Doctor saves himself

Here's another story that illustrates the fact that reality is stranger than fiction.

R.I.P - Joe Barbera

Sad news to hear that Joe Barbera (of Hanna-Barbera fame), a man whose creations bring countless moments of joy and laughter to kids and adults all over the world, is no longer with us.

Often we don't recognize the contribution of the many people like Joe who have made a significant impact in our life. I grew up watching Tom & Jerry - the antics of the little mouse outwitting the cat is stuff of animation legends. Not many people could have made a small concept of cat chasing a mouse into one of the world's most popular entertainment show.

With the co-creator Hanna also not any more with us, it is an end of a significant era. Goodbye Joe. You have left a long lasting legacy, but more than that you have made the priceless contribution of cheering up many young minds.

Bill Gates on Robotics

Bill Gates gives his vision of the future of robotics here. He compares the current robotics industry to the computer industry of the 1970s, discusses the challenges faced. Overall, it is a worthy read.

I have great respect for Microsoft, I do believe it is an exciting place to work for. I agree that some of its business practices have been highly questionable, but every organization in the world is like that, trying to dominate in their own fields by whatever tactical means possible.

It would be great if Microsoft focuses on some niche fields like robotics and try become a leading authority in it. It has to do a lot of catchup with Google in the online services, so there is a great need for it to be a market leader in a new field. Robotics and AI give the perfect opportunity to do so.

Quench your thirst NOW, ban on water coming soon

Waking up lazily today morning, I picked up the Times of India and the front page story was just the right medicine to get my weariness out. Here is the link to the online version.

Some of the lines are outrageously funny, none better than this. 'Colas with or without pesticides are harmful for health and should not be consumed. We want all forms of junk food like pizzas, chips, samosas and burgers banned from canteens'.

So what will the canteens sell? Oatmeals, anyone?
The health ministry is trying to keep up with the moral police. The article says that celebs should not endorse aerated drinks, but campaign against them.

Imagine Aamir Khan getting a phone call from the ministry with the official trying to educate him that no matter whether he personally verified that coke has a high standard of manufacturing, he needs to campaign against it because colas are inherently bad. And before hanging up, he would be said that a list of items that should not be endorsed by celebs is being prepared by the ministry and would be sent to them soon. And if Aamir khan dared to say 'F*** off', then he would get another call from the cultural ministry advising him on the appropriate etiquettes.

I am not a supporter of coke or junk food, but I would like to decide what I consume. What if someone tests the water being provided in the canteens and finds pesticides? Will the authorities ban water from being served?

Awaiting Champions League draw

Can't wait. With no major surprise in this year's group phase, Europe's top clubs are going to square up against each other. I would like to see a replay of Arsenal-Real Madrid. Last year Arsenal came on top but Madrid have improved a lot this year. There is a big chance that Madrid might be facing any of the English clubs since they finished second in their group behind Lyon.
For my other fancied team Chelsea, I hope they don't face Madrid. I don't want my two most favorite teams face each other so early.

Google Monopoly??

Interesting to read.

And for those who want to understand how google search works, this might help

Fun with George Bush

Bush has been the butt of many jokes and this is one really cool satirical site on Bush's theocracy.
Check it out -> H.E.R.B

Cricket & Politicians

How shameful? As soon as India lost their one day match at Durban, the less than honorable politicians of our parliament start berating Sharad Pawar to gain some cheap publicity.

Read Nirmal Sekhar's excellent article in the Hindu about this issue.

Guru - ARR's Latest - Music Review

The magical duo of Rahman-ManiRathnam is back with their latest offering 'Guru'. Way back in 1992 they redefined the musical landscape with the trendsetting 'Roja'. After many much memorable hits, the show still goes on.

The album starts with 'Barso Re', sung beautifully by Shreya Ghoshal. She has been very prolific in recent films, and Rahman uses her sweet voice perfectly in this number which looks like a typical heroine introduction song. It reminds me of 'Konjum Mainakkalae' from Kandokondein, partly because of Aishwarya Rai being the common factor in both. The 'Na Naa rey' part is the obvious highlight of the song.

The next song is definitely the crown jewel of the album. 'Tere Bina' is a wonderful song. Instantly catchy, unlike Rahman's many other compositions, it also establishes the singing talents of Rahman. I think he is one of the best singers around to do 'aalaps' in a song. He is beautifully complimented by Chinmayee in this song. This duet is going to last long in people's memories. Can't stop drooling over 'Dham Thara Dham Thara...'. Work of genius.

'Ek Lo Ek Muft' is a bit of a letdown compared to the previous two. Bappi Lahiri manages to bring the modulations of a drunken singer into this song. Looks like a situational song, so should fit nicely into the film. But for a separate listening, it can be passed as a good song, but not an exceptional one. Having said that, as most of you will know, Rahman's average number is much better than the best of others.

'Mayya Mayya' is an experimental song that succeeds. Rahman has been inspired by Arabic influences in some of his latest albums like 'Rang De Basanti' and 'Bose'. Mayya Mayya is one such number, and a truly scintillating one. This song is fast paced and absolutely seducing to listen to. Given that Mallika is supposed to be sizzle for this on screen, it has sexiness written all over it. Credit to Maryem Toller's enthusiastic rendering. Watch out for the fusion at the end of this song, simply exhilarating.

'Ay Hairathe' sees Hariharan team up with Alka Yagnik for a blissful romantic melody. The 'Dham Thara Dham Thara' humming from the song 'Tere Bina' is repeated here, but in a manner that feels like a chanting. This is a song that has a soothing effect on you, especially if you happen to listen in a silent environment with your minds switched off.

'Baazi Laga' is a fast paced typical commercial song. It is definitely not in the same class as the other songs in the album. Udit Narayanan manages lends credibility to this peppy number. Might grow on you with further listening.

The album ends with the masterpiece 'Jaage Hain'. It has excellent orchestration blended with superb melody. This song edges out even 'Tere Bina' in terms of its quality, but as we know, great songs dont always turn out to be the most popular ones. This song might not top the popularity charts, but is definitely a collector's item.

Overall, the album is close to perfect. One or two songs dont stand up to Rahman's genius, but we should not be too harsh on the negatives alone. The quality of the other songs more than make it up. One of the best offerings from one of the most talented professional of our times. Definitely worth the wait.

Other reviews for this album can be found at:
IndiaFM
PlanetBollywood

Microsoft VP's Interview in rediff

Makes a good read
I especially liked the points he made about what needs to be done to make India a leader.

What India should do to be a leader

One problem area, according to me is that people get to be project managers too soon. After that, it is very hard to be technically focused. So, we struggle to figure out R&D experts in the middle and senior level. That is one area we have to focus on as an industry and figure out how we can nurture technically strong people.

I am also not sure about the quality of students across India. Whatever we can do to improve the quality of the students will be fantastic.

Think about it, isn't it true that we have very few universities of sustained excellence while most of them exist just to make up the count.

Holi At Office

Hi all,
The festival of colors had made my ever enthusiastic colleagues even more enthusiastic and when I entered the office today, the mood was exuberant. It didn't take long for people to notice that I was looking odd and 'uncolored' and very soon I was meted out the holi hospitalities.
While it was joy to celebrate holi in office, I couldn't help notice the plight of the floor keepers who were trying their best to keep the floors clean... may be we could have spared a thought for them. Hope they were not irritated!