tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-265013332024-03-19T13:31:26.450+01:00The Cool SunSands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/12373515723652244893noreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-59270146828100381152012-03-28T00:07:00.001+02:002012-03-28T00:07:17.060+02:00Relocation: one step at a time.<p> </p> <p><a href="http://thecoolsun.whybenormal.org/"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Click on the image to proceed to the new location." border="0" alt="Click on the image to proceed to the new location." src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WxwTbsteebg/T3I6Ep6qhFI/AAAAAAAADZY/Kx2xJhgymic/image%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="473" height="215"></a></p> <p>I am gradually taking off my blogs from blogger/blogspot and moving them all to my personal domain. </p> <p><a href="http://thecoolsun.whybenormal.org/">http://thecoolsun.whybenormal.org/</a> will be the location where I will be blogging, from now on.</p> <p>Thanks for staying with me all this while. You are all most welcome to come to <a title="http://thecoolsun.whybenormal.org/" href="http://thecoolsun.whybenormal.org/">The New Cool Sun</a>.</p> <p>Signing off,<br>Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-78343890589074337922012-01-27T00:33:00.001+01:002012-01-27T00:34:02.740+01:00Apple Restaurant<p><br>I was at a dinner ‘party’ this evening. Some meetings/conferences happening at the office and the guests and we went together for dinner. </p> <p>It was a really terrific restaurant. Funnily, they had everything there apple-related. On the walls, there were artificial apples hanging. At the entrance, there was a HUGE machine which could juice hundreds of apple in a go. Their wifi-netword was “Apfel-net” (Apfel is the German word for apple).</p> <p>And yes, it went much further to the following level.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--skxqpwqfFY/TyHiq_OL1PI/AAAAAAAADXw/-d946EvMG8I/s1600-h/WP_000077%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 6px 10px 3px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000077" border="0" alt="WP_000077" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sVpMep1UdfI/TyHirmRjdfI/AAAAAAAADX0/U0cx1iWkm6Q/WP_000077_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="413"></a></p> <p>They had even the toilets done with apple themes! How about that?<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-otbqwEEscWE/TyHisz0QDZI/AAAAAAAADX4/6DG2zo_hBPE/s1600-h/WP_000079%25255B9%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 9px auto 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WP_000079" border="0" alt="WP_000079" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eK3ImSW35OQ/TyHitUdFS2I/AAAAAAAADX8/rWDgkkgpzXA/WP_000079_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="367" height="241"></a></p> <p>And well, the dinner was mostly fun. One of the guys wanted to try out the eggplant dish, because he liked all about it, except the eggplants! So, he asked for it without the eggplants. (this stupid joke got repeated enough that I was royally bored with it)</p> <p>Every one in the group had some special demand regarding the food. The waitress, was extremely accommodating and very friendly. Needless to say, I *really* liked her! :) </p> <p>The service was excellent and the food was fantastic!</p> <p align="right">(Some day I should take my SO to this restaurant.)</p> <p>And, at the end of the day I became a savior too. One of the guests hadn’t checked in the hotel and the reception was closed by the time we reached and his reservation wasn’t of much help. With my German skills, I managed to secure him a room without trouble.</p> <p>So, it was an altogether very nice evening. </p> <p>And I am sooooo tired now. So this is good night from me.<br>Signing off,<br>Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-67712832075425653982011-11-27T21:20:00.001+01:002011-11-27T21:20:13.137+01:00Ok, Judge me now.<p>Most of us are uncomfortable when <strike><font size="2">(it looks like)</font></strike> someone is judging us. Well, we use the term “judging” only when the evaluation is not the way we desire. But when it comes to others, most of us aren’t reluctant to judge (of course, when it is our “assessment”, it has to be good, right?)</p> <p>On Thursday, we watched the latest installment of Twilight saga – “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_Dawn" target="_blank">Breaking dawn</a> – part 1”. I was not planning to, when I got out of office. But then she suddenly had the idea and we headed to the theater near home. (And watched it in German)</p> <p>It easily qualifies for a spot in the bottom ten movies of all times. Still it was good that we went, for, she was extremely happy that we went for the movie. </p> <p>So, there you have it – a good reason to judge me. If that’s not enough, I can also tell you that I’ve read the whole saga – I wanted to know what the fuss was about and failed to find the cause for the fuss. </p> <p>Signing off, <br>Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-88845148264438100872011-11-23T10:13:00.001+01:002011-11-23T10:13:54.750+01:00This shall not be the case<p>Not being regular, here on the blogosphere, is not the way to go. I should get back to writing. And I think, yes, I will. </p> <p>For a long time I wasn’t sure why I am not writing. Two major things coincided with the downfall of the frequency of posting and like any other idiot, I assumed that one of those was the reason for my lack of writing. (I know, correlation doesn’t equate to causation)</p> <p>Apparently, it appears now, something else, of which I was oblivious, was (and is) the real reason.</p> <p>The situation would not change for at least 6 more months. But I have already taken long breaks and I should get back to writing. </p> <p>Here is my attempt to break the long break. More will continue…. soon.</p> <p>Signing off,<br>Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-80611570365929742412011-08-08T20:33:00.001+02:002011-08-08T22:47:34.559+02:00Heidelberg (rain (motor (bike))) trip.<blockquote> <p align="justify"><br><em>“This year we didn’t have a summer; Next year we may have one” – forecasted my colleague this morning. </em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify">So very true – the summer didn’t have any sun. There was a day in July when I had to turn the radiator (room heater) on. </p> <p align="justify">After the frustrating rainy months, we decided to make a trip to random places. Incidentally, I came to know at that time that an acquaintance lives in Heidelberg (just 110km away from home).</p> <p align="justify">Saturday – about noon – we started. The forecast did say about overcast and showers. Well, as <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r84vu1Hzau8/TkAr1ItJlkI/AAAAAAAADVE/VAdh9ZhgCY0/s1600-h/IMG_0164%25255B8%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 7px 0px 0px 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zDE0yDXfJbo/TkAr2sVXR6I/AAAAAAAADVI/xJoSVTLH7lU/IMG_0164_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="218"></a>long as it is typical German showers (drizzling) we don’t care. The plan was to go straight to Wiesbaden and then ride by the side of Neckar river through Mainz – Oppenheim – Worms – Mannheim and reach Heidelberg. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QMXh2m1gVZo/TkAr4eZY1BI/AAAAAAAADVM/VPuEIIFuo8I/s1600-h/IMG_0165%25255B6%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 8px 0px 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CFhX-dgudys/TkAr5vlwcoI/AAAAAAAADVQ/qex63uZ4Dek/IMG_0165_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a>Time (and we) flew till Nackenheim – where we decided to take a little detour to a mountain-top church. </p> <p align="justify">But before reaching the church, we stopped by the side of the vineyards. From the roadside, the vineyard(s) stretched till the horizon.</p> <p align="justify">The grapes were tender. But that didn’t stop us from having some though (sour grapes). Making photos weren’t a part of our plan – just ride and ride and ride. So, all we had was the iPhone and she did take some pictures anyway.</p> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><em>Note: A curious thing – in that region, almost every village has the name ending in “heim”.</em></p></blockquote> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-22cxCr9ojVQ/TkAr7nRjWSI/AAAAAAAADVU/3GivrTS4kd8/s1600-h/IMG_0173%25255B17%25255D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mPbuT9wkPa0/TkAr9e3KwsI/AAAAAAAADVY/CuwkXrwJ4Fg/IMG_0173_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="392" height="381"></a></p> <p align="justify">So, here I stand by the side of Rudra – that’s how the bike is called. </p> <p align="justify">(I am not supposed to publish any ‘long haired’ pics. But I am going for a haircut in 2 days, so I hope to use that as an excuse for putting this online.)</p> <p align="justify">It was then it started to pour – almost like never before in Germany. We simply got drenched. We cancelled our ‘food plans’ @ “Worms” – cool name for a city, eh? Went straight to Heidelberg. </p> <p align="justify">The rain came again – with all its might – during our way back home. It was foggy all around (and great sound effects from lightning/thunders). It took almost double the time to reach home. After the rain, I was starting to worry that she might fall off the bike of some hypothermia or so. </p> <p align="justify">Needless to say, I was extremely cautious, we reached home all safe and decided: “<em>Never are we getting back so late. If we are on bike, be home before it is dark</em>”. The experience really did scare us (and prolly taught a good lesson too). :)</p> <p>I’ll be flying to India by the end of this month. So, for another bike trip, we’ll have to wait till the end of September – when I am back gain. Hopefully, we’ll have some good weather then.</p> <p>Signing off,<br>Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-4019332156303017182011-07-01T08:23:00.001+02:002011-07-01T08:23:06.098+02:00Factoids<p><br>Life is really nice. There are, now and then, small tensions of life. But really smooth life is. For some time now, I had totally cut back on social gatherings and stuff.</p> <p>I am totally back to watching documentaries - just finished <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011fjbp" target="_blank">Secrets of Super Brands</a> - really nice set. Reading books has taken backseat for now, but I read more magazines. </p> <p>BTW, The reason I came over here now is to share two little links. I found them both during my morning reading. Here they are.. <p>a) <a href="http://www.economist.com/blogs/johnson/2011/06/neologisms">Incent - a back formation</a><br>b) <a href="http://brownsharpie.courtneygibbons.org/?p=1104">Half closed or half open?</a> (you'd have to recollect your math-notation-skills for this)</p> <p>And now, I am gone after wishing y’all a LOVELY day and a wonderful weekend.</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-15103276778992808092011-06-14T08:43:00.001+02:002011-06-14T08:43:24.600+02:00I am ashamed! :P<p><br>The day, today, has been so far (it’s not even 8:30 in the morning) really eventful.</p> <p>I was up at 5:20 to take and see off MG to/at the railway station. On the way back, while speaking to mom, I heard about some unpleasant news.</p> <p>Then when I reached home I was stinking – for I had cooked+had Asparagus last evening (asparagus and Holland sauce – wow it was, but the stink next day is intolerable). </p> <p>And after a real detailed shower I headed to office. </p> <blockquote> <p>Before I proceed, some info: Last Monday when I took my cycle, it had flat tyre. Not a very bad one – if I pump it full, the pressure stays easily for half an hour or so. </p> <p>I have all the necessary things to fix it, but I didn’t. There is even a cycle repair shop at two minutes distance from office. I didn’t take it there.</p> <p>My solution was to carry around a pump. The pump became – more or less – a part of my cycle itself. (Have I told you that I never lock my bike? so, if someone wanted to steal it, now is the time, they get the bike and the pump – the full deal).</p></blockquote> <p>So, today, when I reached work, Mr. MusclyCalf (he plays football a lot) came to my office and offered me this. (Yes a tool kit to fix the flat tyre).</p> <p><a href="http://bilder1.eazyauction.de/efive_de/artikelbilder/186.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="kit" border="0" alt="kit" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rjG3jLEI3OQ/TfcDC0vspzI/AAAAAAAADPU/O63Wn6Ya8HA/kit%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="468" height="317"></a></p> <p>And said, “I’d been seeing you do this <em>pumping business</em> every afternoon when you go for lunch and in the evening when you go home. You could use this to fix the flat tyre”. </p> <p>I felt a bit ashamed. At the same time I was quite happy too, for we have a quite family like atmosphere at the office! :)</p> <p>And I guess, this means that I come of as a person who doesn’t take things offensive. (or an idiot). I believe it is the former! :P</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-34509833741285718742011-05-24T08:38:00.004+02:002011-05-24T09:33:59.817+02:00Censorship on Fences<p align="justify">Indian government doesn't want Indians to see/know the boundary between India and its neighbors as perceived by the world. Indian gov. either is sure that their view is the only right view or doesn’t want people to know others’ points of view. Sad. <img style="margin: 8px 10px 7px; display: inline; float: right" title="" alt=" " align="right" src="http://media.economist.com/images/images-magazine/2011/05/21/BB/20110521_BBM965.gif" width="290" height="136"></p> <p align="justify">The image is Economist's apology/note to Indian readers, for the censorship India enforces on its print edition. Funny right? "<em>We think, <strong>our</strong> Indian readers can face <strong>political reality</strong></em>". </p> <p align="justify">For the real deal of the fence problems, go <a href="http://www.economist.com/blogs/dailychart/2011/05/indian_pakistani_and_chinese_border_disputes" target="_blank">here</a>. (I think Economist is a little partial towards India - perhaps the love of democracy and all are the reasons.)</p> <p align="justify">Signing off, Sands.</p> <p align="justify">PS: By the way, you'd see <a href="http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/291168" target="_blank">LOL</a> and <a href="http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/293068" target="_blank">OMG</a> in this blog now on as they're proper English words now. (yeah, as if my English is so proper).</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-27810072571685449442011-05-12T13:28:00.000+02:002011-05-13T22:47:53.924+02:00Here I am, Are you (still) here?<p align="justify"><br>Well, a little post to prove to myself that I haven’t forgotten how to blog. With win-live-writer and all, it is quite easy to blog – all it takes is a single click to open it, then type in the matter and hit “publish”. Yeah, I still remember. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/Tcuiib5H6dI/AAAAAAAADO4/FzCuu7Xqshg/s1600-h/Karben%20in%20Spring__%202011-04-10%20001%5B10%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Karben in Spring__ 2011-04-10 001" border="0" alt="Karben in Spring__ 2011-04-10 001" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TcuijdGkdQI/AAAAAAAADO8/WJBrxkXpE8M/Karben%20in%20Spring__%202011-04-10%20001_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="291"></a>I am not giving any hollow promise that I will be regular here again (as if you guys are still hanging in here to read what I write). In any case, all I want to tell is that life is taking such turns which I thought it never would. </p> <p align="justify">Anyway, I am off again. Before I go, I wish you a wonderful day and give you this little flower - (someone said: <em>Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower</em>) – you find the sunshine and freedom by yourself. </p> <p align="justify">Signing off, <br>Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-61413069182732188222011-02-06T23:34:00.001+01:002011-02-06T23:37:30.230+01:00Time for me<p>I generally have a mental block to say that I am tired. I like to be energetic all the time and almost always I am energetic too.</p> <p>But last week, at work, I felt kind of exhausted. The work is really enjoyable and I put in my 100%, and towards the end of day Thursday, I felt like I was burning myself out. Then for some reasons, I didn’t have enough sleep of that night and Friday, afternoon, I felt really burned out. </p> <p align="justify">So, I spent the two days of weekend to rejuvenate myself. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h4sdfQXI/AAAAAAAADGY/Qi6czUiIXBU/s1600-h/IMG_0317%5B14%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0317" border="0" alt="IMG_0317" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h5avVUzI/AAAAAAAADGc/m4KnZgyt7dQ/IMG_0317_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="245"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8ilHeCnxI/AAAAAAAADGo/QLZbto1yiXM/s1600-h/IMG_0308%5B7%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0308" border="0" alt="IMG_0308" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h5_MmYgI/AAAAAAAADGs/-gbWIPSzD8c/IMG_0308_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="245"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong>The weather being good, I went out on a very small/short bike trip… by the side of the river flowing near my home.</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h6rHkVRI/AAAAAAAADGw/aFyjSB38m8I/s1600-h/IMG_0313%5B7%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0313" border="0" alt="IMG_0313" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h6_-YfQI/AAAAAAAADG0/G3mvmvcA-CA/IMG_0313_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="245"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h7cXsdQI/AAAAAAAADG8/udUfn9z4sic/s1600-h/IMG_0314%5B7%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0314" border="0" alt="IMG_0314" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h77cMfGI/AAAAAAAADHA/mRzgiD9BcME/IMG_0314_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="245"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong>Sunflower looks like this in winter! :)</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h8rkw-EI/AAAAAAAADHM/7GQkKLyIHF0/s1600-h/IMG_0324%5B6%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0324" border="0" alt="IMG_0324" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h9Ab1SCI/AAAAAAAADHQ/G-npHgQ8taA/IMG_0324_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="245"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8ioQ1uUYI/AAAAAAAADHc/KcobF7YGQw8/s1600-h/IMG_0326%5B6%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0326" border="0" alt="IMG_0326" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h931TDgI/AAAAAAAADHg/dsaKtnmoAe8/IMG_0326_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="245"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong>I was not the only person who enjoyed the weather..</strong></p> <p align="center"><strong></strong> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h-e_cueI/AAAAAAAADHo/HlH-ZMHOwVc/s1600-h/IMG_0319%5B13%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0319" border="0" alt="IMG_0319" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h_Nd8CRI/AAAAAAAADHs/vQ4flpAOm78/IMG_0319_thumb%5B12%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="245"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8h__XotqI/AAAAAAAADH4/BXKhodCPrLo/s1600-h/IMG_0320%5B6%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0320" border="0" alt="IMG_0320" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TU8iAUz_c_I/AAAAAAAADH8/A9ysH2g9Kiw/IMG_0320_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="245"></a></p> <p align="center"><strong>On the way, there was a stable! (with three horses)</strong></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>Now I am all set for the coming week – during which I know, I have to finish loads of work. </p> <p>Taking the weekend for relaxing, leaves me with so many unread RSS feeds, non-replied emails and unfinished “letters” and other business – all of which I hope to catch up (and finish) in the coming days. </p> <p>Wishing you all a lovely week ahead..</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-64541294492383160732011-02-01T23:04:00.001+01:002011-02-01T23:04:11.598+01:00Go with the winner?<p>I read the following in “<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/" target="_blank">The Hindu</a>”</p> <blockquote> <p>It is obviously in our interest to be on the right side of the new forces that will emerge to prominence in Egypt. They will remember who supported them in their hour of history and who sat on the fence.</p></blockquote> <p>I am not a diplomat, I don’t know a lot of such things, but with a little bit common-sense (which I think I do have), I think that the author would be on the side of a rapist if the victim doesn’t have a way to get the justice (or in other words, the rapist is in power!).</p> <p>Well, this issue need not be like an assault on a person. But then, I would think we could refrain from being involved rather than being just opportunistic. (Should India support a military coup against a democracy if the military side is going to get the power?)</p> <p>I don’t think that a newspaper shall promote any article like that. Sure, the rest of the article might say something totally different. But.. honestly, I didn’t read it with much care, after seeing the above.</p> <p>In case you want to read the opportunist article, go <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article1143814.ece" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>Sands.</p> <p>PS: In this specific case, people seem to be right and they also seem to be having a better future. But the latter shall not be the reason to support them.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-56355912011792760172011-01-16T22:39:00.001+01:002011-01-17T01:30:37.452+01:00Live life… King Size<p>Life is beautiful… It’s been a long time since I sat back in my relaxing-chair and said this. But now, I am actually sitting back in my ‘relaxing chair’ and relaxing to the core. </p> <blockquote> <p>I guess, I could enjoy a real good massage though… my muscles all could enjoy some stress-relief. Well, that’s now a little too much to ask.. and a little less probable to come-by.</p></blockquote> <p>Life’s been good. The “thaaLam” (rhythm is the equivalent word in English, but not quite right) is restored. Now, I am living life… yeah, KING SIZE. Just for one and only one person me, why do I need so much of luxury? I don’t know, but it is good to be so. Perhaps, all I miss in my little home is a small fire-place – you know? – just to complete the picture. </p> <p>So, after spending a little fortune, I set up a new home. All I need now are some guests. Or may be some girls whom I could bring to show-off! :P</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNlcHokYwI/AAAAAAAADEI/iJhukAfWlms/s1600-h/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20001%5B15%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Entry Point" border="0" alt="Living Room" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNlcw7ir0I/AAAAAAAADEM/PsDXnvq5TbM/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20001_thumb%5B16%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="414" height="283"></a></p> <p>Having a nice respectable place for books, was a must. Initially I was satisfied with some “<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8264572.stm" target="_blank">billy</a>-look-alikes”. But how can that be good enough? </p> <p>So, another trip to IKEA helped me get these nice two <a href="http://www.ikea.com/de/de/catalog/products/50103086" target="_blank">Expedits</a>. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNldhxIN-I/AAAAAAAADEQ/6rK_Luk1hDs/s1600-h/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20002%5B11%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Glass Tops! :)" border="0" alt="Dining Table" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNleb0vvCI/AAAAAAAADEU/21fYYq3DxE0/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20002_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="241"></a></p> <p>As you can see, there are still some books near the dining table, in the old shelf, looking for better place. </p> <p>Well, again, it is more or less a dead investment to have a glass-top dining table, when I prefer sitting in the couch and eating while watching something. </p> <p>Still, you know? No compromises..!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNle6rCdfI/AAAAAAAADEY/-Hpe_2ohxhE/s1600-h/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20003%5B13%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="With Kashmiri Blanket ;)" border="0" alt="My Place" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNlfALKEcI/AAAAAAAADEc/UE0spOTIoeE/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20003_thumb%5B15%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="226"></a></p> <p>Hmm… pretty much the most happening place in the apartment. Reading or talking or watching something happens always on this couch. Why not, dinner too.</p> <p>I’ve always wanted to just put some wonderful books on the couch-table for the visitors to read … not exactly to read, but to turn pages and have some factoids. And here I have nothing less than “<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Information-Beautiful-David-McCandless/dp/0007294662" target="_blank">Information is beautiful</a>” – a wonderful (beautiful) book, full of <a href="http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/" target="_blank">factoids</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNlfnNTJ0I/AAAAAAAADE4/HLiuAlRPKr0/s1600-h/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20005%5B16%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Simple Show off! ;)" border="0" alt="My Study" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNlgDrmH9I/AAAAAAAADE8/ZQXlF8RkUos/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20005_thumb%5B17%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="386"></a></p> <p>Now, a little place for the serious me.</p> <p>It’s been quite some time I had normal “snail mail” correspondence, which I MISS. Hmm, it is mostly computers there, but they are not the priority stuff, but the pens and ink are. </p> <p>A lot of papers from the past 3 months (letters/notices/last-warnings to send something) are all lying nearby, needing attention – which they all will receive from me, soon-ish.</p> <p>And here, finally I introduce the latest addition to my living room which makes it a small home-theater. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNlg3_a0xI/AAAAAAAADEo/yDOeW8CAFM8/s1600-h/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20006%5B10%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Carrots - colourful" border="0" alt="Projected Image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNlhuvBVVI/AAAAAAAADEs/5Wp3M2qvxQI/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20006_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="488" height="310"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNliZljKeI/AAAAAAAADEw/YS8Qa_OLOKM/s1600-h/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20007%5B9%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="emachines" border="0" alt="Projector" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TTNli60WboI/AAAAAAAADE0/TicugHU8JMs/Karben%20Home%202011-01-16%20007_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="166" height="125"></a></p> <p>Yes, one little projector. I sit in the couch and watch documentaries or films or anything of my choice. It’s a bliss! </p> <p>Now, some of the things here just don’t sound like me at all. I always want to have posh settings, but you all know that I get bored quite easily. Investing so much time, money and effort in an apartment isn’t like me. What is the point doing all this, if I would get bored with the apartment soon?</p> <p>Well, the answer is there in one of my older posts. For the new-comers: wait and see.</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-13820668890972644142010-12-16T08:28:00.001+01:002010-12-16T08:28:11.374+01:00Lazy Goose, that I am<p>I am being extremely lazy… Whether it be cleaning my room, doing laundry or replying to my emails… I am not doing!</p> <p>I go to office in the morning and try to do kickass job (which I think I do) and get back home to my medium-comfortable-couch… and spend the whole evening on it.. sometimes reading… sometimes watching some old sitcom. </p> <p>I think, this is the effect of having the feeling to relax for a couple of weeks after the PhD. I have to get up from this. I have to start being active (you see, I am starting to get back to blogosphere)</p> <p>But all the same, even when I tell this, I think I need to do NOTHING for the coming few weeks. </p> <p>Perhaps my friends are getting angry at me…. for I don’t even properly reply to their emails (or pings/calls). </p> <p>When I look back, this is what I see</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>April</strong> : finishing the thesis and submitting it.<br><strong>May</strong> : Submission needed me to stay away from teaching during the first few weeks of teaching, catching up with it.<br><strong>June</strong>: India, the dark chapter of my dad’s demise<br><strong>July</strong> : Backlag from June (work-wise and also the emotional drag)<br><strong>August</strong>: Finishing the semester work + catching up the pending work<br><strong>September</strong>: Finalising the thesis, defense, the logistical things<br><strong>October</strong>: India, orchestrating relocation and stuff … WHOLLY packed.<br><strong>November</strong>: New city, new life, new work, relocation</p></blockquote> <p>And December, I am here, starting to relax! I hope hope hope that my friends do understand when I am taking this month completely off. Unless someone REALLY needs me for something, I am just out from this world for sometime. (I stress this point of friends, because I feel a “little” guilty)</p> <p>So far, I am enjoying the job. It’s nice to have time-limited working hours, unlike uni. which was more or less flexible – meaning it took a lot of my “mindspace”. But I have to see how long will I like this… I like multi-dimensional way of living… mixing things up. </p> <p>Life’s good! Great food, great place to live, ample entertainment…. I am more or less living a little dream – a world where I live without much constraints…! </p> <p>This is/was a quick post… will be back with more on current affairs and what I think about “life” in general! :) [also, that would be proof read]</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> <p>PS: Lethargy is awesome… but I need to get up! :P</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-81380513424385494742010-12-09T23:52:00.001+01:002010-12-09T23:56:02.982+01:00Winter is here and I am a carpenter<p>Oh well, so many things happened in life during the past 6 months.. </p> <ul> <li>I am not in Munich anymore; relocated to a small town near Frankfurt. <li>Not anymore a PhD student, but a “responsible” security expert! :P <li>Living in a single WHOLE apartment instead of a member of a shared apartment. <li>And such…</li></ul> <p>All about those will be written as time goes by, in my future posts. This post is mainly for a few photos.</p> <p>After moving in to the new apartment, I had to have some new furniture. So, I decided to make them… yes, I bought the ‘raw-materials’ and tools and started making some. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdk36QwpI/AAAAAAAADBs/RQ4eSG4Eh6Q/s1600-h/IMG_0247%5B16%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 11px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0247" border="0" alt="IMG_0247" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdmMZnpbI/AAAAAAAADB0/AuEIKz1Zbb8/IMG_0247_thumb%5B13%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="252"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Working with chisels and saw wasn’t as easy as I had imagined - mainly because of the noise (I didn’t want to annoy my neighbors) </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdnSFoWvI/AAAAAAAADB8/5r-m0umeHCI/s1600-h/IMG_0248%5B8%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 11px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0248" border="0" alt="IMG_0248" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdoITGWgI/AAAAAAAADCA/3HlKwD97Yew/IMG_0248_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="252"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The first two photos are of “something” I made for the kitchen.</p> <p>Every single time I took the chisels, I was reminded of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perumthachan">Perumthachan</a> (and his son)</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdo71hQuI/AAAAAAAADCI/KjHXx_UI3bE/s1600-h/IMG_0250%5B14%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 11px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0250" border="0" alt="IMG_0250" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdpcXV7nI/AAAAAAAADCM/65xoeBgAu8s/IMG_0250_thumb%5B11%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="252"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Here is a small thing I built, and fixed on the wall… and a foldable table. I knew, I didn’t want to move it around. </p> <p>So, it is fixed, but one can fold it back when not needed.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>And now, I shall show you some pics from this years snow.</p> <div align="center"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="671" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="345"><br><br><br>Two cycle tracks on the snow and the city’s yellow light on it.</td> <td valign="top" width="324"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdqvRwlNI/AAAAAAAADCc/GKfaMfxLF_g/s1600-h/IMG_0251%5B9%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0251" border="0" alt="IMG_0251" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdrPzxZrI/AAAAAAAADCk/pPjUbvgcVSg/IMG_0251_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="345"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdsEAw3jI/AAAAAAAADCs/OHEfDO6--NE/s1600-h/IMG_0252%5B6%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0252" border="0" alt="IMG_0252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdsr5KaLI/AAAAAAAADCw/fSHeplxyIeU/IMG_0252_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="324"><br><br>How would I go without leaving footprints? ;)</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="345"><br><br><br>On my way to office…!</td> <td valign="top" width="324"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFduBKpCNI/AAAAAAAADC8/zvAKusMLQL8/s1600-h/IMG_0255%5B6%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0255" border="0" alt="IMG_0255" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdu9uxUkI/AAAAAAAADDA/AEAMbc4DR1U/IMG_0255_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="345"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdwAgd2fI/AAAAAAAADDM/RbNtnB1WgIw/s1600-h/IMG_0256%5B6%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0256" border="0" alt="IMG_0256" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdwiyQmcI/AAAAAAAADDQ/qB2o15U50-s/IMG_0256_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="324"><br><br><br>I am still on my way…</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="345"><br><br><br><br>I have to cross this little “river”. :)</td> <td valign="top" width="325"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdxUsoO-I/AAAAAAAADDY/CjM5TaDnVSU/s1600-h/IMG_0259%5B6%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0259" border="0" alt="IMG_0259" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TQFdxwVn_GI/AAAAAAAADDg/PiiTnnq09jY/IMG_0259_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p>Well, that’s all my dear fellows. </p> <p>You all have a lovely time! Till very soon,</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-32872903595957423422010-11-01T22:06:00.001+01:002010-11-01T22:06:11.403+01:00Shall shine again…–as Dr. Sadanandan.<p><br>I haven’t written in a long time. This is not going to be a long post either. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TM8rv-nue0I/AAAAAAAAC_M/fB_p8WscXfs/s1600-h/DSC00070%5B11%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00070" border="0" alt="DSC00070" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TM8rws8XHWI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/nLmxW-vVyAA/DSC00070_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="316"></a>This post is just to let my readers know that there was some reason for not writing (for being busy). </p> <p>The reason is that, I am now Dr. Sandeep Sadanandan and the transition from Mr. to Dr. took quite a bit of work. (Plus some personal reasons)</p> <p>Now, I am back to normal speed of life. (Even though so many things happened in the past 2 months or so)</p> <p>Expect me to be regular again.</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-20678201460660340082010-09-21T15:51:00.001+02:002010-09-21T15:51:27.732+02:00A bunch of things–half baked.<blockquote> <p align="justify"><br>Listening to “<em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRK-geYGhyg" target="_blank">Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away</a></em>”. How lovely a song it is!</p></blockquote> <p align="justify">“I don’t know” is a good answer when you really don’t know what is being asked/discussed. Don’t you think so? At least I do. </p> <p align="justify">But many prefer to give half-baked ill-informed answers/opinions when they are asked something. And guess what? that drives me mad. I don’t claim that I know everything about anything I know. </p> <p align="justify">I know only very little. But unless I am quite sure, I won’t be commenting about anything. Oh yes, there are human errors everywhere – I am not above/beyond them either. So, I do cut some slack for everyone. (who do I think I am?)</p> <p align="justify">But when I hear half baked ideas and see half assed effort to be informed, I react badly. Especially when the hard-earned facts and irrefutable logic are ignored. Perhaps I should mellow down a bit.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TJi4VFxoS1I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/HxPsERVePb8/s1600-h/IMG_0058%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0058" border="0" alt="IMG_0058" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TJi4WKzcAMI/AAAAAAAAC9c/SrVm1oUMZTo/IMG_0058_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="198" height="264"></a>This blog doesn’t really follow a theme. But lately, I am writing a little too much about atheism and “free-thinking”. Before we go there, I’ll give you some updates.</p> <p align="justify">After my “Bookshelf Dilemma” post, I decided to get an e-book reader and have it in my hand already. Yes, an amazon Kindle. So far, I have liked it a lot. All the same, I should say that I haven’t read even one complete book in that. But since my vacation is to start next week, I am keeping my reading postponed till then. </p> <p align="justify">A few days before Kindle, I had bought an iPhone too. I am quite satisfied with that gadget as well. I am quite pleased with it. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">NOW, coming back to ignoring facts and going with ill-informed opinions. This is perhaps why, I cannot understand “creationists”, the reason I don’t understand superstitions, or blindly religious people. Well, apparently, people simply refuse to think…., which is so sad.</p> <p align="justify">Anyway, today I am not going to talk/write about beliefs. I shall just share some lovely videos I came across. </p> <div align="justify"> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 9px; display: inline; float: left; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:827a0fec-20fd-4ae4-b87f-0c6edc765312" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="b7f76f59-f89f-4bc9-a643-9c257b56c8a5" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr3q6Cid1po" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TJi4WcpxBRI/AAAAAAAAC9g/poUeGxLeP2w/videod7ed6fa862de%5B63%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('b7f76f59-f89f-4bc9-a643-9c257b56c8a5'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"163\" height=\"135\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/dr3q6Cid1po&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/dr3q6Cid1po&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"163\" height=\"135\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:163px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">Deconversion</div></div></div> <p align="justify">Thanks to Pramode sir, for bringing this (Deconversion) to my notice. <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-top: 9px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:6fb3c4bd-ed06-42e3-bf3a-5a24fa0f00a8" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="8df19776-07fc-4cdd-a879-5b9df4b67c48" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kuzYwzGoXw" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TJi4W5T5BVI/AAAAAAAAC9k/YnsjEbIdJVw/video38b017ede7b6%5B63%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('8df19776-07fc-4cdd-a879-5b9df4b67c48'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"195\" height=\"162\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/0kuzYwzGoXw&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/0kuzYwzGoXw&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"195\" height=\"162\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:195px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">For a good laughter</div></div></p> <p align="justify"> <div align="justify"> </div> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Then, there was this debate I saw online – whether church is necessary or not. It is a playlist of 5 videos – worth watching.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Now, to an entirely different topic: <strong>Vegetarianism</strong>. I became a vegetarian, more than a year ago, and stayed so, faithfully. The choice was mainly philosophical and there was a small part of the question which I hadn’t answered. During my vacation@home, I think I will be revisiting the whole issue – all over again.</p> <p align="justify">Signing off, Sands.</p> <p align="justify">PS: Sometimes you don’t know – “<em>whether you like the person because of his ideas or you like his ideas because you like him</em>” (my example is Stephen Fry). Something similar is – “<em>Do I like those parents because I like their kids or do I like the kids because I like their parents?</em>”. There is a malayali family in Munich which I simply adore – parents and two little girls.</p> <p align="justify">PPS: It was Keralasamajam’s Onam celebration on Saturday and I (and MG) painted something for the stage. Here they are:</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TJi4XHXRADI/AAAAAAAAC9o/9UxUXtEmxdE/s1600-h/DSC00006%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: ; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00006" border="0" alt="DSC00006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TJi4Xi_5RaI/AAAAAAAAC9s/3PzTuEm9MII/DSC00006_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="434"></a></p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-14509021421822532902010-08-29T14:38:00.001+02:002010-08-29T14:42:32.777+02:00The Bookshelf Dilemma<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/THpUpS_bsdI/AAAAAAAAC8M/GdNyYlCwXFE/s1600-h/P1000349%5B14%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 10px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Two Years Ago" border="0" alt="Two Years Ago" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/THpUpw6B8dI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/3elXT5lHO4Q/P1000349_thumb%5B17%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="413" height="305"></a>My bookshelves are sort 0f overflowing and I am buying more and more books as time goes by. I don’t know how I would manage to move all of them while relocating to another city or even a country. (<font size="1">The picture shows a part of my collection two years ago … lazy to click a present one</font>)</p> <p align="justify">That is where an ebook reader (eReader) comes into picture. Shall I go for one? or not? </p> <ul> <li> <div align="justify">Don’t I love the “<em>physical feeling</em>” of a book? The smell of it? </div> <li> <div align="justify">Don’t I love the sight of the books in the shelf? </div> <li> <div align="justify">Don’t I love to tell my guests to “<em>pick that ‘green’ book from the third row from top of the shelf on right side</em>” and then tell them to read something from it. (You know? -- just to spice up conversations and such!) </div> <li> <div align="justify">Am I not simply proud of my collection? </div></li></ul> <p align="justify">An eReader would kill all this fun. So shall I not get one? But then I’ll be missing the technology train. (Which I never missed with netbooks, smart-phones, iPod, iPhone, etc.)</p> <p align="justify">All the bullets above add up to less than 10 percentage of what I love about books. What I want really is the content. So, wouldn’t it be great if I can carry around my collection in a little handheld device? (claiming to give the perfect-reading-feel)</p> <p align="justify">I don’t know. I was (am) quite confused about it. What if I don’t like it after the investment? Wouldn’t it be a waste? What if I do like? Won’t I move away from the good-old-smelly-books?</p> <p align="justify">I spoke with a fellow-reader (RG) and she recommends to take the plunge. I have nothing to lose. And if I don’t like the device, I can give it to someone. Yes, sounds reasonable enough. Still… but… Hmm… </p> <p align="justify">So, take the plunge? or not?</p> <p align="justify">Signing off, Sands.</p> <p align="justify">PS: The title of this post is shamelessly taken from <a href="http://www.withinandwithout.com/2010/08/the-bookshelf-dilemma/" target="_blank">this post</a> @ Within/Without, which provoked my eReader thoughts.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-40211179814428227452010-08-17T12:24:00.001+02:002010-08-17T12:35:41.599+02:00Sweet and bitter somethings<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TGpjcmwLfsI/AAAAAAAAC7E/JhEss2Hoy7c/s1600-h/6a00d8341c66b253ef013484b83ccd970c-800wi%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 6px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="6a00d8341c66b253ef013484b83ccd970c-800wi" border="0" alt="6a00d8341c66b253ef013484b83ccd970c-800wi" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TGpjc746MOI/AAAAAAAAC7I/a__jnJ0oluI/6a00d8341c66b253ef013484b83ccd970c-800wi_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244"></a>This month had been so far a book-month. I finished the whole twilight series in the beginning, then I finished “<a href="http://www.superfreakonomicsbook.com/" target="_blank">Superfreakonomics</a>” – which is a nice, slightly thought provoking book.</p> <p>And yesterday, I went to the bookshop (well, not that I don’t have enough unread books in my collection). I went to buy “<a href="http://www.thelastlecture.com/" target="_blank">The last lecture</a>” for a friend (N<sup>th</sup> copy of that book I was buying). And I bought a book for me as well (you know Tyler Cowen of <a href="http://www.marginalrevolution.com/" target="_blank">MarginalRevolution</a>? – his <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Age-Infovore-Succeeding-Information-Economy/dp/0452296196" target="_blank">Infovore</a> book)</p> <p>While in the train back home, I sat opposite to a lady who was reading. I took the new book, opened it and inhaled directly from the pages… it felt so good - the pleasant smell of the new book. I looked up to see that she was looking at me and smiling. I smiled back, and knew that we had the ‘reader-to-reader’ rapport between us. </p> <p>If only she were in my age-league, I could have had a bit of flirting flow! :P (I soooo wanted to know which book she was reading – try “<a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2261955/" target="_blank">Judging a girl by her cover</a>”, slate magazine)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TGpjdVimfQI/AAAAAAAAC7M/9BL8ctTs5z0/s1600-h/17082010558%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="17082010558" border="0" alt="17082010558" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TGpjdscxASI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/WKq4pNTqN2c/17082010558_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="173" height="244"></a>Today, in the morning, I was standing near the letter-boxes. The post woman was delivering letters/cards, and I thought I’d like to have that card she had in her hand. And guess what? She put it in my letter box! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TGpjdxSBuAI/AAAAAAAAC7U/wjTPo4YyEs4/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"> <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TGpjdxSBuAI/AAAAAAAAC7U/wjTPo4YyEs4/wlEmoticon-smile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>The moment she moved, I took it and was just very happy! And as the sender asked me to, I did feel very much bear-hugged! </p> <p>Now, the bitter things: Why do people put their close ones through guilt trips to make them do things against their own wishes? It is being used by so many people, and comes in different flavours – that disgusts me. </p> <p>Why don’t people follow the minimum manners of removing the hear/ear-phones while speaking to someone? Why can’t you simply remove your tainted-glasses while talking to someone. Don’t you think, looking into the eyes is an important part of any conversation? </p> <p>Why do people simply go ahead and use someone else’s computer, without asking? Don’t they know it is called “personal computer” and the meaning of “personal”? (Applicable to books and other things too)</p> <p>And finally, why am I being so touchy? ;)</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-16218271338394581612010-08-05T11:40:00.001+02:002010-08-05T11:54:46.207+02:00Light weight post..<p>I was with muggle-girl, in the train, when she remarked about our co-passengers – “<em>Why do they all look like they’ve lost <strike>something</strike>?</em>”. I looked around, and it was so true. Except a lady with her kid (and us too), EVERYONE in the train was so gloomy. Why oh why? </p> <p>It was just 10 in the morning.. not that they are all tired after a long day’s work (not that any excuse can be entertained). I wanted to get up and shout – <strong>cheer up people, cheer up!</strong>. </p> <blockquote> <p><font size="2">(On a different note: have I mentioned that Beatles songs are great? Yes they are - listening to them now. <em>I’m happy just to dance with you..</em>)</font></p></blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TFqHHaYaukI/AAAAAAAAC4o/AOXFypwbXFU/s1600-h/05082010532.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 8px 0px 2px 6px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="" border="0" alt="" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TFqHH1Y36JI/AAAAAAAAC4s/9Ep_ENZHJIg/05082010532_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="316"></a>Have you sometimes, while flipping through a book/newspaper, felt that you saw a word in a page, even when you didn’t <font size="1">[have time to]</font> read? </p> <p>Then you <em><strong>have to</strong></em> go back and hunt the whole page for that word, and will be surprised to see that the word really did exist in the page? </p> <p>I had a similar moment in the morning. I thought I saw some Indian word in the ad, which I saw for only a split of a second on the info-screen. I had to wait till the ad was shown again.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TFqHIRTRL4I/AAAAAAAAC4w/kfw6DPOcdvk/s1600-h/05082010533.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 3px 6px 0px 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="" border="0" alt="" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TFqHIjUaNHI/AAAAAAAAC48/1fm8vLBsJkg/05082010533_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="68"></a>And there it was – <strong>Shiva</strong>. What are “Cosmos” and “Shiva” doing in an ice-cream ad? I looked it up and figured that the words represent the Indian meanings and it’s the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosma_Shiva_Hagen" target="_blank">model’s name</a>. </p> <p>Remark: I happened to look at these words, instead of her cleavage????. Am I that boring?? <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TFqHJG_b-dI/AAAAAAAAC4g/v--HyywxP4s/wlEmoticonsadsmile2.png?imgmax=800"> (Well, she’ll be disappointed ;) )</p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 3px; display: inline" align="right" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2780001259_2165ca09db.jpg?v=0" width="193" height="129">Then, I walked straight to my “chocolate-drink” kiosk. I did my usual trick for impressing the cashier-girl, which is spinning the coins on the table – not many cashier girls were ever impressed though. Today it was a cashier-boy and he was royally impressed. I took my drink and walked away quick! <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smilewithtongueout" alt="Smile with tongue out" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TFqHJY64BwI/AAAAAAAAC4k/b2r3nyW0Khg/wlEmoticonsmilewithtongueout2.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>Well, readers, the last few posts were a bit heavy for my blog. Hence the light weight post today. </p> <p>And, I am gradually getting back to normality – hyper-activity and such. </p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> <p>PS: That (beautiful) lady was showing off her iPad and I was properly ogling both.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-63280668386559091262010-08-03T15:10:00.001+02:002010-08-03T15:17:12.791+02:00Indian Supremacy Theory..<p>Recently, I had a conversation with Eva Maria – a German lady who is staying in Kerala and collecting data for her doctoral thesis – “<em>Resistance of regional-medical-systems against globalisation/allopathic medicine – in the light of naturopathy in Kerala</em>”. I took a while to grasp what she’s doing and the scope of this post doesn’t cover that. :)</p> <p>She told me, when she visits some villages in Kerala, they tell her – “<em>Kerala is the best place on the planet [to live]</em>”. On asking back which all places they know to have such an opinion, they say, they haven’t ever been away from their cute lovely villages. So much for “informed opinion”. </p> <p><em>I wonder, how many proud mallus know that the Kerala-tagline “</em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God's_Own_Country" target="_blank"><em>God’s Own Country</em></a><em>” itself is not original. [</em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God's_Own_Country" target="_blank"><em>LINK</em></a><em>]</em></p> <p>And you know what? Indians tend to make this “we are the best” comments about almost everything [<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/East-or-West-Hey-India-is-the-Best-country-in-the-World/360633631651" target="_blank">Facebook-Group</a>]. </p> <p>To make it worse, we cannot even accept a bit of criticism. Once, in a group, I was telling [non-Indians] about some flaws and faults of Indian system, when this friend from Bihar told me [shouted] (in Hindi) to stop telling about the bad-things back there. </p> <p>No society is going to grow if they cannot accept their own flaws and discuss with others to see their blind spots. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TFgVTeLLHWI/AAAAAAAAC4I/fb0TU27isak/s1600-h/india-map123%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" class="wlDisabledImage" title="india-map123" border="0" alt="india-map123" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TFgVT1LIN0I/AAAAAAAAC4M/RLUolQI8eMc/india-map123_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="288" height="321"></a></p> <p>WE ARE FLAWLESS attitude spans from culture to technology. Indian culture is the best EVER. Home grown technology beats everything else (Remember <a href="http://sujaiblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/another-ramar-pillai.html" target="_blank">Ramar-Pillai</a>?). </p> <p>A word about Indian culture – the colours, variety of food, festivals etc. are some of the best of it. </p> <p>At the same time, don’t tell that a system where women are second class citizens is good. I simply won’t be able to understand the “goodness” of a dowry-based-arranged-marriage-family-system. Let’s not even talk about the caste-based classification of people. </p> <p>I am not exactly patriotic; It’s your choice to be or not. But don’t let patriotism blind you. Please don’t. </p> <p>And my dear Indian readers, if you still think we are the best, see where India stands in these global ranking systems: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satisfaction_with_Life_Index" target="_blank">Satisfaction with Life Index</a> (India:125), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quality-of-life_index" target="_blank">Quality-of-life index</a> (India: 73), etc. We are not exactly at the top of these lists, are we? </p> <p>So, there must be something which we are not doing right. (And others doing it right?) </p> <p>There are many great things about every place/system. It is the same with India too – lot of great people, things, places, traditions, etc. But please try to have informed opinions; and be open to criticism.</p> <p>And wouldn’t it be the best if we know what our faults are and get the best from wherever we can? Life will be happier, world will be a better place to live.</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> <p>PS: Also, don’t think that this “attitude” is completely Indian, for I have seen people who say their system is the only good system around (have you spoken with newly-imported-Chinese students?).</p> <p>PPS: People who are proud of the age-old beliefs/traditions/customs would shamelessly say that the hard, non-bendable, non-criticisable rules in Qur’an were written for 6-7th century A.D, and are not applicable now. (But that argument doesn’t apply to own faults, right?). Having majority support, or having been functional for ages shouldn’t support any system. Let changes happen, for good. </p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-70387408016609701432010-07-24T00:19:00.003+02:002010-07-24T00:34:56.137+02:00Earn it mates... Respect I mean [4]If you want to be treated well/respected, then first learn/start to behave well and respectable!<br /><br />I have been using my motorbike quite often lately and riding is great, fun, lovely etc. But other bikers irritate me a lot.<br /><br />Bikers want to be treated like cars, to have that much parking space, but they just don't behave well. When there is a traffic jam, they take all those small narrow paths and get to the front of the jam and get their way.<br /><br />Having a motorbike is not the licence to go beyond the speed limits; it is not the licence to overtake where you aren't permitted to. But they all do.<br /><br />How do you then expected to be treated well by other motorists? And we, the ones who actually follow the rules have to share the bad-image you create.<br /><br />No offense to youngsters, but they seem to do it the most - and they wear the least amount of protective wear. God only can save them - meaning, they cannot be saved! :P<br /><br />Signing off, Sands.<br /><br />PS: Tomorrow, we'll read about Indian-Supremacy-Theory!Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-62738985706345662722010-07-22T23:50:00.001+02:002010-07-22T23:50:34.878+02:00Mission Accomplished.. [3]<p>So, in such a big university like Technical University Munich, students came asking for my course, and we offered it, I did the course and finally conducted the exams – ALL on my own. And I feel really great. </p> <p>When I look around and see the opportunities my colleagues/friends had, in <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TEi9J-Ki9dI/AAAAAAAAC2s/kLi9aZcLrSk/s1600-h/Rain%5B4%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Rain" border="0" alt="Rain" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TEi9KT2U9dI/AAAAAAAAC2w/Q3et8ozuw-w/Rain_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="262" height="182" /></a>comparison with me, it feels even more great! </p> <p>All what remains now is evaluation and I’ll do it tomorrow, and that will be the end of this semester work! Yaaaaaaaaaaaay!!  </p> <p>And, it rained today - heavily. When it did, I went out in the rain – after quite a long time. There is nothing which is as good as walking out when it is pouring cats and dogs!</p> <p>Hmm, this daily blog for a month is going to be a little hard! Let me see! :)</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-54974149930642771712010-07-21T18:38:00.001+02:002010-07-21T18:55:22.845+02:00God or No God? [2]<p>It’s an age old decision to never take part in theism/atheism argument. </p> <p>Personal experiences tell me that religious people tend to react badly (emotionally too) if something hurts their beliefs – well, they have something to lose, if the argument doesn’t favour them. (Why should I do it?)</p> <p>It must be true with non-theists too, but they are in general more open (or at least aren’t too sentimentally attached to non-theism – of course, they have only a God to gain; nothing to lose.) </p> <p>Obviously, a very hard decision to follow. Lately, I had been following some <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2003/jun/21/society.richarddawkins" target="_blank">bright</a> blogs [<a href="http://gretachristina.typepad.com/greta_christinas_weblog/atheist-memes-of-the-day/" target="_blank">Greta</a>, <a href="http://russelsteapot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">mal-bright</a>]  and they made me a bit edgy when it came to God. </p> <p>To add insult to injury, after my dad’s demise, I am even entertaining the thoughts of <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_dawkins_on_militant_atheism.html" target="_blank"><em>militant atheism</em></a><em>. </em>Read <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militant_atheism" target="_blank">WikiLink</a>.</p> <p>Yesterday (late afty), I did get <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TEcjgXaU-pI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/IxJGfyWl18g/s1600-h/atheist-bus-2_1217539c%5B7%5D.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="atheist-bus" border="0" alt="atheist-bus" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TEcjhXGCRUI/AAAAAAAAC2c/0FAjIL8-0JQ/atheist-bus-2_1217539c_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="117" /></a>into one such argument. My opponent challenged me that she’ll break my arguments one by one  in the evening. Luckily, there wasn’t any argument. Lucky, because such arguments usually don’t reach an end, and I am very good at hurting others’ beliefs. </p> <p>All the same, I prepared a <a href="http://www14.in.tum.de/personen/sadanand/random/GodNoGod-29-2010-07-20-Tuesday.html" target="_blank">LIST of thoughts/questions</a> which could be used in such arguments. Most of them aren’t even explained well, each point is simple a tip of a huge iceberg. </p> <p>You could read them, use them, answer the questions if you want. If you take it very serious, you could even copy paste them to an editor, answer them and send them over to me. </p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> <p>PS: For your benefit, I copy paste the thoughts/questions here! :)</p> <blockquote> <ol> <li> <p>What is God? </p> <ul> <li>Everything? </li> <li>Surveillance camera? </li> <li>Concept to help the weak?? </li> <li>Cannot even define??</li> </ul> </li> <li>What does he/she do? <ul> <li>Creation? - why think a complex thing got created from nothingness, than the simple universe created itself? </li> <li>Taking care of things? - look around at the state of affairs. </li> </ul> </li> <li>How do you prove? <ul> <li>Russel's Teapot? - teapot going around sun, between earth and mars. The one who claims its existence should prove it.</li> <li>Flying Spaghetti Monster. - we were all created 5 minutes ago. Just that our brains were filled with long lasting memories. </li> <li>Invisible Pink Unicorn… :)</li> </ul> </li> <li>If he/she does exist, what is the big deal to prove it? </li> <li>Why should all questions be answered? <ul> <li>What if a lifetime in not enough? </li> <li>What goes wrong if a Question is not answered? (should we be satisfied with a wrong answer than none?) <p>The magic I don't understand is a miracle? or not? Why can’t we take that time will show it to us slowly, but now it is unknown.</p> </li> </ul> </li> <li>God of the Gaps? Shrinking God? <p>This argument has the form </p> <ul> <li>There is a gap in scientific knowledge. </li> <li>Therefore, the things in this gap are best explained as acts of God. </li> </ul> This is not based in logic. It is simply a statement of pessimism about the future progress of science. <p>The God is shrinking. <sup>1</sup></p> </li> <li>Does God interfere with normal life/mortals? <ul> <li>If yes, why all these atrocities? </li> <li>If no, think about praying. </li> </ul> </li> <li>is Life = God? </li> <li>I could be wrong; So could you be.. right?? </li> <li>Faith = without proof? (axiom?) <p>I refuse to accept something without a proof. You believe in something without proof? Because someone said so? How can he be right? (Flying spaghetti monster and teapot) </p> </li> <li>How about other religions? are they wrong too? Just your religion is right?</li> <li>Does majority/minority matter? – if yes, people who don’t believe in your faith is MORE than the ones who do .. and it is true for EVERY religion. If no, never say atheists are less in number.</li> <li>I see a bear and a lion hugging each other here. Am I hallucinating? <ul> <li>What if I see God in my dream? How is it different from normal dreaming? </li> </ul> </li> <li>Do miracles happen? Coincidences? (Have you heard the word probability?) </li> <li>Could the scriptures be wrong? <ul> <li>Why life is so hard if they have everything in there? <p>All it takes is read the scriptures up and have a good life? </p> </li> <li>Why dedicate life for science? Go learn the scriptures – well which religions’ ?? </li> <li>Scriptures are finite, Unknown is infinite. How can we have infinite knowledge in finite scriptures? <p>(I know examples of mistakes in Indian scriptures - esp. in Astrology/Astronomy. Not to mention church’s reaction to heliocentric system.) </p> <p>(When science makes mistakes and gets it corrected later, they simply accept it without fighting.) </p> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Why most logical thinkers are Atheists? </li> <li>You deny N Gods, atheists deny N+1. What’s the big deal?</li> <li>Are all Gods the same? then why do religions contradict? Why doesn't he/she step in and make people understand and make the world a better place? (have you heard about the tower of Babel?)</li> <li>Why natural disasters? Did/Do all those people deserve same treatment at same time? </li> <li>How does praying help? Isn’t it as bad as bribery? Does god need reminding? Can he not simply know your wishes? why utter them? <br />If praying doesn't help...why pray? </li> </ol> <hr /> <h5>Footnotes:</h5> <p><a name="tthFtNtAAB"></a><sup>1</sup>Down through the centuries, science has eliminated a great many of its gaps. People who had used the Gap argument were embarrassed, since their God shrank in power with each new scientific advance. For example, after the work of Galileo and Newton, it was no longer thought that angels pushed the planets across the heavens. </p> <p>A more recent example is the argument by some Creationists that complex molecules (such as amino acids) could not have arisen by natural processes on the early earth. Hence, life could not have arisen by natural means, and God must have miraculously created these chemicals while creating life. The chemicals were part of a Purpose. </p> <p>The basis of this argument was a gap in scientific knowledge. This basis fell apart when molecules (including organic molecules) were detected in interstellar space by astronomers. The argument came further apart when amino acids were found inside the Murchison meteorite. Apparently the basic molecules of life form naturally in some quite harsh places, and there is a way for vast quantities to have arrived intact on the early earth. So, their existence has Purpose only to the extent that the entire galaxy does. </p> <hr /></blockquote> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-46719628080707386112010-07-20T21:58:00.001+02:002010-07-20T21:58:34.624+02:00Punctuality? (does that exist?) [1]<blockquote> <p>Hmm.. first post of the monthly series happens to be a cribbing post! </p> </blockquote> <p>Waiting long for someone (something) can practically drive me crazy. Of course, there could be reasons –  the train didn’t just come, or the bus was late – which could be entertained. </p> <p>But something worse is that, the late-comer did (does) know about the delay, but the person who’s waiting won’t be informed. <a href="http://ryanericsongcanlas.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/punctuality2.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Better Be Prompt!" border="0" alt="Better Be Prompt!" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_uMxADzPBL7U/TEX_6V-w01I/AAAAAAAAC2I/tuQrIVy7DRg/punctuality2%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="156" height="225" /></a> </p> <p>Why don’t they give a call and say, “<em>Hey, I’ll be these many minutes late</em>”. That would give me (or the waiting person) the chance to make better use of time. [Isn’t my/his/her time valuable?]</p> <p>First of all, be punctual – it is not THAT hard. Many people do that quite well. Even I, such a lazy bum, have been doing it for the past 10-15 years. </p> <p>Of course, there were times when I was late; and whenever there was telephone connection, I have informed the other party. </p> <p>Now, it is 7:05, I am still waiting for someone who told me that we’ll meet at 6:45; I haven’t heard <strong>anything yet</strong>. Luckily, I am at home. </p> <p>Give or take 5 minutes… other than that, being late cannot be tolerated, without proper ‘letting-me-know’. It feels like my time has NO value.</p> <p>Making someone wait is like not respecting his/her time (and that person him/herself).</p> <p><strong>My time is precious; Your time is MORE precious </strong>: let this message sink in us.</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26501333.post-81249430782318000812010-07-19T16:48:00.001+02:002010-07-19T16:49:25.560+02:00New Moon – yes, Twilight:2<blockquote> <p>Warning: I am seriously considering about a month of daily posts. (All will be small and short (hence sweet and beautiful too)). Not decided yet. All it would take is getting up early, publishing a post, and starting the day. Are my readers with me? Ready to endure? </p> </blockquote> <p>After coming back from home, I started reading “Accidental Mind” – concerning brain-theory/neuroscience – mainly because I wanted to know more about what happened to my dad’s brain. </p> <p>But I figured soon that it was not the best book to read at that time. If you read non-fiction and have tears because you relate those theories to your life/near-n-dear, then it is time to put that book down and pick some light-weight reading. Mind needs time to heal. </p> <p>Without reading/finishing even a book in 3 weeks, I was also starting to feel bad that I am not doing anything useful in life. </p> <p>So, what could have been lighter/better than vampire stories? :) <img style="margin: 0px 0px 2px 3px; display: inline" align="right" src="http://www.mannythemovieguy.com/images/new_moon_twilight_sequel.jpg" width="206" height="309" /></p> <p>So, after a loooooong time, I finished a book – <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Moon_(novel)" target="_blank">New Moon</a> by <em>Stephenie Meyer</em>. Don’t give me that look – I know, it is teenage stuff. But I wanted to know what is this big drama about “Edward Cullen” – vampire. (Had read the first book in the series a few months ago – and found it ok.)</p> <p>I think the book is Ok, even though I fail to see the reason for such a hype. Girls are screaming with joy on hearing the name “Cullen”; but, to my eyes, he never looked like a decent hero. Never mind, next time someone talks to me about twilight, I can speak authoritatively. </p> <p>For one thing, I like to have the privilege of saying – “I know what I am speaking of, I have read that”.</p> <p>For another thing, it wasn’t too bad a book.</p> <p>Anyway, just thinking – whether I should take the next one in the series? Or take a break.</p> <p>Signing off, Sands.</p> <p>PS: Mind teeming with thoughts…. will have to sit and structure them.</p> <p>PPS: A little thanks to RG for Twilight introduction. :)</p> Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല്http://www.blogger.com/profile/01834089213291976917noreply@blogger.com4