Thursday, November 27, 2008
Mumbai Under Siege - Terror.
There is no sign of incidents where I live Kandivali (East) which is about 30-35 kms from the Gateway of India. The life is normal here with auto-richshaws and people going about the usual business. It's like we are insulated from the events that is currently happening on the other part of the city. Strange!!!!!
We had to know the news as everybody else, from the breaking news of news channels. Mumbai is shut for today, people are advised to stay indoors.
Here is the complete news updated today on the net.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Global Economic Crisis.
The ripple effect is seen in the shipping industry. The freight rates ex Asia to Europe/USA is steadily falling down due to mismatch of demand and supply. The supply is more and the demand has fallen down considerably ex Asia.
On the brighter side IT companies of India are eyeing to cash in on this crisis. They are on look out for acquisitions of European companies. They could get better deal and close in fast on acquisition when there is a recession in the buying country.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Gautam Gambhir ban appeal rejected.
It seems that you can provoke a player any number of times but can get past with a small fine. Why did Gambhir elbow Watson or under what circumstances he elbow? No body is seemed to bother about this question at all. Why would someone come into physical contact with the opposite team player?
Sunil Gavaskar is the only player who is raising this question boldly. There is a biased verdicts on white players when compared to the Subcontinent players. It is always the maximum penalty for players from Subcontinent whereas the white nation players are mildly let off with a fine. I must support Sunil Gavaskar at this juncture, atleast he is outspoken on this issue.
Spread the news across and support for Sunil Gavaskar.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Kumble Quits.
He has been playing for India for 18 years! 18 years, thats a long journey! He was phenomenal in his prime years at both forms of cricket, one day and test matches. The lethal delivery which he mastered was the top spinner which hurried on the batsmen from a good length and the batsmen did not have time to adjust, eventually get out LBW. He was a fierce competitor and a good batsmen down the order. The one innings which I cannot forget with his bat was at the ODI (I believe it was the world cup'96) vs Pakistan at Bangalore Chinnaswamy stadium. India was in a bad position after losing 7 or 8 wickets and Kumble played some outstanding strokes to take India to victory. His mother was at the venue and the emotions she showed during the match while her son Kumble was batting is priceless. The emotions reflected each and every Indian at the venue and the millions to their TV sets.
I hope he will write a book on his journey in cricket and hope there are no contraversies. Wish him all the very best on his retirement life.
Invitation from sriram7612@yahoo.com
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Thrilling Finish at F1 World Championship.
Lewis Hamilton of Mclaren leads the points table and Felipe Massa is at the second place. Massa needs to win this final race to win the drivers championship and Hamilton needs to finish the race atleast by 5th place. Massa is ready at pole position and Hamilton starts the race from 4th position. The stage is set.
Massa leads the race with Alonso behind him at 2nd, Raikkonen at 3rd and 4th position was constantly under change with Glock, Vettel and Hamilton. Hamilton was driving the race at 5th position most of the race and the pit strategy worked for all. Ferrari, Mclaren, Renault, Toyota, Torro Rosso every car maker made no mistake at the pit. This put to Massa in the lead and Hamilton at 5th. The classification after 3 pit stops around 55 laps completed, Massa - 1st, Alonso - 2nd, Raikkonen - 3rd, Glock-4th, Hamilton-5th and Vettel-6th. Vettel at 6th position was on the tail of Hamilton and pushing hard at him. During the lap 68 Kubica who was a lap behind Hamilton made a move that led Vettel ahead of Hamilton. Vettel was in 5th place now with 2 laps remaining and Hamilton was at 6th place. This could ruin his dream of becoming world champion.
At the chequered flag after 2 min, Massa won, Alonso second and Raikkonen finishing 3rd. You thought and the 100,000 thousand home fans at the grand stand thought Massa won the world championship because Hamilton was on 6th. But hold on to your breadth... Glock who was in 4th position has some trouble at the final curve leading to the finish line. Vettel goes past him, finishes 4th and Hamilton right behind him finishes 5th. Have you ever imagined a race like this? I could not believe it! Hamilton won the world championship and Massa lost it by 1 point. It was a great race full of drama(!) and pure adrenalin finish.
Movie Review of Fashion - Hindi
Directed By: Madhur Bhandarkar
I was keen to watch this film from the date of release, 29 Oct 2008. I had seen few glimpses of Chandni Bar and Traffic Signal by Madhur Bhandarkar. His films have the original feel or the real life feel in a particular backdrop. This time the fashion world is the backdrop.
Meghna Mathur (Priyanka Chopra) is an aspiring young model from Chandigarh who land into Mumbai in search of her dreams. She is guided by one of the top designer assistant, who is one of the gay. Yes, there are few more gays and it seems that the fashion world particulary has gay designers and they are successful! She does not immediately lands into ramp walk and learns the intricacies of fashion world. When the time comes and with the blessings of business tycoon who runs the fashion industry she becomes the face of fashion.
I do not want to miss out the character played by Kangana. She is superb! excellent acting and her ramp presence is electrifying with the apt music on the background. When she is on ramp all eyes are on her (no blinking!) and she carries the aura required for super model. But when she is at backstage she is a depressed lonely women who lost her identity.
Back to Priyanka's career. She becomes super model and the tycoon who lifted her to top takes advantage of her. One fine day, when she says she is pregnant he dumps her and her attitude becomes arrogant. The transformation from a small town model to super model is as fast as the downturn in her career. The speed at which she goes up, she comes down at a double speed! When she is not in control, she loses herself and heads back to home.
The revival comes after one year when her father persuades to complete her dream. The rest of the story you must have guessed by now. The storyline is expected and the turn of events happen just you thought. So, I feel the spice is missing a lil bit.
Priyanka Chopra carries herself as Meghna Mathur, the changes that are brought in herself are subtle like when she leaves her boyfriend she goes for the cigarette. When the tycoon dumps her she goes for drinking. Kangana as I said, she is brilliant on ramp and off ramp. Other characters do their job. Overall it's a good movie where you can see the glimpses of fashion industry on the backstage.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The White Tiger - Book Review.
I had ordered this book online with Landmark, Chennai and the book was delivered in 3 days which is fantastic... I did not have to walk into a book store, browse or search for the book. It was delivered to me on my hand!
The opening of the book is itself makes the book a page turner. This is about a story of a man from the low-strata of society in India. The views expressed are from his viewpoint about India, the rich and famous, the politics and the system. The language of the book is very simple, easy to understand, no made-up twists or turns. Arvind Adiga brings you the picture of a village in interior India (most of urban population in India, including me do not have any idea of this interior India), the lives they live, joint family system, village heads, local politics and the boy who has seen it all. The protagonist is seen as writing letters to the Chinese president summing up things that has happened in his life and how he is in the present situation.
Shashi Tharoor's 'India From Midnight to the Millenium' is also a similar book (I have not read this book fully.. though) but the view of India is from a upper middle class or upper class citizen who lives in USA but has seen changes in India. When you compare this book with The White Tiger you seem to feel both are correct. The system in which we live in has not changed for more than hundred years and will continue to be so for the next hundred years. The lower caste or lower strata of Indians will continue to stuggle and the rich will become richer. In spite of the system there has been several developments like the economic growth, infrastructure development, global companies having India strategy, market stability and many other things.
People say there is too much of history in India and we as Indians cling to history, brought up listening stories from our Grandma/Grandpa's. In the 'n' number of stories that you might have heard the value or the core thing that you learn is honesty, integrity and sprituality. On the contrary the actual world is full of dirt... it's a clash between the ideology you have learnt as a kid and practical world. Almost all succumb to the practical world to survive and even if someone thinks that he can follow the rules as per his heart he cannot do it in his/this lifetime.
I recommend you to read this book The White Tiger to enhance your knowledge on India, the other side of India or true India.
Diwali.......in Mumbai
The next day 28 Oct 2008, North Indians celebrated Diwali and we had expected full of fire crackers during the day... We were expecting that the sound of fire crackers is going to make us mad... but you will not believe there was no sound - it was like a sunday - during the day. No people on the road, cars were off... we were surprised and wondered where all the people had gone. Then came the evening, the sounds started around 8.00 pm and the colourful rockets invaded the sky from all around.... It was the time that the North Indians began to celebrate in full style. There was lights, sound and action all around with the mist sorrounding the region.... anyone flying above on the flights could have actually enjoyed the spectacular evening yesterday. We enjoyed it watching them lit the flower pots, rockets, chakkars and colourful sticks.
I think I am slowly beginning to understand the culture of North Indians. All their functions, auspicious occasions and celebrations are reserved for the evening/night. The day time is for the prayers and preparing for the night. The North Indians weddings are during night, the ganesh chathurthi celebration was during night time, the dussera or navrathri was celebrated the same and now Diwali is also celebrated during night time. I guess almost all of them sleep only after midnight during occasions! whereas if you look at South India everyone is into bed by 10 pm on any occasions (except the singles). Singles have their own agenda!!!!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Hum Kise se kum nahin....
I must appreciate Lalu Prasad Yadav for being calm and effective on the situation.... He invited marathi manoos to come and write railway exams in Bihar.... Biharis will not stop them! or beat them... I believe this is the effective reply to Raj Thackeray who thinks he is the saviour of marathi manoos. Marathis or Biharis or anyone can prosper if and only if they are properly educated. Formal education is a must for everyone and education brings in culture where you can appreciate one's life.
I request to Raj Thackarey that instead of asking preference for Marathis in everything ask for formal education for everyone.... make sure that every child in Maharastra gets atleast upto high school education.... build schools and provide incentives for children if they attend the school... awareness is the key.... the prosperity will follow.... every child can become a hero. There is one tamil advertisement where all silver screen stars appear and appeal to children for a formal education. Make something happen as you are been accepted by millions of people as your leader.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Mission to the Moon
I truly believe days for India has come.
* In the global financial crisis Indian banks and corporates are sealed from the ripple effect.....we have a sound financial system.
* Nuclear deal is a success and when we start to receive the raw materials for nuclear energy there will be a better future for our children and their children.
* In sports we are making stride, slow but steady growth can be seen in the coming years....
* Consumer spending or demand from consumers make corporates to innovate and in the new era we demand more, get more.
* Almost all the global companies have an eye on India and they have separate India strategy.
* Infrastructure is being upgraded at all the metro cities with respect to roads, power, telecom, airport/port and railways.
As I quote Abdul Kalaam's magic word "Dream"... it's time to dream and realise the dream... It is achievable in this new era.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Awareness....
People are pathetic (including myself)..... first thing the reporter who reported it, the editor who approved for publishing and the readers who are tempted to read about bollywood actresses.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Bankruptcy.....Bubble
Dear Friends,
Got this as a forward. A bit long, but very very explanatory… Must read!!!
Once there was a little island country. The land of this country was the tiny island itself. The total money in circulation was 2 dollars as there were only two pieces of 1 dollar coins circulating around.
1) There were 3 citizens living on this island country. A owned the land. B and C each owned 1 dollar.
2) B decided to purchase the land from A for 1 dollar. So, now A and C own 1 dollar each while B owned a piece of land that is worth 1 dollar.
* The net asset of the country now = 3 dollars.
3) Now C thought that since there is only one piece of land in the country, and land is non producible asset, its value must definitely go up. So, he borrowed 1 dollar from A, and together with his own 1 dollar, he bought the land from B for 2 dollars.
*A has a loan to C of 1 dollar, so his net asset is 1 dollar.
* B sold his land and got 2 dollars, so his net asset is 2 dollars.
* C owned the piece of land worth 2 dollars but with his 1 dollar debt to A, his net residual asset is 1 dollar.
* Thus, the net asset of the country = 4 dollars.
4) A saw that the land he once owned has risen in value. He regretted having sold it. Luckily, he has a 1 dollar loan to C. He then borrowed 2 dollars from B and acquired the land back from C for 3 dollars. The payment is by 2 dollars cash (which he borrowed) and cancellation of the 1 dollar loan to C. As a result, A now owned a piece of land that is worth 3 dollars. But since he owed B 2 dollars, his net asset is 1 dollar.
* B loaned 2 dollars to A. So his net asset is 2 dollars.
* C now has the 2 coins. His net asset is also 2 dollars.
* The net asset of the country = 5 dollars. A bubble is building up.
(5) B saw that the value of land kept rising. He also wanted to own the land. So he bought the land from A for 4 dollars. The payment is by borrowing 2 dollars from C, and cancellation of his 2 dollars loan to A.
* As a result, A has got his debt cleared and he got the 2 coins. His net asset is 2 dollars.
* B owned a piece of land that is worth 4 dollars, but since he has a debt of 2 dollars with C, his net Asset is 2 dollars.
* C loaned 2 dollars to B, so his net asset is 2 dollars.
* The net asset of the country = 6 dollars; even though, the country has only one piece of land and 2 Dollars in circulation.
(6) Everybody has made money and everybody felt happy and prosperous.
(7) One day an evil wind blew, and an evil thought came to C's mind. "Hey, what if the land price stop going up, how could B repay my loan. There is only 2 dollars in circulation, and, I think after all the land that B owns is worth at most only 1 dollar, and no more."
(8) A also thought the same way.
(9) Nobody wanted to buy land anymore.
* So, in the end, A owns the 2 dollar coins, his net asset is 2 dollars.
* B owed C 2 dollars and the land he owned which he thought worth 4 dollars is now 1 dollar. So his net asset is only 1 dollar.
* C has a loan of 2 dollars to B. But it is a bad debt. Although his net asset is still 2 dollars, his Heart is palpitating.
* The net asset of the country = 3 dollars again.
(10) So, who has stolen the 3 dollars from the country? Of course, before the bubble burst B thought his land was worth 4 dollars. Actually, right before the collapse, the net asset of the country was 6 dollars on paper. B's net asset is still 2 dollars, his heart is palpitating.
(11) B had no choice but to declare bankruptcy. C as to relinquish his 2 dollars bad debt to B, but in return he acquired the land which is worth 1 dollar now.
* A owns the 2 coins; his net asset is 2 dollars.
* B is bankrupt; his net asset is 0 dollar. (He lost everything)
* C got no choice but end up with a land worth only 1 dollar
* the net asset of the country = 3 dollars.
************ **End of the story; BUT ************ ********* ******
There is however a redistribution of wealth.
A is the winner, B is the loser, C is lucky that he is spared.
A few points worth noting -
(1) when a bubble is building up, the debt of individuals to one another in a country is also building up.
(2) This story of the island is a closed system whereby there is no other country and hence no foreign debt. The worth of the asset can only be calculated using the island's own currency. Hence, there is no net loss.
(3) An over-damped system is assumed when the bubble burst, meaning the land's value did not go down to below 1 dollar.
(4) When the bubble burst, the fellow with cash is the winner. The fellows having the land or extending loan to others are the losers. The asset could shrink or in worst case, they go bankrupt.
(5) If there is another citizen D either holding a dollar or another piece of land but refrains from taking part in the game, he will neither win nor lose. But he will see the value of his money or land goes up and down like a see saw.
(6) When the bubble was in the growing phase, everybody made money.
(7) If you are smart and know that you are living in a growing bubble, it is worthwhile to borrow money (like A) and take part in the game. But you must know when you should change everything back to cash.
(8) As in the case of land, the above phenomenon applies to stocks as well.
(9) The actual worth of land or stocks depends largely on psychology (or speculation).
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
sTress Test.
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Wednesday, October 08, 2008
MHS Reunion
I wish I could attend this reunion but I won't be able to make it this time. I do not know how many of you give credit to your school for your present attitude or character but I certainly gained some of my characteristics from MHS. One of important thing that I still manage to do it is Punctuality.... I give my 100% to make it on time every time for all occasions, it can be an interview with employer or a meeting with customer or just a casual meet with a friend. The seed that was sown in MHS bears fruit in my lifetime!
The next one is the schools in the hills (Coonoor, Ooty, Mount Abu, Darjeeling etc) have two things in common... One is sorrounded by nature and as Rabindranath Tagore said A student learns when he/she is with nature..... how true!!!!!! the other is... the school leaves the students to pursue their own interests from the young age. There is no force applied on students to study and get distinction on all subjects.... it is upto the students... the schools let them decide their fate.... if you study hard you will do well in future.... if you are good in sports pursue sports as career. The schools or the teachers don't tell you straight in your face but it is a common culture seen and you will feel it when you pass out of the school.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Jab We Met.
The lead pair have acted well and is an example of well crafted screenplay, simple plot and no masala flavour. Why am I writing now.... because we had a chance to see this movie again yesterday, 04 Oct'08 on 9X channel and I wanted to put down my comments on it. You do not get to see good films often in bollywood, I give a thumbs up for this movie.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Living in Terror.
As I come from South India I cannot hold to compare this environment with the South Indian environment. South India, particularly Tamilnadu and Kerala are largely peaceful. There can be communal violence seen but not between religions. Why do we see such fanatics of a particular community from North India? I rationalise that this is due to
* Discrimination by the majority community.
* Lack of Education.
* Negligency from the governments state and central.
* Inferiority complex among the minority community.
The environment is better in South India largely due to proper education is available to all.... I will not say there is no discrimination at all but by and large the discrimination is tolerable (I guess). Everyone is treated by their background in education, work and status and not by religion. All have equal opportunities in South India when compared in North India in terms of education or work or business.
Any opinions? Am I correct or gross wrong in my judgement?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Movie Review of Poi Solla Porom - Tamil.
Starring: Karthik Kumar, Preethi, Nedumudi Venu, Mouli, Nazer, Delhi Ganesh
Direction: Vijay
Production: Priyadarshan
This film has great star cast like Nedumudi Venu, Mouli, Nasser and Delhi Ganesh. The movie has some good slapstick comedy throughout the film, some edgy moments and good all round performance. A comedy where you can laugh your heart out...... extraordinary performance from Nasser and Mouli makes the film to stand out. It will be difficult to choose the best actor performance between Nasser and Mouli. I thoroughly enjoyed the film!Nedumudi Venu, as a middle class retired govt., employee buys a piece of land from his savings but later to find out that he is fooled by the real estate agent, Nasser. Nasser company occupies his land and extorts for more money from Nedumudi Venu to vacate the land. When the options run out of hand to solve the issue, Karthik's drama troupe and his travel agent come to rescue. They plan to get the money from Nasser and pay the extortion amount. Mouli is another actor who can take the screen all for himself if he is on the scene. The events that turn out in fooling Nasser has comedy and some edgy moments!.
The other actors whose acting needs mentioning are Delhi Ganesh, Bosky and Ganesh (the anchor). They come as subtle characters and have good roles.
In all the movie is a fun to watch..... go and watch it if you feeling bored.
Movie Review of Subramaniapuram - Tamil
The backdrop the movie is set in 1980's, in a small town at Madurai (my hometown) in down South of India. I was a kid during these days but I remember in the 80's Madurai was referred to as not big to be a city and not too small to be called as village. It was an in-between city and my uncles were in their teenage or just completed during 80's. The 80's era was like you need to be very good in order to survive or else you are left behind. This 'survival of the fittest' applies even today but it was severe during 80's. The youths of 80's were irresponsible and did not knew the consequences of their actions which is aptly shown by the lead characters in the movie.
The events of movie moves step by step in a normal pace. The screenplay never shakes since the director brings the best of everyone involved in the film. The story goes like this - 5 friends who hang around a local politician all day and night jobless.... just to show that they have someone to backup in case of problems. The two lead characters played by Jai and Sasikumar would go into fight for petty issues which lands them at local police station. The brother of local politician comes up everytime to save them from the police. So, when they do a big job for them to show their thanks the rescue never comes. The two then set to take revenge on the politician's family and in between this revenge the 'new status' bring them more trouble leading to blood bath in the particular area, Subramaniyapuram.
There is a love track between Jai and Swathi who comes from the politician's family. The track is beautiful and blends with the main story. Every character is treated as important as the two lead characters. If I retrospect the movie I can see that each and every character had their own traits and used to the fullest.
Jai - has a bad temper, perishes.
Sasikumar - is a close friend of Jai, perishes.
Kanja Karuppu - is greedy and lusts on money, perishes.
Swati - is young and vulnerable. Used by the family.
Handicapped youth - supports Jai and Sasikumar.
Local Politician - Politicians... you know how they can be.
Younger brother of local politician - Betrays Jai and Sasikumar, perishes.
I compare it to Hollywood movies, the reason is - we are not used to such characters. You will find villians in the movies who are meant to do bad on hero & his family but this is completely a different genre. The heroes in this movie are anti-heroes and everyone has a grey side or betrayal side. This makes the movie on par with classic or great movies.
I need to mention on the art work.... every care is taken to get the backdrop right. The temple function, serial lights, the dressing style, the hair style and the crudeness of the youth.
Experience it and you will know what I mean!!!!!!!!!