Some people I work with, try to explain scientific concepts or their research with the help of analogies. It is very entertaining to hear them and you feel you have grasped it. But not all analogies represent the scientific phenomenon in the same mathematical expressions. This superficial understanding collapses at the hint of any intricacies.
Words or figures can't always replace mathematics to explain any concept. I expected at least the scientific community to be more comfortable in using mathematics instead of analogies. The world continues to surprise me!
Monday, June 08, 2009
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Turn it Off
All mosques just like other places of worship carry signs that read “Switch off your cell phones” at the entrance. In spite of it, some of us forget to switch off or silence our cellphones. Once in a while the peace and quietness of a congregational prayer, is completely lost to a latest Bollywood or Kollywood tune. But then sometimes the owner, does not cut the call, as “unnecessary actions” are not encouraged during the ritualistic prayer. In spite of stares from all sides, the owner continues his prayer. He behaves as if he is so deeply involved in his prayer that he cant hear his cell ring. Moreover he believes it is completely forbidden to fetch the cell from his pocket and turn it off. How do you explain to the hypocritically pious that a small aberration from a religious norm, can do a great deal of good to everyone around you!
And another blast rocks an Indian city killing scores of hindus and muslims. Once again the prime suspects are muslims with support across the border. Then as usual muslim leaders make their ceremonial condemnation of these atrocities. Scores of fatwas are made stating that such things are unislamic, but blasts continue and I see no hope in the future. The condemnation by most leaders is against the violence but its root cause, hatred of non-muslims, is not addressed. Even so called educated muslims continue to believe it is all due to a bigger plot by Zionists and westerners. Their disbelief in all forms of reputed media and their belief in conspiracy theories is mind boggling. How do you explain to the hypocritically fanatic that some amount of rational thinking, can do a great deal of good to their own lives!
And another blast rocks an Indian city killing scores of hindus and muslims. Once again the prime suspects are muslims with support across the border. Then as usual muslim leaders make their ceremonial condemnation of these atrocities. Scores of fatwas are made stating that such things are unislamic, but blasts continue and I see no hope in the future. The condemnation by most leaders is against the violence but its root cause, hatred of non-muslims, is not addressed. Even so called educated muslims continue to believe it is all due to a bigger plot by Zionists and westerners. Their disbelief in all forms of reputed media and their belief in conspiracy theories is mind boggling. How do you explain to the hypocritically fanatic that some amount of rational thinking, can do a great deal of good to their own lives!
My Mirror
One day while walking on a beach, I found a beautiful mirror washed ashore. As I brushed the sand, its golden frame shined. The mirror was as good as new. I did not care if it belonged to someone else. I immediately put it inside my bag. From then on, it became mine.
I spent hours looking into the mirror. I began to comb my hair and shave more often, to look better to myself. But then I felt it showed me more than just my face. It reflected my feelings and projected me my inner self. I wondered if I would be able to tame them, to appear better to myself. With time I changed, correcting myself, to a newer identity. From then on, “I” transformed into “I and the mirror”. My phone, my books, my laptop and my bed realized that I have become obsessed with my mirror. But they never complained.
A month ago, when I was running carrying my mirror, I tripped and fell. It broke into many pieces. With it broke my heart. I tried to put its pieces together, but it in vain. It is worse than losing something precious. I feel I have lost myself and now I am left to my flesh and bones. For days, I have been wondering if this mirror cannot be glued together. Even if I do it, will it ever be like the one it was before!
After a long time, I have begun to look at other items which have waited all these days for my attention. I will continue my attempts to fix this mirror. May be if I walk along the beach once again, I may be able to find another mirror. Or I could even get one in a shop. But I doubt if they will ever be like this one which broke, now that it has become a part of me.
P.S: Sorry for all the senti stuff. :-)
I spent hours looking into the mirror. I began to comb my hair and shave more often, to look better to myself. But then I felt it showed me more than just my face. It reflected my feelings and projected me my inner self. I wondered if I would be able to tame them, to appear better to myself. With time I changed, correcting myself, to a newer identity. From then on, “I” transformed into “I and the mirror”. My phone, my books, my laptop and my bed realized that I have become obsessed with my mirror. But they never complained.
A month ago, when I was running carrying my mirror, I tripped and fell. It broke into many pieces. With it broke my heart. I tried to put its pieces together, but it in vain. It is worse than losing something precious. I feel I have lost myself and now I am left to my flesh and bones. For days, I have been wondering if this mirror cannot be glued together. Even if I do it, will it ever be like the one it was before!
After a long time, I have begun to look at other items which have waited all these days for my attention. I will continue my attempts to fix this mirror. May be if I walk along the beach once again, I may be able to find another mirror. Or I could even get one in a shop. But I doubt if they will ever be like this one which broke, now that it has become a part of me.
P.S: Sorry for all the senti stuff. :-)
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Art: A Different Perspective!
I thank all those who urged me to continue blogging with those repeated mails and messages. I began to wonder the purpose of writing. Is it to make the reader smile or is it to make myself feel satisfied that my life is more than just the monotonous schedule. My reflections follow!
“The moon changes its shape and beauty everyday in a monthly cycle and also changes its orientation during its annual cycle. On one day it is hiding most of itself, while on another day it is showing itself completely. But on both occasions it continues to impress every romantic soul. No jewel (or any LED, ahh geekiness) on earth could ever match its beauty. No individual could claim its authority. There are 3 billion women in this world honey, no one can be the moon of my life. Everyday you are special, everyday you continue to fascinate me. As I continue to learn to appreciate the beauty of this world through your perspective, I wonder if there are only 354 days in a lunar calendar.”
Every artist has his own way of expressing his emotions. I have read wonderful blogs from my friends who narrate their experiences or validate their points of view. For a few prolific writers, accolades are spontaneous. But not everyone is gifted. Those who can manipulate their language better are more successful in influencing the readers' mind. A poem could be written to touch a thousand hearts. But does that poem truly reflect the true feelings of the poet. Does he strongly feel, the way he expresses in his words? Is he really ready to cross the seven seas to meet the person whom he calls the love of his life? Or has it just become a pasttime and for a few, a profession? If one produces art to make a living, will he do justice to his art by expressing himself rather than expressing the common public opinion? And if he expresses himself, will such a piece of art sell?
Being not one of those artists, I feel it is unfair to allow the “elite” to mold public opinion. Then I should always see a piece of art as a third person and not be judgemental or draw conclusions from their point of view. If I were to do that, I would never relish the beauty of art.
No wonder I am confused about this, as I am about many other things in life. Whether this is resolved or not, there is always the moon to see and appreciate. Romantics don't “need” artists!
“The moon changes its shape and beauty everyday in a monthly cycle and also changes its orientation during its annual cycle. On one day it is hiding most of itself, while on another day it is showing itself completely. But on both occasions it continues to impress every romantic soul. No jewel (or any LED, ahh geekiness) on earth could ever match its beauty. No individual could claim its authority. There are 3 billion women in this world honey, no one can be the moon of my life. Everyday you are special, everyday you continue to fascinate me. As I continue to learn to appreciate the beauty of this world through your perspective, I wonder if there are only 354 days in a lunar calendar.”
Every artist has his own way of expressing his emotions. I have read wonderful blogs from my friends who narrate their experiences or validate their points of view. For a few prolific writers, accolades are spontaneous. But not everyone is gifted. Those who can manipulate their language better are more successful in influencing the readers' mind. A poem could be written to touch a thousand hearts. But does that poem truly reflect the true feelings of the poet. Does he strongly feel, the way he expresses in his words? Is he really ready to cross the seven seas to meet the person whom he calls the love of his life? Or has it just become a pasttime and for a few, a profession? If one produces art to make a living, will he do justice to his art by expressing himself rather than expressing the common public opinion? And if he expresses himself, will such a piece of art sell?
Being not one of those artists, I feel it is unfair to allow the “elite” to mold public opinion. Then I should always see a piece of art as a third person and not be judgemental or draw conclusions from their point of view. If I were to do that, I would never relish the beauty of art.
No wonder I am confused about this, as I am about many other things in life. Whether this is resolved or not, there is always the moon to see and appreciate. Romantics don't “need” artists!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
To Rule The World!
I was once found guilty of treason for planning to take complete control over India and eventually the entire world. I planned to use an "elite" military and "sophisticated" weapons system to defeat the conventional troops. An army of clones would proclaim me as their supreme leader and my two close associates would stand by me in our goal to eventually conquer the entire world.
I was initially ignored. But soon they realised they could no longer ignore the threat posed by me, when they saw large masses singing their new national anthem "Baba Black Sheep..", in fervent anticipation that cloned sheep will take over the world lead by their 7th grade leader, Noemaun.
No, it was not just another childish fantasy. I had carefully planned and calculated the entire onslaught. Millions of sheep will the cloned in the mountainous terrains of Nepal. They would then overthrow the then weak Nepalise King. They would soon attack our North Eastern borders. Even a country as big as India would fall to the sheep army simply unable to match the sheer size.
Elaborate routes for the sheep army were discussed using our geography textbook. Who knows better geography than a 7th grader! Intervals were used to build sheep fervor by singing our respected national anthem.
But there was one patriotic Indian in our class who did not like our ambitions. He betrayed our class by informing our tamil teacher. Me and my two associates were found guilty in class and were sent to the school principal requesting that we be expelled for treason. Our principal smiled and asked us to write our Indian national anthem thrice.
I was initially ignored. But soon they realised they could no longer ignore the threat posed by me, when they saw large masses singing their new national anthem "Baba Black Sheep..", in fervent anticipation that cloned sheep will take over the world lead by their 7th grade leader, Noemaun.
No, it was not just another childish fantasy. I had carefully planned and calculated the entire onslaught. Millions of sheep will the cloned in the mountainous terrains of Nepal. They would then overthrow the then weak Nepalise King. They would soon attack our North Eastern borders. Even a country as big as India would fall to the sheep army simply unable to match the sheer size.
Elaborate routes for the sheep army were discussed using our geography textbook. Who knows better geography than a 7th grader! Intervals were used to build sheep fervor by singing our respected national anthem.
But there was one patriotic Indian in our class who did not like our ambitions. He betrayed our class by informing our tamil teacher. Me and my two associates were found guilty in class and were sent to the school principal requesting that we be expelled for treason. Our principal smiled and asked us to write our Indian national anthem thrice.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
The dumb girls!
Note: this is an old post which was deleted. It remains the most controversial of my posts so far.
Most guys know this simple fact. Here are a few instances.
The most common type of dumb girls are those who can not accept the fact that they are dumb. Once I was feeling bored and I wanted to pull a girl's leg. see this chat log,
myself: most girls are dumb
dumbo #1: really we think the same
dumbo #1: we say all guys never grow up
dumbo#1: guys are ...
dumbo#1: guys are ...
and goes on and on and finally
myself : QED
During our first year saarang, two beautiful girls came to our “grub coupons” counter. Of course beauty and brains don't go together. They wanted grub coupons for 40 rupees, so they gave a 50 rupee note. With the intention of making them stay longer in the counter, my friend tenders 40, 25 paise coins as change. On counting those coins, she finds that it is one less. Of course that was a part of the plan.
She asserts that 25 paise is missing. A girl who spends hundreds of rupees on make up so that we look at her and enjoy her looks is worried about losing 25 paise to us. My friend counts again and gives it back to her. With all nobility, she recounts those coins but she is disturbed that she has still not got back her precious money. So she returns the coins to us.
Now my friend secretly adds one more coin and gives it to her friend and asks her to verify. Realising that all the coins are present, she is furious with her friend. “If you can't even count a few coins properly, why do you have to do it. And you make a mockery of yourself for 25 paise ...”. We smile at them and behave as good guys always ready to serve our guests at IIT. My advice, dear brothers make sure your girl friend is not like her.
While chatting with a girl, all of a sudden she used the kiss smiley. As I did not know the key combination so I asked her to type.
myself: tell me the keys
dumbo#3: keys for?
myself: kiss
dumbo#3: press shift and the second key from enter, then the second key from backspace
myself: :=
myself: hey u
dumbo#3: press shift and the second key from enter, then the second key from backspace,then press shift and 8
myself: :=*
myself: hey u
dumbo#3: I said second key from backspace
myself: put like this
myself: : )
myself: u dumbo
dumbo#3: no
dumbo#3: what dumbo
myself: give a space and type it
dumbo#3: it is for smiling
myself: i know
dumbo#3: see if I put like that
dumbo#3: the smile will come
myself: huh
myself: give space between the letters
myself: huh
dumbo#3: : - *
myself: :-*
dumbo#3: for once you proved you are not a dumbo
myself: but u proved urself to be a real dumbo
myself: by pointing out the keys :P
dumbo#3: pooda
These are the dumbos whose have an IQ equal to that of an ostrich.
After interacting with girls, I can classify most girls under three categories. The first one will understand what I speak but wont understand when I make any allegories. The next category wont even understand the conversation, I will have to put it in simpler words. The last category wont even appreciate simple language and I have to put it in the form of examples and fairy tales.
But I have met one or two girls, who are beyond these categories and I myself bulb a lot when I interact with them. Most often it is those girls who have a good literary background. I am in search of such girls.
Most guys know this simple fact. Here are a few instances.
The most common type of dumb girls are those who can not accept the fact that they are dumb. Once I was feeling bored and I wanted to pull a girl's leg. see this chat log,
myself: most girls are dumb
dumbo #1: really we think the same
dumbo #1: we say all guys never grow up
dumbo#1: guys are ...
dumbo#1: guys are ...
and goes on and on and finally
myself : QED
During our first year saarang, two beautiful girls came to our “grub coupons” counter. Of course beauty and brains don't go together. They wanted grub coupons for 40 rupees, so they gave a 50 rupee note. With the intention of making them stay longer in the counter, my friend tenders 40, 25 paise coins as change. On counting those coins, she finds that it is one less. Of course that was a part of the plan.
She asserts that 25 paise is missing. A girl who spends hundreds of rupees on make up so that we look at her and enjoy her looks is worried about losing 25 paise to us. My friend counts again and gives it back to her. With all nobility, she recounts those coins but she is disturbed that she has still not got back her precious money. So she returns the coins to us.
Now my friend secretly adds one more coin and gives it to her friend and asks her to verify. Realising that all the coins are present, she is furious with her friend. “If you can't even count a few coins properly, why do you have to do it. And you make a mockery of yourself for 25 paise ...”. We smile at them and behave as good guys always ready to serve our guests at IIT. My advice, dear brothers make sure your girl friend is not like her.
While chatting with a girl, all of a sudden she used the kiss smiley. As I did not know the key combination so I asked her to type.
myself: tell me the keys
dumbo#3: keys for?
myself: kiss
dumbo#3: press shift and the second key from enter, then the second key from backspace
myself: :=
myself: hey u
dumbo#3: press shift and the second key from enter, then the second key from backspace,then press shift and 8
myself: :=*
myself: hey u
dumbo#3: I said second key from backspace
myself: put like this
myself: : )
myself: u dumbo
dumbo#3: no
dumbo#3: what dumbo
myself: give a space and type it
dumbo#3: it is for smiling
myself: i know
dumbo#3: see if I put like that
dumbo#3: the smile will come
myself: huh
myself: give space between the letters
myself: huh
dumbo#3: : - *
myself: :-*
dumbo#3: for once you proved you are not a dumbo
myself: but u proved urself to be a real dumbo
myself: by pointing out the keys :P
dumbo#3: pooda
These are the dumbos whose have an IQ equal to that of an ostrich.
After interacting with girls, I can classify most girls under three categories. The first one will understand what I speak but wont understand when I make any allegories. The next category wont even understand the conversation, I will have to put it in simpler words. The last category wont even appreciate simple language and I have to put it in the form of examples and fairy tales.
But I have met one or two girls, who are beyond these categories and I myself bulb a lot when I interact with them. Most often it is those girls who have a good literary background. I am in search of such girls.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Being the 23rd
“My parents asked me to talk to a prospective groom, an MBA from U of California,Berkeley. He had done his undergrad in CS, IITM and was earning more than 120k $ per year here in the US. But he was stammering and struggling to talk to me. 'gegege', he giggled and blushed asking me what I do during weekends. Isn't the minimum criterion that the person I marry be a male?” - Vibha
First of all not all those pursuing phds are geeks. Designing a complicated optical system, does not mean I can not be a good company for a long drive. Nor does not it mean that I can not appreciate the glow in a girl's face during a full moon night. But for most of us, it is not simple as it seems. Yes, it is not that easy to impress that 'special' girl.
Having studied in an institution were the fairer sex are barred to enter due to the certain obvious reasons, interaction with them is a almost nil. And when you step out of such an institution and meet and talk to a girl for the first time in your life, 4 on 5 chances you will believe she is an angel, the girl of your dreams and the very purpose of life. It is advisable not to get close to any girl for the next 6 months(for some people even 2 years wont hurt)
“Since I met you two days ago, I have always been thinking about you. I strongly feel there is something between us”, would receive a totally damaging reply “Well, even your friend told me the same yesterday. So sweet of you guys!”. With each of these girls having had at least 22 guys trying to flirt and hit on them before you, you need to be better than all those if you really want to make a difference.
Being the 23rd guy trying to impress a girl, is not easy. There is no guarantee that your pick up line was not used before. There is no guarantee that your gift was not bought by someone else before. There is no guarantee that a person similar to you has not pissed her off before. You have no idea how many times she has been to this same restaurant before. And when she seeks help from you, you have no clue as to what others advised her to do.(It is safer never to advise. Just say everything will be fine :P) “You are very special compared to all the guys I have known so far” needs a lot of hard work and more importantly shrewdness and patience.
There is no skill on this planet earth which can not be learnt and mastered. And fortunately this world is full of dumb guys who lack common sense in tackling girls. There are equally dumb girls too. Being the 23rd guy in a girls life is challenging but at the same time very much within the scope of any sane and good individual.
First of all not all those pursuing phds are geeks. Designing a complicated optical system, does not mean I can not be a good company for a long drive. Nor does not it mean that I can not appreciate the glow in a girl's face during a full moon night. But for most of us, it is not simple as it seems. Yes, it is not that easy to impress that 'special' girl.
Having studied in an institution were the fairer sex are barred to enter due to the certain obvious reasons, interaction with them is a almost nil. And when you step out of such an institution and meet and talk to a girl for the first time in your life, 4 on 5 chances you will believe she is an angel, the girl of your dreams and the very purpose of life. It is advisable not to get close to any girl for the next 6 months(for some people even 2 years wont hurt)
“Since I met you two days ago, I have always been thinking about you. I strongly feel there is something between us”, would receive a totally damaging reply “Well, even your friend told me the same yesterday. So sweet of you guys!”. With each of these girls having had at least 22 guys trying to flirt and hit on them before you, you need to be better than all those if you really want to make a difference.
Being the 23rd guy trying to impress a girl, is not easy. There is no guarantee that your pick up line was not used before. There is no guarantee that your gift was not bought by someone else before. There is no guarantee that a person similar to you has not pissed her off before. You have no idea how many times she has been to this same restaurant before. And when she seeks help from you, you have no clue as to what others advised her to do.(It is safer never to advise. Just say everything will be fine :P) “You are very special compared to all the guys I have known so far” needs a lot of hard work and more importantly shrewdness and patience.
There is no skill on this planet earth which can not be learnt and mastered. And fortunately this world is full of dumb guys who lack common sense in tackling girls. There are equally dumb girls too. Being the 23rd guy in a girls life is challenging but at the same time very much within the scope of any sane and good individual.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
2 types
In my attempt to make life simple(to sound less geeky), I have begun classifying all things into two categories. Here are a few
There are two types of edible stuffs
1. Food
2. Vegetarian
I suppose now you have an idea of what is to come more
There are two types of achievers
1. Winners
2. Philosophers
There are two types of colours
1. Pink
2. Non-pink
There are two types of females
1. Girls
2. Desis
There are two types of people
1. Hypocrites
2. Fools
There are two states of consciousness
1. Awake
2. Sitting in class
There are two types of victims
1. Those who get killed or injured
2. My friends
There are two types of blog readers
1. Those who dont read my blog
2. Jobless ones
There are two types of edible stuffs
1. Food
2. Vegetarian
I suppose now you have an idea of what is to come more
There are two types of achievers
1. Winners
2. Philosophers
There are two types of colours
1. Pink
2. Non-pink
There are two types of females
1. Girls
2. Desis
There are two types of people
1. Hypocrites
2. Fools
There are two states of consciousness
1. Awake
2. Sitting in class
There are two types of victims
1. Those who get killed or injured
2. My friends
There are two types of blog readers
1. Those who dont read my blog
2. Jobless ones
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