Monday, December 29, 2008

The most difficult thing

Ra pagala ozhaikaradu edukku? All for 2 inches of ___. Guess what? Ida control panna mudiyuda? Panna mudile naal aduku muyarchi pannamal erukkalama?

Not possible makes things impossible

We had a horde of visitors in the last month. What surprised me the most was the "advice" or whatever told by most of the persons.. "Philosophy லாம் என்னானாலும் சொல்லலாமே தவிர நடைமுறைக்கு ஒத்து வராது and that time is the only healer". Yeah the 2nd part is acceptable but considering the first part, if so then why all the philosophies etc etc. Vaippaechukku matum naal edukku ada terinjukkanum? And the point is no normal person ie ordinary person advocates practising those so called philosophies. and hence when we say NOT POSSIBLE, WE MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE.

An excerpt from Naan Yaar? by Ramana Maharishi

Through meditation on the forms of God and through repetition of mantras, the mind becomes one-pointed. The mind will always be wandering. Just as when a chain is given to an elephant to hold in its trunk it will go along grasping the chain and nothing else, so also when the mind is occupied with a name or form it will grasp that alone. When the mind expands in the form of countless thoughts, each thought becomes weak; but as thoughts get resolved the mind becomes one-pointed and strong; for such a mind Self-inquiry will become easy. Of all the restrictive rules, that relating to the taking of sattvic food in moderate quantities is the best; by observing this rule, the sattvic quality of mind will increase, and that will be helpful to Self-inquiry.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

This is Madras

மெட்ராஸ்ல ஒரு மழை காலம் நால் எப்படி இருக்கும் என்பதற்கு அடையாளம் இது தான். Another act of our inept administration and governance. Improper sewage disposal, poor maintenance of watersheds, canals, sudden opening of dams etc without prior announcement. No effort to clear encroachments whatsover. Here are some videos of the water stagnating and rescue operation using boats. The reason why our marine patrolling is poor is because boats and dinghys are deployed for flood relief. Nice excuse nah.. :P







India

India aka the softest nation in the world. Even the officials and politicians in the underdeveloped African nations would perform better than ours. Who do we blame? The politicians? The civil servants? The public? or The terrorists? In the wake of so many allegations against Pakistan, the issue of the ineptness of the Indian government be it either the congress or the BJP will go under the drain because we have lived with it for more than 60 years, are living with it and will live with it unless everything takes a 180 degree turn. We know about Pakistan. We lack the muscle to even get back our territory occupied by them. They'll always deny involvement. Yes, they may not have supported the attacks but why are they showing reluctance in wiping out the terrorist camps in their nation? Okay, they are of the opinion that the evidence against the terrorists is insufficient, but hten what about Maulana mashood Azhar, the Jaish-e-Muhammed chief? Ain't he a convicted criminal here? What more evidence do you need? Looks as though even if the Pakistani govt officials were witnessing a crime, they'll say that they didn't see the crime as they were wearing cooling glasses. Now back to the main issue. We are now blaming the politicians and bureaucrats at the highest level for this incident? Whom are we to blame? Everyone. There may be exceptions everywhere, but if you consider as a collective unit, we lack in all aspects. Putting things bluntly, I don't have faith in Politicians. Who are the MPs and MLAs? People who have loads of cases against them including criminal cases like Shibu Soren. They are corrupt to the core who are of the opinion that once they attain the post, the next goal is to make as much money as possible. All they want is to retain their seat. If any corruption is exposed, tehy immediately goto a hospital complaining of sickness like Veerapandi Arumugam but then even if their portfolio is removed, the are still given the post of minister and MLA. Who are we to blame? The politicians? Aren't we the people who vote for them? Okay now do we have a choice? All parties are the same. We are given the option to choose among the better of 2 evils. god has given each person his/her own individuality. Certain perople are suited for a particular task while others are for others. If any alternate choice arises, like a few IIT alumni standing (Lok Paritran), maybe a few people will vote for them. Where does the majority of the Indian belong to? The poor who vote for those people who give them money. Some govt instead of focussing on major issues, start doling out TVs and those are now lost to the floods due to what reason? Nothing but their incompetence. I wouldn't be surprised if they give TVs as the older ones are damaged. Best case, even if a few MPs who are efficient are elected, are they the policy makers? Nope. So, apart from developing their constituency, where do we go? Nowhere. Bureaucrats- Some are efficient. There is no doubt about that. But ask any normal citizen and the opinion will be that all civil servants are corrupt. Why? MONEY. Anywhere you go, money talks. And many civil servant are nothing but lapdogs of politicians. Even if some are good, they will be forced to do things against their will else, transfers are there. We have ample funds. What we lack is proper deployment and utilisation. Police~ You may find brave officers like Hemant Kharkare but what are they fit for? 1. Increasing the size of their tummy 2. Their purse. No wonder our homeland security is so lax. If we need to change, the change should start at the grassroot and go to the top. Until then our Vision 2020 looks really reaaaally promising nah?

To be revised and updated.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

The 2008 season - A Review

The season ended with a nerve cracking finale having our nerves in jitters until the last moment. But then this is the culmination of the work done throughout the whole year. Massa drove superbly and but for Glock whose last lap looked very suspicious even though they say that his dry tyres gave up on him, the championship would have been his. The satisfying part is Ferrari romped home with the constructors again making it a 7/9 seasons. Just have a look at the constructors and drivers standings race by race as shown below.

Driver Standings:


Constructors standings:


The pre season testing was very close with Ferraris and McLarens matching each other but the Red cars entered with what looked like a slight advantage with various improvements on the F2007 with a narrower chassis and a less wider wheel base to cope up with the streets. Then came Australia where it began with a disaster with Kimi scoring a point and Massa failing. The Mclarens capitalized on it and Lewis began with a bang. In Malaysia, they qualified in the 1st row with Massa throwing away his 2nd place during the race. He score was zero after 2 races. Then came Sakhir, Barcelona and Turkey wherein the Red cars were in their element especially Massa who was dominant in Sakhir and Istanbul. THen came Monaco wherein the Ferraris showed their strength qualifying 1-2. But then due to rain and due to a lucky strategy for Lewis wherein they gambled on dry tyres due to no rain paid off as Massa and co had to pit once more. Kimi right royally fouled up crashing on poor Sutil's rear. A great dissappointment for Force India as Sutil was 4th. Hamilton fucked up the Montral race by not heeding the red signal and took Kimi out of the race which he would have won. Kubica took up the left pieces and won. Silverstone Hockenhein were normal races most affected by rain and the Silver arrows capitalized. Hungary- Felipe was in his element but an engine failure 2 laps from the end dashed his hopes. Reminds of 2006 Suzuka wherein MSc's engine failed in mid race which cost the championship. Massa was in great in Valencia and in got a lucky win in Spa wheras Kimi had a series of DNFs. Monza- the home of the tifosi was a bad weekend with Kimi failing once more and Massa picking up the remaining points. But Vettel who had a poor beginning to the season reminded of the great Rain Master, driving the half Ferrari to victory. Singapore - A slew of errors by Ferrari and Kimi in the pit lane cost them dearly and Alonso took the 1st place for Renault. The Mclarens Failed in Fuji whereas Alonso capitalized with a better Renault to win the race. Then came China with Lewis winning and Massa 2nd due to team tactics having Kimi 3rd so as to boost Massa's chances. Then came the finale wherein Massa was in his element before his home crowd. Whatever be the condition rain before teh start or whatever, he dominated and Alonso came in 2nd with Kimi 3rd. Vettel drove an excellent race matching the pace of Massa throughout. Hamilton looked to clinch the title but then after the final rain, looked to loose it until the last corner of last corner wherein Glock slowed down. The Ferraris however won the construtors and we saw an emotional and crying Massa.
A summary: The Ferraris had some great races and some ver very poor races wherein the Mclarens even though they had some wins, finished in the middle in the remaining and hence got the drivers title. Lets see what next year has instore for us with the slew of changes from slicks to change in downforce levels.

PS: This may look as if it is a totally biased opinion but then Ferrari is Ferrari! Orgoglio Ferrari!
Imagine what MSc would have done had he seated in the f2008, especially in places like Spa in the rain! Reminds of 1998 Spa eh?

Friday, June 20, 2008

Frustrated after your exams??? Try this!

  1. Why are people of the opinion that when they throw garbage out of their house on the road the stench leaves? Isn't it their surroundings and environment? Within the house or on the road surrounding the house, ain't garbage garbage?
  2. Why are people addicted to networking sites?
  3. Why do people use their scrap book more than IMs?
  4. Why do people leave everything to the last minuite? (PS including me)
  5. If you say drug addiction is bad, what do you say about television serials?
  6. IF u have 500 messages does the company force you to utilise all of them?
  7. Why is it that the people nowadays can't step outside without ear phones plugged in their ears?
  8. Can't youngsters remain for sometime without using no handling their cellphones?
  9. Where has the value of money gone? Why do people call the person upstairs using their cellphone?
  10. Movies can be an entertainment but do you justify it being a religion?
  11. Is there any politician who works for the welfare of the people without any kind of vested interests?
  12. Why is it that people craze after higher pay checks after which they try on ways to evade income tax and pondering over investing it?
  13. Is money the only thing people are after?
  14. Why is it that people find it difficult to remain without doing anything? I mean literally doing nothing.
  15. From where do people get abbreviations that people can't understand? Are people crazy? (Eg: 5yn for fine.. overa terila?? tp guess what? time pass! Ouch)
Rate yourself and see where you stand!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Are we following the right track?

Read the following news item... Courtesy www.formula1.com

Let there be light - illuminating the Singapore Grand Prix

This September’s inaugural Singapore Grand Prix will represent a major milestone in the history of Formula One racing. Not only will it be the first race to be held in the Asian city, it will also be the sport’s first-ever night-time event.

Drivers and viewers are set to make a journey of discovery together around the Singaporean streets during what will be a unique experience for all concerned. Behind-the-scenes, the realisation of the race, which will begin at 2000 hours local time, will also mark the culmination of months of preparation.

When the idea of a night race was first tabled, one of the biggest issues the organisers faced was that of lighting the 5.067-kilometre circuit. With over 40 years’ experience under their belt, specialists Valerio Maioli S.p.a. were handpicked by Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, to take on the challenge.

In next to no time, the Italian firm set to work designing a bespoke, state-of-the-art system to deliver optimal visibility for night-race conditions. The system they came up with fits the brief perfectly, minimizing glare and reflections from wet surfaces or spray from cars, by using lighting projectors strategically positioned around the track.

In terms of numbers, the logistical set up is understandably vast. During the event, 108,423 metres of power cables, 240 steel pylons and around 1,600 light projectors with a total power requirement of 3,180,000 watts will be used. With an illumination measurement of around 3000 lux, the lighting will be four times brighter than the lights at sports stadiums.


For the last couple of years we have seen oil prices hitting the deck in the US. All natural resources are getting exhausted at a rapid pace.... We are talking about green fuels, bio fuels and so on.. but practical implementation??? As of now nothing. We read statements that in the so called earth summits etc etc and all other so called international conferences that sustainable development is the order of the day... But then we can't help it if we exhaust all the resources can we?? Considering certain things everything has it own drawbacks.... In a sport where technology is the only thing that matters.. what if there is no fuel for the cars to run? Well it may be an extreme case but it is bound to happen soon ain't it? Every team have a limit of 30000km testing limit per season. Look at the amount of fuel spent on that. Even if we ignore all those as it is necessary for the sport is having a so called night race necessary? The reason "European television timings". More than 3 million watts of power to be wasted. What is wrong if a race is held in the day time.. Flood lights to cover the entire track and that too a temporary arrangement. If there is a race there will normally be a tourist influx no need for it to be a night race to attract crowds.. 12 twin power generators generating so much power. Many face power shortage and here we are spending millions of watts of power for a couple of days. And then what will they do with all those special bulbs etc after the race??? Put them in cold storage? And other countries are eagerly welcoming night races.. Atleast Australia opted out of it.. Also Bernie's efforts to bring F1 to many developing markets... Yes, it sounds fine but then what about those places with alread established tracks?? Won't they go waste? Spain already has Barcelona and Jerez tracks yet they are building a new street track at Valencia.. What a waste of money when there are so many people who are unable to even have square meals!!!