My Module

Time Magazine's quote on Sachin

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:52:00 +0000

Time Magazine's quote on Sachin:

"When Sachin Tendulkar travelled to Pakistan to face one of the finest bowling attacks ever assembled in cricket, Michael Schumacher was yet to race a F1 car, Lance Armstrong had never been to the Tour de France, Diego Maradona was still the captain of a world champion Argentina team, Pete Sampras had never won a Grand Slam. When Tendulkar embarked on a glorious career taming Imran and company, Roger Federer was a name unheard of; Lionel Messi was in his nappies, Usain Bolt was an unknown kid in the Jamaican backwaters. The Berlin Wall was still intact, USSR was one big, big country, Dr Manmohan Singh was yet to "open" the Nehruvian economy. It seems while Time was having his toll on every individual on the face of this planet, he excused one man. Time stands frozen in front of Sachin Tendulkar. We have had champions, we have had legends, but we have never had another Sachin Tendulkar and we never will."

Cannot resist posting this here.

From the round table conference on Parliamentary affairs

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:08:00 +0000

If you have not see this already... Dr.Jayaprakash Narayan's speech during the round table conference on Parliamentary affairs.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Google books... oops.

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:53:00 +0000

I was going through this book and was surprised to see the inverted page when I reached the last page. Of course... this is a very rare - but I managed to find one. :)

Link to this book: Book Link

American Series - Part 3 - Ease of living for the physically challenged

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:11:00 +0000

When it comes to convenience for the disabled - US is definitely one of "THE" places where a physically challenged person can survive on his/her own. Every possible facility/ feature has been designed keeping them in mind and these are clearly visible soon after you enter the country.

Does India have these facilities for them?
They do have some of the facilities - but not comprehensive and limited to big corporate houses, shopping malls and nextgen buildings in big cities. What are the facilities you can find for the challenged?

Ramps next to stairs at building entrances - Not all buildings have this
Elevators specifically designed for them or options to use normal elevators
Separate/ Convenient rest rooms
--END OF OPTIONS--

How is it different here?
Here, they are given priority and the infrastructure/ city is designed keeping them in mind. They will be able to independently get things done.

-- All roads/ crossings/ signals have options for the physically challenged

Ramps on every pedestrian walkways to road transitions
Pedestrian road crossing enablers are at the level where everybody can use
Every parking area has a handicapped parking and maintained - People respect

-- Every building has all possible options for physically challenged

Automatic doors
Ramps
Automatic doors at restrooms
Restrooms are designed for easier use

-- Public Service

Special counters for physically challenged in most of the places
ATM Machines at lower levels for convenience
Public Transport (in downtowns)
Buses (kneeling buses) and Trains have options for them without having to get up from their wheelchairs etc.

-- Options for Visually Impaired and Hearing Impaired individuals

Every point of access (Website/ ATM interfaces/ Portals etc.) has options for visually impaired (Voice enabled) and hearing impaired (Signs and Symbols) individuals
Most elevator/ buildings/ doors have Braille wherever required. In my office every name plate, cube, street, building number/name has a Braille version

It’s not about the facilities that I am pointing out… on the other hand if you think this is sophistication and suits only for a developed country – No, you are wrong. It’s about how much it enables a person to live without having to depend on others - helps to live a better, easier and fuller life. On the other note, these individuals also deserve the same treatment/ facilities that we enjoy everywhere and it is the responsibility of the state/ central governments to make it happen.

Given the mix of population, India has a very big task ahead in terms of enabling these. These facilities I think should be mandated by law.

More on this series:

American Series - Part 2 - Rules of the Road - Emergency Vehicles

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:17:00 +0000

There are various aspects of "Rules of the Road" that are very good here in the US when compared to India (Yes... all the posts in this series are going to be hardcore comparisons - I will more than happy if you catch something wrong from my observations and point it out). Yes - India do have all the rules with minute details written and stacked somewhere in a room (I also managed to find this very good site (www.indiandrivingschools.com) maintained by a non-government organization with comprehensive information - See if you can add something to your already existing traffic sense... from the site.) - The only problem is that people have the habit of ignoring it and follow their own rules.

For this post I will consider one aspect of the "Rules of the Road" - Emergency Vehicles

[THEORY] How should the traffic respond to emergency vehicles?

-- From the book --

When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle using visual signals, State law requires motorists to yield, change to a lane away from the emergency vehicle and proceed with caution. If a lane change is not possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution.
When being approached by an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals, State law requires motorists to immediately pull to the right side of the road and allow the emergency vehicle to pass. In some cases a complete stop may be necessary to allow the emergency vehicle to pass. If stopped at an intersection with two-way traffic, remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
If a driver fails to yield to an emergency worker or vehicle, and that failure results in a crash where an emergency worker is injured or killed, the driver may lose his/her driving privileges for a minimum of 90 days.
Penalties for traffic violations include fines of up to $10,000, a driver’s license suspension of 90 days to two years and possible imprisonment.

[PRACTICAL] How did the traffic respond to emergency vehicles?

Trust me - It's by the book. So far this has been the case... I have seen some 7-8 cases so far and the situation was handled by the book. I will (you can be assured) update this post if I encounter any violations.

These traffic rules and ethics could be attributed to couple of things - Strict laws (Heavy fines - With the amount somebody have to pay as fine here - I would rather stick to the lane, Compulsory imprisonment in some cases, License cancellation etc.) and of course cops (with their hi-tech James Bond gadgets) who religiously hunt you for even small violations.

What could get better in India?

Yes - we have the laws - It has to be a bit more stringent. Rs. 100 for a violation means I can make lots of these if I am someone with a decent paystub :)
Imprisonment - I think this is necessary - If you can get away with anything just by paying a fine... people with money keep doing it
Pay the cops well - Keep cameras to monitor the traffic and more cameras to monitor the cops
Yes - The infrastructure should get better - but all the above points will hold good even with the existing infrastructure.

American Series - Part 1 - Toilet Seat Covers

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 07:11:00 +0000

There are lot of things that are different when you come to the US from a country like India. Some things kind of impresses you a lot and from time to time you would also have claimed to your friends/ co-workers during your conversations that "This/ That is much better in India". Have you in the past?... Hmmm... many people I met did tell "Yes". This series of posts might be of interest to you... Keep checking this space for more.

There are lot of things to talk about and I will take one at a time. Let me start with a very simple and interesting stuff - Toilet seat covers. If you do not know what it is - I will direct you (Like I always do...) to a wiki article - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilet_seat_cover

Before coming to the US - I have never seen it/ used it and never thought it is required. Not many places/ offices/ hotels in India have this. But here it is a different story (most of the places have it... Yeah - I have been keeping my eyes wide open...) and I think it is kind of hygienic to use it. Of course there are always scientists/ doctors who claim otherwise (I do not want to get into the squabble of STD's - Skin infections - you-name-it stuff...). But the sense of security it gives... if you know what I mean... This I think is a must in restrooms. What do you think?

Save our Tigers

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 04:59:00 +0000

Save our tigers. Contribute and spread the word. Its not just about tigers - Its about maintaining the ecological balance.

Link: http://saveourtigers.com/

Valuing Relationships

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:07:00 +0000

There are few things (What triggered this? – I recently came across an article as to How a bank executive treats his client who also happens to be his neighbour...) that changed my perspective on relationships to some extent. Be it short or long... value it. In fact, there is nothing like a short relationship - Just relationships. The place we live in is very small and people tend to remember you for the rest of their life and the perspective they carry about your does matter. It’s quite possible that you will never meet this person again for the rest of your life, but the fact that they might become your advocate (at some point in time…it does not matter even if they do not…) still remains.

Having said that, it does not mean, you cater to pain-in-the-neck profiles and value their relationship on the same scale. Try not spoiling your self and find a safe way outside. This has never been easy - but I have seen people deal with such situations smartly.

The objective of the post might be clear – Value relationships. But why this post suddenly… might not be very clear... the simple reason being, me wanting to keep it that way.

Its very simple when it comes to relationships - Be honest and genuine. And the most important - Be human.

and now... this.

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:05:00 +0000

With all the issues I deal with... this one is quite different. Its like dealing with a girl... where you do not know what exactly she wants, but still have to cater... :). All praise to Microsoft Windows.

Orchestra...

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:05:00 +0000

Though I like to listen, I have not been very interested on going to an Orchestra. Was a bit skeptical initially, but still managed to go today. This was my first orchestra and I enjoyed it. It was at the Cleveland Severance hall, and it was full for the event.

Details: http://www.clevelandorchestra.com/html/Performance/viewByDayPopup.asp?m=11&y=2009&d=20

http://www.alisaweilerstein.com/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Nott were there. She was brilliant.

Orchestra

Group of artists performing at the entrance - After event party

http://www.thecuisineofindia.com/

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:13:00 +0000

If you happen to be an Indian (Even otherwise: This is a very good place to try Indian food... Its original) and happen to live in Cleveland and would like to have some good Indian food -- Cuisine of India is definitely a place you should geomark.

Unlike other indian restaurants I tried (which I would rank only 5/10)... this place is brilliant and I am giving 9/10 (the best is always yet to come... so 10/10 is reserved for that :)).

PS: I happened to invent (Checked with http://www.thefreedictionary.com/, http://www.merriam-webster.com/ and blogosphere via http://technorati.com/ and did not find the usage) this new word called geomark, which means bookmarking a location. :)

Aurora - Venkateswara temple of greater Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:03:00 +0000

Have been planning to make this post for quite sometime now... and here it is. This happened 2 weeks ago (Oct 25 2009).

I was in Chicago that week and went to this Venkateswara temple of greater Chicago with couple of my colleagues (Sundar and Krishnan) - It is better known as the "Aurora Temple". It's a 1.5 hrs drive from downtown.

There were lot of unique things about this temple and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Few of them below...

1. It had a brilliant location for a temple. Spacious - pond nearby and surroundings were very good. Many gods and goddesses in one place...
2. It was a more authentic than many other temples I have visited in India. The temple a brilliant blend of technology with the latest features/ equipments in place + the authenticity of some of the oldest temples in India. There was also a temple car present inside the temple.
3. I definitely need to mention this - The people who visited the place. The ethnicity showed up distinctly - I saw lot of girls wearing dhavani ( Wiki link ) and Paavadai sattai (Its been ages since I have seen this... It was a delight watching this... if you know what I mean... :)) and men in dhotis unlike Jeans and T Shirts in Indian temples (Fyi. I am not complaining here... just my observation. I completely understand that this is not a fair comparison).
4. There is also another incentive to go to this temple - There is a cafeteria at the first floor which will fill you with proper pongal, vada, sambar and other indian delicacies.

On top of that, the temple also hosts Dance and Music classes apart from various Indian language classes.

Overall... I liked the place. If you happen to go to Chicago, do visit this place. Link to their website here --> http://www.balaji.org/web/home.aspx. Will post the pictures soon.

a mail I received...

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:48:00 +0000

Please find below the mail I received from my roommate a few days back.

Subject: Great Bike

Body of the mail:
Hi da,

Yesterday i tried to start your bike, but as usual i could not. If you are free, just mail me how to switch on using the key?, use reserve and close buttons, using the choke, using the engine off button etc.

My Reply:
There is no mantra to start that bike. Just put the key and keep kicking. Endurance!!! :)

And if you are wondering about the bike... its an 1985 model Rajdoot. :). I do not have a picture of it. ;(/

Blog Action Day - 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:53:00 +0000

Help spread the word!
More details @ http://www.blogactionday.org/

முயற்சி...

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:54:00 +0000

பலமுறை முயன்று குத்தி கொன்றுவிட்டேன்.
இருந்தும் விடாமல் துடிக்கின்றது - இதயம் - இல்லை - காதல்.

PS: சமீபமாக ஏற்பட்ட நிகழ்வுகளின் வெளிப்பாடு.

Sex Tips For Improving High Bounce / Low Conversion

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:25:00 +0000

It happened around 2 in the morning and you can assume I was sleep deprived.

I opened my Google reader and start going through the feeds shared by friends. I come across this post Six-tips-for-improving-high-bounce-low-conversion-web-pages (Caution: Very long but interesting post). By mistake I read this as Sex-tips-for-improving-high-bounce-and-low-conversion (it still made sense :)) and I proceeded to read (yes. With some excitement) ... After the first few lines, the contents confused me a bit - they were not even close to what i expected... and I had to smile after reading the post title again - correctly this time.

Bureaucracy?

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:26:00 +0000

Place: Anna University (CEG), Chennai
Captured: 18 August 2009
Tool: iPhone 3G

I was wondering... Why? Whats so special?

Death Spiral.

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:27:00 +0000

This is an interesting phenomenon that we come across on a daily basis. Death Spiral.

How can I relate this to what I see in places?
I do not get interesting work. So ... I am lazy and do not put fight (Getting it done efficiently/ correctly/ differently... you name it) to get things at hand done - saving all my skills hoping to get some good work which might come my way., Since I am lazy and my performance is not appreciated, people think twice before approaching me for challenging work and eventually avoid me. I crib about not having good work. Become lazier. No scope for good work now. I either Quit or get fired. Death Spiral.

Don't be a victim.

Cruise

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Time: 2 AM – July 21 2009

The weather was awesome. Orangish clouds (that's how it was...), slight drizzling and cool weather. Empty roads... I Was up for a long slow ride(Can I travel faster? - With the bike I have - Did not want to risk :)) . It was so tempting… Instead of heading home, took the opposite route and went for a long ride.

Route
Office (EGL)
Domlur Bridge
Marthalli
Outer Ring road
Bellandur
Sarjapur
Koramangala 1st block (Wipro Park)
Sony World Junction
Ejipura
Domlur Bridge – U turn
Ejipura
Back to pavilion

Was cruising for 45 minutes or so. The compounding effect was provided by the tea wala (Yeah… the same person to whom Paramesh owe some 5-10 rupees and have been playing hide and seek till this day) in sony world junction. A company would have been perfect for the occasion.

Error 2

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Place: Bangalore
Captured: 7 June 2009

Previous Errors - I mean error posts

Error 1

My favorite bathroom…

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:33:00 +0000

There are always sentiments towards different things in your life at different stages. This post is slightly inclined towards my hostel life. Yeah… yes. College hostel. And this post is about my favorite bathroom in college hostel :). I was a bit skeptical about revealing (talking about) this… and one day (last Thursday to be precise) I did start about this to two of my colleagues and was happy to hear from them, that they too had a favorite bathroom in their hostel.

This selection of a bathroom happens in the first week of me entering a place – Block in this case. Unlike rooms you get to choose your bathrooms - Freedom. I happened to live in 4 different blocks in 5 years and I have a favorite bathroom in every block. The criterion is very simple. Clean, ample water–meaning the machines are fine and the ones that are less in demand are the natural choice and of course… intuition plays an important role.

How many times, I have been late to the classes owing to waiting for “that” favorite room. How many times I have berated someone and felt like beating him with a truncheon for “that” room. I have even bunked classes owing to this reason.

Nostalgic :).

I was wondering what has happened to that habit of having a favorite one? – Habits die hard, and I have a favorite everywhere.

How faker can it get?

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Sun, 24 May 2009 16:26:00 +0000

This image is a courtesy of Google image search. From the partial wordings in the image I can see, this is being published by one of the Tamil magazines. I am sure, this is being circulated in some remote places of TN and people are still hoping that he is alive...

Wondering where the SMS's come from?

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:22:00 +0000

Ok. If you have been receiving bulk SMS's from multiple sources like Banks, Companies etc. and wondering where these are coming from... continue reading... If you are not interested in that and wanted to understand the technicalities (How bulk SMS's work?) of it, you will still get an answer here.

Check out the post made in techbangalore.com. Details in detail.

Error 1

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:40:00 +0000

Took this picture long back, but deferred its posting for no reason. Here it is... :)

Place: Bangalore
Captured: June 2008

Whatever...

noreply@blogger.com (Venkatesh Varalu) — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Please be considerate and show some respect when you ask for some help, give commitments etc. from/to others. Unless otherwise you can prove it, the person is working on helping you and depending on you in case of commitments. Remember, things can go wrong in many stages, but it is very very important to inform him/ her at the right time... You might not be aware of consequences that the person trying to help you might encounter - be it his reputation going for a toss, his commitments failing etc.

It's fine if you cannot appreciate the extra effort that others put in for you, but at least try to respect it and do not complain or be a barrier. Do not fool around others efforts.

If you cannot do something, just inform. If you give a promise, put some sincere effort to get it done (it’s a different issue, if you cannot finish it after trying - but again, it’s important to inform the other party). Mistakes... once? Twice? - Fine... but as a habit? - Not my take. I get impatient.