Crumpled Nothings!

Sorry for the bold title. But that's what I thought about FOX Networks when I saw the anchors completely butcher Obama's schooling past. For some reason I think it was pulled off by Hillary or could be the Republicans, whomever is worse. *gulp* I have been watching her speak and talk at conferences and seminars and rally's...I have to admit, I am really starting to NOT like her so much anymore. Maybe my judgement is somewhat "pre-mature" too, but I am starting to think that she is to Democrats what Bush is to Republicans.

You don't have to take my word for it. Of course, each to their own. Watch her speak sometime....and try to do it without thinking that she is a Clinton. Maybe you'll understand my point. I think she can be very conniving. But I am still going to wait and be open-minded about my opinion...just waiting on her to change a little bit and to tell us what she plans to do...there in lies the substance.

Going back to FOX raping Barack Obama's reputation. I am not a complete fan of Obama yet, but I am getting there. But FOX, c'mon...you don't think its a little too soon to speak of his "Madrassa" past. Do you even know what "Madrassa" means? I went to a school that wasn't Muslim school in it self....it was just that...a school...a "Madrassa". Take it away Jon -

Labels: politics

As I get in to work today, I was given kudos about staying late on Friday.
We have hired a new team member in our department who we can a learn a lot from.
I read about Piki accepting a new role in her company that she's excited about.
Spoke with parents and lil sister in Dubai over the weekend.
Spoke with Tams Friday...all's good
....plus I am driving a Porsche today...that is FUN too, especially after taking a massive hit in my pocket about repairs on my Taurus.

Labels: Random

I just got off the phone. I have been troubleshooting a client's issue since 9am this morning and it is now 6:50PM. I was handed the issue before I even got a chance to remove my jacket and have a seat on my chair when I walked in to work. It was the longest call I've probably had, ever!

I don't want to hear about Palm Treos synchronizing with Outloook Calendars that feed off Google Calendars and third party applications that can support it. I have learnt way too much about Treos.

I am not complaining though. The person on the other end was really nice and the client we were doing it for is a good man...plus let's not forget, it's part of my job.

Palm should just pay me straight up!

Labels: work

Another thing I just added on my wishlist is the Garmin nüvi 660. From the moment I saw this, I fell in love with it. This is probably and arguably, one of Garmin's best GPS devices.

Why drool over this? Let me tell you.

- Bluetooth compatibility: The nüvi 660 is integrated with Bluetooth wireless
technology, and comes with a built-in mic and speaker that is compatible with all Bluetooth enabled cellular phones. This basically means you can make calls wirelessly and use the touch-screen functionality to answer calls, make calls, flip through contact list, call history, etc. The conversation emits signals to an FM modulator so you can listen to the other person's voice, which is crystal clear, from your vehicle's speakers.


- Widescreen Display: boasts a super-bright 4.3" widescreen display for improved map viewing.

- Avoid traffic-jams: Garmin's nüvi 660 comes with an integrated FM TMC traffic reciever which alerts you of congestion and heavy traffic and provides you with an alternate route to your destination...YES, in real time.

- MP3 Player: You can purchase an SD Card and store MP3s on them. Then use it to listen to all your music through the device, which it transmits to any available FM station. It also pauses the music when it prompts you to take turns, or if a call comes in. Additionally if your cell-phone has voice prompt enabled, then you are pretty much 100% hands-free. Just say the command, and allow nüvi will dial for you.

- Street-Name recognition: One of the cool things about nüvi is that it actually announces streets by their names. There's hardly any devices out there that do that. Certainly, they say "Turn left here" or "Exit 22", but with nüvi, you'll hear "Exit Custer Rd in 2 miles".

Some other features include:

- Includes Garmin Lock™, an anti-theft feature
- Look up addresses and points of interest
- Preloaded maps for all of North America or Europe
- Choose 2D or 3D map perspective
- Add optional software such as Travel and Language Guides to personalize nüvi
- USB interface for loading data (USB not compatible with Win 95, 98 and Me)

The only thing holding me back in getting this thing is the whopping $965.00. That's why its added to my wishlist :)

Some say its worth it. I'll probably still end up getting a laptop first which is seriously a priority now. My laptop is almost dead. The nüvi is a pipe dream, but a desire nonetheless.

Garmin nüvi 660

Labels: Gadgets

Ok so how bizarre is this story?

Boy's screaming kills chickens?

BEIJING, Jan 24 (Reuters Life!) - Hundreds of chickens have been found dead in east China -- and a court has ruled that the cause of death was the screaming of a four-year-old boy who in turn had been scared by a barking dog, state media reported on Wednesday.

The bizarre sequence events began when the boy arrived at a village home in the eastern province of Jiangsu in the summer with his father who was delivering bottles of gas, the Nanjing Morning Post reported.

A villager was quoted as saying the little boy bent over the henhouse window, screaming for a long time, after being scared by the dog.

"One neighbor told police that he had heard the boy's crying that afternoon and another villager confirmed the boy screaming by the henhouse window," the newspaper said.

A court ruled the boy's screaming was "the only unexpected abnormal sound" and that 443 chickens trampled each other to death in fear.

The boy's father was ordered to pay 1,800 yuan ($230) in compensation to the owner of the chickens.

[Source: Reuters]

You think maybe he got fed up of his KUKU alarm clock?

Labels: Random

Traffic conditions are worse in L.A. or Dubai. Take a look:



By the way, I am really starting to like BrightCove Videos. They are true colors and very slick looking. I think this beats YouTube annd Google Videos. Of course there is much more content that needs to be added in compared to the last two, but with the quality output that BrightCove has, people will be jumping on it pretty fast.

Labels: Random

Japanese movies have a thing for Sci-fi don't they? This is one of the coolest things I've seen. All you Transformers fanatics would absolutely love this. What would you like to see transform...how about say, a Boeing 747? Enjoy.

Labels: videos

I recently mentioned to a co-worker that the 2008 Presidential Elections to me is like NFL Superbowl. I am psyched and glued to the TV. My predictions last year on candidates I picked to run came true (besides Barack Obama, who I didn't know of then).

Hillary Clinton made her official announcement for the run today, and said she's ready to form a Presidential exploratory committee. Now I know she will have a lot of influence with women across the nation. She's taking a more personal approach with her campaign by using tools such as video conversations and allowing guests that visit her site to blog on it, sending her messages and thoughts of how we feel she should change the course of the path where this country is headed. [www.hillaryclinton.com]

Now, as some if not more, I was a fan of the Clinton administration when Bill Clinton was the President of the nation and we have seen what he has done. So with that, we already know (or think we know) that this time around Hillary will approach her Presidency, if she wins, with that similar pre-set mentality. She hasn't mentioned much of her husband on her website to drive off those that think she is going to trade on his name. It doesn't matter to me if he assists or not, I think she would do a great job.

HOWEVER, over the past couple of months I have been looking into the background and learning about Barack Obama. I think I like this guy. And I think this not because he is a fresh-faced democrat who becomes an under-dog against the big-wigs in the race. I really like this guy because it seems that he truly wants to change things, and it seems as though he means what he says. I could tell you a bit about his background, but I'd rather you watch a little video snippet below that will give you a sense of what I am trying to say:



See what I mean? It's too soon for me to decide who I'd root for. But I will say this: I am going to keep watching to see what he proposes to do, what his plans are.

[Unrelated: Sayeed told me about Obama and said.."Have you heard the guy speak. He sounds so affirmative. He sounds like you're listening to..to..The Rock!"]

[www.barackobama.com]

Rudy Giuliani is in. He is Hillary's worse nightmare. See, Rudy is a republican. However I like him. And so do a LOT of people across the nation. He cleaned up New York. He got rid of the mobs. He was arguably the best Attorney General one has ever seen. He turned welfare into job centers and reduced welfare rolls to the lowest since 1966. He is tough. But he is too tough. He has the 'shut up or put up' attitude (seen from one of his press conferences) which I think is good but can be dangerous too. Good because he can turn things around. Dangerous because, well...what do you think Bush does now?
[www.joinrudy2008.com]

Let's talk about John McCain. Here's a guy with nerves of steel. He ran in 2000 but didn't get a lot of votes. Not many knew too much about him. Now after watching various interviews and having him on talk shows, I sort of like him. He calls himself the 'Common Sense Conservative'. I have seen clips of him where he lets his party know that he doesn't agree with them. I have heard him talk about how he thinks that the current administration pays no heed to what the public wants. He hates that there is always an agenda behind almost every decision made by this administration. There's a few stories of survival on his website which makes you realize what he had to go through as POW while seving in the Navy. He is likeable. He knows stuff. He's so less of a republican, that should be a democrat...atleast I think.
[www.exploremccain.com]

Like I said earlier, its too early for me to root for someone. I really like all the above candidates. They all (except Giuliani so-so) want to change things around. They all have different opinions on a lot of things sure, but all opinions are headed a separate route than the one that George Bush is on...this election will be one to watch.

Labels: politics

Becoming a Bollywood star may seem easy, but you must look somewhat good, and know people. I mean REALLY know people, who closely know other folks that make things happen...make the dice roll 7s so to speak.

Here's a true little story of Mr. Durai, who thought he had what it takes to get into Bollywood and, well, here's his words:



Everyone has dreams, and mine was to become a Bollywood
star. I know it sounds crazy, but please don't laugh. I'll
be the first to admit that it was a long shot, that I had a
better chance of becoming a Sports Illustrated swimsuit
model.

But I've listened to enough motivational tapes to realize
the importance of "going for it." What did I have to lose?
So after much deliberation, after consulting my friends
("You're nuts!"), my mother ("You're crazy!") and my wife
("You're delusional!"), I decided to audition for a
Bollywood agent, giving him a quick look at my acting,
dancing and singing skills. Following my performance, he
asked me to have a seat, scratched his chin and looked
directly into my eyes.

Agent: "Thank you for auditioning, Mr. Durai. Since you're
so determined to work in Bollywood, I might be able to find
you a job. The directors are always looking for someone to
fetch them coffee."

Me: "But I want to be an actor."

Agent: "I'm sorry, Mr. Durai. We have four major criteria
for Bollywood actors and I'm afraid you fail all of them."

Me: "I realize I don't speak Hindi, but I'm willing to
learn."

Agent: "Speaking Hindi is not a requirement anymore. The
producers are very good at dubbing. They can even make
George Bush speak Hindi."

Me: "Is it my singing then? I realize I don't sing very
well."

Agent: "Well, your singing isn't bad, Mr. Durai -- it's
terrible. I've heard better singing from a donkey. But
singing isn't an issue. The producers can easily dub the
voice of a professional singer, so moviegoers don't have to
stuff popcorn into their ears."

Me: "Is it my looks then? Am I not handsome enough?"

Agent: "Well, let's just say you're no Salman Khan. Come to
think of it, you're no Salman Rushdie either. What's more,
Mr. Durai, you're not exactly fair-skinned. You'd have to be
a villain."

Me: "But I'm willing to do anything: wear a mask, cover my
face with talcum powder, or see Michael Jackson's plastic
surgeon."

Agent: "Really? While you're at it, you might as well see
Michael Jackson's dance instructor. You dance like a cow. I
hope you're not offended by that. I really don't mean to
insult cows. Dancing is very important in Bollywood, Mr.
Durai, more important than acting. But of even greater
importance is your name. Yours, unfortunately, does not end
with 'han.'"

Me: "What do you mean?"

Agent: "All the top Bollywood actors, in case you didn't
notice, have surnames ending with 'han.' For example:
Amitabh Bachchan, Shahrukh Khan, and Hrithik Roshan. This
formula has even worked for another top Asian star: Jackie
Chan."

Me: "What's the significance of 'han.'?"

Agent: "We're not sure. 'Han' means 'yes,' but it might also
be a short form of 'handsome.' It makes these actors more
appealing on screen."

Me: "Well, in that case, I'm willing to change my name to
Melvin Roshan. In fact, I'm even willing to change to Mohan
Roshan. That way, you'd get twice the 'han.'"

Agent: "Your determination is inspiring, Mr. Durai. But if
you're not born with such a name, then I am sorry to say,
the gods have not smiled on you. Are you sure you don't want
to fetch coffee?"


Source [Here]

Who is Melvin Durai?

Labels: Random

Seems as though remakes in Bollywood are taking on the same cover style. Notice the one on the left with Shahrukh in Don (2007) and the one on the right with Amitabh in the remake of Sholay (2007).

I think that's pretty silly. I am still waiting to watch it though. Don 2007 wasn't bad at all. I don't know what to expect from Sholay, with Ajay Devgan as Jai(?); But with Amitabh as Gabbar...this is something I must see.

Labels: Movies

A little bit of editing, but I love this shot.



Credit and thanks go to Paresh

Labels: vacation

Here are a couple of really short videos that we took during our trip.

Cape May, New Jersey - This place was really something. Located at the tip of New Jersey overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Take a look.



Here's another one of us in Atlantic City, NJ on the boardwalk.



More to come.

Labels: vacation

Hmm...this one's a doozie. Our very own x-cricketer, Navjot Sidhu, now commentator for the sport and amazingly a politician at the same time (wtf?) was sentenced to jail for manslaughter. This happened in 1988 when he got involved in an auto accident with an elderly man. Of course, exchanging insurance information or calling the cops to solve the matter wasn't an option then...I mean it was 1988! They had a different way to solve this matter, especially this somewhat..umm, respected batsman.

Let's see: He handled this by "..dragging an elderly man out of his car and showered him with blows after a road accident..".

This is the same man who has used the following phrases we know as Sidhuisms or what he calls English:

# Sachin Tedular drives the ball faster than Michael Schumacher's Ferarri.
# Ever since he started endorsing for Ferrari, his batting has gone into 7th gear. ( On Sachin and Ferrari tie up)
# A dead man is no good to the Society. A dead man's family is also no good to the society. ( In a letter to President Pervez Musharraf)
# When you fall on your back side the only place you can look is up.
# That one was meant for the Air-Hostesses(on the sky-high shot by Yuvraj).
# I dont trust the Indian batting,they can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
# The trouble with Father Time is that it did not even wait for a woman
# One Day Cricket is like a pyjama;every one fits into it.
# If you sow the wind you reap the whirlwind.
# If,If was a man my Aunt would have been my Uncle.
# Rusty brains dont squeak.
# As uncomfortable as a bum on a porcupine.
# The ball whizzes past like a bumble bee and the Indians are in the sea
# Indian team without Sachin is like giving a Kiss without a Squeeze.

(for complete list, click here)

He is out on bail now and has this to say: "We have faith in the highest court of the land and so we are appealing tomorrow."

Hmm, let me see...."faith in the highest court of the land..". Isn't this court in the same judiciary system that took only uhh, 19 years to sentence you to prison for this? Of course, your appeal will have your high-class political reputation to show for it...ahem. *whisper: maybe it'll go a li'l faster*

[Source: Cricinfo]

Labels: Odd

Weather outlook this weekend...BAH!

Labels: weather

Apple unveiled their latest techno-gizmo thingy - The iPhone. All Apple junkies are now loving this, aren't y'all? Look at this!



Find out more HERE!

Next thing that is starting to create a buzz - The iTV

Labels: Gadgets

I can say I have had the best weekend in 2007. KK and Nams are leaving Dallas today and headed back. So this past weekend I got to hang out with their group and I must say, I had a blast.

On Friday I met up with them for coffee and then went to hang out with them at their friend's place. I met a bunch of guys that were just great to talk to. A LOT of jokes cracked and picking on one another...smoking cigars out on the patio. I had a blast. No, not fun as in some young-guns with a teenage like behaviour. These are just professionals who really seem to know how to have a good time, or that take the time out to just let loose once in a while.

I was home Saturday morning at 5AM. 5AM!! I have never done that since...well, a long time. And I am only 25. I kinda miss that - No, not being out and about till the wee hours of the morning, but I feel like I haven't really been around folks that just want to HAVE FUN. This used to be me - back in high school days, and first 2 years of college. These guys were in their late 20s, early 30s so to speak, some married, some married and kids, but that didnt stop 'em. I mean we laughed and laughed all night long...We were all talking jibberish, but yet, it was a very laid back loose environment.

On Saturday night, I hung out with a few other friends of theirs at Samba Room and Tribeca. I have lived here almost 9 years now and never been here?! Again, coming home at around 4AM. Time just flew by I guess. We partied hard, then got done, went over to Ranjit's and chowed down on Taquitos, then came home.

Like I said...this was me. I miss that life. KK, you're right in some ways when you say I am only 25 and my mannerisms are like a 40 yr old.

Don't get me wrong here folks. I am not saying I want to party hard and stuff. All I am saying is I feel as though I haven't been doing much of anything in the past 3 - 4 years or so. I used to be able to have my friends surround me..there was a big group..everyday was hanging out with different people...everyday was FUN! All I do now is work and home. This has got absolutely NOTHING to do with responsibility and being mature (I know some readers that would basically think that - so NO!)

I just feel like I have been apart from what I used to be a few years back. And no, this is not a "Boo-freakin'-Hoo" story. I am just stating my thoughts and I think I am going to change that this year. I am not going to be tied down to what I do day-in, day-out here everyday. I am going to find ways to have a good time and get out of the rut every so often. Like a good friend I know said...I need my "pampering days" and I am gonna get it. Damn right!

Other things done over the weekend - watched Rocky Balboa. Although not what I expected, I think it was decent. I think they were building up this big thing about a fight with the new guy and the old school star, but when the fight started, there was no drama to it like the other Rocky movies. So my short review for it would be a "B-".

Last night I went to Jasmin for shawerma (nothing like the NY street vendor) and then to Afrah for hookah with KK and Nams. It was just laid back and we were just talking random stuff - from OOEHS days to Mankato life, old faces, etc.

Note to KK/Nams - Thanks for the amazing weekend. I had boat-loads of fun, should have hung out with you guys more often.

Later.

Labels: notes

I am so bummed out that the vacation is over. Although it was 10 days, it just flew by. My sense empathizes, "But Sachin, you did have a good time, and 10 days is a long pleasure trip". But I just haven't had such a warm family time in a very long time. So yes, it shall be missed.

I loved the kids waking me up in the morning; Diya's random dances, Simran's Dhoom Machale "Once More C'mon Ppl" and "Shal-lul-le" spurts; PDi's dal chawal and aloo parathe, Paresh's scrambled eggs; Atlantic City - boardwalk, Trump Taj Mahal, Caesar's Palace, Borgata's; Atlantic Ocean at Cape May, Princeton - Small Coffee Shop, Princeton University, Pdi's reaction when she realized she forgot her purse by the headless statues; Edison - Bombay Talk, NanKing, that chai place; wrapping Christmas gifts the night before in our own rooms and staying on the watch for family peekers, opening the gifts on Christmas morning; the girls having a ball with their presents; I loved mine too - ALL of it. Of course, I was ALIVE in New York City - visited Ground Zero, Little Italy, Soho, shopping at Canal street, having the juicy chicken shawermas' from the street vendor, looking at the entire city from Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Subways, train rides to and from Hamilton and Penn Station, Tams' and her "AY! TAMANNA, TAMANNA" yelling when she noticed a store with her name; National Comedy Theater for new years' eve; celebrating it with friends and family and many more...

YES, this was truly a vacation. I could let myself be me. I was comfortable and didn't care about anything. My mind was just in vacation mode. I didn't know and didn't want to know what was happening back home or around the world.

But as that flight was approaching closer and closer back to Dallas, reality started kicking in. I knew that the REAL world that I wanted away from, was awaiting me...so here I am back home - totally bummed out. I guess this is one situation where the phrase "It's good to be home" doesn't apply. Oh well, I am sure there will be more to come.

I need the weekend to unwind and settle in. I got to work today and was playing catch-up on the few days that I was away.

I want to post pictures, but we have over 1500 of them, and I need to get them to Paresh first before I send them out. Note to Paresh: Hope to do this tomorrow.

But yeah, I guess that's it. I just wanted to jot down how I feel right now. i absolutely can't wait to do this vacation thing again.

Labels: journal