Life, Dreams and Reality -- Sohel's Blog

Digital, and Non Digital, United and Unified

2011-11-28T23:30:00.000-07:00

Stephen King’s 11/22/63 is quite an unusual title of a book. Still in beginning chapters, but already I’m hooked to King’s irresistible writing, as I was in his Under the Dome, The Stand, and many more past ones. Maybe some other day I will write about the story when I read the very last chapter of this hefty book. But like the protagonist of this story who goes back to 1958, yep, time travel, don’t laugh, Stephen King always knows how to craft the most implausible story into a believable one, and making it entertaining but also weaves it with moral dilemma, the good, the bad and the ugly, just like Clint Eastwood in his Western movies, perhaps a few degrees more intensity, but again just like this time traveling protagonist, I felt so antiquated not adopting the electronic version of book reading earlier. Such an instant gratification! You click just one button, and bam! The book is auto delivered within a few seconds in all the possible devices one may possess, phone, pc, e-reader, tablet, laptop, etc. The cloud computing is in its full galore. And I thought, so boisterously, that I have seen, and used all the high tech gadgets, felt the power of its incalculable variations. So naive those self congratulatory assertions were!

A Kindle can store 3500 books in only mere few ounces of weight, thin, can carry in a pocket. What will happen to all those books nicely decorating my bookshelf? What will happen to existence of very bookshelf? Not sure whether I will favour one or other, still love the feelings of holding a book in my hand, its texture, flipping the real pages. But the other day, I loved the super convenience turning an electronic book’s pages using google reader on a phone. It also seems that electronic book may have an advantage over the traditional books because of its potential of eliminating the need of chopping countless trees for paper.

World is indeed changing. Moore’s law, Ray Kurzweil’s exponential growth law, all point to a world, very possibly and strikingly so dissimilar to our known world, where the good, the bad and the ugly characters of Clint Eastwood’s classic movies, or Stephen King’s science fiction centric protagonists and antagonists, duelling each others, just like the real world’s violence, but in the pages of fiction, where though a skilful writer like Stephen King or Cormac McCarthy or Barbara Kingsolver or Ian McEwan or John Banville or Jhumpa Lahiri or Julian Barnes can vividly portray blood cuddling or a soothing scenario with their masterful usages of economic words and sentences, but the splendour and the very real revolutionary changes in progress in many parts of this known world (and not Edward P. Jones’), may still be written by invisible ink of non digital agonies and dreams for a democratic and equitable world.

Digital, and non digital, united and unified. Now that’s the food for thoughts in this late night of an approaching winter, when the shivering cold and chill cannot stop the progression of humanity. Perhaps, there is nothing to fear about that world to come. Steven Pinker said so in The Better Angels of Our Nature, and it very well is possible.

11/22/63. Here I come.

Never, never be afraid

2011-11-13T22:45:00.001-07:00

“Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

Little Bee by Chris Cleave - Untold Story of the Dispossessed

2011-10-21T14:35:00.001-06:00

This is the first book I've read written by Chris Cleave, and found his crisp writing to be highly readable, entertaining, and at the same time Little Bee has that unmistakable power rekindling reader's interest exploring the painful reality that many fellow human beings go through every single day around the globe.

The central character Little Bee, whose real name is Udo, meaning peace, recollects childhood memories with her family, adventures with elder sister, and horror in the forms of boots and guns that came to their village, robbing her childhood innocence, while fleeing to a promised land does not bring that very promise of sheltering persecution from the paid thugs.

Involvement of a family of journalist, the 1 meter height "batman", gives this tragic story another dimension and perspective, from the eyes of a protector, who feels so helpless protecting a refugee child from the onslaught of endless bureaucracy, and bullets. Amid the gloom and waves of sorrow, also lies satire from Little Bee, whose "Queen English" describing the promised land, her native country's convoluted politics, though piercing, provide light way of responding to constricting cruelty with refreshing humor.

Great book and a great story! Kudos to the author Chris Cleave writing a courageous book for the dispossessed, and the world of refugees.

Steve Jobs and Jagjit Singh

2011-10-10T00:00:00.001-06:00

Their realm of influences might be different. One was the innovator of aesthetically pleasing and albeit useful computing devices, making life of many better, and the other soothed the spirits of music lovers with his memorable melancholic songs. Steve Jobs and Jagjit Singh, died within few days of each other, bur their contributions to the world may last for a long time.

Death is indeed the common denominator, the ultimate destiny we all share. Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford commencement speech was so poignant illuminating this very brief existence that we traverse, while Jagjit Singh's songs invoke that nostalgic and beautiful moments of life, from years past, reminding the mortals to cherish every precious moment of life.

Two great men. One common destiny.

A Friend Passed Away

2011-09-11T22:40:00.001-06:00

I haven't seen her for many years. Spoke to her over phone about 3 years ago. A lively human being. My remembrance of her shall always be the warm welcome she had shown, with ease making me feel comfortable in my short trip back to my native land after more than a decade. I heard about her being sick suddenly with cancer, that eventually took her life yesterday, so soon! So tragic!

Rest in peace Tunti (Afreen Khan).

A Tribute to a True Mountain Mover - Jack Layton

2011-08-27T19:22:00.000-06:00

Words and songs, inspiring and genuine, can move the mountain from a heart. Not pointing to peddlers and charlatans, but the ones who follow their passion through compassionate gestures and actions, are the real mountain movers.

A world of frenzy. Men and women, in galore of clothing, going about their business. Where is the time for bluebonnet and the crumbling dreams? Moment by moment, life slips away. A beginning, that seems so far away, as if residing in a distant planet. Those noble goals, working for a fairer world, for equity and justice, submerge under the heavy lifting and daily grinding of struggle. Day by day, ideals vanish. Here comes the glittery allure of mighty wealth and self-indulgence.

A true mover of mountain refuses to acquiesce. Even facing the certainty of creeping death from unstoppable disease, frailty of human flesh and decay, the heart of a true fighter, for love and hope for all, keeps beating strong with radiant vibrancy. When that last moment of truth finally arrives, doctor pronounces the frightening words, when the tears of loved ones become too apparent, sparkling their assuring smile, spiritually humble but ideally defiant mountain mover writes his final words for the world:

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”

May he rest in peace, a genuine mountain mover of compassion and love, Jack Layton, and may his words and memories bring inspiration to many to work together for a better world.

Respone to - The Last Chapter - The Death of the Book

2011-04-03T19:37:00.000-06:00

Jesse: Oh Sohel, say it ain't so! I refuse to convert to a digital medium. There's nothing I love more than the weight of a book in my hands, the feel of turning a page, even the smell, lol. Anywho, I don't believe this, I'm at my local library quite often and it's always busy. Some books that I have requested from the library I am waitlisted and I am number 87 on the list or even higher. All is not lost. :)

Sohel:

Like you Jesse, I love to hold a real book, turning the soft and whispering pages, highlight the sentences that I like and most often than not fall in sleep just after reading a page turner chapter of a thriller or a thoughtful non fiction. I also don't believe that the traditional books will disappear soon, but sadly the trend that is accelerating has the unmistakable digital pointer. Libraries that have been cornerstone of disseminating knowledge to people from thousands of years from one form or another, will most likely sustain, but the delivery mode and formats may change, not now, but in future sometimes. Quite possibly, the combination factors of commercialization, environmental impact, and the shifting demand from traditional to newer forms of books will play as the determinants for the fate of yours and mine beloved traditional books.

The Last Chapter - The Death of the Book

2011-04-03T19:19:00.002-06:00

"The death of the book will change things. For many, bookstores are special places of contemplation and discovery, and their loss will be deeply felt. Libraries too will have to rethink. Eventually, all books will be converted to a digital medium (even if only scanned), making it unnecessary for someone to visit a place to research or read."

Link: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2011/04/03/the_last_chapter/?sudsredirect=true

Mobile Computing is Thirty Years Old This Weekend

2011-04-03T19:18:00.002-06:00

From 24 pounds to way less than a pound of today's mobile computing having astonishing prowess to boast. In computing the fast advancement is inspiring. Just think what more innovations are just around the corner, the possibility is limitless.

Link: http://techland.time.com/2011/04/03/mobile-computing-is-thirty-years-old-this-weekend/

Early detection of hypertension is important

2011-04-03T19:17:00.003-06:00

"Even if you don’t have high blood pressure, it’s important to take steps to keep it under control since it tends to get higher with age. For people with high blood pressure, those measures can sometimes reduce or even eliminate the need for drugs."

Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/early-detection-of-high-blood-pressure-can-limit-damage-to-your-heart-and-arteries/2011/02/18/AF3bFzqB_story.html

Spiderwebs In Trees: Pakistan Floods Cause Incredible Phenomenon (PHOTOS)

2011-04-03T19:17:00.000-06:00

"What's going on in these pictures in incredible. It seems that the waters from last year's floods in Pakistan forced millions of spiders into these trees, creating these impressive images, according to the UK Department For International Development (DFID)."

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/01/spiderwebs-in-trees-pakistan-floods_n_843521.html

UFO sighting in Chicago?

2011-04-03T19:16:00.000-06:00

What do this kind of UFO sighting claim mean? Bogus?

The spread of superbugs

2011-04-03T19:14:00.000-06:00

"50% of antibiotic use is unnecessary or inappropriate. Overuse, misuse, improper dosing and the use of substandard or diluted medicines all contribute to the rise of resistance. But so too do weak health-care systems and poor or unenforced regulations. Unless a strict code of practice forbids overuse, and systems are in place to monitor their behaviour, doctors have every incentive to treat the patient in front of them—not worry about the theoretical patient a decade hence who may suffer from the consequences of overuse of antibiotics."

Link: http://www.economist.com/node/18483671

7 Foods that Fight Cancer

2011-04-03T19:13:00.002-06:00

"Help prevent cancer with these newest of these nutritional standouts, along with strategies for slipping them into your diet."

Link: http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/cancer_fighting_foods/index.php?cm_mmc=Twitter-_-MensHealth-_-Content-Health-_-CurryFightsCancer

Why do you care?

2011-04-03T19:12:00.000-06:00

The following excerpt from an article published in The Huffington Post has a profound message:

"A young man once came to Menachem Mendel of Kotzk. 'Rebbe, I can no longer believe in God. I can't believe in God because the world is so filled with pain, suffering, ugliness and evil. How could there be a God in such a world?!'

'Why do you care?' asked the Rebbe.

'What do you mean, why do I care? How could I not care? Innocent people suffer; the world is ruled by cruel people. Why does God allow it?'

Again, the Rebbe inquired, 'But why do you care?'

The young man screamed out: 'Someone has to care! Someone has to see the pain of the world and cry out! If not, all the suffering is meaningless. I care because I want a better world, not only for my children but for all children!'

The Rebbe responded, 'If you care that much, then God exists. You see, God exists in your caring.'"

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rabbi-laura-geller/acts-of-god-a-jewish-pers_b_842215.html

In India, Loan Sharks, Commercialization Cast Pall Over Microfinancing

2011-04-03T19:11:00.000-06:00

"Once a darling of development programs, microlending in India is credited with helping many poor people become self-sufficient. But commercial companies moved into what had been the realm of nonprofits, handing out $7 billion in loans in the last decade and creating a competitive marketplace....."

Link: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/world/jan-june11/indialending_03-30.html

Congratulations to India! 2011 World Cup Cricket champion.

2011-04-03T19:09:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to India! 2011 World Cup Cricket champion.

The Source Code

2011-04-03T19:09:00.000-06:00

A well directed thriller, in the similar model of memento, but dealing with metaphorical Shroedinger's cat. A good memorable movie.

The Science of Laughter

2011-04-03T19:08:00.000-06:00

An excellent article on laughter: "laughter is primarily a social vocalization that binds people together. It is a hidden language that we all speak. It is not a learned group reaction but an instinctive behavior programmed by our genes. Laughter bonds us through humor and play."

Link: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200011/the-science-laughter

"I bought the next ticket -- the winning ticket"

2011-04-03T19:07:00.000-06:00

Mega million jackpot winner who bought the 319 million dollar winning ticket: "I was at the counter and it was my turn to buy a ticket when I reached down to grab a Snickers bar from the candy display," Barth said. "And someone reached over me, actually cut in front of me to buy a ticket. I thought about saying something, but let it slide. I bought the next ticket -- the winning ticket. "

April Fool's Day origin

2011-04-03T19:06:00.000-06:00

April Fool's Day origin is uncertain. Foolish?

"April Fool's Day, sometimes called All Fools Day, is one of the most lighthearted days of the year. Its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new calendar...."

Link: http://www.icontact-archive.com/npqGSbDm0qQigBu6bm9VvkXH3amAM1Am?w=1&sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4d95f97e222e3f4d%2C0

Obesonomics

2011-04-03T19:05:00.000-06:00

"It’s not surprising that with supply decreasing and demand increasing, most people find it difficult to avoid gaining weight with age."

"The demand for calories increases with age, both because one’s income rises and because one’s taste for good, caloric food has been developed over many years of good eating. I didn’t know what an Esterhazy cake was 40 years ago, but now I can’t resist one if it’s on the menu! Sadly, however, the ......"

Link: http://www.freakonomics.com/2011/04/01/obesonomics/

17 Bad Habits For Your Heart

2011-04-03T19:04:00.000-06:00

"some simple, everyday habits can make a big difference in your ability to live a healthy lifestyle.
Here are the 17 worst habits for your heart, and how to avoid them...."

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/31/heart-health-risks-_n_842784.html?ref=fb&src=sp#s259604&title=Watching_TV

8 Ways to Lower Cancer Risks

2011-04-03T19:03:00.000-06:00

This is personal. I had seen my father and other relatives and friends battling with cancer. Visitations in the hospital or oncology department for loved ones, some of their prognosis were terminal, left indelible painful memories, and also the reminders of life's very fragility were unmistakable.

Please read an article published in WebMD and also do your own research from good sources. The excerpts and the link of the article provided below.

Excerpts: "there’s nothing magic about cancer prevention, no “killer app” that can instantly keep you healthy. Genetics play a big role in cancer, so even if you try to live a perfectly healthy life, it’s possible that you may develop cancer.

But experts estimate that at least a third of all adult cancer cases are linked to lifestyle, which is within your control. With every healthy choice you make -- and every unhealthy habit you drop -- you’re chipping away at your cancer risk.

Here are eight of the healthiest habits you can develop to help prevent cancer (plus a ninth one that experts are still cautious about).:"

1. Don't smoke or quit smoking.

2. Don't weight: lose weight.

3. Bust a move: exercise everyday for at least 30 minutes or more. Mix cardiovascular (walking, jogging, running, dancing) and resistance exercises (weight lifting).

4. Plant your plate: eat lots of vegetables and fruits.

5. Drop the drink: eliminate alcohol consumption.

6. Shake off stress: by meditation, prayers, exercise, yoga, journal writing, singing, whatever works to curb down the stress.

7. Pull down the screen: early screening / testing can possibly prevent or cure cancer. The earlier the disease is found and treated before it gets metastasized is better.

8. Dig your roots: “Family history is where we can really create a personalized strategy for cutting cancer risk and catching it early,” he says. “But it’s a piece I don’t think people bring up nearly often enough".

9. Aspirin - maybe and with a dose of caution: "A large study published in 2010 found that daily use of low-dose aspirin can cut the risk of death due to certain cancers (primarily lung, colorectal, and esophageal cancer) by as much as 21%.
But regular aspirin use can come with side effects, especially stomach bleeding and irritation. Most experts say it’s way too soon to recommend a cancer-fighting aspirin a day."

Link to full webmd article: http://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/8-ways-to-lower-cancer-risk?page=4

When a Girl is Executed...for Being Raped

2011-04-03T19:02:00.000-06:00

"Bangladesh has a robust civil society, which has reacted with outrage to the case." -- true, but more societal transformation is needed down to the rural villages where victims get trampled by initial horrific crimes and then by the lack of protection from wealthier perpetrators and sympathizers.

Life, Dreams and Reality -- Sohel's Blog

Digital, and Non Digital, United and Unified

Never, never be afraid

Little Bee by Chris Cleave - Untold Story of the Dispossessed

Steve Jobs and Jagjit Singh

A Friend Passed Away

A Tribute to a True Mountain Mover - Jack Layton

Respone to - The Last Chapter - The Death of the Book

The Last Chapter - The Death of the Book

Link: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2011/04/03/the_last_chapter/?sudsredirect=true

Mobile Computing is Thirty Years Old This Weekend

From 24 pounds to way less than a pound of today's mobile computing having astonishing prowess to boast. In computing the fast advancement is inspiring. Just think what more innovations are just around the corner, the possibility is limitless.

Link: http://techland.time.com/2011/04/03/mobile-computing-is-thirty-years-old-this-weekend/

Early detection of hypertension is important

"Even if you don’t have high blood pressure, it’s important to take steps to keep it under control since it tends to get higher with age. For people with high blood pressure, those measures can sometimes reduce or even eliminate the need for drugs."

Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/early-detection-of-high-blood-pressure-can-limit-damage-to-your-heart-and-arteries/2011/02/18/AF3bFzqB_story.html

Spiderwebs In Trees: Pakistan Floods Cause Incredible Phenomenon (PHOTOS)

UFO sighting in Chicago?

The spread of superbugs

7 Foods that Fight Cancer

Why do you care?

In India, Loan Sharks, Commercialization Cast Pall Over Microfinancing

Congratulations to India! 2011 World Cup Cricket champion.

The Source Code

A well directed thriller, in the similar model of memento, but dealing with metaphorical Shroedinger's cat. A good memorable movie.

The Science of Laughter

An excellent article on laughter: "laughter is primarily a social vocalization that binds people together. It is a hidden language that we all speak. It is not a learned group reaction but an instinctive behavior programmed by our genes. Laughter bonds us through humor and play."

Link: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200011/the-science-laughter

"I bought the next ticket -- the winning ticket"

April Fool's Day origin

April Fool's Day origin is uncertain. Foolish?

"April Fool's Day, sometimes called All Fools Day, is one of the most lighthearted days of the year. Its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new calendar...."

Obesonomics

17 Bad Habits For Your Heart

8 Ways to Lower Cancer Risks

When a Girl is Executed...for Being Raped

"Bangladesh has a robust civil society, which has reacted with outrage to the case." -- true, but more societal transformation is needed down to the rural villages where victims get trampled by initial horrific crimes and then by the lack of protection from wealthier perpetrators and sympathizers.

Link: http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/when-a-girl-is-executed-for-being-raped/