I watched Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" and "Apocalypto" some time ago and thought that they depicted violence like never before. Today, I watched Sylvester Stallone's Rambo and found that it managed to clear the bar that the Mel Gibson movie had set. Enough said !

Currently reading : "How Markets Fail" by John Cassidy

I am currently reading the book "How Markets Fail" by John Cassidy. This book was suggested by Fareed Zakaria on his show "Fareed Zakaria GPS", which airs on CNN every sunday at 1 PM and 5 PM EST. I am a regular viewer of this show and it is one of my favorites. "How Markets Fail" deals with the current financial crisis and describes the many ways an unregulated free market can produce disastrous unintended consequences.

Book Review : The God Delusion by Prof. Richard Dawkins

I have just finished reading "The God Delusion" by Professor Richard Dawkins. It is an extensively researched and well written book packed with cogent arguments in support of atheism. The book excoriates religion and presents several thoughts and ideas that could send shock waves down the minds of believers. Mr. Dawkins makes no bones about his extreme dislike for religions and their gods and goes on the offensive right from the beginning. The second chapter of the book begins with the use of several caustic adjectives for the God of the old testament, whom Mr. Dawkins calls the most unpleasant character in all fiction. He then moves on to tackle several arguments and "proofs" raised by theists including Thomas Aquinas'proofs, Pascal's wager, Baynesian arguments ..etc. He presents counter arguments, proofs and logic to split those arguments asunder. He then moves on to address the roots of religion and morality and explains the reasons behind his avowed hostility towards religions.
I have mentioned previously in one of my other posts that I am not an atheist, but I do try hard to keep an open mind. On several occassions while reading or listening to distasteful opinions, I have had to make conscious efforts to talk myself into listening to the other side of the story. This excellent book has neither talked me into atheism nor has it drifted me away from my beliefs. I have always failed to understand hard core believers and non believers. I am humbled by the infinitude of space and time that envelops me. To take one or the other extreme positions you have to know it all. Are our puny little brains and senses ready for it ? Our species has indeed made huge leaps and we know far more about the Universe today that we did a century ago. But do we know everything yet ?


Michio Kaku in his book "Parallel Worlds" explains how physicists classify civilizations into four types - Type I, II, III and IV based on thier energy output. Type I civilization is one that has harnessed planetary forms of energy. They have the power to control or modify the weather, change the course of hurricanes or build cities on oceans. Such civilizations are truly masters of their planet. Type II civilization is one that has harnessed the power of an entire star and have the power to control solar (stellar) flares and light others stars. Type III is one that would have colonized large portions of its home galaxy. It would have exhausted the energy of a single solar system and possess the power to utilize energy from billions of stars. Type IV civilizations could use extragalactic energy sources like dark energy. The author considers our human civilization to be a "Type 0.7". We are centuries away from becoming masters of our planet and millions of years away from being masters of this universe, let alone multiverse. We are nothing more than a grain of sand in this Sahara of space and time, ergo premature to rush to conclusions about the existence or non-existence of a supreme being that is above all. My simple answer when faced with questions about divinity is that I do not know. I certainly do have my own set of beliefs, many of which fall apart when I scrutinize them, only to be back on their feet when I shift my focus. They are ideas and thoughts that are at the core of what makes me the individual that I am. I neither shove my beliefs down anybody's throat nor do I let anyone one force feed me their beliefs. But yeah, a thought provoking and engaging discussion is something I always relish.

Mr. Dawkins correctly points out that religion fills four main roles in human lives : Explanation, Exhortation, Consolation and Inspiration. In my opinion, the third role "Consolation" is the most important of it all. Pain and suffering have always provided religion the space it needed. There are many who are alive today only because of the hope that their religion provided, there are many who survive only because their religion tells them that their God loves them and will forgive their transgressions, there are many who emerge from their abysses of misery only because they believe that a supreme being is watching over them and cares for them. It is a fact that although religions have have shed much blood to turn all oceans red, they have wiped tears, fed empty stomachs, palliated suffering and been a crutch to billions across the globe. Unlike most people, Mr. Dawkins is concerned about the "truth" and correctly states that "wanting something to be true" is not the same as "it being true". But the truth is also that many people need a pacifier in life, many need a God or religion to keep going, many are not concerned about the truth and live on their truths. Someday, we humans could come up with a solution that fills all the four roles with something other than religion. Science could provide it, but we haven't reached there yet. Till then, hold on to your beliefs and let others do the same. As far as possible confine it within the walls of your homes and places or worship. Live your life the way you want and let others live theirs. Be curious, read and expand your horizons.If my reader is a strong believer and is curious about Mr.Dawkins' ideas, I would suggest him/her to read the last chapter "A much needed gap" and if that turns out to be too much to handle, read the last section titled "The Mother of all burkas" which briefly talks about how mysterious our universe is and provides good food for thought.

Hawkers on the Road to Perdition - Part II

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the alarmist nature of Glenn Beck's program on Fox News and the advertisements that dot it.

The following article appeared on Yahoo news yesterday :

Glenn Beck's gold-gate problem


Tue Dec 8, 3:47 pm ET
Yet another controversy appears to be brewing around Fox News host Glenn Beck. Some are accusing him of a blatant conflict of interest concerning his frequent on-air promotion of an investment sold by one of his main advertisers: Gold.
For some time Beck critics have cried foul over his relationship with Goldline International, a precious metals vendor that features the TV and radio host's endorsement prominently on their website. Critics charge that Beck is guilty of misleading his audience by often advising them to purchase gold in advance of the potential collapse of the value of the dollar on the world currency market, without disclosing that he is in fact a "paid spokesman" for Goldline. Beck's on-air promotion of gold, which includes advising viewers to construct "fruit cellars" and to rely on a "three G system" of "God, Gold, and Guns" in the event of America's collapse, dates back to his time as a host for CNN Headline News.

Glenn Beck also regularly talks up gold on his nationally syndicated radio show, where he often endorses Goldline during live commercial segments. Additionally, Beck has had the company's CEO on as a guest. Advertisements for Goldline are also featured prominently on Beck's own website, where he recently promoted gold in an audio clip warning of an apocalyptic future:

When the system eventually collapses, and the government comes with guns and confiscates, you know, everything in your home and all your possessions, and then you fight off the raving mad cannibalistic crowds that Ted Turner talked about, don't come crying to me. I told you: get gold.

Back in October, the liberal media company Air America made this video mocking the conflict of interest:

Beck's promotion of gold presents a potential problem for Fox News, which strictly prohibits on-air personalities from making paid product endorsements. When contacted by Daily Finance for a comment on the matter, Fox News senior vice-president for development Joel Cheatwood said the network "makes an exception for its commentators who are also radio hosts," adding that they knew upfront that hiring Beck came with the understanding that he was also a radio host and that they "had to be accepting of certain elements of that." Nevertheless, a Fox spokeswoman said that the company is addressing the matter with Beck's agent, George Hiltzik.

However, Beck, who responded to the conflict of interest allegations on his show last Thursday by saying "So I shouldn't make money?", isn't devoid of defenders on the matter. Business Insider called the controversy "nonsense," adding "there's nothing wrong with a commentator advising viewers, listeners, or readers to take positions that he is taking himself. In fact, you might wonder about the motivations of someone giving financial advice he wouldn't take himself."

In Beck's defense, some have also noted that the price of gold has spiked since he started at Fox News. Nevertheless, you can probably bet that any and all future Jon Stewart impressions of Beck will include numerous references to the virtues of gold.

Food for Life

Today, I had the opportunity to join volunteers from local colleges and community centers to serve meals and talk to several homeless people in Greenville county. The food is delivered by Food for Life and the expenses are borne by the church. It is held every Tuesday at the Triune Mercy Center.

Kiva

They say "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, Teach him how to fish and he eats for the rest of his life." You can also modify the last sentence to say "Lend him some money to buy a fishing rod and some bait and he eats for the rest of his life." Ofcourse,Here you assume that the person knows how to fish and you also have reason to believe that he would repay you. What am I talking about, eh ? - Microfinance !

I first heard about Micro finance way back in 2006 when Mohammed Yunus, the founder of Bangladesh's Grameen Bank was awarded the Nobel Peace prize for his efforts to bring about socio-economic development among the poorest households in Bangladesh. "Micro credit" is one of those ideas that make sense to one's heart and mind. It gives you a sense of happiness and satisfaction in being able to give somebody an opportunity to improve their lot and by holding the borrower responsible for repayment, it makes them duty-bound to spend the money wisely.

I have always believed that opportunities and motivation can do far more good than free lunches. It builds self-esteem, self-confidence and helps people move from hopelessness to having hope to giving hope (the last one being my metric to judge true success).

I am a member of Kiva, which is a person-to-person micro lending institution, that lets you to lend money to entrepreneurs around the globe. They could range from Asian farmers wanting to try a new crop, South American fish mongers wanting to buy more fish, African self-employed women wanting to do more to educate their children and many more. Take a look for yourself on the Kiva website to read about who they are and how they work.

Also, click here to read more about Micro finance institutions in India.

A bite of Apple

I took advantage of the Thanksgiving deals and bought an iPhone 3GS. I don't think I have ever been so mesmerized by a gadget in my whole life. Ever since it arrived at my doorstep the day before yesterday, I have been glued to it. Tweaking it, Scouring iTunes store for Apps, checking out the different features and at times simply staring at it and wondering at the beauty and simplicity of its design. This is truly a revolutionary product.

Certain features that would have made me happier are :
1. The ability to multi task - Wish I could open a few safari browsers at the same time while working on an App or two.
2. Longer battery life - My Nokia would survive a trip to Mars and back.
3. Better Voice Dialling - one that understands Indian names pronounced the Indian way ! :-) Yeah, wishful thinking !!

Hawkers on the Road to Perdition

I hardly watch the Fox News Channel, but today while browsing channels I ran into Glenn Beck when he was predicting all gloom and doom. Sitting partially hidden behind a huge pile of papers - the new Govt Health care bill, he spoke about how about this new administration was determined to fundamentally change America by building a bigger government, piling up the national debt, promoting socialism and redistribution of wealth, and destroying the dollar. What stood out and caught my attention were the commercials that punctuated the show. All the talk of death, decline and destruction were followed by repeated commercials of companies like Rosland Capital and Goldline telling people how the huge government spending and Wall street bail outs were eroding the dollar and urging them to invest in Gold. Behind them in the parade were companies like Life lock telling people how insecure their identities were and how identity thieves could ruin their lives. Close on their heels were the Home Security companies encouraging viewers to buy their services and save themselves from home invasions.

I do not recollect the commercials that appeared on TV during a program on CNBC last week when Warren Buffet and Bill Gates addressed the students of Columbia Business School. Mr.Buffet, after talking about his $34 Billion investment in Burlington Northern, declared that "You cannot bet against America and hope to win." I am a certain that the optimistic vibes of that program would have been leveraged by commercials of companies like GE (Renewable energy), Vestas (Wind Power)..etc

Isn't it interesting to see how a program's disposition is reflected in the nature of the commercials that it interleaves ?

President Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize!!!!

My first reaction was "W H A T ? !!!!!" :-O.

I do admire president Obama for the amazing and challenging life that he has had: born in a middle class family with no political connections, growing up without his father around him, achieving academic excellence and rising to become the first African American president of the USA. His words motivate millions of people around the globe and he talks about fundamentally changing the world.

But is it for motivating people that he won the Nobel ? NO. It said that the prize was for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." So, does someone get a Nobel for "trying hard" or for "producing results" ?

Mahatma Gandhi never got the Nobel Peace prize, ( All he did was to teach a nation about truth, non-violence, Satyagraha and then take on the mighty British Empire to free India).

Do they give Nobel prizes to scientists for "trying hard" or for "contributing to the knowledge base in their respective fields" ?

I respect the president, but show me the results - "the results" !!!

Evolution Versus Intelligent Design.

In this interesting conversation, Richard Dawkins, the celebrated Oxford University Professor and evolutionary biologist takes on Wendy Wright, a noted creationist. You will see that Wendy's concern is not with "accepting" evolution as a fact, but with its repercussions on the society. She fears (and rightly so) that a society based on Darwinian principles will not be based on love, care and mutual respect. But would you let such a fear blind you from the truth? or would you find God's design in evolution and use it to build the society that you dream of ? I am certain that the Catholic church would some day embrace Darwin (remember Galileo ??) and would come to the conclusion that it was God who put evolution to work. :-).

I am not an atheist and have my personal beliefs about God and religion. But I firmly believe that we should ask questions, search for answers and above all show the courage to walk down the path that science throws light on. Some day when we humans (if we haven't destroyed ourselves already) master inter-galactic and inter- dimensional travel, colonize galaxies billions of light years away, overcome death and become immortal, people would laugh at the days when life began on a tiny little planet called "The Earth" which revolved around a small star called "The Sun" and where the "early men" argued over evolution and intelligent design.

Evening Walks

Arjun is becoming more conscious and curious about the world around him. His vocabulary of baby words is also improving.

Arjun turns ONE !!

Time Flies and a year just swished past us !! My son Arjun has turned ONE. We had a wonderful party this weekend.

Back to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

May 2009, Re-visit



September 2005, My first visit to Gatlinburg.


The spell of the mountains still overcome me. We drove from Gatlinburg to the Ocanauluftee Indian Village through the mountains, stopping several times to capture the breathtaking views of the clouds nesting among the mountains. Four years ago, I wrote "Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a wonderful place. I remember Ruskin Bond saying that mountains have a magical effect on humans. Standing on one of the rocks in this mountain stream and listening earnestly to its sounds, i felt my spirits lifted, a cloud of calm settled on my otherwise turbulent mind. True, mountains have an inimitable charm, an overpowering presence that can blow away all perturbations of the mind and humble any inflated ego."... Still feel the same !



More details in another post.

Kudos to my Country.

Today, the Congress party swept to a resounding victory in India's national elections, defying expectations as it brushed aside the hindu nationalists, the communists and a legion of small regional parties. I would like to set aside my opinion on what this could mean to the future of India and express my appreciation of how effectively and successfully we have been able to conduct this phased election and choose a government that would now steer the fate of a nation of over a billion people. Those who are aware of the political geography of the subcontinent would be aware of the fact that this nation of a billion people, the largest democracy in the world, has in its neighborhood countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, China, Burma, North Korea and also the Arab world. Preserving and sustaining a vibrant democracy in such a negative environment is an admirable achievement.

Long live democracy, Long live freedom !

The Congress candidate, Shashi Tharoor trumped his nearest rival by close to 100,000 votes in my home constituency. Here are a couple of brilliant speeches by Mr. Tharoor,

CPD Distinguished Speaker Series: Shashi Tharoor - INDIA


Shashi Tharoor: Restoring America's Image in the World

Currently reading,

Excursions in Number Theory

Dan Brown needs a tonne of wax!

I read the book "Digital Fortress" by Dan Brown, the famed author of "Da Vinci Code". Unlike DVC, DF appears to be poorly researched and leaves the reader flabbergasted by some of the events depicted in the novel. Does Mr. Brown really expect his readers to believe that someone can write a worm that overheats a giant super computer, which then runs on end till all the sillicon it carries explodes, leading to the destruction of the building that houses it ? ....then when all the hackers of the world are at the doorstep of NSA, to lay their hands on US Intelligence secrets, Susan Fletcher- the beautiful and talented NSA cryptologist and her lover saves the country (and what the pass key finally turned out to be had me roll on the floor and laugh)!! That is Bollywood masala. Mr. Brown has the potential to be a great script writer in one of India's *ollywoods.

The story is certainly not without wax ! ;-)

Currently reading,

Digital Fortress


Data Modelling Essentials

Mathematically Analyzing a War !!

This video from Ted Talks presents a wonderful idea. It shows how a team filtered the noise and commotion out of an event as turbulent as a protracted war, derived a mathematical equation from their observations, analyzed it and attempted to arrive at conclusions which could then be used to predict outcomes or help manipulate the variables involved, to generate desired outcomes.
It reminds me of Steven Levit's book "Freakonomics" where the author investigates several topics both intractable and trivial by analyzing huge chunks of data to identify patterns.

There is probably no noise in the world we live in. The right minds equipped with the right tools could probably identify patterns or clues to an underlying grand design in almost everything that we see or hear but consider unworthy of our attention.

Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

I passed the PMP examination a couple of weeks ago. My strategy was pretty straight forward,

1. Read the PMBOK and the PMP Exam Prep guide by Rita Mulcahy and

2. Took a few mock tests.

If you have good Project Management experience and follow a strategy similar to mine, you ought to be able to sail through the exam without any trouble. Try these mock exams for free - This, , This, and This.

Both Sides of any story

Phil Collins sang,

"White man turns the corner, finds himself within a different world
Ghetto kid grabs his shoulder, throws him up against the wall
He says would you respect me if I didnt have this gun
cos without it, I dont get it, and thats why I carry one
We always need to hear both sides of the story"

Here are two videos that deal with the flip side of two very famous events - The Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi .
Here is the Transcript for you to follow this Gujarati play.



and the American Civil War.

This is an awesome idea - Pond Scum helping to run automobiles !



I wonder if anyone is investing time/effort/money into investigating the uses of Salvinia Molesta (a.k.a African Payal). If there is a way to use this water monster in manufacturing Fuel/Medicines/Comestibles, it would save several water bodies in my home state.

THIS was all over the news yesterday.

"MOMBASA, Kenya - In a daring high-seas rescue, U.S. Navy SEAL snipers killed three Somali pirates and freed the American sea captain who had offered himself as a hostage to save his crew."

One of the them was infact shot through a window ! And all this happened in the middle of the night in a rocky sea !!

Hats off !!!

THAT is what comes to mind.


But, THIS one singes the mind.