Seminars totally unrelated to your field of work are so great. It gives you time to sit and think about so many other things which is sort of impossible in the crazy schedule I have. Anyway, so in today's seminar, I actually went for introspection as well as retrospection which I have been holding off for a while now. And some how came up the idea of sensitivity and something I was talking with a friend. And one thing lead to another (you know how it is when you are lost in your thoughts. No? You don't have an overly-active imagination like me? Ok then take my word for it..) and finally somehow I arrived to these questions:
Is being sensitive a vice or a virtue? People at times perceives it as a weakness but that also makes you a better person. How do you find that correct balance between the two: Being sensitive enough that you don't loose touch with the humanity but still don't come out as a weak person or rather someone easy to manipulate or even someone who wouldn't be able to deal with stress? Or may be more importantly, can we change our sensitivity at our command or is it something very inherent, very basic part of the nature which can't be changed?
Oh well, just few questions going through my mind for past hour before the presentation ended and then I was back in the real world, doing real job...Just using the lunch break to write them down before they disappear in oblivion again.
January 30, 2008
Life is Good
After a very hectic day yesterday, I finally went to sleep around 1 AM last night. Woke up at 6:30 AM today morning (ok the alarm went off at 6:30, but I did get up at 7 AM..) as, starting today, I had to attend this class at 9 AM (I am sort of Course Assistant for the course so I am expected to (I didn't know that, Course assistant is different from TA and even TA don't attend classes!)). So I got up, got ready, reached office by 8:30ish. Checked the mail to see which room this class is going to be and finds out that the class starts at 11 AM! For some unknown reasons, I thought it was to start at 9 AM. I am not sure why. May be my subconscious hates me.
And you want to know the irony? While I was driving to the office (BTW, I hate driving but to reach this early to office by bus, would have meant that I had to actually wake up at 6:30..), the car ahead of me had the slogan written on it's spare tier cover: "LIFE IS GOOD". I was cursing it at that time because I had to get up at 7 AM and drive to the school: how is Life good? And now, after learning that all that was for nothing, that slogan is flashing in front of my eyes, teasing me ever so more....Grrrrrrrrr........
P.S.: For those of you wondering about the actual time I reach office: 9:30 AM. I get up by 7:30 AM (ok.. 7:45-7:50 AM..now leave me alone, I am already having a grumpy morning), normally. An hour of sleep stolen from me by my own subconscious! Ahh...the tragedy!
And you want to know the irony? While I was driving to the office (BTW, I hate driving but to reach this early to office by bus, would have meant that I had to actually wake up at 6:30..), the car ahead of me had the slogan written on it's spare tier cover: "LIFE IS GOOD". I was cursing it at that time because I had to get up at 7 AM and drive to the school: how is Life good? And now, after learning that all that was for nothing, that slogan is flashing in front of my eyes, teasing me ever so more....Grrrrrrrrr........
P.S.: For those of you wondering about the actual time I reach office: 9:30 AM. I get up by 7:30 AM (ok.. 7:45-7:50 AM..now leave me alone, I am already having a grumpy morning), normally. An hour of sleep stolen from me by my own subconscious! Ahh...the tragedy!
January 28, 2008
Truly Happy
Yet another forwarded mail though this one is from a good friend and no emotional blackmails involved. The point of this post? This little nugget:
Now I wonder if I have ever been truly happy in my life! What about you?
PS: I should have mentioned the context of the mail as well. It was a stress-management /motivational email. The main message being: 'Its not how much stress you carry but for how long you carry your burden that matters or, rather, wears you out.'
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
Now I wonder if I have ever been truly happy in my life! What about you?
PS: I should have mentioned the context of the mail as well. It was a stress-management /motivational email. The main message being: 'Its not how much stress you carry but for how long you carry your burden that matters or, rather, wears you out.'
January 26, 2008
Grad Student special
As usual, I was goofing around with Ph.D. Comics Archives and found these three gems...
How to look Busy, if you're not.... (Click to Enlarge)
How to look Busy, if you're not.... (Click to Enlarge)
And I am off to bed too...zzzzzzzz.........
OMG...
...I just sent a mail to my advisor with a smiley in it! Can you believe it? What's wrong with me? I am out of my senses, I guess. Can I somehow retrieve my mail? No? Please...
Guess can't do anything about it now. Let me go and catch some sleep now. I am never ever using any smiley again. Never.
Guess can't do anything about it now. Let me go and catch some sleep now. I am never ever using any smiley again. Never.
Republic Day
A friend asked me today, 'Whats the big deal about Republic Day? Why do we celebrate it? What's the significance, anyway?' Not that I didn't know the answer but somehow I couldn't elaborate as much as I could have. Or may be I was confused why would she ask such rudimentary questions.
Usually after such incidents, I think about the ways I could have answered the question in much better way than I did. And those answers keep going on in my mind. So let me get them out in open.
So we know that on 15th August, 1947, India became independent. But India didn't have a constitution or an Indian infrastructure to govern the country. Hence from 1948 to 1950, an interim triumvirate was formed. It consisted of three members: C. Rajagopalachari as Governor-General, Nehru as Prime Minister and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as Deputy Prime Minister/Home Minister. The head of the country during this period was still the Crown of England (King George VI).
On 26th January, 1950, the Constitution of India came into existence, hence abolishing the Crown as our supreme-commander. Rajendra Prasad was elected the first president of India. The freedom, rights, privileges and responsibilities of an Indian Citizen were defined. We became a republic. And hence the celebration.
In very simple terms, the period after the Independence to the 26th January, 1950 can be assumed as a pregnancy period. On 26th January, the Republic of India was born. So fellow Indians, wish you all a very Happy Republic Day.
Usually after such incidents, I think about the ways I could have answered the question in much better way than I did. And those answers keep going on in my mind. So let me get them out in open.
So we know that on 15th August, 1947, India became independent. But India didn't have a constitution or an Indian infrastructure to govern the country. Hence from 1948 to 1950, an interim triumvirate was formed. It consisted of three members: C. Rajagopalachari as Governor-General, Nehru as Prime Minister and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as Deputy Prime Minister/Home Minister. The head of the country during this period was still the Crown of England (King George VI).
On 26th January, 1950, the Constitution of India came into existence, hence abolishing the Crown as our supreme-commander. Rajendra Prasad was elected the first president of India. The freedom, rights, privileges and responsibilities of an Indian Citizen were defined. We became a republic. And hence the celebration.
In very simple terms, the period after the Independence to the 26th January, 1950 can be assumed as a pregnancy period. On 26th January, the Republic of India was born. So fellow Indians, wish you all a very Happy Republic Day.
January 25, 2008
Blackmail
I usually hate forwarded mails. Specifically, I hate the ones that emotionally blackmail you. You know, the ones with the message that if you think the person who sent you this stupid message is your friend/well-wisher or whatever, you should send this message back to him or her. It become worse when you get such a message from an acquaintance and he writes on top: "I EXPECT THIS BACK". I mean, come on. I hardly know him. And to make it even more worse, the mail is about differences between a simple friend and a real friend. And I am supposed to send it back to all my REAL FRIENDS! How? What? Why should I send that back to him?
Anyway, one nugget in that mail was super-cool. I wish I could make a bumper sticker out of it...
Nice? True? :)
Anyway, one nugget in that mail was super-cool. I wish I could make a bumper sticker out of it...
A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it!
Nice? True? :)
I wonder...
Why do people in the Embassy has to be rude, as a rule, no matter which Embassy you are talking about? Is it a required qualification for them to get a job in the Embassy or the working environment in the Embassies are so bad that they turn that way?
January 23, 2008
Mobile...
...or cell-phone as they call it in US. My question is why do people have to pace up and down the street/room/hall while talking on one? Why do they have to be mobile to talk on the mobile? Is it some fine print that I didn't read when I bought mine?
January 22, 2008
Guilt
Why do we hurt people closest to us? Why do we snap at them when we are having a bad day? They are the one's who actually comfort us in the most stressful time and still, instead of thanking them for that, we scream at them. It's so unfair and still it happens every time I am stressed. And then comes the guilt. It actually adds to the already high stress level. And still we don't learn from past mistakes and do it again next time.
Or may be its just me. And if its just me, does that mean I am a jerk? May be I am. Either way, all I want to know is: Is there a way for me to stop hurting people around me when I am stressed out? Is there a way to isolate people I care about from my bad-self?
Or may be its just me. And if its just me, does that mean I am a jerk? May be I am. Either way, all I want to know is: Is there a way for me to stop hurting people around me when I am stressed out? Is there a way to isolate people I care about from my bad-self?
Doom's Day
In case you are thinking that I am gonna talk about current Economic crisis of the world then I am sorry to disappoint you but I am no Economist. I don't understand ABC of economics so it will be wrong for me to venture in that direction. I am exploring another impending Doom's Day that I can actually explain.
I am talking about peak oil here. Ok let me start from beginning. While idling in a departmental seminar today, a word caught my attention: Population Explosion. What's its connection with oil peak, you ask. Well here is what I am talking about:
(Figure is from this site, which is coincidentally a very good site if you are interested to read further. This is just a cliff note version of what they have said in details.)
I am talking about peak oil here. Ok let me start from beginning. While idling in a departmental seminar today, a word caught my attention: Population Explosion. What's its connection with oil peak, you ask. Well here is what I am talking about:
(Figure is from this site, which is coincidentally a very good site if you are interested to read further. This is just a cliff note version of what they have said in details.)
The blue curve here is world's population over the years (starting from year 0 to present) while red curve is world oil-production. Why do they correspond so much with each other, you ask?
Usually when confronted with end of the world oil question, people's response is generally, 'So what, I will walk to work. Big deal.' The thing they don't realize that its not the only way the petroleum product affects our life. As you can read from the above figure that as oil production increased, the world population increased exponentially in response. You think that the increase in transportation is the cause for that? No. The oil came as a source of energy to us and hence facilitated the so called Industrial Revolution in 1700s (and hence resulted in colonization of Asian-African by European countries). Industrial Revolution, as you can guess, has changed our life in a big way. But I digress again (sorry but it relates to so many things that I can't help but digress). We were talking about the World population and its relation with the oil production.
An increase in population would mean an increased demand on basic amenities as food. How did you think the world's agriculture coped with that increase in demand? Yep, you got it: Fertilizers. In other words "Petrochemical Industry" (Petrochemicals are chemical products made from raw materials of petroleum origin). So now you getting the picture? We can support the world's current population because we have these Petrochemical industries. Now think what will happen if the world's Petroleum depletes?
As any Economist, at this point, will happily point to you that market will take care of itself. If there is demand, the technology/science will develop automatically to level up that demand. Thats their so-called market forces theory (or something like that, sorry again but I am not an Economist.). The trouble is that none of these Economist understand the limitation of science and technology. And even if we do develop an energy source (say by some miracle) big enough to replace the oil and some other technology to develop fertilizers, and mind you thats a big if, the amount of time required to replace/alter the current industry systems to that new source would be significant. Otherwise a panic will ensue (though some would argue that panic is already in place and hence all the middle-east problems and west's interest in them) and it will be again a catastrophic event.
Why am I talking about all this? Well just letting you know where this world stands..at the brink of a catastrophe. How today's world leader will handle this, will make tomorrow's history...and needless to say, there are no precedents for this one. At times, History doesn't repeat...at times it's brand new.
PS: Just FYI: The oil was discovered in 1900s and Industrial Revolution started in 1700s. The initial stages of industrial revolution took coal as its energy source till they found a much cleaner source namely, oil. We still have coal to last us for a hundred year or so but then we have to switch all our machinery to coal system. I will personally prefer bullock carts. :)
Usually when confronted with end of the world oil question, people's response is generally, 'So what, I will walk to work. Big deal.' The thing they don't realize that its not the only way the petroleum product affects our life. As you can read from the above figure that as oil production increased, the world population increased exponentially in response. You think that the increase in transportation is the cause for that? No. The oil came as a source of energy to us and hence facilitated the so called Industrial Revolution in 1700s (and hence resulted in colonization of Asian-African by European countries). Industrial Revolution, as you can guess, has changed our life in a big way. But I digress again (sorry but it relates to so many things that I can't help but digress). We were talking about the World population and its relation with the oil production.
An increase in population would mean an increased demand on basic amenities as food. How did you think the world's agriculture coped with that increase in demand? Yep, you got it: Fertilizers. In other words "Petrochemical Industry" (Petrochemicals are chemical products made from raw materials of petroleum origin). So now you getting the picture? We can support the world's current population because we have these Petrochemical industries. Now think what will happen if the world's Petroleum depletes?
As any Economist, at this point, will happily point to you that market will take care of itself. If there is demand, the technology/science will develop automatically to level up that demand. Thats their so-called market forces theory (or something like that, sorry again but I am not an Economist.). The trouble is that none of these Economist understand the limitation of science and technology. And even if we do develop an energy source (say by some miracle) big enough to replace the oil and some other technology to develop fertilizers, and mind you thats a big if, the amount of time required to replace/alter the current industry systems to that new source would be significant. Otherwise a panic will ensue (though some would argue that panic is already in place and hence all the middle-east problems and west's interest in them) and it will be again a catastrophic event.
Why am I talking about all this? Well just letting you know where this world stands..at the brink of a catastrophe. How today's world leader will handle this, will make tomorrow's history...and needless to say, there are no precedents for this one. At times, History doesn't repeat...at times it's brand new.
PS: Just FYI: The oil was discovered in 1900s and Industrial Revolution started in 1700s. The initial stages of industrial revolution took coal as its energy source till they found a much cleaner source namely, oil. We still have coal to last us for a hundred year or so but then we have to switch all our machinery to coal system. I will personally prefer bullock carts. :)
January 20, 2008
It hurts...
Infected bruise...on knuckle..right hand...can't type....must stop..send SOS...MayDay...MayDay...someone help...someone..anyone...can't take any longer...
P.S.: Sorry for the interruption. We are facing technical difficulties at the moment. The broadcast will resume soon. Thanks for your patience.
P.S.: Sorry for the interruption. We are facing technical difficulties at the moment. The broadcast will resume soon. Thanks for your patience.
January 19, 2008
January 18, 2008
The city
Black overcoats, black goggles, high heels, stylish walks, crazy traffic, jerk drivers and network of one ways. I guess that will aptly describe most of the cities in the western world.
I happened to spend the whole day in the city today and I kept wondering about those black goggles. Its not that bright at the moment (its winter, after all). Moreover, its so hard to get the sunlight in the city with those huge skyscrapers around. So why do these city dwellers insist on wearing those shades? As for me, I feel very uncomfortable talking to someone wearing the shades. It seems they are trying to hide their true intentions. Expressions in eyes make it so much easier to read anyone. May be that's why they wear them.
And why do they insist on wearing black as a rule? Its as if you are walking in a black and white world. Its so depressing. Can any city dweller, please explain these phenomena to me? I am at complete loss here...
I happened to spend the whole day in the city today and I kept wondering about those black goggles. Its not that bright at the moment (its winter, after all). Moreover, its so hard to get the sunlight in the city with those huge skyscrapers around. So why do these city dwellers insist on wearing those shades? As for me, I feel very uncomfortable talking to someone wearing the shades. It seems they are trying to hide their true intentions. Expressions in eyes make it so much easier to read anyone. May be that's why they wear them.
And why do they insist on wearing black as a rule? Its as if you are walking in a black and white world. Its so depressing. Can any city dweller, please explain these phenomena to me? I am at complete loss here...
January 17, 2008
Ph.D. in Correspondence
Believe it or not, few days back I came across a similar situation. I was talking to a faculty (I am CA (class assistant..help him design the course work etc.) for his class) when he tells me that he will be soon teaching the class under discussion in India. He is actually going to my old company (did I mention, I used to work and earn well before, for some unknown reasons, I decided to pursue Ph.D.?). So I was obviously curious. When he realized that I used to work for that company, he mentioned the name of his contact person.
Now I know this contact person but not as a colleague in that company albeit as my classmate during my master. I had no idea that he had joined this company (can't say my company any longer though the urge is compelling). Anyways, as we were discussing him, the Professor mentioned that he was interested in earning a Ph.D. degree and had asked him that if its possible for him to do so part-time by correspondence?
Ok, I think I try pretty hard to abstain from famous 'Stanford Arrogance' but please this is Stanford. And you are talking about a Ph.D., for crying out loud. It's not about cramming few lessons and passing an exam. It's about maturing up as a scientist...to be able to approach and solve a problem in a scientific way independently. Its not a test about how much you know (or rather memorize...sorry but I know this guy personally and hence know the way he used to get good grades back then) but how you approach something where you don't know anything, where there are no precedents. Ph.D. affects your personality, the way you observe things and approach the problem. There is a reason why its called "Doctor of Philosophy" and not a Master in Science or Art or a specific field. How can this be taught over correspondence, that too part-time?
Now I know this contact person but not as a colleague in that company albeit as my classmate during my master. I had no idea that he had joined this company (can't say my company any longer though the urge is compelling). Anyways, as we were discussing him, the Professor mentioned that he was interested in earning a Ph.D. degree and had asked him that if its possible for him to do so part-time by correspondence?
Ok, I think I try pretty hard to abstain from famous 'Stanford Arrogance' but please this is Stanford. And you are talking about a Ph.D., for crying out loud. It's not about cramming few lessons and passing an exam. It's about maturing up as a scientist...to be able to approach and solve a problem in a scientific way independently. Its not a test about how much you know (or rather memorize...sorry but I know this guy personally and hence know the way he used to get good grades back then) but how you approach something where you don't know anything, where there are no precedents. Ph.D. affects your personality, the way you observe things and approach the problem. There is a reason why its called "Doctor of Philosophy" and not a Master in Science or Art or a specific field. How can this be taught over correspondence, that too part-time?
You are being warned...
Serendipity...
....happens in my life too!
I got a pleasant surprise today in the class when the professor started talking about the same problem I have been dealing for past week. I actually read the same algorithms last night that he explained today in the class. For once I knew what he was talking about! Coincidence, serendipity or luck...call it whatever you want. It just made my day a bit brighter.
I got a pleasant surprise today in the class when the professor started talking about the same problem I have been dealing for past week. I actually read the same algorithms last night that he explained today in the class. For once I knew what he was talking about! Coincidence, serendipity or luck...call it whatever you want. It just made my day a bit brighter.
January 16, 2008
Picture time...
...as you have already predicted I have nothing to write about today, no funny emails, no technical problems, no classes...nothing. So enjoy this photo published first time on the web at your favorite (if I may indulge myself) Blog, just for you. Its an exclusive shot of Hoover tower (landmark of Stanford) framed inside the famous Stanford arch, taken by yours truly...
January 15, 2008
My favorite quote of all time...
To say "I love you" one must first be able to say the "I." -- Ayn Rand
I need help
A complicated subject material combined with a Professor who don't know how to explain very well and too top that he has a French accent. A one and the half hour of non-stop class in which he goes from slides to blackboard to Mathematica(a mathematics SW). And the concepts of the subject are his own so no other source of help. No doubt he is brilliant at what he does and he is eager to answer the questions but to ask questions you have to understand the basics at least.
And then you ask other students in the class whether they understood what was taught? The answer is always yes, somehow. But when they try explaining it, you know they are in the same place as you. Why don't people just accept that they are clueless about whats going on? Why do they have to pretend to be so smart when they have absolutely no idea what-so-ever? And why do I have to pretend to be a total idiot when I understand more than them (at times at least)? My problem: if I have slightest confusion about the topic, I will go screaming and shouting that I don't understand when people don't understand anything and pretend they know so much. Why? May be I am the weirdo (yeah again) but either ways I need help. Let me go and look into class-notes again...
P.S.: Ok from now on...posts on the Tuesday and Thursdays will be this confusing (the classes are on Tuesday and Thursday). Bear with me till the quarter ends (15th March, 2008) or if I decide to drop the class (extremely unlikely).
And then you ask other students in the class whether they understood what was taught? The answer is always yes, somehow. But when they try explaining it, you know they are in the same place as you. Why don't people just accept that they are clueless about whats going on? Why do they have to pretend to be so smart when they have absolutely no idea what-so-ever? And why do I have to pretend to be a total idiot when I understand more than them (at times at least)? My problem: if I have slightest confusion about the topic, I will go screaming and shouting that I don't understand when people don't understand anything and pretend they know so much. Why? May be I am the weirdo (yeah again) but either ways I need help. Let me go and look into class-notes again...
P.S.: Ok from now on...posts on the Tuesday and Thursdays will be this confusing (the classes are on Tuesday and Thursday). Bear with me till the quarter ends (15th March, 2008) or if I decide to drop the class (extremely unlikely).
January 14, 2008
Template
Oooooppps.... I did something, I don't know exactly what and everything here changed. I am trying to get the previous template and all the links back. Till then, my sincere apologies.
Happy Alone
Day before yesterday, I received a mail from a college friend, asking me whether I am still checking that mail id and to reply asap. This was her second or third mail in past 10 years or so. I was alarmed by the urgency of the tone so I replied back asap. Yesterday I got its reply. It consisted of three lines:
1. She delivered a boy 5-1/2 months ago.
2. She is sending me the snaps of her kids (a boy and a girl).
3. Last but not least: "When are you getting married?"
Honestly, three lines. Thats it. No question asked about how I am, how I have been doing, where I am, what I am doing. No information about how she is, where she is, what she is doing, is she happy or not. It reminded me of this post that a friend very kindly forwarded. Honestly, there is more to life than getting married and having kids. More importantly, there is a Life without getting married and having kids. If you don't want to live that life, no problem. At least let me...
1. She delivered a boy 5-1/2 months ago.
2. She is sending me the snaps of her kids (a boy and a girl).
3. Last but not least: "When are you getting married?"
Honestly, three lines. Thats it. No question asked about how I am, how I have been doing, where I am, what I am doing. No information about how she is, where she is, what she is doing, is she happy or not. It reminded me of this post that a friend very kindly forwarded. Honestly, there is more to life than getting married and having kids. More importantly, there is a Life without getting married and having kids. If you don't want to live that life, no problem. At least let me...
January 12, 2008
My status today...
Tired, more tired and extremely tired. All I can think about: my sweet little bed with nice warm comforter and not-so-comfortable pillows. But alas! I have to go to a party. I hate parties but this one I couldn't get out of. I have to go. I should go. I will go. I am going. Oh God, I HATE PARTIES.
P.S.: Sorry for this absurd post. It just shows state of my mind before any party I couldn't escape from.
P.S.: Sorry for this absurd post. It just shows state of my mind before any party I couldn't escape from.
January 11, 2008
Hindi meaning of Richa
My Statcounter shows that some poor guy was looking for the Hindi meaning of Richa when he landed up on this blog. And since I am in love with my name, I feel obligated to explain the meaning of Richa.
If you check the meaning of the 'Richa' on the web, the usual answer will be the "The Hymns of the Vedas", which is true. But as you know Sanskrit is a beautiful beautiful language. Everything in Sanskrit is so poetic. So the meaning of 'Richa' isn't that simple either. The root of the word 'Richa' is 'Ric' (as correctly explained on Wikipedia too), which means to praise. This can be extended to the meaning of Worship. 'Richa' is the mesmerizing sound that one hears when someone praises him or her or when the hymns of the Veda are recited. And hence the Hymn of the Vedas is referred as 'Richa'.
And thats my name: RICHA.
Update: To all the other Richa's visiting this page: thanks for dropping by. I am glad you liked this post! Though I can't take all the credit: our name is so wonderfully beautiful that it has to be a good post ;). Feel free to drop a comment or browse through the blog, if you have time. It's nice to find Richa's in every corner of the world. :)
P.S.: 1. No. I am not a megalomaniac. I simply love my name. Thats all.
2. Just FYI: Gayatri Mantra is also a Richa.
If you check the meaning of the 'Richa' on the web, the usual answer will be the "The Hymns of the Vedas", which is true. But as you know Sanskrit is a beautiful beautiful language. Everything in Sanskrit is so poetic. So the meaning of 'Richa' isn't that simple either. The root of the word 'Richa' is 'Ric' (as correctly explained on Wikipedia too), which means to praise. This can be extended to the meaning of Worship. 'Richa' is the mesmerizing sound that one hears when someone praises him or her or when the hymns of the Veda are recited. And hence the Hymn of the Vedas is referred as 'Richa'.
And thats my name: RICHA.
Update: To all the other Richa's visiting this page: thanks for dropping by. I am glad you liked this post! Though I can't take all the credit: our name is so wonderfully beautiful that it has to be a good post ;). Feel free to drop a comment or browse through the blog, if you have time. It's nice to find Richa's in every corner of the world. :)
P.S.: 1. No. I am not a megalomaniac. I simply love my name. Thats all.
2. Just FYI: Gayatri Mantra is also a Richa.
Goofy me...
Let me start by stating that I am not at all a techie. To prove this statement to be true, here is today's incident.
Our group server has been giving trouble ever since the power shut down in the holidays. The person in charge for taking care of the server is currently busy with few personal things (they just had a baby...). The second person in charge is in India attending SPG meeting. The third person who could have taken care of the issue, defended his thesis on Wednesday so he has disappeared from the office (You can't expect him to work now, can you?). So poor guy (the first in charge, who just became a father) was trying to sort the issue even though he hadn't slept in two days. Hence, obviously, I offered to help. I arranged the appointment for the university technician to come by and have a look at the machine today morning.
Now moving on to today morning. The technician comes (a bit late, if I might add) and starts checking the machine. He turns and informs me that the power supply of the machine is faulty. And unless that is fixed we can't check whether the motherboard is working properly or not. I say, 'Oh! let me see if we have a spare one'. I go and get an extra power cord that was lying in our room for a while. At this point, the technician smiles, points to the small box in the top right corner, inside the CPU and says, "Not the power cord but the power supply is at the fault".
Can I shoot myself now? Please...
P.S.: 1. Not that I haven't read about the computer hardwares. I know what (and where) a power supply in CPU is! But if I had the presence of mind to remember it, you wouldn't have been laughing at me right now, would you?
2. Oh yes... Hence proved. I am not a techie. The first point is there due to the ego issues (my ego issues..I am not an idiot just goofy)!
Our group server has been giving trouble ever since the power shut down in the holidays. The person in charge for taking care of the server is currently busy with few personal things (they just had a baby...). The second person in charge is in India attending SPG meeting. The third person who could have taken care of the issue, defended his thesis on Wednesday so he has disappeared from the office (You can't expect him to work now, can you?). So poor guy (the first in charge, who just became a father) was trying to sort the issue even though he hadn't slept in two days. Hence, obviously, I offered to help. I arranged the appointment for the university technician to come by and have a look at the machine today morning.
Now moving on to today morning. The technician comes (a bit late, if I might add) and starts checking the machine. He turns and informs me that the power supply of the machine is faulty. And unless that is fixed we can't check whether the motherboard is working properly or not. I say, 'Oh! let me see if we have a spare one'. I go and get an extra power cord that was lying in our room for a while. At this point, the technician smiles, points to the small box in the top right corner, inside the CPU and says, "Not the power cord but the power supply is at the fault".
Can I shoot myself now? Please...
P.S.: 1. Not that I haven't read about the computer hardwares. I know what (and where) a power supply in CPU is! But if I had the presence of mind to remember it, you wouldn't have been laughing at me right now, would you?
2. Oh yes... Hence proved. I am not a techie. The first point is there due to the ego issues (my ego issues..I am not an idiot just goofy)!
January 10, 2008
Common Sense....
..is so uncommon. I am supposed to go for a drug and alcohol screen as a pre-employment requisite for my summer internship. I need to have a negative breath alcohol test as part of the process. I can choose any day and time for the test according to my conveniences. My question: Do they expect people to show up drunk for the test, if they have an alcohol problem? I don't get the point of this test but in any case I have to get it done so I have to take half a day off today. Erghhh...
January 9, 2008
New Rules
I haven't watched a cricket match for quite sometime now but I do try to keep up-to-date with the latest news. So I did hear about all the unfair judging in the recent series. Yesterday I received this forwarded mail which I think a lot of cricketing fan can relate to. Actually I could understand it, even though I didn't watch the match per se. But I understand the indignation of every Indian at this point. After all, I am an Indian. So here it goes:
The New Rules of ICC
(1) Ricky Ponting – (THE TRULY GENUINE CRICKETER OF THE CRICKET ERA AND WHOSE INTEGRITY SHOULD NOT BE DOUBTED ) should be considered as the FOURTH UMPIRE. As per the new rules, FOURTH UMPIRE decision is final and will over ride any decisions taken by any other umpires. ON-FIELD umpires can seek the assistance of RICKY PONTING even if he is not on the field. This rule is to be made, so that every team should understand the importance of the FOURTH UMPIRE.
(2) While AUSTRALIAN TEAM is bowling, If the ball flies anywhere close to the AUSTRALIAN FIELDER(WITHIN 5 metre distance), the batsman is to be considered OUT irrelevant of whether the catch was taken cleanly or grassed. Any decision for further clarification should be seek from the FOURTH UMPIRE. This is made to ensure that the cricket is played with SPORTIVE SPIRIT by all the teams.
(3) While BATTING, AUSTRALIAN players will wait for the ON-FIELD UMPIRE decisions only (even if the catch goes to the FIFTH SLIP as the ball might not have touched the bat). Each AUSTRALIAN batsman has to be out FOUR TIMES (minimum) before he can return to the pavilion. In case of THE CRICKETER WITH INTEGRITY, this can be higher.
(4) UMPIRES should consider a huge bonus if an AUSTRALIAN player scores a century. Any wrong decisions can be ignored as they will be paid huge bonus and will receive the backing of the AUSTRALIAN team and board .
(5) All AUSTRALIAN players are eligible to keep commenting about all players on the field and the OPPONENT TEAM should never comment as they will be spoiling the spirit of the AUSTRALIAN team. Any comments made in any other language are to be considered as RACIALISM.
(6) MATCH REFEREE decisions will be taken purely on the AUSTRALIAN TEAM suggestions only. Player views from the other teams decisions will not be considered for hearing. MATCH REFEREES are to be given huge bonus if this rule is implemented.
(7) NO VISITING TEAM should plan to win in AUSTRALIA. This is to ensure that the sportive spirit of CRICKET is maintained.
(8) THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE: If any bowler gets RICKY PONTING - "THE UNDISPUTED CRICKETER WITH INTEGRITY IN THE GAME OF CRICKET" more than twice in a series, he will be banned for the REST OF THE SERIES. This is to ensure that the best batsman/Captain can play to break records and create history in the game of CRICKET.
These rules should better be clarified to all the teams VISITING AUSTRALIA.
The New Rules of ICC
(1) Ricky Ponting – (THE TRULY GENUINE CRICKETER OF THE CRICKET ERA AND WHOSE INTEGRITY SHOULD NOT BE DOUBTED ) should be considered as the FOURTH UMPIRE. As per the new rules, FOURTH UMPIRE decision is final and will over ride any decisions taken by any other umpires. ON-FIELD umpires can seek the assistance of RICKY PONTING even if he is not on the field. This rule is to be made, so that every team should understand the importance of the FOURTH UMPIRE.
(2) While AUSTRALIAN TEAM is bowling, If the ball flies anywhere close to the AUSTRALIAN FIELDER(WITHIN 5 metre distance), the batsman is to be considered OUT irrelevant of whether the catch was taken cleanly or grassed. Any decision for further clarification should be seek from the FOURTH UMPIRE. This is made to ensure that the cricket is played with SPORTIVE SPIRIT by all the teams.
(3) While BATTING, AUSTRALIAN players will wait for the ON-FIELD UMPIRE decisions only (even if the catch goes to the FIFTH SLIP as the ball might not have touched the bat). Each AUSTRALIAN batsman has to be out FOUR TIMES (minimum) before he can return to the pavilion. In case of THE CRICKETER WITH INTEGRITY, this can be higher.
(4) UMPIRES should consider a huge bonus if an AUSTRALIAN player scores a century. Any wrong decisions can be ignored as they will be paid huge bonus and will receive the backing of the AUSTRALIAN team and board .
(5) All AUSTRALIAN players are eligible to keep commenting about all players on the field and the OPPONENT TEAM should never comment as they will be spoiling the spirit of the AUSTRALIAN team. Any comments made in any other language are to be considered as RACIALISM.
(6) MATCH REFEREE decisions will be taken purely on the AUSTRALIAN TEAM suggestions only. Player views from the other teams decisions will not be considered for hearing. MATCH REFEREES are to be given huge bonus if this rule is implemented.
(7) NO VISITING TEAM should plan to win in AUSTRALIA. This is to ensure that the sportive spirit of CRICKET is maintained.
(8) THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE: If any bowler gets RICKY PONTING - "THE UNDISPUTED CRICKETER WITH INTEGRITY IN THE GAME OF CRICKET" more than twice in a series, he will be banned for the REST OF THE SERIES. This is to ensure that the best batsman/Captain can play to break records and create history in the game of CRICKET.
These rules should better be clarified to all the teams VISITING AUSTRALIA.
January 8, 2008
Who, me?
I know I know. I disappeared again. Hey, its beginning of a new quarter. I just had a fabulous break. I need time to get back in the schedule. Give me a break! My calendar is already showing busy schedules for next two months! And then I went for my Karate class yesterday..after 3 weeks of no exercise. Each and every joint in the body is screaming in pain. And I have to finish my code and get it running before I leave. And still I am writing this post. High form of Procrastination..
Anyway, coming back to school also means catching up with friends. So I wasted, no spending time with friends can't be a waste so utilized, approximately two hours for the process. So there I was happily chatting with my friends when a very enthusiastic person who is happy to be pushing the limits of science, drops by. And somehow, according to her, we all should be happy and excited about doing such a great job of moving the barriers of science a little bit further for the humanity! Not that her enthusiasm wasn't admirable but please spare me.
She actually reminded me of my first class in Stanford. The Prof started with how we all are going to become "World-Class" scientists. My first ever class in Stanford and I am thinking, 'That doesn't sound like me.' He was still going on about how it is our responsibility to lead the scientific community. 'Definitely not me'. And how the world look up to us. 'Ok, thats it. Admission committee has made a huge mistake. I DON'T BELONG HERE'.
Honestly, even after three and the half years, I am not sure whether I actually belong here. I am moving no barriers, pushing no limits. I am a very simple person with very few ambitions like getting my green belt in Kenpo Karate before I graduate from here. And all I want to do, right now, is to get this stupid code running so that I can go home and sleep. What limit and what barrier? I don't want to lead no one and I don't want anyone looking up to me. Just leave me alone!
P.S.: Ms. Rowling, can I borrow the invisibility cloak from your imaginary world? I can really use one...
Anyway, coming back to school also means catching up with friends. So I wasted, no spending time with friends can't be a waste so utilized, approximately two hours for the process. So there I was happily chatting with my friends when a very enthusiastic person who is happy to be pushing the limits of science, drops by. And somehow, according to her, we all should be happy and excited about doing such a great job of moving the barriers of science a little bit further for the humanity! Not that her enthusiasm wasn't admirable but please spare me.
She actually reminded me of my first class in Stanford. The Prof started with how we all are going to become "World-Class" scientists. My first ever class in Stanford and I am thinking, 'That doesn't sound like me.' He was still going on about how it is our responsibility to lead the scientific community. 'Definitely not me'. And how the world look up to us. 'Ok, thats it. Admission committee has made a huge mistake. I DON'T BELONG HERE'.
Honestly, even after three and the half years, I am not sure whether I actually belong here. I am moving no barriers, pushing no limits. I am a very simple person with very few ambitions like getting my green belt in Kenpo Karate before I graduate from here. And all I want to do, right now, is to get this stupid code running so that I can go home and sleep. What limit and what barrier? I don't want to lead no one and I don't want anyone looking up to me. Just leave me alone!
P.S.: Ms. Rowling, can I borrow the invisibility cloak from your imaginary world? I can really use one...
January 5, 2008
January 4, 2008
The Restless Sea...
Skin Deep
On the risk of being considered vain, I am writing this post. As I have mentioned a few times before, a friend of mine from London was here for two weeks. She is a wonderful photographer though she refuses to accept the compliment. I was her favorite model for last two weeks. It was a torture, honestly. Imagine a person who is more comfortable behind the camera has been left without a camera and asked to "pose" for the camera! Can you think of a worse torture? But I digress. As I was saying, she is a wonderful photographer and hence I have a few decent pictures now which I posted on my orkut album and thats where it begins.
An old acquaintance from college (who also used to be one of the most popular guy of our college in our times) does the honor of scrapping me (of course, giving a compliment for the pictures) and asks for my number and gives his cell phone number. He has been in US for two years now. Our families have known each other for a long time and he has never, never asked for my number before this. All of sudden, I am someone whom he can talk to? Just because I look good in few photographs (once again pardon my vanity)? Eewww...Now I remember the reason why I never liked any of those good looking guys in my college days. Why do all the good-looking/popular people have to be so shallow? Honestly, I was allergic to all the good-looking guys back then. I am not sure I like them now anymore than I used to back then.
Ew, ew, ew. Yucky.
P.S.: Once again I am just rambling here. This feeling of disgust has been overpowering me for two days now so I have to write it down. I have to get it out of my system...
Ew, ew, ew. Yucky.
P.S.: Once again I am just rambling here. This feeling of disgust has been overpowering me for two days now so I have to write it down. I have to get it out of my system...
January 3, 2008
Room Under Destruction
I am in the middle of rearranging furnitures in my room. Its been three years I have been living with the same setting. So this new year, my room is going to have a new look. But thats later...right now my room is a complete mess. I am not sure I can get out of the room in case of emergency. I have been working non-stop for last 3 hours so thought I can use a break. Hence this post.
To top all the mess, my laptop seems to have encountered a virus that is trying to install itself on my laptop over and over again. My smart Spy Sweeper is stopping it from doing so but every nth second it keeps telling me that it stopped the virus from doing so. I am not sure how to tell my dearest laptop: "Good Job! Keep the good work but for God's sake, stop showing off!! At least, let me finish my post in peace". I tell you these antiviral software are so vain. They won't let go of a single chance to show themselves off. Erghhh...
P.S.: Yes, I know I somehow can turn off this warning thingy in the software. I just don't know exactly how. Okay let me get back to the room now.
To top all the mess, my laptop seems to have encountered a virus that is trying to install itself on my laptop over and over again. My smart Spy Sweeper is stopping it from doing so but every nth second it keeps telling me that it stopped the virus from doing so. I am not sure how to tell my dearest laptop: "Good Job! Keep the good work but for God's sake, stop showing off!! At least, let me finish my post in peace". I tell you these antiviral software are so vain. They won't let go of a single chance to show themselves off. Erghhh...
P.S.: Yes, I know I somehow can turn off this warning thingy in the software. I just don't know exactly how. Okay let me get back to the room now.
January 2, 2008
New Year Wishes
I have been meaning to wish all of you a Happy New Year for last two days now. I have been trying to get the perfect picture too to post for the greetings but no luck. The best I could come up with is this cup of coffee to give you a jump start for the next year (with extra whip cream):
Have a great year ahead and keep visiting. I promise to blog regularly and I promise to keep my promise this time.
I have been getting a lot of complaints about decreased frequency of my posts lately. Only explanation I can offer is that I have been having a lot of fun so I didn't need to write. But as my friend is leaving today, I will be back to normal posting schedule. You know all the times when I am supposed to work (Shhh...or my advisor will hear you). So you will get your regular doses of this Grad's Life in all the break times you get in between work.
I have been getting a lot of complaints about decreased frequency of my posts lately. Only explanation I can offer is that I have been having a lot of fun so I didn't need to write. But as my friend is leaving today, I will be back to normal posting schedule. You know all the times when I am supposed to work (Shhh...or my advisor will hear you). So you will get your regular doses of this Grad's Life in all the break times you get in between work.
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