www.bhopal.net/neend-injuries.html
Join in on the fax action: Act now and send a free fax to Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh here:
http://ga4.org/campaign/_bhopalwater
Give the politicians a real "Wake Up!" call, and ask them
a) to obey the Supreme Court's order of May 2004 http://www.bhopal.net/SC-order-May2004.html
b) to condemn the police brutality and take action against those responsible; and
c) to drop trumped up charges against peaceful demonstrators
Their home numbers are given here http://www.bhopal.net/neendudao.html, together with a useful clock showing the current time in Bhopal. Please make good use of it.
Pictures from the Neend Udao protest and the brutal repression by the police are at http://www.bhopal.net/neendpictures.html.
Background
Toxic chemicals abandoned at its factory by Union Carbide have poisoned the drinking water of 20,000 people. In May 2004 the Indian Supreme Court ordered local politicians to provide the communities with clean, safe drinking water. The politicians ignored the order.
On Tuesday 17 May, 300 people, overwhelmingly women, many with children and babies in arms, went to government offices to protest. They banged spoons on tin plates in a "Wake Up" (in Hindi "Neend Udao") protest. The politicians' response was to send in the riot police.
Pictures of police kicking and punching women and children have shocked the world. Amnesty International has expressed concern and asked the Bhopal authorities to bring those accused of violence to book
The survivors of Bhopal have suffered enough. We need the help of every decent person whose sense of justice is as outraged as that of the women who dared to raise their voices against the politicial bullies.
/Disclaimer:/ The "Wake Up!" call is an independent Bhopal.Net initiative to support the "Neend Udao" protest. Pissed-off sleep-deprived politicians should note that the people in Bhopal have not asked us to do it. We are doing it because it seems right and proper. Bhopal.Net is a project of the UK Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, which is a member of the ICJB. If you are a politician who has been woken up by a phone call from a supporter on the far side of the world, you may complain to editor_at_bhopal dot net.
*
_______________________________________________
Bhopal mailing list
Bhopal@aidindia.org
http://lists.aidindia.org/mailman/listinfo/bhopal
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Anniyan - Shankar, Vikram, Yana Gupta, Sada
My friend Vijay, who is also my class/lab mate during my college days, came to Richmond last week, to visit Virginia Beach. The first day when he came to my home, he wanted to see Sun TV. So we switched on Sun and we saw the trailer of Shankar/Viram’s ‘Anniyan’. We both were really excited about this movie. We had lots of expectations.
After seeing the trailer, we both were like “What the heck was that???”
Yeah, we saw some scenes in the trailer, which were like…”Whaaaaaat!!!”
Vikram was doing some unbelievable ‘Matrix’ kinda stuff.
Hmm. Hope the movie turns out to be a good one and not a blooper.
Going by the title and stills, I think it looks like Vikram is acting in dual role or he is a split personality (Batman, Spiderman, Superman). An innocent guy and a ‘Robin Hood’ kind guy.
But didn’t Shankar already do a movie like that with Arjun. Remember Gentleman?
"HE WHO COMES FROM HELL
IS NOT AFRAID OF HOT ASHES"
Looks like the movie will be kinda violent
with lots of 
Whatever...Yana Gupta is there
Iam seeing 'The Yana Gupta'. Oops... sorry, the movie.
Photo courtesy : IndiaGlitz
After seeing the trailer, we both were like “What the heck was that???”
Yeah, we saw some scenes in the trailer, which were like…”Whaaaaaat!!!”
Vikram was doing some unbelievable ‘Matrix’ kinda stuff.
Hmm. Hope the movie turns out to be a good one and not a blooper.
Going by the title and stills, I think it looks like Vikram is acting in dual role or he is a split personality (Batman, Spiderman, Superman). An innocent guy and a ‘Robin Hood’ kind guy.
But didn’t Shankar already do a movie like that with Arjun. Remember Gentleman?
"HE WHO COMES FROM HELL
IS NOT AFRAID OF HOT ASHES"
Looks like the movie will be kinda violent
with lots of Whatever...Yana Gupta is there
Iam seeing 'The Yana Gupta'. Oops... sorry, the movie.
Photo courtesy : IndiaGlitz
Is this only me or...
Is this only me or...
I think Vijay's younger brother Vikranth (Karka Kasadara) looks like a hybrid of Vijay and Ajith.
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Virginia Beach Trip Memorial Day Weekend
What happens in Virginia Beach, stays in Virginia beach.
hehe. Borrowed it from Las Vegas.
Maybe I should come up with something original, for Virginia Beach.
Something like...
"What happened in Virginia Beach is none of your business"
hehe. Borrowed it from Las Vegas.
Maybe I should come up with something original, for Virginia Beach.
Something like...
"What happened in Virginia Beach is none of your business"
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Holy Moly
(Photo courtesy : TimesofIndia.com)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1122438.cms
Disclaimer : Iam not responsible if you are totally pissed off when you open the above link and have no pop-up blocker in your browser.
Miss Universe 2005
Ok...
This is what I think...
Chances of Amrita winning Miss Universe 2005 : 50%
Chances of Evangelia winning Miss Universe 2005 : 50%
Chances of Amrita & Evangelia finishing top 3 in Miss Universe 2005 : 100%
Miss Greece Evangelia Aravani
Miss India Amrita Thapar
This is what I think...
Chances of Amrita winning Miss Universe 2005 : 50%
Chances of Evangelia winning Miss Universe 2005 : 50%
Chances of Amrita & Evangelia finishing top 3 in Miss Universe 2005 : 100%
Miss Greece Evangelia Aravani
Miss India Amrita Thapar
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
BMW ranked 3rd best car
J.D. Power and Associates ranked BMW 3rd , behind Lexus and Jaguar, in its IQS.
http://www.jdpower.com/pdf/2005069.pdf
http://www.jdpower.com/pdf/2005069.pdf
Kidnap to marry
Want to marry a girl?
But don’t have one!
Like a girl and want to marry her?
Well…kidnap her and marry her.
Whaaaaaaaaaat ???
Bride kidnapping is common here. In fact it’s part of their ancient tradition.
Where the heck is this place?
Here.
But don’t have one!
Like a girl and want to marry her?
Well…kidnap her and marry her.
Whaaaaaaaaaat ???
Bride kidnapping is common here. In fact it’s part of their ancient tradition.
Where the heck is this place?
Here.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
lest we forget !
Veerappan (Oct, 2004)... Kanchi Seer Sankaracharya (Nov, 2004)...
Yeah...What the heck !
We haven't even solved Coimbatore Bomb Blast (Feb, 1998).
Yeah...What the heck !
We haven't even solved Coimbatore Bomb Blast (Feb, 1998).
Monday, May 23, 2005
Whew!
One more weekend just passed.
Is time really running fast universally or is it just me !!!
I managed to watch ‘Star Wars Episode III –Revenge of the Sith’ on first day of release.
Waw. What a crowd in the theater. !
I went an hour early and was like behind 300 people in the queue. Some people were sitting in the queue and having supper.
As usual I did something unique to me. Stupid.
Yeah. I booked the tickets in Fandango a week early, and when I went to the theater I saw this long queue and went and stood in the line. Then after 30 minutes I realized all these guys had the tickets in the hand, and I am yet to pick my ticket from the ticket machine inside the theater. Then I realized these other guys had either purchased the tickets directly or picked the tickets from the ticket machine inside the theater. Then I went inside the theater and picked the tickets, and had to go all the way back in the queue.
Damn the first come first serve policy.
I wish it was like in India, where you have seat numbering system, and your ticket has the seat number in it. The earlier you buy the ticket the better seats you can get.
Anyway.
Since doing stupid things is not new to me, no big deal. :)
About the movie …well…George Lucas is a genius.
Rest of my weekend was very busy, cleaning my apartment. Few of my friends are coming down for long weekend and we are planning to go to Virginia Beach. I booked a hotel there for 2 nights. I hope the weather stays good so that we can have lots of outdoorsy fun. Let’s pray to God and hope no Tsunami comes.
One more weekend just passed.
Is time really running fast universally or is it just me !!!
I managed to watch ‘Star Wars Episode III –Revenge of the Sith’ on first day of release.
Waw. What a crowd in the theater. !
I went an hour early and was like behind 300 people in the queue. Some people were sitting in the queue and having supper.
As usual I did something unique to me. Stupid.
Yeah. I booked the tickets in Fandango a week early, and when I went to the theater I saw this long queue and went and stood in the line. Then after 30 minutes I realized all these guys had the tickets in the hand, and I am yet to pick my ticket from the ticket machine inside the theater. Then I realized these other guys had either purchased the tickets directly or picked the tickets from the ticket machine inside the theater. Then I went inside the theater and picked the tickets, and had to go all the way back in the queue.
Damn the first come first serve policy.
I wish it was like in India, where you have seat numbering system, and your ticket has the seat number in it. The earlier you buy the ticket the better seats you can get.
Anyway.
Since doing stupid things is not new to me, no big deal. :)
About the movie …well…George Lucas is a genius.
Rest of my weekend was very busy, cleaning my apartment. Few of my friends are coming down for long weekend and we are planning to go to Virginia Beach. I booked a hotel there for 2 nights. I hope the weather stays good so that we can have lots of outdoorsy fun. Let’s pray to God and hope no Tsunami comes.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Interesting changes in cricket rules
http://cricket.indiatimes.com/quickies/1115543.cms
The proposed changes particularly pertain to fielding restrictions and the use of substitutes.
Also read this.
http://vimaln.blogspot.com/2005/02/icc-proposes-changes-in-odi-format.html
The proposed changes particularly pertain to fielding restrictions and the use of substitutes.
Also read this.
http://vimaln.blogspot.com/2005/02/icc-proposes-changes-in-odi-format.html
Monday, May 16, 2005
Yet another day
I made chapati's tonight for dinner. Looks like I pretty much mastered the art of making good chapati. YAY! It came out soft and very good. Of course I did customize and added a secret ingredient to it, the idea which I borrowed from one Indian restaurant here.
I saw a new comedy serial in Sun TV called 'Alli Raajiyam'. This was the first episode. It was pretty hilarious, I thought. Now I know how to waste another 30 minutes every Monday :)
During the commercial break I saw this commercial in Sun TV for Saravana Selvarathnam Textiles. I was wondering who the beautiful model was, dancing with few other bunch of girls. She looked very pretty and cute.
If someone can tell me who it is...well..all I can say is...
"May the Force be with you"
I saw a new comedy serial in Sun TV called 'Alli Raajiyam'. This was the first episode. It was pretty hilarious, I thought. Now I know how to waste another 30 minutes every Monday :)
During the commercial break I saw this commercial in Sun TV for Saravana Selvarathnam Textiles. I was wondering who the beautiful model was, dancing with few other bunch of girls. She looked very pretty and cute.
If someone can tell me who it is...well..all I can say is...
"May the Force be with you"
First imageries of India's CARTOSAT-1
http://isro.org/pressrelease/May13_2005.htm
India's space research organization, ISRO, released the first imageries of the indigeniously built and launched satellite CARTOSAT-1. The digital terrain model is super awesome.
India's space research organization, ISRO, released the first imageries of the indigeniously built and launched satellite CARTOSAT-1. The digital terrain model is super awesome.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
This weekend was a bit relaxing. I finished watching 'Star Wars Episode II - Attack of the Clones'. Now Iam all set to watch the final episode, 'Star Wars Episode III -Revenge of the Sith'.I will have to book my tickets in advance as it will be tough to get one on first day. Iam all excited about it.
I also have started to read a book 'The Genesis Race: Our Extraterrestrial DNA and the True Origins of the Species'.
The book is an introspection on the fact that for millennia the development of humanity showed a consistent pattern. But, then suddenly, around 5000 b.c., great civilizations sprang up around the globe. Men turned from animal hunters to agriculturalists, for food. The book says that Creation myths of these civilizations tell of gods who came to Earth, teaching the arts of civilized life.
I guess I have finished 3 chapters. So far it has been interesting. I wouldn't say it is an excellent book. But nevertheless, I always manage to learn something even out of nothing. So I guess, I will pick some interesting things from here too, even if the book turns out to be a disappointment.
I just finished watching the suspense thriller 'Athu Mattum Ragasiyam' in Sun TV. I usually don't watch Sun TV serials as they are mostly soap operas, always some woman sitting and crying in the corner of a room. But this is a suspense thriller and it has been very interesting so far. The story is about some mysterious events unfolding in a village called 'Pannak Kaadu'. I remember the days when I used to watch another suspense thriller, 'Vidaathu Karuppu', also village based. That was a good one. I hope this one will keep me thrilled.
I also have started to read a book 'The Genesis Race: Our Extraterrestrial DNA and the True Origins of the Species'.
The book is an introspection on the fact that for millennia the development of humanity showed a consistent pattern. But, then suddenly, around 5000 b.c., great civilizations sprang up around the globe. Men turned from animal hunters to agriculturalists, for food. The book says that Creation myths of these civilizations tell of gods who came to Earth, teaching the arts of civilized life.
I guess I have finished 3 chapters. So far it has been interesting. I wouldn't say it is an excellent book. But nevertheless, I always manage to learn something even out of nothing. So I guess, I will pick some interesting things from here too, even if the book turns out to be a disappointment.
I just finished watching the suspense thriller 'Athu Mattum Ragasiyam' in Sun TV. I usually don't watch Sun TV serials as they are mostly soap operas, always some woman sitting and crying in the corner of a room. But this is a suspense thriller and it has been very interesting so far. The story is about some mysterious events unfolding in a village called 'Pannak Kaadu'. I remember the days when I used to watch another suspense thriller, 'Vidaathu Karuppu', also village based. That was a good one. I hope this one will keep me thrilled.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Pentagon to list bases targeted for closing
The United States government spent around US$300 billion in 2 years on Iraq.
Now in order to save a mere $50 billion in a period of over 20 years, they are planning to close down military bases inside the country.
hmmm.
I do not understand the logic at all. I thought Department of Defense ought to be spending more on defense than offense.
Also, how many jobs are going to be lost!
huh. I wish there were other ways to save money
CNN
Now in order to save a mere $50 billion in a period of over 20 years, they are planning to close down military bases inside the country.
hmmm.
I do not understand the logic at all. I thought Department of Defense ought to be spending more on defense than offense.
Also, how many jobs are going to be lost!
huh. I wish there were other ways to save money
CNN
Thursday, May 12, 2005
May the Force be with you!
I watched 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace' last night. The more I see 'Star Wars', the more I realize how much the concept of the movie has derived from ancient Indian scriptures.
'May the Force be with you!'
In my opinion The Force, is nothing but what ancient Hindu scriptures call as 'Prana' , or energy.
(Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back) The Jedi, Obi Wan Kenobi teaches Luke about The Force:
Ben: "The force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things it surrounds us and binds the galaxy together."
The Dark Side of The Force - This may be interpreted as 'Maya', or 'The Illusion' as described in ancient Indian scriptures. This ‘Maya’ is the barrier between the Truth and the people. The barrier stopping the people from realizing their true nature.
There are so many other scenes & dialogues where you can draw a parallel between them and ancient Hindu scriptures.
I hope that you all may be aware that the concept of the movie 'The Matrix' was derived from ancient Indian scriptures, particularly Upanishads.
'asato ma sad gamaya,
tamaso ma jyotir gamaya,
mrityor ma amritam gamaya'
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28)
Translates to ...
'From the unreal, lead me to the real
From darkness, lead me to the light
From death, lead me to immortality'
Matrix is nothing but, what ancient Hindu scriptures describe as 'Maya' or 'Illusion'.
So in my opinion, Hollywood has taken the noble work of helping people realize the Truth, by having subtle messages in movies.
'May the Force be with you!'
In my opinion The Force, is nothing but what ancient Hindu scriptures call as 'Prana' , or energy.
(Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back) The Jedi, Obi Wan Kenobi teaches Luke about The Force:
Ben: "The force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things it surrounds us and binds the galaxy together."
The Dark Side of The Force - This may be interpreted as 'Maya', or 'The Illusion' as described in ancient Indian scriptures. This ‘Maya’ is the barrier between the Truth and the people. The barrier stopping the people from realizing their true nature.
There are so many other scenes & dialogues where you can draw a parallel between them and ancient Hindu scriptures.
I hope that you all may be aware that the concept of the movie 'The Matrix' was derived from ancient Indian scriptures, particularly Upanishads.
'asato ma sad gamaya,
tamaso ma jyotir gamaya,
mrityor ma amritam gamaya'
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28)
Translates to ...
'From the unreal, lead me to the real
From darkness, lead me to the light
From death, lead me to immortality'
Matrix is nothing but, what ancient Hindu scriptures describe as 'Maya' or 'Illusion'.
So in my opinion, Hollywood has taken the noble work of helping people realize the Truth, by having subtle messages in movies.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Globalization: Good or Bad – A cultural perspective
All the time when you come across a debate on globalization, you might have noticed that it’s almost always on the financial perspective - How small businesses go belly-up, how ‘wal-mart’ization kills many small industries etc.
I had this interesting thought, today morning.
How globalization impacts the culture and tradition.
Recently a friend of mine requested me to take a visiting gentleman, who was on a business trip to Richmond, on a sight-seeing tour of Richmond. He was from New Delhi.
During one of our conversations I was asking him about New Delhi and the life style there. He mentioned that there was not much difference between New Delhi and Richmond. He said New Delhi had almost everything that Richmond has. McDonalds, Pizza Huts, Burger Kings, Starbucks, dance floors etc. He added that he did not feel any difference being in Richmond, as compared to New Delhi.
Welcome to globalization!
No difference between New Delhi and a US city!
Is that a good sign or not?
Coming from India, I can say that the road side or beach side ‘Idli-Dosa centers’, or the ‘Pani puri-Bhel puri carts’ are unique to India. I guess, I can include the ‘Dhabas’ and ‘Bakeries’ and ‘Tea kadai (shops)’ too.
With McDonalds, and Starbucks and Walmarts entering India, what will it be like, just say, in 10 years?
Imagine, the fast food chains, McDonalds and Burger Kings offering ‘Pani puri’ and ‘Bhel puri’ in their menu.
Imagine, the pizza chains, Pizza Huts and Dominos offering ‘Idlis’ and ‘Dosas’ in their menu.
Imagine, walmart selling anything from ‘paper plates’ to ‘plasma TVs’.
Imagine, Starbucks replacing ‘Bakeries’ and ‘Tea kadai’.
Imagine, JC Pennys and Hechts replacing our apparel stores.
Of course, we all know the financial impact of this on the families running the business.
But what about the cultural aspects?
We will not be having our traditional ‘Dhabas’ and ‘Idli-Dosa centers’ and the likes!
If Indian cities offer the same as in US, what makes us unique?
How many tourists will want to visit India?
Will our next generation will even remember, that once upon a time, we had ‘Dhabas’ and ‘Pani puri - Bhel puri carts’?
Are we losing our identity in the name of Westernization and Globalization?
I had this interesting thought, today morning.
How globalization impacts the culture and tradition.
Recently a friend of mine requested me to take a visiting gentleman, who was on a business trip to Richmond, on a sight-seeing tour of Richmond. He was from New Delhi.
During one of our conversations I was asking him about New Delhi and the life style there. He mentioned that there was not much difference between New Delhi and Richmond. He said New Delhi had almost everything that Richmond has. McDonalds, Pizza Huts, Burger Kings, Starbucks, dance floors etc. He added that he did not feel any difference being in Richmond, as compared to New Delhi.
Welcome to globalization!
No difference between New Delhi and a US city!
Is that a good sign or not?
Coming from India, I can say that the road side or beach side ‘Idli-Dosa centers’, or the ‘Pani puri-Bhel puri carts’ are unique to India. I guess, I can include the ‘Dhabas’ and ‘Bakeries’ and ‘Tea kadai (shops)’ too.
With McDonalds, and Starbucks and Walmarts entering India, what will it be like, just say, in 10 years?
Imagine, the fast food chains, McDonalds and Burger Kings offering ‘Pani puri’ and ‘Bhel puri’ in their menu.
Imagine, the pizza chains, Pizza Huts and Dominos offering ‘Idlis’ and ‘Dosas’ in their menu.
Imagine, walmart selling anything from ‘paper plates’ to ‘plasma TVs’.
Imagine, Starbucks replacing ‘Bakeries’ and ‘Tea kadai’.
Imagine, JC Pennys and Hechts replacing our apparel stores.
Of course, we all know the financial impact of this on the families running the business.
But what about the cultural aspects?
We will not be having our traditional ‘Dhabas’ and ‘Idli-Dosa centers’ and the likes!
If Indian cities offer the same as in US, what makes us unique?
How many tourists will want to visit India?
Will our next generation will even remember, that once upon a time, we had ‘Dhabas’ and ‘Pani puri - Bhel puri carts’?
Are we losing our identity in the name of Westernization and Globalization?
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Critical flaws found in Firefox
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4532127.stm
"The Mozilla Foundation has said it is "working aggressively" to fix two flaws in its open source Firefox browser.
Mozilla has responded by changing its update service and says people should temporarily turn off JavaScript code. "
What the heck?
hmmm...Iam wondering what the anti-IE and pro-Firefox guys would say now !
"The Mozilla Foundation has said it is "working aggressively" to fix two flaws in its open source Firefox browser.
Mozilla has responded by changing its update service and says people should temporarily turn off JavaScript code. "
What the heck?
hmmm...Iam wondering what the anti-IE and pro-Firefox guys would say now !
A good friend of mine, Jennifer Rajesh, started her own blog.
http://rajeshvar.blogspot.com/
Unlike my blog, which is full of useless & nonsense information, I believe this blog will be quite useful.
She & her husband Rajesh, who is also a friend of mine and a formula 1 freak like me, is the one whom I visited in Milan, Italy. When I asked what she wanted from US, she was so funny , she said 'Idly rice'.
So like in Tamil movies, where when families from village visit their family in cities, used to take rice and vegetables, I took rice from US. That was so funny.
http://rajeshvar.blogspot.com/
Unlike my blog, which is full of useless & nonsense information, I believe this blog will be quite useful.
She & her husband Rajesh, who is also a friend of mine and a formula 1 freak like me, is the one whom I visited in Milan, Italy. When I asked what she wanted from US, she was so funny , she said 'Idly rice'.
So like in Tamil movies, where when families from village visit their family in cities, used to take rice and vegetables, I took rice from US. That was so funny.
Monday, May 09, 2005
YAY
I finished Dan Brown's 'Digital Fortress'. This completes Phase I of my novel reading project :)
Yes, conquering all 4 Dan Brown's novels, until the next one comes out, I can relax a little bit.
Also, May 19 is the DATE.
Star Wars , final episode, 'Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith' is in theaters May 19.
Just as a warm up for that, I saw Star Wars Episodes, IV, V & VI over the weekend.
These are digitally mastered DVDs. They were awesome. George Lucas is a Genius.
I need to see the other 2 episodes, Star Wars Episodes I & II before the final one comes out.
I also saw 2 other movies over the weekend.
'Kingdom of Heaven' as usually was First Day show. Man, seeing movies on the first day is a unique experience. The movie was a very good one. It was fair in the sense that it did not show the Christians as the good guys and Muslims as bad guys. Instead, the screenplay was fair and balanced.
The other movie that I saw was 'King Arthur' . This was another good movie, not as good as 'Kingdom of Heaven', but was good. I liked it. Also, it had one of my favorite actress Keira Knightley.
She was very funny when she told in an interview that in order to be fit for this action movie, she had such a strict diet regime and she worked out so much, that her breast just disappeared. hahaha. If you see this picture, you will know what Iam talking about. Don worry folks, this is not a nude picture :)
I finished Dan Brown's 'Digital Fortress'. This completes Phase I of my novel reading project :)
Yes, conquering all 4 Dan Brown's novels, until the next one comes out, I can relax a little bit.
Also, May 19 is the DATE.
Star Wars , final episode, 'Star Wars Episode III - Revenge of the Sith' is in theaters May 19.
Just as a warm up for that, I saw Star Wars Episodes, IV, V & VI over the weekend.
These are digitally mastered DVDs. They were awesome. George Lucas is a Genius.
I need to see the other 2 episodes, Star Wars Episodes I & II before the final one comes out.
I also saw 2 other movies over the weekend.
'Kingdom of Heaven' as usually was First Day show. Man, seeing movies on the first day is a unique experience. The movie was a very good one. It was fair in the sense that it did not show the Christians as the good guys and Muslims as bad guys. Instead, the screenplay was fair and balanced.
The other movie that I saw was 'King Arthur' . This was another good movie, not as good as 'Kingdom of Heaven', but was good. I liked it. Also, it had one of my favorite actress Keira Knightley.
She was very funny when she told in an interview that in order to be fit for this action movie, she had such a strict diet regime and she worked out so much, that her breast just disappeared. hahaha. If you see this picture, you will know what Iam talking about. Don worry folks, this is not a nude picture :)
Thursday, May 05, 2005
India's Satellite Launch successful
YAY.
India successfully launched it's two new satellites today.
India now has the world's first high-resolution along-track stereo imaging satellite, in CARTOSAT-1.
This is an awesome achievement to be proud of.
Jai Hind.
India successfully launched it's two new satellites today.
India now has the world's first high-resolution along-track stereo imaging satellite, in CARTOSAT-1.
This is an awesome achievement to be proud of.
Jai Hind.
Monday, May 02, 2005
India's latest satellite launch - CARTOSAT & HAMSAT
Last night Sun TV news was reporting on India's latest satellite launch , scheduled for May 5, 2005.
In its ninth flight, ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C6, will launch India's remote sensing satellite, the 1,560 kg CARTOSAT-1, along with a 42.5 kg piggyback satellite, HAMSAT, in a 618 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
I remember the days when I used to watch the launches live in Doordarshan. Yes, Doordarshan, the state owned television, had the launch covered live. I was all amazed looking at the launch and the telemetry. I even remember not going to school and college on such days and watching the launches.
I now wish I had Doordarshan in US. Or at least, if ISRO can stream the launch live in Internet, that would be cool.
Anyway, I hope the launch goes successful.
Jai Hind.
In its ninth flight, ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C6, will launch India's remote sensing satellite, the 1,560 kg CARTOSAT-1, along with a 42.5 kg piggyback satellite, HAMSAT, in a 618 km polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
I remember the days when I used to watch the launches live in Doordarshan. Yes, Doordarshan, the state owned television, had the launch covered live. I was all amazed looking at the launch and the telemetry. I even remember not going to school and college on such days and watching the launches.
I now wish I had Doordarshan in US. Or at least, if ISRO can stream the launch live in Internet, that would be cool.
Anyway, I hope the launch goes successful.
Jai Hind.
Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi marriage response
Remember, my earlier post regarding Aishwarya Rai and Vivek Oberoi's marriage?
Now here comes their rebuttal.
http://us.rediff.com/movies/2005/may/02vivek.htm
Celebrities, react the same way when news about their private life come to public.This reminds me of a Hollywood movie,'Paparazzi', I saw few months back.
I guess it's kinda tough to maintain a private life, when someone is very famous. Whatever they do, people will talk about it.
I think the best way to handle such situations is just to be cool and say ...
"Really? That's interesting. I didn't know about that. Looks like you seem to know more about me than myself. Anyway, thanks for letting me know."
and then just move on.
Now here comes their rebuttal.
http://us.rediff.com/movies/2005/may/02vivek.htm
Celebrities, react the same way when news about their private life come to public.This reminds me of a Hollywood movie,'Paparazzi', I saw few months back.
I guess it's kinda tough to maintain a private life, when someone is very famous. Whatever they do, people will talk about it.
I think the best way to handle such situations is just to be cool and say ...
"Really? That's interesting. I didn't know about that. Looks like you seem to know more about me than myself. Anyway, thanks for letting me know."
and then just move on.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
The weekend has been relaxing so far.
I finished Dan Brown's 'Angels and Demons'. It was a real thriller. I liked it as much as I liked his 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Iam now reading 'Digital Fortress'
This is the 4th novel of Dan Brown's that Iam reading. This novel has also started in a similar fashion as other Dan Brown's novels, in that a guy is killed in the first chapter. All Dan Brown's novel starts with a person being killed :)
I also saw 2 movies over the weekend. The first one was 'XXX 2'. I didn't like the movie. It was like a video game. I did not have much expectations when I went to the movie as I knew this is just a Hollywood masala movie. But it was little bit below my expectations even then. Then the second movie I saw was 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy'. I felt it was a boring movie. But I slept at 3am the night before and I was so damn tired, I dozed of half a dozen times during the movie. So honestly I can't speak much about the movie. The only thing that kept me awake was the heroine of the movie Zooey Deschanel. She is cute. The depressed Robot in the movie was funny.
I made Sri Lankan fish curry on Sunday, recipe of my Chithi. It was damn good. I can confidently say I have now mastered the art of making Sri Lankan Fish curry. YAY !
I finished Dan Brown's 'Angels and Demons'. It was a real thriller. I liked it as much as I liked his 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Iam now reading 'Digital Fortress'
This is the 4th novel of Dan Brown's that Iam reading. This novel has also started in a similar fashion as other Dan Brown's novels, in that a guy is killed in the first chapter. All Dan Brown's novel starts with a person being killed :)
I also saw 2 movies over the weekend. The first one was 'XXX 2'. I didn't like the movie. It was like a video game. I did not have much expectations when I went to the movie as I knew this is just a Hollywood masala movie. But it was little bit below my expectations even then. Then the second movie I saw was 'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy'. I felt it was a boring movie. But I slept at 3am the night before and I was so damn tired, I dozed of half a dozen times during the movie. So honestly I can't speak much about the movie. The only thing that kept me awake was the heroine of the movie Zooey Deschanel. She is cute. The depressed Robot in the movie was funny.
I made Sri Lankan fish curry on Sunday, recipe of my Chithi. It was damn good. I can confidently say I have now mastered the art of making Sri Lankan Fish curry. YAY !
Aishwarya Rai to marry Vivek Oberoi ?
Last night in Sun TV News they said that Vivek Oberoi,in an interview to a private television, announced that he is going to get married to Aishwarya Rai.
He added that they both are in love since 2003.
Today, I thought that would be the headlines in websites, but to my surprise, NO.
Is that news true?
hmmm...Aishwarya Rai is becoming like a Dan Brown novel. It's a suspense thriller :)
He added that they both are in love since 2003.
Today, I thought that would be the headlines in websites, but to my surprise, NO.
Is that news true?
hmmm...Aishwarya Rai is becoming like a Dan Brown novel. It's a suspense thriller :)
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Air India - Boeing deal
Air India recently announced its intention to purchase five 777-200LR, 10 777-300ER, and 20 787-8 airplanes, with options to buy three additional 777-200LR Worldliners, five 777-300ERs, and seven 787-8 Dreamliners at a later date.
Boeing had a heavy competition from Airbus. I decided to check out Boeing's new 787s.
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/7e7/photos.html
It looks cool. The seats...hmmm...doesn't look comfortable, but Boeing tells this gives increased comfort for passengers. Let's hope so.
According to Boeing, the 777-200LR will enable Air India to provide ultra-long range, nonstop flights between any airports in India and the United States(Delhi-New York ,Mumbai – San Francisco).
WAW. That's interesting. Will save a lot of time for people like me.
The 777-300ER will be replacing the airline’s current fleet of 747-200 airplanes
My only issue is ...hmmm...looks like they removed 2 engines
Boeing says the engine efficiency has been improved and changed the design to reduce drag and airplane weight.
Boeing had a heavy competition from Airbus. I decided to check out Boeing's new 787s.
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/7e7/photos.html
It looks cool. The seats...hmmm...doesn't look comfortable, but Boeing tells this gives increased comfort for passengers. Let's hope so.
According to Boeing, the 777-200LR will enable Air India to provide ultra-long range, nonstop flights between any airports in India and the United States(Delhi-New York ,Mumbai – San Francisco).
WAW. That's interesting. Will save a lot of time for people like me.
The 777-300ER will be replacing the airline’s current fleet of 747-200 airplanes
My only issue is ...hmmm...looks like they removed 2 engines
Boeing says the engine efficiency has been improved and changed the design to reduce drag and airplane weight.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Science - To believe or not to believe?
Tonight I saw the DVD of a controversial documentary "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Moon".
It was an interesting documentary alleging NASA's moon landing as a hoax.
Do I believe it?
I do not believe man landed on moon in 1969. I have great respect for NASA, I admire and appreciate many of their works, and I wish I am wrong about this moon landing hoax. I will be one happy person, if man indeed had landed on moon in 1969.
But, if its true that NASA staged moon landing and all that happened in 1969 was a hoax, I pity all the HYPOCRITES in the world who believe science is everything and there is no God. They do not believe in God, as they haven't seen God, and some even don't believe in Hindu scriptures, and yet they go to temple and pray to God !
Doesn't make any sense to me :-)
If its proved that NASA moon landing was a hoax, I do not know how the hypocrites will react as they believe whatever the scientific community says. If science is proved wrong this time, it definitely isn't the first time.
It was an interesting documentary alleging NASA's moon landing as a hoax.
Do I believe it?
I do not believe man landed on moon in 1969. I have great respect for NASA, I admire and appreciate many of their works, and I wish I am wrong about this moon landing hoax. I will be one happy person, if man indeed had landed on moon in 1969.
But, if its true that NASA staged moon landing and all that happened in 1969 was a hoax, I pity all the HYPOCRITES in the world who believe science is everything and there is no God. They do not believe in God, as they haven't seen God, and some even don't believe in Hindu scriptures, and yet they go to temple and pray to God !
Doesn't make any sense to me :-)
If its proved that NASA moon landing was a hoax, I do not know how the hypocrites will react as they believe whatever the scientific community says. If science is proved wrong this time, it definitely isn't the first time.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Monday, April 25, 2005
Skava - Mobile gaming
Hey this is my classmate.
Hindu Article
About me, hmm...looking at my picture, looks like I still have to grow up, a lot.
Hindu Article
About me, hmm...looking at my picture, looks like I still have to grow up, a lot.
Wire-Fu
Recently I have been seeing a lot of Indian movies, using a technique called Wire-Fu in action sequences. Basically Wire-Fu is a cinematic technique in which actors perform kung-fu moves while suspended by wires and pulleys that make them appear to fly, run up walls, and so on.
Remember 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', 'Matrix'?
It made a lot of sense for a movie like 'Matrix', or 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' to use such techniques for stunts. But even normal action Tamil movies have employed that technique. It is so pathetic. It looks so artificial. It's just like trying to show-off.
Even Rajnikanth uses Wire-Fu in fight scenes in his latest movie 'Chandramukhi'. I was not impressed.
Remember 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', 'Matrix'?
It made a lot of sense for a movie like 'Matrix', or 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' to use such techniques for stunts. But even normal action Tamil movies have employed that technique. It is so pathetic. It looks so artificial. It's just like trying to show-off.
Even Rajnikanth uses Wire-Fu in fight scenes in his latest movie 'Chandramukhi'. I was not impressed.
As usual, this weekend was also very relaxing. I finished Dan Brown's 'Deception Point'. The plot was ok. It started very well, fantastic in fact. But somewhere in between it became like an ordinary novel, very Hollywoody, and in the end it was just ok. I have now started to read another novel of Dan Brown's . 'Angels and Demons'. This one has also started damn good. Let me see how it goes. I feel that Iam learning a lot from Dan Brown's novels.
Then Saturday Saravanan and I went to 'The Interpreter'. The movie was an average one. Not very exciting and not very boring. Just ok. Nicole Kidman, WAW, she is so beautiful. Can't believe she is 38.
Sunday morning I went to the movie 'Chandramukhi' (review). Then later that day stayed at home and continued 'Angels and Demons'
Then Saturday Saravanan and I went to 'The Interpreter'. The movie was an average one. Not very exciting and not very boring. Just ok. Nicole Kidman, WAW, she is so beautiful. Can't believe she is 38.
Sunday morning I went to the movie 'Chandramukhi' (review). Then later that day stayed at home and continued 'Angels and Demons'
Friday, April 22, 2005
Earth Day
Today is earth day.
"Also in Japan, I heard the story of a hummingbird from a professor I met. When the forest where the hummingbird lived went up in flames, the other animals ran out to save themselves. But the hummingbird stayed, flying to and from a nearby river with drops of water in its beak to pour on the fire.
From a distance, the other animals laughed and mocked it. "What do you think you are doing?" they shouted. "This fire is overwhelming. You can't do anything."
Finally, the hummingbird turned to them and said, "I'm doing what I can."
-Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner
"I'm doing what I can."
How humble, but very powerful, these words are !
"In every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations"
- Iroquois
Seventh Generation Products
I'm not endorsing any product.
Iam doing what I can.
"Also in Japan, I heard the story of a hummingbird from a professor I met. When the forest where the hummingbird lived went up in flames, the other animals ran out to save themselves. But the hummingbird stayed, flying to and from a nearby river with drops of water in its beak to pour on the fire.
From a distance, the other animals laughed and mocked it. "What do you think you are doing?" they shouted. "This fire is overwhelming. You can't do anything."
Finally, the hummingbird turned to them and said, "I'm doing what I can."
-Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner
"I'm doing what I can."
How humble, but very powerful, these words are !
"In every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations"
- Iroquois
Seventh Generation Products
I'm not endorsing any product.
Iam doing what I can.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
On tuesday night I saw the program 'Death of a Princess' on PBS. It was perhaps the most controversial film in the history of public television -- the story of a young Saudi princess who was publicly executed for committing adultery. It was very touching.
Also I have started to read Dan Brown's 'Deception Point'. This seems to be another very intriguing novel from the author of 'The Da Vinci Code'
Also I have started to read Dan Brown's 'Deception Point'. This seems to be another very intriguing novel from the author of 'The Da Vinci Code'
Monday, April 18, 2005
Richmond Indians
Last weekend was relaxing. One of my friend had a housewarming party. So went to the party on Saturday evening and had nice time. It was fun. Lots of delicious food. Then saw the final one day cricket match between India and Pakistan. What a pathetic display by Indian cricket team. Losing a match without putting up any fight or resistance...well...it's not a new thing for Indian cricket team.
Then on Sunday I saw the movie 'Sahara'. Penelope Cruz is so hot even at 31. I love the way she speaks English. It's so cute.
Also I completed phase 1 of my project 'Richmond Indians'.
This is at http://richmond.planetvimal.com
Then on Sunday I saw the movie 'Sahara'. Penelope Cruz is so hot even at 31. I love the way she speaks English. It's so cute.
Also I completed phase 1 of my project 'Richmond Indians'.
This is at http://richmond.planetvimal.com
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
THE GENOGRAPHIC PROJECT
The National Geographic Society, IBM, geneticist Spencer Wells, and the Waitt Family Foundation have launched the Genographic Project, a five-year effort to understand the human journey—where we came from and how we got to where we live today. This unprecedented effort will map humanity's genetic journey through the ages.
http://www5.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/
My friend Pat and I are planning to buy the kit and be part of this project.
This is an excellent presentation.
http://www5.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/atlas.html
http://www5.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/
My friend Pat and I are planning to buy the kit and be part of this project.
This is an excellent presentation.
http://www5.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/atlas.html
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Google in Tamil
http://www.google.com/intl/ta/
Some of the tamil translations, links are funny.
For instance...When you click the 'I'm feeling lucky' button's equivalent in Tamil, you get
"Adhirshtam En PakkamTM" amukkaan thanaagavey ungal theyduthalin mudal inaya pakkathirkku kondusellum.
(ORIGIN : The "I'm Feeling LuckyTM" button automatically takes you to the first web page returned for your query.)
Button is called 'amukkaan' in Tamil. hahaha. Hilarious.
Anyway...let me click the 'Sign Out' amukkaan and get back to work.
Some of the tamil translations, links are funny.
For instance...When you click the 'I'm feeling lucky' button's equivalent in Tamil, you get
"Adhirshtam En PakkamTM" amukkaan thanaagavey ungal theyduthalin mudal inaya pakkathirkku kondusellum.
(ORIGIN : The "I'm Feeling LuckyTM" button automatically takes you to the first web page returned for your query.)
Button is called 'amukkaan' in Tamil. hahaha. Hilarious.
Anyway...let me click the 'Sign Out' amukkaan and get back to work.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Why India lost the third test match against Pakistan?
"I have to score runs whether I am captain or not.. that's the first and foremost thing. Captaincy is not on my mind." - Saurav Ganguly
(After losing the third and final test against Pakistan at Bangalore)
OK, now we know, why India lost the match. We did not have a captain. There was no one to captain the team.
http://cricket.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1064779.cms
(After losing the third and final test against Pakistan at Bangalore)
OK, now we know, why India lost the match. We did not have a captain. There was no one to captain the team.
http://cricket.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1064779.cms
Monday, March 28, 2005
Pakistan kicks ass
What the hell happened on the last day of the test match?
Did the two cricket boards, BCCI and PCB, fix the match, the historic test series finale and Inzamam's 100th test?
Or did we just lack the guts to chase and win?
This Gautam Gambhir guy really screwed the day for us by getting Veeru Sehwag run out and the rest of the guys, reaaaaally sucked.
Dude, our cricketers suck ass.
Thanks to Balaji for making sure we lost this match, because we did not deserve to even draw this match. Pakistan deserved to win.
Did the two cricket boards, BCCI and PCB, fix the match, the historic test series finale and Inzamam's 100th test?
Or did we just lack the guts to chase and win?
This Gautam Gambhir guy really screwed the day for us by getting Veeru Sehwag run out and the rest of the guys, reaaaaally sucked.
Dude, our cricketers suck ass.
Thanks to Balaji for making sure we lost this match, because we did not deserve to even draw this match. Pakistan deserved to win.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Coolest MP3 / Digital Music player
Do you know the coolest MP3 / Digital Music player?
You say, iPOD !
Nay.
In my opinion, it's THUMP.
Yep. It's Super Awesome.
Whaaaaat??? THUMP??? Why is it cool ?
Check it out.
http://www1.oakley.com/thump/
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
My Nissan Maxima for sale
Iam planning to sell my car Nissan Maxima.
Details here at http://nissan.planetvimal.com
Details here at http://nissan.planetvimal.com
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
NASA on Swades
This is what NASA says about Swades.
Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM), is an actual NASA mission, currently scheduled to launch in 2007.
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/shuttle/f-swades.html
Goddard News June 2004
Spaceport News May 2004
Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM), is an actual NASA mission, currently scheduled to launch in 2007.
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/shuttle/f-swades.html
Goddard News June 2004
Spaceport News May 2004
Monday, March 07, 2005
I want to see cricket: Musharraf
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf says he would love to see some of the India-Pakistan cricket series - but only if invited.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
"I don't believe in going anywhere without an invitation." - Musharraf
Disclaimer : Crossing LOC occassionally and going to India without an invitation is an exempt. Other risk factors include engaging in terrorist activities while peace negotiations are going on, inciting communal violence, supporting infiltrators and floating counterfeit currency.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
"I don't believe in going anywhere without an invitation." - Musharraf
Disclaimer : Crossing LOC occassionally and going to India without an invitation is an exempt. Other risk factors include engaging in terrorist activities while peace negotiations are going on, inciting communal violence, supporting infiltrators and floating counterfeit currency.
Sunday, March 06, 2005
India Today
The weekend so far has been relaxing. Went for an aroma therapy massage.
It was very relaxing.
Also I saw 2 Hindi movies. I usually don't see any Hindi movie unless it's a really good one or it's a Hrithik Roshan movie. I rented the DVDs of 2 movies, Page 3 and Swades.
These 2 movies, in my opinion, really portray the present India. I don't believe in coincidences. So for anyone, who doesn't know about India and who wants to know what present day India is like, should see these 2 movies.
The movies picture the 2 entirely different worlds in our country.
Page 3 is all about the rich high society plastic life people and their parties and get-togethers.
Swades is all about the poor farmers and villagers and their struggle in their day to day life.
I was particularly impressed with the screen writing of Swades. I thought it was very realistic and I really couldn't find any loopholes. Later when I mentioned this to Dixita, she said the movie was based on a real life story. So it all makes sense.
Shahrukh's acting was good. Different from his stereotype roles. Gayathri Joshi looks very beautiful and glamorous. She resembles and reminds me of one of my friend from college. This is her first movie and she has appeared in numerous TV Ads in the past.
One more thing I liked in this movie is the scene where Gita(Gayathri) challenges Shahrukh to name the five rivers in India, new state and number of lions in Asoka pillar. It's funny when people in India call NRIs as Non Returning Indians(Swades) and Non Reliable Indians(Page 3) and accuse NRIs of not knowing about what's going on India.
I just can't buy that argument. We people here don't ignore what's happening back home. Sometimes I feel that people here in US know more about what's happening in India than the people living there. Thanks to Internet and Satellite TVs.
Now come on...you have to understand that we are in US and all we do at work here is browse :)
Do you still believe we don't know what's happening back home?
It was very relaxing.
Also I saw 2 Hindi movies. I usually don't see any Hindi movie unless it's a really good one or it's a Hrithik Roshan movie. I rented the DVDs of 2 movies, Page 3 and Swades.
These 2 movies, in my opinion, really portray the present India. I don't believe in coincidences. So for anyone, who doesn't know about India and who wants to know what present day India is like, should see these 2 movies.
The movies picture the 2 entirely different worlds in our country.
Page 3 is all about the rich high society plastic life people and their parties and get-togethers.
Swades is all about the poor farmers and villagers and their struggle in their day to day life.
I was particularly impressed with the screen writing of Swades. I thought it was very realistic and I really couldn't find any loopholes. Later when I mentioned this to Dixita, she said the movie was based on a real life story. So it all makes sense.
Shahrukh's acting was good. Different from his stereotype roles. Gayathri Joshi looks very beautiful and glamorous. She resembles and reminds me of one of my friend from college. This is her first movie and she has appeared in numerous TV Ads in the past.
One more thing I liked in this movie is the scene where Gita(Gayathri) challenges Shahrukh to name the five rivers in India, new state and number of lions in Asoka pillar. It's funny when people in India call NRIs as Non Returning Indians(Swades) and Non Reliable Indians(Page 3) and accuse NRIs of not knowing about what's going on India.
I just can't buy that argument. We people here don't ignore what's happening back home. Sometimes I feel that people here in US know more about what's happening in India than the people living there. Thanks to Internet and Satellite TVs.
Now come on...you have to understand that we are in US and all we do at work here is browse :)
Do you still believe we don't know what's happening back home?
Friday, March 04, 2005
German driving license
You think getting a driver's license in US is tough?
Well...think of Germany.
How Germany can drive you crazy
Well...think of Germany.
How Germany can drive you crazy
Tired of same Google?
Want to have some fun with google?
http://www.google.com.sa
Start typing in the search box. You will notice it behaving differently :)
http://www.google.com.sa
Start typing in the search box. You will notice it behaving differently :)
Conflict of Interest
Hugo Chavez arrives in New Delhi
India and Iran in gas export deal
This really puts US in the spotlight.
US really doesn't like Iran and Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president who was overthrown in a US-backed military coup in 2002. Now both India and china, the two fastest growing economies in the world, are getting close to both Iran and Venezuela. With India and China investing billions in both the countries, they sure would not like to see any one messing with the affairs of those two countries. I guess the US would now have to tone down the rhetoric.
India and Iran in gas export deal
This really puts US in the spotlight.
US really doesn't like Iran and Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan president who was overthrown in a US-backed military coup in 2002. Now both India and china, the two fastest growing economies in the world, are getting close to both Iran and Venezuela. With India and China investing billions in both the countries, they sure would not like to see any one messing with the affairs of those two countries. I guess the US would now have to tone down the rhetoric.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Was the Taj Mahal a Vedic Temple? - The Photographic Evidence
Many of us know about Taj Mahal.
Well...we have seen the pictures of Taj Mahal and heard a lot about it. But, do we really know about it?
What is the Taj Mahal?
Here's what Stephen Knapp tells us about Taj Mahal.
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/
Well...we have seen the pictures of Taj Mahal and heard a lot about it. But, do we really know about it?
What is the Taj Mahal?
Here's what Stephen Knapp tells us about Taj Mahal.
http://www.stephen-knapp.com/
Friday, February 25, 2005
Shut the hell up Dravid.
'Pakistan brings out the best in us' - Rahul Dravid
http://us.rediff.com/cricket/2005/feb/25cinter.htm
Sometimes this guy talks really garbage.
Pakistan always had the upperhand when it came to cricket, Test or ODI.
Test Records
ODI Records
If this is supposed to be the best in us ....then it sucks.
http://us.rediff.com/cricket/2005/feb/25cinter.htm
Sometimes this guy talks really garbage.
Pakistan always had the upperhand when it came to cricket, Test or ODI.
Test Records
ODI Records
If this is supposed to be the best in us ....then it sucks.
Friday, February 18, 2005
LOC Crossing permit
Look at this.
This is the new LOC Crossing Permit that has to be carried by the citizens of India and Pakistan if they are to cross the LOC.
Look at how small the area is to fill the address.That too look at the place where you may have to fill multiple address.
And where is number 9?
Is it so secret that it can't be printed or shared?
http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/18look2.htm
This is the new LOC Crossing Permit that has to be carried by the citizens of India and Pakistan if they are to cross the LOC.
Look at how small the area is to fill the address.That too look at the place where you may have to fill multiple address.
And where is number 9?
Is it so secret that it can't be printed or shared?
http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/18look2.htm
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
I finished reading Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. I should say that this was a wonderful experience. I knew quite few things about Christianity. This novel was a total 'shock and awe' for me. I guess in our life time we may never know the truth.
I wish I had read the novel before my Euro trip. I would have tried to visit the places mentioned in the novel. I would have definitely gone to the Louvre. Anyway, there is always a next time :)
Now I have to read the prequel ‘Angels & Demons’.
I wish I had read the novel before my Euro trip. I would have tried to visit the places mentioned in the novel. I would have definitely gone to the Louvre. Anyway, there is always a next time :)
Now I have to read the prequel ‘Angels & Demons’.
Missiles fired near Iran nuke plant
I just saw foxnews.com
It's 9.00 am.
Some plane fired a missile near Iran's nuke plant.
It's 9.00 am.
Some plane fired a missile near Iran's nuke plant.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
UN Peace Keeping Force Contributors
When I was watching the movie 'Hotel Rwanda' I noticed that most of the UN Peace Keeping Force members looked Indian. I wasn’t surprised as I knew that India contributes a lot to the UN Peace Keeping Force. But I was curious to know the exact statistics of the contributors to the UN Peace Keeping Force. When I was researching on that, I stumbled across some interesting facts.
Pakistan has been the leading contributor to the UN Force followed by Bangladesh. India is behind them and on occasions even behind Nigeria.
January 2005
You can get detailed statistics here.
http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/contributors/
Pakistan has been the leading contributor to the UN Force followed by Bangladesh. India is behind them and on occasions even behind Nigeria.
January 2005
You can get detailed statistics here.
http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/contributors/
Formula One rule changes for 2005
- Engines must now last for two races, rather than just one, with any unscheduled change resulting in a 10-place penalty on the starting grid.
- Qualifying will be held over two days, with the final session on Sunday morning. The Sunday and Saturday times will be aggregated.
- Changes in aerodynamics of the car.
- Tires must last for qualifying and the race.
huh.....no....the last change, same tires for the entire race, is really bad :(
It's fun to watch the tyre change at the pit stop as it adds a lot to the excitement of the game. Now I think we will have to miss all that.
I wonder what they will do if it starts to rain during the race. Usually the teams go for a pit stop and change to wet tires and when it stops raining they have to again come back to change to dry tires. Now I wonder what they will do? Are they going to run on all season tires. That would be terrible. Will have to dig into the details of this.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
iPod shuffle ad
This ad has been my favorite one recently. I don't fancy the iPod Shuffle much, but I love the ad.
http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/ads/640.html
It's a video ad. Turn down your speakers at work :)
http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/ads/640.html
It's a video ad. Turn down your speakers at work :)
Hotel Rwanda
Saturday I went to the movie "Hotel Rwanda" with my friend Pat and his wife Velma. This movie had a limited release (like all other good movies) so we had to drive to cary town to watch it. It's a very touching movie. It's based on a real incident that happened in Rwanda. It's like Schindler's List. Don Cheadle's acting is brilliant. He has been nominated for the oscars.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Virginia Senate drops droopy-pants bill
Virginia lawmakers dropped their droopy-pants bill Thursday after the whole thing became just too embarrassing.
CNN News
Yeah Baby. Freedom Kicks Ass.
CNN News
Yeah Baby. Freedom Kicks Ass.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Fines for 'droopy drawers' backed
US politicians fed up with catching an eyeful of underwear want to fine those who won't hitch up their trousers.
The Virginia state house has voted to outlaw the trend of wearing trousers so low that underwear hangs over the top.
Ohhh come on.
This is ridiculous.
Honestly... I hate when I see people dressed like that. I don't like it.
But coming up with a bill to fine those who won't hitch up their trousers....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4249831.stm
That too this is in Virginia.
You know who they are going to target next?
Yes. "Girls".
Guys wake up.
Goddammit!
Isn't America supposed to be the world's brightest beacon of freedom?
The Virginia state house has voted to outlaw the trend of wearing trousers so low that underwear hangs over the top.
Ohhh come on.
This is ridiculous.
Honestly... I hate when I see people dressed like that. I don't like it.
But coming up with a bill to fine those who won't hitch up their trousers....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4249831.stm
That too this is in Virginia.
You know who they are going to target next?
Yes. "Girls".
Guys wake up.
Goddammit!
Isn't America supposed to be the world's brightest beacon of freedom?
Teacher charged with having sex with student, 13
This is one reason why guys should never study well and graduate from school. They should just fail and remain in school. Dammit.
CNN Article
CNN Article
Narain Karthikeyan for Jordan in Formula 1
Narain Karthikeyan, from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu will be racing for Jordan in Formula 1 this year.
It’s really proud to have someone from my hometown, in Formula 1 my favorite sport, next to cricket.
This is Narain http://www.formula1.com/insight/driver/805/8.html
And this is his team http://www.formula1.com/insight/team/8.html
It’s really proud to have someone from my hometown, in Formula 1 my favorite sport, next to cricket.
This is Narain http://www.formula1.com/insight/driver/805/8.html
And this is his team http://www.formula1.com/insight/team/8.html
Monday, February 07, 2005
Patriots Kick Ass
YAY.
Patriots won the Super Bowl and I won the bet with my friend Jeff.
This is the second year Patriots are winning the Super Bowl consecutively and this is the second year Iam winning the bet with Jeff.
I get a free lunch now. (hmmm...Next time I should settle for something big. hmm....something to think about...)
Anyway, Patriots Kick Ass.
YAY.
Patriots won the Super Bowl and I won the bet with my friend Jeff.
This is the second year Patriots are winning the Super Bowl consecutively and this is the second year Iam winning the bet with Jeff.
I get a free lunch now. (hmmm...Next time I should settle for something big. hmm....something to think about...)
Anyway, Patriots Kick Ass.
YAY.
Friday, February 04, 2005
ICC proposes changes in ODI format
The International Cricket Council is considering radical changes to one-day cricket format which, if agreed to during its two-day meeting that started in Melbourne on Thursday, are likely to be implemented as early as this year.
The committee, comprising representatives of all full member countries, also proposed that fielding restrictions - now placed in the first 15 overs of a match - should be rotated according to the batting team's wishes.
"The first idea was to leave it to the fielding side but then we thought that you might have a situation where the fielding side is so good, they might dismiss the opposition in 35 overs and have no field restrictions at all," Gavaskar said.
"What we have suggested is that the batting side will choose the 15 overs it wants. That makes it all the more challenging for the fielding side," he added.
http://us.rediff.com/cricket/2005/feb/04icc.htm
YAY.
I sent a mail to ICC few months back suggesting few changes and I even got a reply from them. I had talked about this in my blog few months back.
You can see that here.
http://vimaln.blogspot.com/2004/10/few-days-back-i-had-sent-email-to-icc.html
One of the changes I proposed has been implemented. I had suggested the fielding side choose the field restriction periods. I still believe that is better than batting side choosing the field restriction periods.
I hope they implement my other suggestions too.
Goddammit.
I wish I had asked them for a big check if they were to implement my suggestions :(
The committee, comprising representatives of all full member countries, also proposed that fielding restrictions - now placed in the first 15 overs of a match - should be rotated according to the batting team's wishes.
"The first idea was to leave it to the fielding side but then we thought that you might have a situation where the fielding side is so good, they might dismiss the opposition in 35 overs and have no field restrictions at all," Gavaskar said.
"What we have suggested is that the batting side will choose the 15 overs it wants. That makes it all the more challenging for the fielding side," he added.
http://us.rediff.com/cricket/2005/feb/04icc.htm
YAY.
I sent a mail to ICC few months back suggesting few changes and I even got a reply from them. I had talked about this in my blog few months back.
You can see that here.
http://vimaln.blogspot.com/2004/10/few-days-back-i-had-sent-email-to-icc.html
One of the changes I proposed has been implemented. I had suggested the fielding side choose the field restriction periods. I still believe that is better than batting side choosing the field restriction periods.
I hope they implement my other suggestions too.
Goddammit.
I wish I had asked them for a big check if they were to implement my suggestions :(
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Ash's lehnga choli to be auctioned
"Some 300 New Yorkers will gather at Christie's and listen to a speech by New York's Senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton and an introduction by the United Nations Undersecretary General Shashi Tharoor February 4."
"The auction will feature two unique items. A lehnga choli worn by Aishwarya Rai in Gurinder Chadha's Bride and Prejudice, a gift from Miramax, ..."
http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/03spec.htm
mmm... I wonder how much will my clothes fetch me if I auction them...mmm.
"The auction will feature two unique items. A lehnga choli worn by Aishwarya Rai in Gurinder Chadha's Bride and Prejudice, a gift from Miramax, ..."
http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/feb/03spec.htm
mmm... I wonder how much will my clothes fetch me if I auction them...mmm.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Friday, January 28, 2005
Reincarnation : The average time for rebirth? 15 months, says expert
"The research team, has substantial evidences in at least 67 per cent of the samples. Most children, forget about the past by age of 10 and become normal adults. The average time between death and birth was 15 months. At least 51 per cent of the reported cases either died of accidents or were murdered."
newindpress.com
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
newindpress.com
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)
Friday, January 21, 2005
BMW
YAY
I got my BMW.
I went to the Richmond BMW dealer today and took delivery of my car.
It's so sexy. YAY
I got my BMW.
I went to the Richmond BMW dealer today and took delivery of my car.
It's so sexy. YAY
'Flammable' Titan covered in liquid gas
Saturn's moon Titan is covered by "dirty" ice ridges and seas of liquid natural gas, a team of scientists said on Friday after a week of research into data from the space probe Huygens.
Goddamnit!
We need to liberate Titan's now. This is going to be the real Star Wars.
CNN Article
Goddamnit!
We need to liberate Titan's now. This is going to be the real Star Wars.
CNN Article
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Thursday, January 13, 2005
EPA seeks review of Teflon ingredient
A chemical used to make the nonstick substance Teflon is being considered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a potential health risk.
CNN Article
Alright...it's time to buy some of our traditional 'mann satti paanai'(Clay Pots)
CNN Article
Alright...it's time to buy some of our traditional 'mann satti paanai'(Clay Pots)
How do you know Times of India website has loaded in your browser?
When you have 7 annoying pop-up windows opened in your browser...then you know...Times of India website has loaded completely.
CAUTION : Click the hyperlink at your own peril.
You see...On the other hand...the good thing is...if you ever install a popup blocker and want to test if it's working...you know which website you should go.
CAUTION : Click the hyperlink at your own peril.
You see...On the other hand...the good thing is...if you ever install a popup blocker and want to test if it's working...you know which website you should go.
Remember couple of days days ago, I talked about racing with a lady in a tan Nissan Maxima? I saw her again today morning. She was in her car in front of mine. Looks like we travel at the same time. But today we did not race, I just passed her. Then later I let her go pass me so that I can read the license plate.JjBbYy 9385 (numbers alone changed).
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Today morning drive was fun.
There was this lady in her Tan color Nissan Maxima, behind me, and was trying to tail-gate me. I got all pumped up and decided to give her a good time. So we started to race. haha.I think it was almost for like 10 miles. I kicked ass. Then we saw a cop's car ahead of us and both of us had to slow down a little bit. But it was fun.
There was this lady in her Tan color Nissan Maxima, behind me, and was trying to tail-gate me. I got all pumped up and decided to give her a good time. So we started to race. haha.I think it was almost for like 10 miles. I kicked ass. Then we saw a cop's car ahead of us and both of us had to slow down a little bit. But it was fun.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Hindi movie star Vivek Oberoi has adopted Devanaam Pattinam (Thevanampattinam) village in Tamil Nadu
His family has camped in the village, and he has been going to every house in the village talking to them. He says "I have come here with a group of doctors. I stayed and bought lots of medicine, stoves, utensils from Chennai. We are going to start by giving proper medical care to the people, then taking care of food, and then repair the partially damaged houses. We are going to build new houses where the old ones have been completely destroyed. I will stay here for few more days, talk to the people and see what they need and take care of them. I'm also planning to buy new fishing nets and talking to some of my friends in Mumbai. We are also considering importing modern nets from china. I haven't thought about how much it's going to cost and I am not concerned too."
Courtesy : Vikatan
Courtesy : Vikatan
Ancestral early warning systems better than modern science ?
The five aboriginal tribes inhabiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, our last missing link with early civilization, have emerged unscathed from the tsunamis because of their age old "warning systems".
http://www.ptinews.com/
Our ancestor's tsunami warning systems kick ass modern man's hi-tech satellite tsunami warning systems.
http://www.ptinews.com/
Our ancestor's tsunami warning systems kick ass modern man's hi-tech satellite tsunami warning systems.
Monday, January 03, 2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)