Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Woah....

...it just struck me that my blog has been up and running (on and off) for 3 years now!

Damn....need to get back to some serious blogging sometime soon.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Saturday, October 13, 2007

We smear.....you watch.

This is "news" for you....



Source: Nedheads @ youtube

More of this Right-wing smear can be found here, as highlighted by thinkprogress.org.

And a blast from the past video over here gives you a clear idea of the way Fox covers news.

Friday, October 12, 2007

The Nobel Peace Prize 2007

And here you go.....
"for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change" - nobleprize.org
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
  • Albert Arnold (Al) Gore Jr.
....a great day for the cause of protecting the planet's life from man made climate change a.k.a global warming. I really hope that Gore continues this great mission of his to enlighten the world about the dangers of global warming and protecting the planet before it is too late.

Cheers!

Sunday, September 30, 2007

The March

I came across this here.


You know your rule is in deep trouble when even the Buddhist monks come out against you!

Out with the junta.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Saturday Night rant

Another weekend....another lazy Saturday....the season premier of SNL is on right now and I'm feeling lazy as an ass.

It has been a long time since i posted something blog worthy. My blogging of late has been very erratic and flimsy to say the least. Ever since i graduated and joined my job i hadn't had the time to sit down and ponder much about the things going on around me and in the world. Of course, like all people in the U.S. I'm pretty pissed off about this clausterofuck of a war in Iraq. The douche sitting in the White House still thinks that we are winning and blah blah.... Some people never learn!

What else?

People in Myanmar seemed to be pretty psyched up to get rid of the military rule over there these days ha....and let us hope that would happen sooner than later for them. And hope the International community does something substantial about this rather than making retarded speeches or wagging the sanctions stick with all mighty farce. Good luck for the Burmese!

Peace out!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Postcard from Space (8): At the rim of glory


NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity entered Victoria Crater during the rover's 1,291st Martian day, or sol, (Sept. 11, 2007). Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Remembering the Victims of 9/11

Peace.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Update on the flyover collapse at Hyderabad

It has now emerged that the earlier figures of 30 dead were misplaced and at least 4 people are confirmed to have died due to the collapse. Though this comes as a huge relief to everyone, it is nevertheless sad that 4 innocent people have to lose their lives because of incompetency on the part of the private and public agencies involved in the project.

I hope the government lets the officials to conduct a thorough investigation and sees to that justice is served to the victims of this tragedy.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Another Tragedy

This is just heartbreaking for me and surely for all the Hyderabadis out there. This accident happened this evening in Hyderabad.

According to media reports:
Over 30 people were feared killed and 20 injured after an under-construction flyover collapsed in Hyderabad's busy Panajagutta area on late Sunday evening. The flyover has been under construction for the past one year and it was to be inaugurated this December. 15-20 cars were trapped under the debris while rescue workers were trying to save the people stuck underneath. The other half of the flyover is barely standing at its place and may fall anytime soon, unless demolished.
I just don't know what to say. There are lot of things that people and the government of India have to ponder about. We just cannot allow this to happen all the time and we need to avoid accidents like this in the future.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Three Blasts rock Hyderabad, India...at least 32 Dead!

This is really tragic. Once again the ugly head of terrorism rears its ugly head in India and this time (unfortunately once again) in my own home town Hyderabad. Three blasts occurred at three different spots around the city just less than 3 hours ago. All these three spots are known as the hangout places for the common people and especially during the weekend these places would be flowing with huge crowds.

My heart goes out to the victims and the families of those who have suffered due to this tragic incident.

:'(

For latest on this......go over to here.

Update: The number of people dead as a result of this horrific act has risen to 43 now.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Bush vs Zombies!



...he...he....haa the age of internet. Wonderful!

Monday, August 06, 2007

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Not a dose of Nationalism....



Source: BharatBala Productions @ Google videos

....far from it. Loved this video when it came out a year ago. Kinda showcases the side of India that is awakening up to tremendous economic growth and prosperity.

I agree that we still have a long way to go....really long way....before becoming a developed nation. But we are slowly but surely taking the right leaps.

Friday, July 13, 2007

Good tour ahead?


Source: Bipin Patel @ cricinfo.com

Well, he got off with a good knock against Sussex in the tour opener.

Update: Damn....just when things were looking good...he gets out for a third ball duck against the England A! Come on dude.....u need to grab every chance that comes your way.

On a different note, he might get to play county cricket for Lancashire after the tests! Good for him.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

1-18-08 anyone?

Cool way to create a buzz about your upcoming movie.......create an awesome trailer and show it before a summer blockbuster.



You could also go over to here for a high def. trailer......

Also check out, http://www.1-18-08.com/

http://ethanhaaswasright.com/

and http://ethanhaaswaswrong.blogspot.com/

Go figure out!

Monday, July 09, 2007

Best Indian XI?

With the India's tour of England in progress, Tony Greig came up with his all time best Indian XI on his audio blog at cricinfo.com. I actually thought it wasn't a bad team to bet on. I wouldn't necessarily call it the all time best but it is pretty close to being that.

Check it out.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Live Earth......update 4.....

Fans enjoy Live Earth at Giants Stadium. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)

[Source:Nytimes.com]


The Live Earth concert at New Jersey is rockin'!

What a fantastic line up and each one of them is an excellent act. Bon Jovi is currently on and just listening to their performance itself made my day today..........

Live Earth.....update 3....

The London and New York legs are in full swing. Wow....this is a treat for music lovers and above all for those who care about the planet - its present and future.

Keane was on earlier at Wembley. James Blunt just wrapped up his act at Wembley. I'm swaping between these two concerts right now. Wow...what a grt weekend it is turning out to be...

Keith Urban and Alicia Keys are doing a duet right now at the Gaints Stadium.

Rock on!

Live Earth.....update 2...

Wow....the concerts are in full swing right now. Australian and Japanese legs have ended and China is wrapping up its part.

Woke up this morning to catch Black Eyed Peas playing at the new Wembley Stadium. They were followed by Duran Duran, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Bloc Party and so on....and more to come. Meanwhile in Germany we have Enrique Igleasias wrapping up. Awesome!

South Africa is stepping up and rocking with some local flavor right now.

New York and Brazil are to follow this evening. So hang on guys and rock on!

More importantly pledge something that is gonna make a difference in your life and a hell of lot difference in the world around you.

Peace out.

Live Earth.........update 1.......

Wow.....this Live Earth concert is really really good!

Listened to Toni Colleti & The Finish perform to just building crowd in Sydney. She sounded good....hmm has a singing talent along with great acting skills.... good for her. Missy Higgins just completed her set of songs.....she really has a good husky kinda Australian voice....loved her....may be have to start listening to her more often! Right now...John Butler Trio is playing and these guys too have their own unique style.....excellent! Man....need to start listening to some Aussie stuff....

Simultaneously, the concert in Japan too is going on with some local and international fare.....so come on guys get on to the website.....listen.....watch....and above all pledge......make a difference!

I need to hit the bed right now.....i hope to catch up with the later part of the concert 'morrow morning......so nite then.

Live Earth....

Go to this site right now.....and be part of something good.....something important....something satisfying!

Damn....should have put this thing up earlier.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

July 4th Ramblings

First of all, Happy Independence Day America! Rock on!

Now to more serious matters. People are quite angry (at least most of them are) that Bush commuted Scooter Libby's sentence by waiving his jail term. I wasn't surprised at all by Bush's decision. Hell, i was expecting a full pardon and actually Bush suggested that yesterday. Bush after all is expected to look out for his loyal subordinate after he took all the hits and remained silent throughout the whole investigation. What else could you expect from a president who puts loyalty above all things while choosing people to work for him or for the government?

What people should be really angry about is the way Patrick Fitzgerald carried out the investigation - the whole "Who leaked CIA source?" thing. After all, Libby was just found guilty of obstructing justice by not revealing information about who was behind this whole leak. So to put it simply, he let the higher officials in the Bush administration (read Cheney & Co.) go scot-free without any charges being leveled against them. Hope the Dems will find courage to look into the details of this (wishful thinking!?)

Moving on.......the investigation into the failed U.K terror plots is throwing up interesting and scary results. All or most of the suspects who were either arrested or detained in this regard turned out to be highly educated Muslim medics!? And they are also are from diverse backgrounds.....from countries like Iraq ( :wink: - so much for war on terror in Iraq ha), Jordan and India (whaaaaat!?). These people are most probably thought to have met after coming to U.K. and might have plotted these attacks 'cause of shared ideology and seeing what is going on in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Palestine. Obviously, most of the Islamic world sees things differently when it comes to war on terror in places like Iraq and Lebanon these days. And with things spiraling downhill in places like Afghanistan and Palestine, it is a lot of difficulty for the West to win hearts and minds of the people in the Islamic world. And worst of all, more plots or attacks like these would lead to extensive racial profiling of all immigrants in the West......and the prospect of that is really scary to all the peaceful immigrant majority living in the West.....including myself.

We need to realize that our current strategy of fighting radical Islam is going no where in making us safe. We need to seriously think about starting a dialogue with the moderate majority of the Islamic world which is largely peaceful and open to dialogue with the West. Using military force would only worsen and deepen lot of misunderstandings that exist between the west and the middle-east. But at present i don't see any such steps being taken or considered from both sides.

P.S.: Between, thank you once again Keith Olbermann for speaking for the majority of us here in the U.S.

Monday, July 02, 2007

Wow!

Source: Saquaro cacti are silhouetted by a full moon rising over South Mountain Saturday, June 30, 2007, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Sunday, July 01, 2007

The Main Stream Media is at it again

There is something seriously wrong with the way the MSM here reports international events especially if it has something to do with terrorism.

As i was going through the paces of another lazy Saturday afternoon, the news breaks of the terror attack on Glasgow airport.....thank goodness that a major tragedy has been averted there and in London too. But what i saw for the rest of day on tv in regard with the terror attacks was quite disturbing to say the least. There wasn't any substance in the reports aired on all the networks throughout the day, all i could see was scary and big loud headlines followed by the same replay of the burning jeep footage over and over again. On all the networks there were clueless reporters and even more clueless "terrorism experts" blabbering about everything but the main issue that was happening. Fox was up to its usual best......scaring the shit out of anyone who watched it. Its only message.....be scared....be very scared. And oh, it also managed to sneak in "expert-panel" of radio hosts who stressed how important it is to build a fence along our southern border so as to prevent the "terrorists" from sneaking in. Are they really that dumb to not realize that we have to build close to 2000 miles of fence for that!? Isn't it much easier to monitor the border with the latest technology and above all with the cooperation from the Mexicans!?

While the whole MSM here was going overboard with its Glasgow coverage, the BBC radio (which i listen to regularly) was back to its usual programming. I surely believe that most of the international TV coverage too would have been running their usual programming by then. I really feel that, at times like this, PBS should start a exclusive news channel with focus on national and international news.

And the most troubling thing is that no one mentioned why our involvement in Iraq is a major cause for this increased terror attacks and threat. This occupation isn't making us more safer than we are now. And no body in the MSM is mentioning that as much as it has to be stated.

On a more different note, watched Unbreakable again today.......a classic!

Monday, June 18, 2007

Well, that rests the matter then....

Obama came out with a statement today on the recent controversy arising from the memo that his campaign team put out that took a cheap shot at Hillary Clinton's financial ties with the Indian-American community.

He had this to say:

"It was a dumb mistake on our campaign's part and I made it clear to my staff in no uncertain terms that it was a mistake," Obama told the AP in a brief interview in which he referred to the memo as "unnecessarily caustic."

and added...

"It is not reflective of the long-standing relationship I have had with the Indian-American community,"

Well accepting a mistake upfront is always nice to see from a presidential hopeful.....good on his part to realize that before it snowballed into a major controversy.

And on the issue of jobs going overseas, he had this to say....

"The issue of outsourcing is a genuine and important issue but to refer to one particular country was, I think, an error and I let all of us know that we've got to be more careful about how we communicate,"

and added....

"While it's not possible to stop globalization in its tracks, what we can do is make sure we have a government that's looking out for our workers," Obama said. "We can do more to create a government that's creating quality jobs here in America, and we can do more to create a government that's helping workers who lose their jobs."

A reasonable stance Mr. Obama, i agree with you on that.

I'm not a conservative......phew.....

.....I'm relieved.

How did this dawn upon me, you might ask. Well, last night (Sunday) i had the (mis)fortune of watching The 1/2 Hour News Hour the supposed conservative version of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. And it was more like......FOX saying the joke is on us....and we errrr....aren't aware of that!

Well, actually this show is more like a conservative version of SNL's Weekend Update. This actually would have been a great show if it was any where near half good as the Weekend Update. But, as it usually happens with "conservative" comedy (read Dennis Miller), the show falls flat. I really tried and was very patient to see if the show was any good....but i couldn't continue after the first 15 mins into the show.

Anyways, why does Fox need a comedy show on its news channel when it's normal programming is good enough to laugh at!? So it is really true, conservatives cannot be funny. It isn't in their genes.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Obama's macaca moment!?

Well it looks like Obama might have had his own macaca-moment last week, which could potentially cause a lot of trouble for his presidential campaign. Sepia Mutiny has got a good post on this....do check it out.

This isn't really a wise move from the Obama campaign. I mean look at the title of the alleged memo: “HILLARY CLINTON (D-PUNJAB)’S PERSONAL FINANCIAL AND POLITICAL TIES TO INDIA.” ! Are you kidin' me! This is kinda stuff that you would generally expect from the most conservative republicans.....not from a democratic senator trying to become the first African-American president! For goodness sake, you guys are trying to break the racial stereotyping associated with African-Americans in U.S. politics. You guys are trying to break the racial barriers...and resorting to this kinda cheap shots at your opponent using racial stereotyping to do that isn't presidential at all.

Hope Obama comes clean on this....else goodbye vice-presidency for 2008 and even worse goodbye 2016.

Memo Source: NY Times

Saturday, June 02, 2007

The Blue Abode and our evolution

Well, as i told you in one of my earlier posts this week that I'm catching up on lot of stuff these days....especially on RD's website.....i came across this beautiful poetic rendition by the late astronomer Dr. Carl Sagan....go ahead and indulge in it!



And oh...here is another wonderful narration of how the overall evolutionary process took place over billions of years.....

Can't get this out of my head.....

Well, i first heard this song on the American Idol a few weeks ago when Bon Jovi was on the show. I didn't pay much attention to it back then....well actually i should say...it didn't held my attention......may be 'cause i was listening to it for the first time.....hmm...anyways.....can't get this song out of my head.......ever since i heard it again yesterday morning! Damn you.....you....cool song....

And oh by the way also check out "Home" by Daughtry...pretty cool alternative genre there.......

Another weekend....haven't done much today.....woke up late and just lazying around. Catching up with lot of stuff online that i missed checking out in the last four months. Especially, the Dawkins site has pretty cool collection of articles and videos.....do check them out!

Ok guys....not much to the cursor today. Have a great weekend! Peace out...

Monday, May 28, 2007

Damn those new year resolutions.....

I hate listing out resolutions at the start of every year. The main reason being hardly no one ever sticks to them....like with those i made at the start of this year. I promised myself and also to those of you (very few) who read this blog of mine that I'm going to post as often as possible.....damn i haven't lived up to that up till this post! I'm really sorry for that. I was so tied up with sticking to my new work schedule up till now that i wasn't able to allot any time to surfing the net.....let alone blogging! But now, I'm happy to say that, I've kinda settled down quite well into the routine that from now on i could allot some time to blogging! So expect a lot more from me....from now on.....at least. ;)

So what else people...how are things going on with you? Things haven't changed at all over here in the US for the families of the brave American service men and women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan right now. The death toll has been unrelenting in its ascent.....and as the sun sets down on an another painful memorial day here....things are certainly looking bleak. My heart goes to the families of these brave soldiers.

And also, there aren't any words to describe the kinda of devastation, suffering and collateral damage suffered and still being endured by the millions of Iraqis and Afghans........and there is no end in sight. Hope all these people will find peace in the coming months and years.

Bush continues to live in his own world....not listening to any piece of good advice from the remaining few sane people in Washington.......the Democrats (as usual) have betrayed the American people by letting Bush have his way on the war funding bill....no real hope is visible or forthcoming from the 'o8 presidential hopefuls........not a quite rosy picture aye.

But again......there is tomorrow.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

24

eeks...I'm growing old.... :0...too soon !

Well the past one year has been a year of growing up for me. Learnt a bit about life and the things around me. Since the past one year, I've become quite optimistic about things around me and also us in general. Graduated with a decent academic record. And as i look forward to the year ahead, with my first job offer in hand, have to say that things are certainly looking up for me...

I still can't believe how fast the year went by.....i still remember my last birthday quite vividly....too many expletives in that post.... quite a different story back then. Certainly this birthday has been a more satisfying one and a happy milestone for me.....and i look forward to many such of these in the future years.

Take care everyone! Where ever you are, try to remember that we all share common ancestry and a beautiful tiny planet in this huge and largely unknown universe.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Steps in the snow....


A photo from last week when we experienced a winter blizzard here in the U.S.

And, i took this picture....... :)

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Well, my search has ended!

I've never been so excited in recent times as I'm today. I was extended a job offer and i verbally accepted it. I just have to work out on the rest of the details in the coming week or so.

I'm really looking forward to the new experience of one's (real) first job.

:D

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

What the hell?

I have been trying to post on this subject for some weeks now but somehow couldn't get it going on the keys....well finally here it is.

What the hell is wrong with the razzies this year!? Shyamalan's Lady in the Water got nominated for 4 razzies!? This is ridiculous....not that I'm offended by this or anything like that....but to nominate a good movie like the LITW for one of the worst movies of 2006 is indeed wrong and disgraceful!

Moving on...it looks like Laxman's dream of playing in a World Cup is gonna remain just that....a dream. Have to feel sorry for this talented bloke....talent ends up on the loosing side when you don't have much of influence or backing from the powerful guys at the top. It would be better for him if he concentrates on the test matches from now onwards. At least, he can bow out as a respectable test player in that way.

Since I'm a bit free these days, I've been looking at lot of other ways to keep myself busy...apart from doing some academic work now and then. I'm back to watching and listening to lot of talks, discussions, docus. etc. both on T.V. and on the net. Of course, the subjects as always being about Wildlife, Astronomy, Atheism, Science etc. Came across this small audio clip on the rise of Atheism in America....it is a PBS news clip. Hope you guys would like it.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Another text book launch!

(Source: ISRO)

ISRO had a perfect launch y'sday of its main work horse PSLV. This launch is a major milestone for ISRO 'cause this is the first time that they've launched four satellites in one go and are also testing out their re-entry capabilities with a Space Recovery Capsule (SRE) among them. Now one has to just patiently wait till Jan 22nd to see how far the re-entry maneuvers are going to succeed .

All in all, a great day for ISRO!

Friday, January 05, 2007

2007 aye....

So, we are well into the first week of the new year.....and this is my first post after a while. Damn it! I should have blogged more often in the past two months. I somehow wasn't feeling to write anything after my graduation....there wasn't enough motivation actually. May be it is because of the long hours that i put in for my research and thesis write up or may be due to my search for jobs.....i somehow wasn't there.

And oh.....I'm still on the look out for a job! Damn the long holiday season....I've heard from some companies in the weeks leading to Christmas and I'm hoping to hear from them soon in this month. Keeping my fingers crossed on that front.....still!

So, '06 went by just like that....and we are looking at another full year. The last year wasn't any special, in general. But again, it depends upon who you ask . The world continued to be plagued with wars, unrest, disease, terror, extreme weather......the usual stuff. India & China continued to grow......and towards their individual quests for world power status......still quite a distance left to be covered on that front though. And the Bush administration is getting itself much deeper into the quagmire in Iraq by the end of the year with the execution of Saddam becoming a PR disaster.....phew! Anyways, there is light at the end of the tunnel and it kinda started to get brighter with the dems taking control of the congress and the senate today....have to keep an eye on this for the next two years.....

Personally, 2006 has been good for me.....kinda. I completed my research and graduated with reasonably good GPA.....a big thing for me in my life. But, I'm still looking for a job. Hmmm.....but the graduation thing wins out....so not a bad year.

Well I'm done for this post, the first one of this year. Hopefully, I'll keep posting quite often as i did last year.

And oh....Happy new year!!!